Play video above while reading. Here are some reasons from the past ten days with the most heartfelt at the end. Ten days ago I made a request on facebook in search of an artist. I found Charlotte who is now assistant to my exhibition “Superman Was a foundling” at The Foundling Museum. As we speak Charlotte is painting in the exhibition space. The photo on the right is the beginning.
It was my birthday on 21st May. I was in Northern Ireland. It can be a difficult time for any of us. Thank you for the flood of affection and love. I received kind and heartfelt messages on facebook and twitter from friends and strangers alike. You made a heck of a difference to me. Below is the video of what I did on the day. In the evening I took myself to see The Amazing Spiderman. It’s about him as a foster child. It also features “Roosevelt Island”. That’s where my birth mother lives. What are the odds on that cropping up in a film on my birthday?
Yesterday I made this specific request via facebook “Are you or a friend having a baby in Sept/Oct/Nov? I want to hear your story for an original BBC Radio 3 programme on pregnancy?”. I’ve received interested replies. Still need more. Whether or not they decide to take part I am moved by the interest via facebook and twitter.
Thanks to twitter next Sunday I’ll be at Stoke Newington Literary festival speaking with Radio Four’s The Kitchen Cabinet’s Rachel McCormack. at her GastroSalon. I met Rachel on twitter. We’ve never met in person. And thanks to the subscriber of this blog. It has no rhyme or reason. It follows my life in whichever way it wants to. Thanks for your support.
In my personal life it’s been a difficult year. I am the cause of it and I am the solution so I’m not fishing for pity but it’s been difficult all the same. I am writing this blog to say thankyou. The mediums of facebook and twitter are uniquely situated somewhere between personal and professional, somewhere between bombastic and intimate, somewhere between distant and incredibly close. Like you like me
Like us
I feel exactly the same degree of thankfulness to my friends & acquaintances after a very sad marriage break up this year. Lovely blog post, thank you.
It’s quite a thing isn’t it. Ta xL
Hi Lemn,
Belated birthday wishes!! And lots of birthday bumps! Hope you had a lovely day and that each day forward is better.
BTW I’ve been following your performances in Manchester ( not in a stalker kind of way I might add! ) since the 90’s ( I think! Well the “early days” anyway! ) and every time I see you you bring me joy. I don’t think I’ve ever come out of one of your performances without a new found energy, love of life, ambition, drive to change something or just a massive grin. I wish you the same for this year.
With love for a belated birthday and a fab year, xxx
I’m not averse to a stalker. Your message gave me strength. Thanks. I think it’s gonna be a good year. xL
my autistic son constantly tells me ” it’s not the end of the world” ( when I banned him from saying this he swopped it to ” not the end of the universe”!) now at age 50 raising him and siblings alone,and divorcing ,
I believe that when things fall apart they are actually falling into place…..
Your morning dawn tweets bring amusement to my start of a day so thank you for that and for sharing
With love and light
It’s a pleasure to bring pleasure as you do to them and just have to me. Thanks.
Whilst working as a Social Worker I first met you 14 years ago at a Conference & again a few years later when you came along to an event I was running. Your story touched my heart and resonated with aspects of my own experience & that of the children & young people I have known. I now have the priveledge of being a Foster Carer to three young people who are siblings and I am a part time Social Worker aswell. I want to tell you that I think of you as their invisible Godfather and to thank you for who you are and what you bring. Respect.
Just a big and heartfelt thanks from me.
Happy birthday Lemn. Your work is shining as ever but your look tells a different story. Will it be a good sign when the beard and hair is trimmed?
Am about to start writing poetry again. I have henna painting on my arms and legs – like a Nigerian witch (from Nollywood). I hope my scary look gives birth to something good.
Big hair or not, have a great year!
BT
HI BT, it will be trimmed and then gone in time. Maybe August 1st
Thanks