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
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