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Wearing a mask

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You’d never know it by looking at me. You’ll never know that today, just getting out of bed was a victory. The smile I give at the store was the only one I had in me. My forced facial expression, my clothes, my routine - I’m still breaking. Because grief doesn’t always look like tears. Sometimes it looks like forced laughter. Like perfectly turned out. Like showing up, nodding politely, and answering, “I’m doing okay,” when I’m really not. I wear the mask to protect myself. To keep from making people uncomfortable. To keep from breaking down in the middle of a meeting, a dinner, a day. But underneath? I'm screaming. I'm trying my best to hold it together with threadbare hope and sheer willpower. I'm carrying the weight of the person I lost in everything I do - quietly, invisibly, relentlessly. So, if I seem short today, or quiet, or like I'm “not myself"... If I cancel plans or I don’t answer a text... If I smile, but it doesn’t quite reach my eyes... Please rememb...
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August Showcase

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 At Steven Howard Gallery they are showcasing quite a few additional pieces in August and their exclusive members are getting discounts of up to 15% when applying a promo code at checkout. (Minimum spend £240 applies). Click image to subscribe To become a member simply subscribe and they'll send you the most recent newsletter link with their monthly offer.
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Location: Unit 70, Trentham Retail Shopping Village, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8AX, UK
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MUM ❤️

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It's with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have the heartbreaking announcement of the passing of my Mum. You were one in a million. Passed away peacefully Saturday 19th April 2025.  You've grown your angel wings, heaven has truly gained a new angel. I'm absolutely heartbroken and in complete shock. My tears just won't stop. I know that we can't live forever and I know we can't choose our time. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye and yet I drove as quickly as I could to be with you but the angels took you so quick. No pain now and no worries. Rest in peace mum, you're with your dad, your mum and brothers, Terry and Bill.  I was only looking at some old photos a few days ago of aunty nans farm. You loved going on the farm and I loved the stories you told me. So sorry we didn't get to celebrate Mother's Day like we used to, what I would give to have one last chat together. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, your love and guidance, ...
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Location: Cromer Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6QN, UK
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Reflections

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  I wanted to name my latest oil painting "The sea, the sky & everything in-between" but having numerous discussions with others, the thought was the title was too long. The decision to name it "Reflections" was easy, because that's what the painting conjours up. We reflect on stages in life, make decisions, set out goals and celebrate achievements. Not forgetting of course the obvious reflections of the boats and masts captured in the deep blues to create the sea.   "Reflections" it is and the series will be "The sea, the sky & everything in-between". More paintings of the ocean, beach scenes and coastline will be displayed in the coming months at the gallery in Trentham along with paintings from the gardens.  I've decided to tackle some commissions, pet portraits will be accepted on a  "First come, first served"  basis and will begin in May. Just pop into Steven Howard Gallery at Trentham and we'll take your detail...
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Location: Kiosk 1 Trentham shopping village, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8AX, UK
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Thank You ❤️

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 To all our loyal customers, your support is very much appreciated. We couldn't have done it without you.  Although my personal journey started when I was just 3 years old, our journey as a small business started just 2 years ago. The markets were hard work, sorting stock out for the next event, getting up in the early hours on Saturday morning. It wasn't too bad in Summer, but winter, that was harsh! Anyway that's all in the past, we are now settled in our Trentham gallery/shop. Click image for website Steven Howard Gallery  Unit 70, Trentham Retail Village,  Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent. ST4 8AX  In just 6 weeks it does seem we have out grown our little shop already! Who knows where our next adventure will take us? A bigger gallery where you can have a sit down and a coffee while you ponder over the next wall art for your home. See you all very soon!
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Location: Steven Howard Gallery Unit 70, Trentham Retail Village, Stone Rd, Stoke-on-Trent. ST4 8AX, UK
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New Painting on the easel.

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Yes, not quite March, but my last painting "Misty Morning" has been reserved, so it's off to the photographer. A new painting on the go for the gallery/shop is underway titled "Young hearts run free!" It's about halfway and should take me a few more days of titivating between drying times and a spot of fine detailing.  This painting conjures up so many emotions! A young couple running through a puddle barefoot passing an old abandoned church. You can see the final developments of this painting throughout the latter days of February until it's completion in March and other examples of my work at the Gallery/Shop in Trentham Shopping Village. Steven Howard Kiosk 1 Trentham Retail Village Stone Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8AX
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Location: Stone Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8AX, UK
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It's been a week!

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 Yes, it's been a week. Everyday from 10am till 5pm in the Gallery/Shop at Trentham Shopping Village. Saturday 1st February was absolutely unbelievable, the Chinese New Year Festival was in full swing, the place was buzzing and the Gallery had a great day. In fact the Sunday was also busy, it did tail off in the week just as I expected but the footfall at Trentham was still busy. I'm painting an original every month to keep up with demand. It's quite funny people were mistaking me for an artist that has challenged himself to paint an original every day. "Are you that guy that's bin on TV? He's painting a painting every day tha nose!" "If only I could, I have one eye, I have difficulty painting at all tha nose" lol.  The piece I'm working on at the minute is called Morning Mist and is the first in in the series of Friendship. Pop in anytime from 10am and 5pm until the end of February to see it completed. A new piece will be on the easel in Mar...
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Location: Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8JG, UK
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