Hot Tub Weather!

The weather has turned here in Ireland. It was a very mild October but November is definitely saying Hello!

With temperatures heading towards minus numbers at night, I got out my Winter boots from last year. They are great, all black and pull on's with no laces. However, I then bought a second funkier looking pair with laces - I also bought a pair for Amy.  They felt so warm when I walked in to town on Saturday and Sunday. Next buy might be a pair of ski trousers if it gets much colder!!

We hot tubbed after the cinema yesterday (went to see The Accountant - we enjoyed it!) and then when I came in from work this evening, the first thing I said to Ciaran was "Rack it up".  The trousers I was wearing were so thin and the cold had got in to my knees.  But once the hot tub lid was racked up and I was in the hot steamy water all was well in the world again!!  Bliss!

Paint off in The Kemp Gallery

Saturday was a brilliant day!

Pigsy & Kemp worked on some collaborative pieces which was so interesting to see their processes. In some ways it was such a juxtaposition seeing Kemp's structured stencil work as opposed to Pigsy's free flowing loose approach.

The Kemp Gallery is a really great space to work in - there is a massive roof light in the centre of the room that sends light streaming in to the gallery. It is a great showcase for all of the amazing art.

While the paint activity was ongoing, beverages from O'Brother Brewing were enjoyed by the artists and all of the visitors to the gallery.

Amy and I enjoyed the beer and art too!

Look at the amazing results of the day!
Here's the before and after of one of the pieces.

The response online and off has been incredible - look at this instagram post

Oh and did I mention that he sold 2 more pieces yesterday?!!

The exhibition is in it's final week so do get in and see Pigsy's before it finishes up. However, if you don't get to make a visit you can always visit online on The Gallery Kemp website.

For more info about Ciaran's work, see here.

Tracey Emin's bed - Tate Modern, Liverpool

One of our plans when visiting Liverpool was to go to the Tate Modern where we knew that Tracey Emin's bed was on public display.

It has to be seen to be believed.

To be honest as I walked in to the room I mused as to whether it was art but once I came upon it I didn't have to consider that anymore.

It is art and more....

It evoked some serious feelings within me. It repulsed me and I don't think I will ever forget how I felt as I surveyed the scene. It is said to be controversial and a conversation starter and boy have I not stopped thinking about it and talking about it.....

Up close it is quite vile with stains on the covers and tissues and rubbish strewn around the bed.

I am so glad to have seen this installation.....it is quite possibly one of the most famous modern art pieces in my life time.

The Beatles Story

Liverpool is the home of The Beatles so we planned to go to a few Beatles sites but in particular The Cavern Club.

On our second day, we went to The Beatles Story which is a Beatles museum that tells the story of how the fab 4 met and how they became the biggest band in the world.

Pictured above is the club that they performed in while in Germany. Below is a recreation of the entrance to the original Cavern Club.

The original Cavern was on Mathew Street and the new one was built with many of the bricks from the old one.

Here is the recreation of the stage in The Cavern Club.  It's tiny!

And here is a video of The Beatles performing in The Cavern Club.

On our last day we went down to Mathew Street and went down the steps in to The Cavern where we were greeted with a performer and a guitar singing Beatles songs. We spent a little time there, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the music. It was one of the highlights of the trip for me!!

Novotel Hotel, Hanover Street, Liverpool

I arrived back yesterdat from a city break to Liverpool for 3 days after the bank holiday.

We stayed in a super hotel called Novotel in a great location on Hanover Street near Liverpool One.

Our room was on the 10th floor and we had a lovely view of Albert Dock. However, what really impressed me about this hotel was the superb buffet breakfast. It was laid out really nicely and a lot of space was given over to it.

We had a fry every morning and it really set us up for the day!

Along with a selection of pastries and bread there was cheeses, cold meats and yoghurt.  The hot food consisted of rashers,sausages, black pudding, hash browns and beans along with mushrooms and eggs both scrambled and fried.

Halloween Bank Holiday in Dublin

It's incredibly mild here in Dublin and there is loads going on this weekend.

On Friday night Amy and I dressed up as Zombie Marie Antoinette's which was fun. I sent this photo to Ciaran and he was freaked by it.....Zombie Twins can do that!!

Then on Saturday we met up with Alice for brunch in Marks & Spencer.

The food choices in M&S are very carb heavy so there is not a whole lot of options. There was a deal of €3.50 for a coffee and a scone so I chose that. Along with an OJ it was a nice little brekkie.

After brunch, Amy and I called in to see Ciaran in The Kemp Gallery. He had left already but we took a wander around the gallery and enjoyed his work.

After getting an extra hour in bed with the clock change, Sunday started with breakfast in The Greenery on Lennox Street.  We sat out because we had Bones with us and our friend had her dog. I ordered the quesadilla which were very good!

Can you believe we sat out in October in Dublin?! That's how mild it is!!

Life is short....

"Life is short. Buy the damn bicycle!"

I like this sign!  It's in the window of a bike shop in Swords across from a coffee shop where I go for my morning coffee.

It's a good bike shop. I bought a lock for my younger sister's bike and got great advice from one of the assistants.  He said all locks can be broken but when you spend more on a lock you are buying time. So I bought her a fairly expensive one!

When I got home from work today I went up to the studio and gave it a good tidy up. There was a fair amount to clear out. Ciaran has been painting in this room so he needs lots of space.

I had two sewing machines out, even though I only use one. So I cleared away the one that I don't use - which is the 1960's one that I blogged about here.  I feel good about having cleared this room......Clear space, clear head.....and all that.