Rosie

I enjoy the opportunity to observe the beauty that people can radiate. Often you sense that perhaps they are unaware of this and having it pointed out, in a sincere way without agenda, is a gift both to give and receive. I am a big fan of doing this; yes there is the risk some people may find it creepy but I think if you’re being sincere then that negative emotional experience is their problem and more indicative of their own issues that any inherent moral transgression. How transgressive can it be to say to someone ‘oh my goodness you look amazing, you literally radiate beauty and positive energy and I just wanted to tell you that’? This is what I said to Rosie and meant it. Thankfully Rosie felt the joy of hearing those words, not least, as she explained to me, because she is in the process of receiving chemotherapy and the head dress scarf was being worn to mask the evidence of this. Our connection was joyous and has led to an exchange of equally well meant and wonderful messages. Rosie is also something of a talented artist and so you should check her Instagram feed out for yourself. @westbuzztoyou

Rebecca

You meet people for a reason. I don’t believe this literally but I do believe that if you take the time to look and think, you will find a reason why the universe conspired to put you together with someone. Sometimes the initial thought turns out to be false and it’s easy to dismiss the connection as a result. I’ve never felt that a productive or sympathetic response, especially when the complex series of events that bring two people together are almost impossibly complex to anticipate.

Mum

Mum

Born to Polish parents in a refugee camp in Italy in 1947. Her father survived being a POW in a concentration camp, her mother, grandmother, auntie, older brother and uncle arrested by the Soviets and put into a labour camp in the Russian Steppes. Released in June 1941, they made their way through British Mandate Palestine and into North Africa. Her uncle served at Monte Casino and then repatriated the family back together in Italy. Disposed by the post WWII annexation of east Poland by Stalin, the allies resettled the family in England. She grew up poor but intelligent and hard working, becoming part of the vanguard of nurses who wrested nursing into the modern profession it is today. Two degrees, a post-grad lecturing post, two boys, a husband and still going strong.

Mum. My force of nature.

The Clown

The clown lit a cigarette and sank into a peaceful repose, sucking the smoke deep into lungs coloured by his carnival life. Nicotine oozed into his veins and the sweet summer scents of clean grass and flowers washed over his nostrils, mixing with the smoke. Around him the air thrummed with the low humming of busy insects and the sun did its best to melt his painted smile.

Dan - Labourer

Parliament Hill, the golden hour. The light is angelic, the atmosphere serene. It is the end of my walk and I had always planned to be here at this time. It’s an interesting mix of people here; families intermingle with catwalk models and rock stars. One individual in particular catches my eye. A young man, broad across his chest and seemingly lost in his own repose and a decade some sixty years in the past, dressed as he was in what looked like labourer’s attire. He had brought his own entertainment with him. He was an interesting mix of gentle and strong; he gave you the feeling he could very comfortably step into a bare knuckle boxing ring and readily hold his own.