BRAIDS

One of the best things about moving back to Lewisham is the twenty or so barbers and hairdressers on my road. Mainly Afro-Carribean, I took it as an instant challenge to find the best braids.

I'd only ever had two at a time before, but wanted to try four... I don't know what it is, but as soon as I walk in all the women getting their weaves done kiss their teeth and look at me blankly as if I'm going to ask for directions.

They usually tell me £40 or more for braids, thinking that I'll pay anything. These ones were too tight, and even though I love the back of them, I look like I have four horns from the front.

Took them out only an hour later, so all I have from this expensive experiment is this photo... My search will continue.

TAKE COURAGE

People have joked that as soon as I'm back in London, my Instagram turns grey. Every other picture is of some scrawled graffiti, run-down high street shops, Off Licenses and council estates.

I can see how these things can be mundane, perhaps even depressing to some. Just this week on the train home, the lady next to me (an aging, extensioned and botoxed woman) tutted as we went through Lewisham. I watched her shake her head and pull her handbag just that little closer as she grimaced at the tags scribbled under bridges.

I could see how she could think it dirty, an eye-sore. But I've always been fascinated by street art, no matter how well executed. Inspired that someone has taken the time to make a mark there (even if sometimes they are pretty shit).

So yes, I will continue to fill my Instagram with whatever catches my eye - whether traditionally beautiful or not. I believe that whatever makes me stop whatever I'm doing, enough so to try and capture it... Is worth sharing.

All photos are recent Instagram posts (I'm @lsiss) - 1. Shoreditch. 2. Took a wrong turn in Soho on my lunch break. 3. Shoreditch "Big D". 4. On the train platform at New Cross. 5. The morning sun in an alley across from my work. 6. Local council flats, while waiting for the bus in Bromley.