Thank you for sharing Abi. I like to listen to my inner voice whilst walking and whilst driving. Sometimes it’s so loud I think others may hear it too. The world seems so grey and depressing everywhere that going to the Gallery is a lovely way to see some colour and hope again. Xx
I absolutely loved this bit of writing Abi. I've been feeling unsettled lately - I've left twitter for now; my only social media account (I only joined it in the first place to read what others had to say post Mar 2020 BS, but it no longer seems to let me just read stuff without logging in).
I feel more settled (after reading this). I grew up in London (1975-2003) and miss it a lot (there is a lot to be said for familiarity) so I love to hear you talk about it, and I also simply love to hear what you have to say about anything; it always comes straight from the heart. But it's more than that - you're a truly intelligent, intellectual polymath (IMO), which gives everything you have to offer a special depth, which I find comforting and reassuring. And you manage to share this with us all without any airs and graces. I haven't had time lately to look at anything online much but I am so glad that I read this. xxx
Oh and nothing better than walking "Even on London’s dirty, uneven pavements, I find some kind of peace in the steady process of putting shoe-covered trotters on the earth. " other than doing it barefoot! London not the place (although I did when younger) but it is so important to walk barefoot as much as possible.
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to the National Gallery Abi. I remember going there and then on to Daly’s wine bar for lunch and a few drinks. I haven’t been to the National Gallery since pre-Covid. I must get back into doing the things I loved.
The Yellow Card Scheme for Covid closed some time ago, the scheme is still open for reporting other drugs.
An Islamic State, which I fear we will become in the next decade, will be the end of life as we know it, especially for women who are regarded as nothing more than baby machines by the Muslim faith. My stepsons went to the St George’s Day celebrations in London, I was invited but I’m too old to get hit with a Police baton or be kettled. The violent Police care not about the elderly or women, all are treated with disdain if they are deemed to be far right. The Police tactics for St George’s Day, kitted up in riot gear, batons and horses was to provoke the patriots.
It was a complete stitch up by the met deliberately going into bars & closing them down bxxxrds orders from above we are screwed, I could see this happening nearly 30 years ago and consciously decided not to have kids as will end up on a prayer. mat , sad, evil it's sometimes so massive I can't get me heed around it is it control where its so unsafe for a woman to go out, dare say the rapes will/ are being hushed up.
I fear the National Gallery and its treasures would go the same way as the Temple at Palmyra. Lost forever. On a positive note I'm going have a listen to the Mozart piano concerto later after listening to Bach's Passion of St Matthew whilst doing my workout this morning.
Abi, you are lucky you have somewhere to go to look at such beautiful art. The 'art' here is woke and shit, the public sculpture even worse. Paintings by white people are hardly allowed anymore unless overtly demonic. The Australian landscapes and portraits are usually shoved in a corner somewhere.
Oh that is such a kind comment, thank you. I have been feeling like I have no more articles left in me recently. Hopefully that will pass, but things feel grim somehow. Stay strong in Melbourne.
It's like the white race has a death wish. Sad but true lefties that hate their own folk, glad I work with dogs so don't have to listen to their bullshittery.
The freedom to enjoy life around us, whether it’s other sovereign loving peoples or the things that shape our lives from Art to buildings and everything in between, we should have the right to enjoy them as we please and other cultures not wanting to assimilate into ours will only seek to change and destroy things that don’t match up to their “values”.
Thank you Abi for sharing a day in your life, it’s truly amazing the things we see and can change through simple conversation.
I loved this Abi. I haven't been back to London, my hometown for years and used to do this walk with my friend Gay Rog from drama school, off at Charing Cross, into the National, into the National Portrait Gallery next door and up into the wine bar at the top with the best view of London. Past St. Martin in the fields church where we could hear the choir, next stop, half way to Heaven, gay bar, troll to Leicester Square and the cork and bottle for something to eat, on to Heaven club, where Rog would disappear.. On to Trade club and then catch the early tube home at 6. Good times. X I also used to go down into the basement at the National to draw the Italian statues. It was so beautiful. I used to go alone often just to look at them.
Beautiful writing Abi. I felt like i was right there with you... the feeling you get when looking at amazing art ( i some times get a little emotional) & that feeling of anger when you still see people wearing the bloody face nappies, especially seeing young kids still wearing them. Hope you're well lovely lady. Xxx
I had no idea I would enjoy your wonderful writing so much (first piece I've read.) We are probably poles apart ideologically but I love and resonate with your words and the truly vivid pictures you paint. Never jagged though! (I'm Scottish - our word for the killer jabs - you'll know that....) I cry against the death rained down upon the millions and the destruction of their cultural riches and identities by the evil hegemonies of permanent power, wherever it festers. Islamaphobia, bigotry, fear of the colour of another's skin and language, antisemitism - such clear parts of 'their' plans to keep the boot on our necks..... all power to your pen and thank you.xxxx.
❤️❤️❤️Another brilliant article on your thoughts and observations Abi.You're always spot on.I think it's great that you still live in a vibrant metropolis like London too.There is so much to see, do and stumble across there. I was shocked to hear that you were thinking of leaving London....Just remember that once you've left ,you can't go back.I miss it and only seem to be able to get there once a year nowadays.Once I do get there, I feel really alive again!
Enjoy your weekend and whatever you stumble across....😃❤️🙏👌😎Xx
Thank you for sharing Abi. I like to listen to my inner voice whilst walking and whilst driving. Sometimes it’s so loud I think others may hear it too. The world seems so grey and depressing everywhere that going to the Gallery is a lovely way to see some colour and hope again. Xx
I absolutely loved this bit of writing Abi. I've been feeling unsettled lately - I've left twitter for now; my only social media account (I only joined it in the first place to read what others had to say post Mar 2020 BS, but it no longer seems to let me just read stuff without logging in).
I feel more settled (after reading this). I grew up in London (1975-2003) and miss it a lot (there is a lot to be said for familiarity) so I love to hear you talk about it, and I also simply love to hear what you have to say about anything; it always comes straight from the heart. But it's more than that - you're a truly intelligent, intellectual polymath (IMO), which gives everything you have to offer a special depth, which I find comforting and reassuring. And you manage to share this with us all without any airs and graces. I haven't had time lately to look at anything online much but I am so glad that I read this. xxx
Oh and nothing better than walking "Even on London’s dirty, uneven pavements, I find some kind of peace in the steady process of putting shoe-covered trotters on the earth. " other than doing it barefoot! London not the place (although I did when younger) but it is so important to walk barefoot as much as possible.
Love this ❤️
Thanks my lovely. I've been typing like a woman possessed!! Xxx
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to the National Gallery Abi. I remember going there and then on to Daly’s wine bar for lunch and a few drinks. I haven’t been to the National Gallery since pre-Covid. I must get back into doing the things I loved.
The Yellow Card Scheme for Covid closed some time ago, the scheme is still open for reporting other drugs.
An Islamic State, which I fear we will become in the next decade, will be the end of life as we know it, especially for women who are regarded as nothing more than baby machines by the Muslim faith. My stepsons went to the St George’s Day celebrations in London, I was invited but I’m too old to get hit with a Police baton or be kettled. The violent Police care not about the elderly or women, all are treated with disdain if they are deemed to be far right. The Police tactics for St George’s Day, kitted up in riot gear, batons and horses was to provoke the patriots.
It was a complete stitch up by the met deliberately going into bars & closing them down bxxxrds orders from above we are screwed, I could see this happening nearly 30 years ago and consciously decided not to have kids as will end up on a prayer. mat , sad, evil it's sometimes so massive I can't get me heed around it is it control where its so unsafe for a woman to go out, dare say the rapes will/ are being hushed up.
I fear the National Gallery and its treasures would go the same way as the Temple at Palmyra. Lost forever. On a positive note I'm going have a listen to the Mozart piano concerto later after listening to Bach's Passion of St Matthew whilst doing my workout this morning.
Enjoy the Mozart X
Abi, you are lucky you have somewhere to go to look at such beautiful art. The 'art' here is woke and shit, the public sculpture even worse. Paintings by white people are hardly allowed anymore unless overtly demonic. The Australian landscapes and portraits are usually shoved in a corner somewhere.
Aj I read your substack and I'm in Melbourne. I bloody hear you. You speak the truth and I'm glad for your writing. Best, J.
Oh that is such a kind comment, thank you. I have been feeling like I have no more articles left in me recently. Hopefully that will pass, but things feel grim somehow. Stay strong in Melbourne.
It's like the white race has a death wish. Sad but true lefties that hate their own folk, glad I work with dogs so don't have to listen to their bullshittery.
I loved reading this Abi. Thank you.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it X
I’m glad you got out and went somewhere that inspired you to write this little piece.
I wonder sometimes whether there is a distinction between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in what we consider to be beautiful.
Those paintings are stunning 🙏
The freedom to enjoy life around us, whether it’s other sovereign loving peoples or the things that shape our lives from Art to buildings and everything in between, we should have the right to enjoy them as we please and other cultures not wanting to assimilate into ours will only seek to change and destroy things that don’t match up to their “values”.
Thank you Abi for sharing a day in your life, it’s truly amazing the things we see and can change through simple conversation.
I loved this Abi. I haven't been back to London, my hometown for years and used to do this walk with my friend Gay Rog from drama school, off at Charing Cross, into the National, into the National Portrait Gallery next door and up into the wine bar at the top with the best view of London. Past St. Martin in the fields church where we could hear the choir, next stop, half way to Heaven, gay bar, troll to Leicester Square and the cork and bottle for something to eat, on to Heaven club, where Rog would disappear.. On to Trade club and then catch the early tube home at 6. Good times. X I also used to go down into the basement at the National to draw the Italian statues. It was so beautiful. I used to go alone often just to look at them.
Thanks, Jx
Beautiful writing Abi. I felt like i was right there with you... the feeling you get when looking at amazing art ( i some times get a little emotional) & that feeling of anger when you still see people wearing the bloody face nappies, especially seeing young kids still wearing them. Hope you're well lovely lady. Xxx
I had no idea I would enjoy your wonderful writing so much (first piece I've read.) We are probably poles apart ideologically but I love and resonate with your words and the truly vivid pictures you paint. Never jagged though! (I'm Scottish - our word for the killer jabs - you'll know that....) I cry against the death rained down upon the millions and the destruction of their cultural riches and identities by the evil hegemonies of permanent power, wherever it festers. Islamaphobia, bigotry, fear of the colour of another's skin and language, antisemitism - such clear parts of 'their' plans to keep the boot on our necks..... all power to your pen and thank you.xxxx.
Keep well Abi and thanks for sharing those images
I’m going to the Nat in June so will make a point to see those again.
Thank you, Abi. I am glad that you enjoyed your walk and visit to the National Gallery. There is, indeed, a lot to think about in your article.
❤️❤️❤️Another brilliant article on your thoughts and observations Abi.You're always spot on.I think it's great that you still live in a vibrant metropolis like London too.There is so much to see, do and stumble across there. I was shocked to hear that you were thinking of leaving London....Just remember that once you've left ,you can't go back.I miss it and only seem to be able to get there once a year nowadays.Once I do get there, I feel really alive again!
Enjoy your weekend and whatever you stumble across....😃❤️🙏👌😎Xx
me too! I really miss london
Is that Calvin Robinson in the bottom right picture? 😂
No, cos Laurence Fox isn't there smoking a cigar behind him.
😂