The album ‘Good Fortune, Bad Weather’ written with David Baron who also produced is continuing to get good reviews including **** in the Irish Times. It means a lot to me. In the meantime I’ve been working harder than ever in my day job which has meant my efforts to promote it myself have been minimal. However, as the Summer approaches I will get more time. I am most interested now in getting my performance to be the best it can be.
Lettie by Brian Kavanagh in Soho
The skies continue to cry just like I predicted. My obsession with the weather started about six years ago. I used to take the month of August off to work on music rather than go abroad. Each Summer has got worse.
Page 138 From ‘The Book of Fortune Telling’ by Agnes M Miall originally published in 1951 by C Arthur Pearson Limited First published by Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited 1972
I remember the smell, the strawberries, grassy eyes melted ice cream the tinkling noises and sitting in an old Victorian metal tub for hours. I don’t think it’s my imagination.
Bournemouth 1964 from anonymous photograph album
Is it something to do with the sun and the atmosphere. If you ever go to Prague you have to see the Astronomical clock.
From ‘The Book of Fortune Telling’ by Agnes M Miall originally published in 1951 by C Arthur Pearson Limited First published by Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited 1972
Two films I can’t get out of my head are Lars Von Triers ‘Melancholia’ and a strange small film called ‘Another Earth’. In the former, the planets are represented in the individual characters and Melancholia is Earth. Both are beautiful films.
Detail from illumination from 15th Century Manuscript from ‘Astrology History, Symbols and Signs’ by Solange de Mailly Nesle published by Inner Traditions International New York
I managed to watch the wonderful Diamond Jubilee boats on the river Thames quite by fluke. My friend happened to be around and sitting in their flat overlooking the Thames so I got a great view. They didn’t even know it was going on until they woke up to the sound of fog horns! I have to admit information was a bit hazy as to where and when things were going on. I’m doing a film for Mister Lighter with some of my shots.
Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty The Quee 1952-1977 Official Souvenir programme published by The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Trust published by gracious permission of Her Majesty
From Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty The Quee 1952-1977 Official Souvenir programme published by The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Trust published by gracious permission of Her Majesty
Robbie Williams performing ‘Mack The Knife’ was quite a highlight. It was only the week before that my friend had told me the song was about a serial killer called ‘Mack The Knife’ by Bobby Darin. I hadn’t really listened to the lyrics. It was hilarious the way he put members of the younger Royal Family in the song as Mack’s victims! This is from Granta Magazine which I have started to collect.
I’ve Always Been A Fan devised and edited by Michael Collins from Granta Magazine of New Writing 79 Celebrity published by Rea S. Hederman
I’m excited to be playing on Friday the 6th July at a wonderful evening organised by Guy Sangster Adams at a beautiful building called the Horse Hospital. It is a mixed evening of film, poetry and talks so I will be playing a very short set on my guitar but I’m looking forward to it immensely. He runs a fantastic magazine called Plectrum.
Cover of Plectrum Magazine Issue 12 Edited and Published by Guy Sangster Adams http://www.theculturalpick.com
In regards to other performances I did my first rehearsal yesterday in a studio and was very pleased with the results although Louise and I both nearly fainted in there for lack of oxygen and the damp smell has seeped through my clothes in a really resonating way. We are playing our first gig at the Elgin in Ladbroke Grove on Wednesday 27th June, which is free to get in and my album launch – I think it will be a great night.
From the classified section of IT Magazine March 24 1972
I can’t stop watching the news. Europe is in crisis. Here are some postcards from Europe that remind us of sunnier days.
Tivoli Villa Adriana Canopus- Detail published by Alterocca Terni
Lido Di Camaiore Avenue of the promenade along the sea sent 1965
I found a couple of postcards to Connie from Peter – she is married and works at Superintendents Office LTE in Chiswick the one with the kisses on it must have been given to her by hand as it was not posted:
Atomium Sominex Conessionnaire exclusif de L’Atomium Belgique et Etranger ‘Dear Connie…Luxembourg is best so far I will have to diet after eating all this lovely food all the best Peter
Menora Hotel Castell Playa ‘To Connie having a wonderful time wish you were here Peter xxxx’
I also met a lady who is part of the Tooting Bec Lido group of swimmers who swim all year round. I couldn’t find a postcard of this Lido which is enormous but here’s Hyde Park. Once a year they follow the idea of the ‘Swimmer’ the film which starred Burt Lancaster. They go across London swimming across several of the Lidos.
I spent the weekend in Suffolk and really enjoyed the exhibition called ‘Snap’ there.
Lettie at Gavin Turk’s ‘L’Age d’or’ at ‘Snap’ at Snape Maltings Suffolk June 2012
In front of Emily Richardson’s work ‘Flex’ at Snape Maltings ‘Snap’
Here is a video I forgot to post on my video page. I slowed it down as much as I could. Originally the dog was in it but he didn’t look right! He didn’t make the cut! It was shot on a very windy day in Dunwich.
Dunwich Beach published by F W Pawsey & Sons Ipswich From Colour photographs sent 1982
Here are some nice Banana recipes for you.
Banana Salad Recipes from the Home Economics Department Fruit Dispatch Company Pier 3, North River New York N.Y
Over and out for now (click on any images to make larger)
x
Lettie 