31st December 2017: Lift / Hunan / Friends Getting Together

Today, to be thankful / to be grateful,

for a generous lift into town.

for Hunan Chinese Restaurant, Manchester. Delicious food, big round tables, friendly service.

for friends getting together from out of town. For other friends turning up as a surprise.

30th December 2017: Old Clock TIcking / Altered Beast / Bump Into Friend

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the sound of an old clock ticking and the small variations in each sound.







for the design of Altered Beast

for unexpectedly bumping into a friend on a train.

29th December 2017: Stahl House / Old & Close Friends / Birdtracking

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for Stahl House. To quote Al Pacino in the movie Heat - “dead-tech, post-modernistic, bullshit house” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErkyfDyi1BQ)  - I love this type of architecture. I know it is plain, but it is clear, and it is light, and it is relaxing. Stahl House is a grandiose example of it.

https://stahlhouse.com/

for sharing time with old & close friends and their hospitality.

for birdtracking, and the idea that you can find lifetimes of interest in a small garden. For the collective gathering of information to lead to a greater understanding.
https://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/birdtrack/about

for how I feel now is very different to how I felt just a few hours ago.

28th December 2017: Things I Miss / Jane Plough / Empty Town

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for accepting some of the things I miss in my life, the sadness of those empty caves. To know what is missing allows you to plan to live in ways towards finding what is needed. 

for the joy of life that is the character Jane Plough, performed exquisitely by Doon Mackichan. Doon is a wonderful name too.

for the feeling of walking through a town when no-one is around - moving across the roads and areas in different lines. Hearing your footsteps in relative isolation. Lights lit up all over for a very exclusive audience. Spaces for communion, community, gatherings rejected at these hours, on this day of the week, in this month, this year.

27th December 2017: Hospitality / Meeting People / Marvin Gaye's Voice / Quality Sound System

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for great hospitality from friends.

for spending time meeting and getting to know people of which I did not know.

for Marvin Gaye’s white suspended smoke voice.

for the luxury of hearing those recordings through an excellent sound system, really clearly defining the separate parts of the mix.

26th December 2017: Laying Flowers / The Lost Boys / Unrestrained Emotion

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for going with my mother to lay flowers on Holly & Mary’s grave in Polstead.

for the film, The Lost Boys.

for the most painful expression, relinquishing a cover that has been held.

25th December 2017: Calm Christmas / Lipstick / Loved Ones / Films / Gizmo / Gremlins

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for a calm and happy Christmas with my parents. I have a physical apprehension of days where my happiness is demanded - it often provokes a reaction to recoil or to feel otherwise. Birthdays, ceremonies etc. Anyhows - it was nice to breathe, accept it as another day, with extra time together and some lovely food courtesy specially made by Mum. Folks seemed calmer, more relaxed, and that’s always good.

for feeling inspired to draw with my black lipstick, and enjoying smudging.

for hearing from loved ones.



for sailing through 4 films in a day: Frida / Songs From The Life Of Leonard Cohen / Terminator / Gremlins (also, a little of Something About Mary, and a little of Home Alone)

for Gizmo’s sulking / feeling sorry for himself face.

and the ever-horror of Kate Beringer’s Christmas story. Gremlin’s is my favourite Christmas film I think.

24th December 2017: Albino Sparrow / Papyrus / The Reflecting Skin

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the albino sparrow in our garden, part of the gang but rocking a distinct markings.

for Papyrus. Support their work whenever you can.

for the film, The Reflecting Skin.

23rd December 2017: The Muppets / Uncle Helping / Dominique Fishback

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for The Muppets film (2011). A surprise stumble upon and it really got the day on a lovely track.

for my uncle helping my father with some odd-job work.

for Dominique Fishback, a great actor and screen presence. I'm excited for the future parts she'll perform.y.

22nd December 2017: Kedgeree / Retail & Hospitality Workers / Flow

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for kedgeree.

for all working at the coalface of the shopping & hospitality industries at this time of year dealing with consumer insanity.

for work taking on a flow, and riding on it, within it, but it starts carrying you.

21st December 2017: The Winter Solstice / Noé’s film Love / The People of Yemen

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for The Winter Solstice.

for Gasper Noé’s film Love.

for the people of Yemen. For all who are helping the people of Yemen during this tragedy - for all who are pressurising the mechanisms of their government into  helping the people of Yemen.

20th December 2017: Songwriting / Confrontation / Mum's Christmas Meal

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for really enjoying the last stages of writing/recording my songs. I love my songs. I love writing songs. I think everyone should write their songs. My songs might not be the best songs or the most needed, but they're my songs, they help me say what I need to say, they help me hear where I'm at, where I need to do work, where I need to learn, what I have experienced - and hopefully when I share them others may find a place for them too. Someone else might not write the song you need, you can write it. Music education for all. Language lessons for all. All kinds of education for everyone, free. So everyone gets the chance to mash it all together, share their vibrations.

for friend's who have confronted me to help me improve and learn.

for Mum really enjoying her Work’s Christmas meal.

19th December 2017: Wise Up / Family-Themed Newsletters / The League Of Gentlemen / Productive Hour

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for this song, for #Aimee Mann, for this scene, for this incredible film, for the cast and crew, for #Paul Thomas Anderson. There was a before and an after seeing this film in 2014 for me. Thank you to my friend in  America showing it to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNmKghTvj0E

for Family-Themed Newsletters

for The League Of Gentlemen

for having a really productive hour after a frustrating day.

18th December 2017: Scaffolding / Walking-The-Dog Call / macOS High Sierra

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for scaffolding, confronting the sides of a building, forming outside floors.

for a walking-the-dog call from a good friend. Even though I was sitting still, it felt like I was walking the dog too, whilst talking. I’m a big believer in the stimulating effect of liminal or altered environments on the dynamics of conversations. Also, for the effect of moving across/through physical landscapes whilst conversing.

for the good up-dating my computer to a new operating-system has done. All is running speedier, and more stable than before. Oh, why did I put it off?!

17th December 2017: Best First Cup Of Tea / Friend, Different Context / Jah Wobble / The Christopher Centre

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the best first cup of tea for a long while. Earl Grey. Milk. Without planning, turning to take a small sip, ending up drinking close to the full cup in one set of excited but reigned in gulps. Reigned in the savour the pleasure. Perfect temperature. Almost disappointment as the cup is finished, knowing it cannot be repeated for a while. But never quite reaching that feeling, stopping at the line - a delicious memory.

for sharing time with a wonderful friend who I haven’t seen for a while, in a different home, and a different context. It was lovely to meet their mother properly too. It was great to share ideas around music, as well as other things.

for Jah Wobble (and Nippon Dub Ensemble)’s album, Japanese Dub.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zliqwe_taaE

for the work that runs through, and the people supporting The Christopher Centre (Sudbury, Suffolk.)
http://christophercentre.org.uk/

16th December 2017: TQ - Issue 6 / Heart Of A Dog / Vibe 2pac Biography

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for TQ - Issue 6! I encourage all to give TQ zine a look, it’s an enterprise made with a lot of heart.

for the film, Heart Of A Dog, by Laurie Anderson. Forever, Lolabelle! Such a beautiful expression. It makes me feel understood and hopeful, about things I’m not nearly as capable of expressing at the moment.

for a wonderful Vibe 2pac Biography my friend Mike got me, a good 17 years ago, containing this ridiculous image - inappropriate bathing attire.



 

15th December 2017: Day Out With My Mum & Aunt / Deep, Grey Clouds & Heavy Rain / A Loving Upbringing

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for sharing time with my Aunt and Uncle, with my Mum today.

for deep, grey clouds and heavy rain - its therapy.

for knowing a loving upbringing is extremely important, not just loving behaviour towards the child, but for all whom the parents/guardians interact with, because that child will learn it all, subconsciously first and in other ways onwards. I’m thankful for all the loving and caring parents/guardians.

14th December 2017: Breakthroughs / Political Punditry / Rubbing Dry, Cracked Lips

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for important breakthroughs in my counselling session.

for recognising I have been digesting an unhealthy amount of commercial political punditry recently. May I have the strength to regulate this behaviour.

for the sensation of rubbing dry, cracked lips on one another.

13th December 2017: Cynicism Checked / In A Character / Classic Story

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for having my cynicism checked.

for spending time immersed in a character.

for the classic story set-up of protagonists investigating an 'experiment gone wrong' in an Arctic / Antarctic station.

12th December 2017: New Life / Baader-Meinhof / Conclusions

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for my friends welcoming their baby daughter to the world today.

for the Baader-Meinhof effect, and variations on the idea.

for a distressing situation reaching a positive conclusion for a friend.

11th December 2017: Metadata / Breakthrough Against HD / Phone Call

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the specific feelings of clarity and mystery gleamed from certain metadata.

for the breakthrough towards the defeat of Huntington’s Disease.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42308341

for an open and though call with a close friend.

10th December 2017: I Made This / Snow / Anchovies

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the ‘I made this’ child’s voice ident on 90s TV programming - a vivid transporting magic.

for the changed garden

 
for anchovies

9th December 2017: Welsh Accent / Winter Dressing Gown / Chinese Food / Surprise Call

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the pronunciation of Mulder and Scully here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEhpmuXHmRQ

for my winter dressing-gown.

for Chinese food.

for a surprise call from my good friend in Vietnam.

8th December 2017: Recording / Alter A Space / Aunt Titty

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for getting some recording done I’ve been meaning to get done for a couple of days.

for people who are confident enough to alter a space, fuck a space up, contest negative dynamics (physical, virtual, philosophical). for people who want to, but haven’t found their confidence or language yet.

for remembering my late aunt Jane, that she was known to me as Aunt Titty. She prescribed the nickname.

7th December 2017: Martha Spurrier / Renewing Collaboration / More energised

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

to discover Martha Spurrier, and her thoughtful and clear ideas.

for the enthusiasm of a talented musician, renewing contact on a collaborative idea.

for feeling a little more energised. I wonder how much the mechanisms around my thyroid had been slowing me up. Early days, to be monitored. The body and mind is ongoing cookery.

6th December 2017: Collaborating With Strangers / Soft Sadness / Firefighters

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for collaborating instinctively and successfully with strangers.

for feeling a slight sadness; gentle enough to reflect, soft enough not to get in the way of hope.

for the particular skills and character qualities of firefighters.

5th December 2017: Levothyrozine Sodium / Earworms / Turner Prize

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for Levothyrozine Sodium.

for the mystery of earworms, the exploration for the origin of particular earworms

for the Turner Prize exhibition continuing to be centred in places outside of  London. I’m quite moved by a lot on the short list. I find arbitrary competition in art and culture insane - to each their needs etc... Long  may all their work continue!

4th December 2017: Life's Short / Co-Op 'Best Before' Scheme / Advent Calendars / White Helmet Rescue Workers

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for a more acute feeling that life is short, but without the anxiety that normally comes with that. More of a thrilling sensation.

for the Co-op embracing this ‘best before’ idea - to save on waste, but may it also help those who are struggling too. It’s a bandage (not without its political contradictions). Nationalised Supermarket Now!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42217026

for Advent Calendars. Mine is cheap as chips, and brings me happiness.

for White Helmet's Rescue workers.

3rd December 2017: Britney / Musical Life / Private Listening

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for Britney having found a very particular and interesting magic key

for the musical life/expression of musicians being a useful, accessible metaphor to understanding how a person can change in the moment, over time, react laterally. Moving up or down, various other directions, to a subjective idea of judgement.

for being privileged to and trusted with some private listening.

2nd December 2017: Archives / Anti-US Tax Bill / Catch-Up With Friends

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for Archives being released. It's a wonderful project that frames Neil's work superbly and makes something new beyond an already incredible life in music. It's hard not to get lost in this library.

for those dedicated and committed to redistributing wealth and resources in spite of the tragic US Tax Bill just passed.

for a lovely evening catching up with good friends.

1st December 2017: An Assumption Exposed / Neil Young & The Promise Of The Real / James Baldwin

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for having an assumption I made exposed, and gently humiliated.

for Neil Young, and The Promise Of The Real, and for the name The Promise Of The Real, for the choice of words next to one another The-Promise-of-The-Real.

to remember James Baldwin

30th November 2017: Offline / 5am Correspondence / The People Of Yemen

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for all that is offline.

for a 5am correspondence after a joyous night.

for those that are helping the people of Yemen, and anyone who opposes the facilitation of arms sales, today, particularly those who oppose British arms sales to Saudi Arabia. for all civilians who want to live in peace.

29th November 2017: Surprise Parcel / Word Magnets / Phenoxymethylpenicillin

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the feeling of returning home to a parcel.

for word magnets, the sensation of their pulling to the fridge.

for the restorative properties of Phenoxymethylpenicillin.

28th November 2017: Square Hole Comedy / Interesting Conversation / Delightful Train Attendant

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the Red Deer, Square Hole Comedy, and the minds of Jack Evans & Jayne Edwards

for plentiful, wide-ranging and interesting conversation with wonderful people over the last few days.

for the delightful train attendant from Sheffield to Bury St. Edmunds, joking about ‘Burying’ and Richard III.

27th November 2017: Recollection / Herostratus / Shaft

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for recalling the face of a kind person in the street.

for the film, Herostratus. Such beautiful lighting.

for a man that delivers tens times out of ten.

26th November 2017: Toon Bridges / Visible Workspace At Kiln / Quilliam's Christmas Mix Tea

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the feelings associated with this view -

for process as performance, the visible workspace through the window from the Kiln restaurant.

for the Christmas Mix tea at Quilliam’s.

25th November 2017: Origami / Happy Tears / Cycle Lanes

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for origami birds hanging from the ceiling of the Sky Apple Café.

for happy tears.

for an increased amount of cycle lanes in Heaton & Newcastle.

24th November 2017: House Noises / Bohemian Rhapsody Video Deceit / Wolf Or Dog Ear

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for house noises.

for the Bohemian Rhapsody video deceiving the viewer into thinking that the opening harmonies are being performed by anyone other than Freddie Mercury.

for an enlarged ear on a human head, with the proportions of a dog or wolf's ear, through the window of a train. Elegant and wild.

23rd November 2017: Travelling North / Guest In A Friends House / Guardian Angel

Yesterday I was thankful / grateful,

To breathe these, headed North,

To be a guest at the home of good friends.

To sleep under the watch of this guardian angel.

 

22nd November 2017: Excellent Educators / Stuffed Tomatoes / Anticipation

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for being fortunate to know many excellent educators, supporting many levels of study. Also for sharing life with many who educate in more lateral ways too.

for stuffed tomatoes.

for the excitement to catch up with wonderful people over the next few days.

21st November 2017: NHS / Michelle Pfeiffer movies / Sharing Brushing Teeth

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the excellent NHS GP who helped me this morning, along with the fantastic nurse who gave me the smoothest injection I've ever had. Barely felt a thing.

for Michelle Pfeiffer movies.

for the warm feeling of sharing the ritual of brushing teeth with another.

20th November 2017: El Presidente / In Love With Meditation / Photographs

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for a good friend's birthday.

for feeling in love with today's meditation. I entered a feeling similar to that of running to a positive sound around a corner on a summer's day, for then to find myself needing to repeat that motion, again and again and again.

for completing a set of photographs.

19th November 2017: Roadside Eggs / Nightmare / Mother Whale Holding Onto Dead Child

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for roadside eggs.

for an intense nightmare, where upon trading my camera, the assistant alerted me to the fact it was stolen property. It turned out I was pawning the camera for a giant snake. In a living room, with a couple of coupled friends lounging casually on comfy chairs, I’m on the ground fearfully watching this massive snake move around. I am bit at some point which caused a great amount of pain but then after a while I feel relief that no poison seems to be affecting me. I wake up.

for the feeling that keeps a mother whale holding onto her deceased child for days.

18th November 2017: Shine on You crazy Diamond / Woodstock / Yesterday Was Dramatic, Today Is OK

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for thinking of Shine on You crazy Diamond as spelling out SYD.

for the place that was Woodstock, that I only know in film, sounds and my imagination.

We are Stardust / We are golden
We are billion year old carbon
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden

in this reflective season, and atmosphere, for the therapy of Múm’s Yesterday Was Dramatic, Today Is OK

17th November 2017: Looking Forward / Winter Light / HOPELineUK

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the feeling of looking forward to catching up with good friends.

for seemingly horizontal winter light cutting across the ground.

for HOPELineUK.
https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/17-3168

16th November 2017: Counselling / Lumiere In Durham / Charlie's Production Of The Tempest

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the wonderful person that gives me counselling.

for the Lumiere celebration in Durham.

for the success of my friend's production of The Tempest down in Deptford.

15th November 2017: White Dead Leaves / Handwritten Addresses / LIT / Redemption Song / Shyla Stylez

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the chalk white of dead maple tree leaves on the ground

for post with the name and address handwritten - and these goodies within

for LIT, in particular the album A Place In The Sun. On paper a group I would not normally be attracted to, but I really love the melodies and songs on that record. Really satisfying and energised pop.

for Redemption Song. I was listening to the Johnny Cash version walking around earlier, which is not an exemplar version, however, testament to the songwriting, it had me welling up unexpectedly. It’s one of those songs I learned when I was a young teen and I had no real idea about the content of the words. Its wide-reaching context has brought it into an overwhelming statement. 

for Shyla Stylez / Amanda Friedland. RIP.

14th November 2017: Living In Various Places / Hell / Support For Songs

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the luxury of having lived in different places.

for hell being above the surface, for hell being brought above the surface, for the power to bring hell into clarity above the surface.

for the support and encouragement of my friends regarding my latest recorded music.

13th November 2017: NHS nurse / Helping Injured / Lynne Ramsay

Thenk ye uncoly

for the kind and skilled NHS nurse at Siam Surgery who helped me with my gummy ears this morning.

for those that are helping the injured and in need in Iran & Iraq following that violent earthquake.

for Lynne Ramsay, her film Ratcatcher and the Glaswegian accent.

12th November 2017: Jonathan Richman / Polstead / My Dinner With Andre

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for Jonathan Richman

for the feeling of peace surveying the scenery from the top of a hill.






for my grandparents on my father's side, together in the grounds over there, at Polstead Church.

for My Dinner With Andre

11th November 2017: Travis Alabanza / The light that mends / Love, the sweetest love.

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for Travis Alabanza

for knowing the light that mends those who have been injured, mends those that have caused injury too.

for love, the sweetest love.

10th November 2017: OYH Profumo / Anita Hill / Friendship / Music

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for lots of friends sharing new music today.

for Anita Hill’s bravery

for a good conversation with a close friend, and for their involvement in some new music.

9th November 2017: Old Friend / No Heros / Obssession & Addication Links

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for bumping into an old friend

for the help I’ve had re-evaluating the idea of heroes, heroines and being ‘in love.’

for understanding more clearly the link between my obsessions and addiction.

8th November 2017: Voting In America / Recording Progress / Thank U

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for many of the results of the voting yesterday in America. For the success of the 'firsts' too, may they serve and reach people who have previously been neglected and unsupported.

for some unexpected moments turning up in the recording for my new collection of songs.

for Thank You spelt Thank U.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOgpT5rEKIU

7th November 2017: The Boss / Castello Blue Cheese / The Pipette

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for The Boss.

for Castello Blue Cheese.

for the pipette, and the ease it gives to redistributing small amounts of liquid.

6th November 2017: NHS GP / Song - Alabama / Breakthrough

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for an NHS GP's knowledge and direction

for this song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD3bGEFxGC0

for a breakthrough that brings hope

5th November 2017: Baobab / Dying Bonfire / Popcorn / Those supporting Sutherland Springs

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for the Baobab, the Adansonia, the Tree Of Life

for the sensation of warmth on my hand as it hovered over the white ash of a dying bonfire this afternoon.

for Popcorn. Sweet. Salty. Toffee. Delicious popcorn.

for those who responded to the violence in Sutherland Springs, and those that are offering support to survivors, family and friends.

4th November 2017: Gunpowder Plot / All Of The Lights / Denouncing Birtherism / High Hopes

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

full of thanks,

fool of thanks

for the reminder that Power is only ever a few barrels of gunpowder away from being Powerless.

for ALL OF THE LIGHTS.

for those that held up ‘Welcome To Kenya’ signs in Hawaii.

for Ken Loach’s film ‘High Hopes’

3rd November 2017: Cheerful Interaction / Winter Sun / Vince Staples' Summertime '06

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for a cheerful interaction with a friendly person at my local GP Surgery's desk.

for the first walk in what felt like the winter sun warming through the crisp cold air.

for Vince Staples' Summertime '06 record.

2nd November 2017: Dia De Los Muertos / Primavera / Friend's Employment

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness,

for Día De Los Muertos. Our dead are still with us. 

for some memories unexpectedly returning today, for some reason, of Primavera Festival 2015. Some really good music, relaxed atmosphere and fun times with friends.

for a friend having an opportunity open up for their talent to bloom.

1st November 2017: Bar Ring / Openness / Collaboration / Getting Away From Screens

Today,  thankfulness / gratefulness

for this bar ring






for the magic of openness and the possibility of collaboration

for the difference getting away from screens made on my writing today. I'm not a purest of pen and paper, though I love them as tools and materials, but removing other distractions made a huge difference to my productivity.

31st October 2017: Complicated Feelings / Private Things / Recognising Compromise

Hello cold night, I am thankful for this house. I am grateful for this home.

for realising that complicated feelings have stunted my creative work today, and for the education and support I have that makes this a much more manageable problem than in previous years. I used to battle at the disappointment, learning to let it wash over is so liberating.

for the things in my days that I am deeply thankful for that are private, or not for this place. I am thankful for these things and, as someone prone to oversharing, thankful for recognising the positive reasons for sharing information selectively and appropriate to certain people.

for this space out, and to recognise how much I used to compromise for others, a behaviour that flourished from low self-esteem. Next year, in particular, will be a big test of improving myself from this knowledge.

30th October 2017: Trout Mask Replica / The Rochester / Stella Creasy

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for Trout Mask Replica. It continues to fascinate and bring a very peculiar smile to my face.

for The Rochester in Stoke Newington - Viva!

for @stellacreasy on #Newsnight focusing the conversation on meaningful structural change.

29th October 2017: Kalief Browder / FreedomCity2017 / Blue Planet 2

ALL Thankfulness! that is ALL Gratefulness! that is ALL!

for the life, resilience and bravery of Kalief Browder.

for Newcastle University and all involved in the FreedomCity2017 celebrations. Even though I was far away, it is so wonderful to see media evidence of these positive acts being stomped and trod deep into the paths and streets of Newcastle, more elaboration of the area's story.  

for Blue Planet 2, David Attenborough and all of the team working on this incredible project. It opens up worlds, making it both clear and unthinkable all at once. What a gift!

28th October 2017: Sparrowhawk / Friendship / bell hooks

All of the beautiful clouds speeding by the bright moon this evening at the end of the day -  Thankfulness! Thank you! Gratefulness!

for Sparrowhawk visiting the garden, and for the wits of the other birds keeping hidden from him

for a talented friend helping me, adding their voice to some of the new music I am working with.

for bell hooks

27th October 2017: Charlie Bramley / AJ McKenna / Ash In Vietnam / Go The Fuck To Sleep

All of the beautiful life in the world! Thankfulness! Gratefulness!

for the talents of Charlie Bramley & AJ McKenna. I look forward to embarking on these creations.





for hearing from a close friend in Vietnam

for this bed-time story, @WernerTwertzog alerted me to.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sHk75RqEmE

26th October 2017: Friendly Vibration / Tunnels / Removing the i

All of the beautiful living things! Thankfulness! Gratefulness!

for a call with my friend, we share a place on the vibration

for those who use, and celebrate within, tunnels

for removing the i, all swish together, the white sheet

25th October 2017: Pip / Curb Your Enthusiasm / Fats Domino / Exodus

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the love of my friend, who lifted me up out of a heaviness today

for enjoying laughing at a TV show together

for Fats Domino

for the album Exodus, on this sunny day.

24th October 2017: Microphone / Small Progress / Ben Wheatley & Amy Jump Films

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the luxury of a good quality microphone.

for small degrees of progress

for the films of Ben Wheatley and Amy Jump - they talk about home.

23rd October 2017: Snooker Ball / MES / SOPHIE

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the sound of a snooker ball on another snooker ball

for MES, for MCL & LJ's love for MES, the way of MES,

for that latest SOPHIE single. Richard Dawson raved about her last year, and I loved Just Like Your Never Said Goodbye because it brought up memories of adolescence surrounded by Shanks & Bigfoot, but also the sense of revved up adrenaline, like risking it all for love. This latest single speaks to a similar unresolving progression, but works in some delicious ASMR too. Other ideas take it to a whole other level. I am excited in anticipation for the  upcoming album.

22nd October 2017: Saliva / Mill Tye Gallery / Washing Up Whilst Cooking

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the magic of saliva sal - i - va ssssSLIVA

for the optimism created seeing a new art space blossoming.

for the lesson of washing up whilst cooking, the magic trick of continuous transition, waves of beginning-middle-end, satisfying cycles, phases all coming together in a peaceful and satisfying finish.

21st October 2017: Goddam / Todd Haynes / Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson & Carol Denise McNair

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the sound of ‘goddam’ in Mississippi Goddam

for The High Priestess Of Soul!

for Todd Haynes brutal film around Karen Carpenter’s life.

for Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Carol Denise McNair.

20th October 2017: Nail Polish Smell / The Death Of Stalin / A. Partridge & M. Tucker

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the smell of nail polish remover.

for Simon Russell Beale’s dastardly performance in The Death Of Stalin

for the thoughts of A. Partridge & M. Tucker crossing over in the latest Big Issue.









(it's been a bit of an A. Iannucci day - and so a good one!)

19th October 2017: JFK / StavrosFloatsOn / #NoNazisAtUF

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the movie JFK adding dimensions to the The Boyfriend episode of Seinfeld, along with being an intriguing, if a little dry, film in its own right.

for catching a glimpse of an old friend exploring the world through his new blog - a beautiful spirit with wide eyes. I’m thankful for him sharing his findings and his inspiration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh-Oqw8rKGY&feature=youtu.be&a

for everyone protesting against a Nazi event at University of Florida. Be safe and look after one another, down with these deathly values #NoNazisAtUF

18th October 2017: JJ / Aspergers & Me / Life Is Peachy

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for a very special person’s birthday. I hope they had a fun day and were made to feel as wonderful as they are.

for Chris Packham’s documentary on the #BBC #Aspergersandme. It was an engaging and unpatronising testament of experience.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b09b1zbb/chris-packham-aspergers-and-me?suggid=b09b1zbb

for Life Is Peachy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHLHF-nUEzQ

17th October 2017: Telephone Trick / James O'Barr / Cute Pig

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for being tricked! I accidentally recorded part of the house-phone ringing at the end of one take today and without realising kept having further parts interrupted by 'the phone ringing again.' I thought it was my brother double-ringing from Sweden, but then it kept doing it. I eventually asked Dad to come up and listen for it to 'ring again' and at that point my foolishness was out for all to see!

for James O'Barr; I loved The Crow for many reasons in my teenage years, but through the prism of recovery and atonement it has taken on further significance.

for this guy, a cute little pig.










https://twitter.com/ziyatong/status/918290362963300362

16th October 2017: Red Sun / For You At Last

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the Red Sun, the Sahara Sand across the sky - a dramatic reminder that anything can be another way very quickly. Such a simple wash, and other feelings ignited.

for so much.

15th October 2017: Bulgarian Medical Professionals / Strong Afternoon Sun / Kara-Lis Coverdale

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the care of the medical professionals attending to a friend abroad.

for the strong afternoon sun across the fields around Foxearth, creating an eery sense of disparity from seasonal expectation.

for the ever-intriguing arc of Kara-Lis Coverdale’s set at TUSK. 

for an increase in energy of late.

for those helping the people in Mogadishu to safety after this dreadful attack.

14th October 2017: TUSK Stream / Facon / Crosswords

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the TUSK Stream. Many wonderful feelings roused from watching, as well as air of homesickness.

for facon - naturally, nothing like bacon, but genuinely tasty. Even now, I am looking forward to it as part of a Sunday fry-up tomorrow morning.

for the joy of the Crossword, the thrill when you get a few in a row, the frustration as progress is stunted, the teamwork, the competition in trying to reach a word before others. It's such a gentle delight. Words, words, words.

13th October 2017: Dad's Return / Diamanda Galás / Rowen Tree Berry Smudges

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for Dad returning safely from his holiday in Crete - that he had a great time.

for being excited by some new music.

for the way the fallen Rowan Tree berries find themselves smudged into the pavement.

12th October 2017: MTCIC / Rape Crisis & RAINN / TUSK Festival 2017

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for the continued help of MTCIC.

for Rape Crisis and RAINN and the work they do. I urge you to engage with their work, and support them.

for the arrival of TUSK Festival 2017, for Lee and his community that imagine a wonderful experience out of a weekend, I wish everyone a sonic adventure with incredible music.

11th October 2017: Birthday / Gentleness / Limits

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for a close friend’s birthday. Since meeting them in 2003, growing up with their company has been a blessing.

for their commitment to gentleness and love. The world is lucky to have them.

for understanding, more fully, the limits of this platform with regard to conversation and interaction.

10th October 2017: Flow / Courage / Challenge Oneself

Today, thankfulness / gratefulness

for a flow of creative expression opening up over the last few days whilst recording music for a new collection.

for the personal demonstrations of courage, and those of support and care.

for those that challenge their own relationship with courage regularly. I try / I fall down / I try again / I fall down / I try

9th October 2017: National Mental Health Day / Original Pirate Material / Christ On The Cross

Today, thankful / grateful

for MIND, CALM, Papyrus, The Samaritans and all who have saved and helped lives.

for Original Pirate Material - it was there for me when I was lost and needed songs expressing vulnerability and male fallibility at 20/21. A voice that walked through a place I recognised, with sounds and descriptions of some of the places I spent my adolescence. Made me feel less alone. Though I look to other music for my needs these days, it was important to me, and I won't forget that gift.

for the question of Christ on The Cross - the challenge of that image offers a million tunnels of enquiry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx1s_3CF07k

8th October 2017: Manic Episode / Squeaky Cheese / Embodying

Today, I am grateful / thankful,

for the first mild manic episode in a while last night. The Sertraline I'm on normally dulls this, but it was interesting to feel it again. It is a mostly positive feeling. It is related to dreaming, imagining though. I never realised that when I was younger.

for the sweet and casual sensation of chewing on squeaky cheese. It's playful and light.

for recognising a further behaviour I have passively embodied from my parents, for which I can now consider and actively make a choice about.

7th October 2017: `GONNA DO IT ALL / Malcolm X & next / Close Friend

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for taking a moment to say to yourself I'M GONNA DO IT ALL, BIG & BOLD. Enjoy the absence of small, and little achievements - they are not for now. This moment is for HUGE COLOUR, ENDLESS, ARCHITECTURAL HARMONY.

for Malcolm X and the Malcolm next. 

for a call with a close friend, their love is felt whatever part of the wave we're in.

6th October 2017: The Person / CLASS on CLASS / Destroyed 'Hero'

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for those that look for the person, the people, in all of their detail, in all the ways they are special. I've had the luxury to grow up to know writers and artists who have such amazing ears and ways of seeing others and shine light on their beauty with such skill.

for the CLASS on CLASS podcast series, which gives a concise overview of a shifts in the idea of class in Britain. Though I recognised many of the details, it offered some ideas that provoked more thought.
https://soundcloud.com/classonclass



I am thankful to have (an) experience(s) in my life that destroyed the ‘hero’ story many boys are conditioned to in earlier life, as I was.

5th October 2017: Teachers / Faces / Sweeping Away Berries

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for all of the teachers, at any level, my friends who are teachers, for those that teach that go under different names, those teachers who believe in education for education's sake. Education creates peace, and feeds all of life's possibilities. Thank you! #WorldTeachersDay

for finding faces in everything, including this dinosaur

 for the sensation of steadily sweeping away berries and leaves fallen from trees.

4th October 2017: Bouzouki / wetransfer / The Stage & Farce

Today, I'm thankful / grateful

for The Bouzouki

for the technology that makes it possible for me to contribute parts to music my friend is making in Los Angeles.

for the stage that lies, for presenting the farce, for the deception, for the trigger, for the place where it hurts, for altar, for the moment, the expectation, the flight, the fall 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQDgMBLrbKo

3rd October 2017: SURPRISE! / Inside Piano / Andy Kaufman

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for the chance to SURPRISE! my mother by replacing the miiiiicrowave whilst she was out.

for the feeling of opening the lid on the piano, and hearing the (urrrrrrr) hidden in the inside sound.

for the life of Andy Kaufman.

2nd October 2017: Barnardo's / Tom Petty / Help & Love after Las Vegas shooting

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for the kind and helpful people in the Sudbury Barnardo's Shop.

for Tom Petty -

https://youtu.be/nTZiWlsw1Iw?t=11m46s

for those helping & comforting the victims and those affected by the violence in Las Vegas.

for those that confronted the violence too.

1st October 2017: Bridleways / No Ghosting / Labyrinths

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for bridleways covered in conkers.

for those that have confronted me with hard truths, that did not choose ghosting.

for Labyrinths. 
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/87/3a/0a/873a0aa8ee3585a756d83d223aa0f1e1--labyrinth-maze-sacred-geometry.jpg

30th September 2017: Help For Puerto Rico / Jocular Comedy / Kanye West-Zane Lowe Interview

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for the people of Puerto Rico, and all who are helping the people of Puerto Rico.

for Jon Lovett & Jon Favreau's riffing during an advert for wine during Lovett or Leave It.

for the 2013 Kanye West / Zane Lowe interview.

for the Capotain hat.

29th September 2017: Video Footage / Education / Shame / And Still I Rise

Today, I am thankful / grateful,

for video footage sent from Crete, capturing my brother & father playing music at Tropica.

for the education and help that has given me the possibility to tackle personal shame

for the poem, And Still I Rise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqOqo50LSZ0

28th September 2017: Julia Louis-Dreyfuss / Doctors / mother!

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for JLD turning such personal news into a call to arms for the help of others. It takes a special kind of courage. A brave and brilliant woman.

for DOCTORS NURSES HEALTH PRACTITIONERS MEDICAL RESEARCHERS DOCTORS NURSES HEALTH PRACTITIONERS MEDICAL RESEARCHERS DOCTORS NURSES HEALTH PRACTITIONERS MEDICAL RESEARCHERS

for mother! that had Mum running up the stairs at various intermissions this evening, feeling the need to discuss a new idea that the film had stirred.

27th September 2017: Completion / Corbyn / Newsnight / Sunday Adelaja

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for the feeling of completion after placing the last book back on a shelf from reordering the family library.

for Corbyn highlighting Myanmar in his conference speech and appealing to Aung San Suu Kyi.

for Newsnight’s incredible report on the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

for my friend sharing the following quotation: “Remember! If during the day a person didn’t do anything concerning his purpose and calling, he did nothing at all” ― Sunday Adelaja  

26th September 2017: Call From Crete / Return Request / Votes Against Graham-Cassidy Repeal Bill

Today, I am thankful / grateful

for a thoughtful call from my brother on holiday in Crete.

for this carefully unfolded request inside a copy of a poetry book.



for those who voted down the further attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

25th September 2017: Gbenga Akinnagbe / Book Collection / Plants in Autumn

Today- grateful / thankful

for Gbenga Akinnagbe’s heavy and hard stare!

for the relived feelings whilst organising and refining a shared book collection.

for the way the plants in the garden are responding to the season.

24th September 2017: Rise For Syria / Golden Ratio / 22:22

Today, I'm thankful for a group meditation at St. Peter's Church, joining a united Rise For Syria event. #refugeeswelcome

I am grateful for a story explaining the Golden Ratio through the idea of the Big Bang.

I am thankful for the satisfaction of catching a clock display at 22:22

23rd September 2017: Dream About Breaking & Entitlement / Turkey's Oppression / Returning Home

Today, I am thankful for a dream wherein I broke a small artifact at foot-level in an Antique Shop. When I apologised to the shop assistant (a man of around 50 years of age, with close-to-black short hair) he was unmoved by my gesture, and addressed the situation with a casual contempt for me, explaining that I needed to pay. When I said I was willing, he remained scornful. I indicated I felt it was possible to acknowledge my address and also direct me to pay. He shrugged, and walked out of the front door. Spotting a woman (who was younger) who worked in the store, I explained the situation to her and explained I was angry about having feelings ignored. She empathised and helped me to pay for the item. I then woke up. This dream alerts me to an entitlement I must hold onto subconsciously, that even when I break something, whether accident or otherwise, I hold an expectation of acknowledgement for my feelings, my apology. I am not owed this. I must amend the situation, this is all. Though I have sought to tackle this in my conscious mind, I am thankful that this dream reminds me more work is to be done to grow.

I am grateful for being educated in a personal account of the struggle of approx. 150,000 union members affected by Erdogan's tyrannical regime. The resilience and faith of this individual in spite of cruel oppression shows incredible resilience, but a pressure no-one should bare.

I am thankful for the feeling of returning home after an emotionally and spiritually engaging trip away.

22nd September 2017: Family / Strength Of Character / Improvisation

Today, I am thankful for Family. When I was younger I was deeply confused by the notion of Family: One way I read it completely wrong was to obsess over the hypocrisy of those who put blood relatives ahead of those who are not (another form of gang) and operated to address that imbalance in my own life to a problematic effect. I am grateful to have a present understanding that ignores that framing, and which observes the practices of love, dedication, patience and support, and to recognise those who have sought and persisted to involve me, in spite all of my failings, in their lives which employ these behaviours. Family is a living thing. Family is limitless and complicated.

I am grateful to share time with a close friend, to witness their strength of character.

I am grateful, after a long time, to be able to watch a close friend perform, this time with in an a group called Classic Andy @ The Nursary. It was lovely to spend time with them all too.

21st September 2017: Lee 'Scratch' Perry / Old Friend Dances / Friends In London

Today, I am grateful for Lee 'Scratch' Perry and the light shining from his mirrors. Push up, Mad Professor!

I am grateful to catch up with an old friend and share some dances.

I am grateful to my friends having me 'round to stay.

I'm thankful to be in London for a while.

20th September 2017: Decluttering / Gig-Poster Art / Tony Hale

Today, I am grateful for the feeling that cleaning out a wardrobe give, donating no longer needed clothes. It's amazing what psychological weight is added by putting off removing unwanted e.g. attire, and the space that you reacquire when you remove clutter.

I am grateful for the unique glory of gig-poster art.  

I am thankful for the physical comedic acting of Tony Hale. He always serves the scene, and is full of invention.

19th September 2017: Friends / Mersea / Dream

Today, I am grateful for my friend's generosity and thought, near and far.

I am thankful for Mersea and its calming atmosphere. Also, the hospitality and delicious food at The Company Shed, and also the landscape and view at Cudmore Grove Country Park.

I am thankful for a curious dream, in which I was in a terraced street (I believe in Leeds) and also, inside the house I was stood outside of, in the living room. Four people arrived one at a time, and I greeted them (outside and inside). One had a pretty convincing orange bob wig on. As they compiled in the living room, it dawned up me that they were meant to be with one another, a gang perhaps? a theatre troupe? I have forgotten some key parts of the narrative revelation, but not the feeling.

18th September 2017: Phonecall From My Brother / Serendipity / 34

Today, I am thankful to get a thoughtful call from my brother before he heads out to join Dad in Crete.

I am thankful for serendipity, and how creative passions can shorten distances between like minds.

Tomorrow (Today) I'm 34 - I'm very grateful for these years of life, for the wild ocean, the lessons and instruction.

17th September 2017: Walking For Becky / Phone-Call / Bill Batte

Today, I am grateful to join a crowd of people taking part in the Memory Walk to raise money for Alzheimer's Society. Those involved in organising Walking For Becky are doing excellent work raising money and awareness that alzheimer's disease can sadly effect younger people as well those who are older. Becky was diagnosed with Fronto Temporal Lobe Dementia at 31 years of age, and her friends and family are supporting the research so future generations can be protected from this disease.

To support 'Walking For Becky' please visit:
bit.ly/beckyalzheimers

 

I am grateful to share a phone-call with a friend I have not spoken to for a long time.

17th September is the day my mother's father, Bill, died - 37 years ago today. Unfortunately he died before I got to meet him. I am grateful for the happiness he has given my Mum, and that when you hear her talk about him, you know he made her feel special and loved.

16th September 2017: A Friend's Bravery / Bramhall Park / Cod & Chips

Today, I am inspired by a friend's bravery, and thankful for it.

I am grateful for luxury of time to saunter around the Bramhall Park; a beautiful place with twisting pathways guiding our walk.

I am thankful for the combination of Battered Cod & Chips.

15th September 2017: Manchester Friends / The Peer Hat / Bramhall Friends

Today, I am grateful to see some good friends, and meet the father of two brothers.

I am thankful to spend time in the majesty of their new pub, The Peer Hat.

I am grateful to see my friends in Bramhall, and see their daughter who is now talking and running around.

14th September 2017: Thordis Elva / A Friend's Baby Girl / Ryan Adams

Today, I am thankful to Thordis Elva (@thordiselva) for her incredible work and vision.

I am thankful to catch up with old friends, and I am so pleased their little baby girl will soon be rocking the world.

I am grateful for Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) for a great show tonight, bringing back and mixing lots of memories.

I am thankful for the existence of the Hammond B3 organ.

I am grateful to be in Manchester

13th September 2017: Sparrows / The Old Police House / Songwriting & Awareness

Today, I am thankful for the pleasure of watching sweet, cute little sparrows all bathing together in a shallow birdbath. They were really happy and enjoying themselves side-by-side one another, making big splashes.

I am grateful for Mariam Rezaei & Adam Denton for taking over and giving The Old Police House its best life. Some of the sounds and feelings from times in those rooms will stay in my ears forever. Where will the energy travel to next?

I am thankful for writing songs, today, in particular for the way they expose parts of myself my self-awareness fails on noticing.

12th September 2017: Shame / Disused Railway / Ripe Tomatoes

Today, I am thankful to share a call with a close friend and exchange some feelings about personal shame. I am so lucky to have a friend like them.

I am grateful for the opportunity to walk a familiar disused railway, with the midday sun perforating the leaves of trees hanging overhead. Though I felt the presence of depression nearby today, such nature helped.

I am grateful to be able to pick some ripe tomatoes from the garden.

11th September 2017: Gina Millar / Nebuchadnezzar / Knowing Myself

Today, I am thankful for Gina Miller's continued scrutiny and tenacity.

I am grateful, that when I was walking earlier, Nebuchadnezzar started crawling in front of me, occasionally looking over his shoulder to make sure I was following. I tried to dodge his turns, hopping from foot-to-foot. His eyes always caught mine.


I am thankful to know myself as clearly as I ever have. May I keep learning.

10th September 2017: Suicide Prevention / Great North Run / Esther The Wonder Pig

Today, I'm grateful to anyone who made the decision to keep going, and take on tomorrow. Step by step.

I'm ever thankful to the North East, and the glorious celebration that is its Great North Run, the people and landscape engaged in a dance, full of energy and generosity.

I am grateful for the ever joy the beautiful Esther brings
@EstherThePig

9th September 2017: Suicide Prevention Month / Blowers / Great North Run

Today, I am thankful that many take time to acknowledge September as Suicide Prevention Month (with tomorrow being World Suicide Prevention Day). I am so grateful in particular for the work Papyrus, The Samaritans and CALM do in helping to prevent the loss of life.

This afternoon was bitter sweet as Henry Blofeld gave his farewell over the radio. Thank you Blowers for elevating cricket commentary into an art form reaching far beyond the definition. Unforgettable!

Tonight, I am thankful for all those wonderful people who have been training for tomorrow's Great North Run, and raising support and money for many charities. Enjoy getting yourselves to South Shields and may the sun not be too bright above. 

8th September 2017: Artwork In Crete / Hurricane Irma / Gogglebox

Today, I am grateful to receive photos of Dad in Crete, with some of his artwork displayed. I'm really pleased for him to have this work on show opposite the islands that inspired their creation. Frames within frames within frames within frames.

I am thankful for the strength and compassion of people helping one another to evacuate the island of Barbuda, and hope for the safety of all in Hurricane Irma's path.

I am thankful for Mum's glee at the return of Gogglebox. I love sharing time with her watching that show. It's nice to spend some regular time in an escapist place.

7th September 2017: Mum's Childhood / St Elizabeth's Hospice / The Mix

Today, I am thankful to learn more about my mother's childhood, through stories I was hearing for the first time.

I am thankful to St Elizabeth’s Hospice in Stowmarket for supplying me with an excellent travelling companion. The shop assistants were lovely.

I am grateful to The Mix (also in Stowmarket) It's a wonderful place that offers a range of programmes and facilities to young people. Their café also provided a wonderful place to share lunch with my Mum and my Aunt.

https://www.themixstowmarket.org

6th September 2017: Labrador / Jonah Ryan & Richard Splett / Poo In A Jar Memory

Today, I am thankful for a walk in the damp air, with the beautiful morning sun glowing orange. On that walk I am thankful for the enjoyable exchange I had between a lady and her very enthusiastic Labrador.

I am grateful for the warmth and joy Jonah Ryan & Richard Splett's relationship gives me.

I am thankful to wake up this morning to a message by a close friend, quoting the BBC 'poo story'. He is such a good friend he gave me a poo in a jar once as a birthday present. We will always have Paris.

5th September 2017: Doctor / Stop & Chat / Rohingya Refugees

Today, I am grateful for my Doctor's help and direction.

I am thankful for a moment passing an old friend this morning, both acknowledging that particular now was not the time for a 'stop and chat'. It was comfortable.

I met an American woman once in 2003 who was making covert trips across the border, bravely transporting aid into Burma. 2017, and I am thankful to Fortify Rights and others trying to get necessary supplies to the Rohingya Refugees and I hope for their safety.

4th September 2017: Dad trip / Pip's Course / McStrike

Today, I am grateful that Dad has arrived safely in Crete for his holiday.

I am thankful that a friend has started a course today that she has been excitedly/nervously anticipating this summer. She'll rock it!

I am grateful to all those who supported those involved with #McStrike at Crayford & Cambridge today. This demonstration highlights unacceptable working contracts/conditions and hopefully will lead to change as well as inspire workers beyond McDonald's. 

3rd September 2017: Charlie Chess / Antifa / Bird's Custard

Today, I am thankful for the continued joy that playing chess with my friend Charlie gives me, and seemingly him as well. I've loved that game a long while, and even though he learned how to play much later than me, we're pretty evenly matched now. I need to improve quick!

I am extremely grateful to those who have been involved in Antifa, for putting themselves in risky situations to ward off fascists from public spaces. I, as we all, benefit from this action.

I am thankful for delicious Bird's custard. It is a perfected recipe.

2nd September 2017: Mum's Story / Smart Phone / Childish Behaviour

Today, I am thankful for mum telling me an interesting story from her childhood, involving a woman who set the standard for her appreciation of macaroni cheese.

I am grateful for the luxury of having a smart phone, and the way in which apps play a huge part in shifting how easy it is to access various information and tools. I hope that these become as accessible as possible for everyone.
 
Every Saturday, Mum returns from town with bags of shopping. Within these, is a paper that Dad insists she buys because it contains his favourite crossword, sacrificing all political positions for this drug of choice. The focus of my thanks is on the childish behaviour he is unable to control as Mum returns. He races up to the house as she enters the door, and sniffs around the bags as she unpacks the shopping, impatient for her to hand him the paper so he can race back to his shed to embark on an afternoon of puzzle.

1st September 2017: Chocolate / Garden / Munroe Bergdorf

Today, I am thankful for the giggles that my Mum had because I accidentally ate half of a chocolate bar that my Dad put in the fridge, reserved as a gift. This misunderstanding tickled her much more than I would have imagined.

I am grateful to be entrusted with the garden duties for the next six weeks in Dad's absence. It's a beautiful garden, and there are profound rewards to tending to such a place.

I am thankful to all who consider a company's ethical values when choosing to give or not give them custom (where means makes this possible). Today, I hope L'Oreal are rebuffed for their ignorance.

31st August 2017: Erotic Dream / Understanding / Apology & Thanks & Action

I am thankful for entering the day, waking from a peaceful and gentle erotic dream.

I am thankful for a friend's understanding as I had to decline an invitation.

I am grateful for the day that I realised apologising and thanking involved action beyond the words and feeling.

30th August 2017: Uni-Ball Eye Pen / Sertraline / Sparrowhawk attack

Today, I am thankful for the design of the Uni-Ball Eye (Fine) UB-157 - Black pen. It is my favourite pen. It is so enjoyable to hold and write with. The feeling of the ink joining the page from the soft smooth point is a pleasure.

I am thankful for Sertraline and the way it helps people like me with mental health.

A sparrowhawk dive-bombed a pigeon in my garden this aft + ripped them to bits. I am grateful to be reminded that death can come at any moment and to live as fully as possible.

29th August 2017: Andy & Charlotte / Uta Frith / Conditions / Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies

Today, I am grateful for the happiness of two good friends embracing further commitment.

I am thankful for Uta Frith's programme on psychopathy, more so for the conversation it provoked with my Mum. I particularly enjoyed her programme on Autism.

I feel lucky to recognise my conditions becoming more acute this evening, and with that perception finding the ability to calm them with more control than in previous years. I am thankful for my experiences that have aided me to help myself in this area.

I am grateful to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, along with other individuals, helping the victims of flooding in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/floods-kill-1200-india-nepal-bangladesh-170826230610924.html

28th August 2017: Twin Peaks / Emily Carr / GIMP Software

Today, I am so thankful for the world of Twin Peaks, then and now. Lynch/Frost/Badalamenti. This third season is a wonderful extension.

Whilst we're in North America, I recall the wonderful paintings of Emily Carr, and I give thanks for her and her work that I was lucky to stumble upon in Vancouver. 

I am thankful to all of those who were involved in making the photo/picture editing software, GIMP, and for having the vision and generosity to make it freely available to the public.

27th August 2017: Hurrican Harvey / Notting Hill Carnival / Arrythmia EP / Paper Waterlily

Today, I am thankful for the brave people helping one another to find safety, rescuing one another from danger inflicted by the hurricane.

 I am thankful for the Nottinghill Carnival and the celebration of Afro-Carribean culture, which has influenced some of the music I love the most.

I am thankful to @wecallprogress for making their Arrhythmia EP. It's so crisp and clean. Part Of Me Does is a highlight with embellishments flying all over the space.

 I am grateful for the quiet beauty that was my friend making a paper waterlily from a bar napkin.

26th August 2017: Adventures / Fish & Chips / Dad's Birthday

Tonight, I am thankful for all the adventures many friends have been having this summer.

I am grateful for the combination of Fish & Chips, particularly the combo's served in Aldebrough - and also from Harry's (c.2005), Wakefield

It's my Dad's birthday. I am thankful he's had a fairly good year and will have a fun time out in Crete shortly.

25th August 2017: Pigs / Penny-Farthing / Happy Warrior

25th Aug, I am thankful to share time with big pigs in a field.

I am thankful for seeing a lady casually riding a penny-farthing and for the thoughts it provoked about class.

Shame muted my ability to express my love. It still tries, but I am thankful, for these days I am growing more and more so.

Also, considering various injustices against those not myself, I have found it hard not to embody the frustration, the vitriol but I have been less outwardly effective for those people that way. I am thankful for the image of the Happy Warrior. My happiness does not steal another's. May my actions help as best they can, and may I be encouraged more and more.

24th August 2017: KLF Burning £1m / Flowing Ideas / Sarah & Aldebrough Beach House.

Today, I am thankful for all of the questions that the KLF / K Foundation burning £1m in '94 raises. It feels like answers from them might help. Maybe the questions are helping? Now I'm thinking of Ziggy burning that note in a bar.

I am grateful for a productive and enjoyable day. I feel fortunate for how the ideas flowed.

I am grateful to Sarah for her generosity in lending Mum, Dad and I the use of her beach house in Aldebrough.

23rd August 2017: Validity / TQ Zine / John Higg's Watling Street

This day, I am thankful for the idea of validity, and how it can help within the context of emotional care.

I am grateful to Andy for kindly posting me a copy of the second issue of TQ. So far, it seems to offer a heartfelt illumination on more peculiar art activity in the North-East - a personal companion to a fascinating world. 

I am thrilled by John Higg's Watling Street podcast. I am thankful to Jack for the recommendation, and I am excited for the next episodes.

22nd August 2017: Old Friends, New Ideas / Wooden Cabins / Walks In The Rain

Yesterday (22nd August 2017), I was thankful to share time in an old space, with some old friends, but new ideas.

I am thankful for the possibility of garden sheds, and the adventure of wooden cabins. From all the paintings that have emerged from my Dad's studio, to others providing room for guitar lessons, Yoga classes and counselling for example.

I am grateful for walking back home in the late night, in the drizzly rain, and the light reflections in car windows and puddles.

21st August 2017: The Sun & Moon (Eclipse) / Chris & Shatner / Customer Service

This day, I give my deepest thanks to The Sun and The Moon, and their celebration of difference!

I am grateful to my friend Chris for reminding me of this glorious scene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7_5b1nqg_o

I am thankful to the wonderful people at the supermarket who helped me regarding a pepper pot exchange. They were very helpful and made me feel very looked after.

20th August 2017: Cared-For Type-Writers / Show Me A Hero / Twiglet Shapes

Today, I am thankful for cared-for type-writers, with well-lubricated mechanisms. It amplifies the voices in a space to have these positioned in various locations, ready to record any contributions. I missed my chance this time, but others did not.

I am grateful for David Simon’s focus on documenting issues surrounding societal progress in his writing. Show Me A Hero is another excellent and different series communicating interesting ideas around social housing.

The debates with are vitally relevant and widely applicable. I am grateful for the amusement the contents of a packet of twiglets gave me. This particular packet had many that had compounded into interesting shapes - one looking like a lion carrying a cub.

19th August 2017: Sam & Lucy Turton / O / Possibilities From Different Relationships

Today, I was so happy to celebrate Sam & Lucy's love today at Copdock Hall. I'm very grateful to be invited+share the day #lucyandsamturton

I was thankful to be asked to consider the implications of the circle once more oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I'm grateful for the dynamic of spending time with close friends, old friends, reacquainting with people that I used to know, people I am meeting for the first time. Talented, beautiful, interesting, kind and generous people.

18th August 2017: Falling In Love Again / Kamasi Washington / Mum & Dove

I am thankful for finding new appeal and attraction in music that I loved a long while ago but, over time, became disconnected to.

Not in a nostalgic way, but in the way that emotional distance has allowed the person I am now to hear it freshly all over again.

I am thankful for the wonder of Kamasi Washington. The Epic is filled with vision. I cannot wait to hear Harmony of Difference.

I am thankful for the pleasure of watching my Mum feed a Flocked (Snock?) Dove in the back garden by hand. Its trust was extremely endearing.

17th August 2017: Music Memory / Bretton Hall / Answered The Call

From a combination of some counselling this morning, and buzzes about A levels in the twitter place, my mind has been travelling a lot of different memories from my life today. This then prompted me to play certain music, which then prompted further memories which then prompted further memories which then prompted more music, on ever on. I am so thankful for this powerful connection between music and memory - this see-saw mechanism, providing infinite maps.

For part of this, I got lost thinking of the wonderful experience I had living

in the beautiful grounds surrounding Bretton Hall. Though I knew I was lucky to be somewhere so special at the time, the more I go on, the greater appreciation I have for that special place. Barcelona is an utterly distinct and incredible city. 

I am thankful to all those who helped the injured and affected people in Barcelona, the people in the shops that drew their blinds, and protected those fleeing.

16th August 2017: Autumn Hymn / PDSA / Brother & Malmö

Today, I am thankful to receive an invitation from a dear friend to record some parts for one of his songs that holds strong positive memories for me (along with being an excellent song). 

A bowl slipped from my fingers the other day and smashed beyond repair. I am thankful that the PDSA had a suitable replacement in their shop today. 

It had been a long while since I had talked with my brother, and it was good to share a conversation with him today, and to hear him expose his love for the city of Malmö.

15th August 2017: Community Wardrobe / Donating Clothes / 3 Years Free Of Alcohol (July)

Today, I am thankful to share watching a programme regarding various Utopian ideas with my Mum. The section regarding Twin Oaks showed a wonderful shared community wardrobe, and talked about the beneficial attitudes that came from utilising clothes free from the idea of ownership.

When I was child (through to pre-teen) I was lucky to receive many of my clothes from friends families who had outgrown them.

This prompts my thanks to friends of my parents, helping us out around the early 90’s when times were harder.

From this July, I am deeply thankful to have gone 3 years free from alcohol. Though I cannot undo the damage it caused, the freedom this commitment has given me has opened possibilities I did not imagine possible. Possibilities to give back.

14th August 2017: Smell Of Steel / Shit Hair / The Suicide Box

Today, I have been recording with an electric double-bass, and afterwards I was left with that lovely smell on my fingertips left over from the steel bass strings. I am grateful for this pleasurable side-effect of an already pleasurable act.

I am grateful for the perverse joy I am getting from my hair being comfortably in the horrible phase between not quite long enough for a pony-tail but long enough it curls up like a ducks backside. It’s perfectly shitty.

I am grateful that my good friend Chris Bean has released his album ‘The Suicide Box’ today. I know it’s been in his mind in various forms over the last few years, and it makes me so happy he’s pulled it all together, with the help of Joe Levi and Mark Fallavollita.

https://chrisbean.bandcamp.com/album/the-suicide-box

13th August 2017: Middleton / Good Friend / Emperor Dragonfly

Phoebus was glorious today! Its rich warmth had soaked into the soil by the afternoon. It was a pleasure to take a walk around Middleton, Sudbury then, and explore the fields (including passing this sign).

I am grateful to have shared a call with a good friend that I haven’t spoken to for a long while, and catch up with their world.

I am thankful to have seen a huge Emperor Dragonfly (Anax Imperator) up close. So intricate, robust and bright.

https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/species/emperor-dragonfly

12th August 2017: Opposition To Fascists / Reporting / Internet

Today, I am thankful to all the brave people opposing fascists in the streets of Charlottesville. You defend us all with this action in spite of putting yourself in danger. The loss of this young life is devastating. I feel so impotent. #Charlottesville

I am grateful for those brave people reporting and recording events, compiling evidence of this Nazi violence that will help aid justice for those afflicted. 

In general, I am grateful for the internet, and its ability to give a space for voices that might not otherwise be heard, that it can carry them across the globe quickly to those seeking to understand what is unknown to them.

11th August 2017: Invitation For Film Project / Moonlight / Lee Etherington

Today, I am touched and thankful that a friend expressed an interest to involve me creatively with a film project.

I am grateful to Jay-Z for his video Moonlight - for one thing, subverting a scene from Friends is a perfect succinct statement on white mediocrity suffocating space in a capitalist system. I distinctly remember the story of the actor’s making a million dollars an episode by a certain series as a kid and, even then, being utterly perplexed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCSh48OlvMo

Oh - whilst we're here - if anyone can tell me who the person is in the video below between 00:36 - 00:59, I'd be very grateful. I feel I know them...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSkA61esq_c

I am thankful to Lee at Tusk for many reasons, but today I’d like to focus my appreciation on the fact that he has always been committed to making the Tusk Festival as accessible as possible to all, in part, by keeping the ticket prices down. This allows folk from all different backgrounds to have access to interesting live music that is not normally available in Toon. It cannot be an easy balance, but his commitment to that value is inspirational.

10th August 2017: Village Store Cashier / Freak Love / Big Little Lies

Today, I am grateful for the compliment a village store cashier gave me this morning, a sweet kindness that elevated my mood considerably.

In a world where populisms are ever elevated, my love goes out to all of the freaks, weirdos, and anyone who feels that they straddle unseen intersections or experience, who feel that they don't fit in a gang. We're all complex, I admire your ability to recognise that in yourselves.

Finally, I am thankful to all involved in #BigLittleLies, particularly the main cast and scriptwriter. Really interesting story and such an intelligent way of unfolding the issues.

9th August 2017: Illuminated Incorrect Assumptions / Donna Tartt's Voice / Punks

Today, I am thankful for a conversation which illuminated some incorrect assumptions I had made, and has given me the chance to correct my attitude.

I’m thankful for the shock and surprise of hearing Donna Tartt’s voice for the first time, after many years of imagining it. What a wonderful complex sound!

I’m trying to cling less to the work I make. I am thankful for the example of all of the punks who rip it up, and start again. You are the angels who lead me in the right direction.

8th August 2017: Meandering Phonecall / Robin Williams / Peace

Today, I am thankful for a lovely meandering phonecall with a close friend.

Also, to be reminded of the joy that Robin Williams gave. His ferocity to taste from every part of his experience and imagination never fails to lift me up.

I am indebted to those who showed me patience and calm, when I held so much anger inside. I have since learned why, and this knowledge, along with that support has helped me to learn to replace that conflict with peace.

Tonight, I am grateful to all those who seek to put peace into their own lives, their own behaviour, and to help others find peace in their lives too.

7th August 2017: MDMA / John Berger / Dad's Paintings

I am thankful for the positive discoveries that have been made surrounding the use of MDMA for treating PTSD.

In hindsight, though I have taken it for other reasons over the years, I believe it has played a part in my healing from trauma.

Though I knew John Berger's wonderful book, From A to X, I had let this documentary slip by. It is a delight! I am grateful for my friend introducing me to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pDE4VX_9Kk

I feel lucky that Dad has hung some new pictures in my room, including Mary In The Lybian Sea - a tribute to my Gran's love for swimming in the sea on the south side of Crete.

6th August 2017: Frantz Fanon / CrowVsCrow / Smoking Conversations

Today, I am thankful for the clarity of Frantz Fanon's assessments and writing.

I am grateful for this feeling of eager anticipation I have for diving into the recordings illuminated and assisted through @CrowVersusCrow

https://crowversuscrow.bandcamp.com/

I am thankful for the silly feeling I get generalising that there is a positive correlation between TV documentaries / interviews where the participants smoke during the filmed conversations, and the quality of that programme's content.

5th August 2017: Mantras / Mother / Friend & The Multiverse

Yesterday (5th August 2017) - I was thankful for further affirmation that the practice of repeated mantras opens up results beyond imagined expectations.

I felt grateful for my mother's generosity, and her empathy even when confronted with complicated emotional situations.

I was thankful to spend time with an old friend, share special moments from our lives, and contemplate the Multiverse, looking at the stars, warmed by fire.

4th August 2017: Rhinosaurus / Wor Stories / TransRightsAreHumanRights

Today, I am grateful for the luxury of watching a rhinosaurus running down a road in India from the safety of computer.

I hope everyone is safe. I was more thrilled by this scene than I would have expected to have been. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headlines/40823810/rhino-chases-down-cars-on-assam-road-in-india

I am thankful for Simon Dowling’s (@WorStories) podcast series, as in the last few days I have been particularly missing Newcastle.

And particularly, I am grateful for @Bandcamp’s gesture of support today for @TransLawCenter, and all of the talented and kind people who have used their store today to add their share to the cause too. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

3rd August 2017: MTCIC / Mariam Rezaei / Rasham Charles

Today, I am grateful for the service of those at MTCIC,

also, the way the wonderful whipping effect of a piece of music called Bur by by Mariam R (@djetchasqratch) feels,

https://hauskonzert21.bandcamp.com/track/mariam-rezaei-bur

and the continued efforts made to amplify the truth surrounding Rasham Charles' death, and seek justice.

2nd August 2017: Growing Baby / Slow Rain / Shared Music

Today, I am thankful for the hope and joy I felt thinking of my friends' baby growing and learning new things.

I am grateful for a walk I took in slow rain, under gentle grey skies. The air cleared my mind.

I am honoured that my friends shared some new recorded music with me.

1st August 2017: Conversation / Jimmy MacGovern / Crucifix Earing

Today, I am grateful for a shared conversation, Jimmy MacGovern's commitment to amplifying voices with his writing, and the Crucifix earing.