Wednesday 31 March 2010

Paul Brady - The Island

A brilliant song, beautifully sung by its author, one of my favourite songwriters. If you were thinking that you had a cause to fight and that it might be worth considering violence to achieve your ends, then you could do worse than listen closely to the words of this song.

Wednesday 24 March 2010

Hello in there...

My buddy Alan Scott sends me these funnies occasionally. This one particularly made me chuckle...

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen.
The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great.. I would recommend it very highly.'
The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?'
The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love?
You know.... The one that's red and has thorns.'
'Do you mean a rose?'
'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'

Tuesday 23 March 2010

CLAS AGM in that London

A trip a couple of weeks ago to the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society AGM at the British Library. I joined CLAS last year so this was my first experience of being at one of their events and getting to know a few people, see some superb work, and generally imbibe the atmosphere around a gathering of some top calligraphers.

First off was the business AGM, election of officers etc; all very capably led through by chair Janet Meghan, with a skilful mix of serious intent and humour.At lunchtime a wonderful exhibition 'Art & The Letter' with work submitted from CLAS members. I liked the fact that they mixed up the three elements - 'Beginner, More Experienced, Advanced' all over the exhibition. Some brilliant stuff as you can see. Managed to limit myself to one purchase from the book stall - Edward Johnston's definitive 'Writing, Illuminating and Lettering', a paperback bargain at £4!

After lunch a lecture with Professor Ewan Clayton and Dr Manny Ling, from the Sunderland University, Calligraphy Centre of Excellence. Fascinating sharing of their very different approaches to their craft, with lovely insights as to their backgrounds and also some spiritual influences.

Sunday 7 March 2010

Deer... right here... in Cramlington

Spotted these four lovely deer feeding on the field this morning across from our house in Cramlington. Country ways... country ways!