tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85771638254850084522024-03-05T23:57:33.772+00:00Doing A ThingAn Introvert Does StuffUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger380125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-12399202674981571632018-07-14T16:27:00.003+01:002018-07-14T16:27:22.795+01:00Victoria and Albert Museum<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-3IvcwCXDOBsLVfWmBIKOMbqIelCDMrR2yiPIn9Q-UM9_NdSnyC_l9qL1V0gLkIKRTienJ9HLOxE6Cu1bTROW9gGenpYY5A_Eb19PQ5GglTKw8nDsDd9WNl5MHT-p7xHBAcjoNMfxh37/s1600/vam01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-3IvcwCXDOBsLVfWmBIKOMbqIelCDMrR2yiPIn9Q-UM9_NdSnyC_l9qL1V0gLkIKRTienJ9HLOxE6Cu1bTROW9gGenpYY5A_Eb19PQ5GglTKw8nDsDd9WNl5MHT-p7xHBAcjoNMfxh37/s1600/vam01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the John Madejski Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A few weeks ago, a friend and I went into London to have a nose around the <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Victoria & Albert Museum</a>. Entry is free, and it's really easy to get to because it has its own exit from one of the tube stations!<br />
<br />
There's so much to see that it would be impossible to sum it all up in one post (or even to properly take it all in during one visit!) but here are a few highlights...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24GBavG-iYRU8E9zpY1zA0RpO_R87xnjPdFPHDINysr3YWH4ZzBqhICno-KcXWJlyQ089mt4sMLKFAGCWLYvEEuWO29oOJrcPKA123KNGHQlRFV1iqtO6TtCF-l3-rwB03-FOs5J2VBZa/s1600/vam02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24GBavG-iYRU8E9zpY1zA0RpO_R87xnjPdFPHDINysr3YWH4ZzBqhICno-KcXWJlyQ089mt4sMLKFAGCWLYvEEuWO29oOJrcPKA123KNGHQlRFV1iqtO6TtCF-l3-rwB03-FOs5J2VBZa/s1600/vam02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trajan's Column</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was my second visit to the V&A, the first being several years ago now, when half the sections I'd hoped to see were closed to visitors!<br />
This time around, I had a little more luck--the only thing I couldn't get close to was Trajan's column, which was recommended to me (the gallery is underground renovation/conservation). But I did manage to get this snap of it through one of the windows that looks out onto the gallery. It was interesting to see the varying stages of work going on in there!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZoEGT5c7ensCp7bxqP0NN0ah_7Aj3roKs_UcKUYdtG3wPZ3LtvlIYrzCMMXVq_RJy9INQN8YAWp_f_UHbKJ1h3BOv2niOU0K_bd68vW1T5M4Df2JhfUVog6dW-z5eLA_vG2sofGdi0LV/s1600/vam03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZoEGT5c7ensCp7bxqP0NN0ah_7Aj3roKs_UcKUYdtG3wPZ3LtvlIYrzCMMXVq_RJy9INQN8YAWp_f_UHbKJ1h3BOv2niOU0K_bd68vW1T5M4Df2JhfUVog6dW-z5eLA_vG2sofGdi0LV/s1600/vam03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachael Kneebone, <i>399 Days</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though it wasn't exactly the same as seeing Trajan's Column, I did spot this contemporary piece standing proud amongst the traditional. Having <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.com/2015/05/singing-in-bath-art-at-brighton-festival.html" target="_blank">admired Rachael Kneebone's work</a> at Brighton Festival a few years ago, I immediately recognised the style in this piece, <i>399 Days</i>. This wasn't something I expected to see at the V&A! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFTtNz0mBT1VlPH-qaUDjxF0QQoi4X9qKqfl9shkKjkZgbIdfdfOGHcEqbOgL1dRdC8sdUfKJiy4MahHIscpETN6fwcWorLoF0EfUfGvAIyKTjpIn1KcW1iMFwPNLVv_dGTCqCcT6F-HM/s1600/vam04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFTtNz0mBT1VlPH-qaUDjxF0QQoi4X9qKqfl9shkKjkZgbIdfdfOGHcEqbOgL1dRdC8sdUfKJiy4MahHIscpETN6fwcWorLoF0EfUfGvAIyKTjpIn1KcW1iMFwPNLVv_dGTCqCcT6F-HM/s1600/vam04.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tipu's Tiger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Despite the huge number of rooms and exhibits (and the huge number of visitors!) at the museum, we still managed to see quite a lot, including some pieces I'd previously only heard of or seen in pictures, such as Tipu's Tiger, a wooden automaton made to near-life size proportions for an eighteenth century Indian sultan.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zpv-KcUkRKSIOkRnycjdpkVejrjeLjodrEzQ9P1f45hkCxw9yC4LrsYe7X9N2x4h8BkwQx3wedN989Td9Ek34h_ho2U6mCywFnwwDyNPc6_kQYHYn8yTNtx6pSDC6mdr-7g3UbWJra-9/s1600/vam05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zpv-KcUkRKSIOkRnycjdpkVejrjeLjodrEzQ9P1f45hkCxw9yC4LrsYe7X9N2x4h8BkwQx3wedN989Td9Ek34h_ho2U6mCywFnwwDyNPc6_kQYHYn8yTNtx6pSDC6mdr-7g3UbWJra-9/s1600/vam05.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening coat by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1939</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took a (brief) look around the fashion section, which was closed last time I was there. It was only a brief look because the area was so busy, which was a little disappointing. But it was nice to finally see it anyway!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhyhNXOJDv-ZKzQJeTOLKUa58XanPRII2WRnPCFOx2BUdvr_bKC90oSNJ7LNtjXPoYYlXQmPhO5jx5fVkp9qmyVVXhHqwF98OZRvwYrhWVKzmB9JcIlbJGimUbfEgzcYnz9XrGkG6rAke/s1600/vam06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhyhNXOJDv-ZKzQJeTOLKUa58XanPRII2WRnPCFOx2BUdvr_bKC90oSNJ7LNtjXPoYYlXQmPhO5jx5fVkp9qmyVVXhHqwF98OZRvwYrhWVKzmB9JcIlbJGimUbfEgzcYnz9XrGkG6rAke/s1600/vam06.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section of ceiling on the ceramic staircase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are so many features of the museum, it's really impossible to write about them all in great depth. There are exhibits that feature jewellery, miniatures, silverware, theatre, contemporary design, classical sculpture/architecture, Japan, China, Korea, and <i>so much more</i>.<br />
I won't even try to squeeze everything into this post, but I'll finish with this photo of one of the ceilings. As we were walking around, my friend (a frequent visitor of the V&A) advised me to 'look up'. I wasn't disappointed (and possibly ended up looking at the ceilings as much as I did the exhibition cabinets!) Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-53054171468684215232018-05-17T10:30:00.000+01:002018-05-17T10:30:06.074+01:00David Shrigley's Life Model II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tpQHVJuAf5YfHgwZ42VAzapzicnBzjjbzyQMlNNXs4uSdjMVSV79xLr6gfSOeE8Us3TiugAH2_8Lr_2ZHssBRNz4NSlfFXOa9EPEtAvCoEYgc-XTcgTB2qsvDS5U2bGEQQ0UIMdDaY6h/s1600/shrigleylifemodelii_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tpQHVJuAf5YfHgwZ42VAzapzicnBzjjbzyQMlNNXs4uSdjMVSV79xLr6gfSOeE8Us3TiugAH2_8Lr_2ZHssBRNz4NSlfFXOa9EPEtAvCoEYgc-XTcgTB2qsvDS5U2bGEQQ0UIMdDaY6h/s1600/shrigleylifemodelii_01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Last post I mentioned that Brighton Fringe is happening, but May is also the month of Brighton Festival! This year's guest director is David Shrigley, and there's currently an exhibition of his piece <i>Life Model II</i> at Fabrica (one of my favourite galleries!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqzyUeaO5CenlXOI4DrAOGdq3GO-gYndQW90-1yxFUrzRM4VD2KaOMmS72BIMVFMVU-07uRrLN7EAo4LzQW1-W-Xe-dlrHSfkkaG4rF2-VV1JQ9uB1x0skUl-E-hAFOBYfG18XnJXiqvG/s1600/shrigleylifemodelii_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqzyUeaO5CenlXOI4DrAOGdq3GO-gYndQW90-1yxFUrzRM4VD2KaOMmS72BIMVFMVU-07uRrLN7EAo4LzQW1-W-Xe-dlrHSfkkaG4rF2-VV1JQ9uB1x0skUl-E-hAFOBYfG18XnJXiqvG/s1600/shrigleylifemodelii_02.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The main feature of this exhibition is a huge female mannequin of slightly 'off' proportions, and the gallery is set up to resemble a life-drawing class. There are easels, beanbags and chairs available, and visitors are invited to use the materials provided to draw the mannequin (who periodically blinks with an audible click). The drawings are then stuck to the walls around the gallery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vLJGsOYCPcvnWvDnKdjRRYs1iA12V_cKbydfml8a5kUA-hIU0ds70xgDoR4zMw-qg7p7YNPiskESwZ4dkMU55aYLZlA8ttDTvvRCIezePsVLubG_jJ6EcO68RebbhkDy1bpONsRKRSB7/s1600/shrigleylifemodelii_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vLJGsOYCPcvnWvDnKdjRRYs1iA12V_cKbydfml8a5kUA-hIU0ds70xgDoR4zMw-qg7p7YNPiskESwZ4dkMU55aYLZlA8ttDTvvRCIezePsVLubG_jJ6EcO68RebbhkDy1bpONsRKRSB7/s1600/shrigleylifemodelii_03.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to say I didn't expect to end up drawing a naked mannequin when I stepped into the gallery, but it's always fun when exhibitions have some kind of immersive or interactive feature--something Fabrica's exhibitions are very good at!<br />
<br />
Alas, I cannot draw...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-76182453287007420242018-05-16T14:19:00.000+01:002018-05-16T14:19:51.963+01:00Inside the Fringe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilljkgat3JWuVb00Cg0r_VlgJJgBeZ-r2_bKBr1RCm3Tdz6-sPTszYfmj98jE-y0bITQ5oUu8Et7fO5pxXvniKtZPAzO214m4HVDOa4AyLRFEYvtvM0lY0CYt_5FHEkYr1DwQCtN8DCruF/s1600/insidethefringe_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilljkgat3JWuVb00Cg0r_VlgJJgBeZ-r2_bKBr1RCm3Tdz6-sPTszYfmj98jE-y0bITQ5oUu8Et7fO5pxXvniKtZPAzO214m4HVDOa4AyLRFEYvtvM0lY0CYt_5FHEkYr1DwQCtN8DCruF/s1600/insidethefringe_01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's Brighton Fringe time of year, and alongside all the awesome paid events, there's a ton of free ones, including art and photography exhibitions!<br />
<br />
So when I went shopping this week, I happened upon<i> Inside the Fringe</i>, an exhibition of photographs by James Bellorini.<br />
<br />
This exhibition, which is at Brighton Station (on the walkway between the platforms and the car park) comprises of a series of portraits that feature the many talents of some of the participants of this year's fringe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KEmWlsuhQ9_AJp8g7zAwHezgl6guHexFnEIz8o85G-sIs8ECOWsf6CxrqykigqUjLsQo66JxEQcQMHZWF6Y60zmRzxSYNCocQmRjMu1FMDsc0osbRP39x8pDlsDU5PzEUHI9bkxSMUhP/s1600/insidethefringe_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KEmWlsuhQ9_AJp8g7zAwHezgl6guHexFnEIz8o85G-sIs8ECOWsf6CxrqykigqUjLsQo66JxEQcQMHZWF6Y60zmRzxSYNCocQmRjMu1FMDsc0osbRP39x8pDlsDU5PzEUHI9bkxSMUhP/s1600/insidethefringe_02.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Each portrait came with a little bio for the subject, including which shows you can see them in this time around!<br />
I didn't take many pictures, because there were a lot of people walking back and forth, and it feels a bit weird to take photos of someone else's photos!<br />
But I enjoyed seeing the different portraits, and appreciated the variation of styles and lighting used.<br />
These portraits represent a good cross-section of the people involved in Brighton Fringe, and show how diverse both the people and the events are. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-12931532354673932302018-05-05T13:24:00.000+01:002018-05-05T13:24:11.058+01:00Walking With Llamas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbNnmMR-Xpz91YYRvwgJPvkAgVw4CK_fhSwAZipLPWbDzOqC1CFFq1Z_7-31KrmNCmAbda5zJ5RHFxfvv75JwEHOEMpGKV4I4mKeC0RtYNJRo4Dl0Iq5EKigE2MweUp9wn0Jh0aCenqM9/s1600/0llamawalk01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbNnmMR-Xpz91YYRvwgJPvkAgVw4CK_fhSwAZipLPWbDzOqC1CFFq1Z_7-31KrmNCmAbda5zJ5RHFxfvv75JwEHOEMpGKV4I4mKeC0RtYNJRo4Dl0Iq5EKigE2MweUp9wn0Jh0aCenqM9/s1600/0llamawalk01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Last Sunday, a group of us went to the <a href="http://www.llamapark.co.uk/" target="_blank">Llama Park</a> and walked llamas!<br />
<br />
We went for my birthday, as it's been something I wanted to do for ages (mainly because I <i>can</i>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjnH-ME-fPnmsWXRYyZXPkuAlvjKOl3EHBwQ186zJ_89Cl2deiFZ610WNir1Z5RIn4GUiNumVYZ1hM1Iy0UYHtMm6A1joYo3exI9YD5j4I2aCoYhp8Mg4bt06V03DjmtLuegvwTflYzcG/s1600/0llamawalk02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjnH-ME-fPnmsWXRYyZXPkuAlvjKOl3EHBwQ186zJ_89Cl2deiFZ610WNir1Z5RIn4GUiNumVYZ1hM1Iy0UYHtMm6A1joYo3exI9YD5j4I2aCoYhp8Mg4bt06V03DjmtLuegvwTflYzcG/s1600/0llamawalk02.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I walked a llama named Dave. He likes food. A lot. (Me too Dave!)<br />
<br />
There were six or seven llamas in our walking group, and about ten people--all there to celebrate birthdays! The route went across the llama park and into the grounds of a neighbouring hotel, which the park has an agreement with for doing the walks.<br />
It was pretty muddy, but the area is nice and there were several stops for feeding the llamas and taking pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TqpHypB7neywvgHY7JYmpy4xzDOmjMJThLrSbGEiakkpOGM_ahgRyc6yhmepBl0zWln55xOQL18tUkdq2n60sy8yXbKx1TSoi2fqNTlrynqBKuIbdqsVvMrFD2ZdYQ_m4EAyzrGnpupQ/s1600/0llamawalk03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TqpHypB7neywvgHY7JYmpy4xzDOmjMJThLrSbGEiakkpOGM_ahgRyc6yhmepBl0zWln55xOQL18tUkdq2n60sy8yXbKx1TSoi2fqNTlrynqBKuIbdqsVvMrFD2ZdYQ_m4EAyzrGnpupQ/s1600/0llamawalk03.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
(Excuse my squinty laughing face). Dave hugely enjoyed his carrots. But he also liked grass. Lots of grass.<br />
<br />
It was a fun morning out, finished off with lunch at the Llama Park's cafe. <br />
<br />
I can now tick another goal off <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-list.html" target="_blank">The List</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>018. Walk a llama</i></blockquote>
It was certainly a novel experience! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-19429305196657103792018-04-14T20:42:00.000+01:002018-04-14T20:42:16.674+01:00Beetroot Chocolate Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBjk-gYrs8Ghi08DrBI4ZqLumrcy2ne4xD7QTHMJQU_V7SdYuacmgLxjsnh-ceE4skfoBRMnWDLuzmtANkIf3K6_rVr88p1yvjQx5oFLUXhW1NuyoW1CxesA5sNKh1nGRVi6wVC9h-6Xj/s1600/beetcake01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBjk-gYrs8Ghi08DrBI4ZqLumrcy2ne4xD7QTHMJQU_V7SdYuacmgLxjsnh-ceE4skfoBRMnWDLuzmtANkIf3K6_rVr88p1yvjQx5oFLUXhW1NuyoW1CxesA5sNKh1nGRVi6wVC9h-6Xj/s1600/beetcake01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Today I completed a food-related goal from <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-list.html" target="_blank">The List</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>075. Make something delicious using something I usually hate the taste of</i></blockquote>
I opted for making beetroot chocolate cake, as I'd planned all along.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Now let me tell you, ordinarily, <b>I can't stand beetroot.</b><br />
<br />
I hate the smell of it, cannot bear the taste of it, and honestly the only thing it's got going for it is the colour. But you can't eat colour.<br />
<b> </b><br />
You can, however, eat cake. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zk77tcBDoSZRrKOlRo1yhPmpnw4O-_0EaoxlqxRjwLcOVocP6Fb_vt_xsgD0GZ5iqE8kx5hbduBPtYbsX_ub3LNeTR8fUV1qq6jPgDZ45kjkCVwL4D105Rl1YT91FkDB0HLMddA1Z8rm/s1600/beetcake02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zk77tcBDoSZRrKOlRo1yhPmpnw4O-_0EaoxlqxRjwLcOVocP6Fb_vt_xsgD0GZ5iqE8kx5hbduBPtYbsX_ub3LNeTR8fUV1qq6jPgDZ45kjkCVwL4D105Rl1YT91FkDB0HLMddA1Z8rm/s1600/beetcake02.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I used this <a href="http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/14626/chocolate-beetroot-cake.aspx" target="_blank">chocolate beetroot cake recipe</a> from Allrecipes.co.uk, though I didn't bother with the vanilla essence, and swapped out the plain flour/bicarbonate of soda for self raising flour...and completely forgot about the salt. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWHoePsVel8sDjLKW87G9tcwABRZC0tjGbNAh6OVRJZWig4aIecxtej-SSNmQd-PPqaThBgryI58Aeu6ULB47oBOk5WNqxlTmd98M0bc64PjMKy6DtdXlC1MpTK8Mp1pnOcp2UxvpO82m/s1600/beetcake03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWHoePsVel8sDjLKW87G9tcwABRZC0tjGbNAh6OVRJZWig4aIecxtej-SSNmQd-PPqaThBgryI58Aeu6ULB47oBOk5WNqxlTmd98M0bc64PjMKy6DtdXlC1MpTK8Mp1pnOcp2UxvpO82m/s1600/beetcake03.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
My cookery skills are pretty chaotic and messy, and I didn't have a tin the right size so I ended up making a big cake and six cupcakes. The big cake took forever to cook through--about 25 mins longer than the recipe said! I think I put too much mix in the tin...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxpim0Bgmep0M_rmkuC4EejVNsY3GMyvvOVsZEfUqSI1aU7y3a42SFiKoM6fLYJQfsrRi2gGxL5b0XxZMaUM-ub_klFWSndBgdmahsgqBFlCSQ0Rzi_4SFwFRyg0V2RisGDQ5vl4i69mK/s1600/beetcake04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxpim0Bgmep0M_rmkuC4EejVNsY3GMyvvOVsZEfUqSI1aU7y3a42SFiKoM6fLYJQfsrRi2gGxL5b0XxZMaUM-ub_klFWSndBgdmahsgqBFlCSQ0Rzi_4SFwFRyg0V2RisGDQ5vl4i69mK/s1600/beetcake04.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
After letting the cakes cool, I covered them in chocolate ganache. I didn't realise how simple it was to make! The most complicated parts are chopping up the chocolate and making sure the cream doesn't boil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnvgAWOq_kKvVzZS_rHqRDf82CdEDEqa__jvgENgrFF7R8_5OvlDcdASd-i28qZsTXr7x0ThTLEOcJkTALLsRqaQWafUILiHJJRItdI0GGDrr19_eVhHyTx8c4D7pobu4NjwmS40tfgl2/s1600/beetcake05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnvgAWOq_kKvVzZS_rHqRDf82CdEDEqa__jvgENgrFF7R8_5OvlDcdASd-i28qZsTXr7x0ThTLEOcJkTALLsRqaQWafUILiHJJRItdI0GGDrr19_eVhHyTx8c4D7pobu4NjwmS40tfgl2/s1600/beetcake05.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Covered the cupcakes in little decorations just to use them up. I had way too much ganache left so ended up making two little desserts in ramekin dishes, with the leftover ganache on top of broken up digestive biscuits, which Dad and I ate for pudding, with the leftover double cream!<br />
<br />
As for the beetroot cake itself, I've only eaten one of the cupcakes so far, but enjoyed it! The cake tasted extremely chocolatey, and I couldn't taste any beetroot at all :)<br />
<br />
So mission accomplished, but it was so chocolately I don't think I'll need chocolate for another month! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-73998114698890104802018-04-09T16:31:00.000+01:002018-04-09T16:31:06.292+01:00A Complete Pair<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ab6S9uPYalOKKMeHQ1nrQe9bR1BDQ925raj95ghCLgi9oY2X8-ZAkekNCovxqXFG4qn4MXBxHFtsRjSMN0LOW005aWW1o3Lc5MIIECScn95Dwi3AVizYW4eujzVoMb9Hqhr2m-6WXOir/s1600/22-thingsthathurtwhenyoutreadonthem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ab6S9uPYalOKKMeHQ1nrQe9bR1BDQ925raj95ghCLgi9oY2X8-ZAkekNCovxqXFG4qn4MXBxHFtsRjSMN0LOW005aWW1o3Lc5MIIECScn95Dwi3AVizYW4eujzVoMb9Hqhr2m-6WXOir/s1600/22-thingsthathurtwhenyoutreadonthem.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Things That Hurt When You Tread on Them</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/top-goals-completed-goals-recap-of-2017.html" target="_blank">start of the year</a>, I tentatively declared my photography project, <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/a-strange-pair-project-update.html" target="_blank"><i>A Strange Pair</i></a>, finished. There was still one more photo I wanted to take for it, but I'd been unable to get my hands on one of the objects I wanted for it, and had reached my goal of 21 photos.<br />
<br />
So I called it finished and forgot about it.<br />
<br />
Sometimes forgetting about things is all you need for serendipity to throw what you want into your path, because whilst volunteering the other day, I came across a little Lego kit.<br />
It had <i>one</i> brick of the size I wanted.<br />
And it was the colour I wanted, too.<br />
<br />
So at long last, I was able to take the stupid photo: Things That Hurt When You Tread on Them.<br />
<br />
<b>This project is finally complete! </b><br />
<br />
There are now 22 photos altogether, each one featuring two objects paired for unconventional reasons. This is based on information I found in a book on psychology, relating to the way a group of schizophrenics categorised objects (see my post <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/stop.html" target="_blank"><i>Stop!</i></a> for more information).<br />
I found this utterly fascinating, so explored the idea of unconventional categories through this project. Thinking outside of the box for pairs/categorisations was as challenging as finding that damn Lego block...<br />
<br />
And now it's done!<br />
This counts towards goal 12: <i>Complete 3 photography projects</i>, along with my still in-progress project, <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/state%20of%20mind" target="_blank">State of Mind</a>.<br />
One down, one and a half to go!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/a%20strange%20pair" target="_blank">See all photos taken for <i>A Strange Pair</i> here.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-87105140073640361502018-03-31T17:20:00.000+01:002018-03-31T17:20:35.484+01:005 Anime Sonnets (and Two Random Others)<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dgJ6QRXi2lDB_TMLY5TyVuuLmQuLpw_P4VrlVEhJvzxvQzdnhDsSn2RsmEPie3NIejEpBu3Tg3fA2xRsAKPdpIPJ8hc8qSurn3pup82nH5_Fs0pg-CYKyc8_klOsEwaz8cCKAxVRLJZN/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dgJ6QRXi2lDB_TMLY5TyVuuLmQuLpw_P4VrlVEhJvzxvQzdnhDsSn2RsmEPie3NIejEpBu3Tg3fA2xRsAKPdpIPJ8hc8qSurn3pup82nH5_Fs0pg-CYKyc8_klOsEwaz8cCKAxVRLJZN/s1600/25.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It's the end of the month, and with it I bring my final seven sonnets for a goal on The List:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>027. Write 1 sonnet per day for 1 month</i></blockquote>
Honestly it's a relief to finish these. Sonnet-writing is not as fun as I seem to remember. Nor as easy.<br />
Originally I'd planned to do something fun for this last week and write sonnets about anime, but the first and last ones here...aren't. But they're still kind of light-hearted and silly...<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Daylight Savings
Messes Up My Body Clock (And My Brain)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alas, I planned to write of anime,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of characters fictional and adored,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet as I sat down to my great dismay,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My brain did refuse and my thoughts all snored.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tis folly to write with a mind like this,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a head so clouded by cotton wool,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All quick-witted phrases have gone amiss--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mind is no longer a sharpened tool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet this foolish errand I shall not yield,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For on the morrow I will try again,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In hope that my thoughts do fly far afield,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To write wittily with digital pen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today there is something to place the blame:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daylight Savings is its infernal name.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<i>(This happens every damn year, and it always takes a good week for me to get used to everything being an hour different...)</i><br />
<i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An Egg By Any Other
Name Could Not Be Beat</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you see the great unbeatable Egg?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wrapped up in his spandex suit of yellow,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Red gloves and boots on each strong fist and leg,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With his white cape he's a superb fellow!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See at his side the serious Toaster,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young, that cyborg disciple of metal,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Admired is he: a boy of the poster,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His verbosity does the Egg nettle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet together this duo save the earth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Albeit the Toaster often gets wreck'd)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Such heroes as these are of immense worth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As monsters defeated, the sales are check'd.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the best bargains are found before lunch,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the Egg beats the monster with one punch.<br />
<br />
<i>(A sonnet about One Punch Man, because it's ridiculous and I love it)</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heirs to the Throne
of Love (And Friends)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A fluff-head true who cuddles the Wombat, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Boisterous is he unless eating food,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next comes a friend who can sleep like a cat,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And his curry pal who is low-key rude.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joined at the hip are two opposite mates,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One making his money with clever deals,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other arranging a thousand dates,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With girlfriends with names he never reveals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tho' here come antagonists to conquest,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The youngest obsessive with beauty pure,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In lead is a strong one who makes request,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For tea from his second (who isn't sure).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course the heroes are destined to win,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet I missed two fools (I don't like the twins).<br />
<br />
<i>(One about Cute High Earth Defense Club Love, a parody anime full of double entendres and relatable characters. Except the twins. I really don't like them).</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4Gwg5c1r3d_KPbmGLfTasK3C0FICcDQR5wxfcAGDgpD0G-vtEKYfoL1Wo-5ZS4ZSL3UMhmeDCZ-HCcJJvbR4zSA-FMo2vi2SnrvpSyUchwG-L0Y0uiqomnsFAyeT01zKcL2WQNd5bd-p/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4Gwg5c1r3d_KPbmGLfTasK3C0FICcDQR5wxfcAGDgpD0G-vtEKYfoL1Wo-5ZS4ZSL3UMhmeDCZ-HCcJJvbR4zSA-FMo2vi2SnrvpSyUchwG-L0Y0uiqomnsFAyeT01zKcL2WQNd5bd-p/s1600/27.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Earl and his Butler</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One time this boy a young earl he became,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the wake of tragedy unholy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A watchdog of Queen Victoria's
reign,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a butler to obey him wholly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Together the young earl and butler black,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do investigate gruesome mystery,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whilst vengeance is sought on those who did wrack,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cruel misfortune in the earl's history.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tho the truth of this duo is impure,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Formed of a contract attached to a soul:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the earl does his vengeance ensure,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His butler, that demon, shall eat it whole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Til then that butler is his shield and sword,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will bow on one knee and say, "Yes, My Lord."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<i>(One about Black Butler, an anime about an Earl and his demon butler, set in the Victorian era. I didn't mention the shinigami....they're my favourites...bugger.)</i><br />
<i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kado: The Wrong Plot
Twist</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tale begins in quite the usual way,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As two begin a journey as assigned,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And unexpectedly to their dismay,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are trapped by a craft of source undivined.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Within this unknown cube of size so vast,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From its lone pilot truth is unconcealed:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For he has travelled 'tween the planes so fast,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With alien gifts wonders he revealed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet nothing can be innocent and pure,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As world nations for those fine gifts did fight,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whilst this Alien soul learnt himself more,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And human traits learnt brought him to cruel plight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Us fans wish those damn writers to fetter,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our shout: "ZaShunina Deserved Better!"<br />
<br />
<i>(This could have been 100% more bitter. Extremely disappointed by those last few episodes of Kado: The Right Answer. Grr.)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Session 26 Blues</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Upon a ship that sails through outer space,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Five souls aboard with purpose of their own--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four bounty hunters once fallen from grace,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One dog whose wit superior is shown.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amongst the stars and planets do they seek,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Outlaws and answers to questions so grave,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So often they gain disappointment bleak,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No prize to be got for their actions brave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet sometimes through bounty comes a fresh clue:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A hint to a past, a solace, Fate's ploy,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To part these five souls that the ship did accrue,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end to say, "See you Space Cowboy." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For tragic the truth that comes much too late</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heard so clear: "You're gonna carry that weight."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<i>(If you've watched Cowboy Bebop, you will understand)</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Selfie King</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See the flawless face of that gorgeous man!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No blemish or wrinkle upon his skin,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Noble his features that lure any fan,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To praise his fine nose and his shapely chin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Full-faced is he with his smooth fleshy cheeks,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steady his gaze coloured like stormy skies,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And his lips full and plush entice when he speaks,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As his golden hair falls into his eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But be not misled by this handsome fool</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For contact lenses are those eyes of storm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And makeup and hair dye are this man's tool</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And photo airbrushing is quite the norm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However the canvas is a beauty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So liking his selfies is my duty! ;)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<i>(It's totally tongue-in-cheek but I guess that's how I roll. Not judging the use of filters anyway, cos I do too ;) )</i><br />
<br />
And with this I am done, and have no plans of writing any more sonnets any time soon. <i> </i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-83900643692258337452018-03-24T14:32:00.001+00:002018-03-31T17:20:35.453+01:0024 Hours and the Sky: 8 Sonnets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RcE0n3429ZjL8elfyNzJeRCvWKMmY21V2u00i1tM9IrvZR7XTdrmpZqisUFt2gogNPtQG72yiS3nq0jbDsWag5niVu43h6AvStaXxSrW04roUJPTjrIzadKr_cX4XRoVHHQHFPcAZYOT/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RcE0n3429ZjL8elfyNzJeRCvWKMmY21V2u00i1tM9IrvZR7XTdrmpZqisUFt2gogNPtQG72yiS3nq0jbDsWag5niVu43h6AvStaXxSrW04roUJPTjrIzadKr_cX4XRoVHHQHFPcAZYOT/s1600/17.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Here I am again with more sonnets! This set of 8 is based around the sky and times of day.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sun</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A warm soul is he of many faces</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Limpid and pale on a chill winter's morn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet when the spring comes how fast he races</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To summon the daffodils from the lawn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And summer's image is so hot and bright</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His broad beam inviting a sleepy trance</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How golden he turns in the autumn light</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As leaves of all colours take up their dance</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But oft does he hide in a shroud of grey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dull in his journey from dawn until dusk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes he burns those who walk at midday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sparing no saint nor thief nor soul at busk</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This giver of life fickle in his ways</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is predictable in his yearly phase</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moon</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ancient yet youthful is her form so pale,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometime rotund and sometime slight as fae,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As thru' the night's velvet skies doth she sail,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To aid the trav'ller who has lost his way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On winter nights she wears rings of all shades,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A halo remains in spring's coolest air,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In summer she late arrives in the glades,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And autumn's harvest sees her smile so rare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet some nights she shyly hides behind clouds,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or turns her dark back to the weary soul,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And lamplight must govern the nightly crowds,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For darkness is friend only to the mole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again thru' the sky this pale lady rides,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This lighter of ways, mistress of the tides.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4zrdDrTn6FeB46aZw7ne-vUhduvv3RwBX-xyuv8nYfLp8XVKRB50MSq7DwV1nnkAq2-2d4H5M4En9n9NxwshltJCwg8yHuveK-zJ6QXnRrkrw82kPU7LmIU83qfQ6SlHs0Li5UbcqNGa/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4zrdDrTn6FeB46aZw7ne-vUhduvv3RwBX-xyuv8nYfLp8XVKRB50MSq7DwV1nnkAq2-2d4H5M4En9n9NxwshltJCwg8yHuveK-zJ6QXnRrkrw82kPU7LmIU83qfQ6SlHs0Li5UbcqNGa/s1600/18.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stars</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At moonrise in countless number you'll see</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kings and Queens of such
marvellous brightness</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fine jewels in each patch of night velvety</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Distant monarchs each with their own lightness</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How far they are from our homeland humble</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet strong enough that we know each by name</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And even should one form take a tumble</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We know its path: can calculate its aim</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tho' with each sunrise these royals do fade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obscured behind the daytime's lightened skies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the sun has made his grand parade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They reappear to soothe our weary eyes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eternal bodies so noble and bright</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those Lords and Ladies of infinite night</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Space</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How great and boundless this eternal place,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where wanderers traverse between the stars!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our lives are but an atom on its face,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A speck of dust is this green Earth of ours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this vast place you'll find existing all,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether in past present or future born,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each particle is here within this hall:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pinpoints of light that do this place adorn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be not misled by dread of endless dark,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For tho' this place seems shadowed to the eye,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Upon this black do colours make their mark--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bold nebula suspended in the sky.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So even if you cannot see it clear,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bright colour lurks in ev'ry shadow near.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sunrise</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Into nothing each dark night gently fades,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The once-black sky to sunlight does give way,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And slowly lightens to soft pastel shades,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heralding the start of another day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And heark! How the birds do that silence break:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That hush that reigned within the shadowed night,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their grateful songs of joy do others wake,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To look above and glimpse the changing light.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet transient this moment and how fine,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This transformation magic of the cloud,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those pastel skies grow vibrant and they shine,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gold-edged by splendid sunshine they enshroud.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fleeting though this moment may seem to be,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It happens every day for all to see.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBfFOYYdhFH2sS_ihI8Nz8YLZGnaP_jFw0-2oIGB9axqVcbJhR5ABl_lFjFuqZoyAP25r3xoAZjzbq-Bz3_hHbRQOPnmlxOWiZ2pw6DuDNFZGTDuyMWGul_uourjFnioceK2sPM-7ouSz/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBfFOYYdhFH2sS_ihI8Nz8YLZGnaP_jFw0-2oIGB9axqVcbJhR5ABl_lFjFuqZoyAP25r3xoAZjzbq-Bz3_hHbRQOPnmlxOWiZ2pw6DuDNFZGTDuyMWGul_uourjFnioceK2sPM-7ouSz/s1600/22.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A firmament blue does stretch out above,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oft clothed in soft clouds of white and grey,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or sheathed out of view like a hand in glove,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By a blanket sky the sun can't allay.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet all go out when light covers the land,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter if rain falls or purest snow,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
E'en if wind blows the storm can't disband,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Folks who have things to do--places to go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But by that blue are summon'd larger crowds,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And hot sun doth entice into its rays,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oiled worshippers unwary of the clouds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As each relaxed within the sunlight lays.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only day with its sun can offer this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Light enough to work, warmth enough for bliss.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sunset</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heaven's eye to the horizon descends,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And dims to a glow like the blacksmith's fire,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And to the evening skies that flame doth lend,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bright crimson and gold for all to admire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From trees little birds sing their evensong,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As they settle in for the darkest hour,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And overheard by those who pass along,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their cheery tune brings smiles to faces dour.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tho' brief this moment of dazzling display,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before that shining globe does sink below,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even the darkest night will yield to day,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As promised by the sky's bright evening glow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gift given by this orb's daily flight:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kaleidoscope colour before the night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yO1E-Cf2yf9IW1IxU1SmLGpR80jd7MPJ4t0mXY6Fb9RWRm_xv8fy9NAii2x6SpU1BQZ1w1nnmaaqT9u_aR1m83A3nfoh1Pi88NsE4TuHLU8F4G_A_bOnTRkwDCYAZgdDILf2CXkwLXG1/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yO1E-Cf2yf9IW1IxU1SmLGpR80jd7MPJ4t0mXY6Fb9RWRm_xv8fy9NAii2x6SpU1BQZ1w1nnmaaqT9u_aR1m83A3nfoh1Pi88NsE4TuHLU8F4G_A_bOnTRkwDCYAZgdDILf2CXkwLXG1/s1600/23.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Night</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For sleep, the sun hath settled 'neath the land,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And moon illuminates the shadow'd lane,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As dark descends and cheery friends disband,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To travel home upon this earthly plane.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All creatures do within their beds enshrine,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their weary bodies unto slumber sweet,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And diamonds in an endless sky do shine:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With silence is this firmament replete.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet tho this time is under reign of peace,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember others live within the dark,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For in the shadows wakeful eyes increase:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As badger, bat and owl with fox do lark.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No stillness shall this vast time e'er contain,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For all night's creatures do this darkness reign.<br />
<br />
<br />
These bring my total up to 24 sonnets, as so far I've succeeded in writing one each day this month! Next sonnet post will be the final one, with the month's last seven sonnets. I might write something serious, or might be a total weeb and write them about favourite anime characters (because why not).</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-75347299192969157522018-03-18T15:21:00.000+00:002018-03-18T15:25:10.309+00:00Hands Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsonaTXeVx6mvWd0rwRBABvb9AxNnBWy8IkYuC53SVLonSw2P-aob8ACtHgkL3mDCfUDYiNtM4M_nTeAEVVlCxic_n-eh4wURFJ4sUmKLBdagD7SeMo98qCiNNNK9-NFANhaKj2PCh10k/s1600/hands145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsonaTXeVx6mvWd0rwRBABvb9AxNnBWy8IkYuC53SVLonSw2P-aob8ACtHgkL3mDCfUDYiNtM4M_nTeAEVVlCxic_n-eh4wURFJ4sUmKLBdagD7SeMo98qCiNNNK9-NFANhaKj2PCh10k/s1600/hands145.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
At long last, I have finished my hand-drawing goal:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>01. Fill a sketchbook with artwork/studies of only one subject</i></blockquote>
I chose 'hands' as my subject because I have always struggled to draw them, and after struggling some more back in 2015 when I started on this goal, I gave up, only dipping into it every so often to scribble down a hand sketched from a reference on google images.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zJknehI1-JIlrexckDvO0jxEEE_-Hg4sczyn526fIPJLpePUkeAFkYlgyp6BaKMz9tNh9lPpWbZuOJTi3NXmZ88XnujhjZPiZVEerdE_gYxa_m4bIIGahO-sX0SMs2BYR7JEcoH4L_x1/s1600/hands137-144-147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zJknehI1-JIlrexckDvO0jxEEE_-Hg4sczyn526fIPJLpePUkeAFkYlgyp6BaKMz9tNh9lPpWbZuOJTi3NXmZ88XnujhjZPiZVEerdE_gYxa_m4bIIGahO-sX0SMs2BYR7JEcoH4L_x1/s1600/hands137-144-147.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Then at some point towards the end of last year/beginning of this year, I began making more of an effort again. For a while I drew a lot from the timed exercises on <a href="https://line-of-action.com/" target="_blank">Line of Action</a> (which you can see in previous posts) which really kickstarted my drawing again!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c6ymBufyzZKBdL-P7OV22Z5TLddFvMyZ8d1gSxAw-zPb9AJM-tRdNLKROHDy1B1NDLR6OSCiQsboq5PBy2BHUM-DBwhB3hZC9unoCkukRyRb1RV92WtVMDMXOsKuM9rr_jqe6O1ujdg8/s1600/hands149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c6ymBufyzZKBdL-P7OV22Z5TLddFvMyZ8d1gSxAw-zPb9AJM-tRdNLKROHDy1B1NDLR6OSCiQsboq5PBy2BHUM-DBwhB3hZC9unoCkukRyRb1RV92WtVMDMXOsKuM9rr_jqe6O1ujdg8/s1600/hands149.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
But I soon began drawing from my own references, too (as in this post) and filled my camera roll up with hand photos I'd snapped on my phone!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J_NFNAXMOsYgnbI3cs3WXfa6NbC1nrgbF7kPsJB2uYYgmKat0hEzCu9YuSyFELY89BO7D4LG0DBLhcgdX35o9C7r9FMqcpHlT2V25DaIEp1cnllmNNDqTFuiEORaRYo3jCneMRDhyP-C/s1600/hands146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J_NFNAXMOsYgnbI3cs3WXfa6NbC1nrgbF7kPsJB2uYYgmKat0hEzCu9YuSyFELY89BO7D4LG0DBLhcgdX35o9C7r9FMqcpHlT2V25DaIEp1cnllmNNDqTFuiEORaRYo3jCneMRDhyP-C/s1600/hands146.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I attempted drawing without a reference, but that turned into drawing with a reference (of my own hand) because it started going badly very quickly!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSTHb6kYCBz39KG_Y0_YNUGV1YBwAoRJLudy7EfUSmNZI2RtuXdXj7odE5EKhps6LsK0LYelaq7hgWWof3O7Ne-wKBO0_pDqPt070-IDeuXfRjyvvCXsXLSgaIZPi2CfGh-93GxN1Lqr7/s1600/hands148-150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSTHb6kYCBz39KG_Y0_YNUGV1YBwAoRJLudy7EfUSmNZI2RtuXdXj7odE5EKhps6LsK0LYelaq7hgWWof3O7Ne-wKBO0_pDqPt070-IDeuXfRjyvvCXsXLSgaIZPi2CfGh-93GxN1Lqr7/s1600/hands148-150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
In fact, some days my attempts still go pretty badly!<br />
<br />
As for <b>whether I've improved</b>, here are the first and last sketches from the book:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjSZPjdSDTD1RnH78R53er4bLJU98vvOLPy53DY_vdzBO5GCj_ISr66uraOsjQYDSe2OORh4tx23X81rP5zBT6dr6TGsoYOXuYwkM1Pqt5jTYypuuBb0PtfviXog9XDAPXYw4_jNBouBD/s1600/hand00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjSZPjdSDTD1RnH78R53er4bLJU98vvOLPy53DY_vdzBO5GCj_ISr66uraOsjQYDSe2OORh4tx23X81rP5zBT6dr6TGsoYOXuYwkM1Pqt5jTYypuuBb0PtfviXog9XDAPXYw4_jNBouBD/s1600/hand00.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUD0FkxEXRktTWcIum1NxBpuzh2_QKrTwI-gLMUdFflBNb2ZGTaBdtxCJplWUNrJgiBAiIIGsf-yxGMik6REVE0kwphbQiukxi1-1DS-h07NbWle4qtctsCVym3Gu0IeLDQkBnSE6uG-6U/s1600/hands151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUD0FkxEXRktTWcIum1NxBpuzh2_QKrTwI-gLMUdFflBNb2ZGTaBdtxCJplWUNrJgiBAiIIGsf-yxGMik6REVE0kwphbQiukxi1-1DS-h07NbWle4qtctsCVym3Gu0IeLDQkBnSE6uG-6U/s1600/hands151.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have <i>definitely</i> improved!<br />
<br />
After starting this goal so long ago, it's a relief to finally get it finished! In the process of drawing, I've found that pastel pencils make really light work of shading (but are a pain in the butt when they break). I've also found that my favourite pencil to draw with is a 6B watersoluble graphite pencil, like <a href="https://www.derwentart.com/en/gb/v/4418/1968/watersoluble-graphitone" target="_blank">these ones</a> by Derwent (and no, they aren't paying me to say that). It's easy to achieve a variation of shades, and being able to shade larger areas with the side of the pencil gives me more control than if I was using a traditional pencil. So I'm kind of glad I've got two of them! <br />
<br />
Over the course of this goal, I have drawn over 150 hands! I haven't posted all of them online. Some are just little doodles from trying to draw cartoonish hands, where I didn't really put any effort into drawing, so I didn't post them. But everything else is are here on this blog.<br />
<br />
You can see all the sketches I posted by going to my <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/01" target="_blank">Goal 01 Tag</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-8111472003593425842018-03-16T20:06:00.002+00:002018-03-31T17:20:35.423+01:00Seasons and Sweet Things<div class="MsoNormal">
Continuing on from last week's post about my month-long <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.com/2018/03/angsts-agitations-and-animals-8-sonnets.html" target="_blank">sonnet-writing challenge</a>, here are the next eight!<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0MMI8UcJUlF4A4fIUpjkoEyTWZKF2vdsmXCf893sCxXt_nhrOPZxmA1XA9-BKGe0asqP6OrC0K089-1hn86xeemCKy2T63Coej7kOQVfHxcfdW0QVAemkEQHEnBH8URO2VMJPi1iQS3H/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0MMI8UcJUlF4A4fIUpjkoEyTWZKF2vdsmXCf893sCxXt_nhrOPZxmA1XA9-BKGe0asqP6OrC0K089-1hn86xeemCKy2T63Coej7kOQVfHxcfdW0QVAemkEQHEnBH8URO2VMJPi1iQS3H/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Too Tired to Think of
a Topic</b></blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oft are there times in life when effort fails,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the siren song of sleep is too great</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And still falls the wind from the mind's white sails.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether the hour be early or too late,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hard is the journey when the currents freeze,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And thought's great ship is trapped on oceans grey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As all on board await the wakeful breeze--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet drowsily long for the end of day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But some may resist the lure of pillows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From time to time when oceans rise and fall,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in fresh gusts of wind the sail billows,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And thoughts fly free amidst the seabird's call.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When sails fall and this vessel longs to sleep,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer is to concentrate, breathe deep.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<i>(Because I <b>was</b> too tired to think of a topic)</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6dnyjpK_zEtWboG9CS63KdM4S0IxoujgGIJrRNNOgDQYXNZIY5YxdRvm0LQdoVak2y7DbTNb1j1YZ5iyGIxW5aAcpzDhegdfNk-nDzhv74zge2z37yrOpTvdCoW3ZH1RgEAQremtBg_e/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6dnyjpK_zEtWboG9CS63KdM4S0IxoujgGIJrRNNOgDQYXNZIY5YxdRvm0LQdoVak2y7DbTNb1j1YZ5iyGIxW5aAcpzDhegdfNk-nDzhv74zge2z37yrOpTvdCoW3ZH1RgEAQremtBg_e/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Spring</b> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gentle her footsteps that herald warm light,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And quiet the sighs that rustle fresh leaves,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And tho' in her wake bloom flowers so bright,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That breath can turn cold and howl 'round the eaves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For sometimes through meadows sweet she will rage,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And force newborn lives to shudder and hide,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heavy her tears soak the travelling sage,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And spoils fragile blooms at winter's graveside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though often is her temperament harsh,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With her kind light are warmer days proclaimed,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For new life grows upon the cruellest marsh,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Under the care of that nature untamed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when the wind howls and rain blots the sky,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Know it is she who makes blooms multiply.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdPpcpgWY3Tau_cnmajnnWH-f0u7b99C0m91XFSitkQLAC2FX1rk_l9nIH-B3K_Eaf8qr7cP2mFTxf08Pdxpy60LqVRq5nfOMxh3J_THQi77uTxYr2fLgMWQw-Xc_wp4f7gv27dCr5ezA/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdPpcpgWY3Tau_cnmajnnWH-f0u7b99C0m91XFSitkQLAC2FX1rk_l9nIH-B3K_Eaf8qr7cP2mFTxf08Pdxpy60LqVRq5nfOMxh3J_THQi77uTxYr2fLgMWQw-Xc_wp4f7gv27dCr5ezA/s1600/11.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Summer</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He arrives late morning with certain stride,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The air thick and humid upon his lips</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As to his light blooms lift their heads with pride,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And of sweet nectar the honeybee sips.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warm is his breath and blistering his heat,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Makes tired youths pause in the cool forest glade,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the travelling sage to rest his feet,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And sit a while in a shelter of shade.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet amidst this heat to which he gave birth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes gentle tears do ease heat-burned flesh,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And heavy they fall to soothe the cracked earth,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so shines his light upon gardens fresh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though his temper is hot and his breath warm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He bringeth also the refreshing storm.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3dkpxPB2mdD79j7Ngekqh3rBxCkibJGl6metYrtEzwCovYo2yby8QrcwDvHP3soeV6WugcBQAIFSqV0iJY8okD9eG_ULuT7Zpa6oGvkmvMlk-b0F6ijvs1B9b6bplS0KnWfB-I8RAKO3/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3dkpxPB2mdD79j7Ngekqh3rBxCkibJGl6metYrtEzwCovYo2yby8QrcwDvHP3soeV6WugcBQAIFSqV0iJY8okD9eG_ULuT7Zpa6oGvkmvMlk-b0F6ijvs1B9b6bplS0KnWfB-I8RAKO3/s1600/12.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Autumn</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the heat fades she comes all a bluster,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arms stretched out wide to embrace all she'll meet,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She sets all the leaves into a fluster,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As gold and amber they fall at her feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rich tho' her light is her breath is but cool,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As adults begin to stock up their stores,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the travelling sage feels like a fool,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As 'neath her fat tears he heads for the shores.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But her pale presence means the earth no harm,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her morning veil obscures but brighter things,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And oft she'll sigh her days through glades of calm,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As little birds take flight on tiny wings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A herald she may be of colder days,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The brightest of jewels shine beneath her rays.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbzKdjlhv3BhNyh3ZiPwddnpH2lw8O2a1DZ2JKBdrVSFGSerrqpAyuAlLH9rsdGb1orf6KBCRted0RPg-Kh6CDZMoxcnQJVHk7b3UfzlR4W8513YerkQmlAeTqn1f_DgaA0wY0NewRQr1/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbzKdjlhv3BhNyh3ZiPwddnpH2lw8O2a1DZ2JKBdrVSFGSerrqpAyuAlLH9rsdGb1orf6KBCRted0RPg-Kh6CDZMoxcnQJVHk7b3UfzlR4W8513YerkQmlAeTqn1f_DgaA0wY0NewRQr1/s1600/13.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Winter</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He comes beneath the bleakest of cold skies,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crystal
the carpet that spreads in his wake,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As skeletal trees reach to claim their prize,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of his chill touch that on them rhinestones make.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Haunting, his whistle sets all a-quiver,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All things that sleep through this shuddering damp,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And icy his breath doth make to shiver,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The travelling sage in his nightly camp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be not disheartened by his arctic sigh</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For though his company brings colder times</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His is the velvet of the earth and sky</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So do enjoy the beauty of these climes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For his frosty breath brings a lovely sight:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The blissful silence of a snowy night.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu27J4vGM-rEZSmzZF3t7kKvhSe7xTle03kBm5HsbRv0PvcJQn8JQWGw4YfWJUWN76Vvd6doOBVi2X0Azi1QGQ6gKONiN-E8zXhL0vgYdpOwGihznO3z2ZWQSjZ63ZkpJXr3xYbCp1H9d/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu27J4vGM-rEZSmzZF3t7kKvhSe7xTle03kBm5HsbRv0PvcJQn8JQWGw4YfWJUWN76Vvd6doOBVi2X0Azi1QGQ6gKONiN-E8zXhL0vgYdpOwGihznO3z2ZWQSjZ63ZkpJXr3xYbCp1H9d/s1600/14.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An Ode to Organised
Chaos</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dark was the room and stacked high with clutter,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They said he was brave to reach for the light,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But reach he did and started to stutter,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For there he found the most tremendous sight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
High rose grand pillars of papers and books,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From floor to roof stretched each messy tower,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And marvellous wonders filled all the nooks:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A world's worth of trinkets did shelves embower.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet this grim room had a fine merit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For each great pillar was labelled so clear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And from African drum to Stuffed Ferret</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each stood in order from there to here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tho' at first sight it may seem chaotic,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sneer not lest you appear idiotic.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFnnZ5fbFKr072vmUY9I_N3OhYm-IYaCUg4skCE3o1-QPdYzS9kD3O9r7ZRnP7ImLFrboyVmOhgU69oqU_DE_tw7hm1_VgQLnHr746qtMSJ1E6o7qMiCr9z0Cj6j-jJ-8gindH-NlPz1_/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFnnZ5fbFKr072vmUY9I_N3OhYm-IYaCUg4skCE3o1-QPdYzS9kD3O9r7ZRnP7ImLFrboyVmOhgU69oqU_DE_tw7hm1_VgQLnHr746qtMSJ1E6o7qMiCr9z0Cj6j-jJ-8gindH-NlPz1_/s1600/15.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Dust Bunny</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is the most curious of fellows,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who oftentimes will catch you unaware,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You'll find him beneath the old fire bellows,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lurking in shadows to give you a scare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He's there in the closet under old shoes,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Behind the dresser and beneath the drawers,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Awaiting each little hair you may lose,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like a hungry fat spider come indoors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this unsightly critter can be beat,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you sweep the floor and vacuum the rug,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And clean off the mantle and wipe your feet,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As he is no more than a dirty bug.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For his fluffy grey coat is born of dust,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And dirt--therefore cleanliness is a must!</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiw92uu677ZWOncMxWJySP80mtKVMsijhUtbXotBd-wLLr9etqpxBydmQ31YNINcJqiYv1SrkKgx7eOncUv1j-grGlVBG0rQhicRy_9sUNbWn2DmDxBdJs40U00I-kcTdTAChzaUqO-JT/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiw92uu677ZWOncMxWJySP80mtKVMsijhUtbXotBd-wLLr9etqpxBydmQ31YNINcJqiYv1SrkKgx7eOncUv1j-grGlVBG0rQhicRy_9sUNbWn2DmDxBdJs40U00I-kcTdTAChzaUqO-JT/s1600/16.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On Jelly Babies</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How sweet their faces each and every one,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So endearing each smile, and eternal,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diverse in their colour and always fun,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even for those with habits nocturnal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tiny their bodies each man a Tom Thumb,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ladies all Thumbelinas so fair,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When they are gone there remains not a crumb,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of their little forms so rotund and bare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For sweet is their flesh and so succulent,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No fruitier have I e'er come upon,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I fear like them I will grow corpulent,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since with ev'ry bag I open they're gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gone! Each one of those babies of jelly,<br />
Eaten all up and safe in my belly.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(I just really freaking enjoy jelly babies okay?) </i><br />
<br />
So thankfully I'm already halfway through the month for this goal. I say thankfully because sonnets aren't as fun as I seem to remember! It's a challenge at least...<br />
<br />
Now if you'll excuse me, I have a bag of Jelly Babies to eat.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-91031855462598164222018-03-15T10:00:00.000+00:002018-03-15T10:00:07.021+00:00A Dress for Every SeasonAfter beavering away with my sketchbook, I've finally completed the last four pieces for my outfit/costume design goal! <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>053. Design 50 outfits/costumes</i></blockquote>
Having four left to design, I chose the seasons as my theme...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbG5dPYPannRhKP3yDjlE8nA9-2mguC2JJ4GUDbkmVHIvGKD3B32WRWJDYHZ8RO8UBOAVpQYFkzlMxzWFZ8ydCsEkAgSBeDixnqMJvz7Urwn7PZv9dKgL7s7dB3IvwAM984L_tf9ubKwb/s1600/47-springflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbG5dPYPannRhKP3yDjlE8nA9-2mguC2JJ4GUDbkmVHIvGKD3B32WRWJDYHZ8RO8UBOAVpQYFkzlMxzWFZ8ydCsEkAgSBeDixnqMJvz7Urwn7PZv9dKgL7s7dB3IvwAM984L_tf9ubKwb/s200/47-springflowers.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Spring Flower</b> (47/50)<br />
<br />
+ Dress: Spring green pencil dress with clear vinyl 3/4 circle overskirt embellished with fabric daisies.<br />+ Jacket: Cropped short sleeve clear vinyl with fabric daisy embellishments.<br />
+ Belt: Broad white elastic with daisy buckle.<br />
+ Shoes: White canvas wedges with daisy embellished rubber mesh in side-panel and daisy design embossed on wedge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiigdR-7kEAdwt2IvSAr1xESFWhMQMPjxlup132yG0fDaDTbORB_HRkJHInzg-wl1ooh8lJbapaer8WbsHFoHyr0-rwXv1F7gYctOOg6Jf8tEdUA23wK0uNLqtpndBt22F5QpE5PfHorx/s1600/48-summerdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiigdR-7kEAdwt2IvSAr1xESFWhMQMPjxlup132yG0fDaDTbORB_HRkJHInzg-wl1ooh8lJbapaer8WbsHFoHyr0-rwXv1F7gYctOOg6Jf8tEdUA23wK0uNLqtpndBt22F5QpE5PfHorx/s200/48-summerdays.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Summer Days</b> (48/50)<br />
<br />
+ Top: Cropped red flouncy top with butterfly sleeves and embroidered trim (yellow suns and red edging on gold leather).<br />
+ Skort: Flouncy red shorts/culottes with gold leather overskirt and waistband (embroidered as on top). Side zip.<br />
+ Sandals: Knee-high flat 'gladiator' style in gold leather with yellow embroidered sun at knee.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq8Z3ZTpKAmZ-MtngomMmUrD96XCOE0ogGFt2ldlGUbs0b2pWG9h49DhFQqac1ePwFQMqf82GkPAIShegMD90IKSBt3qr9VRrRUxQ1HdovQNjCoJHYu11keVYWSs-kBoK5rNhk5Gwaj8V/s1600/49-autumnleaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq8Z3ZTpKAmZ-MtngomMmUrD96XCOE0ogGFt2ldlGUbs0b2pWG9h49DhFQqac1ePwFQMqf82GkPAIShegMD90IKSBt3qr9VRrRUxQ1HdovQNjCoJHYu11keVYWSs-kBoK5rNhk5Gwaj8V/s200/49-autumnleaves.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Autumn Leaves</b> (49/50)<br />
<br />
+ Hat: Green slouchy knit with spikes (like on conker shell)<br />
+ Shirt: Green fine knit with high neck and frill sleeves<br />
+ Cuffs: Green moulded leather, like conker shells<br />
+ Dress: High-low hem, sleeveless, made of red/orange/yellow fabric leaves on orange tulle<br />
+ Trousers: Green moulded leather, as on cuffs.<br />
+ Coat: Red/orange/yellow tartan wool with blanket fringe, longer at back. Green leather shoulder/elbow patches/buckles (as on trousers).<br />
+ Boots: Green leather (as before) platform wedges with leaf cutout in wedge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjow5S5zNpB3SnH8wsB-mkofL0WTwfpnyLbQm-OUeEs2G0rk3xIXFba9VetM9Yq8x4MbmQLlfEF3IlOt57WmfNwh3tR5pZluArthMCK9j56eZ9sRDYu4e0t_gpGzxxCqA1MedKk4Mm8P02i/s1600/50-winternights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjow5S5zNpB3SnH8wsB-mkofL0WTwfpnyLbQm-OUeEs2G0rk3xIXFba9VetM9Yq8x4MbmQLlfEF3IlOt57WmfNwh3tR5pZluArthMCK9j56eZ9sRDYu4e0t_gpGzxxCqA1MedKk4Mm8P02i/s200/50-winternights.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Winter Nights</b> (50/50)<br />
<br />
+ Hat: White faux fur embellished with blue tulle yoyo, silver sequin star and clear plastic 'icicles'.<br />
+ Coat: Floor length white velvet with high collar and 'icicle' spile detail on shoulder, silver star buttons.<br />
+ Dress: Ankle-length ice blue tulle with silver sequin star embellishments. Rolled collar and front button fastening.<br />
+ Corset: Silver leather with silver sequin stars.<br />
+ Shorts: Silver leather, zip at back.<br />
+ Shoes: White velvet courts with clear 'ice' platform and 'icicle' heel; faux fur trim around foot and sequin star motifs on toe/heel/side.<br />
<br />
<br />
So that's the last of my fifty designs!<br />
I think the spring one is probably the most 'fashion' of them all, though all four of these have more of a fashion feel than the majority of my designs--probably because the majority were <i>costume</i> designs rather than fashion.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if I would make any of these designs completely, though there are aspects of a lot of them that I'd like to create! Starting right at the beginning with my 'Garden Punk' design, I seem to have come full circle back to a nature theme with my more recent succulent inspired designs, and the nature themes in these seasons designs. I don't know if that says I'm repetitive, or that nature is <i>everywhere</i>, and a great source of inspiration!<br />
<br />
Either way, my designing is Done.<br />
<br />
Now I can cross the goal off the list. Hurrah!<br />
<br />
You can see all my designs for this goal on my <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/53" target="_blank">Goal 53 Tag</a>. Which would <i>you</i> choose to make?<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-67394925940790925172018-03-14T10:00:00.000+00:002018-03-15T19:02:20.967+00:00Blessed Bling: Three DressesAnother goal that I have nearly finished now is goal 53: design 50 outfits/costumes. I posted some plant-inspired designs the other day, and here are three more.<br />
<br />
This time I took inspiration from religious reliquaries. These jewel-bedecked reliquaries and remains are utterly fascinating, and the colours and decoration make them a great source of inspiration, if a little morbid! (Check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/unfortunatelyoh/morbid-curiosities/" target="_blank">Morbid Curiosities</a> board on Pinterest to see what I mean!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyTFeB2Aqw-Bx5Yesxc0hoIhA5gObqyomOZ03OIlD_G73fIc37ZOXTN1i8JzCEcd2EG-BQrD5fYzGuOeWAZCPmhGTdnullGv5slqZgoc-9q8Hlt30uZ593Mn-wsyntFegHt8Tx5VPhfes/s1600/44-relinquishedreliquary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyTFeB2Aqw-Bx5Yesxc0hoIhA5gObqyomOZ03OIlD_G73fIc37ZOXTN1i8JzCEcd2EG-BQrD5fYzGuOeWAZCPmhGTdnullGv5slqZgoc-9q8Hlt30uZ593Mn-wsyntFegHt8Tx5VPhfes/s200/44-relinquishedreliquary.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Relinquished Reliquary </b>(44/50)<br />
<br />
+ Dress: Long-sleeved, high-necked fishtail dress of deep red velvet and gold lace. Strapless red velvet bodice/top of skirt, shoulders/high neck/sleeves and bottom 2/3 of skirt from gold lace. 1" woven gold trim on velvet.<br />
+ Necklace: Large cut glass gems (blue, purple and red) on gold filigree<br />
+ Belt: Moulded gold leather with glass gems as before. <br />
+ Boots: Open toe slingbacks of moulded gold leather with gems as before.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoecxzViiKytOwfqR6JTIZP5Bz-3zMzfwV9-Ll2SUxHFloWS9T8e_Ww_zL7GuviD8cFPNqm52qhK2N6LbfcmzAVhsgHWkA22AeCeBXaXQhDOzN5k5kbKCcEaCb0wrdeCUuL0Sac6XLy84/s1600/45-hallowedheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoecxzViiKytOwfqR6JTIZP5Bz-3zMzfwV9-Ll2SUxHFloWS9T8e_Ww_zL7GuviD8cFPNqm52qhK2N6LbfcmzAVhsgHWkA22AeCeBXaXQhDOzN5k5kbKCcEaCb0wrdeCUuL0Sac6XLy84/s200/45-hallowedheart.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Hallowed Heart</b> (45/50)<br />
<br />
+ Dress: Blue velvet bodice and skirt with powdery blue-grey silk puff sleeves and underskirt. Gold trim on waistband and around red and purple glass gem & filigree-encrusted heart on front. Skirt decorated with red and purple gems on gold diamond-shaped filigree.<br />
+ Necklace: Chunky filigree and red/purple glass gems<br />
+ Sleeves: Filigree and glass, covering back of hand<br />
+Boots: Blue velvet thigh-high open toe boots with heart detail on foot and heel, red/purple gems on gold filigree on leg.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wxQs5eeLjnFYyfU9aamIRLD1fNnyi_hf0RjRluIW-9IW3Qq89URcwNvP-2xMV3T-es6IMBtzzTHy83nv-GKfUS9oeIQCR0mLyLmP3WQkABKqNsfTBlH5Lyd3j4FsC5opkv3ivoyJUpbC/s1600/46-cherishedchalice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wxQs5eeLjnFYyfU9aamIRLD1fNnyi_hf0RjRluIW-9IW3Qq89URcwNvP-2xMV3T-es6IMBtzzTHy83nv-GKfUS9oeIQCR0mLyLmP3WQkABKqNsfTBlH5Lyd3j4FsC5opkv3ivoyJUpbC/s200/46-cherishedchalice.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Cherished Chalice</b> (46/50)<br />
<br />
+ Dress: Deep purple velvet mermaid dress with lavender-grey long hem and high-necked 'undershirt'. Gold woven trim and straps encrusted with emerald green and ruby red glass gems.<br />
+ Bangles: Gold metal with green and red gems.<br />
+ Necklace: Choker of green and red gems on filigree.<br />
+ Shoes: Open toe purple velvet sho with gold trim/heel/sole and red and green gems.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Despite what a pain in the butt it was to colour all the detail on these, I'm really pleased with how these ones turned out. Had I the money (or the skill, or the motivation) I would make these and probably actually wear them (even if it was only to the shops...!) <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-85461450069432391212018-03-13T11:00:00.000+00:002018-03-18T15:25:10.338+00:00Hands Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirSRirKt25XA5GRfthTO9DoQ63uQISPJPQmFRpRWM4iEYn1CH3IG-RnJ6XPc26YJleR3mKHPrOKkoOHSzgEQmxMB2nL1R8z8nij7gwyAjbT_W99iNWVoQi3FF_PMy3c-Y6_fp5ySVo-qZ/s1600/hands126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirSRirKt25XA5GRfthTO9DoQ63uQISPJPQmFRpRWM4iEYn1CH3IG-RnJ6XPc26YJleR3mKHPrOKkoOHSzgEQmxMB2nL1R8z8nij7gwyAjbT_W99iNWVoQi3FF_PMy3c-Y6_fp5ySVo-qZ/s1600/hands126.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I am still (yes, <i>still</i>) working on the very first goal of The List: to fill a sketchbook with studies/artwork of one subject.<br />
This ended up being a study of hands, and I am just fifteen pages away from filling the sketchbook!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'm still drawing from references...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQbKeTldMlYT0ZSDzPuyYAOy5Lncb_fS4GgM8EPxHwzg03a5kv0zNXnP44S-iX3wt16Tcetz_IBG5LBuaL3MeuR3xM3hS3OOIzWZmYZ4k0cfXzSzmCkhwI6_Qa1fZqzBojKJf_h5y4m55/s1600/hands125-127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQbKeTldMlYT0ZSDzPuyYAOy5Lncb_fS4GgM8EPxHwzg03a5kv0zNXnP44S-iX3wt16Tcetz_IBG5LBuaL3MeuR3xM3hS3OOIzWZmYZ4k0cfXzSzmCkhwI6_Qa1fZqzBojKJf_h5y4m55/s1600/hands125-127.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of these have been photo references, and I have had a few 'bad' days of drawing, where it all went to hell pretty quickly (eraser? What's that?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrsCRGN5iOqcCZyc6ExTKthj8aUlKbUPCjp4PTaTuJr-DcQK56gISqCDm7_laTsT4l5AcupO3G4CoWwkJ722kVry3pYlgefIZEz_VEjx51LX57p5oQ-wMG8V69J_UpB5PfvKrZBmeLgjm/s1600/hands128-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrsCRGN5iOqcCZyc6ExTKthj8aUlKbUPCjp4PTaTuJr-DcQK56gISqCDm7_laTsT4l5AcupO3G4CoWwkJ722kVry3pYlgefIZEz_VEjx51LX57p5oQ-wMG8V69J_UpB5PfvKrZBmeLgjm/s1600/hands128-136.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
To challenge myself, I also tried drawing 'from life'--using my own hand to draw from (except I was holding a stubby pencil rather than a cigarette! That picture was drawn after failing at drawing a character with a cigarette, and wanting to practice).<br />
<br />
It's starting to get a little easier to draw hands, though given a blank sheet of paper and no reference it would probably still look a mess! But I'm definitely getting better!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-52482305332806617042018-03-12T12:00:00.000+00:002018-03-15T19:02:20.921+00:00Succulent Gals or Spiky Ladies?After designing costumes for characters from <i>Folk Tales of the Sea People</i> as part of goal 53 (<i>Design 50 outfits/costumes</i>), I set my sights on designing outfits based on other subjects.<br />
<br />
As I looked around my room for ideas, my gaze alighted on the sunniest corner, inhabited by a small family of succulents, and over the following days, these designs happened.<br />
<br />
As usual, you can click to view them larger :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurrSq1bKVg5NaULPXq8NlmhHq9F7UI6z2zT3mAYARnmIuDiZ2RoYMrsX3MIt8h7GJP4K-r8kWgOyRakezIANyu46Xa6M1z_Ex7YtdDw1byR8AW_1bo3es2JNvOMkswFOJ1dSVY5LHc41K/s1600/37-aloegirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurrSq1bKVg5NaULPXq8NlmhHq9F7UI6z2zT3mAYARnmIuDiZ2RoYMrsX3MIt8h7GJP4K-r8kWgOyRakezIANyu46Xa6M1z_Ex7YtdDw1byR8AW_1bo3es2JNvOMkswFOJ1dSVY5LHc41K/s200/37-aloegirl.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Aloe Girl </b>(37/50)<br />
<i>Inspiration: Aloe </i><br />
<br />
+ Dress: Green halterneck with velvet bodice and skirt/collar formed of lightly padded matte vinyl 'leaves'.<br />
+ Sandals: Light brown flat sandals lacing up to the knee.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFr_S5LgMauFWt2QphXqFeKdfGIjNshNlkpCafLoFyjI4cpTydCXQ65wa8hxMmyRfS9jYkBCNqoGKvfNjkyVWzbv_9NrgX2_C7pBqpsS3HY_tUI__l-9puSU1QuucmH6g_grtt6M4Chdx/s1600/38-spikysoft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFr_S5LgMauFWt2QphXqFeKdfGIjNshNlkpCafLoFyjI4cpTydCXQ65wa8hxMmyRfS9jYkBCNqoGKvfNjkyVWzbv_9NrgX2_C7pBqpsS3HY_tUI__l-9puSU1QuucmH6g_grtt6M4Chdx/s200/38-spikysoft.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Spiky Soft </b>(38/50)<br />
<i>Inspiration: Cactus of unknown type</i><br />
<br />
+ Dress: Green bardot/halterneck hybrid. Jersey bodice with long spikes on straps. Balloon-like skirt of moulded fleece (like bumps on cactus) to just above knee.<br />
+ Boots: Green rubber thigh high heels.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKS2Ky59ClPtLphNk8U8LxYTjvDUa-oEF2ddPzgllf0dY9Buzl0czbvWf2NTsOfs1CkwfwMpaQnvvJcXT5TZnoioz1xLSf4Uk0eqyqStA9Qe3M354GDbYaq58F1g69691VQPzzWbrI1BR/s1600/39-ovataovation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKS2Ky59ClPtLphNk8U8LxYTjvDUa-oEF2ddPzgllf0dY9Buzl0czbvWf2NTsOfs1CkwfwMpaQnvvJcXT5TZnoioz1xLSf4Uk0eqyqStA9Qe3M354GDbYaq58F1g69691VQPzzWbrI1BR/s200/39-ovataovation.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Ovata Ovation</b> (39/50)<br />
<i>Inspiration: Crassula ovata "gollum"</i><br />
<br />
+ Dress: Green leather calf length pencil dress with high structured collar.<br />
+ Sleeves: Green leather with flare and split at cuffs.<br />
+ Boots: Green leather knee-high platforms<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWy9DazbboH8E5lpq0E0Fd2teY2fVu0klyojjut8o1VGEUTIamlSBO8PnuAvOZcn2PyrFQv628Y99gbfcnC4jQf-84TOEteP5-DP_8gHr0YR_4FSz_B_pmXz3AUfhcpaji7NJ3J0S5_KA/s1600/40-luckyjade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWy9DazbboH8E5lpq0E0Fd2teY2fVu0klyojjut8o1VGEUTIamlSBO8PnuAvOZcn2PyrFQv628Y99gbfcnC4jQf-84TOEteP5-DP_8gHr0YR_4FSz_B_pmXz3AUfhcpaji7NJ3J0S5_KA/s200/40-luckyjade.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Lucky Jade</b> (40/50)<br />
<i>Inspiration: Jade plant</i><br />
<br />
+ Shoulder-piece: green vinyl, in shape of jade plant leaves, wired and lightly padded.<br />
+ Minidress: padded green vinyl 'leaves' on front and back bodice and skirt, on green jersey (visible at sides of bodice).<br />
+ Ankle Boots: Flats, green vinyl with 'leaves' on sides.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2soEsdbctqOOtF_03GeLY7o0H2GLh18su9j64IEqWavUGKOUdST8UyRgqFjzVnBIa2rHd0npb-m37pKI48J-Llk7f14x61VKrIx_Z76t-1JhLB-pv9svH5lw0SCcWHI9yk0Bf0xdJaJEJ/s1600/41-cylindricachica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2soEsdbctqOOtF_03GeLY7o0H2GLh18su9j64IEqWavUGKOUdST8UyRgqFjzVnBIa2rHd0npb-m37pKI48J-Llk7f14x61VKrIx_Z76t-1JhLB-pv9svH5lw0SCcWHI9yk0Bf0xdJaJEJ/s200/41-cylindricachica.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Cylindrica Chica</b> (41/50)<br />
<i>Inspiration: Opuntia cylindrica</i><br />
<br />
+ Dress: Green ankle-length, close-fitting halterneck with split to thigh on one side. Padded 'spikes' at neck, bust, ribcage, waist, hips and mid-thigh. <br />
+ Cuffs: with spikes like on dress.<br />
+ Boots: Thigh-high flats with tabi toe.<br />
<br />
All fabrics: green neoprene<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP7pNlF5qR1NV7gUcmetNgnyqBaWuFxnHAk1eIYA3W1cBaJXid9NLbm46iH4d5jRq8bet2JGr0VqykL1Ku3lT6110VxSt4HSABc6CbTUsCOYKAjR-Fj7ONEmK7SvrhgJ_z5MLIEje-N6M/s1600/42-aloeagain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP7pNlF5qR1NV7gUcmetNgnyqBaWuFxnHAk1eIYA3W1cBaJXid9NLbm46iH4d5jRq8bet2JGr0VqykL1Ku3lT6110VxSt4HSABc6CbTUsCOYKAjR-Fj7ONEmK7SvrhgJ_z5MLIEje-N6M/s200/42-aloeagain.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Aloe Again</b> (42/50)<br />
<i>Inspiration: Aloe </i><br />
<br />
+ Dress: knee-length leather; wired spiky collar and skirt, fitted bodice to hip, concealed zip at back.<br />
+ Sandals: brown cork sole platforms with cross over strap at toe and slingback heel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgMbe2LbZuoCi2HghUuAlZ1gtCrJ2rjmahSfgc8pIQrCa5GBjMYONmyUn_3h2Y8s7aQAgUR7Kqc4sttPsGE4Vd2l7Tyv__BxEC6hbuhaN0_02dPaFnn0oAG10sJqjUZ0UHjetLzEv0DWa/s1600/43-corporatecactus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgMbe2LbZuoCi2HghUuAlZ1gtCrJ2rjmahSfgc8pIQrCa5GBjMYONmyUn_3h2Y8s7aQAgUR7Kqc4sttPsGE4Vd2l7Tyv__BxEC6hbuhaN0_02dPaFnn0oAG10sJqjUZ0UHjetLzEv0DWa/s200/43-corporatecactus.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Corporate Cactus</b> (43/50)<br />
<i>Inspiration: opuntia microdasys</i><br />
<br />
+ Dress: green dimpled leather knee-length pencil dress with circular 'extensions' on shoulders and sides of skirt (from lower waist to mid-thigh).<br />
+ Shoes: gold ankle-strap shoe with green cactus heel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So what do you think? Would these outfits be worn by succulent gals or spiky ladies?<br />
<br />
I had fun designing these; finally cracked open my 'fashionary' given to me as a birthday present by my friend Lianne. The pre-dotted outlines are really helpful for keeping designs in proportion, and mean it's easier to recreate the look for the back view!<br />
<br />
With this lot I have just seven more designs to go, and will likely post them all together like these ones. Fingers crossed I'll soon be striking this goal off of <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-list.html" target="_blank">The List</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-13667578867148058132018-03-11T10:30:00.000+00:002018-03-11T10:30:28.333+00:00A Mixed Bag of TED TalksIt's been a long slog that began at the end of 2014, but I've finally completed a longer goal from The List!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>062. Watch 100 TED/TEDx Talks</i></blockquote>
I started off picking them at random, moved into watching selections on similar themes, and these final ten are once again a mixed bag!<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZR4LdnFGzPk" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Johanna Blakley: Social media and the end of gender</b><br />
Media researcher Johanna Blakley discusses how traditional demographics are still being used by media companies to understand their audiences, when online, with the ever-growing use of social media, women are outnumbering men--and these means changes are afoot.<br />
Didn't know what to expect from this talk (because I never read the info section) but this was really enlightening!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SXKNA_vfHWs" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Courtney Martin: Reinventing feminism</b><br />
In this talk, blogger Courtney Martin talks about her upbringing by radical parents, and discusses how loaded the word 'feminism' is, presenting three paradoxes in attempting to define it.<br />
I found this talk really interesting, as feminism is a word so muddied by negativity (on both sides).<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uzKBGtf0i0M" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Thandie Newton: Embracing otherness, embracing myself</b> <br />
Growing up in different cultures, Thandie Newton went on to play different 'selves' as an actor. In this talk she tells of finding her 'self', her 'otherness', first as a child and then as an actor and an adult.<br />
This was really thought-provoking!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t1Z_oufuQg4" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Daniel Goldstein: The battle between your present and future self</b><br />
Daniel Goldstein discusses how the choices we make every day affect our future selves, and tools to help us make better decisions for our future selves.<br />
This talk was really easy to follow!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lfBpsV1Hwqs" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>The game that can give you 10 extra years of life | Jane McGonigal</b><br />
An entertaining talk in which game designer Jane McGonigal talks about her experiences being bedridden and suicidal following a serious concussion, and how it led her to create SuperBetter, her research-based healing game that can help you get better and increase lifespan.<br />
Honestly I didn't expect this talk to be as it was, but it's utterly fascinating. Hooray for science!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dySwrhMQdX4" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Martin Hanczyc: The line between life and non-life</b><br />
Martin Hanczyc discusses the way life on Earth may have begun, demonstrating this by showing examples from his lab, where he makes experimental blobs of chemicals called protocells, which behave in the same way as living cells.<br />
I have to admit that some of this talk was a little lost on me, but the basic concept behind the science was really interesting.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P_6vDLq64gE" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>How to spot a liar | Pamela Meyer</b><br />
A talk with a title that is pretty self-explanatory! Pamela Meyer discusses the clues for detecting when lies are being told, some of which are pretty counter-intuitive!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YhG1Bgbsj2w" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Eve Ensler: Embrace your inner girl</b><br />
Eve Ensler believes we all have a 'girl' cell which we are taught to suppress and undermine. She goes on to demonstrate the strength of girls by presenting stories of girls she has met, who have overcome both violence and adversity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QleRgTBMX88" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>On being wrong | Kathryn Schulz</b><br />
An entertaining talk in which Kathyrn Schulz talks about how we tend to do anything to avoid being wrong, and why actually, we should embrace it!<br />
As someone who hates being wrong, I really enjoyed this talk!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5mwWX_ke3o" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Finding my calling: Fadekemi Akinfaderin-Agarau at TEDxEuston</b>
Fadekei Akinfaderin-Agarau talks about how, after an experience working with an HIV researcher in South Africa, she quit her medical career in the USA and went to Nigeria, where she set up a non-profit organisation Education as a Vaccine (EVA), which works to improve quality of life for vulnerable children and young people, and challenge the factors that contribute to the HIV epidemic and poor sexual health of those people.<br />
A revealing talk, and a nice one to finish off my watching goal with!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bonus talk:</b><br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fZ8eyWBQmfU" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Marco Tempest: The augmented reality of techno-magic</b><br />
Illusionist Marco Tempest brings a stick figure to life<br />
An entertaining little demonstration of 'techno-magic'!<br />
<br />
<br />
So that's the goal done! You can see all the TED talks I watched for this goal on my <a hreaf="062. Watch 100 TED/TEDx Talks" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Goal 62 tag</a>, or watch them on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGHhqna4wwHOe33WEniU7nWJZDKepr9Jg" target="_blank">Youtube Playlist</a> for Goal 62.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-29789601397497468862018-03-10T11:30:00.000+00:002018-03-10T11:31:01.266+00:00And a Fried Egg on Top: Korean Bibimbap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2PhMX7j1c6vBaRm6No-IfW16_1N__Tlc6q__Gc7VKQseRps0G9t6EKD5QmWn_3E3gX55HI-LCmueHtvvXpIkWktkMgzRjznXHG7GT6V9J-ipNvoRgy_zhI94gHlQQmNWPxdklyRzqmSK/s1600/bibimbap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2PhMX7j1c6vBaRm6No-IfW16_1N__Tlc6q__Gc7VKQseRps0G9t6EKD5QmWn_3E3gX55HI-LCmueHtvvXpIkWktkMgzRjznXHG7GT6V9J-ipNvoRgy_zhI94gHlQQmNWPxdklyRzqmSK/s1600/bibimbap.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
On Tuesday I was shopping in Brighton with my fabulous friend Lianne, and being that she's as much a nerd for Korean culture as I am for Japanese, she suggested we have lunch at a bibimbap shop.<br />
<br />
Bibimbap is Korean dish of warm rice with various things on top, which you mix together before you eat. Whilst Lianne opted for the spicy chicken version, I wasn't in the mood for something spicy, so opted for their aubergine one.<br />
<br />
After picking what kind you want, you choose from the options of rice (or rice noodles) and sauce, and can pay extra for other additions. I went for rice noodles and soy sauce, and paid the extra ÂŁ1 for a fried egg on top, because experience has taught me that fried egg and soy sauce is a Really Tasty Combination.<br />
<br />
<br />
I wouldn't rush to eat this dish again, as I didn't like having cold veggies on top of warm noodles, and it was expensive for what you got.<br />
But it tasted good, and eating it counted towards another goal on The List!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>043. Try foods of 5 different countries</i></blockquote>
I'm 3/5 of the way through that goal now, and honestly none of the national cuisines I've tried so far are of countries I expected they'd be from. All very tasty, however (I really, <i>really</i> want more <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/a-taste-of-brazil.html" target="_blank">Xinxim</a>).<br />
<br />
Goodness knows what cuisine I'll try next!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-52318408093143632092018-03-08T12:23:00.000+00:002018-03-31T17:20:35.391+01:00Angsts, Agitations and Animals: 8 SonnetsAt the end of February, I decided that March would be the month I attempted one of my writing goals from <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-list.html" target="_blank">The List</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>027. Write 1 sonnet per day for 1 month</i></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the most challenging of my writing goals - more challenging than haiku, or flash fiction, or short stories of 1000+ words!</div>
<br />
Sonnets have so many rules with regards their form, and whilst pretty much every sonnet I studied in school was a love poem, I decided to throw that out of the window this month and write sonnets on all kinds of subjects (though I guess I ought to try writing something affectionate at some point!)<br />
<br />
Today I'm sharing my first 8 sonnets of the month. Some are serious, some are ridiculous, and the last one is pushing it a little.
<br />
<br />
So here goes.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROHDUSM_xQ-PWjaJltpIqJ-i1MBFF90c5P5YoQVB-OpiWCmYn5rMw_WEWblqSjxrdwES86TVnTlW2IqeKx884liZRHUQjQS8dG4a7o47Rr6BzF7jqjARl8Br97CcDBCrhYgCI3wlN_kzy/s1600/sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROHDUSM_xQ-PWjaJltpIqJ-i1MBFF90c5P5YoQVB-OpiWCmYn5rMw_WEWblqSjxrdwES86TVnTlW2IqeKx884liZRHUQjQS8dG4a7o47Rr6BzF7jqjARl8Br97CcDBCrhYgCI3wlN_kzy/s1600/sea.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Survivor to the Fog</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this merciless shore of stones and sighs,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where the wreckers shine their deceitful light</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And await the spoils amidst dying cries,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are deathly fog on this stormy night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When darkness lifts her curtain to the gloom,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when the sun to heaven makes her climb,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her feeble glow reveals this frozen tomb--</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are the ice of endless wintertime.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet others walk upon this untamed shore,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To seek survivors of this fog and ice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And reach out to those in a state so poor:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are but the patter of fleeing mice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For though your blindfold may once more descend,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All fog lifts, all ice melts at winter's end.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(Bad day? Low mood? POETRY.)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ain't Nobody Got Time
For That</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heark ye all! That young fellow doth approach! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In verdant splendour upon a fine wheel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh how we curse for the subject to broach:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What driveth this boy and what is his deal?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And here dwells a fellow with wide-eyed gaze</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His coat as pale and soft as summer sand</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He sayeth much good, very boy, amaze!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As his worshippers await close to hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though many more have passed along this way</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A humble few remain in mem'ries strong</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And though no heed to logic do they pay</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So many more are yet to pass along</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Should time escape ye all or so it seems</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember this: these fellows are but memes. </div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(<i>Yes, I wrote a sonnet about dat boi and doge)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Please Wipe the Drum
After Washing Horse Towels</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The splash and splatter of red upon green:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Such stains unsightly I wish'd to vanish</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With purpose did I grasp her coat unclean,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And knelt, to find a sight I would banish! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For as into the silver drum I look'd</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My gaze was met by inscrutable hair</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An animal stench left my senses shook'd:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I asked, had horses also been there?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh foolish woman! What do you expect</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But a drum full of hairs and equine stench</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For should man's grimy laundry go uncheck'd</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What more could result but a nagging wench?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so, for man to escape this stern mien</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ask: please clean the damn washing machine.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(When you go to wash some clothes and find the above conditions so you write a passive-aggressive poem about it...)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On Cleaning the
Kitchen</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How grand and gleaming is this firm expanse,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And how noble yet stringent that perfume!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When through but common use and pure mischance,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Upon that surface fair was grime abloom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How bright the fabrics with their fine-stitched hem</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That skims across this smooth and shining stone,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And soft, like a butterfly on a stem</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To rest--and in a moment she has flown.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But how long shall this bright beauty remain?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unsullied by the grime of everyday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How long 'til life's dust falls upon this plain</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To prompt harsh utterances of dismay?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although today the battle has been won,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Housework begun will always come undone.</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(The dust. The DUST!)</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tired</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh how still and stagnant this summer's haze,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caught before the slow dawning threat of night,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And weary, yearning for those clear spring days,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When flowers flourished into visions bright.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In airless rooms doth this summer linger,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Witless and stifled in this time-worn cell,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And no dreams 'neath heavy clouds malinger,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For time seems stopp'd, yet life does time impel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This torpid summer still has far to go,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Has yet to sigh and bow to autumn's reign,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will never witness sheets of winter's snow,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marred as it is by springtime's hurricane.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This mortal coil weeps for all that is lost</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These eyes see no future--but at what cost?</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(Tiredness does not a good mood make)</i><br />
<i> </i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48ySTQayzxRuljSNbL83RAyUZocY22k5ekqougFkA2HYPiVCLpLGj1-pusNDJKapzlFhjnuy8TrfxxbtXHGE0FqilIZ_r3WxXE76fXqymRgWz21HSsRSyN6t26hS8hw5T5DDJK6OgWZI0/s1600/nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48ySTQayzxRuljSNbL83RAyUZocY22k5ekqougFkA2HYPiVCLpLGj1-pusNDJKapzlFhjnuy8TrfxxbtXHGE0FqilIZ_r3WxXE76fXqymRgWz21HSsRSyN6t26hS8hw5T5DDJK6OgWZI0/s1600/nap.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Catnapping</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wily, that murderess and soft her tread</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So soft the gaze that has seen so much death</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gentle her nails that have enemies bled</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As closer she creeps with calmness of breath</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How green her eyes as she nears with a smile</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And raven her hair gleams within the light</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She cares not if these sheets she will defile</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her target found she is full of delight</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But how easy to forgive future mess</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When her body is so relaxed and warm! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And lethargic these hands that do caress</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her gently-rumbling and snuggled up form</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many joys hath the world I'll give you that</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But nowt compares to napping with a cat</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(I was feeling tired and unwell, so I took a nap and the cat napped with me)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8h0q7ahlFSltUUfcq-qgTkbQziZZO12GVMolTmSfs_NV9xu2yqwfkcwF30r8XsgHXyCZYXQasl7ezzTIF-sOaWya3JJN4OMclF77sFUm8pz2YuCKo68NWWxClNG9XRZvflrqzsR0MrDxv/s1600/cell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8h0q7ahlFSltUUfcq-qgTkbQziZZO12GVMolTmSfs_NV9xu2yqwfkcwF30r8XsgHXyCZYXQasl7ezzTIF-sOaWya3JJN4OMclF77sFUm8pz2YuCKo68NWWxClNG9XRZvflrqzsR0MrDxv/s1600/cell.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Casting Out</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh most foul and odious of creatures!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make haste and be gone from this darkened cell!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gloom may obscure your malicious features,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But your presence is a most dreadful spell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A thick-growing sea threat come into land:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your breath invades every heart with cold doubt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blinding the eyes to this sunny grassland</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Choking all thought that you may be cast out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So be gone, oh foul creature of despair! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let the daylight shine radiant once more! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Should brief be your repose unto your lair</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Know a battle awaits outside your door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For stealthily tho' you try to outwit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None easy shall fall, no one shall submit.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">On Forgetting a Great
Opening Line</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shit! I found the perfect opening line!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But was distracted therefore I forgot</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That first line for this modest verse of mine</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(I must admit this happens quite a lot).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How grand that line was and so poetic!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With clever words I would have summoned forth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An image of such striking aesthetic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alas I stood and lost those words henceforth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there is the simplest of solutions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To save me from this wrinkle-giving frown:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To stop future verbal destitution.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I swear to God next time I'll write it down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(I say this with intentions good and yet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I will still god damn well forget!)</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(I actually did forget. This was meant to be a sonnet about a cat sleeping in today's glorious spring sunshine)</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
So that's the first few sonnets done! It's a challenge to write them when I'm tired, which usually happens when I'm busy or have been out for the day. But I've managed so far! Am finding another challenge in what to write them about, sometimes. Hence the poem about internet memes and forgetting the opening line!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8 down, 23 to go!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-12611357605772115292018-03-07T12:00:00.000+00:002018-03-18T15:25:10.241+00:00Hands Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R8wGfe3wtQYXPvelaXzbxyoqRzJRUwna_VCoEav88o0iNpNW9XcsUmkKRWCoRfI4v5kQP8dmMu-zQteKlvD7La3xs5xhLAktcOZVfpuCztpMgiv1iG6rA8EJZtUEdf2PVqv6qQqIH8yM/s1600/hands98-106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6R8wGfe3wtQYXPvelaXzbxyoqRzJRUwna_VCoEav88o0iNpNW9XcsUmkKRWCoRfI4v5kQP8dmMu-zQteKlvD7La3xs5xhLAktcOZVfpuCztpMgiv1iG6rA8EJZtUEdf2PVqv6qQqIH8yM/s1600/hands98-106.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Just a little update on the first goal on <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-list.html" target="_blank">The List</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>001. Fill a sketchbook with artwork/studies of one subject.</i></blockquote>
That subject being hands, and me actually applying myself to sitting down and working on this goal, I have been drawing so many hands that I'm starting to get sick of the sight of them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpluNAY3y5aBbPgdYvfShN5ikdcyfux9kEZ1SaD3JgWF2aLMydsoYvbHOpNLbPfPi2bE1RuS5Bfd5BqPOS5mhZvyL3A5cxzTFYMxXx9TKZTSMRCVu4p6-GAMqseCOhyNurpYsndJMjj0j/s1600/hands107-115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpluNAY3y5aBbPgdYvfShN5ikdcyfux9kEZ1SaD3JgWF2aLMydsoYvbHOpNLbPfPi2bE1RuS5Bfd5BqPOS5mhZvyL3A5cxzTFYMxXx9TKZTSMRCVu4p6-GAMqseCOhyNurpYsndJMjj0j/s1600/hands107-115.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite that, it can be soothing to sit and draw from a reference, and as I'm listening to the <i>History of the World in 100 Objects</i> podcast whilst I work, I'm learning things as well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRfD1QV1FTV3-2rXrfGnXWb2RcsXnOGVq3UFvksgzpAFl9uD4-OZnQKd-Okqzu4ow0hzTBCMYdq773C9rE-54YgreRoxsUCWSfflxJPNBFBV8Iy0_tJliJZXiX0Ex2bIkjiWhxGioNG77/s1600/hands116-124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRfD1QV1FTV3-2rXrfGnXWb2RcsXnOGVq3UFvksgzpAFl9uD4-OZnQKd-Okqzu4ow0hzTBCMYdq773C9rE-54YgreRoxsUCWSfflxJPNBFBV8Iy0_tJliJZXiX0Ex2bIkjiWhxGioNG77/s1600/hands116-124.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of my sketches definitely come out better than others, and some poses are easier to draw than others, but the level of effort I put in certainly effects how well the pictures turn out.<br />
<br />
It might seem as though I've drawn a million hands already (it feels that way to me!) but <i>my sketchbook still isn't filled</i>.<br />
<br />
I have 28 pages left...<br />
<br />
Guess I'd better go hunting for some more references!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-72016578375579313082018-03-05T11:30:00.000+00:002018-03-08T14:05:47.034+00:00Africa Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T-FPt8jbgVLJxHsNpNwO77UKhF6pNzWLLO4hu7Z9-VxvuhQyyrQTWDzy5cg4XV9kA6E1RVxgGUGWj_Th4KgzpgWwe7oACUhyphenhyphenx7lxp-VLe8zZi8Nxd-7QLVe7Y4T75wWTkn9T7GS1TRlR/s1600/labelledafrica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T-FPt8jbgVLJxHsNpNwO77UKhF6pNzWLLO4hu7Z9-VxvuhQyyrQTWDzy5cg4XV9kA6E1RVxgGUGWj_Th4KgzpgWwe7oACUhyphenhyphenx7lxp-VLe8zZi8Nxd-7QLVe7Y4T75wWTkn9T7GS1TRlR/s1600/labelledafrica.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
As I wrote at the beginning of February, I've been <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/a-post-about-african-geography.html" target="_blank">working on my goal</a> to learn all the countries in Africa.<br />
It seems that repetition is definitely the key to success when it comes to memorising this stuff, because after countless rounds of label-that-country via the app I wrote about before, and several instances of scrawling-down-a-list-of-countries, <b>I remember them all.</b><br />
<br />
I can (and do) now watch the TV quiz show <i>Pointless</i> and rattle off a whole list of African countries when a related geography question pops up. And yes, some of those are 'pointless answers'.<br />
<br />
So I can call this goal complete!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>033. Memorise every country in Africa</i></blockquote>
Hurrah! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-19956272249901398632018-03-03T10:30:00.000+00:002018-03-08T14:04:54.368+00:0010 TED Talks on Mental HealthAfter watching a bunch of inspiring, creative TED talks, which I <a href="https://doingathing.blogspot.com/2018/02/architecture-art-and-aha-moments-ten.html" target="_blank">wrote about recently</a>, I decided that with twenty more talks to go, I should grab the bull by the horns and watch talks about something a lot more serious. Something more personal, something closer to home and therefore, potentially a little uncomfortable, a little harder to watch: talks about <b>mental health</b>.<br />
<br />
I ended up watching a variety of talks, some about intervention and serious mental health issues, some about dealing with stress (and we all know that stress can lead to more serious health issues, so it's better to nip it in the bud at the start, right?)<br />
<br />
So here goes. Ten TED talks about mental health.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gZCgWmose3c" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Andres Lozano: Parkinson's depression, and the switch that might turn them off.</b><br />
A talk about deep brain stimulation, a technique in which electrodes implanted in specific areas of the brain can be used to suppress or enhance that area's activity, leading to incredible physical and mental results.<br />
I had no idea that deep brain stimulation even existed - it sounds like something out of science fiction - but the video clips and examples in this talk really showcase what the procedure can do.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mbbMLOZjUYI" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>What's so funny about mental illness? | Ruby Wax</b><br />
A short and entertaining talk in which comedian Ruby Wax reveals her experiences with depression, and calls for an end to the stigma surrounding mental illness.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C_SBGTJgBGo" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Robert Gupta: Music is medicine, music is sanity</b><br />
Violinist Robert Gupta discusses what he learnt from giving a violin lesson to a talented schizophrenic musician. This talk really highlights the terrible results of bad 'treatment', and more importantly, the positive effect that music can have.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7zBOPRs1yRE" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Healing spaces - the science of place and well-being: Esther Sternberg at TEDxTucson 2013</b><br />
With plenty of examples and a few anecdotes, Dr Esther Sternberg discusses how our health and emotions are affected by our surroundings.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HLz8IujtECQ" width="560"></iframe></center>
<b>Break the silence around mentall illness: Delaney Ruston at TEDxRainier</b><br />
Delaney Ruston reveals her personal experience with her father's schizophrenia, and how - in becoming a documentary maker - came to reconnect with her father, and go on to make further documentaries that highlight the issues and stigma that surround mental illness around the world. <br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_re6AX3Mi4s" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Lift Depression With These 3 Presciptions-Without-Pills | Susan Heitler | TEDxWilmington</b><br />
Psychologist Susan Heitler reveals three steps that anyone can take to treat situational depression, and how learning to deconstruct the issues making us angry or upset (and therefore depressed) can help us feel more empowered and better our mental health.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/njESlZa2b10" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>How to get stuff done when you are depressed | Jessica Gimeno | TEDxPilsenWomen</b><br />
A talk by the incredible Jessica Gimeno, who lives with five illnesses including bipolar. Straight to the point, she explains methods she has used to help herself get things done whilst depressed, and calls for a wider discussion on mental health--that diagnosis isn't enough, as people have to learn to live with invisible illnesses like depression, too. <br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TqxxCYnAxo8" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>How to end stress, unhappiness and anxiety and live in a beautiful state | Preethaji | TEDxKC</b><br />
Using storytelling and meditation, Preethaji talks about shifting our mindset from 'stressful state' to 'beautiful state'. <br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TFbv757kup4" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong | Amy Morin | TEDxOcala</b><br />
Drawing on her own experiences, social worker and physchotherapist Amy Morin talks about the destructive beliefs that take away our mental strength, and creating good mental habits to help our mental strength grow. <br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v_rS9XNweyc" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Transforming stress into effortless living: Marina Pearson at TEDxIslingtonWomen</b><br />
The title of this talk is pretty much self-explanatory! Marina Pearson encourages us to listen and trust our innate wisdom, and be mindful of bad thinking.<br />
<br />
<br />If one thing stands out from this batch of talks, it's that there still isn't enough dialogue about mental health. There's still a lot of stigma, and a lack of understanding.<br />
Most of the talks in this post are pretty heavy-going, but nonetheless interesting. If you're going to watch them, I suggest just watching one or two at a time. The whole lot in one go might be a bit too much.<br />
<br />
Having watched these, I am only 10 TED/TEDx talks away from achieving my goal of watching 100!<br />
I set this goal for myself because although I was aware of TED talks, and had heard of some that sounded interesting, I never made an effort to watch any--even though they are freely available on YouTube.<br />
Having started this goal, I've discovered that it's remarkably easy to get sucked into a Ted Talk Vortex: watch one interesting talk, and three hours later finding myself clicking on yet another one, sometimes about something completely unrelated, yet nonetheless fascinating!<br />
<br />
So, ten more to go. They might be a 'mixed bag' of talks, as I still have so many to watch...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-55894121073002142742018-03-01T10:30:00.000+00:002018-03-01T10:30:36.178+00:00Gadding About in Guildford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMBEqX5Zx05TRlcFnJx3IWTel63ju9OLPSf5X4qTdv6fh9PzhHhZJY3g7IBln_YaWUPGm9sbczxa1U4-lez3yMDZN3DhG8Ll070L78dtGJAgTAtoHJo2hSo1lwqJGeNl7iliWSNBSr7Ng/s1600/guildford02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMBEqX5Zx05TRlcFnJx3IWTel63ju9OLPSf5X4qTdv6fh9PzhHhZJY3g7IBln_YaWUPGm9sbczxa1U4-lez3yMDZN3DhG8Ll070L78dtGJAgTAtoHJo2hSo1lwqJGeNl7iliWSNBSr7Ng/s1600/guildford02.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week, I ended up going to Guildford with my mum and midde sister, to explore and shop!<br />
<br />
Aside from a shopping centre that housed the expected assortment of high
street shops, Guildford has a nice long main street, with a whole bunch
of more high-end high street brands. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bHe0SCFTaJi4XeZLb1DBB8hBSOzPwukzs_g6YNFQjiRXLbAqxatyL4rvfy4zX9tnVxQkOpF65lFnIY7UoLH3z33BNxLDaNzA-1z2LzPQ-8sZQoIZo316LJ6xPqY1SDChU1fUX2s_RzEG/s1600/guildford01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bHe0SCFTaJi4XeZLb1DBB8hBSOzPwukzs_g6YNFQjiRXLbAqxatyL4rvfy4zX9tnVxQkOpF65lFnIY7UoLH3z33BNxLDaNzA-1z2LzPQ-8sZQoIZo316LJ6xPqY1SDChU1fUX2s_RzEG/s1600/guildford01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Something I liked about the town was the architecture, and that in some cases, the old store fronts have been respected by the brands that have moved into them, meaning that this town with its modern brands has a quaint atmosphere. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmT0Ux7pHPOdUDzHEEQ9adaUL3VpnBGFluQooLNBENKPvfxH4BjSYcQ8R82Zecmqx1k_1QYj8S8EFIDWrk_5Jll7Os-5TcWW7ymmfxXxCHXskFr-thba1ucB5PvWByIpsfu9ZDnrfURYK/s1600/guildford03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmT0Ux7pHPOdUDzHEEQ9adaUL3VpnBGFluQooLNBENKPvfxH4BjSYcQ8R82Zecmqx1k_1QYj8S8EFIDWrk_5Jll7Os-5TcWW7ymmfxXxCHXskFr-thba1ucB5PvWByIpsfu9ZDnrfURYK/s1600/guildford03.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately I wasn't feeling my best on the day we went, and had sprained my knee the day before, which made walking up and down the hill somewhat interesting!<br />
Still, I enjoyed looking around, and whilst I didn't buy anything exciting, I left feeling inspired by the architecture and window displays (and also the awesome candelabra above, seen in the window of Anthropologie!)<br />
<br />
This little trip out counts towards another goal on <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-list.html" target="_blank">The List</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>039. Explore 30 towns/cities/villages</i></blockquote>
I'd like to go back to Guildford another day, when I have more money and
better health, as it's a great town to do some shopping! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-53597810549873716192018-02-28T12:30:00.000+00:002018-03-15T19:02:20.935+00:00Of Fins and Feathers: Four Costume DesignsI've been working my butt off to design more costumes for characters from my <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/folk-tales-of-sea-people-contents.html" target="_blank"><i>Folk Tales of the Sea People</i></a> series, as part of goal <i>53. Design 50 outfits/costumes.</i><br />
<br />
Then I skipped a few, because I didn't feel inspired by them. <br />
<br />
Long story short, here are the last four costumes for those characters, bringing my total up to 36!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ3swhosp1xOpMNHJr4fiCmnca5cZ_YvKJfvRR5e_CXZADUL_2wxaHCVhEKWZTduxHKHXSDAXZtUJSRTLUzi7z5JfoyosqZnqzxzlMRbTMTfuQAyEVyXhyzpRTtYUmUhEdcJGMD4czaNI/s1600/33-shui.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ3swhosp1xOpMNHJr4fiCmnca5cZ_YvKJfvRR5e_CXZADUL_2wxaHCVhEKWZTduxHKHXSDAXZtUJSRTLUzi7z5JfoyosqZnqzxzlMRbTMTfuQAyEVyXhyzpRTtYUmUhEdcJGMD4czaNI/s200/33-shui.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Shui</b> (33/50)<br />
From: <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-fish-who-grew-legs.html" target="_blank"><i>The Fish Who Grew Legs</i></a><br />
<br />
<i>+ </i>Full overhead mask: Blue sequins with black lips and 'goggles'. Shimmery yellow boned 'fins' around neck, spreading onto shoulders/chest, and down centre of head like a long trailing mohawk.<br />
<i>+ </i>Tunic: Blue and black circular pailettes (black stripes on blue) with loose pailettes on sleeves and hem.<br />
+ Shoes: High-top flat courts, blue and black sequins with black lacing at ankle and shimmery yellow boned 'fins' across arch (same fabric as mask).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oUzEFE16pRuDmpOnBiz8Ehf8byzyadF5xc1X-FXh-m9lu6Hy1BMm8aL5FVt_xLBWC7VCxplqycRXK-St9q-bwo3cz_HNCZX6VgBZZnozcXOu3nPViWhjSqlIEFXHpW2M9ajuDp1UOtMg/s1600/34-moana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oUzEFE16pRuDmpOnBiz8Ehf8byzyadF5xc1X-FXh-m9lu6Hy1BMm8aL5FVt_xLBWC7VCxplqycRXK-St9q-bwo3cz_HNCZX6VgBZZnozcXOu3nPViWhjSqlIEFXHpW2M9ajuDp1UOtMg/s200/34-moana.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Moana</b> (34/50)<br />
From: <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.com/2014/10/fresh-water-and-salt-water.html" target="_blank"><i>Fresh Water and Salt Water</i></a><br />
<br />
+ Jacket: Red sequins with low hook and eye fastening. Dark blue crinkled 'fin' like high collar, cuffs and peplum hem.<br />
+ Trousers: Same fabrics as jacket, 'fins' on lower half.<br />
+ Shoes: Flat shoes, same fabrics as before, 'fins' covering toes and red sequins at heel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9Xehx0otCuSkMdRK023XC_VryfQqdfvw8gXxyDNTFCBkxKe4-s91vpRbG3zCuowcIM7QkUXDGkzmIWvxt-Vt8fWzIfJBE7F1dJXkIUO6h63v4PCKwxmko3yodJlEIPq_y3nMOEWbaChW/s1600/35-melanchor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9Xehx0otCuSkMdRK023XC_VryfQqdfvw8gXxyDNTFCBkxKe4-s91vpRbG3zCuowcIM7QkUXDGkzmIWvxt-Vt8fWzIfJBE7F1dJXkIUO6h63v4PCKwxmko3yodJlEIPq_y3nMOEWbaChW/s200/35-melanchor.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Melanchor</b> (35/50)<br />
From: <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.com/2014/10/fresh-water-and-salt-water.html" target="_blank"><i>Fresh Water and Salt Water</i></a><br />
<br />
+ Circlet: Silver feather 'hearts'.<br />
+ Neck Corset: Black leather, laces up front.<br />
+ Top: White stretch velvet with broad white feather sleeves<br />
+ Corset: White leather with whote feather 'skirt'--like wings at front, curving around hips.<br />
+ Skirt: White velvet asymmetric circle skirt, longer at back.<br />
+ Boots: Thigh high black leather with high heel and lacing at back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlUZnauolFUgK82MM5v_xCUx6Z-7nFOkHGCIhmev9PqyH0u6_Dmls-NaLmgRg3H5nK6PSN3jx4A_XdlHPpvbkMXBmbov-F3HXzNMjmDmyzz3ArcjvaqvXRcxT1qORMXATs6RJkpITvY4H/s1600/36-nereus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlUZnauolFUgK82MM5v_xCUx6Z-7nFOkHGCIhmev9PqyH0u6_Dmls-NaLmgRg3H5nK6PSN3jx4A_XdlHPpvbkMXBmbov-F3HXzNMjmDmyzz3ArcjvaqvXRcxT1qORMXATs6RJkpITvY4H/s200/36-nereus.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Nereus</b> (36/50)<br />From: <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.com/2014/10/fresh-water-and-salt-water.html" target="_blank"><i>Fresh Water and Salt Water</i></a><br />
<br />
+ Jacket: Blue neoprene with lighter blue crinkled cap sleeves, collar and deep hem. Hook and eye fastening.<br />
+ Trousers: Same fabrics as jacket. Lighter blue from mid-thigh.<br />
+ Shoes: Dark blue leather, curled toes and stitch detail at the sides. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now I've done these, I likely won't be designing costumes for all of the characters in <i>Folk Tales of the Sea People</i>. It was fun at first, but became a bit of a chore, and I guess some of my designs have become kind of 'samey'.<br />
I did purposefully design two similar outfits in this set, that of Moana and Nereus. With Shui and Melanchor, I wanted to design something a bit more 'out there' though both ended up a little tame! For those who haven't read the stories, Shui is the titular "fish" who grew legs, whilst Melanchor is one of the 'Swan People': an anthropomorphised black-necked swan. I wanted to incorporate this somewhat into their costumes!<br />
<br />
As for what costumes/outfits I'll design next, I'm undecided whether to design more for characters from other stories, or whether to design more 'everyday' outfits for the last 14 of the goal! <br />
<br />
You can see all my designs so far on my <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/53" target="_blank">Goal 53 tag</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-32927716590973141362018-02-27T10:00:00.000+00:002018-03-08T14:04:54.584+00:00Architecture, Art and Aha! Moments: Ten TED talks on CreativityI feel I've been on a roll when it comes to watching TED talks, and can't believe it's taken me so long to get on with my goal of watching 100.<br />
<br />
Well...I'm definitely going to reach that goal. I still have 100-odd talks on my 'watch later' list on YouTube!<br />
<br />
After all the talks on learning, I ended up watching a bunch of talks on <b>creativity</b>. This includes art, design, and ideas!<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/16p9YRF0l-g" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>How to build your creative confidence | David Kelley</b><br />
In a talk pretty much summed up by its title, David Kelley explains how anyone can be creative, and how people can come to think themselves creative through a few tiny steps, giving some anecdotes and examples along the way.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tWmJcR-x_hc" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Milton Glaser: How great design makes ideas new</b><br />
Milton Glaser, a graphic designer, talks about design, and deconstructs the thoughts behind a painting inspired Piero della Francesca, and making an old idea new by breaking it down.<br />
Design as a subject is something I struggle to understand a little, so this talk was particularly interesting! It's great to see creative things, and to learn about the thought and intention behind them!<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WAuDCOl9qrk" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>John Maeda: How art, technology and design inform creative leaders</b><br />
In this talk, the president of the Rhode Island School of Design talks about how the evolution of technology has led to more possibilities in design and art, and how it effects leadership. He provides a few demonstrations of his early work along the way, which really highlights how technology has evolved!<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gVLu99Ja2mA" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Dan Phillips: Creative houses from reclaimed stuff</b><br />
A fantastic talk by builder Dan Phillips, showcasing the houses he's build in Texas--using 70-80% of recycled materials.<br />
This is a fascinating one to watch, if not for the quirky style of some of the houses then for the inspiration found in his creativity!<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0PAy1zBtTbw" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Use art to turn the world inside out | JR</b><br />
Street artist JR talks about his wish to turn the world inside out, and discusses an project in which he travelled the world creating portraits of the local people and pasting them up--and creative solutions to the problems he and his team encountered along the way. <br />
This talk is actually really inspiring, and really shows how art can change the world--not merely by making things beautiful, but by making people think, making a statement, and...providing a leak-free roof. (Watch the talk to understand).<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MzLYk-KajQo" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>All art is relative: Alice Coleman at TEDxUlanbataarWomen</b><br />
Writer, director, and teacher Alice Coleman talks about her experiences in the creative world, the importance of doing the things you love, and how in doing so, you can help inspire the next generation<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hha0NsYXS5c" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Why the buildings of the future will be shaped by...you | Marc Kushner</b><br />
Architect Marc Kushner explains how architecture has changed over the past thirty years: how architects swing between traditional architectural forms that the public recognises, and more 'innovative' styles that haven't always had the greatest public response. He talks about the public as a crucial part of the design process, and how social media has enabled architects to provide innovative solutions that the public likes--before it has even been built.<br />
(I probably explained this badly, but it's a great talk!)<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3QZp6smeSQA" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Michael Pawlyn: Using nature's genius in architecture</b><br />
In this talk, Michael Pawlyn talks about three key things we can learn from nature - radical resource efficiency, closed loops, and solar economy - and implement in an improved architecture and society. Talking about things such as biomimicry, he reveals some of the nature-inspired design choices made in the creation of such places as the Eden Project, and transforming waste into valuable opportunities. <br />
This talk really highlights the potential that technology, biomimicry and design has to provide solutions for some of the world's biggest problems.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j4LSwZ05laQ" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Want to be more creative? Go for a walk | Marily Oppezzo</b><br />
Behavioural and learning scientist Marily Oppezzo discusses research into the connection between exercise and creativity, and reveals that the key to getting the most out of your brainstorm could well be as simple as taking a walk.<br />
Having discovered for myself that walking can help ideas happen and get my brain 'unstuck' from problems, it's great to know there's scientific research into it!<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZpT0cw9bmiw" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>The search for "aha!" moments | Matt Goldman</b><br />
An entertaining and inspirational talk from Matt Goldman, co-founder of Blue Man Group. He talks about how taking the things learnt from the Blue Man Group shows - that 'aha moments' can be frequent and intentional - and using this knowledge in education to create Blue School, which balances creativity, self and social intelligence, and academics.<br />
This is a fun talk and I want to go to Blue School now.<br />
<br />
This selection of talks turned out to be pretty varied in the end! It's often hard to know exactly what a talk is about until you watch it, which has led to this batch being about everything from idea generation and architecture to scientific studies and street art!<br />
<br />
With this lot, my watched talks list is up to 80! Twenty more to go! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-91522719364002146252018-02-26T13:39:00.002+00:002018-02-26T13:39:41.359+00:00That Old State of Mind<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K19gNoGPCO_lYuCHpAunSl8SuMah8ZP0V49owwl3gWj3Mou-lP2MYpYek52xrp2xOUTX-iQzW31BNy5WctKWM0-idYx7c8638sT4iHkabDUybeIrJ5ME6C0e2GhgqvUsI-98s_bFbgS7/s1600/06-brainfog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K19gNoGPCO_lYuCHpAunSl8SuMah8ZP0V49owwl3gWj3Mou-lP2MYpYek52xrp2xOUTX-iQzW31BNy5WctKWM0-idYx7c8638sT4iHkabDUybeIrJ5ME6C0e2GhgqvUsI-98s_bFbgS7/s1600/06-brainfog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brainfog<br />(Fuzzy thoughts, lack of clarity)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Several months have passed since I updated about my photography project, <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/state-of-mind.html" target="_blank"><i>State of Mind</i></a>. This is part of goal 12 (Complete 3 photography projects) and is still ongoing, but here are some recent additions, plus one from last year (above) which I previously only posted as part of a <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.com/2017/06/may-roundup-365.html" target="_blank">365 Project update</a>.<br />
<br />
Since it's been a while, here's the arty-farty description of this project:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>State of Mind</b><i> explores different emotions and mental states
through a series of 'faceless' self-portraits, each one being a
personification of those mental states or emotions: the residents of
'The State of Mind'.</i></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E9gB0O7JqJw63prZbQzfQ12Wy7iYZUomfjOiQ3zy33WymxGA5eeP9mRDWsGes_pdwn-Rjt4cWkcOMtn7_D-dTAqnx2mVQcl4y9ASw5y0cByrd88icCUA-OtHjAVHCzOwKdp4Gpu_GVlC/s1600/07-exhaustion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E9gB0O7JqJw63prZbQzfQ12Wy7iYZUomfjOiQ3zy33WymxGA5eeP9mRDWsGes_pdwn-Rjt4cWkcOMtn7_D-dTAqnx2mVQcl4y9ASw5y0cByrd88icCUA-OtHjAVHCzOwKdp4Gpu_GVlC/s1600/07-exhaustion.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Exhaustion<br />(Extreme tiredness, caffeine dependent, running on empty)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These most recent images haven't all turned out exactly as intended; I'd wanted to use a full-sized pillow for <i>Exhaustion</i> but...it was too big. Fortunately this little rectangular cushion pad was the right size!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeSD0H6e8q0qX4cgzNk0ey-qq8QgHvsRj-g34KacAs84oMgLrc78RT3JKN5hcj-zYf0YKfA9ravclVlLL4JtYMhHanEwqRaq03gegKj8EoD3VaVwb9Qj4UgC05Mwz5KToSj3FTTJ7o-9a/s1600/08-anxiety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeSD0H6e8q0qX4cgzNk0ey-qq8QgHvsRj-g34KacAs84oMgLrc78RT3JKN5hcj-zYf0YKfA9ravclVlLL4JtYMhHanEwqRaq03gegKj8EoD3VaVwb9Qj4UgC05Mwz5KToSj3FTTJ7o-9a/s1600/08-anxiety.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anxiety<br />(Catastrophe. Chained. Can't Escape.)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm finding that some 'states of mind' are harder to personify as a faceless portrait than I expected. It can be tricky to define emotions as objects, especially the more complex ones that are made up of lots of different smaller feelings, and are experienced in different ways by different people.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDruyshEBzGS7pvwZIuGSDSC4zgibEknD0pliogVvBTgg24R9IG_nuSScNNwcscDJAq23yA3-eBoIfKTfC2iB17ilrZpxfd4wObOh9uSyYMFh9KL4luugVWo1lICwKaOj2q9GGs9qEuYBB/s1600/09-gloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDruyshEBzGS7pvwZIuGSDSC4zgibEknD0pliogVvBTgg24R9IG_nuSScNNwcscDJAq23yA3-eBoIfKTfC2iB17ilrZpxfd4wObOh9uSyYMFh9KL4luugVWo1lICwKaOj2q9GGs9qEuYBB/s1600/09-gloom.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gloom<br />(All is dull, no light to be seen.)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Though there is a similarity between some of these pictures (and there will probably be more), I hope the differences stand out. For example, <i>Brainfog</i> and <i>Gloom</i> are similar with pale, fuzzy heads, but whilst <i>Brainfog</i> emits a feeling of fluffy-headedness, <i>Gloom</i> is a lot darker, a lot heavier.<br />
<br />
That's it for this project so far; other photos may end up being composite images, editing together a 'head' shot and a 'body' shot, due to issues with size/weight of the 'head'.<br />
<br />
Fingers crossed it won't take me another ten months to post another update on this! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8577163825485008452.post-29933601885498412512018-02-25T10:30:00.000+00:002018-03-08T14:04:54.501+00:0011 TED Talks on LearningIf there's one thing I'm always up for, it's learning about things that interest me. Sometimes, that includes discovering the existence of things that interest me, finding out more about them, how to learn better.<br />
Or trying to understand the how and the why of things that are completely beyond me, like computer programming--which I studied at uni, and passed by sheer fluke.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it turns out that there are a ton of TED talks on learning, both in general and in respect to different subjects.<br />
<br />
So with my 'Watch 100 TED/TEDx Talks' goal in mind, I watched a few...<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_98m4Vod6_8" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>How learning German taught me the link between maths and poetry | Harry Baker | TEDxVienna</b><br />
Poet, Mathematician and World Slam Poetry champion Harry Baker discusses how he discovered a link between maths, in which there are right and wrong answers, and poetry, which has no wrong ones, and demonstrates his skill through an entertaining bilingual poem.<br />
Falafellöffel is my favourite new word.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ARWBdfWpDyc" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Quantum Physics for 7 Year Olds | Dominic Walliman | TEDxEastVan</b><br />
Through this easy to digest talk, quantum physicist Dominic Walliman discusses simple ways to improve communication in science, revealing that quantum physics isn't difficult to understand, it just needs to be explained better.<br />
I still think quantum physics is one of those things you work with when you're a super brainy person, but I did have a few "Oh!!!" moments whilst watching, in which everything was suddenly clear!<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nmZR_JsLCfg" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>How I taught myself to code | Litha Soyizwapi | TEDxSoweto</b><br />
In this talk, graphic designer and app developer Litha Soyizwapi tells the story of how he learned to draw after initially failing his course, and then how through curiosity, determination, and process, he taught himself how to program apps, eventually creating one of the most popular app in South Africa.<br />
This is a really inspiring talk, and shows how with the right tools and information, and of course dedication, self-learning really is possible, with incredible results.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5MgBikgcWnY" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>The first 20 hours-- how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman | TEDxCSU</b><br />
Author and teacher Josh Kaufman uses this talk to explain that it takes just 20 hours to learn absolutely anything. He proves it by playing the ukelele. It's a bit more in-depth than 'it takes 20 hours to learn something' but is an interesting talk!<br />
I want a ukelele now.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-WLHr1_EVtQ" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>5 techniques to speak any language | Sid Efromovich | TEDxUpperEastSide</b><br />
In this talk, hyperpolyglot Sid Efromovich talks language learning, presenting five different techniques that can be used to learn a language. Within this talk is an explanation of how we have a 'language database' which we tend to refer to when trying to learn foreign languages, the importance of making mistakes, of practise, of <i>scrapping the foreign alphabet</i> and more.<br />
As someone with an interest in languages, I found this talk really interesting, and definitely gained a couple of good tips!<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3icoSeGqQtY" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>How you can be good at math, and other surprising facts about learning | Jo Boaler | TEDxStanford</b><br />
Mathematics education professor Jo Boaler shares research into teaching methods, which reveal how all of us - even those of us who consider ourselves 'not a maths person' - can be good at maths. Her talk questions the efficacy of how maths is currently taught, and confirms that even the most mathematically challenged can learn if taught in the right way.<br />
I'm one of those 'not a maths person' types, but this talk made me think maybe that's not so true.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O96fE1E-rf8" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Learning how to learn | Barbara Oakley | TEDxOaklandUniversity</b><br />
Barbara Oakley is a professor of Engineering who flunked maths and science all the way through high school. In this talk, she tells of how she enlisted in the army, and how through this, came into contact with algebra and engineering, which led to her returning to school and using specific methods to finally beat the subjects that she had struggled with in the past. <br />
An inspiring talk, proving - like some of the others - that given the right methods and mindset, it's possible to learn even the subjects we struggled with in the past.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/855Now8h5Rs" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Learning styles & the importance of critical self-reflection | Tesia Marshik | TEDxUWLaCrosse</b><br />
In this talk, Dr Tesia Marshik uses reseearch-based evidence to debunk the myth that we have 'learning styles'--and explores both why this belief is a problem, and why we still believe it despite there being so much evidence to the contrary.<br />
When I started watching this talk, I was a little cynical, because I am (was) one of the people who thought there were definitely different kinds of learning styles. I stand corrected. <br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xfBWk4nw440" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>You Should Learn to Program: Christian Genco at TEDxSMU</b><br />
With a mission to inspire the whole world to learn how to program, Christian Genco uses uses this talk to deliver such incredible facts as the number of Apollo 11 missions a modern smartphone has the processing power for and the future of computer processing power. He draws parallels between learning to today and learning to read in the 15th Century, and overall really states his case: <i>you should learn to program</i>.<br />
If my comments at the start of this post didn't make it obvious already, I'm no programmer (and actively hated programming) but this talk <i>almost</i> convinced me to give it another try.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QBKrXdbAcgo" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>Can you learn the hardest language in the world? | Irina Pravet | TEDxOtaniemiED</b><br />
Language coach Irina Pravet talks about learning Finnish as a foreign language, and gives examples of effective ways to learn what is considered to be 'the hardest language in the world'. <br />
Before watching this talk, I didn't realise Finnish was meant to be the hardest in the world, but having seen Finnish, I can understand why it's perceived that way! And for the record, I think I probably <i>could</i> learn it. It would take at least 20 hours ;) <br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-jRREn6ifEQ" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>The poetry of programming | Linda Liukas | TEDxCERN</b><br />
In this talk, programmer, storyteller and illustrator Linda Liukas discusses encouraging more people to engage in programming, especially the next generation, and how she wants to create a more diverse world of progamming and technology.<br />
Having watched this, I'm still not going to run off and learn Java, but seeing some of her examples, it's good to see that programming is being made far more accessible and fun to kids than when I was at school!<br />
<br />
That's it for this group of talks! I ended up watching the programming ones because YouTube suggested them and - as someone who struggled with it - I was curious about <i>how</i> to learn it. (Sitting in lectures and making 'Hello World' applications at university definitely wasn't the answer that worked for me). I watched the language ones because I'm interested in languages, and the ones generally about learning becaues I like learning!<br />
This is probably one of the most academically useful batch of talks I've watched so far, and I may end up going back to some of them to watch them again!<br />
<br />
You can see the other TED talks I've watched on my <a href="http://doingathing.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/TED" target="_blank">TED talks tag.</a> This group of talks brings my total watched talks up to 70! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0