At the start of December I took part in a showcase of work by artists who’d been supported by the Unlimited programme. It was at the Toynbee Studios and we performed our show Backstage In Biscuit Land which was funded by their research and development award.

Before the performance I met and chatted with my friend and fellow disabled artist Katherine. I also met her two Chihuahuas for the first time. Katherine was keen that I should develop some Chihuahua-based tics. But Tourettes isn’t brilliantly reliable when asked for something specific. My echolalia did kick in though and I repeated the word a few times. But other than that no tics occurred.

At least not until earlier today when a flurry of Chihuahua-based statements flew out:

“Like a Chihuahua on a rollercoaster with a Ken Dodd look-alike.”
“Wetter than a Chihuahua’s tongue in a waterfall.”
“Chihuahuas turn fourteen frowns into a model of the Eiffel Tower.”
“It’s a Chihuahua/Darcey Bussell cross.”
“82% of Chihuahuas know themselves intimately.”
“Chihuahuas dancing in your dreams.”
“There’s a Chihuahua at the end of the rainbow.”
“Chihuahua baby-grow.”
“Bow down to the superiority of a Chihuahua’s foot.”
“Chihuahua, your self-esteem is bigger than your brain.”

Who knows if any of these will stick around, but I’m very pleased, Katherine, that eventually my unusual neurology saw fit to make your wish come true.

Big love to Chihuahuas everywhere.