My challenge title this week was "Poverty' - I swallowed hard at that one! This has been the most difficult so far.
If I had more confidence I could have asked for a picture from the lady sitting on the pavement outside the busy chemist with a crochet blanket over her legs. Or the busker who was deep in conversation at the time I walked past. Or perhaps the homeless monk who lives in a tent by the beach. Or even the lady who lives in her car near the campsite. All seemed horribly inappropriate and I felt that even if I had been braver, it would have been taking advantage.
I originally went into the library to source Dickens' famous quote re annual income and the librarian kindly pointed out books on the Cost of Living Crisis. So these have formed the majority of shots in this collage along with an appeal for food donations in a local supermarket and an image of the outside of the local food bank (which I made sure was shut at the time)!
I found your narrative (essay) very interesting to read Felicity. Your concern and compassion for people you could have used for your strangers' project, or a taken a sneaky candid of, is palpable in your words. A very powerful collage, nailed a very tough challenge
@30pics4jackiesdiamond Mr Macawber. Supposedly Dickens met Mr Chicken who lived on Micklegate in York and built Mr Macawber around a man who said, “ annual income £20, expenditure £19 19 shillings and 6pence. All good. Spend £20 & 6pence. All bad” or words to that effect. Can’t remember the exact phrase, but basically spend a bit less than your income. For some this is now very, very difficult and we are most of us an incident away from hardship. Is this ok, Felicity, you can tell me off later if I’ve been naughty!
@fbailey Handled with aplomb, Felicity, you've found an impressive solution. Every day I pass a lady selling the Big Issue (meant to give dignity without begging) from a camping chair in the High Street. This triggered the poverty challenge. Your essay is much appreciated and as fas as I am concerned an essential part of your challenge response. I can't find the courage myself to strike up a conversation, although we're told that this would be preferred to disregard.
What IS the dickens quote btw??!