I recently bought myself a 'cheapish' MP3 player from eBay so I could pass the time listening to music while travelling to work. I used to think they were anti-social items but I can see the attraction when you're travelling some distance on public transport - I can close my eyes and sink into the music and be transported somewhere else.

I do like some of today's music but I have to admit to filling my MP3 player with lots of 'old' music. Today I was listening to one of my favourite albums from the 80s - A letter from St. Paul by The Silencers. Lots of jangley guitars and sweet boyish voices - however listening to the lyrics you find the music is deeper than it first seems.

I think the CD is long out of print but there is a 'best of' which features some of the tracks though I recommend the original CD if you can find it.

It's been a busy few weeks, just over a week ago was my daughter's birthday, then my partner broke his toe, my home phone line is on the blink and next week I have to have surgery on my wrist - no rest for the wicked!

Today is the tenth birthday of the Angel of the North http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council%20and%20Democracy/news/News%20Articles/Angel%20of%20the%20North%20is%2010%20today.aspx


When it was first errected I thought it looked like a man with an ironing board stuck to his back. I have warmed to it since - when I see it I think of the North East so I suppose it has done its job http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/attractions/Angel/Home.aspx

Of course it is also Valentines Day today so love to you all!

Came across another modern artist who appeals to me - I was searching for colourists and came across Sally Carlaw http://sallycarlaw.com/index.html There are some lovely paintings on her site and I really like her use of colour.

Thought I'd mention another interesting artist - Charles Sovek - he sadly passed away last year but has left a wonderful website full of useful articles for the artist. http://www.sovek.com/
As you can see it's another site full of colourful paintings - I'm a 'colour junkie'.