Monday

Silence, they say, is golden, and at times it can be. But Yvonne is in hospital and today was spent by her side. No physical art work today but Tony generated lots of ideas for the new piece of sculpture he has submitted to Scottish Borders Council. It’s about people in the Scottish Borders and even beyond.

Tuesday

Juggling hospital visits with work is stressful, but Tony has given it his best. Yvonne is still struggling, but there are glimmers of improvements in her health. Stopped at Russells in Melrose. Magic people who go the extra mile like the Art House staff do. They prepared a fresh sandwich, a fresh salad and raspberry meringue for Yvonne, and wouldn’t take a penny for her food. What wonderful people. This backs up my theory that there are far more great people in the world than bad.

Wednesday

In the Gallery again, Tony spent Wednesday catching up with meetings and suppliers of great artwork. This filled the morning. Tony managed to secure some breathtaking new artwork for the Gallery. It’s always good, he says, to keep trying to bring in the best new artists and encourage them.

Thursday

Thursday marked Tony’s first full day of painting. Leaving the Gallery in capable hands, he took the day off to work on his many projects and look after Yvonne.

Friday

Painting in the gallery great day caught up with some lovely people and managed to finish of one of the larger paintings I’m working on.  Really enjoying the new paintings and getting to think back to when the world seemed a carefree place for the young. Where a simple thing like a ball would put a full days entertainment in. Bonding laughing and enjoying life. Seems like a while ago now but even today I try to embrace that spirit.

Another contiguous block of painting on Friday, fortunately. Tony managed to finish one of the larger paintings he has been working on in the past few weeks. Tony’s latest paintings have got him thinking about his childhood, a particularly important time for him. In many ways, Tony says, his childhood spirit hasn’t left him.

Tony may have some of life’s trimmings: a microlight plane, a great house, and an art gallery. However, Yvonne’s illness only helps to reinforce to Tony that people are the most important thing in life. He lives his life by the mantra that you should treat people as you would like to be treated yourself. It works for Tony.

Saturday

A breathtaking finish to the week: painting and, in typical Saturday fashion, interacting with some of the finest people you could meet. These people are the reason Tony paints. All were asking about Yvonne and dropping off gifts. Brilliant, caring people. Again: there are far more good people than bad in this world.