Middlefocus

  I had long been wanting to visit this reclining statue in front of Centenary House, at premises of the Salvation Army in Belfast's Victoria street. Designed by Canadian sculptor, Timothy Schmaltz it portrays Jesus as a homeless person.  Even though most of the statue is covered by a blanket, we know exactly who the person is by the piercings on the feet. Wounds of the crucifixion. The sculptor intended to challenge onlookers and it certainly had that effect. Someone has left a rolled-up bundle of clothes alongside adding to the poignancy of the scene. There are dozens of copies of the statue around the world although, as this Wikipedia article   points out, reaction has been varied.  I think its challenge on behalf of rough sleepers certainly hits home.

  This is a much-loved book. My dad's. The pen was his too.  C.Tracey  etched in cursive script. Same details as mine. Heirloom.

  Back at a public library again!  This time for a reading by author Donal Ryan.  We almost missed the event as when we applied for seats registration was already full.  A helpful staff member put us on a waiting list and sure enough some spaces became available.  We jumped at the chance to attend. I love his writing and with the addition of his latest, the queen of dirt island , have all his books. The one he is reading from in the picture above gave him, and then his listeners, some amusement.  It was an early publication version and the cover had been presented upside down.  The sections he read though were powerful and his literary talents are assuredly the right way up. At the library event he talked about the process of writing and the critical inputs of editors and family members. He invited questions and responded to these at length revealing in the process further insights into his literary journey. We were delighted to hear that this current ...

  The new King Charles III, is signing all sorts of documents these days and recently had some trouble with a fountain pen.  It may have been an official or a borrowed pen but in any case on this occasion it oozed ink and he complained this happens "every stinking time!" I love writing with my pen. I'm left-handed and over time the nib has adapted to the way I write. Fountain pens are personal to the user.  The ink in mine flows brilliantly but might not if loaned to another, say right-handed user. Ink residues are inevitable when filling and I keep a well-blotted napkin to wipe the barrel and remove excess.   Love the ritual of filling the pen - every inking time! 

  A short break in Derry/Londonderry. A vibrant city with much going on. Everywhere we went we felt very welcome.  There was a festival taking place - apparently there's always something going on - and we did plenty of walking. Out and about, I couldn't resist snapping this pic of a refuse bin. Yes, it's a tidy city too. You've got our vote and we'll be back soon.