August 2024 Retrospective

August we must. We must August.

Cream of The Crop. You Can Do it. Put your back into it.

This post may be too long for email, you can read the entire post here on Substack or download the wonderful app.

I have been doing a retrospective since October 2023 as a way to reflect on the month, and for you to get insight into my life in a calmer, gentler way than looking at reels of me walking the dog, or of every meal I’ve eaten posted on Instagram. This is a self-contained retrospective, designed to keep distractions from social media at bay. It doubles as a personal diary, allowing me to reflect and perhaps find amusement in retrospect. I think readers might find it intriguing to explore the daily life of an artist. I would love insights into Tracey Emin’s daily routines, the meals she enjoys, and her everyday activities.

August, let’s go…

Aug 1

I met with a couple of friends for a drink at our local Brazilian café. We love it here!

Aug 2

This needs no words, A friend sent it today:

Aug 3

Sunflower picking on a stunning summer’s day in the English countryside. What more do I need to say?

I published this Substack today…

Aug 4

A cold can of Guinness on a warm, summer’s day wearing my Christmas pyjamas. I’m not weird.

Aug 5

If you missed it…

and…

I drew a friend about 3 years ago and he’s finally got it hung on his wall.

Aug 6

Opened the Snoop Dog wine today. It’s pretty good! You can also video message him, I might just do that after drinking my next bottle. *HIC!*

Aug 7

Go on, give yourself the permission that you’ve been waiting for someone else to give you!

Aug 8

My new Crocs.

Aug 9

We had the best time at Messy Monkeys today. The lava was made from passata. Passata lava.

Aug 10

I wrote about having new Crocs 🥱

Aug 11

My neighbour’s cat is so cute. We would have cats but my wife is allergic.

Aug 12

Homemade Gyros. No words are needed.

Aug 13

I told an old friend that he looked like Max Headroom today (A blast from the past, remember him?)

Aug 14

I have been reflecting on my mother’s last day.

Aug 15

Updating my website, here are some of the pieces I added.

Aug 16

I have been updating my website again with all of the latest work. I came across this painting of my late mum which I have grown fond of. Someone bought it back in 2021.

Aug 17

Weekly art practice of said week…

Aug 18

Down in Kent visiting family! We ordered a huge Chinese takeaway, I sat with my toddler as she threw chicken balls at me.

Aug 19

Down in Kent visiting family part 2! I would love a holiday home down there, UNIVERSE, CAN YOU HEAR ME?!!!

Aug 20

Today, a new whistle and flute was ordered for my skin and blister’s upcoming wedding! I have put on A LOT of weight!

Aug 21

I posted this Substack today…

Aug 22

We visited the in-laws today and had some lovely food. The fan belt fell off the car about 20 minutes away from their house, making an almighty racket! I thought the car was done for! Thankfully, the AA were fantastic and fitted it quickly after my father-in-law managed to find a new belt just in time. Thank you!

Aug 23

Happy Friday. A friend posted this on our WhatsApp group. I designed the t-shirts for his Stag do back in 2011. It feels like such a long time ago now, oh how life has changed in 13 years!

Aug 24

I took my 19-month-old daughter to an open swimming session yesterday. It’s the first time I’ve let her go with armbands on. She loved it! The swimming pool is in a big glass dome so it’s always lovely and warm!

I’ve been taking her swimming since she was 1 partially driven by my dislike fear of water as a child. I only taught myself to swim at 26!

Aug 25

On a sunny Sunday, we met friends for a pub lunch. I had a delicious Southern fried chicken burger and chips. Sorry, no photos of food here.

Aug 26

Bank holiday Monday in the UK. T’was a relaxing one with the family.

Aug 27

On my first day back in ‘Le travail quotidien’ after a few hours, it feels like I’ve not been off work. Whether that is a good thing or not, I do not know.

Aug 28

A photo from the bank holiday lunch 😀

Aug 29

My ‘For no good reasonable’ DVD has arrived. recommended that I watch it, and I couldn’t find it on any streaming services! So, I am bringing back the DVD. I’ve bought a new DVD player and I’m going to start building a collection of especially 80s and 90s films!

Aug 30

1/2 day at work today, then went for a BBQ with one of my oldest friends Lee. I’ve known him for 38 years! and I am only 42.

Aug 31

Set up my SLART shop at Swindon Hub today, check it out!