Category: Photography and Art

Mannequins and Wax at Belleva

I have a fear of deadlines. Years ago, I used to design, sell and hire out mannequins. They were not the easiest things to package and deliver. Human size. A little like working in a morgue but within the fashion sector. I had to ensure the mannequins were delivered to venues, then dressed accordingly and returned immediately afterwards, as otherwise I could lose them. They would end up buried away in prop rooms or worst still, stolen. I did ask for a deposit to cover this eventuality, so we still got by. But you know, I sort of got attached to the dummies. There will be mannequins here at Belleva and we are at 30 St Chad’s Road Blackpool.

I have spent over two years renovating Belleva. It’s been done in stages, and I have paid attention to each small detail. As this is a project with my ‘creative’ side, I have not simply done the basic requirements to get the doors open and take bookings. I have savored each small move, as I want to appreciate everything life gives to me. I want to see the reason why I have had so many challenges. It’s certainly made me wiser, because when things go wrong, I take time alone to reflect where this could have been done differently. And when humans intentionally hurt me, I ask myself why I allowed this to happen. Being ‘creative’ has the same ‘empathetic’ values within our sensitivity radar. It goes hand in hand.

The important thing in life is not to go looking for negativity and to have strength to focus only on that which drives us forward with optimism and positive mindset. I have had some promotional opportunities but it’s a 7-bed hotel, so I don’t really want to overburden the public arena. It really is about balance.

I don’t want to exist hanging on reviews either, as doing this trade for over 3 years most of ‘my’ visitors don’t do mobile phones etc, which surprised me with this ‘internet culture’ many live almost simulations existence within. When in the past I have had the ‘not so nice’ reviews there is always a hidden reason. And it’s usually we just didn’t get on – but generally speaking I did well considering I didn’t really know what the hell I was doing. It is a pity small business cannot review their guests by return as there are some shitty manners out there. Although I always say and will stand by, most people really are adorable. And there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism. But when a guest leaves smiling saying they’ve had the best time ever then resort to the web to complain, it’s too late for me to do anything.

With Tripadvisor they do a hashtag to position each venue and this is based on many factors to include how often the venue is open and available. So for instance if a hotel closes during the week they will be near the back of the hashtag score. I don’t buy into that shit.

I have made Belleva in Blackpool an adult only hotel and often wonder whether I have made a mistake but the amount of washing up and laundry we get with larger occupancy to rooms is a lot of work. It took me sometimes until lunch time to get up straight after breakfast and then the piles of laundry were overwhelming. I am 56 years old and think that running a couples (adults) hotel will be more manageable, as I do have a life beyond cleaning.

I am really excited to share my home. And yes, to me it is my home – as I put my heart into the things I have chosen to do in life. Although my apartment at the back is my own little hub of happiness. It’s like having two lives all in one place and I am glad to be on this journey.

There have been mishaps. I flooded my bay window room. Nothing really matches (but I knew it wouldn’t). I shouldn’t have stored my furnishings in there whilst it was still being renovated but I was so excited I couldn’t wait.

If I could start again though, I would still make mistakes. But I am being true to myself and have some good people around me. St Chad’s Road is a lovely street. We cannot get along with everyone as some people don’t want harmony in favour of resentment but generally speaking I have met the most inspiring and sweet people in my life within my neighbours and community. They really have given me so much support in so many ways. I hope we continue to get along as Blackpool is big enough for everyone. There is so much progress being made here. The town is shifting and changing and the art is mind blowing. Tonight I have been invited to watch Alright play their first live gig and I am taking Josie. Also, I am doing some work for Stay Blackpool this weekend. Blackpool is a good place to live as there are no awkward introductions, you can get straight into groups and crafts. Everyone is very sweet.

As for breakfast. I have had a lot of feedback about this. My guests want the full English. I also want to offer a more extensive vegan option. Since we have local produce delivered to our doors I will probably stick with the more traditional approach. But I will also be doing meals. Belleva is my ‘social’ too and I want to talk with you all. I want us to nibble at posh natural cheese, organic fruit, dips and yummy desserts.

Remember I have my soap and wax counter too. If anyone fancies making some melts or candles with me let me know. Would love to play!

You will also meet my friends some of which are other hoteliers and interesting people from our community. They just drop in. I have no idea where this will take us but life’s short.

See you Soon.

Tiffany Belle Harper.

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Say ‘Doodle Day’

Sometimes when we feel helpless with just wanting a day off. Do it. To stop worrying about commitments and obligations and just Doodle. Feel our own art and crafts without guilt or regret. You can make posters with vectors, pics, quotes and put them around the place. It’s not an expensive hobby and will make you feel ‘spesh’.

Jealousy is a horrid, horrid thing and something I cannot admit to ever feeling because when someone impresses me I want to be friends with them or at least send them kudos. So don’t waste your time with worthless emotions. Turn those small minded thoughts to being original and of a positive mindset. I am going to tackle the cellar. Have a great week and get over it. Life is too short so live it out with some kind of purpose that helps others. It all comes back tenfold. It really does. Smile and Smile Again! It’s contagious.

Tiff. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper

July = focused + heart = bliss

It was lovely to have some time with my family last week. Also to catch up with my heart. To have some space. Nice to get home to my friends too. Somethings are best kept personal. A wasps nest is in my shed. It’s fascinating what nature can do. The grey piece of art work below is another masterpiece by Mother Nature. Many of you would want to remove the wasps but the trouble is with a lot of town and city folk they believe that hampering with nature is progressive. It’s not. Let them come to you. If you try to tame any animal they struggle to adapt to the wild. That’s why I don’t call Percy down or expect him to perform like a monkey in a circus in a mainstream pivot of fake news that costs money and time. He comes here when he wants and small moments I share when he allows. Nature isn’t a show piece. As ‘that’ we are probably starting to ‘increasingly’ realise, with recent events. Let’s enjoy being ‘personal’ it’s right. Less is More. Saves money too. Watch out for the quiet ones, they’re making music.

Tiff. X

Holy Well Southam
Peony my Garden

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Flowers and Nature – Space and Freedom – July 2020

Sometimes we do need to switch off and find our root source. That can be a beach or a park, a balcony with terrace pots, a river, stream, a puddle of ‘sea water’ or just a pile of soil. Yes, sometimes – we do just need peace to connect with Gaia. Not so often we take our universe for granted, but enough to appreciate space and tranquillity in incredibly healthy doses.

Less is More … but I do also believe, hard work is good for the soul. That combined with a small tribe who love us unconditionally. The rest is crap – keep it simple. Stay focused on your own business and look after those who are in your heart because really, as you grow older you do realise that love is all we need. Love is Everything and when we magnify that message it comes back to us. Get rid of the rubbish and find new purpose to serve your journey best.

The last two years I have under gone every experience. Many of us can also say that. Be glad as life is about lessons, so … learn it well. I am glad I have gone through this huge transition. It has released a lot of anguish and I realise the biggest problem around me will probably always be jealousy. I do not have huge amounts of cash stashed in bank accounts. I am what I earn. And if ever I get rewarded for my hard work, I re-invest in the community ‘over and over’ again. Despite being shit on, despite being robbed, blackmailed and often made to feel terrified to be alone, even ‘at times’ going for a walk, I am blessed because there is a silver lining to every bad situation. We just have to face our fears and never quit.

I owe most of my life to my kids. I love my boys. They have never had it easy. But I do want them to always know that each step I take I do it for their future and hope life is kinder in many more ways. When I love, I do so unconditionally and when I am hurt I never forget. I stay remembering because I don’t want anyone to feel the wrath inflicted upon me. We should always stand up to nastiness and the best way to do that is to be your very best self. A smile can anger more than a punch.

We also need to know that being stalked or harassed is not a right we ever have to accept. If you don’t want someone in your life and they continue to enforce that power, then they are breaking the code of harmony. Send them karma. Karma is instant.

And no matter how strange your ‘one true love’ may seem to others, tell yourself, those who glare should take off their shades and face the ground with their own sense of self worth. Your business is your own – so tell them … “don’t mock others – go get your life together instead of staring at your phones all day. It ain’t happening here”.

Play music – set yourself free – let go of time – dance in the kitchen and sing in the rain – it’s quality not quantity. Don’t be greedy. Put your wealth on the table for those who gave you their aspirations so freely. Stand up to liars and thieves. What you earn is not their right. Let them dig for their own pennies. We all need to use a shovel.

Take time to support animal welfare. You don’t have to be famous or significant in terms of anything other a sense of wanting to share your home or land with the helpless. Actions speak louder than words.

Ask good neighbours how they are doing – keep doors locked to the bad. Watch out for quiet friends and don’t assume the loudest ones are not depressed either. Humans are complexed beings. Take care of those who take care of you both mentally and demonstratively. And remember, it is not your birth right to spend your free time trying to adjust to people who bore the hell out you. I avoid such situations.

Have at least one day a week where you don’t check your emails and turn off your phone. Life will manage without you in short measures. Stress and anxiety are no good for your balance – slow down when it gets too much.

You don’t need to meditate. Gardening, walking and crafting work just as well – if not better. You don’t  need to look great in gym wear or hang out with dolly birds – you can be just as happy in your pyjamas in the back yard, if you can hear the birds and smell the clean air – you can feel so free.

Look behind the pictures of your greatest ‘current day’ icons. We are much the same behind the curtains. Don’t buy the hype. Empty vessels make most noise. Tell people you love them. Love is not a dirty word and love is not a weakness. Love is all we have. Be thankful for it because one day it could be gone.

Appreciate those that make sacrifices for you to thrive and cherish – those whom you trust. As trust is the hardest thing of all. If you can count the people you ‘trust’ on one hand you are rich. In terms of that, I have wealth. I have some gorgeous people around me. But it’s taken a lot of lessons to find this. I want to maintain the balance. I really do … and I want those who know how much I love them to understand how grateful I am.

Tiff. X

by Tiffany Belle Harper

Sunday sharing – happy solstice – candles – nature #diary

Last year my mobile was stolen from by my bed, I got used to this type of thing – but what I can never replace are the pictures in it. An entire year of memories. I have learned to lock the back door and my flat door, claiming our own space.  At the time I was so disorganised. I have a lot of pictures to sort out. My eldest son has started drawing once more. I am pleased. Being in isolation can be so soul searching. I got a day out at The Lakes with Marc and Nathan. We did have a lovely time. Been working in The Nester. I cannot rush this as I have not put a plan in action. It’s not about anything other than feeling right for me and those I love. It will come together organically … just like everything else we do.

My birthday was nice this year. I was not expecting any type of celebration. Many of my neighbours said hello which was so lovely and a lot of my old friends found me on a little private Facebook I set up, so I could manage the business accounts from it. I didn’t know until the day after when Marc told me I had messages. I felt quite emotional as it bought back some beautiful memories of my more spiritually enhanced days – days when I lived totally in the moment. I am hoping the girls will come and do some workshops with me. They are just fantastic women. Also Janet Alleyne is going to host a baking weekend hopefully in September. I really want this to happen. It will be an all inclusive weekend in Blackpool. Going to give my dad another quick call as this morning I was doing ten other things. I want to make sure he is okay. I have to visit my parents and eldest son very soon. I have not seen them for months. I want to get away for a bit. Tiff. X

 

by Tiffany Belle Harper