Towns, Cities and Villages – Page 2

The Bae Suite for Robert by Tiffy Belle

The Bae Suite is at the villa house on St Chad’s Road, South Shore. It is situated on the first floor at the front of the place. It’s just the most romantic space. Light and airy. High ceilings with all the original architraving and SKIRTING. Deco BEVELED walls. The windows are embellished with the Lancashire Rose cut glass detail. Wooden vertical made to fit blinds.

It was the last room to be renovated. The bathroom didn’t exist. There was a communal shower room and cupboard in the hallway. We knocked that through into the bedroom and created a doorway. Thus the bedroom became a suite with luxurious bathroom. It was a lot of work.

I had a kindred spirit to The South, named ‘Robert’ for many years. A reassuring comfort that totally got where I was going with the chaos of Blackpool. We hooked up distantly throughout lockdown. Invasive circumstances got in our way but you can never break a bond. I guess it just gets stronger for us but in bigger ways with art and often pain. Injustice is a cowardly thing when there’s a blot of hate on the privacy of life.

I called the suite The Bae Suite. Bay (window) as in Bae, and Bae as in ‘Sweetie’. And I have no regrets. I am not ashamed to show my true feelings. I am not afraid either. Otherwise, cross signals become distorted. They are so very misunderstood. Make it clear who you want around. Specify who you do not want around. Then it’s resolved as far as I am concerned. I guess this attitude would go a long way in the world of stalkers and the bored. They would understand it if they read it in ‘black and white’. This is opposed to scheming up stuff that only exists in their imagination.

The Bae Suite was a tribute to Robert. However, it was very much influenced by all the sentimental and quirky artefacts. I had not yet found a home for them in the house. It was my favourite room to style and by now I had absolutely no budget. Everything in this suite tells a story. And Danielle was hugely helpful with the project. So The Bae Suite sort of morphed together with a lot of community findings, artwork from me and Northern artists. The walls are a popular colour by Dulux. ‘Polished Pebbles’ and even the tiles were inherited from another job. But it all works like a blissful family. You can put any style or colour of bedding here.

I love this space so much. And will be adding more images here over the coming days. They’re all over the place because of issues with my data. Also, my laptop is currently not functioning well for the same reason.

It’s disappointed that self development is able to provoke resentment in the modern world. But I guess that’s also ‘doing something right’. Some people hate progress. I hope I never become one of them. Life’s too good to be twisted.

Robert is diverse, artful and rebellious. I love his groove. Those with him are lucky to be there. Carpe Diem you wonderful lot.

Tiffy Belle. X

August 25, 2024October 25, 2024 by Tiffany Belle Harper

Music and Crafting go hand in hand by Tiffy Belle

I find comfort in music. It’s a mood changer for all of us. I have a varied taste. I love soulful tunes. Sometimes Hip Hop. House. Chill. But mostly these last few years, it’s been Jazz. It’s proven that Jazz music calms our minds. And with so much responsiblity and sometimes tough situations, music really helps get me through the day.

I try to avoid over thinking or falling toward a negative mindset. Jazz puts things right in my focus and I can tick along with tasks if the atmosphere is mellow. Other times, especially late at night, I crack open a beer or have a glass of wine and enjoy some dance tunes.

Here’s some songs that run deep for me. I told my kids, when it’s my time. Don’t do me any funeral. I just want you to play these tunes then forget about it all. Not that I am in a hurry to go anywhere, but the world can be a dangerous place, so it’s always best to prepare.

Although much of life is full of love. And our best talks are with strangers we meet through work or out on the streets, a supermarket isle, etc, etc. Or to be in the comfort of our tribe. Likeminded chill people inbetween projects.

I am an advocate of eye contact. You can tell a lot by a smile and the sincerity of the eyes. Our sensories are imperative tools to find a natural chemistry. And with the right music, we find the equilibrium. Sometimes we just need to slow down, take a break to let the right moment catch up.

Sound can be as good as prayer or meditation. It’s about inner calm or a source of invigoration. It’s our right to dance in the kitchen or around the bubbling pot. I miss it. A ‘should be’ private thing for all the sisterhood. Not so for some. Music is universal. It can unite and transpire toward so many portals to be felt within the network of source. Women need dance that goes undisturbed. And no man has the right to take that from her spirit without consent.