tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29301545775361872972024-03-13T04:46:14.184+00:00Carmarthen ArtistBlog of Carmarthen artist Mark CoxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.comBlogger2200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-55010723335097892192017-11-27T15:19:00.000+00:002018-11-08T09:50:03.957+00:00The End of the Line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SNRGBKmK4A/Whwnv-Y8RxI/AAAAAAAAKvE/Qw7O8WYu9Y89GmhqU0ALeUbKKHqf1om0QCLcBGAs/s1600/A%2Bwalk%2Bwith%2Ba%2Bfaithful%2Bfriend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="707" height="255" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2SNRGBKmK4A/Whwnv-Y8RxI/AAAAAAAAKvE/Qw7O8WYu9Y89GmhqU0ALeUbKKHqf1om0QCLcBGAs/s320/A%2Bwalk%2Bwith%2Ba%2Bfaithful%2Bfriend.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have deliberately chosen the above painting of Jac and I from my private collection as it is quite appropriate.<br />
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I have been very lucky in having had two modestly successful careers. Although I have been painting all my life I have only been full time since 2003. I have no idea how many paintings I have painted in all but I have sold in excess of one thousand one hundred of them. This has meant painting 5-6 days a week. I have thoroughly enjoyed this and have been lucky to meet some wonderful people both customers and other artists. My paintings have been bought by all groups of people from some very well known personalities to a pair of children who wanted a painting for their mom at Christmas (not a profit in that one!). I have been supported in this by my good lady Alex who has done all my framing, run the business, exhibitions tax...<br />
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I have blogged on pretty much a daily basis for 7 years. I hope that someone has enjoyed reading them.<br />
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Anyway I will get to the point. We have decided to call it a day and officially finish officially at the end of the financial year. In effect we will be winding down up to that point. My paintings will no longer be available in any gallery.. I may do a bit of painting and sketching for pleasure.<br />
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I regret not being able to pass on what I have learnt over the years but there again I am a hopeless teacher and have little patience.<br />
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So I think this may be the last of my blogs. I still have some paintings and a few mounted prints available for sale and should you wish to view these I can be contacted by email markcoxba@gmail.com.<br />
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Appropriately my final link is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqhdRs4jyA" target="_blank">Travelling Wilburys</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-4396355352764827352017-11-26T08:28:00.001+00:002017-11-26T08:28:32.075+00:00Mixed fortunes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU8Nu2fk3aM/Whp58B0Nt3I/AAAAAAAAKu0/QxlRGA4ri_UhPlBmq_8WY53oTuCN5KwYQCLcBGAs/s1600/City%2BHall%2BCardiff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1249" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cU8Nu2fk3aM/Whp58B0Nt3I/AAAAAAAAKu0/QxlRGA4ri_UhPlBmq_8WY53oTuCN5KwYQCLcBGAs/s320/City%2BHall%2BCardiff.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
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We had a good day out in Cardiff yesterday. Taking the coach makes for a heavy day but all considered neither of us are too bad today.<br />
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We met up with our eldest daughter and bumped into a good number of friends including artist Helen Elliot who had a lovely display of her work in the centre.<br />
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Well Wales didn't manage it again but they did put it a good effort. I was very impressed by Scotland particularly as I had a Scottish Grandfather.<br />
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As for today a quiet day ....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-32212560428434654182017-11-19T08:23:00.000+00:002017-11-19T08:23:00.824+00:00A Walk on the Beach in winter.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oIieu2k--8/WhE-OgQTMDI/AAAAAAAAKug/WUWObi3e4NY5b2nuz0TVZRJxw9_hXpe_wCLcBGAs/s1600/A%2Bwalk%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Band%2Ba%2Bdistant%2Bview%2Bof%2BWorms%2BHead.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="793" height="261" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oIieu2k--8/WhE-OgQTMDI/AAAAAAAAKug/WUWObi3e4NY5b2nuz0TVZRJxw9_hXpe_wCLcBGAs/s320/A%2Bwalk%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Band%2Ba%2Bdistant%2Bview%2Bof%2BWorms%2BHead.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My post yesterday explained that I have been looking at a number of works and have decided to finish or take them back under the paint brush.<br />
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This is another. I was quite happy with the start of it but felt it could happily take more interest. It has been sat in the corner of the studio until this week. I have now worked on the sky added the birds and the figures.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-24415043988476698502017-11-18T13:37:00.001+00:002017-11-18T13:37:05.150+00:00Painting of the Nunney Castle visiting Carmarthen.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEAJ_KZVx3U/WhAz3crEO7I/AAAAAAAAKuQ/k3ZtiJaPdSkWM-99PGN517_BZfXeJzVSgCLcBGAs/s1600/Painting%2Bof%2BNunney%2BCastle%2Bat%2BCarmarthen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="869" height="234" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEAJ_KZVx3U/WhAz3crEO7I/AAAAAAAAKuQ/k3ZtiJaPdSkWM-99PGN517_BZfXeJzVSgCLcBGAs/s320/Painting%2Bof%2BNunney%2BCastle%2Bat%2BCarmarthen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is often said that a painting is not finished merely abandoned. Well it is quite true. I get to a point and think that's okay but I will look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow. I go back and look at it then I ask Alex. Alex is not an artist but I trust her views implicitly. She will often say this is wrong or it needs some work here ...or she may say perfect!<br />
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After that the painting is generally allowed to dry and during that time I may look at it and think, "If I started that again I would do this or that."It is a good way to improve your work in any case. I am my own harshest critic but not necessarily in a negative way.<br />
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To get to the point a few paintings have been around the house that I have been looking at and thinking I must alter that ...This is something of a big decision if they are framed. They are generally inset in foam mount board taped to a double mount. They are then put in a glass fronted frame and have waterproof sealed backing that is also taped. The tape is not your general masking tape and will ruin a board pulling it off. Now the biggest issue is that it is Alex that will have to re-frame it! I don't take these decisions lightly!<br />
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Anyway I decided I had a bit of work that could be done to improve the above painting of The Nunney Castle visiting Carmarthen. I moved the crowd away from the smoke box to give a clean contrast with the yellow of the shed. I improved the lettering on the smoke box ie. B80. I worked some glazes into the engine itself. I changed the colour of the sky to emphasise the smoke. The sky had been grey. I also added mor contrast in the ballast in the foreground. The painting had been fine but now I am very pleased with it. It is likely I will keep the painting.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-14066619307699816872017-11-16T15:42:00.004+00:002017-11-16T15:42:59.454+00:00Painting of Winter in the Towy Valley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finally got around to framing this painting today of Towy Valley in the winter. It shows St. Davids Church Abergwili and Merlin's Hill in the distance.<br />
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I enjoy looking at paintings and feel an artist should be paid their worth for the work involved. I have always been happy with what I have received for my work. However lets be honest how can a painting be worth £350 million pounds? Our values are pretty screwed really. Leonardo da Vinci was a genius but is a painting allegedly by him worth that? I can't say I would want a print of it on my wall or even the original! Anyway I am sure he would find the funny side of it.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-41892458668501318512017-11-11T09:25:00.000+00:002017-11-14T08:59:36.056+00:00Unwanted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfQxj61ny4g/WgApb7_UlGI/AAAAAAAAKtk/XaqZXZMecyozOyfVzK3a2FxPGvFogq04wCLcBGAs/s1600/toms%2Brecords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1600" height="269" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfQxj61ny4g/WgApb7_UlGI/AAAAAAAAKtk/XaqZXZMecyozOyfVzK3a2FxPGvFogq04wCLcBGAs/s320/toms%2Brecords.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is an old painting of Molly at Hay on Wye. It has been around for ages, mainly on my wall. It is a bit unwanted and never found an owner. There is also a sad story about Molly herself which I won't go into here.<br />
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Anyway I decided ruthlessly that I needed the frame for another painting which has sold. Although I am fond of the painting, room dictates that eventually I will probably dispatch the painting itself.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-19078334183561034822017-11-10T09:30:00.000+00:002017-11-10T09:30:04.559+00:00A break in the clouds over Paxton's Tower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is an old painting done in a slightly different style to my usual. It shows Paxton's Tower in the Towy Valley and is sold.<br />
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This last few weeks have been pretty quiet. That is not unusual at this time of year and I can't complain as it has overall been a good year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-20623205790729498142017-11-09T09:18:00.000+00:002017-11-09T09:18:02.197+00:00Universal Colliery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Sojt5mD4Gs/WgAoicd1HgI/AAAAAAAAKtc/OSJialUDkMgSUC6ygYp3aZhRraCPUUPxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Universal%2BColliery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1600" height="259" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Sojt5mD4Gs/WgAoicd1HgI/AAAAAAAAKtc/OSJialUDkMgSUC6ygYp3aZhRraCPUUPxQCLcBGAs/s320/Universal%2BColliery.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">The above painting was a commission. It is a painting of the terrible mining disaster at Universal Colliery, Senghenydd where 440 men lost their lives, 14th October 1914.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I was commissioned to do by a descendant of one of the miners who survived the disaster. I struggled to find a view showing both pit heads but eventually managed to work out the relatvie positions. The image of the woman waiting for news was one taken at the time.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I have been down a mine and crawled along a coal face and I have nothing but respect for those who worked in those terrible conditions. It is not something I could do or could have done.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-20972516751582930732017-11-06T07:30:00.000+00:002017-11-06T07:30:14.513+00:00Howards End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwAtSzMaD18/Wf-Q9Mo6f9I/AAAAAAAAKtM/OOi7cKtHPRsGv6h0N3WhvJow0mXdEyvDQCLcBGAs/s1600/saundersfoot%2Bharbour%2Bboats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1544" height="270" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwAtSzMaD18/Wf-Q9Mo6f9I/AAAAAAAAKtM/OOi7cKtHPRsGv6h0N3WhvJow0mXdEyvDQCLcBGAs/s320/saundersfoot%2Bharbour%2Bboats.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
We were watching TV last night when a preview came on stating that "Howards End" was coming on in the near future.<br />
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"Alex, Oh good that hasn't been on for a long time. They must be doing a follow up series."<br />
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I looked at her puzzled for a minute and then laughed,<br />
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"You're thinking about,"Howards Way the boat business on the Solent with Kate O'Mara."<br />
(this was last shown in about 1990!).<br />
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She then said, "Oh no you're not going to put this on your Blog?" <br />
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Would I?<br />
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Anyway the picture above is of boats in Saundersfoot Harbour, seems appropriate. I can't remember if it sold or it went in a clearout.<br />
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Link<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMPMdD5YACs" target="_blank"> Howards Way</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-44586745663390843382017-11-05T08:56:00.000+00:002017-11-05T08:56:24.031+00:00The Lesser of Two Easels<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Just to frighten the children here is a photo of me in my "studio". It is not a large studio but has excellent light. I tend to have three easels on the go at any one time and own 6 different types of easel along with two pochade boxes. Incidentally I am getting rid of the studio easel on the left in the picture to free up some space. So if anyone is interested and can collect £30 will do it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> A pint mug of tea and the radio will keep me going for three or four hours. I should say it is probably not a good idea to eat or drink when using oil paints. I paint with the window open to reduce the fumes, even so Jac lies just outside the door and only ventures in to tell me it is time for his walk and then he tends to sneeze. You can see I am quite a clean painter but my jumpers are always my oldest and I have been known to answer the door or even go to Town with a blue or red streak of paint on my face or in my hair.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-80107370718401815222017-11-04T12:28:00.000+00:002017-11-04T12:28:23.974+00:00Wear your Poppy with Pride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_zXLpi5_nk/WfypmIKHFrI/AAAAAAAAKso/49zsXvzMmn41MO82bymlDTAymYnB-GhJwCLcBGAs/s1600/poppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="826" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m_zXLpi5_nk/WfypmIKHFrI/AAAAAAAAKso/49zsXvzMmn41MO82bymlDTAymYnB-GhJwCLcBGAs/s320/poppies.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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I always buy a poppy. It is an outward sign of an inward feeling of respect and gratitude for those generations before us who sacrificed themselves in order that we can live in a free and liberal democracy.<br />
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There are those of course ( a few in number ) who try to misrepresent the meaning of the red poppy for their own ends. I am not sure whether this makes me sad or angry.<br />
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Anyway the painting above is my own tributeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-3432763242830853022017-11-03T09:04:00.001+00:002017-11-03T09:04:27.745+00:00To Blog or not to Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night I attended the AGM of our co-operative. A discussion ensued about the merits of Social Media as a means of marketing and selling.<br />
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For what it is worth these are my own views which are based on experience.<br />
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You need to know what you are trying to achieve when you undertake anything. What is your objective? How are you going to measure it and how do you know if you have achieved it?<br />
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If you take out an advert online or in a magazine how do you know if it has been a success. Have you had more visitors to your site, store, more sales? Could the money have been used more effectively?<br />
Just sticking a finger in the air and thinking this is a good idea is not good enough and frankly unprofessional.<br />
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If you spend time on social media how much does it cost you. If you spend 40 hrs a year how many paintings or widgets could you have made in that 40 hours and what value would they be?<br />
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All this may sound like a lot of work but really if you are in business you should have this information to hand in any case. How much is a days painting worth? What do you sell? Where do the sales come from, online, gallery, exhibition, private...With a spreadsheet this is all pretty simple.<br />
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Now I have found adverts in papers, magazines have virtually no impact on my sales. My website does bring in sales. My Daily Blog has been invaluable over the years and along with exhibitions has been my biggest source of enquiries and sales. Twitter has and no significant impact but I still tweet because it is not time consuming. Selling cards has minimal profit itself, but it does generate sales up to 10% .<br />
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The painting above was the painting I used on my first Blog over 7 years ago. If you are tempted to blog I would suggest it is daily or at least weekly and make it interesting otherwise readers get bored quickly. It is a commitment and doing a few blogs now and then will be most likely a waste of effort.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-4354564922682554622017-10-31T08:13:00.001+00:002017-10-31T08:13:29.939+00:00A day on the beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We went to the beach yesterday and had a great walk. Jac can normally find a dead seagull or jelly fish to roll in but he outdid himself yesterday. He found a rotting seal carcase and before we could stop him was rolling around all over it.<br />
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Despite several dips in the sea and numerous wipe he stank appallingly. We had to virtually hold our breath until we got home. Then it was a full wash and shower! For him and us.<br />
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The painting above is of Cefn Sidan ( meaning literally silver or satin back) the long beautiful beach of sand running form the Three Rivers estuary to Pembrey and is sold.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-69564271208519437912017-10-29T13:50:00.000+00:002017-10-29T13:50:13.355+00:00Druidstone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7kGC7oknk0/WfXbeBsEa3I/AAAAAAAAKq8/kz9WDtI8TbUKr_n_si48QU3JQsfB97AKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Druidstone%2BLandscape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1574" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7kGC7oknk0/WfXbeBsEa3I/AAAAAAAAKq8/kz9WDtI8TbUKr_n_si48QU3JQsfB97AKgCLcBGAs/s320/Druidstone%2BLandscape.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have had 2 grandchildren for the last five days so I am a bit shell shocked. To be truthful they were really good but I feel knackered!<br />
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I think we are taking the camper out tomorrow for the day, not sure where maybe Druidstone as in the painting above. I may take my easel or I may just sleep.<br />
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I did get to the rugby last night to watch the Scarlets and Blues, a good game.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-85588001291619549612017-10-28T16:14:00.002+01:002017-10-28T16:14:51.525+01:00You lose some you win some<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhp1v6OtJq0/WfScTXC8MxI/AAAAAAAAKqg/Sf_N5pMiFwkPUGqXrcsJnggc9MtVQi9EQCLcBGAs/s1600/City%2Bof%2BSt%2BTruro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1217" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhp1v6OtJq0/WfScTXC8MxI/AAAAAAAAKqg/Sf_N5pMiFwkPUGqXrcsJnggc9MtVQi9EQCLcBGAs/s320/City%2Bof%2BSt%2BTruro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not every painting is a success and the one above was consigned to the waste pile. It was an attempt to paint the City of St. Truro as it passed by. I had been on the engine as a boy so it held some interest for me. I think it went wrong from the beginning the composition is to my mind way out. The loco is too big and the front of the loco is too far to the right . The canvas is also too square for the picture. Apart from that it was perfect!! Well actually the smoke box door is to detailed and well you get the picture ( pun intended). I did it a good few years ago but that is not an excuse. The main point is to be objective about your own work and analyise it. If it is all wrong work out why and learn from it.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdEMUps5quE/WfSeOf6ES3I/AAAAAAAAKqs/gtHj9Uu3kiMQSUoDzzwh_wCg_nlCD5fcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Black5%2BWashwood%2BHeath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdEMUps5quE/WfSeOf6ES3I/AAAAAAAAKqs/gtHj9Uu3kiMQSUoDzzwh_wCg_nlCD5fcgCLcBGAs/s320/Black5%2BWashwood%2BHeath.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the interests of balance here is a reasonable painting of a locomotive going under the rail bridge next to my old house. This is not for sale.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-42424943336773497412017-10-24T12:23:00.005+01:002017-10-24T12:23:55.928+01:00Its still life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7VH4MhzjY8/We8gwM_xe7I/AAAAAAAAKqI/GtNuNtkgbZ0Pg1JJylHjE0nswkvBnKm9wCLcBGAs/s1600/still%2Blife%2Bfruit1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1544" height="255" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_7VH4MhzjY8/We8gwM_xe7I/AAAAAAAAKqI/GtNuNtkgbZ0Pg1JJylHjE0nswkvBnKm9wCLcBGAs/s320/still%2Blife%2Bfruit1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I pretty much like to paint most things in many styles. The above was obviously a still life I did in the style of victorian artists.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-85679035502719011162017-10-23T10:35:00.000+01:002017-10-23T10:35:21.637+01:00Brecon Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBhZCGCbSKM/We22ifjnq0I/AAAAAAAAKp0/q6f02hUjYekV5eNz264htV8wk0rDf5NBwCLcBGAs/s1600/View%2Bof%2BBrecon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RBhZCGCbSKM/We22ifjnq0I/AAAAAAAAKp0/q6f02hUjYekV5eNz264htV8wk0rDf5NBwCLcBGAs/s320/View%2Bof%2BBrecon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The above painting is a view of Brecon. A painting that sold a few years ago when I use to exhibit in Brecon.<br />
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Brecon is a lovely little town in the National Park. It has changed a good deal since we used to live there but I think it still retains its charm.<br />
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I posted the other day about my old coat well I have now lost my favourite flat cap which was a dozen or more years old. Appropriately I think it was lost in a pub! Alex has bought me another so I will have to wear it in.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-29303885824283993182017-10-22T09:05:00.001+01:002017-10-22T09:05:10.016+01:00Rail Bridge Carmarthen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrMOyWta5GA/WexPtF8FtJI/AAAAAAAAKpk/yWLg9SVx3gEFLxdJP-G3QYNTbVTQfsjxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Black%2BFive%2Bcrossing%2Bthe%2BBascule%2BBridge%2BCarmarthen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrMOyWta5GA/WexPtF8FtJI/AAAAAAAAKpk/yWLg9SVx3gEFLxdJP-G3QYNTbVTQfsjxQCLcBGAs/s320/Black%2BFive%2Bcrossing%2Bthe%2BBascule%2BBridge%2BCarmarthen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A favourite painting of mine that is now sold of a Black Five crossing the Bascule Bridge at Carmarthen.<br />
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Jac and I were out earlier enough to catch Venus in the morning sky before dawn. Alex has been away at a wedding and is due back today so Jac and I will be on domestic chores this morning. I had two of the grandchildren yesterday and we were cooking for a few hours. I got them making their own pizzas albeit the yeast seemed a bit reluctant to activate all went well. Then it was fruit pie and carrot cake. A pleasant few hours with me relegated to skivvy and chief washer upper!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-82556561837997459322017-10-21T08:40:00.002+01:002017-10-21T08:40:47.865+01:00Riders on the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0XLmigP7sw/Wer2KRJQHjI/AAAAAAAAKpU/LStZKgQ1gNcgVmaNBskZqR_ylkzlx6ipgCLcBGAs/s1600/Llansteffan%2Bumbrella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j0XLmigP7sw/Wer2KRJQHjI/AAAAAAAAKpU/LStZKgQ1gNcgVmaNBskZqR_ylkzlx6ipgCLcBGAs/s320/Llansteffan%2Bumbrella.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay I have had what I believe are now called a couple of "clothing fails"!<br />
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Last night I went to the rugby. I got out of the car and put my coat on to find my son, son-in-law and grandson all looking at me.<br />
<br />
"What?" I said.<br />
"What is that you're wearing?"<br />
"My coat. Why?"<br />"Whats that all over it?"<br />
"Paint, its my coat I use when painting outside."<br />
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Now I confess it is probably 20 years passed its sell by date and is splattered in oil paint but its warm, comfortable and I can't bring myself to throw it out.<br />
They just looked at me laughing and we hurried to the game in abject conditions. As for the game itself the best thing to do is to just draw a line under it and forget it.<br />
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This morning I got up and dressed to take Jac out into Storm Brian. I had my old coat on hood, cap, scarf, over trousers and wellingtons (which actually leak and do need replacing). I must have looked like an outsize Paddington Bear.<br />
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I walked out of the front door and was greeted by a calm, no wind or rain. I then met my elderly neighbour (okay I am no spring chicken myself). He had been to get his newspaper from the garage.<br />
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He looked at me and grinned,"Good morning Mark."<br />
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He was wearing a cap, cardigan and what looked like slippers although I think they must have been old Hush Puppies (who remembers them?).<br />
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I was almost grateful when ten minutes later the heavens opened.<br />
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Ah the painting above is I think appropriate for today and is sold.<br />
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Link to one of my favourite Bands the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS-af9Q-zvQ" target="_blank">Doors</a> that I did see.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-84557386975624050802017-10-20T11:54:00.005+01:002017-10-20T11:55:27.790+01:00Painting of the Preseli's in Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKIQA0im86s/WenVN9IjVqI/AAAAAAAAKow/pu7jJy09SFw5smU0gw5cK5r0pKQtShfDACLcBGAs/s1600/Snow%2Bshowers%2Bin%2Bthe%2BPreselis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKIQA0im86s/WenVN9IjVqI/AAAAAAAAKow/pu7jJy09SFw5smU0gw5cK5r0pKQtShfDACLcBGAs/s1600/Snow%2Bshowers%2Bin%2Bthe%2BPreselis.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I read today that we are going to have a nightmare frozen winter ... but when don't we get these dire warnings? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Anyway it reminded me of the above painting which is sold. It is a view of the Preseli's with snow showers. In the foreground are a field of sheep. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I have painted this view using an easel at the beginning of winter. It was a good walk carrying the easel and paints. When I got there I was..** ..cold.. Nevertheless I did the painting despite having to hold the easel with one hand to stop it blowing over and keep wiping a cold red nose. Still it is character forming as they say. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-26749110719499733962017-10-19T10:09:00.001+01:002017-10-19T10:09:23.008+01:00Landscape painting of Cefn Sidan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEkxIIufY24/WehqN-6EUYI/AAAAAAAAKog/MRTU-d_VQskglTrxCPVbIvU81cpdF70MgCLcBGAs/s1600/Cefn%2BSidan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1176" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEkxIIufY24/WehqN-6EUYI/AAAAAAAAKog/MRTU-d_VQskglTrxCPVbIvU81cpdF70MgCLcBGAs/s320/Cefn%2BSidan.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The above painting of Cefn Sidan sold last week. Although it was a very small painting it was quite cute and I was partial to it, after all size isn't everything!<br />
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We have been away in the Cotswolds for 10 days and had a pleasant time meeting up with old friends and relatives too.<br />
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I walked to town this morning to do the shopping, twice. I got half way and realised I had left my wallet at home! I suppose it is some sort of Yin and Yan thing. I forget something but it is balanced by me having to do more excercise to improve my well being!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-77563214983363787662017-10-11T08:17:00.000+01:002017-10-11T08:17:01.474+01:00Barge on the Brecon and Monmouth Canal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MZE6VaLCt4/WdnQmXvbFeI/AAAAAAAAKoA/bm_mQoQZnXoXrOnAkAzVtwNFl4CqppkhACLcBGAs/s1600/Brecon%2Band%2BMonmouth%2BCanal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1241" height="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MZE6VaLCt4/WdnQmXvbFeI/AAAAAAAAKoA/bm_mQoQZnXoXrOnAkAzVtwNFl4CqppkhACLcBGAs/s320/Brecon%2Band%2BMonmouth%2BCanal.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have given the above painting to Nicky Piper for his exhibition to raise funds for Cardiff City Hospice. It is a very worthy cause and we are always happy to help with their annual exhibition.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-73831624553721599992017-10-09T08:22:00.000+01:002017-10-09T08:22:08.497+01:00David Cowdry Exhibition - Aberglasney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvG6kJE0zNY/WdnRWGbqRPI/AAAAAAAAKoI/YZWKYajwBT8N7C5kOIs8doeLkHIuxvKJQCLcBGAs/s1600/David-Cowdry-Spring-2017-Artist-at-Work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvG6kJE0zNY/WdnRWGbqRPI/AAAAAAAAKoI/YZWKYajwBT8N7C5kOIs8doeLkHIuxvKJQCLcBGAs/s320/David-Cowdry-Spring-2017-Artist-at-Work.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Saturday I popped into <a href="http://aberglasney.org/events-and-exhibitions/" target="_blank">Aberglasney</a> to see our friend David Cowdry with his exhibition. He has as usual a superb range of paintings. It is only on for a week but if you get the chance get along and have a look.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-23877055075072320272017-10-08T08:00:00.000+01:002017-10-08T08:00:15.684+01:00Painting of boats in Angle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPdnC57e4n0/WdjSZm27LXI/AAAAAAAAKnw/OBMDZJMn4_IrIDp5EflAIbCO7CCAqq91wCLcBGAs/s1600/angle%2Blow%2Bwater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="709" height="287" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPdnC57e4n0/WdjSZm27LXI/AAAAAAAAKnw/OBMDZJMn4_IrIDp5EflAIbCO7CCAqq91wCLcBGAs/s320/angle%2Blow%2Bwater.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We used to have a mooring in Angle and this was a painting I did back then. It sold a long time ago. The execution was quite loose and suited the subject. The only bits of detail are in the boats.<br />
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We were on the moorings in Angle when I got a fish bone stuck in my throat. This was a quite unpleasant experience and I failed to move it with bread or water. In the end Alex took great delight in getting a pair of tapernosed pliers out of the toolbox and stick them down my throat to remove it. I didn't think it was possible to get a set of pliers in my mouth but it is.<br />
Yes it was bloody uncomfortable and I wouldn't recommend it but it felt better when it was gone and of course I drank some alcohol to sterilise the area! Alex thought it was hilarious. After that I made sure we had forceps in our first aid kit.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2930154577536187297.post-64479149460670779942017-10-07T08:37:00.002+01:002017-10-07T08:37:26.326+01:00Cleddau Bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZQPZMSKus0/WdiC4bl8IaI/AAAAAAAAKng/WUzM-KeP2lQGIedJeqUtwiSVDkhSqlTbQCLcBGAs/s1600/cleddau%2Bbridge%2Bpembrokeshire.%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1171" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZQPZMSKus0/WdiC4bl8IaI/AAAAAAAAKng/WUzM-KeP2lQGIedJeqUtwiSVDkhSqlTbQCLcBGAs/s320/cleddau%2Bbridge%2Bpembrokeshire.%2B2.JPG" width="234" /></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
The above painting is of the Cleddau Bridgea at Neyland. We used to moor our boat in the marina in Neyland when Alex was working as an engineer in Dale Sailing. (I can also add proudly she won marine engineer student of the year when in college). The place we moored was in the upper basin, which although being cheaper was restricted because you could only get in or out an hour or so either side of high water.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<br />It did have the advantage of a lovely walk along the old Railway built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Neyland became the terminus for the Great Western Railway in 1856. The railway fell into disuse after Beeching I believe. Anyway there is now a lovely long walk through nature reserves although you have to dodge cyclists.</div>
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<br />“Jac” our cocker spaniel loves nature although he has a real thing about black birds. So we often took him long walks from the time he was a puppy. </div>
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One day we took him along this trail and met a young couple pushing a pram. The pram contained a baby and unbeknown to us a picnic wrapped up under the pram. We stopped briefly to chat to the couple, and then I suddenly noticed “Jac” disappearing with a package in his mouth. I called him but being a young pup he took no notice and proceeded to unwrap and eat sandwiches at a distance. I finally caught him and handed the whole sorry mess back to the couple who were none to pleased. We then disappeared with as much grace and speed as we could, muttering apologies for our wayward dog.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16308520912887395097noreply@blogger.com0