I've just seen the most fabulous fireworks fiesta that I've seen for a very long time. It was really well thought out. A real feast for the eyes. So I though I'd share a few of Andrew's photos with you, which he took from our roof in St. Julian's.

Malta

And I'm finally painting again, thanks to Andrew who picked up supplies for me. The paintings(I have 6 on the go at the moment) are all for the exhibition in October. I'll be posting pictures of each one as it's completed. It feels really good to have a brush in my hand again. And to be squeezing tubes of colour.

Yesterday I had confirmation that the solo exhibition which had been planned for October will go ahead. The original discussion had taken place a few months ago but due to my back problems I had left it on hold. I'm very excited, it's my first solo exhibition here on the island and I am grateful to the German-Maltese Circle for offering me their exhibition space, which is located in lovely old Messina Palace in Valletta

I have a lot of work to do to make up for the last 2 months of lolling around in bed. I hope to show some wips, if I have the time.

Haven't been able to post anything recently as I slipped a disc 8 weeks ago and have been more or less confined to bed and on the happy pills (pain killers).

During those weeks, apart from reading a huge amount I have not been able to do much else. The last week or so, I've started to get back to normal – I'm like the walking wounded now.

As soon as I was able to move about – I went back into my studio and lay on the day bed. Hobbling along the hallway form the darkness of the bedroom to the brightness of my studio really lifted my mood. I analysed the paintings on the walls. Which I found to be a very good exercise. It has also given me so many new ideas and I have many paintings in my head now – enough for several series, which I will start on as soon as I'm physically able.

I've managed to complete a couple of abstract charcoals which I had started before the disc incident. Playing with charcoal whilst flat on my back wasn't easy and the sheets retained a lot of the lovely grey tones from the dust.

I've also managed to complete a few pencil sketches and my gallery is now split into two sections: “Acrylics” and “Charcoal & Pencils”. A third section for digi-art will be added soon.