one down...

Now, I'm not much of a reader (don't get me wrong, I'd like to be) but I've spent the last week and a bit buried in books with a spluttery cough and achey bones, which is quite handy as I've vowed to discover five new authors as part of my 2010 list.  And this book (can I claim this?) might just be the best book I have ever read.

I won't go into a huge amount of detail, because it would be boring, and Jonathan Safran Foer can do it much better, but Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close follows the thoughts of eccentric characters and beautiful strangers on a quest led by a nine year old boy, Oskar, who searches relentlessly for a lock he can prize open with a mysterious key left behind by his late father.  The book is interspersed with photographs Oskar takes and the text often takes a direction of its own.  I could hardly bare to let it go (but Bath Library got angry and sent me a letter).  Read it.

But the cough remains, so I'm onto this one after rave reviews from my illustrative friends, and Nick Hornby, no less.  It is a romantic fiction, which is new for me, and typically addictive.  I'm sure I will be recommending this one too.  Roll on new author number three...

i just can't get enough of this band

POMPLAMOOSE.

Pomplamoose - La Vie en Rose (Edith Piaf cover) from yunusemre on Vimeo

meeting mr benn

Last Friday, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet a beautiful man named Tony Benn, whose wisdom filled the room at Bath Spa. In return, I made an image response to some words on climate change in the politician's recent book, Letters to my Grandchildren, which aims to empower our generation and tactfully highlight the issues we will face in the future of our planet. He spoke of upside down maps, a Taunton taxi driver from a bizarre past, the end of life as we know it and the absurdities of religion. Fantastic.

observatory

Finding a little bit of joy in doing observational drawings for the looming assessment...if only I had more quirky little objects like this...

Next stop; the pretty Victorian tiles in the hallway, or the wobbly glass on the porch door.  Sigh.

Currently can't get enough of this band and their impressive range of refreshing cover songs.  This one is for you Vanessa (following a conversation we had at the cinema, whilst delving into a generous mixture of salted and sweet popcorn.  In the same box.  Does anyone else ask for combination popcorn?  I'm curious).