Day O' Sun

Today was warm and sunny, which is pretty much all I need to have a good day. After a city day yesterday at the Hungry Pigeon festival in Manchester, we wanted country this time. Went to Heaton Park for the first time and was impressed by its size! Rolling fields, lakes, historic buildings, farm animals...we strolled and then napped in a sunny spot by a horse meadow. Here's pics of the topiary, a (noisy) peacock and me just woken from a nap. Sadly, Andy couldn't find his beloved highland cows but he promises me they are cool :)

Adventures in Love

Yesterday Andy and I had the pleasure of attending our dear friends Sam and Lisa's wedding. The day was packed full of smiles, laughter, good music, good food, and really excellent company. I looked around and was acutely aware of what a phenomenal pool of people surrounded these two; its so true that like attracts like - they are two of the most solid, excellent people I know and it showed by how well loved and supported they were as they embarked on their new adventure together. When they kissed and were announced as man and wife in the church, it took several long minutes for the whooping, clapping and cheering to subside and I felt privileged to be cheering for now and into the future....

Social take 2

Last week saw another "Social" event, quarterly artistic/musical collaborations that seek to promote awareness of and raise money towards particular social causes. This time round the topic was corporate responsibility, focusing on large Western profit-making companies being held more accountable for fair trade and decent standards for the workers in their production countries. I contributed an installation that involved forged receipts and golden objects and highlighted the human stories behind common items we buy at the supermarket - tea, fruit, flowers, cheap clothes...The night was full of a variety of art and great music. Money raised went to the fantastic campaign work done by Speak. For more on them, go to www.speak.org.uk. I'm constantly inspired by the energy, enthusiasm and sheer talent of the people who pour themselves into these events...good people to know!(Photos c/o Hannah Raeside)