By way of explanation for my absence - I've been recovering from brain surgery. In March I fell off my bicycle and landed on my cheek, and 8 weeks later started having neurological symptoms similar to having had a stroke. An MRI revealed that I had a huge subdural haematoma (bleeding in the space between the membrane attached to the skull and the membrane covering the brain), and was immediately admitted for surgery to drain the collection of blood. My neurosurgeon told me that if I hadn't been so fit, I probably wouldn't have survived. As it is, I've recovered fully and should be back on my bike in about two months, once the two membranes have fully reattached.

Two brushes with death in six months (I was mugged at gun point in November) have made me acutely aware of how fragile and how wonderful life is, and to really appreciate every day and every connection with the people I love and the things I love doing.

As a start, I've collected artwork from some of my favourite artists here on DA - please see my journals "Back from the brink, parts 1 - 3".