#sandwell

[unteriors]

Coxs Lane, Cradley Heath, Staffordshire.

[coffeenuts]

[brownhillsbob]

#365daysofbiking Happy valley:

May 9th - A run into Birmingham the day before had me hankering for the Sandwell Valley. I had errands to do, and the park is on the route between West Browmwich and Rushall Junction on the Tame Valley Canal, so what better chance than to pay it a visit?

It was on my return I chose to visit the park: With snacks in the saddlebag and a cooling alcohol free G&T I enjoyed a small, private picnic overlooking Swan Pool. 

It was busy with walkers, runners, cyclists and promenading families, but everything was well distanced and pleasant. 

And while I sat cross legged and munching, the late afternoon sun warmed my soul and the azure blue sky, reflected in the water, was gorgeous.

A very welcome afternoon of clarity and peace.

This journal is moving home. Find out more by clicking here.

[itsopossum]

David Kirkham contributed “The Amphibians and Reptiles of the Black Country” to Awesome ‘Possum 4, now on Kickstarter. He is a freelance writer and cartoonist whose work has featured in Forbidden Planet and the Desert Island Discs Fanzine. He is the author of the graphic novel Tripped Electric.

How did you pick your topics for Awesome ‘Possum?

After writing about animals that no longer exist in volume 3 [”Preserving the Silurian Age”], this time around I decided to go the opposite direction by exploring the lives of creatures that are presently living. I chose to write about the amphibians and reptiles who live in my local area as they are very elusive and I wanted to highlight their existence so that eventually future generations can be aware of them.

It was far more challenging to write than my previous piece as I picked a very specific topic and there was very little written information available, so most of my research was compiled by visiting local habitats and gathering first hand knowledge of the subjects.

What is your favorite animal or plant?

Gosh, that's a tricky question to answer, as I'm a great fan of nature and adore all its flora and fauna in equal measure. Right now I'd have to say the slow worm is probably my favourite, after spending so much time studying them for this comic!

(Photo of slow worm by DuncanFoto - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Why do you think talking about nature is important?

I feel it is important to acknowledge what goes on in nature as a lot of really cool things happen in it. Plus it plays a much bigger role in our everyday lives than we think. For instance, we wouldn't be alive if there weren't any trees. I grew up living in a small village on the outskirts of the main cities, and I felt very privileged to be surrounded by lots of woodland and wildlife that I could easily access by simply stepping out my front door.

Unfortunately, a lot of people nowadays are too caught up with their own interests and day-to-day routines that they rarely stop and appreciate the beauty of what's really going on around them. I really hope that this book will inspire others (especially young children) to be more aware of some of the amazing creatures that live alongside us.

What are your favourite drawing tools?

When drawing I'm not really picky about what I like to use, though I must admit nothing beats a good old pen and some paper, as that was how I was taught to write and draw. In my spare time I've recently gotten into inking a lot lately, and I've been having a lot of fun trying out Pentel brush pens. For a beginner, they're so quick and easy to use. I also do a lot of artwork on computer with the aid of a Cintiq graphics tablet, which I used to create the silhouettes for each reptile and amphibian.

[pretty-grotesqueuk]

My smexy foil cards Forgot to upload photo To book email [email protected] #foilcards #foilcard #metallicfinish #metallics #metallic #buisnesscard #tattoo #tattoos #tattoodesign #tattoodesigns #wolverhampton #birmingham #oldbury #dudley #sandwell #telford #tattooartist #tattooartists #tattoostudio #tattooshop #tattooparlour (at Pretty Grotesque Tattoos)

[brownhillsbob]

#365daysofbiking Blue wonder:

March 13th - A very windy, unpleasant day, but I had to pop to Tipton.

On the way, in Wednesbury’s Brunswick Park, I spotted this patch of grape hyacinths, tiny blue flowers that are one of my favourites in spring. Their composition - of multiple, tiny bell-like flowers is fascinating and one of the joys of the season.

I note also now that the crocuses are finished, a real sign of they year’s progression. Christmas now seems an age ago...

This journal is moving home. Please find out more by clicking here.

[brownhillsbob]

June 8th - A lovely evening after a grey, dull day so I fell out of work and hit the canals into Birmingham, then over Sandwell Valley Park to Smethwick, then back through the City Centre, a curry in Aston and home.

The summer really is excellent this year, I must say, and in the unexpectedly golden evening, the canals, city and park glowed beautifully and were beautiful and vibrant. 

I don’t think I’d rather live anywhere else as long as all this is just a short ride away.

[brownhillsbob]

September 5th - I was lucky in the morning, my early commute just clipped the edge of the forecast rain, and I didn’t get wet, but when I nipped out mid day on an errant to Wednesbury, I was caught in a downpour.

The flowers in Brunswick Park seemed to enjoy it though. I most do more on Brunswick, it’s another beautiful urban oasis that’s often unappreciated.

Can we have summer back, please? Thanks.