The Reward is the Journey

The sun had put its hat on. And it was as though everyone came out to play. The Lido was hectic. I'm not sure why this took me by surprise. It was the first Saturday morning that the temperature could lure out even the most part time of swimmers. I am anything but a part time aquatic enthusiast. But I mistimed this swim by a mile. As I surveyed the chaos, two other regulars (already sensibly swum out) greeted me and we remarked upon the influx of wetsuit clad 'seals' who have most likely only now emerged from warmer climes (indoor heated pools).  I almost talked myself out of the swim. I'm so glad I didn't; I exited the chatter rather abruptly and quickly got changed. Before getting in, I checked in with a friendly lifeguard I have come to know over the less clement months during which I've swum length after length, week in week out. She observed how little 'etiquette' was on display in the water, and I resolved to simply see how it wen...

It's gotten colder. Quite a bit colder, actually. I woke up to a fluttering of snow on Saturday. It was crisp and bright. Winter made her long awaited appearance. It was the most beautiful day to give my long winter coat (something of a favourite that rarely fails to attract remark amongst my generously complimentary friends) it's first outing of the season.  I was attending a Study Day in central London meaning that I didn't manage to really greet the elements until Sunday.  The pool beckoned mid morning, after the Club races had concluded, at which time I swam mostly toute seule. My swims follow something of a predictable routine: creature of habit that I am... I get changed quickly and sit on the edge at the deep end, legs dangling, gauging the temperature whilst I adjust my swimming caps (I have been wearing two since the end of September; silicone for now, to be replaced with neoprene shortly).  My toes alerted me to the fact that the te...

Self-portrait (truck) 2012 A spontaneous trip to the small but perfectly formed gallery threw up a wonderful treat for us to enjoy.  The photographs were stunning.  It was an exhibition I had not planned to see, but am delighted to have done so. Jess' work speaks volumes to me without saying a word.  Her engagement with her subjects gently invites her audience's participation without making any demands.   It is powerful and provocative, threatening nothing except a preconception.  It is challenging but throws down no gauntlets.  It is as though she intended any consequences to be thoroughly conscious and wholly consensual. Art is the sex of the imagination George Jean Nathan Jess and Vanessa, 2013 The images are, I think, a wonderfully colourful depiction of gender, sexuality and love.  The fluidity of each concept is given vast space to find both shape and form, and you can make of that what you will.  I stoo...