Brace Yourself!

I've been feeling a little low over the last few days, so I'm doing this post in hope that a bit of irreverent self- mockery will jolt me out of my gloomy mood.
As some of you may know I have a spinal condition called scoliosis; it's a lateral curvature and rotation of the spine. I won't go into the horrors of all the surgery I've had over the years; it's too dull for words, but I did want to do a little piece I am calling, "Orthopedic Fashion Through The Ages."

I suppose I better start with some images that show the results of scoliosis first

This is not my own x-ray, but near enough.

It was 1976 and I was 11 when we first discovered this and I was duly sent off to a children's hospital for non surgical treatment. After being stretched on a rack type contraption (I kid you not!) I was sent home in this:

People...I give you the Milwaukee Brace worn by every spinally challenged adolescent in the 70's.

(This is not me)

I had to wear this from the age of 12 to 16! The most formative years of my life and I looked like a cyborg. It was only my rapidly acquired sense of humour and good right hook that saved me.

My mother, on the other hand was rather pleased. Any burgeoning sexuality was put on hold. It wasn't exactly an alluring look, except to those boys with latent fetishistic tastes! Or so she thought! Ha!

Fast forward a few years to the surgery; my insides look something like this:

But, more importantly, the brace designs had moved on; they were smaller and sleeker and I wanted to get my hands on one!

The Boston Brace

See what I mean? I was 27 at this point so could carry this sexy little thing off with no problems. Unfortunately, I only got to wear it for 3 mths. Medical knowledge had advanced a lot and we were no longer required to wear scaffold like structures for years. Ah well!

After, my final surgery I was given something to wear that I think had been procured in an Adult Shop.

This is me wearing the original. Now, look at the image below and tell me if you can spot the difference? Jo vs Dita Von Teese. At last, disability just got sexy. No more Quasimodo, from now on I can be Esmerelda!

On a serious note, ideopathic scoliosis affects adolescents more frequently than people realise. Boys can have it, but it is more prevalent  in girls, approx. 1 in 30. If you have pre-pubescent children or grandchildren, a simple test will alert you to any possible curvature. (See here) I'm very keen to promote awareness of this condition, so please go to this link if you would like more information. Scoliosis UK

This is me today, the first image is one I steeled myself to show, because I hate the way I look, with scarring and deformity, but that's just how it is.
The second image is by Simon, and I love it because it makes me look and feel good naked.

I may remove this post when I'm appalled at my wallowing of self-pity, but it can stay.......for now.

Sometimes Always

by Simon

a belief in spirit..

a belief in spirit.., originally uploaded by done.and.dusted.

Another fabulous photograph from my partner Simon.

Si on Flickr
(No part of this image is to be used without the artist's permission. Thanks)

Vintage Tattoo Style Canvas

I've just finished this painting for my nephew and have since had a few people ask me to do a similar one for their own children. Just wondering whether to do a set of vintage style tattoo images on canvas for sale on Etsy. I could then personalise them when they are ordered.

I thought perhaps, the old rose and heart, skull and roses designs too. But they have to look kitsch and cool, not cheesy!

What do you think?

It's All A Bit Wooly!

I'm featuring my friend Catherine today, a funky knitter who's website and shop can be found at the link above.
She has a section called Goth baby which I particularly love. But, there really isn't anything she can't knit.

I have a pair of her gorgeous wristwarmers,which have been a godsend this winter.

Caravan Style

Lovely video and song for the shop Caravan. Enjoy! 

Oh Bokja! Be still my beating heart!

For those with a passion for the new "Luxecycling", check out 

these beautiful examples of modern patchwork. 

Unfortunately though, they don't come at homespun prices, but 
for eye candy and inspiration, they are fabulous!

Remembering Arch

I took these with a little Blackbird Fly twin lens camera. It's using a redscale film which often gives apocalyptic looking results.
They are not great photographs, but I love the square format and the strange effects that unexpectedly turn up. There always seems to be an old worldy look to them. 


With a little bit of photoshopping, I may be able to turn them into something special. (With some help from Simon!) Or they can be used as textures for something else.


They were taken in a village called Geddington, a mile up the road from us and in Weekley, an even tinier hamlet. 


My brother Andrew (Arch) died on New Year's Eve 1990, and is buried in Weekley churchyard, so we always go on that day to pour a little whisky on his grave! 

Second Hand Rose

Ok today I start my challenge of only using handmade or secondhand goods for a whole year. The next time you see me, I may look like this! (Not made my mind up about the beard yet though)