Drawing a straight line .... Failure. Who cares?

OK, overwhelmed by an excess of enthusiasm, red wine and sunshine I actually drew some stuff. Yes, it has taken me a whole blasted week of being here in Italy to work up the courage to break out my pencil. But what exactly was I waiting for? Permission?

So I found a nice little place, a shady spot in the Giardino di Boboli and I just did it. I had to do a few, because to be quite honest the first was childish, awful with no respect for perspective.

Image credit: Wallyir

But you know what? The sun was shining, and I was in Florence and I probably will never get back here again. And it felt so nice just generally draweing, and shading and looking. I felt like I really connected...

... and no one could see what I was drawing so they don't know how naive the style was (yes I am going with that rather than with could not be bothered to spend more than 10 minutes at a time doing stuff)

But you know what? I really enjoyed it. The question is .... why have I waited so long to do this, simply for fun? What are you not allowing yourself to do, simply because you will not allow yourself to be rubbish... naive.... a beginner....?
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image sourced from morguefile

Sweeps Festival 2013 - 6 Bealtaine

Three brave Morris dancers and "Jack in the Green"
Image credit: SM Jenkin

Happy Beltane! The festival to mark the spring time leading into summer felt like a breath of fresh air this year. The winter has overstayed it's welcome, and I was beginning to think that the better weather was never going to come.

I love the sweeps festival, as it's a celebration of new life, dancing, good music and good beer. In the closing ceremony, it was mentioned that this festival has the largest grouping of morris sides in Europe (and therefore probably the world).

Back to Beltane - Bealtaine. Bealtaine is the irish word for May. To get the pronunciation right though, check out the guide on Forvo, it has a selection of dialects all spoken by native Irish speakers here

I hope the spring stays sunny and may the sun shine on you today and every day!

Redemption convention 2013

One for the Blake's 7 fans
Image credit: SM Jenkin

 So, it's been and gone in a blur of costumes, conversations and chaos. What am I talking about? The Redemption convention, of course!

This is one of the things I love most about fandom, the ability to meet up and have fun. Oh yeah, I could wax lyrical about how clever we all are, writing critiques of varius sci-fi ideas and shows; the science talks; the clever costuming. I could brag about how inclusive the event is, family friendly and open to all lifestyles.

But ya know what? I went to a few parties, played air guitar and took my bribe for Servalan to win ruler of the universe as well.

You want to get involved? Volunteer. Oh, and the convention raised £800 each for Asthma UK, the PDSA and the Woodland Trust.