Bipolar Artists

Hi John, well my old dog lady died friday, she lived with my dad on the site im moving back on too, but when I was a kid (had her since I was 14) she was my constant companion, slept in my bed in my caravan every night, when I was away during my army days, I missed her more than any of my human family. We (me and my brother) found Lady and two other pups in a bag dumped in canal at top of road where me dad lives, one was already dead but lady and the other pup who we called cassie survived. Cassie is still going I believe. As for lady, knew last time I saw her that I wouldnt see her again, at least not on this plane of existance anyway but at least she slipped away in her own time, at home. Buried her on back field, under a holly tree.

On the brighter side of life, my plan to re-open my animal sanctuary is progressing, got heat and electric to my caravan sorted, took my remaining dogs on a long walk in the snow on Cannock Chase today, Ive managed to rescue Speedwell the tortoise from it’s frozen icy prison, tho now I’ve thawed it out it’s turned out to be a foul tempered brute. Probably cuz of its existance on fish bones and potatoe peelings. Ive brought it a bag of kale leaves and polished it’s shell with some olive oil to see if I can improve it’s disposition a bit. At least with the right care it should out-live me.

Started getting out on my motorbike again, its been a while cuz of the weather, and cuz I had a crash a few months ago (combination of high speed, sharp bend and loose gravel) broke my arm, never even went to hospital cuz steve who is also a biker accused me of being a wuss, refused to believe Id broken it (this has now been proven) and I spent 3 weeks in agony and virtually immobile which put me off the whole riding thing for a few months, but I love my ‘bike, and riding really clears my head cuz of the concentration required, and just generally makes me feel really good, and Ive missed it. Plus steve when he realised I was actually injured went on a massive guilt trip and was really nice to me for ages.

The mental health services of stafford are on high alert cuz Ive stopped taking the medication. I keep getting letters and phone calls, they think Ive lost the plot because I don’t want to fit in and live the life they think I should live, proving their competence by being a ‘ functional, productive healthy member’ of a society I despise. And they think I’m the deluded one. If it wasn’t for the singing potatoes I’d go mad!

So life could be worse for me, thanks. love Emma x

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Emma,

Thanks so much for emailing me what you’ve been up to. I am sorry that you dog Lady died. I wish cats and dogs lived as long as we do. We’ve lost two wonderful felines over the past couple of years. Sounds like you are happy and getting things together. If I crashed on my motorcycle and felt something break I’d be the first one to get to the ER. But I know how you feel on the open road on a bike. I’ve had three and although I don’t have one right now – if the finances were favorable I’d be blowing down the open road just as fast as I could go. Fuck the mental health services – if you’re ok, you’re okay – they’re going to be there if you need help – but your lifestyle change sounds like it is the best thing for you. I’ve been doing hands on stuff the last couple of weeks. Stripping my mountain bike and cleaning it, lubing it, making it look like new. It took about a week to do mine and now I’m working on Deborah’s. Working with nuts and bolts and complicated machinery is something that grounds me, instead of being in a nether world. I’m working out for an hour a day now. 45 mins on the bike as fast as I can go and lifting weights for another 20 mins. I feel so much better starting this routine. Let’s keep in touch. Sending my love your way. – John