There is a crack in everything That's how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen, Anthem There is tremendous power in joy. It recharges you. It can be used as a shield against big, bad, scary creatures that threaten you with darkness. Better yet, it can be stored for subsequent use when these gloomy creatures … Continue reading Make Good Art
O mistério do número que se calhar não é meu
Aqui há uns anos comprei um cartão de telemóvel de uma rede que não era a minha habitual, e que já raramente uso. Desde esse dia que comecei a receber periodicamente SMS a avisarem-me para pagar a factura da Cabovisão (de quem não sou cliente), para levar o carro que não tenho com uma matrícula … Continue reading O mistério do número que se calhar não é meu
The seclusion strokes
With five months and counting of crutches, cast, orthopaedic shoes, surgery and more crutches, I try to make my days as productive as I can. When it doesn't work it's only because there is so much I want to do that I end up not doing a thing at all. Luckily, that isn't always the … Continue reading The seclusion strokes
‘Lady of the Sea’ – Jonah
[For the previous chapters, check the Lady of the Sea's main page] What a useless little vermin, thought Isola to herself. That is the problem with the overly ambitious and under-intelligent: they act hastily and on impulse. 'Planning' is too big a word to fit in their tiny little skulls. Not that Peafowl knew any … Continue reading ‘Lady of the Sea’ – Jonah
Back to basics
My first real attempts at drawing only started a little after I turned 30. Just like with photography (and those teenage oh-so-deep-and-observant writing drafts), my absolute favourite theme has always been people. Even during the age of analogue film photography, when a film roll of 36 photos would last you a year, my friends would … Continue reading Back to basics
Chris Riddell wannabe
Trying to practice the basics with one of my dream illustrators. The original: My humble attempt:
Black & water
Watercolour on black paper experiment, in the making
12 Years Blogging
The anniversary peacock.
Brave Delusions
Being stuck at home with a broken foot is as good an excuse as any to catch up on some movie watching and I couldn't resist the recent Florence Foster Jenkins, with the acting genius that is Meryl Streep, about the socialite, erm, singer. Known worldwide for her terrible, dissonant singing, lady Florence was an enthusiast of … Continue reading Brave Delusions
(Not-So) Weekly Photo Challenge: Frozen
Full collection here.
‘Lady of the Sea’ – The Island
[For the previous chapters, check the Lady of the Sea's main page] It had an unusual shape, almost resembling a perfect circle - one that had been half-bitten off. When the tide was high, it looked like the letter C. When it was low, as it was now, it had a lovely, spacious beach. A … Continue reading ‘Lady of the Sea’ – The Island
The Other Martha
Woke up to a could-be-worse movie about her and Hemingway this morning - sadly, it is also the most common result when you run a search for the lady on YouTube. The great Martha Gellhorn is high on my list of Women I Want to be Like When I Grow Up. With a tremendous amount … Continue reading The Other Martha
Crutches, the friendly cosmic dragon
The upside of being indoors on hot August days.
‘Lady of the Sea’ – The Messenger
[For the previous chapters, check the Lady of the Sea's main page] All the ship's crew was up and gathered around the rear. They were chattering and pointing excitedly, as if they couldn't believe their eyes. Azov walked towards them, looking very annoyed. This was no attack, or else they would all be in their … Continue reading ‘Lady of the Sea’ – The Messenger
The Crutches Diary
Stuck at home for a while and don't feel like zombie-ing out in front of a screen? Always wanted to try something but think you're too old? Here's Miss Watercolour Fox to get you inspired.
‘Lady of the Sea’ – The Cell
After having been dragged down to the Queen's dungeons, Peafowl was thrown into an empty cell by two brutes with no obvious respect for nobility. The place was dark and damp and the air smelled of something Peafowl couldn't quite name but that he was sure someone somewhere used as a potent fertilizer. "Here you … Continue reading ‘Lady of the Sea’ – The Cell
Weekly Photo Challenge: Poetry
Crossing the Bar, Alfred Lord Tennyson
‘I can’t be having with that kind of thing’
Sketched tribute to one of my heroes captured with dodgy smartphone camera:
‘Lady of the Sea’ – Prelude
Most of the pirates were unable to sleep that night. Some of them had heard this old tale before, when they were young boys, but only bits and pieces and never while sailing high at sea on a full moon night. How did the baby survive when she showed no signs of being alive and … Continue reading ‘Lady of the Sea’ – Prelude
Us & Them
It is always Us vs. Them. The Others are different so They must be feared. What was that? You don't fear Them? We'll take care of that for you. Repeat after us: Threat. Violence. Terror. Evil. Infidels. Degenerates. One more time. Repeat this everyday - it's for your own safety. And don't worry: we'll remind you. … Continue reading Us & Them
‘Lady of the Sea’ – The Throne Room
‘How very lovely to see you again, Lord Peafowl.’ ‘It is an honour, my Queen,’ Peafowl gave the best curtsy he could manage. ‘I am sorry to hear about your late father. He was one of my most loyal subjects.’ ‘Indeed, my Queen. I am afraid that immortality was not one of his many talents.’ … Continue reading ‘Lady of the Sea’ – The Throne Room
‘Lady of the Sea’ – Pardel’s Tale (Part II)
It was a full moon that night. The entire house and the entire beach were silver white. She looked for the spot where she had seen the lady in her dream and stood there. ‘Ask the sea for help,’ she remembered. So the young wife stretched her arms out to the sea and, losing herself … Continue reading ‘Lady of the Sea’ – Pardel’s Tale (Part II)
Isidora Works 