Of all the photos of Frida Kahlo in the current exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, this is my absolute favourite.
The way that she got up, dressed up, and showed up to do politics and art, and to lead a creative life with that level of pain is really inspiring. It puts my own situation in perspective and makes me want to do better.
I went down to London to see the exhibition at the end of June, and also to take part in the big national demo to celebrate the 70th Birthday of our wonderful NHS. It was exceptionally hot in the days before, and I printed up a vest for the event.
I was fully expecting the weather to change, and that I would have to cover it up with a woolly sweater, but at least I would still have Nye close to my heart. But as it happened, it was incredibly hot and sunny. In the end I simply couldn't manage the march, and just went to the rally. This is a poor photo of the actor Ralf Little who took on the then Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Twitter
The following week I was protesting again, this time locally. The PFI contract for the Midland Metropolitan Hospital has collapsed (no surprises there), and the hospital, which was to have opened in October this year, will not now be ready until 2022 (if then).
I couldn't do the big anti-Trump rally in London, but I did go to the one we had in Birmingham.
Inspired by Frida, (who surely epitomises everything he hates), I sewed fuchsias on to my headband. My badge is a bit rubbish, but I was too hot to do more.
That's enough politics for now. No doubt it will all be kicking off again in the Autumn 😃 Thanks for reading.
Annie
Good Morning All,
As I've called this blog Come into the Green Garden, I thought my first post should probably be a bit about my own garden. It really is very green at the moment.
Some people may find this particular greenery a bit alarming 😊
There are indeed stinging nettles hiding among the mint and ferns. I am a member of a local permaculture group, and every year we have a festival, Nettlefest, to celebrate the wonderful free resource that is the nettle. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, we weren't able to hold it this year, but we will be back on it in 2019.
Mr Green Garden is very good about the nettles, but he has declared war on the green alkanet and wood avens.
Wood avens has a number of medicinal uses, but I have to admit I can't find much about green alkanet. On the other hand, the bees love it which is important.
I grow a few herbs, which I use for cooking, medicine and crafts. This is lavender, rosemary and oregano.
I've been cutting some of the rosemary and sage to make smudge sticks. First time I've tried this, so I'll see how it goes.
I've also been trying to grow a bit more of my own fruit and vegetables. I've got pak choi and tomatoes on the go, as well as peppers and chillies. I have grown blueberries in the past, but my plants seem to have died off this year. We have a cherry tree, but the birds always get there first, and the figs will probably not ripen. Still, lots of strawberries this year, so all good.
It's not all green though.
I've been using some of the rose petals in a Summer Solstice Elixir, which I made on 21 June to celebrate Midsummer.
We have a robin nesting, which is a joy and privilege.
My Frances E. Lester rambling rose is a profusion of blossoms at the moment. It has a lovely fragrance.
That's all for now. I have a weekend in London coming up, so let's see what that brings. Thanks for reading.
Annie
