Ann

I don't think too many of you noticed that yesterday's blip was actually a rather subtle self-portrait. I've felt the need to post these more personal shots for the journal because I don't want to forget how I've been left feeling this last few days. I've been mugged by circumstances and that mugging hasn't abated today. If I were to continue this series I think the only natural way to go would have been a shot of me in the canal that runs beside the office, struggling to keep my head above the dank water. But there are limits to how far I'm prepared to go for my art. And a limit too how much self-absorption is good for you.

I was late getting out to Market Square. The rain was torrential but it was Market Day and there were still a few people about. These pub doorways are great places to strike up conversations. Ann here has smoked for sixty years. It was hard for me to believe that when she told me because I took her for that very kind of age. I asked when she'd started and she told me fifteen. You can do the maths. She was very proud of the fact that she had barely a wrinkle. She was looking so good that I've had no choice but to gritty her up a bit. I hope she won't mind. She was a very colourful lady but I'm really not of a mood to post a colourful shot.