Nettle Tea? Cabbage, more like!

Ever had nettle tea? No? good, it's bum. Except with a bit, well, a LOT, of milk in it. Then it's not too bad. Just tastes like slightly odd warm milk. I don't recommend it. What I DO recommend is the band Hips of Steel. Go and google them, or just go to their facebook page, because google will just show weird hip surgery pictures... Anyhoo, I'm home in Bangor now, and it's about how I remember it. Cold, grey, and full of apathetic apoliticals. But it's home, even if it sucks and it's plummetting to a future of characterless ruin and desolation through unscrupulous development. And also...yeah, that's about it actually. Wahey! See y'all later!

ANOTHER whiny post? 'Fraid so!

Yo! Sorry for the absence! I've started my MA as you all doubtless know, and since arriving in York things have been...fluctuating somewhat! Basically I've been semi-ok with my degree itself, though the staff here seem unsure on how it's actually meant to work, which isn't encouraging, and I'm struggling to engage with the course as well, which is a bummer. (Wow, looong sentence!) My landlady and agents are worse than useless most of the time, and I'm looking at possibly moving out mainly due to this! I've registered with a therapist because I've been feeling lower than I've ever done before, and despite trying to think more positively as suggested, the last two weeks have caused me to feel like I can't cope, and I really, really don't want to be here any more. I'd be in bed asleep, but I can't face the idea! So yeah, sorry for the whinging! I've done good stuff too! I've started doing daily sketches to put on my soon-to-be-filled Tumblr, and I've also been crocheting small animals for people, and meeting mates and chatting and generally gadding about. Woohoo! Anyway, hope you guys out there in Silicon Land are well, have as warm a winter as you can! :D Jx

Like a Boss...? Update!

Well, she'd gone. I was only away for ten minutes to write a phone number or two down, and when I returned she'd left. Anyway, I strolled round the city, taking in all the usual haunts where people tend to sleep if they're out on the streets just in case. No dice. However, I met my friend who usually sits by the railway station. He had a bruised nose and a sling on his arm. He informed me he was jumped by some guys the other night, woke up in hospital and has a sever sprain. I was appalled, I can't believe some people would stoop so low as to jump a homeless man and severely injure him. In winter. In the North. Scum. Anyway, I was worried so I asked if he had plans. he said he was talking to the guys at the homeless shelter, but it'd take SEVEN weeks to get him in. I can't believe it, SEVEN! How?! I think I'll go to them and see if I can help relieve the burden of admin. or whatever's keeping him out of a home. Honestly, this world... Jx

Like a Boss...?

Ok, I just passed a homeless girl on the street. I didn't stop, I didn't give her any money, I just walked past and stumbled home. I mean I was feeling half-dead anyway, and I probably would have freaked the living hell out of her if I'd stopped and tried to chat like I usually do. You'd want someone to care, right? So I always try to see if they're ok, have someone to turn to locally, know where the local shelters are etc. But I didn't today, and I don't know why. Maybe I was too shell shocked to see a youngish girl sat begging, maybe I was too upset by other things, maybe I thought that stopping would scare her, after all I am a tall man in a black coat and ponytail... Anyway, my point is... Um... I dunno. I'm a bad person? Probably, probably that's what my point is. Anyhoo, I'm off out to see if she's ok and things. Ciao! Jx

Doorboobs were a good idea...FIREWORKS!

So last night I was feeling ill (and I still am), so we decided it would be a good idea to put boobs on our front door...

Behold! And they're still there. Ah, student life... Also, tonight we had some excitement! After a dull day of cold, headaches and coughing (all still going) we got a free fireworks display from the school next door :)

And that made me feel MUCH better! And then a spent rocket landed on our roof and took out one of the slates! Hah! It was terrifying actually, but still... Anyhoo, that's all for the nicht, nos da y'all! Jx

Stolen Earth and Movember

So this morning I woke up, and as I was putting my trousers on I heard someone singing the theme from "Skyfall" in the bathroom. How lovely, I thought, that someone's got a lovely voice and is sharing it with little ol' me. So I went downstairs and realised Heidi had come round. Heidi is lovely, an she pops round on a Wednesday, so I said hello. After about thirty seconds, I find out she's in an awesome prog rock band called Stolen Earth, who have a Christmas gig in York on December the 7th in the Fulford Arms, and you should all bloody well go because it's £8 and they are AWESOME! Seriously, here's a sample I know! So cool! Anyway, I'll be there :D Also, I'm doing Movember in memory of my Godfather, who died a few years back, so go to my page and give me a load of money for charity. Before I cut off all my hair later next month for charity when you can give me even MORE money. Mwahaha. Or at least keep apace with the progress I make in growing my excuse for a 'tache! Tata for now! Oh, and enter the competition? Maybe? If you don't I'll just keep doing them until somebody wins! In fact...I'm gonna do that anyway if nobody wins, because everybody should have nice crocheted things! Woo! :D Jx

Update!

Ok chaps! Here's the plan! Nobody has managed to get the first question for the competition I announced last week. So...I've changed it! Mwaha! Hopefully this might be a bit more doable. I want to give a prize to someone! :)

Also! Here's a shot of my favourite thing in York Minster! It's a beautiful, intricate funerary monument for a 17th century gentleman and his wife. Isn't it gorgeous? And this is just for a rich bloke! Imagine what a king would have! :D So cool, can you imagine something so sumptuous at your graveside? That's a man who wanted to be remembered, and remembered as a rich, well dressed Dude with a capital D! I really like grave markers and funerary monuments...is that weird? Jx

Competition Time!

Here's something new! :D Answe the questions at the end of this wee post correctly and if you're the first person to comment the correct answer, you will win: -A crocheted doll of whichever Dr Who you choose! -A small sketch of whichever fictional character you choose! -A warm glow of self-satisfaction and achievement within! Woohoo! Glorious! And isn't this fun! Anyway, I can probably pay postage and things, so there we go, get scrolling and look at... These: Q1: What is the name of the first man to draw Dennis the Menace, from British comic "The Beano"? Q2: What colour hair did Ramona Flowers start off with in the film "Scott Pilgrim vs The World"? Q3: In which year did the Vikings sack the island of Lindisfarne? I know! What weird questions! Good luck y'all! Jx

A small explanation.

Right, prepare for an actual, heartfelt blog post. These come once in a blue-moon, so get ready! I have a tendency now and then, to allow something to happen. Sir Winston Churchill (KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS, Hon. RA) had a name for a similar occurence, he called it his "Black Dog." This old expression has been used for centuries to describe people being in a bad mood or feeling low for no apparent reason. Recently, I have been feeling very low. I have felt that I am worthless, purposeless, and have no real value whatever in this big, busy old world. It isn't a nice feeling, and it can really affect you and those around you. I've felt like my mind is weak, I've felt like I'm weak myself and I can't do anything properly. Not just a little bit of a cock-up now and then, I mean actually feeling like everything I touch turns to faecal matter because I'm so unutterably stupid I don't deserve to live with real people. I'm inconsolable, insulting, and very unpleasant to be around. It really isn't nice, and I'm sorry if it's affected anyone who reads this. And there's not a lot I can do about it, except listen to people trying to support me and help me, and then usually end up saying something horribly hurtful about myself that upsets them. It's terrible to sound so ungrateful when you're talking to someone who wants to help you, but that's how it affects me. Anyway, this kind of thing used to make me do lots of strange little rituals. OCD some would call it, I just call it rituals (archaeologist!). I'd tap the wall three times going up stairs, brush my hair behind my ears with both hands at once, twitch my nose 24 times in slow succession, count my breaths in an advert on tv, that kind of thing. Thankfully, most of that's well behind me now, but sometimes the urges come back, just to try to control myself, calm myself down. It doesn't work, but minds are irrational things sometimes. It's a terrific strain on you to be out of control, especially of your own actions and thoughts. It's like you're sitting inside your own head with someone else in the driving seat, looking through your eyes at a world you can't really feel. So aaaaanyway, the point is, if you get anything similar, don't worry. I think more than a few people do in this world of ours. But remember something that helps me: you're never alone. You have friends, family, medical professionals, internet friends, even pets to comfort you :) Even if you think it's all useless, just listen to them. It's hard enough without denying the help you're offered, and in reality the only way to get through this kind of nonsense (it IS nonsense) is to power through it. Kick its teeth in and steal its wallet, then carry on walking. So yeah, that's about all I wanted to say. Bit of a cowardly way to do it, but I know some of the people who follow this really care and worry about me, and I wanted you guys to read this, even if it isn't right now. Also, I wanted to let anyone out there with similar problems know that you aren't alone, and that one day the stupid little rituals become just that: Stupid. You'll realise, but it takes time, and pain, and persistence. Keep fighting it, because it's bullshit. And you can do it! Anyway, I've got a load of uni stuff to sort out today, and then tomorrow I may try to get up at 5.30am to get a train to Battle (Google maps it!) and then fight in Viking kit! Wahoo! We shall see! :D Peace and love to all! Jx

Hiraeth et al!

Last night I had a terrible bout of self doubt and self deprecation. I was convinced I was worthless, pointless, directionless and meaningless. It upset me, and someone I was talking to at the time who means a great deal to me and my family and friends. This us a mini public apology for upsetting you like that, and I'm sorry I do that to us both sometimes. I can't really help it, but it is nice to have people who stand by me and help me even when I'm being that way... x Anyway, on with the blog! I just read an article by a lady named Pamela Petro ( ) and it speaks about "Hiraeth". Hiraeth is a Welsh word I use sometimes, which means...well, nobody's ever translated it into English (we're rather proud of that), but it's sort of home-sickness, longing, and a desire for the good old days that never were, all rolled into one great big lump of angst and close-harmony singing. Or at least beer. She is a lady who has travelled the world in Welsh, despite being a "Dysgwraig" or learner, being from the USA by birth (we forgive and welcome you!). I say by birth, because as far as I'm concerned this lady's as Welsh as I am! She loves my country, its people, and she's learning the language. She has, in this article http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2012/09/18/dreaming-in-welsh/#.UFjAl_eZHM4.facebook Embodied what it feels like to be Welsh. Ha! And she from the US! Wonderful! So Welsh it hurts! It has taken someone from thousands of miles away to tell us how we feel so beautifully! Poetry! :D Anyway, I have followed her blog, and I suggest you do the same, if only to read through her previous posts. Today I enroll for my MA classes. It will be fun. I will enjoy it. I will work out the dilemma of clashing classes with re-enactment battles later. Now, I bacon! Jx

Welcome to York! We have The Buffalo Skinners!

Sorry I've been absent a while! Just moved into a new house, getting university things sorted, and also trying to find a parking space in York city centre (physical impossibility) Anyway. I haven't done very much aside from explore with peopleand have Robyn from unraveltheturtle.blogspot.com visit. However, I have had a number of mini-panics about this MA, and I've decided with help from my very good friend Liz that it's something interesting, I like it, and that's enough :) I figure that if something's nice, and you like it, you should keep it up. That's why I'm a cellist, that's why I take photos, that's even why I write this blog! So if you like something, keep it going, it's worthwhile just for that ^^ INSPIRING! Also, if you like folk, zydeco, rock and roll, accordions and amazing hair and clothes, you ought to check out The Buffalo Skinners. They're a band from the northeast of England who play exceptionally good music, frequently on the street! Here's a photo to whet your appetites, and then you should go and check out their facebook page.

They have a two track album out, I believe, and if you happen to be in York city centre, drag yourself to the sound of badass violin solos and accordion riffage! Jx

Canadians Everywhere!

Right, no pics today I'm afraid. I'm tired and I want to go to bed (all together now!) Ahem. Anyway. Last time I showed you a lady named Kate Leth, from Canada. Today, I discovered the aristic talents of another lady from Canada, called Brinny Langlois. Now I don't know what it is, whether it's the weather, the water, the maple syrup or the moose jerky, but by Gad these Canucks can draw some bloody beautiful comics! Brinny's art is beautifully simple, cute, and her comics are very funny! I enjoy reading comics that are effortlessly funny like hers. They don't appear every minute of every day, they come when they come, and they're good as a result. She draws single images as well, to keep the site filled with yumminess! :) Read these websites, enjoy these young ladies' art and talent, and then go and make some gorgeous artwork of your own! Don't just sit there like a lump saying "Oh I wish i could draw!" Go and bloody well use up some paper and get yourself online! I will if you will :) Anyway, tomorrow I have a busy day planned, I'm moving to York on Monday! Woohoo! Brillo pads! :D Tata for now gorgeous people! Jx

Back to crafts!

So I've started tablet weaving again! I was feeling ill, which is when I seem to do crafty things like this, I'm not sure why! But i've made a couple of narrow bands, blue and white chevrons, and another one with an orange border, which isn't quite done yet!

That's it :) There's also a rather exciting development going on. I'm a student again! Woohoo! Off to York to do a Master's Degree :D The housing is developing slowly, but I should have it sorted by the end of next week, aall being well. Anyhoo, I'm off out to lunch, this was just a small post to let y'all know I was still about :) Also, if anyone out there is interested and doesn't know yet, go to www.kateordie.tumblr.cm and look at what is the BEST comic I've read this year! I admit to sending a slightly lame email to the author, because her comic actually really helped me come to terms with some of the things that have troubled me. It's a very good comic, heartfelt and enthusiastic, and the art is, of course, cute as a button! TTFN chaps! Jx

Tiredness

Well, I'm tired. Tired of working, tired of trying to sort out my uni stuff, tired of having the volatility of human emotion thrust upon me. Tire, tired, tired. But, on the plus side, ZZ Top's new album "La Futura" is coming out in a few days, and I shall be getting the record, to boost my vinyl collection! :D It's just under £20, which is fine by me as I love a bit of music, as you've surely gathered by now! If that's not your bag, I recently discovered that the new series of Dr. Who was going to be almost identical to the last, in terms of story arcs, script styles and, indeed, companions. No more the thrill and excitement of people dying, getting kicked off the show, storylines with interesting new planets and aliens, different situations and stuff like that. Oh no. We shall have the Doctor's identity being questioned, love between him and flirtatious women, the "Pond Saga", and now there's a grandad again (Remember Bernard? He was Donna's grandad. Originalitylol!). Oh, and buggering up the Daleks, don't forget that. Well there we go. Predictability, thy name is the BBC Wales scriptwriting department of the 2000s and 2010s. Anyhoo, enjoy the next episode! :D TTFN chaps! Love J x

Wow, been a while!

Greetings The Internet! Sorry for the loooooong delay, I've been working liek a dog! However, I have now paid off my tuition fees for next year ^^ And I'm working on moving into somewhere as well soon with Friend James, who is a Lovelington. Anyhoo, I'm now a Fireman on a steam railway, which is...kind of a dream come true for me! Yay! :D Seriously, I've been dreaming of this job for several years now, and to have actually finally accomplished it is...amazing, to say the least! :) It's quite nice to know that if you try and you work at it, you actually can achieve your dreams and goals, even if you don't quite realise you're doing it... Have a photo! I promise I'll keep up the posts from now on! Peace out y'all! J x

New ZZ Top!

So ZZ Top, the bluesiest, filthiest, beardiest band ever to come out of have a new album out. Texicali is their first prper new album in 9 years, and I'd heard mixed things from over the Atlantic about it, as you tend to with new work after long breaks. Oh, but they still got it! The new album has some crackers on it, like "I gotsta Get Paid", which is based on a rap song by Fat Pat. It's low down, dirty and very ZZ Top! The whole thing feels more like the ZZ Top albums of the 1970s, the ones that make you feel like you're in a hot bar in the desert sweating into your beer whilst these bearded musical leviathans pour molasses into your ears. Or something. I like ZZ Top. Some of the tracks are slower and bluseier than others, but many of them are the head nodding grit that we all love from The Top. Go and buy it! Go and buy it now! Jx

Artefact Analysis?

Know what that is? I'll tell you. It's a ginger beer bottle. Well, part of a ginger beer bottle anyway. It's late nineteenth or early twentieth century, and it originally said "The Pier Mineral Water Company Bangor Stone Ginger Beer." How cool is that? Shush, I think it's cool! The website odds and codds is very interestng if you want to find stuff out about cool old bottles and things, after all, they're part of history too you know! :D Anyway, I was back at work for the first day since early June, and successfully didn't kill anyone or break anything! Yaaaaay! Right, time for a cup of tea and then bed methinks! Nos da! Jx

I'm back!

So I just spent nearly two months digging and working in Ireland and the Isle of Man. It was wet, windy and wonderful! Now back to real work (Agh!) and money (woohoo!) Now that I'm back I'm looking forward to an article I wrote in the Spring being printed next month (hopefully!) and also to getting myself a few more bits and bobs here and there if I can. So sorry about the absence, I shall now make up for it with a pair of 17th century trousers I found in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin last month:

I hope that helps. Ciao! x

Inspiration? We shall see!

Yo! Well, I'm working full time, sorting out my Master's degree for next year and having a mini quarter life crisis. ARGH EXISTENTIAL CRISES! O_O But despite all this, I have got a paper accepted for a conference, organised an illustrated talk for next month, and sorted meeting my girlfriend at the airport when she arrives in two weeks :) Productive? Maybe. But I think I can do more. Therefore: I shall! Never let anyone tell you that you have limits. They don't know your potential, they only know the limits of their own. Keep on pushing people's expectations, surprise them, and make them proud to know you. That's my plan. I shall let you know how it goes. peace and love to all! Jxx

Clockwork Radio Gig

Last night. I went to a gig in Rascals Bar, Bangor.

The bar itself is a decent sort of place, airy and larger than it looks from the outside. It used to be a bookshop.

The band playing was Clockwork Radio, a five-piece rock band with enough talent to put Mozart to shame. They don't play modern rock like they always play on the radio, all fringes, tight jeans and dull, repetitive ambient noise.

They make noise. Loud noise with guitars and pedals.

Bloody good music is what they play, with lyrics that have meaning, bass that rattles your lungs, and guitar that melts faces!

I took some photos (awful ones) with my phone (yes, that phone) and I have a shocking admission to make...

I've bought an album. Yes, it's that serious, go and listen to them now, because this kind of rock music is EXACTLY what the world needs to be hearing right now.

Love and hugs y'all!

JJ x

The Month Marches On

This is a sleepy human being you see before you. I need some earlier nights for this work (as my mother keeps reminding me at an annoying frequency).
It's tiring stuff being a railway guard, but it's mainly good fun :)

Apparently...there's now a 20% Value Added Tax on hot baked goods, including pies, pasties, cakes etc. Unless it's hot outside, because then the warmth of the goods will be the same or lower than the ambient temperature...um...ok...

Also, there MAY be a strike by petrol and diesel tanker drivers, so the government cleverly told everyone to panic and stock up on fuel. THe result: no fuel in garages anywhere...yay, well played.

Overall then, a bit of a bad week to be in Britain, because our elected representatives have clearly flipped their lids.

Still, love and hugs yo!

J x

Return of the Jimmy!

Oi oi!

I've got myself a job! I'm a train guard on Snowdon Mountain Railway! Wahey! It's pretty hard work because I work for 7 days without a break before my day off, and as it was my first week I was on for a full 11 days until today. Phew!

Well, I must say that a new show has brought TV back up to a standard I enjoy!

"How God Made the English" is presented by Diarmuid McCulloch, and it's not what you think! It's actually all about how the English haven't been tolerant, religiously upstanding chaps since the ROman age. It's really, really good! He dispells myths, educates and entertains. You guys outside the UK, it might not be available on BBC iPlayer's website, but if you can find it, I recommend it!

On another note, my webcam's still busted and my Photoshop has expired :( No photos for a bit yet :'(

Shazam! Love!

x

Birthday birthday!

It's Robyn's birthday today! :D

I have an ingenious plan to make it last forever! Ishall be sending little surprises to her until she's over here! Then she can have a nice time here with me! Mwahaha!

Also, I start work tomorrow! Real true actual paid with money work! On a steam railway! :D It's long hours and hard work, but I think I'll enjoy it! ^^

Wahey! Good stuff's happening!

I also found out yesterday that I'm descended from the ancient Kings of Gwynedd ^^ Nice!


Lovehugs!

x

Right, enough of this!

Ok. People don't think for themselves anymore. FACT!

I am sick to death of people being sheep with this Uganda video, and as a Welshman, I know a sheep when I see one! For goodness's sake people, do a bit of thinking, read a few articles, and do your homework before you donate to people like this! I'm not saying charities are bad, far from it, but you have to be so careful! This charity in particular is not the best ethically or practically. Take care guys, you might do more harm than good. No information is misinformation, as they say!

Anyway, rant over. I'm tired because I had to ride my motorbike through a hailstorm and it really hurt. Owie :( On the plus side, my bike works after 5 months in storage! Wooo! :D

Jx

Doublet Dabbling

Today it was very rainy, so I decided to spend some time tweaking my 17th Century doublet. People in the know told me that the waist of the doublet needed lifting up, and a stiffened collar putting on it, so that's what I did! Compare the pictures and you'll see the differences. I used brown linen for the outer layer, lined with canvas, and stiffened with some dark green felt I had lying around. Eventually I'll stiffen the front and add another layer of lining. But lazy! XD

Not much else to tell today, except that we found a small bird's skeleton in the garden. I'm tempted to collect it and give the thing to my friend Liz who's a Biologist. She puts bones together with wire and things.

Oh, and I started crocheting a new tuque for my mate Ste the Viking boss man! :D

Luv! x

An iPhone Review? Here? Yes actually!

Ok, so whilst I was in Canada, my dad won an iPhone 3G in a raffle and asked if I wanted it. As I'd dropped my Samsung in the bath, i said yes (I was texting and reading a book, ok?).

I've been using it for about 3 weeks now, so I think it's time I did a little review, just in case the WORLD hadn't read enough of them already :p

First of all, looks. Like all Apple products it's smooth, elegant and futuristic. I like the way its gloss black and chrome colour scheme looks, it's classy and it's got a pleasing curve to its shape, an improvement on older models.

The touchscreen is tough, and it responds well to the touch, no need to pound it into submission, as I found with the Samsung sometimes. The power/lock button is unobtrusive, the volume button works well, and the mute slider is a nice touch, and is handy in a meeting, as it saves fumbling and unlocking. Bonus points for functionality!

But you can't take the casing off, and you ned a small metal stick (!) to remove the SIM card. Points for functionality lost. Especially when it crashes. Which it does alarmingly easily (don't press two buttons at once! Ever!). The only thing to do is wait for it to die, then plug it in and pray, which is very annoying.

The power consumption is scary, and if you're going away for more than 24 hours either take your charger or save change for a payphone, because it goes from 100% to flat with ten texts, a five minute call and two photos.

Turn it off at night as well to save power, but if you do, remember the alarm doesn't work.

The ability to see all your previous texts is handy, as is the search function. It comes with Google Maps as standard, and has a number of useful free apps such as a voice recorder, memo pad and iTunes. The only problem with the apps is you have to have an Aple ID, and if you'd rather not get one then you're probably better off with a more basic smartphone from another company.

If you're OK with having an Apple ID, then the phone is great, it's easy enough to navigate and use, it works as an iPod and netbook.

The camera is comprable to a small digital handheld, and films very nicely with good sound quality on playback. Pictures are high quality, fully zoomable, and easily sent via text.

Overall, a good phone, especially if you can get it without paying a fortune. Personally, I found the Samsung Tocco Light more practical as a phone/texting device, but the excellent camera and handy accessories of the iPhone make it more versatile.

If you really want one I say get one, otherwise stick with what you've got until it dies.

Matt Andersen

Last night my Dad said he had a spare ticket for a blues gig at teh Victoria Hotel in Menai Bridge.

He told me the guy was a "Great big Canadian feller". Sounds good, I thought. I was expecting some dishevelled, sixty-something guy with a glass of whiskey in one hand and a trilby perched on him.

But no. He's awesome! Matt Andersen isn't a small guy, in fact his song I'm a big man" is pretty self explanatory. He throws his head back, long curly hair whirling about his face, and plays the whole gig with his eyes closed.

Unrestrained wailing of the finest kind, accompanied by some of the meanest slide guitar you'll hear this side of doomsday, make no mistake, this guy can play.

Some of his self-written songs get a bit maudlin, but that's the more modern tonality rather than a miserable man, as his audience participation, and his beautifully ridiculous "Cookie Monster Blues" kept a cynical Welsh audience roaring for near enough three hours.

I'd see this guy again, and if you haven't seen him at all, well, now's the time!

Here is his website, I recommend his collaboration with Mike Stevens on "Fired Up".

And so it begins! Maplesheep is on the road! I started the facebook group yesterday, and then Robyn put some crochet and knit product photos on, her lovely scarf and hat bits!

Then I went to sleep.. And woke up and put some MORE things on! So, HERE is a shiny link!

Go to it, look at things, and then tell other people to do the same! Oh, and we are starting an Etsy.com shop soon too :D

Today: More applications!

Lovehugs x

Productivity like a machine!

Wahey!

The recession can get stuffed! I'm making progress!
I started a facebook group called MapleSheep, where you will be able to buy delightful knitted or crocheted items made by yours truly or Robyn! Like the wondrous hat you see here!

Hurrah!

Also, if you need a freelance writer with style, finesse and a brilliant turn of phrase, look no further! I am also a splendid outdoor photographer and proofreader! I do declare I am employable! You need me, email us ;)

Also, let's talk models: I've written an article for Model Rail magazine, an excellent publication I've enjoyed for years. Keep your eyes peeled in September for my handiwork! :D

Love and hugs!

Also, I want to learn Russian and see Germany...

x

Dat's a Monday right dere.

Well, I have returned from the dentist, after he filled my baby tooth and I was all numb. Now I'm sore and subdued, because owwwwwwww.

But still, hopefully this will be the end of my year-long baby tooth saga, and it will be OK from now on. He said to me it should be ok if I look after it. Just like other teeth I guess, but my goodness my gum is sore now.

The plus side was he dabbed my beard with tissue when I failed spectacularly to get the rinser in my mouth.

Anyhoo, I'm applying for some temporary jobs, turns out there are a few around I can do quite nicely, so I shall have a whirl at them! This is my advice to anyone out of work and down (There ah was com-pletely wasting etc...): Go online, look for jobs, use ALL your skills to keep busy.
Crochet, knit, sew, write, photograph, fix, paint, anything ANYthing to keep busy, and maybe even earn some money if you can :)I managed to get some work from people photographing, recording sound, writing articles and even archaeological surveying this last month. And if I can do it, anyone can! :D

Also, I can crochet little mittens now! Woohoo! ^^

Peace out y'all!

Also, I'd put up a picture of me being glum post-dentist but my webcam is LAME for some reason and my camera is dead. Boo.

Hometimes and Writeables

So!

I'm back, and I've been doing Things! With a capital 'T', no less.

So far, a model railway magazine has agreed to publish an article for me in September, which is cool, because come September some little extra money will come in very handy.

And I've also got two more articles that might be wanting published, and the two I'm doing for conferences as well. All in all, a very busy writing schedule!

Not only that, but I'm even getting an interview for York University on the 5th of March! Excitement for MA stuff! Wheee!

Currently though, I'm wondering whether I should try to move away...I'm tempted by Liverpool for a while, but York is so nice. I went there last weekend for th Jorvik centre's annual Viking festival, where I didn't die as often as usual! Hurrah!

I went to liverpool to see Verity, george and Nick as well, and take some photos, for which I was generously rewarded in lunch and expenses! Wahey! Good stuff happens! The lunch, by the way, is pictured. Lamb burger with mushrooms and sun-dried toms. NOM!

In general then, I have plenty of things to keep me occupied, so really I should just plough on with my work that I need to complete, and worry about moving closer to people later. I must remember that opportunities are happenning by, so I need to take full advantage. After all, I can visit my lovely friends whenever I like, and I will always have great fun doing so :)

Right, back to article research! TTFN my lovelies!

(I promise I'll update more often)

x

Quarry Fun and No PS!

I went around Dinorwig today, and oh my goodness, it was all frozen over! You get a very strange feeling in a deserted quarry. It's like a child's bedroom once they've gone. You know how it should be, loud, full of hard working men. Odd. Eery.

And I got jobs! I've got two commissions to photograph things, an article is being prepared, and I'm still doing archaeology this summer! I'm also applying to work on choo choo trains!

Woo woo!

My photoshop has expired, so i need a new way to edit photos. Ideas, anyone? :S

HOME!

Well, I'm back from Canada, slightly jet-lagged, and drinking Twining's Earl Grey Tea with semi-skimmed milk and eating a bacon sandwich.

It's nice.

But, I feel I should explain something (apart from my lack of photos-dead camera battery! Sorry! Will upload soon! Watch this post!). What it is, is my negativity before travelling, which I know causes upset to people, which hurts me greatly.

The way my head works is thus: I always think that if something bad happens, it's because I was too cocky, or over-confident or something like that. The thing aabout flying, is I combine that with a severe dislike of being a full mile above the Earth, which, let's face it, is wrong and un-natural.

So what happens is this, I get super-negative, and that meanseveryone else gets positive to make up for it, which is tiring for all concerned! I pray and beg to survive, everyone else is stressed out, and deep down I know it'll be ok. It's a kind of super-reverse psychology, you see?

No.

Well, it's my brain, so it's bound to confuse! Anyway, I'm off to the dentist to repair my damaged filling in an hour, so I'll get my camera sorted and upload a nice picture or three! Huzzah!

Also, just found out my mate Iain is getting married on MY BIRTHDAY! Woohoo! :D

Cafes and Hats and Museums and Oh My Goodness!

Yesterday Robyn and I returned to Vendome. WITH cameras! We weren't in our dashing hats, but the picture she took is fabulous, so here it is!

We had some very good, very large cinnamon buns. And my Americano blew my socks off. Unfortunately, it got a bit tight for time, so we had to dash from our exploration of the city and zoom to the Police Museum. It was good, and a free trip around for moi.
Go there if you get the chance, especially if you have kids and want them to learn about drug awareness and bullying and things. Very well done/terrifying displays, and some nice collections as well, though more of them would be good!

Then we popped back and had sweeties and flumped about, and Katelyn said bye before vanishing to New Brunswick.

Today I was hugged by the lovely Annette at Brew and Blendz, and Janice at the theatre wished me a lovely year, as she's retiring early this year. Dr. Hardy said "Don't let him go! He's too cute, and he knits!"

Oh my! Such attentions!

Tuesday Happenings

Today, Robyn and I went down to a part of Calgary called Sunnyside to have some coffee. We wandered up to a little cafe called Vendome. It has a red phone box outside and black and white pictures inside.

And it was very good! Robyn had a tuna panini, mine was duck. They were very good, and quite reasonably priced, too. Their medium blend coffee was very pleasant, not overpowering at all. All in all, it's an excellent place, with a very nice contemporary European feel.

On another note, I have a milk tooth which refused to leave, and the filling in it is playing up. Some of it's come away, and now I have a slightly sore tooth! Bum! But fear not, I shall get it fixed within a week, for I am off on an aeroplane on Sunday night, bound for Blighty! My Canada trip is almost at an end! Alas!

It's Friday and I'm in...cold land!

It's only minus 30! Rejoice!

And put your scarf on, because it's still Baltic! You know it's too cold outside when you get brain freeze and frozen moustache syndrome just from being in a place. Why build a city here? It's freezing in the winter, there are bears and coyotes in the summer, and the air pressure is a lot like being in a whack-the-mole machine.

But I'm glad they built Calgary, it has some awesome people, and a pretty cool university that's actually a lot of fun to mooch around for a week or two.

Also, here's a short book review:

A Brief History of Mutiny by Richard Woodman.

An enjoyable and informative book, jam-packed with contemporary source material from all kinds of documents and publications, which reveals the darker side of naval life. From Drake to the Second World War, this book explores the dissatisfaction, rebellion and downright terror which caused seamen through history to rise up and take matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences.

A few editorial slips do little to detract from the overall enjoyment of this book, written by a man with maritime experience galore, which paints vivid pictures of the ships about which we read, without confusing the reader with salty sea jargon. Bloody, vicious and without a punch pulled, we are given valuable insight into how mutinies start, and usually end, with conclusions on their degrees of justification and the effects they each had on the way navies have been run.

Read through, it makes a fascinating chronology of mutinies, dipped into at random, a terrifically entertaining ride through the past. Though vitriolic in his opinion of various captains and crew, Richard Woodman has succeeded in writing a well-crafted and clever book, well worth reading.

So there, hope you enjoyed that little change of pace. I might do some more of these if I get positive feedback on this one. I like reviewing things :)

Anyway, time for pizza for lunch from last night. Om nom!

Shall we Thursday?

Look how fab we are! Robyn at unraveltheturtle (link on the right) photoshopped and took the snap of me! Mmm, quesadillas!

So yesterday we (Robyn and I) went to a little bistro type place down town called Farm. It was rather nice, and everything was organic, local and very tasty! They had a cheese shop next door and it was...well, my kind of place, really! The only downside- it was 30 below outside and we walked about 3/4 of a mile to get there! >.< We also did some lovely knitting and crochet the other day with our friend Christina in deVille, a cafe down near city hall which does some excellent nutella lattes and yummy chicken quesadillas! Highly recommended!

Today I flumped about chatting with various doctors and professors of archaeology, and had some more thoughts about my continuing studies next year. So far I have a few cool things I'm interested in, and people seem interested in me, too. So yay!

I don't feel nearly as rubbish about myself as I did late last year, I've come to realise that we all make errors in judgement now and again, and that we should accept that, and move on with our lives, and remember that as long as we're trying and being ourselves, we're being the best people we can, whether people accept that or not.

Noo Hats?

Well, Robyn and I went to Chinook shopping mall yesterday, and we bought THE best hats. I look like a cheeky Cockney chappy! Robyn looks...well, classy and cool!

And oh my it's cold! Minus 30 is NOT conducive to life, and I fail to see why people settled here! Except for the dramatic scenery, vast landscapes, amazing wildlife and everything else! It's snowy and lovely and I like it a lot!

Well, this hat does go nicely with my waistcoat and grey trousers! I'm sorry to go on, but it's amazing! I love this hat! Aaagh! Anyway, learning in lectures without having to do exams or essays is lovely! And Robyn and I have been drawing lithics and pottery again, and oh my! I'm sleepy.

Back! I'm back! Sorry!

Absence of a month and a half = worst blogger EVER!

So my New Year's resolution to do more on here will soon be put into action! Right now, in fact. Hi.

What have I been up to? Well, I've done ALL the winter sports! Skiing, skating, sledging, tubing and freezing half to death! I've had an ear infection, and I'm just trying to shake off a mystery something as well at the moment, so there!

I'm back in Calgary now, and it. Is. Freezing! Minus 25.C and covered in snow. I've been learning, exploring and getting impressive receptions from archaeological professionals. The fools think I'm sensible! This last weekend we went to Drumheller, to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, and there were DINOSAURS! It was magnificent.

Robyn and I have decided to make an Etsy shop to sell our handcrafted wares to the unsuspecting public, so we've been learning to knit shinies!

Anyway, that will be all until later this week, and I promise I shall do more this year. Much love!

xxx