Is anyone familiar with Tom Loback's illustrations of Tolkien's work?  I have just discover them, and strangely enough, am fascinated.  Extremely stylized, colorful depictions, they are a cross between prints and illumination.(And here I thought myself as too fussy for words!)  Here is a link for your perusal.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29483647@N00/sets/72157601181961004/

My apologies for the long absence, but the it seems the Trojan army had invaded my computer.  It has been a long and drawn out battle, but I think we are back in order.  One can always hope. ;o)

Currently Watching August Rush By Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams see related

Ah, the yearly attempt at gardening.  I have been spending quite a bit my spare time outside lately, (and quite a bit of the rest of the time feeling rather stiff!) This year, I have contented myself with the new addition of coral bells and bearded iris, but dream of greater, or at least taller things.  And since I seem to have won the war against the mint, I have been preoccupied with what to plant in the prime bit a real estate formerly inhabited by my vanquished foe, the prolific mint. Sadly, worries of water drainage and foundations have lopped off the bulk of my choices, and I have had to stroll regretfully past the aisles of weeping pussywillow, hemlocks and japanese maple.  Just when I thought I might chance a white dogwood, I saw a lovely service berry that might fit the bill beautifully.  I have had marvelous luck with them before.  And so my mind is nearly set upon it being my next project. But what to plant at it's toes to keep it company?

Currently Listening Feelin' Alright: The Definitive Collection By Traffic see related

Interesting reading

Sadly, I've not enough time to tary on xanga, much as I would like to post a few comments here and there.  Instead I offer up a bit of thought provoking reading...or reading that may allegedly change your mind?

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB120965705088459637-yQaBdgYCbcVDimmKII6QpiuAgME_20090502.html?mod=rss_free

Currently Listening Acquiring the Taste By Gentle Giant see related

Surprising what a little time and age will do.

I'm getting to play truant today after a routine medical procedure.  Nothing serious or painful, just has left me groggy enough to warrant a day at home with doctor's orders not to do anything strenuous.  It is kind of a nice break as my brother had sent me home with an armload of his old video tapes that he has replaced with DVD's and the house is quiet.

One that I pulled out the other day was Brazil.  I remember liking it quite a bit when it first came out, though was rather shell shocked by the ending.   Fortunately, it didn't hit me quite as hard this time around, but despite it's age  and surreal qualities, it seems to ring as true today as it did back then.  Maybe even more so. 

Ah, such decisions.  I'm feeling quite spoiled!  Should I read, watch another movie or sleep?  Somehow I think those 40 winks are going to catch me, no matter what I choose!

Currently Watching Brazil By Jim Broadbent, Ray Cooper (II), Robert De Niro, John Flanagan, Kim Greist see related

Well, we found Spring.  Not a spring, but the real honest-to-goodness season, lurking about the seaside.  All sorts of flowers were blooming, trees budding and what not, all east of the mountains.  I tried to bring a bit of it back with me, and though the temperatures here are sliding down the thermometer again, I did hear the peepers out for the first time this year.  What a cheerful racket they make!  Almost as nice as a flock of geese flying overhead in the morning.