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2015
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The FREE online edited version of LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
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31st
NEARLY TIME FOR MAGICK!
Just a few more hours to go . . . . . .
Meanwhile,
as the final days of this studio's year passes . . . .
The Hedgehog, an unfamiliar presence in the garden - a non resident, was thus alluded to as a mystifying, mystical, magickal, unknown....
He shuffled through the long grass, nose twitching, short sighted eyes blinking.
So sophisticated was his sense of smell, and hearing, that he knew full well, to follow their instructions to the letter when finding out which direction he must follow....
He found himself outside the kitchen door, as he'd intended, scratched and scratched upon it till the Cook' s attention was gained and she opened the door.
Her heart was so hard struck by the mournful expression 'pon his face, that,
she stopped what she'd been doing and rushed to assemble an out of this world repast for him, of, slugs and snails, beetles and earthworms. However,
she did omit the bird's eggs and nestlings and, hold your nose - carrion....
Jiminy cricket!!
Debbie & Peter
30th
FROM AROUND THE WEB
There are some things, about myself, that even I didn't know . . . . !
But now I've discovered this, I am clear.
(Yes, even though I provided art for the Battle Cards game . . . . I hadn't actually seen this!)
:)
Meanwhile . . .
back in the real world,
in the magick studio . . . .
The Faerie Queen, Rhiannon, had given leave of absence to her song birds, permitting them to visit the garden for one morning.
Their performance was eclectic, breathtaking, awesome....
The Cook, the Housekeeper, the Head Gardener, his underlings, stopped what they were doing to listen.
Very little was accomplished by anyone till sundown.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were not much interested.
They betook themselves to the fields beyond the garden to play Elfin football, rounders and conduct a pea shooting competition.
The Owl was lulled into a blissful sleep.
The Flower Faeries flew to the top of the Oak and mouthed the words as they rocked to the rhythm.
The crows attempted to interrupt the flow.
No go....
The Witch cast a spell.
The crows evanesced....
Debbie & Peter
29th
WEBSITE UPDATE
Updated a few aspects of this page >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa064.htm
Meanwhile . . .
a typical day unflolds
in the magick studio garden . . . .
The arrival of the Queen of the woodlands was imminent.
She'd be riding her Palomino pony, Ladies in Waiting in attendance.
No explanation, no reason for the visit had been given.
T'was odd, indeed, as her companion in arms, Queen of Faerie Land, would be absent.
The garden residents put on their masks of loyal subjects, eager delight written broad across their smiling faces....
The Queen swept into the garden, followed by her retinue, coming to a halt beneath the leafless branches of the Oak.
She dismounted, tossed the reins to a Mounted Cavalier, shook her riding skirt smartly and began walking toward the house.
At the door she stood and waited for a minion to knock.
A Lady in Waiting stepped forward and knocked three times, while her Mistress stood impatient, tap tapping a foot.
A house maid opened the heavy door, gulped.
She curtsied, motioned them politely to enter.
The House Keeper appeared from the nether regions below stairs.
Startled, she paused, quick witted she made a low curtsy, a court curtsy as befitted a Queen....
The Queen ordered China tea, cakes and scones, biscuits and crumpets.
The royal party ate every morsel.
A rumbly tummy for me....
Debbie & Peter
28th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Winter Solstice edition coming soon)
Get your copy here >
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
outside the editorial room
in the magick studio garden . . . .
The Mouse woke me early sniffing, and snuffling, poking about and searching for what?
In the dark of the night, when the moon lit the skies, he entered my bedroom to meet with the Spider and the Fly for a confab.
The gentleman Ghost disturbed them.
He sashayed along the corridor, pirouetted through the door as down the chimney came a boggie man and a boy Ghost chimney sweep.
The cats had appropriated the end of the bed.
Now, to me my space was much, much too full of egotists and I was teed off....
Through the closed windowpane flew an Owl, which settled upon the top of the wardrobe, yawned, shook his feathers and surveyed the pageant.
He had sized up the mise en scène in no time at all and hooted a message to the Greek Warrior Goddess, Athena.
She had the power, through thought, to manifest reality.
She came, she saw and without more ado, snapped her fingers and hey!
the bedroom was mine once again....
Debbie & Peter
27th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Did you know, that iron butterflies eat natural berries?
Found, at the entrance to the studio!
Meanwhile . . .
out in the magick studio garden . . . .
The Gremlin was in seventh heaven, for, he had added his name to a list of willing volunteers, to receive training in space flight for a future voyage to Mars....
He'd go alone, unaccompanied, but to be fully trained as an astronaut!!
To wander through Space, the unknown, traveling faster than the speed of light(?), and faster than the speed of sound....
Hello wonderment, hello awe....
He and the Goblin would become virtual strangers?!
He told the Goblin, the Witch, the Weasel, Stoat and Mole, the Mermaid and a flabbergasted Wizard, who could not quite believe it.
The Gremlin had time to reconsider, to mull over the yeas, to mull over the nays.
Should, as a result, the yeas outnumber the nays, he must notify the Faerie Land equivalent to human kind's Cape Canaveral.
Life in the garden altered somewhat after that.
Undercurrents of excited anticipation hummed through the winter air and the resident creatures appeared to move faster, to achieve more....
(Even the Mole)!!
The Flower Faeries zipped here, zipped there, performed acrobatics.
The Witch brewed ace potions, cast superlative spells.
I kept a low profile, talking only to those who approached me first....
Et voilá?!
Debbie & Peter
26th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO - Happy Boxing day to all!"
(En Plein Air - quick small sketch)
The view across town, to the hill fort
where King Caratacus fought the mighty Legions of Rome.
Meanwhile . . .
back at the magick studio . . . .
The Flower Faeries had run themselves ragged.
They perched upon the bedraggled, leafless bushes, downcast, woebegone, listless....
The Witch wasn't having any, the Wizard noticed goose egg.
The Ogre was absent, gone far afield, temper still smouldering, a hair's breadth from exploding.
The Unicorn, meanwhile, tore at the grass, munching, munching, chewing, swallowing the tiny morsels.
His favourite food was muddy, tasteless, absolument schlocky.
The Witch cast her eyes around the garden.
'Disappointment,' blanketed flora and fauna.
The Witch was overwhelmed with the temptation to take up her wand, her spell book, her cat and rainbow tinted hat.
Together they'd travel to one of those Faerie Land places where animation, lightheartedness and good cheer dwelled.
Setting this powerful temptation aside, she chose a wand seldom used.
A favourite, staunch friend and ally of a wand.
Folding her cloak close, she sat quiet as a mouse.
Gradually the feelings of disappointment materialised and an answer presented itself to her mind.
She wished for this answer, cast a magick spell and the dark depression was sucked through a hole in the ozone....
Debbie & Peter
25th
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL
Peace and serenity be with you now and throughout the coming year.
24th
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE TO EVERYBODY!
the big day is nearly upon us . . . . .
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies professed to being quite contented.
They had at their disposal their peashooters, plus ammunition, slingshots and chewing gum rolled into balls.
The Ogre was their cut and dried victim.
This morning, however, t'was the straight talking Wizard, who'd materialised from the ether attired in purple and gold.
Clutched to his chest was an ancient folio of titanic value....
The Elves were past masters at shuckin' and jivin,' of imitating, mimicking, play acting, posing.
As the Wizard approached, the Elves surrounded him, the Imps sought to distract him.
The Pixies took their turn and aiming their pea shooters, fired pellet after pellet.
The Wizard flicked the pellets as though flicking flies.
No sign of bother, vexation registered upon his face.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were distraught.
Had they dropped the ball, flubbed, missed something of import?
They sloped away to lick their wounds.
Debbie & Peter
23rd
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Winter Solstice edition coming soon)
Get your copy here >
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The knife sharpener had arrived and had been installed in a Lilliputian basement workshop.
The workshop was unfrequented, tucked away as it was at the end of the corridor which lead to the kitchen, the pantry, the larder and scullery.
Beside him stood a steaming cup of tea, a plate of biscuits and a painted pottery finger bowl.
It must have been a "visiting" day for the local artisans for, I have memories of the sound of the front doorbell pressed and held.
The Housekeeper, went spare, or, to put it crudely, did her nut....
On the doorstep stood a mendicant, dressed in torn leather pantaloons, a crumpled shirt and muddy boots.
His face was pinched and lined, his hair greasy and matted.
Politeness prevailed and the mendicant invited inside.
He was shown a spare bedroom and encouraged to bathe, wash his hair.
The Housekeeper showed him fresh clothes in the wardrobe, hairbrushes, combs and eau de cologne.
The mendicant was overwhelmed.
T'was a month of Sundays before the Housekeeper saw him.
Thunderstruck, she invited him into the Withdrawing room, gave him him tea and crumpets, minute sandwiches and miniature iced buns....
Quelle félicité!
Debbie & Peter
22nd
"TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR"
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/calendar.htm
Spoil yourself with 12 months of pure fun !
"The annual celebration of the artist's art".
From Blood Moon to Equinox & Solstice amongst Dragons, Genies, Faerie Queens, Unicorns, Heroes, & more !
Shipping is free!
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The Weasel and the Stoat were headed for the mountains, to toboggan, to ski and, at the end of the day, sip hot toddies and nibble pre supper goodies.
There were few guests to converse with, few skiers and tobogganists, because, few magickal, mythical Fantasy creatures vacationed.
The Mole preferred to remain here, in the garden.
arduous winter sports, such as skiing, formed no part of his agenda.
He rested and slept for the most part.
Every so often, he met with friends and acquaintances.
It was not long till he began to miss the Weasel and the Stoat.
His agitation increased till it threatened to pop.
A worried Witch sent a telepathic message to them. It was at the speed of lightening that his friends reappeared....
Debbie & Peter
21st
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Winter Solstice edition coming soon)
Get your copy here >
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The light sparkle danced upon the windows, the pond and wet grass.
Every resident of the garden was taking the air.
The Witch wore a short cloak of Angora wool over a Comeon Gatsby Art Deco dress.
The dress was sleeveless, fringed at the hem, and utterly inadequate protection against freezing....
The Wizard sniffed scornfully, the Flower Faeries smiled kindly.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies blinked. and gritted their teeth.
To laugh was not on, t'would bring the whole lot of them into bad odour....
The Gremlin inhaled sharply.
The Goblin sat down....thump.
The Witch resembled a blueberry muffin filled with ersatz fruit.
The Unicorn sailed down through the sky's yellow gold light and
landed beside the Comeon Gatsby dressed Witch.
For a moment he hesitated, then smiled, equine fashion.
From deep in his belly an éclats de rire exploded.
The garden residents here present split their sides.
The Witch changed her dress and felt better....
Debbie & Peter
20th
"TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR"
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/calendar.htm
Spoil yourself with 12 months of pure fun !
"The annual celebration of the artist's art".
From Blood Moon to Equinox & Solstice amongst Dragons, Genies, Faerie Queens, Unicorns, Heroes, & more !
Shipping is free!
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
Beyond the horizon, mysterious worlds.
The Unicorn had been there, the Witch had, too.
The Wizard had thought about it.
For the Flower Faeries, t'was too far for such teeny persons with teeny weeny wings.
The Dragon had made plans to take the long road there, visiting his multitudinous kith and kin along the way.
He had prepared himself carefully, coating his skin with a magickal cream, which would give it a resistance to the changes in climate he would, perforce, pass through.
Bidding farewell to his friends of the garden and commenced his voyage slow and easy, in order to save his energy.
His departure was witnessed by the Wizard and his forgetful friend.
The Wizard envied him, his friend was ignorant of what was going on.
The Dragon is expected to return when ready.
T'was expected to be months, even years, from now and who knows what residents will be inhabiting the garden then....
Debbie & Peter
19th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
"RED SKY IN THE MORNING"
"Red sky at night, shepherd's delight."
"Shepherd's warning" first appears in the Bible in the book of Matthew.
An old weather saying stated at sunrise and sunset to help shepherds prepare for the next day's weather.
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The Ogre was being taught to tie his boot laces, as the garden was waterlogged and the pond overflowing.
He sat down upon a tree trunk, stared at the boots, dropped them, made a face and finalised this act of defiance by looking daggers at the Witch.
The Witch was focused upon her morning's brewing of the magick potion, heating the cauldron over a temperamental fire lest the potion explode in a volcanic eruption....
The Wizard remained on his flying carpet somehow keeping his balance as the wind cried Mary and threatened to dump him.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies targeted him with ammunition fired from their sling shot catapults, using sharp pellets, raisins, dates and pieces of chopped gruyere cheese.
The Flower Faeries hastened to intervene, jumping aboard the Unicorn and urging him to "Scoot."
The command was confusing.
He knew not quite what to do, so he charged through the Siberian chill at Elfin head height.
They scarpered....
Debbie & Peter
18th
"TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR"
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/calendar.htm
Spoil yourself with 12 months of pure fun !
"The annual celebration of the artist's art".
From Blood Moon to Equinox & Solstice amongst Dragons, Genies, Faerie Queens, Unicorns, Heroes, & more !
Shipping is free!
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The Wizard had been ineffectual at balancing his books.
His Accountant would have things to say upon that subject?!
The Witch's head, still spinning from listing business must does and research to does, had given him the thumbs down when applied to for help.
Snubbed and rebuffed, he withdrew to the greenhouse and, gee whizz, found an old world chum, the Bonnacon.
They'd known each other for centuries, a case of 'opposites attract,' and their greetings were amiable, amicable.
The Wizard had been privy, in times past, to the Bonaccon's self protective response to imminent danger....
Chuck hot dung at the perpetrator of his dolor.
The Elves had never run across such an entity before in their lives.
T'was not in their nature to modify their behaviour. So, at the sight of him, they smirked and tittered, huddled together to figure out tricks to tease and T off the Bannacon.
In perfect unison, they withdrew from their pockets their sling shots and ammunition.
Just to tease?
The Bannacon felt himself to be under attack and retaliated by discharging hot dung.
The dung set the grass alight and sparks shot vividly into the air, settling upon the Oak and those trees of the wood most near to the garden.
The Elves were struck dumb.
Knew.
Knew not what to do....
Ran helter skelter through the garden, tearing their hair out.
The Witch's head was shocked into sensiblity.
She and the Wizard, by sheer force of voice and personality, directed the whole kit and caboodle to cease the noise and kerfuffle.
The Bannacon hung his head, and, looking at his friend the Wizard, shrugged his shulders, shook his mane - and departed.
Debbie & Peter
17th
"TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR"
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/calendar.htm
Spoil yourself with 12 months of pure fun !
"The annual celebration of the artist's art".
From Blood Moon to Equinox & Solstice amongst Dragons, Genies, Faerie Queens, Unicorns, Heroes, & more !
Shipping is free!
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The Elves, Imps and Pixies had refused to cooperate, pooh poohing the recently implemented, updated garden protocols.
Moreover, no ifs, ands or buts, the Witch was likewise predisposed to follow her own rules. Her own laws were for living rightly and the Flower Faeries were too tiny to cause any hassle.
The Weasel, the Stoat and their pal, the Mole, spent no time at all thinking about it.
The Ogre, as is widely known by this time, was onliest interested in hisself, Himself....
It touched not the Wizard, who resided elsewhere, out of Earth's orbit.
Occupying no space, timeless, limitless.
Perchance in some distant future, circumstances would alter.
In the interim, which ever rules and registered, etched into stone, belonged to "the others," leap frogging over whom ever you were, or whoever chose to scorn them, or to reject them....
Debbie & Peter
16th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Winter Solstice edition coming soon)
Get your copy here >
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
"Craven, you be," muttered the Green Lady glaistig, a spirit of the water.
"Why?" puzzled the Mermaid, biting a finger nail.
"As I see it, responded the Green Lady, "You were born without a sense of adventuresomeness, audacity."
"Your routine never varies, boring t'is, arid."
The Mermaid sang songs of sorrow and woe that day.
The wood gloomed, the mist descended and as if by magick, an unannounced eclipse of the sun took place....
The residents of the garden were spooked.
What to do?
Persevere in semi darkness?
Hunker down? Sleep?
Carry on, regardless?
The Witch as unperturbed.
Her cauldron burbled and swashed.
The aroma was ooh ah!
To one side a second cauldron simmered.
The bouquet of fresh vegetable soup permeated the gloom.
No decision necessary.
Stay cool....
Debbie & Peter
15th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Winter Solstice edition coming soon)
Get your copy here >
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The Mole, Stoat and Weasel were fishing in the river which ran through fields adjacent to the wood.
Their pickings were scant, for aught they cared.
They simply watched the river run slow, quick, quick, swirl , churn, or closed their eyes and felt the rhythms of the fast moving water.
The Mermaid swam and dived out of harm's way, for, as she put it, herself, to be struck by the bait attached to a fishing line was yukky, but, to be flicked by the line, itself, could inflict a very, very, nasty wound, indeed....
T'was not her idea of painting the town, not by a long chalk, not on your life!
The Unicorn was absent, no message received.
This presented the Flower Faeries with so worrisome a situation that, they shivered and quivered, knitted their brow.
No smile appeared upon their faces ....
Dio mio?!
And, nothing has altered at this point in time....
Debbie & Peter
14th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Winter Solstice edition coming soon)
Get your copy here >
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The Elfin carpenter was carving miniature wooden Dragons, flawless in detail, bewitching, fearsome, awe inspiring....
Upon the table lay gargoyles, creatures of myth and legend, spoken of by our forebears and the simulacra of written tales.
The Goblin and the Gremlin were assisting him, fetching and carrying and sweeping the floor, maintaining the area around him piecemeal clear.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies clustered near as permitted, opera glasses pinned to their eyes.
The Flower Faeries had settled upon the antiquated chandelier, which hung topsy turvy from the sloping ceiling.
The Mouse was there, the Spider was there - and the Fly, enthralled by the skill of this famous Elfin carpenter.
Indimentecabile!!
Debbie & Peter
13th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Winter Solstice edition coming soon)
Get your copy here >
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
The Goblin was reading "Crux Millennium" again, immersing himself in the life of Jack, the Hero, of Light Land and Dark Land and the battles that raged upon the high seas surrounding them.
The Goblin's chief buddy, the Gremlin, was reading a fantasy creature's translation of Dante's "Inferno."
He had a project in motion, which was - Study the how's, whys and wherefores of human thinking (?!)
The Ogre was another whose thought processes intrigued him, although t'was crystal clear that they stemmed from a firm belief that his position must ever be first, last and always....
The Weasel, the Stoat and the tottery old Mole let the study of human psychiatry and psychology pass them by.
Life was too short....
And, there was so much to do.
Debbie & Peter
12th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Winter Solstice edition coming soon)
Get your copy here >
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio editorial room . . . .
Heaven sent opportunities were raining down upon the head of Celandine, a Flower Faerie from the Land of Cantankerous Contrariness.
She was here in the garden because she possessed this unfortunate hole in her nearly OK personality.
The resident Flower Faeries had been charged with the task of teaching her the art of civility and graciousness....
The Witch wasn't sanguine, the Wizard disbelieving and the Flower Faeries imagined that this assignment was beyond them.
The varied daily routines continued, Celandine settled down.
The Flower Faeries included her, regardless of how difficult she was.
Time passed and the contrariness did not diminish.
Eventually, the garden residents hit the wall, took Celandine aside and read her the riot act.
Two more days or you're out....
Get real, signorita!
Debbie & Peter
11th
"MANIC MONDAY"
Busy with book binding, picture framing and magazine shipping.
Meanwhile . . .
outside, in the magick studio garden . . . .
Too many Mondays, not enough Fridays, was today's refrain on the lips of the Elves.
The Imps and the Pixies were predisposed to be, a smidgeon more pliable, a smidgeon more influenceable, a smidgeon more agreeable.
The Ogre, as long he was placed at the head of the queue, was occasionally amiable, very occasionally, pleasant....
The Flower Faeries had emerged from the episode of the Unicorn, with increased energy, passion and go, go.
This icy December morning the garden was buzzing with pre-Christmas tasks, leaving aside the Elves and the Ogre.
The Weasel, the Stoat and the increasingly frail, Mole, tried ever so hard to remember what they must do, jot down the details, write lists and memos, and, most important of all, remember where they'd put them, keep them to hand....
The Mermaid did not celebrate high days and holidays.
She dwelled in a magickal world of her own....
Debbie & Peter
10th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
FROZEN SUNDAY
Sometimes, I only have to look out the window, to get ideas for pictures.
I'm sure I saw a snow queen disappear into the centre of this tree?
Meanwhile . . .
in the magick studio garden . . . .
The garden had been readied for the onset of winter and the gardeners had agreed upon a rota for who'd be on call and when.
In addition, an inventory of necessary winter tasks had been drafted and agreed.
A copy had been given to the Head Gardener and every underling.
The household staff recognised to his or her cost, t'would take little encouragement for the Elves, Imps and Pixies to despoil or ruin their achievement in creating a prize-winning garden.
Yesterday evening the Beaver moon was radiant, dazzling, a feast for the eyes.
I went out into the garden to feast my own eyes.
There on the lawn were the Elves, Imps and Pixies building a bonfire in readiness for the annual celebration of Guy Fawkes night.
They had denuded the bushes, torn small branches from young trees.
Sheets of discarded newspaper littered the lawn.
The Goblin and the Gremlin were endeavouring to clear the mess, crawling through the chill, wet grass upon their hands and knees.
By the end of the evening, tired and jaded, they retired to bed and slept the sleep of the innocent....
Debbie & Peter
9th
STUDIO SATURDAY
Web page makeover, in preparation for an upcoming expansion.
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/about/about_prints.htm
Sometimes even I am amazed at the breadth of my subject matter . . . . .
Meanwhile . . .
in the magick studio garden . . . .
The hush of silence blanketed the garden.
The residents scarcely said a word.
Even the cacophonous interchange of crows was muted when the Unicorn disappeared....
The Wizard combed the heavens upon his magick carpet, the Witch sought answers daily in the spells that she cast.
The Weasel, Stoat and near blind Mole searched the highways and every highway and byway of the local neighbourhood.
The Ogre, who'd forgotten to comb his unruly mop, took to rubbing his nose, pulling his ears and sleeping a bit longer every day.
Meanwhile.
Winter settled in more firmly, temperatures dropping like a stone.
Those hibernatory garden residents strove to keep themselves awake and the Dragon, sweeping dejectedly through the skies each day, assumed the post of detective or Master of the Watch.
The Cook and I were bereft, as was the Head Gardener and his underlings.
The Flower Faeries wept as they carried out their daily tasks.
Upon the stroke of two this morning,
I was wakened by the Elves, who, yanked the bedsheets off me and dragged me from my bed.
Dazed, bewildered, muddle headed, (how, and where, had they gained entry?) I allowed myself to be pulled along the corridor, down the stairs and out the front door.
Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I squinted through the gloom and upon the far side of the garden I distinguished the vague outline of an equine with horned nose.
T'was he. It t'was he!!
Try topping that. Go on.
Bet you can't....
Debbie & Peter
8th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
FROZEN FRIDAY
Winter's palette has finally arrived!
Meanwhile . . .
in the magick studio garden . . . .
The Weasel, the Stoat and their colleague, the Mole, were hunting through the undergrowth for a lost baby Hare.
Its parents were searching elsewhere in the garden, as were the majority of the residents, minus the Elves.
Searching for anything, in their opinion, was a thoroughgoing waste of time.
They sat on the grass exchanging gossip and tall tales, ignoring pleas to assist.
The sharp eyed Elfin Master of the Kingdom of Faerie Hunt felt a je ne sais quoi wriggle underneath his legs.
Turning the leg to one side to find out why, he espied a minute creature crawling along on its tummy.
"Do you see what I see?" he cried,
"The lost baby Hare!"
Olé, olé, olé.... fantástico!!
Debbie & Peter
7th
THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY
Producing studio made mounts for limited edition prints today . . . . .
Always enjoy using a variety of hand-fashioned materials and effects.
Meanwhile . . .
in the magick studio garden . . . .
A mish mash of personalities were present this chill morning.
Thick sheets of tarpaulin had been laid upon the slippery grass to circumvent accidents, slippages, sodden feet in sodden shoes or, never to be worn again, non water proof boots.
The mish mash of personalities was in conference, deliberating upon the proprieties of conduct, code of ethical behaviour requisite, indeed essential, in this garden.
The conference was honoured by the presence of the Elves, Imps and Pixies, who wanted a lively discourse, a fisticuffs affair.
This was their customary manner of procedure, their usual game plan and, they impeded the taking of a vote till far later than the participants' bedtime.
They did stay awake, a vote was taken. And, too bad for the Elves, Imps and Pixies, the consensus was agin their mode of behaviour, their sculduggery, their deceit....
Debbie & Peter
6th
WEBBY WEDNESDAY
Enjoying embellishing some studio made limited edition prints today . . . . .
as well as enjoying creating handmade picture frames.
Meanwhile . . .
in the magick studio garden. . . .
The Witch stirred her cauldron, sniffing the magick potion to assure herself that the ingredients were present - and blended correctly.
The Flower Faeries were flouncy, bouncy and animated, 'cos the Unicorn was returned to the garden which he had by-passed for some little while.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies had, for some reason, picked upon him to see how far they could push him, afore his nerves snapped, or, they had succeeded in pushing him oltre il limite, (over the brink)....
The Wizard, well versed in that modus operandi, stood by and waited patiently for the grand finale - though itching to watch as the scene unfolded.
Today, the Unicorn was exuberant, could scarce keep whilst the Flower Faeries washed, brushed and groomed him.
He shone like Sirius, the Dog Star and his mane and tail were threaded with Star sapphires and light blue Moonstones.
The Weasel, the Stoat and the Mole, the Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat pottered by on their way to see the Mermaid at the pool in the wood.
The Ogre had smacked his head against a low growing tree branch and was blundering muddle headedly across the lawn.
Cannoning into the pond-going troupe, he knocked them yaw ways, some to the ground and some off course....
Dumbfounded, they regrouped, changed course, headed for the tennis courts.
Locking the gate, they sat down in a circle to thrash out a plan of revenge and retribution....
Debbie & Peter
5th
TECHNICAL TUESDAY
Further website clean-up.
This time in preparation for new books publication.
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio . . . .
Ten Legs, the Spider, was barreling along the attic corridor, hastening to rendezvous with the Mouse, the Fly and a moth?!
The moth was a recent incomer, of intimidating mien, floated demurely any which way, in, out the door, then reversed the procedure.
Mouse burger, the Mouse and Firandel, the Fly suddenly began to dance a Mazurka.
The moth flittered aloft, holding the fort underneath the ceiling light's dusty lampshade.
The strong mazurka rhythm seemed innate in the Mouse and the Fly, who metamorphosed into virtuoso folk dancers....
Debbie & Peter
4th
MEANDERING MONDAY
A bit of website clean-up.
In preparation for a bit of coming project(s) expansion . . . . .
Meanwhile . . .
outside the magick studio . . . .
The Owl felt impuissant, sidelined.
The weather was too inclement to venture abroad to hunt.
No juicy morsel would be had that night.
He was confined to quarters, hog tied, cheesed off.
His hoots of hunger, and of despondency echoed dejectedly through the garden and the wood.
The night creatures shivered, the sleepers dreamed dreams of mysterious Owls, magickal Owls and Owls of myth and legend....
The Elves, Imps and Pixies, wrapped in thick blankets, slept like the innocents they were not.
No sounds reached their Faerie made cotton wool stuffed ears.
The Witch was immersed in business concerns, the Wizard was doing his accounts and the Unicorn was galloping t'wards a White Hole.
Thrown back by its anti suck composition, the Unicorn fretted.
He reversed.
Waited expectantly.
And, was blown hither and thither across time and Space to the garden....
Debbie & Peter
3rd
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Autumn Equinox edition still available!)
LAST CHANCE to get the current issue before the winter edition coming soon.
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . .
in the magick studio editorial room . . .
The garden residents were sharing a newspaper, scrutinising those news items which could enhance their joie de vivre.
The Unicorn, the Flower Faeries, the Witch and the Wizard felt excluded.
No explanation was given, no invitation extended to voice their opinion.
Reading the article inside and out, the garden residents realised that, should they wish to partake of a fab experience, they must factor in a magickal flying machine.
The Wizard was paged, a recent innovation, and blew in on the wind currents, sans carpet, choosing instead, his "senior citizen" broom.
The garden residents explained their objective, then sat back to excogitate privately.
The Wizard pretty soon lit upon an answer.
He would lend them his magick broom.
There was no speed that this, his loyal companion, would find beyond its capacity.... its "repertoire?"
Debbie & Peter
2nd
"THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE - stage 5"
Quick close-up shot.
Assembling entourage.
Altenating oil / turpentine washes over fatty oil underpainting.
Even more (much) walks around the magick studio garden needed . . . . .
Where the fantastical creatures
inspire constant inspiration . . . . .
The Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat had chanced to rub eyeballs with an itsy bitsy Chinese Water Dragon.
This itsy bitsy creature was frisky and bustling, mercurial.
P'raps what one would call, "quick on the trigger...?"
Its skin was blue, its expression cheeky.
T'was gonna be a morning to pay close attention!
The Witch instructed every resident, to double check that the Water Dragon was baby sat and was fed mealworms or crickets, king mealworms, waxworms, earthworms, grasshoppers, butterworms, locusts, feeder fish, pinkies and fuzzies, though, he might well simply enjoy simple fruit and vegetable meals.
The Chinese Dragon turned out to be a swell companion, a dandy, comical, goofy, fellow.
And curious, "poke your nose in" to the enth degree....
When lunch was announced, the Chinese Dragon's eyes burned piercing, sharp focused, spine chillingly orange.
He was permitted to eat first, as "head of the table" and the meal progressed at a leisurely pace.
As soon as satisfied, he got up from his seat and began waddling slowly and purposefully t'wards the wood. But as he passed the garden pond, he stopped in his tracks, took a look, yawned, lay down, stretched, yawned, closed his eyes, and slept.
The Chinese Dragon routinely spent each day of his sojourn, in the Oak tree, or busily involved in the life of the garden.
His fun loving character and the prestige that this garnered him, were described in letters and messages.
His fame spread through the Faerie Kingdom and abroad like a blazing wildfire.
The garden was invaded by all manner of Dragon Scholars, some who wished to test his ethos, some to test his mental processes.
The garden was crammed with the wise and the scholarly.
T'was yesterday at dawn when the Chinese Water Dragon lost it.
With an electrifying suddenness, he emitted a roar of blue murder, beat his wings, took off breathing deadly hot flames of fire.
Ding dong, ding dong....
Quando é troppo, é troppo.
Debbie & Peter
1st
"THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE - stage 5"
Quick shot.
Working on the stream.
Oil washes over fatty oil underpainting.
More walks around the freezing magick studio garden needed . . . . .
Where the fantastical creatures
that inhabit it,
are a constant inspiration
and source of creative input . . . .
Morning had broken pink, white and blue.
A hesitant sun was shining, its rays dancing upon the waters of the crystalline garden pond.
The Goblin and the Gremlin had scarce finished their morning swim and were towelling themselves dry on the verdant green lawn.
The Flower Faeries were grooming the magickal Unicorn, contently munching his succulent breakfast.
With usual suddenness, the Elves, Imps and Pixies came to a stop, mouths agape, eyes wide, wide open, riveted upon something(?)
Bloodied, exhausted, dragging his feet, King Arthur of Camelot walked slowly across the grass.
The Battle of Camlann had drawn to a close.
The battle was ended and Arthur soon dead....
Debbie & Peter
30th
"WHITE WITCH DAY"
Shipping-out today
A truly amazing legend, the amazing Ceridwen, Goddess of poetry, inspiration, and possessing the cauldron of poetic inspiration (Awen) and transfiguration.
One of our most classic Myths & Legends books.
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_myths-bala.htm
We are blessed, to have a studio, in a land of Myth & Legend".
Meanwhile,
out in our magick studio garden . . . .
The Elves had looted the larder and pantry.
The shelves were bare, the floor strewn with crumbs and unwanted leftovers.
The Cook arrived early, armed with baskets of fruit, homemade chocolates and miniature bottles of non alcoholic fruit, flower and berry liqueurs.
The greater part of the morning was spent in the kitchen which, clean, neat and tidy the Elves must have shunned, ignored or forgotten?
Having savoured a cup of tea and eaten 2 ginger biscuits, she repaired to the larder to ensure stocks were adequate.
The scene she encountered caused her spirits to plunge so low that she sat down in a chair and wept.
Later, she found the courage to reconnoiter the pantry, which exhibited the characteristics of a battleground, a theatre of war.
She maintained a silence upon the subject until t'was time to leave, when she asked to meet with me and poured out her soul.
The locksmith was sent for, the locks changed once again.
This should improve matters momentarily, till two hairs past a bristle....
Debbie & Peter
29th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Winter's here.
Berries galore and offering a red-green palette suggestion.
Meanwhile, in the studio garden
the occupants are recalling colours of yore . . . .
The Witch and the Wizard were reminiscing wistfully.
Con dolore they spoke of Earth before terra firma was partitioned and allocated betwixt their conquerors.
The Flower Faeries perched upon a bush, foreheads wrinkled, straining to understand, straining not to ask endless questions and distract the debaters.
The Goblin and the Gremlin stood as near as they dared, listening intently.
They shifted, one leg to another, biting their tongues, so as not to interrupt.
The most recent of the incomers to Mother Earth, were the Giants and Ogres, the super duper gargantuans.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were imaginary beings, a peoples of Fantasy, Myth and Legend.
The Dragon, they agreed, could quite possibly be, the successor to the Dinosaurs of Chinese folklore, for example?
The discussion lasted long enough to cause rumbly stomachs and, the midday meal went down a treat!
Debbie & Peter
28th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Autumn passes . . . . .
The more winter palette inspiration today.
I look forward to, perhaps(?) white-based snow palette inspiration?
Meanwhile, the studio garden
has seen some terse moments this last few days . . .
The appointment was conducted with the utmost professionalism.
The Elfin Solicitor knew of, by reputation, the Elves, Imps and Pixies.
His advice was astute, plainspoken, commonsensical.
He suggested that a second meeting take place at the house, after which he would talk to those thorns in my side, blots on the landscape....
The date was set and the wait?
The Elves will be snotty, know it all windbags, the Imps derisive, uppity scornful.
The Pixies will likely take their cue from the Imps.
A future blog. should acquaint you of the outcome,
conceivably....?!
Debbie & Peter
27th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Autumn passes . . . . .
The winter palette inspirations begin.
Slight snow today, so maybe white-based palette inspiration soon . . . .
And, the residents of the garden were this morning, in conference,
as they discussed whether or not to plan a "cold weather" Jamboree.
The Goblin, the Gremlin, the Flower Faeries and Elves, the Imps and the Pixies were rarin' to go, the Witch wasn't sure and the Unicorn uninterested.
He knew, beyond a shadow of doubt, that he would be pressurised into playing the role of the archetypical fun fair donkey....
The Witch, upon whom the most part of planning and organising would fall, artfully steered the subject of the discussion into everyday subjects.
Her efforts proved effective, her morning's spell casting, ace.
When the Wizard dropped anchor, she was cool, calm, collected.
The Unicorn's spirits lifted, the Flower Faeries washed him down and groomed him.
Their choice of design for his "look" gratified and charmed him.
The Ogre turned out to be the next diversion, blundering shortsightedly into a tree and knocking himself out cold.
The Witch left the Goblin and the Gremlin to cope as best they could.
Her priority was blending magick potions and casting superior spells....
Debbie & Peter
26th
"TIME TRAVEL"
"The Venus Trap"
Detail - of new Limited Edition Print release.
Newly de-archived this week.
by direct e-mail request HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
And, a short walk from
the Magick Studio Garden
despite a rumpus that risked delay
we are ready to ship! . . . .
The village Post Office was chockablock with Fantasy creatures.
The queue extended out the door and quite a ways down the street.
The Weasel, the Stoat and the Mole were perched upon stools, provided by the Staff for those who must wait their turn.
Staff members comprised, "Two men and a dog."
More accurate to say, "The Fates."
Three sisters of Greek mythology who were said to control time.
The queue diminished steadily.
The conversations were lively, discursive and well worth listening in on....
The Frog and the Toad and the Water Rat stood at the extreme end of the queue,
sipping Faerie made lemonade and exchanging jokes.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were absent.
To be honest, t'was because they felt too superior to queue anywhere, anytime and besides, were disinclined to celebrate highdays.
T'would involve giving, not taking....
Debbie & Peter
25th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Reluctant Wyvern"
Meanwhile,
out in the Magick Studio Garden . . .
The Witch was absorbed in an interesting article, explaining the unorthodox medieval science of alchemy.
The Wizard twiddled his fingers, muttered under his breath, for his preference was for activity, action, achievement.
The article was lengthy and extremely detailed.
The Witch would be occupied for some considerable time.
Irritation overcame him and summoning the Unicorn, he grabbed his mane, jumped aboard.
The Unicorn took flight and winged his way south, south to the mythological Lands of Lemuria.
The Flower Faeries were showing off their newly completed autumnal wardrobes.
The dainty clothes were exquisite, stylish, delish...!
The Ogre plodded dejectedly across the lawn, for he'd been booted out of the house, because he had, as per usual, got in the way, impeding the rapid onward momentum in the many and varied daily household chores.
The Witch saw him and hollered, "Come stand beside my cauldron, roast yourself hot. Take heart you poor sod, you'll soon feel quite the thing!"
And, within a short space of time, he did. He was ready for anything?!
Debbie & Peter
24th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Autumn passes . . . . .
The sheep or down from the hills, into Michaelmas pastures.
Snow seemed to beckon last night.
And, last night, out in the Magick Studio Garden
comets and shooting stars had lit up the skies,
paving a glittering pathway for the Unicorn to follow. . . .
He dallied not, for awaiting him "somewhere out there," was a female Unicorn, his lady of the stars....
Down below in the garden, nocturnal perambulations were in progress, meetings, whispered conferences, and hustling, bustling sort of enterprises, endeavour, activity.
I'd been writing since breakfast.
My wrist, was it sore!
Late that evening, feeling flabby, square bottomed, I was taking a quick step walk round and about the garden.
I was armed with two torches for safety's sake and a hip flask of Brandy.
The atmosphere of mystery and magick that permeated the garden soon achieved what I'd gone out there to seek.
I retired to bed on top of the world....
Debbie & Peter
23rd
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"Goddess of The Birth Moon"
Meanwhile,
out in the Magick Studio Garden . . . .
The Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat were on an exploratory voyage of discovery, deep within the most primordial part of the wood.
Little sunlight filtered down through the intertwined branches of trees that had withstood centuries of storms, of tempests, of blizzards, of ice, snow and hail, of bitingly hot, summers.
The ever moist undergrowth was thickly carpeted with fallen leaves and with weirdly shaped, oddly sized, Fantasy Land, flowers.
With mystifying, tantalising, Arabian Night, fragrances.
The friends felt themselves wilting.
Beware!
A wetting required....
They had, perforce, to cut further explorations, hasten swiftly back to the garden and plunge forthwith into the pond....
Debbie & Peter
22nd
"TIME TRAVEL"
"The Cool War"
New Limited Edition Print release.
Newly de-archived this week.
Available (and more information) HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa243.htm
or
by direct e-mail request HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
Meanwhile,
out in the Magick Studio Garden . . . .
Crash, bang, thud.
Push, shove, bump.
No doubt about it, the Elves, Imps and Pixies were about.
Mischief makers, shysters, con artists.
Shuffles and scuttles. Door opening, door closing.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were in the attic once again.
Sine qua non....
C'est vrai?
The cats spent an inordinate amount of time in the attics.
The attraction was mice, no dogs and warmth.
But -
not even felines, with their ability to micrify one, were prepared to withstand the onslaught of the Elves.
Sliding down the bannister was, as always, a hit.
One Elf slid head first, another performed a handstand and walked down hat way.
A third used his parachute and the leftovers took the stairs on their bottoms or crawled on hands and knees.
T'was inevitable that they wound up in the kitchen....
Debbie & Peter
21st
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Queen of Flowers"
Meanwhile,
out in the Magick Studio Garden
The Owl was exhausted, belly up, conked out . . . . .
So tired was he that he very nearly keeled over....
The birds of Rhiannon had observed his plight and hushed their singing to a hair's breadth above a whisper.
Their choices of music always soothing, lyrical.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies, oft ensconced in the Oak, resolved to turn the Owl's plight into a game for their own delectation.
The weather was clement, the temperature così cosà, so the decision they made was that today was the day....
The Witch has since told me that she had missed the tell tale signs.
Certamente, the Flower Faeries certainly had.
So too, had the Weasel, Stoat and the Mole, the Wizard, the Ghosts, the Toad, Frog and Water Rat.
The Unicorn and the Dragon had sensed the existence of bad vibes in the garden. Nevertheless, the Dragon rarely visited, and the Unicorn's visits were usually abbreviated.
The Flower Faeries sent a message to the, revered, Grand Master of Elves, which read,
"Help!!
The Elves are causing trouble.
The Owl is kaput and the Elves misbehaving.
Their actions will shortly cause grievous harm to our garden Owl.
Please come here quick as you can, or more quickly still?!"
Addendum:
The Grand Master landed, summoned the Elves, (and their kin), silencing the assembly with a snap of his fingers.
He ordered them, in no uncertain terms, to cease or, rest assured, they'd suffer "the consequences...."
He'd make sure that these were productively horrid?!
Debbie & Peter
20th
"TIME TRAVEL"
"R P V"
New Limited Edition Print release.
Newly de-archived this week.
Available (and more information) HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa053.htm
or
by direct e-mail request HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
Meanwhile,
out in the Magick Studio Garden
it had been a bitch of a day. . . . .
The Ogre had slipped and broken his ankle, the Goblin had fractured a femur.
The Gremlin had toothache, the Owl could not sleep, and the Witch had had a stormy argument with the Wizard....
The Flower Faeries put their heads down, steered well clear, and effected a masterpiece of Unicorn embellishment.
The Cook noticed the discordant atmosphere, trotted back to the kitchen and began preparing a feast for them, fit for a Faerie Queen.
The mystical, magickal, mythological evening lured every resident creature into the garden, however fatigued, sleepy, weary he felt.
They gasped when they saw the fabulous potlatch, sat in silence, afeared to proceed, as the flames of the candles and tea lights danced.
The Witch and the Wizard picked up their forks and waited expectedly, an invitation to the other resident Fantasy creatures to emulate them.
T'was an major league evening, red letter, doozie, the date written in gold leaf in the book of garden memories.
Debbie & Peter
19th
"TIME TRAVEL"
"The Second Experiment"
New Limited Edition Print release.
Newly de-archived this week.
Available (and more information) HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa053.htm
or
by direct e-mail request HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
Meanwhile,
out in the Magick Studio Garden . . . .
The Witch had, in her care, two Andean chinchillas, cutesy, pettable, high strung, messy-making creatures.
(She had made an exception upon this occasion).
T'was unusual for her to have any spare free time, what with the devising, designing, composing of potions and the casting of high hat spells as befitted her perfectionist personality.
The Flower Faeries, too, cast spells if requested. And these produced as many benefits without all the hoo ha.
The Goblin, the Gremlin, the Weasel, Stoat and Mole, the Wizard, his forgetful friend, the Ogre and Unicorn, from time to time, had been deeply appreciative of their artful assistance.
The chinchillas were entertaining, slightly overwrought, companions, and kept the Witch extra vigilant whilst they were with her.
The end result of the babysitting boiled down to this - mental confusion, physical exhaustion, snappiness and no spells sent or potions effected....
Debbie & Peter
18th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Seahorse"
Out in the Magick Studio Garden
The Sea horse's friends
were up to their typical behaviors . . . . . .
The Weasel and the Stoat were headed for the mountains, to toboggan, to ski and, at the end of the day, sip hot toddies and nibble pre supper goodies.
There were few guests to converse with, few skiers and tobogganists, because, few magickal, mythical Fantasy creatures vacationed.
The Mole preferred to remain here, in the garden.
arduous winter sports, such as skiing, formed no part of his agenda.
He rested and slept for the most part.
Every so often, he met with friends and acquaintances.
It was not long till he began to miss the Weasel and the Stoat.
His agitation increased till it threatened to pop.
A worried Witch sent a telepathic message to them. It was at the speed of lightening that his friends reappeared....
Debbie & Peter
17th
"TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR"
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/calendar.htm
Spoil yourself with 12 months of pure fun !
"The annual celebration of the artist's art".
From Blood Moon to Equinox & Solstice amongst Dragons, Genies, Faerie Queens, Unicorns, Heroes, & more !
Shipping is free!
16th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
A peaceful afternoon drawing in the Bucks Head garden.
http://www.the-bucks-head.co.uk
The spledour of autumn light and the glint of light on foliage.
The meeting of the elements = rain and sunlight..
Such atmosphere can accelerate the creative mood.
Others, back at the studio, have different feelings . . . .
The Faerie little ones and the Goblin young ones were feeling glum.
Two days more of sweet nothings, and back to fantasy school.
Yuk....
Today I'd been asked to drive them wherever. But....
Should they misbehave, bring them back at once.
Subito!
They'd be sent to their rooms and given homework to complete.
The Goblin and the Gremlin accompanied the spoglets, held their attention, kept them well in hand.
The outing proved whoopee and the youngsters returned still in good spirits, tired, sleepy, ready for a nap.
Meanwhile, the adults carried out their multifarious daily tasks in a considerably more low pressured, unhurried, mode....
The exception, of course, being the Elves, Imps and Pixies, who met together first thing each day to plot and plan.
To cook up mischief and mayhem, so on and somehow.
With the recent result they had not thought of and now forgotten....
Debbie & Peter
15th
"TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR"
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/calendar.htm
Spoil yourself with 12 months of pure fun !
"The annual celebration of the artist's art".
From Blood Moon to Equinox & Solstice amongst Dragons, Genies, Faerie Queens, Unicorns, Heroes, & more !
Shipping is free!
14th
"TIME TRAVEL"
"Last Duel"
New Limited Edition Print release.
Newly de-archived this week.
Available (and more information) HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/paintings_science_fiction/swa259.htm
or
by direct e-mail request HERE >
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm
13th
"TIME TO CELEBRATE THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR"
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/calendar.htm
Spoil yourself with 12 months of pure fun !
"The annual celebration of the artist's art".
From Blood Moon to Equinox & Solstice amongst Dragons, Vampires, Faerie Queens, Heroes, & more !
Shipping is free!
12th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
A final blaze of riotous colour.
Before the studio Acer tree sheds the last of its autumnal splendor.
An alteration in mood is hard to avoid, when colour drains.
Such an alteration in mood can spread, and . . . .
Astute observers would have noted and heeded, the alteration in mood of the wood pond Mermaid.
She lay upon her rock, still as a mouse.
She uttered not a syllable, didn't smile, didn't sigh.
Even the effort would have been a fear of endurance....
Apathy sat backbreakingly upon her thin shoulders.
The Flower Faeries visited multifarious times a day, the Witch studied spells, but could find nothing appropriate.
The Wizard was elsewhere in the Kingdom of Myth and Legend, thus it befell to the Unicorn to break the hex.
The Unicorn exhibited a nonchalant air.
The world was his oyster, t'was his for the taking.
The Mermaid was a stranger.
He assumed the role of nothingist, and this nothingism hijacked kindliness, sympathy, altruism and charity.
The Mermaid's mouselike demeanour persisted 'til, a magickal turtle flopped into the water, floundered and sank.
The Mermaid dived in to save him.
From that day forwards, she stepped on the gas, so to speak.
Trié son acte.
Debbie & Peter
11th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
As the working week draws to a close (not!) a peaceful, if still productive time, would be most attractive and welcome, but it is already looking unlikely, based on today's events!
Already, the signs
out in our magick studio garden,
look ominous . . . . .
The Elf Elder had reprimanded his garden clan.
Too far into indefensible had they traveled this time.
The Imps and the Pixies lent half an ear to the reprimand, the Elves feigned understanding, having plugged their ears with thick wads of cotton wool.
The Flower Faeries perched atop the Elder Elf's head and shoulders, taking note of the type of response he received.
The Ogre wandered past in distracted mode, having also been given the dickens by a visiting aunt.
Life "back at the ranch," was frequently uncomfortable. Too many Big Chiefs and not enough Indians....
The Goblin and the Gremlin missed this episode in today's news and reviews.
Both were confined to bed suffering with "steaming nose," influenza, a pounding headache and a general, profound, melancholia.
The Ghosts swirled and eddied in the autumnal breeze, the ghostly Wolves and Wolverines padded silent footed from tennis courts to wood and back.
From the breakfast room floated the aroma of fresh morning coffee.
Time to re enter the house and sort out my schedule for today....
Debbie & Peter
10th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Very cold today, around the studio and beyond.
Enough to even freeze some of the garden residents . . . . . .
Yet, before the cold set in
the Goblin had been having fun
(but ended up tied to the hedge. . . . .)
The Goblin was playing Cat's Cradle with long piece of string, his exaggerated finger nails fast becoming entwined.
The Witch and the Gremlin watched, diverted by the spectacle.
The Wizard, when he landed, looked, saw and laughed. And, an idea sprung to mind, which appealed immoderately.
Shall I cause him to bind himself from ankle to neck, by casting a spell which lengthens the string still further?"
The Flower Faeries, grooming the Unicorn glimpsed the expression on his face and telepathically messaged him...."Yes!
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were presently occupied with climbing trees, whistling and keeping the poor, tired Owl awake.
The Cook came out, clutching a saucepan, poured the boiling water within it on to the grass - turned and went in, slamming the door.
The Wizard, by this time, had made a decision and so, the string wound itself round and around the Goblin until he resembled a hank of rope....
Debbie & Peter
9th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Stupendously magickal light, on the AcerTree.
Enough to dazzle any Dragon flying near.
Light that originates from the nearby hills & cliffs.
Yet, sadly . . . . .
The Dragon had flown too close to the top of a cliff, stubbed a toe, lost a toe nail which dropped upon and knocked out a turtle of dual nationality.
The turtle, a creature of magickal properties, metamorphosed into a tortue de l'océan - avec radar amélioré.... and most satisfactory.
The Goblin and the Gremlin had decided, on the sir of the moment, to journey by motorbike to the coast.
A walk along the cliff edge was just what was called for.
A prerequisite, no less.
They battled courageously 'gainst the wind, heads bowed, eyes streaming, and had finally to admit defeat and shelter behind a rock.
The Dragon, with magick turtle aboard, saw their predicament and picked them up, too.
Debbie & Peter
8th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Time to make Apple wine again . . . . . .
So . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden
we've gone to pick these, but
there's always the weekly market
if we need more . . .
The market was doing brisk business.
The atmosphere buzzed with tempting barter deals and auctions to entice.
The Elves, the Pixies, the Imps, the Goblin and Gremlin were immersed in the picturesque chaos, the scenes of entrepreneurship, the industrious enterprises.
The Witch was taking notes upon those market behaviours which would be of value, make a difference to her casting of particular spells.
The sky darkened, a beating of wings, and, in triangular formation, there swooped overhead a multitude of dragons.
Red, blue, green, yellow, purple, indigo, turquoise.
Bringing up the rear were a pink dragon and a mauve....
The crowds below craned their heads, selling and shopping forgotten.
Questa è vita, non vi pare?
Ciao!!
Debbie & Peter
7th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Riotous colour contrast, suitable influence for a future painting,
during a hectic week,of book production, painting, drawing . . . . . .
So, a walk around
our Magick studio garden
is a welcome break
and yet , we were distracted
by . . .the sound of splashing water . . .
The Mermaid was entertaining a visiting Water Sprite, a witty, funny, provocative, creature.
The Goblin and the Gremlin heard their laughter, the sound of splashing water, as they took their daily, early morning promenade about the garden.
The Ogre was tempted to go see, introduce himself. However....
The thought of a sumptuous
breakfast and a long, long nap proved to possess a far greater pull....
The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies, were organising for themselves, an unforgettable, trick filled, Guy Fawkes night.
Forget the weather, forget the temperature, forget "those other" garden night creatures.
What they wished to do, they would do,
put that in your pipe and smoke it....
Debbie & Peter
6th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
A busy week, book production, painting, drawing, shipping . . . . . .
So, a walk around
our Magick studio garden
has to be a twice-a-day welcome break
and yet . . .
"Quelle catastrophe, catastrophe," a crié la tortue.
"My shell was wedged under a metal gate and was holed plonk in the middle...."
The Goblin and the Gremlin responded immediately, folding two thick kerchiefs over the cavity.
These fell off, lickety boo, when the tortoise moved forward.
The Flower Faeries, grooming the Unicorn, were loathe to intercede.
A delay would vex him and, for sure, he'd snort, toss his head and shove off, vamoose....
The Witch, t'was, who stepped in, caste a spell, wrought her magick.
The hole sealed firmly.
Such a relief.
Curtain down?
The Wizard Magician had sidestepped the issue.
Too lowly a problem to bore himself with?!
The Elves, Imps and Pixies, playing rounders, had ignored the Tortoise's predicament, however, even in the case of a "Cannot be bothered" attitude,
what goes around, comes around.
An Elf threw the ball too high. It lodged, tip top the Oak.
The residuum of the game was spent retrieving the thing....
Debbie & Peter
5th
"TALES FROM THE WOOD"
(New book release)
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/books/book_TFTW-1.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Hobgoblin wore a fig leaf.
The garden residents hunched their shoulders in perplexed incomprehension.
A Flower Faerie alighted upon the Hobgoblin's head, leaned over his forehead, hands adhered to his temples.
The Hobgoblin turned red.
What could he say?
The fig leaf was a protest against the assumptions held by others, assumptions that 10 to 1, misdescribe one's factual character.
The Imps marched in file along the garden path, vaunting faux fig leaves manufactured from Cockle shells, silver bells, magickal myth and legend....
The Elves set the scene with drum beat and horn, the Pixies with piccolos and clarinets
The Owl, denied sleep once and again, left his house in the Oak and flew to the lands of Rhiannon and her magickal birds.
Debbie & Peter
4th
"NEWSWEEK"
"TALES FROM THE WOOD"
Extract from this month's triple-offers mega newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
NEW series of books/illustrations - get them before the price escalates . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Faerie Belphoebe had enjoyed a Faerie long weekend, invited by an old friend, (supposedly), we were told.
On a unusually temperate late afternoon she returned with her friend, the Faerie Princess, Aine.
The garden residence of the Faerie Belphoebe had been expensive to construct.
T'was externally fortified and internally, high tech.
The garden creature folk considered themselves shoved aside, obstruent.
"Whose garden was this?"
Their's, was it not?
I was shocked awake this morning by a sharp bang, tumbled out of bed and rushed to the window.
Two figures stood rigid, fingers clenched, open mouthed, as they stared at what still stood of Belphoebe's mansion.
No garden resident confessed to knowing the cause.
The Faerie Belphoebe and her guest, departed in haste.
We await with trepidation a change of heart and precipitous return.
Debbie & Peter
3rd
"NEWSWEEK"
"TALES FROM THE WOOD"
Extract from this month's triple-offers mega newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
NEW series of books/illustrations - get them before the price escalates . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Faerie Belphoebe, of iceberg, personality, had been welcomed into the garden with politesse, decorum.
The Ogre froze, the Flower Faeries shivered, the Goblin's and the Gremlin's teeth chattered uncontrollably.
The Witch enfolded herself in a Merino wool cloak and the Owl shut his front door, locked it and barred it.
In the Oak, the birds of Rhiannon crooned songs of deep winter, Id est, "Purple Haze" and "Purple Rain."
The Unicorn cantered earthward, bearing the Wizard, and, from the heavens there rained pennies, Gold Crowns and Sovereigns(?)
The kitchen door opened and out came the Cook, carrying a tray laden with a mouth watering repast.
Breakfast was to die for....
The Faerie Belphoebe had been excluded and when she put on the weeps, the Cook's rispost was, "You failed to send a message. Are you not familiar with the telepathic morse code?"
On the beam. Kosher....
Debbie & Peter
2nd
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers mega newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Elves and the Imps were more hyper than ever.
Insupportably so, agreed the other garden residents.
The Flower Faeries groomed the Unicorn and afterwards approached the Witch, to request that she accompany them into the wood to find sanctuary....
The Wizard arrived and t'was his decision, stated flatly, that the place to be was away from the garden while "those" personalities acquitted themselves thus.
The wood was soon peopled by the garden folks, with the exception of the Ogre who could not have cared less.
The Pixies had taken themselves to the hills, with no rain to ruin the daily doings.... yet.
The dogs were allowed out and rampaged about.
The cats issued forth to sample the temperature.
They stretched their limbs and limbered, walked round for a bit, then t'was back into the house to lie down before the Library fire.
The dogs, having the entire garden to themselves, careered here, there and everywhere, barking ear splittingly.
The Cook yanked her kitchen door open, bucket to hand and chucked icy cold water over the dogs as they drew near.
The dogs yelped, retired, shook themselves forcefully, and retired to the Withdrawing room where they thoroughly wetted the sofas, the armchairs and the priceless Withdrawing room rugs and carpet....
Debbie & Peter
1st
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers mega newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies were caricaturing our local townsfolk and stall holders, shopkeepers et alia.
The Flower Faeries found the game altogether unconscionable.
The Witch and the Wizard resolved to ostracise them.
So....
The Goblin and the Gremlin sat down together and put together a garden resident's Declaration of Independence from
Elves and Imps and Pixies.
The document was to be perused by each garden resident and registered.
It was subsequently appended to the trunk of the Oak tree so that they could, if they so wished, reread it, reassess it.
An Elfin illustrator of note and repute, was selected to choose a typographical style, and then devise and design the final draft in the style of an illuminated manuscript.
The Declaration of Independence was found to be acceptable, framed and hung on the venerable Oak tree.
It has become a precious possession and, more to the point, the foundation of what is, effectively, an outcast Republic within the Kingdom of Faerie Land....
Debbie & Peter
30th
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers mega newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Unicorn had recovered, returned to mint condition.
The Flower Faeries celebrated by pampering and spoiling him.
This morning they had brushed him to a sheen which, would be the envy of the Venerable Company of Magickal Unicorns.
The Witch and the Wizard, too, were extremely relieved, as were the Mole, Weasel,Stoat, the Frog, Toad and Water Rat.
As for the Elves, they were concerned only with themselves and both Imps and Pixies would never reveal what they felt....
The Ogre remembered aught of that distressing incident and the Mermaid was never given sad news of any description.
As the Unicorn traversed Space that night, for those who were looking, t'was a shooting star - they were positive....
Debbie & Peter
29th
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers mega newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Head Gardener and his minions were still in the throes of bedding down their kingdom for the onset of winter.
The fish seemed quite happy to swim, without company, under a thick layer of ice.
For those who enjoyed a warm bath or an early morning dip, having to first, break the ice, was a task both too demanding, and a task too far....
The Goblin and the Gremlin had oft bathed in snow or rain, but preferred racing through the chill cold pond water.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies had never bathed or washed, till the Witch and the Flower Faeries had complained of the smell.
They had unraveled the garden hose, turned on the tap and given them all a thorough dousing, clothes, hat, shoes and sling shots....
Debbie & Peter
28th
0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO
Blog
PART FOUR
by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner >
Enjoy his full blog @
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm
Back to the game books.
In 1982 PAJ presented his design for a cover of what would be the first and most famous game book of all time - The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (from the Fighting Fantasy series). The illustration not only occupied the front cover, but also the spine and back cover as well. This first edition was never done again, it is extremely rare (only 20.000 copies) and has been exhausted - it sold out in just three weeks.
A games art phenomenon, yes?
But - it's roots are in fantasy (and science fiction).
Work hard, then fame will come.
Then just smile and wave.
27th
0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO
Blog
PART THREE
by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner >
Enjoy his full blog @
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm
Another great author of game books, Jamie Thomson, stated in an article that one of his favorite covers on game books is, exactly, one of PAJ's, used for Talisman of Death. The author of the article himself classifies the work as "shocking", and it really deserves such recognition.
Pascal Blanché, Senior Director of Art at Ubisoft Montreal, on his Twitter feed has also dedicated a post to a small selection of PAJ's science fiction artworks, re-tweeted by some of his fans, who quickly recognized them as illustrations of Science fiction books by authors such as P.K. Dick, Asimov among others).
26th
0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO
Blog
PART TWO
by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner >
Enjoy his full blog @
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm
Did I say legendary?
So . . . . . . nothing more fair than calling the great legend of the Fantasy Art world himself exactly that.
When there were repetitive visual similarities of taste back then, in the games area, there could only be one way to result in significant success (at the request of the Art Editor at Puffin Books in London). As a result, game books, which were already in a phase of imitation (the book market in this genre was at a fever pitch beginning in 1982) needed, and duly received, a great addition, which was the great impact that the artworks of PAJ caused and any connoisseur of games art could acknowledge it was "something revolutionary".
25th
0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO
Blog
PART ONE
by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner >
Enjoy his full blog @
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm
Did I say legendary?
It's hard to hide a giant.
And there is no reason to hide it.
Peter Andrew Jones, wherever he went, left his mark and recognition that lasts for decades.
This led to Red Fox Publisher's important request from Joe Dever when the Lone Wolf’s creator and his UK publisher agreed to (re)publish the legendary series of game books because cover sales by Peter Andrew Jones on the French editions he'd originally been creating, published by Edition Gallimard in Paris, were much higher than those in the UK.
So, Peter was asked to re-license the French cover art for use use on the UK editions and also to then create new additional covers.
24th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Autumn Equinox edition out now!)
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The schedule I had set myself was overwhelming, exhausting.
It was midday and already I felt the need for a nap....
A pause in proceedings.
And, guess what?
An interruption.
Avete indovinate!
The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies had found a way to enter the house and were presently in the Hall, hurling an Elfin rugby ball betwixt and between them.
The Housekeeper must have heard what was going on from the room she was dusting, for, I heard a shriek from somewhere - wherever....
The response?
The Elves snapped their fingers and laughed fit to bust....
I hit the roof, intervened and shouted, "Get out of the house. You're unwelcome, indeed, banned."
"Should you disobey that ruling, you shall all be expelled from, the garden, the stable block and the surrounding terrain."
No way did they believe the words I had uttered.
Should I demand, anyway, that they be expulsed, or deported?
A word of advice from an Elfin Solicitor should suffice, me thinks....
And you?
Debbie & Peter
23rd
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Autumn Equinox edition out now!)
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Goblin and the Gremlin were immersed in a cryptic crossword.
The puzzle was causing their heads to spin like tops.
So muddled were their wits when they finally got up, that, both dived into the pond for a dose of shock therapy.
The Witch had perforce to assist them to land, by extending her magick broomstick for first one, then t'other, to grasp it real tight so that they could be pulled, or, more probably, yanked ashore.
The Flower Faeries gave them towels and warm blankets, left them to it, whilst they resumed their daily artistic endeavour of brushing, grooming and adorning the Unicorn.
The Ogre blundered forth from the wood.
He wished only for solitude, for a "room of one's own."
His groundsheet, thick blankets, an Ogre sized breakfast awaited him piping hot, colourful.
Tasting "cram it down your throat quick as quick."
Food fit for the gods....
The Elves, Imps and Pixies sat in a circle, singing and strumming their mandolins and fiddles.
The youngsters strummed guitars, self made or electric.
Each one took a turn to play a complicated solo and for the finale, one hit the jackpot with hillbilly music.
The Mermaid listened, the Witch was transfixed.
The Wizard zoomed in from his home in the clouds.
T'was a moment in time, whizz, bang, gone.
Here momentarily, henceforth erased from existence....
Debbie & Peter
22nd
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Autumn Equinox edition out now!)
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Weasel and the Stoat and their confrère, the Water Rat, were busy being busy with sabotaging an Elf racing car by, literally, throwing a monkey wrench into the motor, which meant a kiss goodbye to their ability to use the country roads for racing each other along at top speed.
The Witch kept an eye on them to double check that they did nothing which would cause a serious accident.
The Unicorn, once brushed, groomed and adorned, took flight and galloped westward to the Land of the Rippling Streams.
The Dragon sailed overhead, resplendent in gold.
The Flower Faeries fluttered cloud wards.
The Wizard upon his magick carpet did, indeed, cause an accident by tailgating the Witch, as they travelled through a Black Hole, and from thence, sped through time....
Debbie & Peter
21st
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Autumn Equinox edition out now!)
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The ancient caricature of an Elf, who had stood outside my bedroom window on that rough, tough, stormy night months ago, now stood once more in that self-same place at the Witching hour of this morning.
He banged upon the glass, mouthed a sentence or two and awaited the opening of the window, by me, from within....
I dragged myself reluctantly from beneath the duvet, stumbled 'cross the room and slid open the window.
The Elf tripped over the window sill and somersaulted on to the carpet, landed flat on his back with an oath and an ouch!
Winded and dazed, he lay rolling his eyes till I hoisted him into a standing position.
Hobbling to the bed, he climbed up the duvet, snuggled under it and pulled the pillows into a more comfortable position.
Eyes closed, he commenced a lengthy monologue in an hypnotic monotone, refusing to allow me to rest, let alone sleep....
At break of day, he slept.
I dozed briefly, however, finally gave in, showered, dressed, put on my wellies and issued forth to the garden.
Not a creature stirred....
Debbie & Peter
20th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Guardians of The lake"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Faerie Ailiva had bedded down upon the Maxus ground cover flowers, which action served to inflame still further the already bad temper of the Flower Faerie who cultivated it and had just finished feeding and watering it.
The Elves clustered close so as to see whether or not the situation would deteriorate further and Ailiva slap the face of, or punch, the Flower Faerie....
The Witch, also watching, forestalled any such step by turning the attention of the Flower Faerie t'wards herself....
At this point, the Unicorn touched down upon the lawn, quite obviously in need of a Veterinary Surgeon's intervention.
The Witch sent an urgent message to the Wizard, who, hurtled in the direction of the Pre eminent Consultant Surgeon in the Kingdom of the Faeries.
The Flower Faeries' faces were strained, distressed.
They perched upon their flowers, their arms clasping tight their knees, waiting to be told what ailed the Unicorn.
T'was not until eventide that the Surgeon was free.
The Unicorn was on the mend, Grazie al cielo!!
Debbie & Peter
19th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Autumn Equinox edition out now!)
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Hippogriff was gone.
Huffy, affronted.
His biggety behaviour had gone down
like a lead balloon.
The response to his presence in the magickal garden had been one of "stand clear," not "bow low...."
The residents were tired, tired of unknowns, who,
drawn to this garden by dint of its reputation, arrived, only
to spend their stopover spreading their egos about - thickly.
The Goblin and the Gremlin, today, felt in felt need of solitude so,
they betook themselves to
the pond in the wood so's to be silent or converse with the oft lonesome, Mermaid.
With them went the Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat.
An entertaining time was had by all as they joked with one another,
teased one another, baited one another - and laughed.
The Ogre wandered in late and found his breakfast feast cold.
He roared in anger, disappointment, contempt and stormed away to his empty home in the wood.
The Flower Faeries tended their flowers and, naturellement,
groomed the Unicorn, tinting his hair Baby Blue Eyes, dressing his mane and tail with lavender ribbons and weaving them precious aquamarines.
The Witch was alone in the greenhouse, a low fire burning.
There were few spells to cast so
she perused a new spell book instead,
storing in memory those contemporary spells that caught her fancy.
The Dragon hovered, the Wizard flew in, accompanied by his forgetful friend, his cat sith, a miniature gorgon and a something the image of a religious gargoyle.
The garden was alight with animated interaction and
it remained thus until the winds arrived and the, very more frequent, deluge commenced.
Debbie & Peter
18th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Enchanted Gate"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Hippogriff affected an air of insouciance.
He preened himself, disentangled his tail and conducted a circuit of our Magickal garden.
T'was as though he were royalty embarking upon a State Visit.
The residents forbore to ridicule this misplaced hauteur, electing instead to create a celebratory atmosphere.
The Elves fetched their trumpets and mandolins, the Imps and Pixies their bugles and French horns.
They took their positions in Regimental Band style, the Goblin and Gremlin beating the Bass drums.
They lingered awhile outside the kitchen, fingers crossed that the Cook would relent and provide a feast to satisfy sore eyes and empty bellies.
Unbeknownst to the assembled company, the Hippogriff was hidden in a corner, awaiting his cue to sweep the opposition aside and seize the whole ball of wax....
Debbie & Peter
17th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Autumn Equinox edition out now!)
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
On the peaks of the hills Ghosts and mist merged.
Kites and Kitty Hawks drifted upon the wind currents.
On sight of their prey, they hovered momentarily, swooped....
And devoured their favourite bone bouche.
Thus ended the lives of multifold small birds, insects, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
The Goblin and the Gremlin were puffing and wheezing, as they ascended the tallest hill in this ancient escarpment.
Taking a break for a drink and a well earned nap, they dozed peacefully 'til, as luck would have it, whoa!
Who had awoken them?
The Elves and the Imps....
"Hi guys."
Bye guys...."
was all they could muster.
Standing and turning sharply, both slipped, and slid all the way down the path they had climbed.
Arrived at the bottom, they smartly back tracked, repairing as quick as quickly back to the garden.
Debbie & Peter
16th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Seahorse"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Witch of Cascading Waterfalls had fallen in and been swept from the point of immersion to a brook through our wood.
She emerged Siberianly frigid, the expression of anger upon her face utterly immovable.
The creatures of the wood had pulled her ashore and the Faeries of the woodlands had towelled her dry.... thoroughly.
The Faeries sent a message outlining their position, to the Flower Faeries, the Witch and her co driver, the Magician.
The Witch arrived post haste, together with the Ogre, who carried the Witch of the Cascading Waterfalls to where the cauldron belonging to our Witch bubbled and frothed.
Hot gruel and Faerie made crumpets were accepted and consumed, after which the Witch provided warm, clean clothing - more comfortable than a thick towel?!
Debbie & Peter
15th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
(Autumn Equinox edition out now!)
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
A carrier pigeon had dropped anchor on the wooden garden bench.
He was exhausted, kaput, and his feathers were sodden.
T'was a miracle that he had arrived here in one piece?!
The Flower Faeries were on the case, like now and the Witch had a repast and a drink to offer before you could utter the words, Robinson Crusoe....
The Unicorn munched the grass and his morning portion of hay and ruminated upon the Space Horse Whisperer he had bumped into last night.
The Wizard was reluctant today, to cast spells, for yesterday the quantity of those gone astray had caused himself and the Witch chagrin and....stress.
Oh boy!!
The Goblin and the Gremlin settled the matter by requesting spells for, and on behalf of, an inordinate number of friends.
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat demanded that they settle a score and, in retaliation, cause two days' worth of discomfiture to the Elves, Imps and Pixies.
When the Cook and I took our stroll about the garden, the scene was one of seventh heaven, nirvana?
No.
Dante's Inferno....
Debbie & Peter
14th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Scarecrow"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Faerie of the Cotoneaster was skating on thin ice.
She'd upset the Flower Faeries and the Witch, to boot?!
Whizzing through her duties, she'd over estimated her energy, had crashed and was now in the Faerie Land Hospital.
The Elves and Imps and Pixies would visit her, she knew.
They enjoyed her ego driven personality and her ways of having fun....
The Ogre ignored her, the Frog and Toad and Water Rat preferred the company of strangers to that which she could pony up.
The Stoat, the Weasel and the Mole, unfailingly courteous, greeted her politely, wished
her, "Good day."
The Unicorn was resolutely agin permitting her a ride and the Dragon was wont to breathe hot smoke in her self satisfied face.
The Wizard had aught to do with her and the Mermaid sang songs of lamentation when she chanced to venture near the woodland pond.
Today the Faeries of the Cotoneaster was, perforce, obliged to do nothing else, save Rey and sleep and partake of, potent "Energy" giving drink....
Debbie & Peter
13th
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers mega newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Faerie Ailiva had bedded down upon the Maxus ground cover flowers.
Which exercise served to inflame still further, the already bad temper of the Flower Faerie who had cultivated and had just finished feeding and watering it.
The Elves clustered close so as to see whether or no the situation would continue to deteriorate further and Ailiva slap the face of, punch or kick, that tiresome, irritating, son of a gun, Flower Faerie....
The Witch, also watching, brows drawn together, forestalled any such step by turning the attention of the Flower Faerie t'wards herself....
At this point, the Unicorn touched down upon the lawn, quite obviously in need of a Veterinary Surgeon's intervention.
The Witch sent an urgent message to the Wizard, who, hurtled in the direction of the Pre-eminent Consultant Surgeon in the Kingdom of the Faeries.
The Flower Faeries' faces were strained, distressed.
They perched upon their "flowers," their arms clasping tight around their knees, waiting to be told what ailed the Unicorn.
T'was not until eventide that the Surgeon was free and and able to inform that,
the Unicorn was on the mend, Grazie al cielo!!
Debbie & Peter
12th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Naughty Faerie"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Gremlin was reading "The Anatomy of Melancholy," by Robert Burton in 1621.
He was stationary, static for 10-12 hours per day.
The Goblin took the lack of company in his stride.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies interrupted him to ridicule the book.
The Flower Faeries sat on his shoulders and hat endeavouring to understand the language and its meaning.
The Witch had known the author, had corresponded with him. And, Remembering the conversations they had indulged in, she wondered whether or not, his Ghost would eventually appear in the garden.
The Ogre's brain did not function in similar mode.
What Robert Burton had written would be way above his head.
Besides, t'would be useless to suggest that he peruse such a book.
He'd spent the minimum of time at school and was given no lessons at home.
The Owl understood both the abstruse language and the melancholic, dispirited argument put forward.
He accepted the offer to borrow, read and translate it for the easily confused members of the garden book club....
Debbie & Peter
11th
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
Caustic Soda saw the bird,
leapt for his sling, added a stone.
The stone was sharp, his aim bull's eye.
The bird's wing was hit, nothing for it except,
drift distressfully on the wind and wait for assistance.
The Unicorn chanced to pass this way,
offered to and gave the wounded bird a lift.
Entertained him, buoyed his spirits.
The garden destination attained, the bird hopped to the ground, commenced a reconnaissance,
bumped into the Witch.
"Could you do something for me?" he asked her,
"massage the hurt to my wing, which aches beyond abiding."
The Witch obliged and the Flower Faeries fed him
Faerie bird food and fresh water to drink.
Later that day, the bird felt quite ready to fly to the moon
(or a telescopic star).
Stretching his wings, he took to the air and rocketing through space,
achieved his objective?!
Debbie & Peter
10th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Faerie Queen's Daughter
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
T'was chucking it down, the garden a quagmire.
The Witch was discombobulated.
"What to do next?
There were innumerable spells which required immediate attention.
However.
No self respecting spell would have any effect in this rain.
It'd drown....
The Wizard agreed, although he noted how anxious, befuddled, distressed the Witch was.
Morning became midday, mid afternoon, evening.
No break, whatsoever, in the weather occurred.
At nightfall, a hush....
Should the Witch try again?
She did and behold!
The spells were constructive, effective, valuable.
Winners.
Alas, short lived....
Boo!!
Debbie & Peter
9th
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Owl and the Pussy Cat had returned briefly for a break
from life in the land where the Bong tree grows.
They stopped off in our garden, slept tightly, profoundly.
Dreamed animated dreams of magickal things.
The Lady Godda, Faerie Queen,
stormed across the fields upon her steed,
leapt the garden fence and reined in her mount,
wet with perspiration, blowing exhaustedly.
The Lady Godda laughed with relief, at the prospect of being free,
unshackled, released from purgatory....
To the north way away, a hunting horn sounded as
the Lord Edric galloped recklessly through the fields in desperate pursuit.
The Owl and the Pussy Cat remembered every garden resident,
save one, a tiny child Faerie born recently.
They told of their life in that quiet, secluded land
and tried coaxing the garden residents to migrate, too.
The invitation was refused with courtesy, for,
the Fantasy creatures were used to this climate
and the Ghosts had long histories within which they felt the good vibes.
Debbie & Peter
8th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Crow"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Mermaid was lamenting the impossible weather.
One day dry and warm, the next wet and cold. Alternating.
She had been born a water sprite.
The life suited her, "lifted" her. T'was rare she felt anything other than lighthearted, peppy.
However ....
Recently the climate had, seemingly, mutated.
The sky glowered greyly, the rains seldom ceased.
The one in the wood remained a sanctuary, nevertheless,
the bank was, (human) knee deep in mud, the vegetation gone wild.
The reeds grew thickly, ever taller.
The water lilies spread, the pond weed proliferated.
There were times when the Mermaid felt as though imprisoned....
For the Fantasy creatures and the Witches, the woodland Faeries and walkers traversing the wood or domiciled therein , life was frequently onerous, frequently dispiriting.
The Witches were tempted to cast a magick spell, so that the garden climate, at least, was more summery, early autumnal, more temperate....
Comprenez vous?
The hot tempered Ogre, never other than overwrought, turned, sure as hell, spiteful, malicious.
The Flower Faeries were, perforce, obliged to find cover under which they could groom the Unicorn or just have fun - (and carry out their duties!)
The Wizard now travelled in a carriage drawn by dragon horses and when the wind was less tempestuous he would invite all, save the Elves, Imps and Pixies to share his carriage.
The Witch preferred to travel by broom, though occasionally even she, accepted his offer.
Life in the fantasy garden was, indeed, largely "all go."
Debbie & Peter
7th
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Faerie Hypochondriac was suffering a bout of hysteria.
She had tripped on a twig and broken a nail.
"T'was so painful," she reiterated, 'til the patient and tactful residents of the garden began to feel as though they had been walloped, laruped, beaten.
Their "virtual" battle scars hurt....
The Flower Faeries were sewing trend setting habiliments, sipping blackberry tea, gossiping and giggling.
The Witch, her cauldron, her magick wand and broom, were stationed near the kitchen garden, giant brolly at the ready.
The Wizard rolled in astride the Unicorn.
The Ogre was today in benevolent mood,
rested, refreshed, replenished, sleepy.
Ah, me!
The Goblin and the Gremlin were playing Poker with the Weasel, Stoat and Mole.
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat had completed their early morning swim and were lying in the mud.
From the wood could be heard the Mermaid's enticing voice....
Che bontà!
Debbie & Peter
6th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Fool's Dragon"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Willo the Wisps were skimming and weaving over the lawn, through the wood, 'cross fields, the lower slopes of the hills and beyond.
The creatures of Fantasy Land felt at home, grounded, loved the mysterious, translucent image resolution.
The Witch's cauldron, the magick spells wafting from it, the tantalising aromas and the bubbling potions often set the scene for the day to follow.
The Ogre was adept at spoiling expectations.
The Flower Faeries were rarely out of sorts.
The Wizard was the Wizard with an ego to match.
The Mole, the Weasel and the Stoat were take it or leave it personalities and the Frog, Toad and Water Rat were interested in little else save swimming.
Little was known of the wood pond Mermaid, who kept herself to herself for the most part.
The forgetful friend of the Wizard's provided entertainment and the birds of Rhiannon the epitome virtuosi.
The crows were cacophonic and the Owl simply hooted.
A veritable orchestra of sounds on the whole....
Debbie & Peter
5th
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Flower Faeries felt submerged, overwhelmed by events.
An inordinate group of Faeries had visited, each one with a story, some with an "attitude...."
And one or two, three or four(?) had presumed to know everything, expected a bootlicking reception.
The Flower Faeries had striven to maintain social etiquette, to be courteous, friendly, amiable, charming. However, the effort expended had left them exhausted, bone tired, frazzled.
The Witch saw their plight and took pity,
messaged the Wizard and asked him to call.
Together they devised a plan to give the Flower Faeries a caesura.
The following day the the Flower Faeries were summoned.
So, too, was the Unicorn - and a friend, a wandering Gremlin.
As escorts, the Unicorn and the Gremlin would transport them to a luxurious Faerie Spa.
Here they could stay for as long as it took to complete the excellent range of beauty treatments....
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were in town, having their Elfin motorbikes MOT'd.
The retailers, without exception, were sorely tempted to shut their doors and bar them, when these reprobates and scallywags hit town.
The Witch and the Wizard were at the market, buying the ingredients for a rainy day picnic.
They, too, hightailed it back to the garden as soon as they heard from these retailers that trouble was to hand....
Debbie & Peter
4th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Faerie Wish"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The veil of expectancy rustled and shook.
In the garden, the magick could be felt in one's gut, in one's bones.
The veil lifted to reveal a Wizard's Apprentice,
misshapen, but lively, jazzy, distinctive.
He wore a coat of blanched almond, firebrick red and blue violet.
Upon his head was a dark blue cap, silver bells sown expertly around its brim.
He stepped forth and whistled, waited expectantly.
There soon followed a Shih Tzu, a Pinto Unicorn and Norwegian Forest cat.
The garden dwellers stood in awed silence.
Then, stepped forward to acknowledge them.
They hailed from the Land of Myths and Songs and Legends and the Odes of Antiquity.
They'd received advice to travel by way of a Witch's spell,
to pay a breezy visit to this Fantastical garden.
T'was a short, sharp, thought provoking stopover,
exhilarating, fun, worth every precious minute that it lasted....
Debbie & Peter
3rd
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Flower Faeries were skittish, couldn't keep still, although they were driving the others? Crazy....
The worst sin they had perpetrated was, that, the Elves had hopped to it,
joining in with a vengeance, as was their wont....
The Goblin and the Gremlin had long passed the "it's OK" threshold.
The Witch was plain bored and the Wizard, likewise.
The Ogre demanded that what happened in life went his way and the Mole, Weasel and Stoat were inveterate followers of life in the peaceful lane.
The Unicorn, the Dragon and a War Lord from the planet Nibiru, spent a short time observing the goings on below.
Their decision?
The War Lord streaked downwards, his cloak billowing fiercely.
The Unicorn followed and the Dragon brought up the rear.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies saw, heard nought, 'til their insuperable behaviour was halted by the drawing of a sword and the thunderous voice of an unknown, fully armed, personage.
This personage reduced those infuriating characters to gibbering idiots.
The War Lord vanished. So, too, did the Dragon.
The Unicorn chomped upon the grasses in the uncut sector of the garden....
Debbie & Peter
2nd
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Joyful Faerie"
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Gremlin was having a painful tooth extraction.
The root trailed deep.
The extraction took forever....
In the waiting room, the Goblin, hearing the sounds of whirring,
buzzing and yells of distress made haste to summon the Witch, telepathically.
She appeared in a New York minute, cottoned on pronto and, entering the surgery, cast a tailor made spell.
The Gremlin almost fainted with relief, as the tooth lifted out without so much as a blip.
For the rest of the day, both Goblin and Gremlin laid plans to, take a voyage to one of the Jovian planets.
They would ride the Unicorn to as high as high he could, then, jump upon an asteroid travelling in that direction.... by mistake....
The Gremlin chilled for 2-3 days, packed a bag for the Goblin and one for himself, closed the door on their residence and departed....
The Unicorn was jubilant.
He treasured transportation duties if they included transporting a garden resident somebody or Fantasy creature, through Space?!
Debbie & Peter
1st
"NEWSWEEK"
Extract from this month's triple-offers newsletter.
"Snap Deals" on iconic pieces - good for 30 days only.
Get them before they're gone . . . . .
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/lists.htm
Meanwhile . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The morning was amenable, the afternoon not so lenient.
The storm clouds massed, thunder rolled.
T'wards evening the streaks of lightening volunteered its time to build the foundations for a storm of which none of us had experienced thus far....
The garden residents were caught napping, the Cook could not leave and the Owl was imprisoned within his tree house.
The Ogre, the Witch and an itinerant organ grinder lay low in the house cellars with spell book, petit fours and a bottle of Faerie Berry wine.
The storm shook the rafters, carried slates off the roof, battered the windows and broke two or three gutters.
The downpour ceased at stroke of 3 am and down in the Library I could hear the Elves playing my vinyl records.
The Imps and Pixies were asleep on the kitchen floor.
When daylight seeped through the bedroom curtains, I stole downstairs and through the front door to discover a new lake and a mud heaven for those who preferred to wash themselves in mud baths rather than the pond.
The garden residents, including Flower Faeries and Owl spent the day asleep.
The sleep, sorely needed, that had been curtailed or missed....
Debbie & Peter
30th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Unicorn"
Meanwhile . . . .
And so . . . .
out in our Magick studio garden . . .
It t'was early, early, early when I woke this morning.
Dawn was breaking and the colours of the sky were transformed from pink, yellow, grey to blue, white and gold.
A stroll around the garden revealed activity - activity gone amok, for the Elves, Imps and Pixies were decided to behave worse than usual....
They had drawn lots to choose which team each was on and the nature of the tricks each team would be required to play.
The Witch had polished her broomstick and wand, gathered spell book and hat and taken off to a somewhere that no one could know.
The Unicorn chomped the long grasses of the garden lawn, with a mouthful of hay thrown in and a drink of cold water.
The Wizard descended, hovered and then leaned forward to see what was going forward in the garden and the whereabouts of the Witch.
Seeing nothing, he redirected the magick carpet and disappeared from sight. Meanwhile....
The Stoat, the Weasel and the Mole indulged in a stretch, yawn and race around the garden pond.
(The Mole lost).
The Flower Faeries spent extra-long with the Unicorn, grooming and brushing him and adorning his mane and tail with rhinestones and opals.
My sister was scrap booking, her Aston Martin lay idle.
I took advantage of the situation and roared off down country roads....
Debbie & Peter
29th
"THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE - stage 4"
Working on the wood.
Acrylic overlay on oil.
Initial detailing of Queen's clothing.
More walks around the magick studio garden still needed . . . . .
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Goblin and the Gremlin had ventured out to the Faerie Land market town, not for retail therapy, but for a change of scene....
The Witch was to join them for their usual pub luncheon, Faerie Land red wine and coffee, followed by a puff on their pipes or a superlative cheroot.
The Ogre would sleep through.
There'd be no need to worry about a jealous rage.
Wit, humour and laughter were writ large, in typographical BOLD....
Sacré bleu!!
The Unicorn was sleeping under the Oak.
The Dragon was basking on the beach of an unpopulated island.
The garden residents were split betwixt those who loved the sun and those who preferred the long ago temperate climate of the land they inhabited.
With the onset of evening, the temperature dropped and every last resident took part in a barbecue.
Arrivederci a domani,
Per adesso,
Ciao!!
Debbie & Peter
28th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Secret Fox"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in our Magick studio garden . . .
In the Kingdom of Has Been there dwelled a Goblin Knight.
He fought duels for his King and played bowls with the Queen.
Upon a foggy morning the Princesses came to see him.
Her purpose to ask that he accompany her to our garden?!
He detested such duties, so tedious, so humdrum....
Across the oceans and seas, mountains and plains
they had lately received a message to say,
"Return immediately to the garden.
Do not delay.
There is a a Witch, resident in this garden,
who has recognised me and threatens to snitch to the police...."
The Goblin Knight rang for his servant.
Ordered him to pack a bag.
Left him to it.
Exited.
On the morrow the Goblin Knight leapt on his steed and,
with a dig of the heels, plunged forward into
the palaverous journey from there to here.
The journey was onerous and for his horse
a prerequisite was, extended periods to feed, drink and rest.
(Although the river of messages became a torrent).
The Goblin Knight's destination hove into view
and he reined back his horse ever so, ever so.
The garden fence he jumped, stormed on to the lawn
and there he brought the journey to a halt.
The messages were proved a hoax,
relayed by the Private Secretary to a royal personage.
She had found herself bereft of anyone to scare,
had remembered the faraway Goblin Knight.
Chosen him.
Che vergonia!!
Debbie & Peter
27th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Sometimes, just paint itself, is interesting . . . . . .
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in our Magick studio garden . . .
At 4 am of this morning, I donned my track suit and running shoes,
raced down the stairs and out through the front door....
A stretch, a limber.
Walk, walk, walk, trot, jog.
Gathering speed, I commenced my cross country run.
The wind in my face, the wind in my hair.
A soft surface under foot.
C' était merveilleux!
Keep an eye out for rocks and random rabbit holes.
Skirt round obstacles, jump ditches and splash through
shallow streams and puddles.
As soon as I reentered the garden, I was confronted
by a furious Cook and an incensed Head Gardener,
both of whom were directing their ire at the Elves, Imps and Pixies.
These devils in disguise looked innocence itself.
Butter would not melt.
"We be'ain't scoundrels...."
The Flower Faeries flitted about their business, tending their flowers
and fashioning Faerie posies and bouquets.
The Weasel, the Stoat and an extremely sleepy, Mole
trundled slowly across the garden, their destination, the pond.
The Frog and the Toad and the Water Rat rang rings around the Ogre, impeding his progress.
He fumed and he snorted, struck his fist 'gainst the Oak.
His breakfast was cold when he finally sat down.
The Witch and the Wizard, together with his forgetful friend, rattled tambourines and chanted a spell in obscure tongue.
The Unicorn traversed a rainbow, galloped through fields, jumped the garden fence and came to rest beside a seething Ogre.
The Dragon swept low, breathing fire and smoke.
Passing swiftly over the garden,
he let forth a roar, scaring even the Ghosts, ghostly Wolves
and long toothed Wolverines....
The birds of Rhiannon cleansed their feathers and, settling back,
opened this morning's concert with, "Ode to a Nightingale."
Cool!
Debbie & Peter
26th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Elvin Prince"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The garden residents were basking in sunshine and doing diddly squat.
A day away, tight schedules, they couldn't take for long....
The Ogre was consuming his ginormous breakfast,
the Flower Faeries their tiny, energy supplying version.
The Witch and the Wizard were drinking cups of piping hot herbal tea.
The Unicorn chomped the grasses at the edge of the wood.
Both the Goblin and Gremlin exercised to the music,
composed by an Elf, an Imp and a very young, Pixie.
The Cook heard the melodies from the kitchen and
came out to listen and calm her fraught nerves.
(Despite her high ranking position within the hierarchy
of household employee, she did tend to fret and worry muchly!)
The Wizard's magick carpet was gone for a clean so,
he was using a chariot drawn by skewbald Shetland ponies.
Into the picture came the Faerie of Cotoneaster,
still cheesed off by the memory of having been ignored the other day.
She hoity toitied through the garden, whip in hand,
flicking flower heads and loose soil right, left, into the air.
The Head Gardener, drinking tea in the greenhouse,
issued forth enraged, effectively bringing to a close
the tranquil atmosphere, the aura of restfulness....
Debbie & Peter
25th
"THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO"
Excellent natural camouflage!
An the pond project isn't even half complete yet.
Intriguing . . . .
to see natural fauna camouflaged against builder's debris?
Might try that, sometime!
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in our Magick studio garden . . .
An idea presented itself to the pushiest Elf:
Slide down the Cathedral spire to land upon the roof,
race across it and back, then slide down to the gutters.
The Imps and Pixies were disinclined to rubber stamp that idea.
Fat chance that one of them would not miss the gutter
to fall headlong to the stone pathway which ran beneath.
The birds of Rhiannon appeared out of nowhere,
perching themselves beside the squabbling ne'er do wells.
Their presence forestalled even the pushiest Elf
from performing the feat solo....
Bored by now, the Elves, Imps and Pixies
hippety hopped homewards in the magickal motor vehicles
in which they had travelled down.
The Flower Faeries met them at the garden gate
with an invitation to partake of a delectable late night snack
and sleep inducing drink....
Debbie & Peter
24th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Queen of Flowers"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in our Magick studio garden . . .
A fire was raging in the field beyond the garden, lit by an angry farm worker wreaking vengeance upon the Farm Manager.
The field mice, adders, worms et alia, were in hiding or on the move as fast as they could.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies had packed their ruck sacks, in preparation for a holiday on a private Faerie Land island.
The Flower Faeries groomed the Unicorn, brushed his coat till it shone, decked his mane and tail in rhinestones, topaz and amethyst.
The Witch had her very biggest cauldron bubbling on a fire built higher and woodier than usual.
Her spell book was open at the description of a spell she'd chosen for the first time today.
T'was a spell of ancient lineage, of caste iron auspiciousness.
When the Unicorn landed, the garden was serene, basking in untroubledness, noiselessness, passivity....
Then sparks from the still-burning fire hit the wood....
Debbie & Peter
23rd
"EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Hereford)
Idea hunt.
Looking for inspiration, to write, draw, paint.
Hereford Cathedral, seen from bridge over the River Wye
Where, apparently, a still in place ancient law, says >
"It is legal to kill a Welshman, but only in the Cathedral close,
on a Sunday, with a Longbow, from exactly 12 yards".
You couldn't make it up!
Onward now, with sketchbook and notebook . . . . . . .
The City of Hereford, to where I had gone,
was basking in sunshine, busy, busy, busy....
My sister had driven me there,
parked her Aston Martin and disappeared
to do her shopping and meet a friend for lunch.
My first port of call was the Cathedral, of which I was fond.
Imposing, of historical interest and, of importance....
(Of course, it provided instant inspiration for writing and image creation!
Was that a Faerie we saw, behind the louvered windows of the tower?
Maybe she had come to it, or ran from it, across the bridge?
Now, that's an idea for a story!
We will need to go back at some point, investigate further!)
The lawns which surrounded it were tidily mown
and the workers of Hereford were seated, talking,
or laying full length upon the grass, resting, sleeping.
Next stop was my favourite bookshop t'other side of the gates.
Onward into the Market Square to sit and smoke a cigar.
I lunched at the Green Dragon Hotel,
drank coffee at a open air kiosk.
A browse through the Shopping Arcades and side streets,
then time to head home at the rate of knots.
The new Shopping Centre passed muster - (I prefer the old),
and the surrounding countryside and river walk tranquil, easy on the eye.
The names of countless Solicitors appeared above doorways.
However, I have yet to enter the doors of any Hereford pub?!
(on this trip, at least!)
Debbie & Peter
20th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Eternal Lovers"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in our Magick studio garden . . .
The Flower Faeries had issued a host of invitations,
to those Faeries considered to be
worthy of such an honour.
The Witch had been roped in to supervise the food,
devise a suitable menu and buy the ingredients.
The Ogre, t'was expected, would conclude that
a substantial portion of the food would be his....
without asking.
The Goblin and the Gremlin
had asked of the Flower Faeries to prepare
a picnic repast of tip top quality.
They had packed their rucksacks
with the items required to keep them dry,
warm and energy-full for as long as it took
to hike across the hills, the dust dry plain beyond,
to the desert of Mythalasia.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies, the Dragon and Unicorn
were to travel back in time to the Dark Age.
They had known those times, for sure,
in a very different guise.
Fantasy creatures, certainly,
nevertheless,
more beginning of time,
more reptilian than of now.
They pre-dated the Ghosts, the Spectres,
the ghostly Wolves and Werewolves. However.
The Wizard, the Witch, the Queen of Faerie Land
and the Queen of the woodlands were older than old.
Stretching back to an era afore time was born....
Debbie & Peter
21st
"THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES
Rare Artist-signed items >
POSTERS - BOOKS - MAGAZINES - PRINTER'S PROOFS - etc
http://pajart.net/gifts.htm
Future Magazine (cover), now just claimed - but more to be added shortly!
Details in next newsletter.
Don't miss it
Meanwhile . . . .
Out
in the magick studio garden
An Egyptian goose and the fresh water Mermaid,
swam together in the slightly choppy water
of the pond in the wood.
Silence reigned for some while, then,
from the depths a crackerjack
mezzo soprano voice was heard.
The Egyptian goose dipped its beak.
Let it skim through the water.
The Mermaid listened wistfully,
and almost imperceptibly,
the rhythm of her swimming strokes altered.
The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies,
were disporting themselves in the garden pond,
until the youngest, Elflet espied
hidden beneath a rock
a duck egg
with which they amused themselves playing
"Catch" for 5 joyous Elfin minutes....
Whereat the egg broke, oozing yellow goop
over the fingers the Elf whose turn t'was.
Catcall, yah boo, derision.
Debbie & Peter
20th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Kingdom"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden
The birds of Rhiannon were singing Pentecostal hymns.
The timbre of their vocal chords set the Frog and Toad a dancin'.
The Elves strummed their guitars and mandolins, while
the Imps and the Pixies banged tambourines
and potable drums.
The Flower Faeries brushed and groomed the Unicorn
to the rhythm of a non tone jazz number.
The Unicorn cramped the grass of the water logged lawn,
while the Goblin and the Gnome collected hay
from the stable bloc/garage.
According to the Lord Chamberlain,
the Faerie Queen must be expected upon the morrow.
Sweetmeats, a rosé Faerie wine
and fresh-brewed coffee must be provided....
The birds of Rhiannon had been summoned
to wait upon their Faerie Queen.
Which was the royal personage of
foremost import?
Your input should settle the question for good and all....
Debbie & Peter
19th
"THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES
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Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden
A rift had occurred in the alliance between,
the Mole, the Sloth and the Weasel.
Che maniera!
"La pacchia è finita e hai perso il sorriso,
ti serve un biglietto plastificato per il paradiso."
The Frog and the Toad and the Water Rat left them to it,
insomuch as they believed the rift would, in good time, be healed -
so meanwhile remain cool....
Get on with your own life.
Magari!
The Witch and the Wizard were sipping a thirst quencher beverage.
T'was extremely early in the morning and already close - storm ready....
Last evening we had been visited by a swan and her chicks.
They had made use of the garden pond
and moved on to the pond in the wood.
The voice of the Mermaid had told of her delight.
The Goblin and the Gremlin had had to forego
their after-dark swim with the Mermaid and,
most grumpily, transferred this bonus to the pond in the garden.
The Dragon kept a watchful eye upon
the movements of the Elves, who,
with their kinsmen, the Imps and Pixies,
were in 'Court Jester' mood....
Debbie & Peter
18th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Wily Fox"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden
The Wizard descended, like a fox upon the chickens.
The worn carpet had been replaced by a valuable Turkish rug.
The Witch met him by the garden pond,
having changed her dress for a Tea gown.
Her "accessories" included sapphire ear rings and necklet,
acquamarine finger ring, bracelet and headband.
The Wizard sprinkled the rug with a musk-scented perfume,
handed the Witch aboard.
Quickly, quickly the rug ascended and,
the Wizard, the Witch and their conveyer....
vanished!
Debbie & Peter
17th
"THE COLOUR OF BONE"
Elric of Melniboné (1972)
(c) Michael Moorcock
Created for The Games Workshop game released in 1987.
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden
The ghostly Werewolves were in the garden at midnight,
together with the Ghosts and the Spectres and
a translucent Evil Witch.
The Goblin and the Gremlin were curious yellow....
hesitant to approach, loathe to remain ignorant
of the identity of such a person as this?!
They did nought.
The Witch, (it was evident from her expression),
knew, or was acquainted with her reputation and,
with stealth, transmitted a warning signal
to every garden resident and the occupants of the house.
The birds of Rhiannon clustered close in the Oak,
warbling rather than singing.
The Owl made it plain that he scorned the patent cowardice of "them,"
and screeched loud and clear, clicked his beak in similar mode
'til the cowardice was magicked into the never, never by cacophonic means.
The garden then erupted into a "get rid of her" riot.
Olé sus cojones!!
Debbie & Peter
16th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Naughty Faerie"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden
A Wizard play wright was lodging with our "garden" Wizard,
while he brainstormed, wrote and edited and rehearsed
a pioneering, experimental play.
The residents had each received an invitation to assume a rôle.
The Weasel, Stoat and Mole felt galvanised, invigorated.
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat accepted the "walking on," non-speaking, "walk -off" parts.
The Owl, (stage manager), would hoot the directions to:
raise the curtain, lower the curtain, place props, change them....
The Elves would be "the crowd, the bystanders, the tittle tattlers.
(The Imps and the Pixies had been manoeuvred into assuming
the rôle of "shifters of scenery and props."
Rehearsals would begin in earnest a fortnight from Now!
"Players git. And learn your lines from A to Z.
Procrastinate not!!
Debbie & Peter
15th
"THE COLOUR OF BONE"
Elric of Melniboné (1972)
(c) Michael Moorcock
“It is the colour of a bleached skull, his flesh; and the long hair which flows below his shoulders is milk-white. From the tapering, beautiful head stare two slanting eyes, crimson and moody, and from the loose sleeves of his yellow gown emerge two slender hands, also the colour of bone.”
I'm sure, really, I saw him today?
Out, in our magick studio garden . . . . . . .
The Faerie Hypochondriac
was suffering a bout of hysteria.
She had tripped on a twig
and broken a nail.
"T'was so painful," she reiterated,
'til the patient and tactful residents of the garden
began to feel as though they had been
walloped, laruped, beaten.
Their "virtual" battle scars hurt....
The Flower Faeries were sewing trend setting habiliments,
sipping blackberry tea, gossiping and giggling.
The Witch, her cauldron, her magick wand and broom,
were stationed near the kitchen garden, giant brolly at the ready.
The Wizard rolled in astride the Unicorn.
The Ogre was today in benevolent mood,
rested, refreshed, replenished, sleepy.
Ah, me!
The Goblin and the Gremlin were playing
Poker with the Weasel, Stoat and Mole.
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat
had completed their early morning swim
and were lying in the mud.
From the wood could be heard the
Mermaid's enticing voice....
Che bontà!
Debbie & Peter
14th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Pheasant"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden
As we approach a new book launch,
Some residents are getting ahead of themselves,
in celebrating . . . .
The Witch's version of Asti Spumante
was undergoing a "tasting."
All hands on deck....
The Ogre quaffed a beaker full,
The Flower Faeries a thimble full.
The remaining residents sipped
from bowls or saucers or sipped
from fragile Faerie crystalline champagne glasses.
The Witch handed the Wizard a magickal tumbler.
A tumbler which shape changed and could alter its size.
The tasting complete, the residents disbanded,
chipper and cheerful,
walking on air....
Debbie & Peter
13th
"THE MAGIC GARDEN"
DARE YOU ENTER?
The opportunity is coming very, very soon . . . . . . . .
Meanwhile . . . .
The usual chaos ensues
out in our magick studio garden . . . .
The Goblin and the Gremlin
were elsewhere today, picking fruit
from a Faerie orchard and receiving
instruction on how to make their favoured cheese....
The Unicorn was settled.
(The weather was dry).
The Witch and the Wizard
were dispatching spells.
The Flower Faeries waited patiently
for the Unicorn to pause chopping the grass.
They had devised a style of "dress" for him which,
they considered, would look tops!
The Cook, at this moment arrived in her kitchen,
had yet to take her coat off, have a cup of sweet tea,
was stopped in mid movement by the sight of the pantry.
The floor was covered with crumbs and
half finished biscuits, the shelves were empty
of all but a pack of butter.
Spilt water and soft drinks dripped on to the floor
and some Elf or other mixed dough balls
and squashed them.
When I came down to breakfast,
she gave me an earful.
I listened and afterwards,
went out to the garden and told them to
get lost for a week or two.
They listened?!
Debbie & Peter
12th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Dragon's Friend"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in our magick studio garden . . . .
The Ghosts were sitting side saddle
on the ghostly Wolves and Wolverines,
the whole enchilada cold....
And, seeking warmth?!
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were indoors,
helping themselves to the contents of the pantry.
The Flower Faeries were in the greenhouse
and the Witch in the garden shed.
Outside the greenhouse door her cauldron steamed hotly.
The Ogre had remained at his home in the wood,
to which the Witch had gone this bleak morning
to collect his laundry and feed him.
The Wizard had sent a message:
"Will arrive when I can.
My carpet is on strike....
The Unicorn had flown in,
munched the grass and his portion of hay
and was presently occupied with
awaiting his brushing and grooming.
(Doubtless the Flower Faeries would
eventually get their fingers out?!)
The birds of Rhiannon perched in the Oak tree,
their concert rehearsed.
They had chosen Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E -
in an especial style for voices.
The Owl was dreaming, his dreams
metamorphosing into Owl nightmares.
Day darkened to night.
He was off his branch, hunting
subito....
Debbie & Peter
"THE MAGIC GARDEN"
DARE YOU ENTER?
The opportunity is coming soon . . . . . . . .
Join in, with events,
Out in our magick studio garden . . . .
The annual "Coffee Morning" had dawned
on yet another overcast, windy day.
The term "Coffee Morning" referred to
what was, in reality, a get together
for drinks of any sort whatever,
dependent upon what type of creature you were....
The Ogre was nearly always asleep.
Occasionally, he'd awake and demand a goblet of beer.
A demand that was ignored, the beer serving to worsen
his splenetic disposition.
The Cook was fully conversant
in what these magickal creatures drank
and their ever-changing preferences
as to whether tepid, cold or hot?!
The Witch, (to follow protocol),
politely asked their preferences.
Nonetheless and notwithstanding,
her guests were given beverages
made to her own specifications....
The Flower Faeries sipped fresh water,
berry tea or herbal brews and
the Unicorn's favourite was water,
translucent, sparkling, unpolluted.
The Dragon partook of water rarely.
His preference was for anything
that would enhance his fire breathing....
There are, of course, exceptions
to everything set down herein!
Debbie & Peter
10th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Invader"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden . . . .
From the stable yard came
the sound of a motor horn blaring.
Of agitated hoof beat upon uneven cobblestones
and a screech of last minute foot on the break....
T'was, Heaven preserve us!
the advent of my sister,
come down to spend a fortnight
in the depths of the country.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were elated,
the Ogre didn't hear, and the other residents
of house and garden were scarce interested, if at all.
The Witch had decided this overcast morning,
to indulge in the crafting of pottery tableware.
The Magician lacked the patience to join her.
Besides, his friend, the forgetful Wizard,
was behaving oddly, more oogley googley than ever.
The Unicorn visited late in the day.
Gave the Flower Faeries rides above the grey clouds.
The Mole, Stoat and Weasel
sprawled upon the grass,
sipping water and conversing.
The Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat
were riding the rushing river on surfing boards.
Through endless practise they had learned
to bypass the rocks that lay waiting
to upturn those who would trespass.
The Mermaid dipped her tail into 'her' pond in the wood,
breathed and dove deep beneath the semi frigid water....
A che sera, sera day?!
Debbie & Peter
9th
"THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE - stage 4"
Compositioning thoughts.
Balancing Dragon against foliage structures.
Oil paint only.
More walks around the magick studio garden needed . . . . .
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden . . . .
The birds of Rhiannon
were singing Pentecostal hymns,
their celestial calls riveting the attention
of the house and garden occupants.
The Ogre approached, shoving aside
a low-hanging branch snapped by fierce winds
during the recent storms.
He was early and found that nothing
had been laid out for him under the densely leafed Oak.
He plonked himself down, knees bent, arms around them,
rested his chin upon his knees and sulked.
The Flower Faeries sipped a lemon and ginger cordial
whilst they awaited the arrival of the,
doubtless exhausted,
Unicorn.
When he eventually did arrive, he,too,
stretched out upon the grass and allowed himself
to indulge in total nonbeing....
The Witch made an entrance,
armed with ground sheet,
blankets and cushions, followed by
the Wizard, in royal purple,
carrying the entrée to the Ogre's sumptuous breakfast feast....
The Dragon swept over, did not land and the
Goblin and Gremlin set up a game of croquet.
The Owl appeared, the Elves rushed
toward the pond en masse, and the Imps
and the Pixies limped in still half asleep.
Dawn broke....
Debbie & Peter
8th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Mistrusting Faerie"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden . . . .
The Head Gardener and his minions
were working like Trojans and the garden
was beginning to resemble a jewel in the crown.
The Witch and the Wizard put forward
suggestions as to Faerie Land features
which would recommend themselves to
the garden residents.
The Queen of the Faeries
and the Queen of the woodland
demanded this, that and the other.
Both ladies were ignored....
The birds of Rhiannon visited this morning
and promised faithfully to tell the Faerie Queens,
Rhiannon and Godda, that their presence would
give the residents an especial day.
The Flower Faeries, the Unicorn, the Weasel,
Stoat and Mole, the Goblin and the Gremlin
commenced immediately to peruse
the fashion magazines of Faerie Land.
The Frog, the Toad and Water Rat
felt that body paint would suffice.
They betook themselves to see
the Mermaid and moot the possibilities.
The Elves, the Imps and Pixies
had annexed their favourite attic room....
were, therefore, not conscious of the nascent plan.
The Owl would pick up on radar anything that was in train....
The tale will slow unfold?
Debbie & Peter
7th
TALES FROM THE WOOD
The Ghosts summoned the ghostly Wolves
and Wolverines to their aid.
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden . . . .
Stirrings and rustlings
in the night silent wood
heralded pre-dawn.
And ….the awakening of the
Fantastical daytime garden residents.
They performed their ablutions -
(some swam in the garden pond, too,
as early morning exercise).
Alternatively, they had the choice of the pond in the wood....
This was the 'Mermaid's hour' so-called.
T'was the time of the day when she felt
most serene and at ease.
No tedious Ogre to watch out for and, above all,
no Elves, Imps and Pixies to upset the apple cart -
and every resident of house and garden withal....
The Cook arrived early for, today,
there was to be a large garden party here,
hosted by my sister.
So plentiful were her requests, nay, demands that,
even an experienced Cook had become confused....
Next chapter tomorrow....
Debbie & Peter
6th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Heron"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out from the magick studio garden . . . .
Galloping cross country, I chanced to espy
a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker
on their way to visit a poorly friend,
an elderly Shipwright.
I asked them to wish him a speedy recovery.
Requested that they advise me of anything I could do...
I touched my riding hat lightly with my whip in salutation,
waved, and cantered t'wards the hills.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies, I was later told,
had got the wrong end of the stick and assumed
that I was to be absent for the whole of today?!
They'd lit upon the Weasel, the Stoat and the Mole
to tease and turn inside out with their usual
game of "dirty tricks."
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat,
the Witch and the Wizard stood in their path,
while the Flower Faeries wove an in and out
magickal lasso to secure them a place....
Debbie & Peter
5th
"TIME TRAVEL"
Current commission concluded.
Created using my techniques of the mid-to-late 1970s!
"Acryloil".
Enormous fun !
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden . . . .
Cameo rôles are for those famous actors, who,
like Beethoven's symphonies,
will remain buried deep in Earth's memory to
feed the world until the curtains close
upon the Mother Planet of generations of humans.
The Witch had written a play with her own fair hand and
was desirous that her fellow garden residents perform it.
They were smitten with mixed emotions,
some excited, others resistant,
loathe to act before an audience,
loathe to learn any lines.
The Witch sought advice from the Wizard,
who, recommended patience,
an avoidance of applying pressure.
She and the Wizard laid boards upon the lawn,
set up the scenery and, left the garden
to allow their fellow residents to see,
contemplate, decide.
They assembled that evening
to make known their decisions.
The Witch remained silent,
awaiting the answer and was delighted
to find they had come round to accepting....
Debbie & Peter
4th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Adulteress"
Meanwhile . . . .
The mellifluous voices of the Sirens
could be heard in the garden,
carried by the breeze from Greece
to the Kingdom of the Faeries.
The Ogre was drawn to wander throughout,
following overgrown paths and forgotten tracks.
The Witch was tempted to leave him be.
The Wizard disagreed and
summoned his magick carpet.
The Flower Faeries sent telepathic messages
to the Unicorn and his colleague, the Dragon.
A search and rescue party was thus organised
and sped forth from the garden,
dividing into 4 parts:
going East, West, North, South.
The Queen of the Isles of Thingummygig
sent word that a man who fitted the description
of the missing person had been observed
climbing the tallest mountain on her island,
forsooth!
T'was the Dragon found him perched on a boulder
atop the highest peak of Mount Sugar Lump Scrummy.
The Fantasy Garden residents were thrilled through and through.
The Dragon was hooked.
He' d dream of adventures and follow them in "real life."
Debbie & Peter
3rd
"TIME TRAVEL"
Current commission moving to conclusion.
Detail/close-up.
Created using my techniques of the late 1970s!
Much fun, and concluding soon . . . . . . !
Meanwhile . . . .
The roar of an engine announced the arrival
of a friend with whom I had stayed in touch
since those far distance, half forgotten, University days....
He leapt from his Discovery Land Rover,
wrung my hand.
Upon the back seat were
umpteen holdalls and a ruck sack.
Throwing them on to the cobbles
of the stable yard,
he looked around as though expecting
a retinue of servants to carry them.
No one arrived to do his biding so,
they were left till such time as he
could assemble a team of porters....
Judging from his luggage,
he anticipated a long stay.
Dommage!
A visit to my agent?
Result = a formidable work load.
I played the hospitable host rôle
until evening turned to night,
made it clear that he could stay
for two or maybe, three days and attend to his own needs....
Debbie & Peter
2nd
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Sting"
Meanwhile . . . .
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat
were having a ball,
diving and swimming hell for leather
round the pond in the wood.
The Mermaid watched, no end entertained.
The Elves stood on the bank
and shouted encouragement.
The Owl swooped low overhead,
hooted and screeched. Then,
he headed home to enjoy a well-earned sleep.
The birds of Rhiannon arrived and settled upon
the lowest branches of the venerable Oak.
They smoothed out their feathers, settled,
relaxed and began to practice the bird calls
they had learned on their travels.
From the stable yard came the sound of
an irritated whinny, doubtless caused by
the goings on of the Imps and the Pixies....
The Cook threw dirty water from a pan
wherein she had cooked my nut and fruit porridge,
a splendiferous breakfast!
I wandered in the garden, greeted the day
and retired to my attic office/studio
to work like a Trojan till the going down of the sun....
Where was the Unicorn?
Where were the Flower Faeries?
Curious, non pensi?
Curious, I think....
Debbie & Peter
1st
"TIME TRAVEL"
Current commission moving to conclusion.
Detail/close-up.
Created using my techniques of the late 1970s!
Much fun, and concluding soon . . . . . . !
Meanwhile . . . .
Out beyond the magick studio garden,
The Mole, Weasel and Rat had gone to market.
They'd been given a lift in the local Farmer's cart.
The tired old mare was struggling heroically
through the pot holes, the mud and
the bone chilling wind.
The occupants of the cart huddled
under a waterproof blanket.
They'd each been perspicacious enough
to don Fantasy Land style raincoats and sou' westers.
The journey took forever.
The cart stuck in the mud,
bogged down in a pot hole, and at the last moment
before hitting the market town, turned over....
The Mole and his colleagues were thrown from the cart.
Stunned and humiliated, they sat where they'd fallen.
Dishevelled, saturated, they espied a farmer....
driving, parbleu, a covered wagon.
They hailed him,
he brought the wagon to a halt
and they were driven home
to the garden in snug warm luxury?!
Debbie & Peter
31st
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Abductor"
Meanwhile . . . .
Out in the magick studio garden . . . .
Pandora's Box had been wrenched ajar.
Pandemonium in the garden.
All hell had been let loose....
The Elves were in seventh heaven?!
A full stop had put paid to the Witch's spell crafting,
spell making or dispatching.
With reluctance, the Unicorn forbore to visit.
The row would be too great to allow him to chill....
The Flower Faeries, crestfallen,
their favourite duty curtailed,
flew into the wood for a chat with the Mermaid.
The Ogre appeared, ignored the pandemonium, and
lumbered determinedly t'wards his spot under the Oak.
His breakfast was late, his temper electrified.
He shook the Oak tree full force.
The Owl rattled and screeched loud
behind his closed door.
The Wizard alighted upon the lawn,
cast his eyes to the heavens and bellowed.
"Cease yelling and hollering.
Tacciate....! Per l'amor del cielo.
A stunned silence descended....
Debbie & Peter
30th
"THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES
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Meanwhile . . . .
The noise in the magick studio garden
had temporarily, for now,
quietened down.
Peace!
Such was my relief at being once again on my own,
that I took my new, open topped, sports car for a spin
down the dusty country roads.
The wind in my face, hair blowing every which way,
I pressed the accelerator down hard and let rip.
Exhilaration, restorative remedy!!
The skies darkened. The wind rose.
The clouds threatened rain.
I stopped the car, put up the roof and,
looking both ways,
did a three point turn.
Almost home and a clap of thunder.
A sheet of lightening lit the landscape.
Rain cut one's forward vision to a few feet at most.
Arrived in the stable yard at a crawl,
I put the car safe in the stable/garage.
Soaked to the skin,
I had perforce to shower,
dry off, and plonk myself
in an armchair,
a glass of Brandy close beside me....
Debbie & Peter
29th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Green Dragon"
Meanwhile . . . .
The dogs were going bananas outside in the garden.
The cats were in the kitchen, out of harm's way....
The Cook permitted cats, Elves. Imps and Pixies to enter her realm,
provided that their behaviour met her stringent code.
The friend who'd come to stay,
ensconced himself comfortably and talked,
and talked.... and talked.
So distracting was his conversation that,
he was barred forthwith.
He joined me every morning for a walk around the garden,
before donning tracksuit and trainers for a long country run.
It intrigued me no end that he showed no sign in his manner that,
he saw or heard the garden residents.
Even the Witch, the Wizard and the Ogre did not, apparently, exist?!
He longed to visit our local pub, drive at speed along the roads.
Ride my Palomino stallion, recline in a deck chair. Take a nap mid afternoon.
My workload was too heavy to incline me to join him and,
at the end of the first week, he was pushed to call it quits.
A fortnight sufficed to downgrade his spirits and enthusiasm....
He chucked his possessions into hold-alls and removed himself elsewhere.
Debbie & Peter
28th
"THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES
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POSTERS - BOOKS - MAGAZINES - PRINTER'S PROOFS - etc
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Don't miss it
Meanwhile . . . .
The pond in the wood was reanimating slowly.
The Mermaid had dressed for clement weather
in a light, candy floss pink tail. And . . .
with a lemony yellow ribbon threaded through her hair.
At the drop of a hat she would then
have lain on "her" rock. Turned her face
to the sun, and called it a day.
The Faeries of the woodland took parasols
and finespun fans and went for a walk and flutter
through "their" enchanted wood.
The Witches who dwelled, hidden, therein
felt too hot to light fires or, indeed,
utitilize their cauldrons....
In the late afternoon
a cool breeze developed.
Temperatures dropped.
Shawls were collected
and draped across shoulders.
Leather slippers replaced the dainty,
"for warm days only," footwear.
Wood fires burned.
Fantasy creatures huddled close.
In the fields beyond, a bugle sounded....
Debbie & Peter
27th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Queen of Flames"
Meanwhile . . . .
The garden was chock a block
with new blossomed flowers,
a fresh growth of grass and
mini leaves on bushes.
The Flower Faeries
were chasing each other
through the flower beds,
hiding in the rockery,
in bushes, wherever.
The Elves, the Imps and
the Pixies, too, were indulging
in a bout of early morning
self-aggrandisement by
attending a morning of exercise,
lifting weights and boxing.
The Witch was standing
over her cauldron,
sprinkling an evil smelling something
into the frothy, bubbling brew.
The Goblin and the Gremlin
were hiking in the hills and,
the Frog, the Toad and Water Rat
were splashing in the garden pond,
The Mole, the Weasel and the Stoat
were off to see the Sunflower Faerie,
who lived in a secret sunny spot,
where the sun shone bright
throughout the Fantasy year....
Debbie & Peter
26th
"THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES
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Meanwhile . . . .
This merry morning I espied a raven-haired Faerie,
cooling her feet in the teeny weeny garden stream.
She swished her feet back and forth,
singing low, singing sweetly.
The Toad, Frog and Water Rat
arrived on tiptoe,
hesitant to make a sound,
so captivating was her voice.
The Witch stirred her potion slowly,
ears and nose a'twitching.
The Wizard landed and
remained motionless, until
the Unicorn whinnied.
He jumped and tripped,
hitting the sodden grass
with a resounding thud.
He swore....
The Flower Faeries floated down
to the garden pond and approached
the Faerie of the Waterlilies to listen,
chat?
She was most amenable, friendly, chatty.
A good time was had by all....
Then the Ogre appeared . . . . .
Debbie & Peter
25th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Vermin Pack"
Meanwhile . . . .
The Willow tree whispered.
The pond water sparkled.
The light breeze rustled the Oak leaves,
and those of the Chestnut, the Ash and Magnolia.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were
playing Hop Scotch, pea shooting and
conducting a competition in the art of
bow and arrow.
The Unicorn grazed at the edge of the wood.
The Flower Faeries were busy collecting together
their grooming utensils.
In a jewel case reposed the precious gems
to be threaded through his mane and tail.
The Witch stirred the sour smelling potion in her cauldron.
The flames beneath flared,
showering the dew sprinkled lawn
with sparkling firelights.
The Wizard soared overhead
upon his magick carpet.
A bow and slight wave of the hand sufficed as a greeting.
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat were taking turns
to hog the pond, the Mole, the Stoat and Weasel
deciding straightaway to make a detour to the wood pond.
Here they found the Mermaid reclining upon a rock,
singing songs of Pagan times, tempi medievale and
the songs of Gershwin....
The Ogre trod heavily t'wards his place 'neath the Oak
to partake of breakfast, nuncheon as was his wont.
The birds of Rhiannon crooned.
Debbie & Peter
24th
"THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES
FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc
http://pajart.net/gifts.htm
This to be added shortly.
Details in next newsletter.
Meanwhile . . . .
The Ghosts were in clover....
the garden to themselves?!
The residents had absconded.
(A trip to the seaside).
A storm wrent the heavens, it rained cats and dogs.
Never ceased for a second from light of day till dark.
The Ghosts wove their silent footsteps
through garden and wood,
while the ghostly Wolves and Wolverines
prowled the little country town.
The town's population were accustomed
to the supernatural, preternatural and weird.
These creatures were acceptable - except to their pets....
This ominous presence created
an avalanche of pet dogs, cats,
mice and birds.
The Witch sensed the hullabaloo,
summoned the Wizard.
They sped back to the townlet
upon his magick carpet.
The Wizard, his face set in authoritarian mode,
restored order, serenity and dignity.
The routines of daily life returned to the habitual...
Debbie & Peter
23rd
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Thoughtful Faerie"
Meanwhile . . . .
The Flower Faeries had flown
to the nethermost regions of
the Faerie Kingdom to vacation.
They had been loaned a Unicorn
and carriage to travel in,
lest they arrive exhausted
to spend their time recuperating.
Our garden Unicorn inhabited
the innumerable regions of Space
and could ill-spare the time,
so full was his life.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were to travel
on the magickal garden train to a specialist centre
where, t'was hoped against hope,
they'd be taught the meaning of social behaviour
and sharing "their" space....
The Weasel, the Stoat and
their firm friend, the Toad,
expected to be given a lift
to a far-flung Faerie Kingdom -
a land to explore.
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat
had booked a short vacation in
the beautiful wetlands of Fantasy Siberia.
Their plans included walking,
socialising and sightseeing.
The Owl would stay put.
My sister would go - and I, to recover,
hoped to embark on a well-earned
mountaineering and horse riding break....
Debbie & Peter
22nd
"THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES
FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc
http://pajart.net/gifts.htm
This to be added shortly.
Details in next newsletter.
Meanwhile . . . .
The garden residents sat or lay
close beside a magickal camp fire.
The Witch and the Wizard were steaming
a refreshing brew concocted from Elderflower,
sweet apples and a touch of orange.
The Flower Faeries were tired,
yearned for their beds.
They yawned and propped their eyes open
and wondered if they'd be missed(?!)
The Unicorn was resting upon the moon,
from whence he would travel through white Space
to.... where?
The Elves, Imps and Pixies
were tuning their banjos and mandolins.
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat
kept themselves wet by
ensconcing get themselves
in the garden pond and
the Mole, Stoat and Weasel
joked with the Ghosts.
The ghostly Wolves and Werewolves
had gone on a chase 'cross field and hill
to the Lands Beyond time.
The birds of Rhiannon sang
coloratura ballards and songs
of yesteryear.
Far distant the sound of a hunting horn
informed the garden residents that,
Goda had disappeared once again
and Edric was agalloping in
hot pursuit.
Che maniera
Che dolore per Goda....
Debbie & Peter
21st
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"Girl Who Remembered Fish"
Meanwhile . . . .
The Goblin and the Gremlin
were debating the meaning of "social media."
The debate had begun in a lightweight manner,
quickly descending into choleric mode.
The shouting grew louder, louder and louder.
The Witch's spells went awol,
flew hither and thither,
anywhere but straight to
their desired destinations.
The Weasel, the Stoat and the stoical Mole
dug themselves into an abandoned rabbit hole.
The Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat
raced thrice around the garden pond, and then,
briskly betook themselves to the pond in the wood.
The Mermaid soothed their lacerated nerves,
coaxing them back to a more 'temperate' attitude.
The Ogre emerged from the wood,
trundling inelegantly across the lawn and
plumped down upon his rug, began to eat his
breakfast repast.
The Unicorn had been groomed, his coat shone.
His mane and tail were braided, threaded with Opals.
Diamonds sported his carefully combed forelock.
The Dragon whistled low over the
"too cramped for him," garden,
sending a message telepathically that said,
"Come and join me.
Fly through the clouds, bask in the sunbeams."
Mounted upon the back of an itchy-hooded Unicorn,
the Witch, the Wizard, the Flower Faeries
and an Elf Elder rode the skies, the clouds.
T'was delightful, diverting.
T'was magnifique!
Debbie & Peter
20th
"THE HISTORY SHOP" - VERY RARE COLLECTIBLES
FILM POSTERS - BOOKS - RARE BOOKS - JOURNALS - NOTEBOOKS - etc
http://pajart.net/gifts.htm
This to be added shortly.
Details in next newsletter.
Meanwhile . . . .
The Goblin 'had to go,' he said,
to the Elfin dentist.
He was worried, he was scared.
The fee?
Astronomical, comme vous le savez.
He was aware that he required
a new set of lower dentures.
T'would be expensive, he was sure.
A loan, perhaps, or a visit to his bank
would'nt come amiss?
The Gremlin was of little help.
The Witch? She dealt in magick.
The Wizard was in Laramie,
training wild horses as only he could.
Fantastical stallions to toe the line.
The Flower Faeries could've told him
to let the creatures be.
Neither meddle, nor interfere with
these mysteries of myth and legend....
He paid no heed to what was said to him, and,
in the end the Elfin doctor came to his aid.
The Goblin was forgot?!
Debbie & Peter
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Unicorn of The Moon"
Meanwhile . . . .
The Flower Faeries were arranging the furniture
for a Coffee Morning in aid of The Elfin Hospital.
The "arranging" soon became an abstract work of art.
The furniture was too heavy,
so they sought out the Ogre.
The Weasel, Stoat and Mole set the tables....
the Mole used a high chair.... and the Frog,
Toad and Water Rat constructed a moist wet sedan chair
for to transport the Mermaid twixt the wood pond and garden.
The Unicorn, barring bad behaviour,
would act the rôle of donkey and the Owl that of
Security Guard and Bouncer?!
The Witch, the Wizard and his
friend, the Forgetful One,
would sell tickets - no free entry given -
and the Elves provide music, tombola
and coconut shy.
The Dragon would photograph the event
through his magickal eyes and project the collection
on to a giant screen.
The screen had been difficult to manufacture and erect.
The hard labour of the garden creatures
had eventually achieved the desired result....
If the weather cooperated, t'would be a sparkling day....
Debbie & Peter
18th
"TIME TRAVEL"
New commission started.
To be created using my methods of late 1970s!
Brings back many intense emotions.
Much fun!
Meanwhile . . . .
A favourite nickname for the Elves,
Imps and Pixies was
"players and rôle models of and for,
the inescapable, "cause and effect game."
The Witch let them act out this rôle
'til the line was inevitably crossed
between those acceptable and those,
unacceptable, behaviours.
The Ogre was wont to ignore them
'til they ruined his day by
rudely awakening him or
eating his food.
The Wizard had learned
to squash their egos flat and
the birds of Rhiannon sang them into
....shush.
The Flower Faeries took their leave
when these agents provocateur
particularly overstressed them,
ie, during the brushing and grooming
and 'dressing' of the Unicorn.
Addendum....
The Weasel, Stoat and Mole
took the line of least resistance -
turned their steps t'wards the wood
and, last but not least,
the Frog, Toad and Water Rat either
blitzed them with revilements or
disappeared post haste to the pond in the wood.
The Ghosts and Spectres,
ghostly Wolves and Wolverines
lost their cool and quite often
their responses were fearsome, electric....
The Cook threw pails of dirty water
or screamed at full pitch and
the Goblin and Gremlin took themselves off
to release, relax and converse with the Mermaid....
We all had coping mechanisms....
Fair to middling, 50% OK?!
Debbie & Peter
17th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Genie"
Meanwhile . . . .
From out of our magick studio garden . . . .
The residents came to me recently
to request that a Sports Day be organised.
The idea appealed.... Indeed,
t'would work well if we all pulled together,
showed willing.
The Goblin and the Gremlin
were to be the planners,
Head Organisers.
The Witch and the Wizard
would design the courses.
The Ogre was retained as
general body guard and
building assistant.
The Flower Faeries, the Stoat,
the Weasel, the Water Rat, the Toad,
the Mole and the Unicorn planned the catering,
the ticket selling, the ushers et al.
The Mermaid set herself the task of
researching the songs which were deemed
"background" and bewitching, sirenic.
The Owl would be hunting.
The Frog and the Toad
would be deep in the wood
conducting Junior Games Day.
The Ghosts, the ghostly Wolves,
the Wolverines, the birds of Rhiannon
were expected to put in their two pennyworth, too....
An anxious eye was kept on the weather
during the days leading up to the "party."
The day dawned, white clouds scuffed
'cross pink and blue skies.
Serendipity reigned....
Debbie & Peter
16th
EN h AIR TRIP" (Shrewsbury)
LOGGERHEADS
Wall plaque - walking down the hill towards Kingsland Bridge.
Loggerheads - the distinctive heraldic crest of three leopard heads synonymous with the town of Shrewsbury, yet their precise origin is unknown.
Among many theories as to their origin are that they are >
> Fashioned from the royal arms of England
or
> based on the Arms of the De La Pole family
or
> those of the local Pontisbury family
or
> carvings of animal heads on the ends of battering rams
Then again, there is the fact, that a small town called “Loggerheads “ is just across the county boundary in Staffordshire.
In short?
Anybody's guess (thus far . . . . . . . ).
Meanwhile . . . .
The magick garden was hushed.
You could hear a pin drop.
The Witch had decreed that
"good etiquette' must rule....
The Ogre, intelligence limited,
had, per force, to be given
a free permit an exemption.
The Queen of the Faeries and
the Queen of the woodlands
drove their Chariots full tilt
boogie across the lawn.
Met no audience at all -
either cheerfully clapping and cheering
or huffy, ill-humoured, ill-tempered, sullen.
The Flower Faeries were subdued,
the Goblin read, the Gremlin went fishing
and the Unicorn tested his wings.
The Frog, Toad and Water Rat
performed acqua aerobics and
the Weasel, Stoat and Mole danced with élan
to the music of the Elfin string quartet.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies were
'at a crossroads,' so to speak,
behave, misbehave, or betwixt and between?
They made music this morning.
What to do this afternoon?
Overhead, the Wizard hovered,
astride the Dragon. However,
the Dragon was too huge to land safely.
Was he to parachute or jump?
Can you believe it? He flew....
We were delighted.
That he hit the spot....
The garden residents sighed,
relaxed....
Debbie & Peter
15th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Yellow Dragon"
Meanwhile . . . .
Beyond the editorial room,
out in the magic studio garden . . . .
Ashen-faced, the Weasel crashed
under the garden gate.
He yelled, "Get your skates on
and follow me for a rescue operation...."
The garden residents bounded as fast as they could,
through the garden, down the road,
'til they came upon the Stoat recumbent upon the tarmac.
The Mole had disappeared,
lock, stock and barrel.
The Witch joined them,
dropped her broom and
commenced First aid
as speedily as fast.
The Flower FaeriesInto the general mayhem
stepped the Wizard and his friend.
The Wizard stood aloof,
furrow-browse and stern, then
in resonating voice shouted,
"Stop. Be calm!"
For the remainder of the day
the garden was subdued,
e'en forlorn.
The Stoat was in
the Faerie Land Hospital,
and the Mole?
He'd drifted back to the garden
as night followed day.
Never divulged the name of the place
to which he had stolen....
Debbie & Peter
14th
0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO
Blog by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner >
Enjoy his full blog @
http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm
Among many giants of the Golden Age of Science Fiction, Isaac Asimov produced more than five hundred books, hundreds of stories and articles. Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Theodore Sturgeon, Robert Heinlein and others produced novels, stories and collections annually throughout their lives of writing. And Alfred Bester was the "anomaly" of this generation. However, his small production is considered prime for the modern science fiction.
Born on December 18, 1913 and died on September 30, 1987, Alfred Bester was an American author of science fiction, TV and radio scriptwriter, magazine editor and comic book writer. Very successful in all of these fields, its prominence was the science fiction, especially with The Demolished Man (a work in which Bester portrays a future world in which crime is scandalously difficult to compromise due to the existence of an efficient network of Telepaths), winner of the Hugo Award in 1953.
Bester attended the University of Pennsylvania, played football for the 1935 team and was also considered "the most successful member of the fencing team". Then he went to Columbia Law School, but eventually dropped out.
Considered by the writer Harry Harrison as "one of the few skilled writers who invented modern science fiction," Bester did not pretend that science fiction was strange. Instead he touched his science fiction as he thought clearly: something amusing. Also considered one of the precursors of New Wave and Cyberpunk.
Peter Andrew Jones illustrated this beautiful cover art for the book "Tiger! Tiger! "(also known as" The Stars My Destination "), hailed as one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time, if not the greatest. Idealized while Bester lived in England and written when he had moved to Italy, it tells the story about Gully Foyle, left there to die in a broken spaceship. He vows revenge and attains his rise as master of criminals and dilettantes and changes the world around him in the process. A kind of Count of Monte Cristo with teleportation and interplanetary war. This novel was first serialized to later become a unique book, which won a radio adaptation broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1991 and 1993.
Shortly before his death, SFWA nominated Bester as his ninth Grand Master posthumously in 1988, and the Fantasy and Science Fiction Hall of Fame also did so in 2001.
Such grandeur deserved the art of Peter Andrew Jones, influenced and influential in the universes of fantasy and science fiction. To dominate, to combine and to impact the reader, joining the vindictive look of a tiger provoked with the futurism of the technological wonders suggest to us the destructive power that the protagonist would be feeling, that as the Count of Alexandre Dumas himself wants, both efficiency, precision and in the smallest Time.
Efficiency and precision and no time to waste? That brings me back to the Count, Gully, and Peter Andrew Jones again ...
13th
LEGENDARY ART MAGAZINE
http://www.peterandrewjones-legendary-art-magazine.net
Meanwhile . . . .
An air balloon sailed through the sunlight.
The colourful spectacle attracted
those garden residents awake,
who craned their necks to watch,
though those with poor eyesight could only pretend.
The Mole squinted,
rubbed his nose and
returned to his chosen chore,
that of digging a hole in the dew laden lawn.
The Witch began her day early
so full was her schedule of
spells to be cast and
Witches' covens meetings.
The Wizard was elsewhere occupied.
Occupied and preoccupied?!
Fiddle!
Her main preoccupation today
was to retain truces between
the various creatures whose home
the garden was....
The Flower Faeries were perched
upon the shoulders of the Ghosts,
conversing, teasing and tickling their chins.
They were presented with the problem
of being able to adopt many diverse styles
of the English tongue.
They found themselves confronted
with just a little confusion and some difficulty....
The Ogre trundled by
at the stroke of breakfast time. And
the Unicorn could be espied
high up in the stratosphere.
The Stoat, Weasel and Mole
wandered past the tennis court,
crossed the lawn,
by-passed the pond,
struck off into the wood.
The Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat
had crept under the garden gate,
crossed the country road,
through the wooden gate,
disappearing through the fields....
The Unicorn landed.
Debbie & Peter
12th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Spell Dancer"
Meanwhile . . . .
"Codswallop," spoke the Wizard.
"Ooh, la la," responded the Witch.
"Mind your manners, sir.
You are a guest in this garden.
A visitor, by gum!!"
"The Post Elf had not been for a number of days.
Do you suppose that there is a go-slow, or strike?"
"Haven't heard. What think you?"
The Witch called the Ghosts,
ghostly Wolves and Werewolves.
These translucent beings she instructed
to go in search of information....
A spell cast for info would have sufficed.
The Witch evidently had other priorities today.
T'was a seemingly endless wait afore they returned,
armed with the up to date news required.
"On strike indefinitely.
The Elf postmen have walked out
upon the pretext that their work load
far exceeds their pay and extra benefits."
Debbie & Peter
11th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Thief"
Meanwhile . . . .
Somehow or another
none of the garden residents
vacationed for the full length of
their 'going away' plan.
I do not know the reason?!
The Dragon had once more disappeared.
The Unicorn had become ever more watchful.
The Flower Faeries carried out their
self-imposed duties with renewed spirits
and the Ogre had been carted off
for a break by a forceful acquaintance
from the hills.
The Witch and the Wizard, I was told,
planned to pass an increased part of each Faerie day
flying over the Faerie Kingdom upon
the Wizard's magick carpet.
I asked to accompany them
from time to time,
but was refused....
Their aim being to visit and apply succour to,
those that might need it.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies
remained bones of contention.
Their sense of superiority
to every other garden being
deepened still further,
despite punishments received....
Where is the magick spell
which would ameliorise
their behaviour?
Anybody know?!
Debbie & Peter
10th
RETURNING HOME BY TRAIN (DAY OFF-ish)
Chilly first thing, but sun came out in the afternoon.
Snapped this between Shrewsbury & Church Stretton railway stations.
Meanwhile . . . .
The house was restored to normalcy.
The garden not yet.
My work schedule had taken a detour,
held up at a temporary red light.
Still no answer as to exactly what to do
apropos of the Elves, Imps and Pixies.
I conferred with the Witch, the Wizard -
even his forgetful friend.
The reply?
"All manner of spells and banishments have been tried.
At the end of the day, no success at all...."
The Dragon came to call this morning.
Was he aware of the situation?
Apparently.... And,
t'was arranged that he'd create
so uncomfortable an atmosphere that
they'd transfer themselves elsewhere
for at least today.
When the Elves moseyed into the garden,
the Dragon was waiting aloft.
Waited until the Imps and Pixies strolled in.
They appeared stage in twos and threes and
when the Witch gave the signal,
the Dragon dived.
I was peering through an upstairs window.
The scene was incredible!
Breathing fire and brimstone,
the smoke hid him from view.
Result....
The recalcitrant trouble makers disappeared -
have not returned....
Debbie & Peter
9th
TALES FROM THE WOOD
The Ghosts summoned the ghostly Wolves
and Wolverines to their aid.
The local ghost Goules had punched in,
pirates in mufti, armed with daggers,
machetes, blunderbusses and snarls....
The garden residents, too,
would be beaten to a pulp,
thus the Ghosts and Spectres
placed their trust in these merciless beings....
The garden residents, save the Ogre,
turned about face and ran.
He growled and stomped his way
through the garden to thunder and rant
as he joined in the fray....
The Flower Faeries left the garden,
flying into the wood.
The grooming of the Unicorn delayed,
other chores deferred,
the Flower Faeries were plunged
into pouting dismay.
The ghostly goules were eventually ejected
by a legion of fighting men, tough guys
even by the standards of the norms
of that period in history.
Debbie & Peter
8th
TALES FROM THE WOOD
A Fantasy Spaceship had landed in the garden.
Why for?
I learned the answer
while we watched it take off,
vanish.
The Unicorn had sustained a slight injury
swerving to avoid it and
arrived in the garden to find it parked.
The Witch applied First Aid,
the Flower Faeries provided food,
drink and succour after which
the Unicorn grazed and.... disappeared.
The Goblin and the Gremlin
stood at a distance and smiled.
They knew well the crew members,
were related to the Pilot in Chief.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies
were fascinated by the craft.
Held at arms length by both Captain and crew,
they had perforce to mind their p's and q's
before being permitted entry to the ship.
Every garden resident was ushered on board,
to view the interior and partake of alien snacks.
(The Owl met a most intriguing distant alien relative).
The Mole, Weasel, Stoat, the Frog,
Toad and the Water Rat were treated
as superior beings, to whom they were
"unknowns."
When I arrived, the aliens took little notice.
Evidently, humans were of scarce interest to them....
They interfered, caused problems and
made a garbage dump of Space....
Debbie & Peter
7th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Spell Caster"
Meanwhile . . . .
"Package this firmly and thoroughly protected.
It is for onward transmission to the Lands beyond Zebras."
Thus spoke the forgetful friend of the Wizard's.
The Wizard, relieved to find
the Faerie Post Office so accommodating,
took his colleague to the Faerie Tearoom
for a pot of Elderberry tea and biscuits.
The Flower Faeries, preoccupied
with carrying out their duties,
grooming the stallion,
found the time to take note
of the beneficial effect of the Wizard's care
upon the character of his friend.
The Witch paid little heed,
because she knew that she would be required
to take charge when the Wizard's friend
became too much of a good thing....
The Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat
met together to discuss politics
on the Lands of Make Believe.
They knew well from telepathic
messages relayed by their friends,
kith and kin etc. that
things were not as good as they could be?!
The Weasel, the Stoat and the Mole
left politics to the politicos.
Life was too replete with problems
to bring the subject into the equation....
Debbie & Peter
6th
TALES FROM THE WOOD
The garden was buzzing
with anticipation and excitement.
T'was the day of the Hot Air Balloon Race....
Meanwhile . . . .
In the field adjacent to the wood there were to land,
a balloon for each Fantasy resident participant.
The Elves had been banned,
the Imps and the Pixies, had received a warning:
'Misbehave and you will spend the day running cross country.
The Wizard was to referee the event,
the Witch, to provide a multifarious catering.
The Flower Faeries were to oversee
the wellbeing of the participants
and those staff in charge.
For the Ogre there was no hot air balloon.
His height and clumsiness had told agin him, besides,
he vastly preferred to sleep the day away....
Fortune smiled upon the day.
Sunny, clear skies, a gentle breeze,
aye aye - exclamation, not the lemur!!
La journeé s'est déroulé sans problème, alor!!
Allez oop. Allez oop. Allez oop -
Bang, bang.
Debbie & Peter
5th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Enchantress"
Meanwhile . . . .
Wizards and Witches, young and old,
ancient and contemporary in thought,
word and deed,
sat together at a Convention
for the Honourable Company
of Fantasy Beings.
The Pixies took the part of Ushers and Bar Staff,
the Imps as Medical Staff and Cleaners.
The Elder Elves were overall Directors of Proceedings,
backed up by an army of Secretaries,
Tea and Coffee Waiters,
Chefs and Restaurant Staff.
The Flower Faeries provided au d' oeuvre,
lemon sorbets, Petit Four and
were to replenish the Finger Bowls
when the desserts were served.
The Maître d' was an old hand,
a mix of robot, puppet,
Scarecrow and contortionist.
The design and furnishings
were put in the hands of
the Queen of Fantasy Land's Royal Office.
Such efficiency.
When the curtains rose to reveal the scenery and props,
such a sigh of admiration was heard....
T'was a masterpiece.
Debbie & Peter
4th
"NEW SPECIALSED PROJECT"
Drawing created in a personal collector's hardback book.
Meanwhile . . . .
Somehow or another
none of the garden residents
vacationed for the full length
of their 'going away' plan.
I do not know the reason?!
The Dragon had once more disappeared.
The Unicorn had become ever more watchful.
The Flower Faeries carried out
their self-imposed duties
with energy, style, enthusiasm
- elan.
The Ogre had been carted off for a break by
a forceful acquaintance from high up in the the hills.
The Witch and the Wizard, I was told,
planned to spend an increased part
of each Faerie day surveying the Faerie Kingdom
from atop the Wizard's magick carpet.
I asked to accompany them
from time to time,
but was refused....
Their aim being to visit and apply succour to,
those that might need it.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies
remained bones of contention.
Their sense of superiority
to every other garden creature
deepened daily, despite,
the many punishments received....
Where is the magick spell
which would ameliorise their behaviour?
Anybody know?! savez vous?!
Debbie & Peter
3rd
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Monster"
Meanwhile . . . .
The Unicorn's fetlock was much improved.
He dodged and weaved across this Universe and the next,
meeting the strange and the weird and
the downright alien creatures.
They bothered him not,
neither did they block his way.
Munching his repast of grass and hay,
he snorted and whinnied and
bared startling white teeth.
The Flower Faeries eventually coaxed him
to be still while they groomed and embellished him.
Today they'd chosen to stain his coat
a deep blue and his mane and tail black.
Through both mane and tail they threaded
sapphires and moonstones.
So pleased was he by his appearance
that he pranced through the garden,
flaring his nostrils.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies
found themselves impressed.
The Ogre was asleep, the Mole, the Weasel,
the Stoat, the Goblin and Gremlin
continued their gardening,
nipping dead heads, weeding,
turning the earth and so on.
The Head Gardener did notice
when he came through the garden gate
and relieved he felt to be able
to go on to other tasks....
The Cook emerged from the kitchen,
tossed dirty water upon the grass,
soaking a tremelo woody peckdown,
a tone deaf Lyre bird, like no other....
Debbie & Peter
2nd
EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Stafford)
Inerior of St Chad's Church.
Meanwhile . . . .
back at the magick studio garden . . .
The dogs had been taken
for their walk by my sister,
whose ideas on exercising animals meant -
until they dropped....
Energy restored,
they were now in the garden,
racing about and barking
as loud as their lungs permitted.
The garden residents, apart from the Elves,
kept a safe distance betwixt and between them.
The Flower Faeries delayed the grooming
of the Unicorn until the coast was clear.
The Witch locked herself in the tennis courts,
the Goblin and Gremlin retired to the pond in the wood.
The Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat
played "Hey, diddle, diddle," upon
an old-fashioned wooden laundry scrubbing board....
The Unicorn waited patiently,
then boredom set in.
Whining sharply, he pawed the ground,
spread his wings and
took off....
Debbie & Peter
1st
EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Stafford)
Exterior of St Chad's Church.
Meanwhile . . . .
back at the magick studio garden . . .
From the stable bloc I could hear
the sound of a horse in distress.
What was matter, what was the cause?
Taking a stick, I marched to the yard.
Whom should I find?
The Elves, Imps and Pixies,
of course....
They had occupied the stable
and were playing a game:
sketch designs upon the flank of my horse
in rainbow colours and Elfin ink.
Waving my cudgel, I let it be known
that this was the last time I'd permit
their antisocial behaviour.
Should it occur again,
they were out on their ears.
For the rest of the day
they were dutifully angelic.
Tomorrow, the day after?
I seriously doubt it.
The ministrations of the Flower Faeries
soothed the horse.
A carrot and an apple
went down a treat.
The Unicorn's grooming,
brush and 'dress' were
extra-elegant, stylish. Plain.
He afterwards retired to a far corner
of the garden to undergo a
recent introduction to his day -
a lesson in Faerie Land dressage.
Très chic....
The Witch and the Wizard, today,
had decided to carry out a recce
of the garden to find out if
anything further was required
to make life more enjoyable?
Anything of importance missing.
If so, what?
Presently, there was not, apart from
exiling the Elves, the Imps and the Pixies.
On that score we were, one and all,
in complete agreement....
Debbie & Peter
31st
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
"The Huntress"
Meanwhile . . . .
No summer expected until September.
Summer and Autumn amalgamated.
Glorious tree colours interwoven
with hot sun at its zenith.
The garden residents had agreed that today
they would do nothing save sunbathe or read.
The Elves, Imps and Pixies had already this morning
irritated the Cook, the Owl and the Witch.
They were presently involved
in teasing the cats and the dogs.
The noise level had almost lifted the roof.
My sister, in the midst of writing letters,
lost her temper and stormed into the garden
to lay down the law.
Sometime later the tranquility of the garden
was restored and the Elves, Imps and Pixies
vanquished.
They disappeared into the wood,
where they met their woodland brethren
and wreaked havoc there....
Debbie & Peter
30th
SIMULACRA (The Card Game)
Update!
Meanwhile . . . .
back at the magick studio garden . . . .
The grey blue sky was daunting.
The Magpie was alone.
You could ask him to take tea with you.
Least ways, you could try....
T'is a long way to Tipperary,
so the old, old song suggests.
Put one foot forward, begin to walk.
Plod on till the road ends in
the place you set your sights upon.
You will find along your journey
that
you'll encounter assorted types,
(some characters).
There'll be those with whom you click
and those with whom you clash.
The Elves and Imps and Pixies
were adept at changing roles.
Days to act as victims,
days to act as Kings.
It mattered not which roles they played.
When all was said and done,
they'd always been a great success,
albeit slowly to themselves.
The Witch would, forever, lend a hand....
Debbie & Peter
29th
"EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham)
Catching-up with old friends . . . . (extended).
Yes, I am old enough to remember (cough!) . . . . .
Meanwhile . . . .
back at the magick studio garden . . . .
The Ghosts and the Spectres
were still conversing together at dawn this morning
- in the various forms of the English language
which changing eras produced.
The ghostly Wolves and Wolverines
threaded their way through the throng,
growling low.
T'was their warning to any ghost in their path
would suffer the consequences, so....
The night creatures awoke,
wandered into the garden
to view the scene and decide
what to do next.
When darkness fell,
the Owl winged his way
to the countryside, eyes down,
probing for the prey he sought this night.
The jingle jangle of bells
advertised the arrival of the thigh-slapping,
yodeling, Volkstanz company,
whose performance lasted
for two Faerie Land hours.
Their dynamic finale was received
without applause, for their audience
had been rendered well nigh deaf in both ears....
Debbie & Peter
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28th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Catching-up with old friends . . . . in BBC Birmingham foyer. Yes, I am old enough to remember (cough!) . . . . . Watching the very first episode of Dr. Who. In 405 lines, black & white TV. And . . . . I cherish to this very day . . . (sigh) The Four and a half years of freelancing I did (somewhat later in time) at the BBC. (White City, London, early 1980s) . |
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Meanwhile . . . . time moves on (inevitably?) back at the magick studio garden . . . . |
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The
garden was frost bound, the Oak tree dripping. Overhead, the rain clouds accumulated.... Nature's skyscrapers.... The Frog, the Toad, the Water Rat and the Goblin were wending their way through the wood to the field and from thence to the river. The Frog, Toad and Water Rat were quite at home. The Goblin's boots were saturated. His clothes wet through. Determined to withstand this unpleasantness, discomfort, he shivered, sniffed, adjusted his clothing and ploughed on. The Mermaid endeavoured to persevere with her swim in the, more agreeable, wood pond's water. The Witch of the Forest stirred the magick potion in her cauldron. A crow perched upon one shoulder, a raven upon the other. From nowhere in particular, the birds of Rhiannon made their grand entrance. Goody!! Today's song list commenced with the haunting, "Song of the Earth," composed by Gustav Mahler, of Austria.... Debbie & Peter |
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27th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Always on the hunt, for inspiration . . . . The Cathedral Church of St. Philip. Colmore Row, Birmingham. Church of England cathedral - seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. Built as a parish church and consecrated in 1715. |
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Meanwhile . . . . |
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Stirrings
and rustlings in the night silent wood heralded pre-dawn. And the awakening of the Fantastical daytime garden residents. They performed their ablutions - (some swam in the garden pond, too, as early morning exercise). Alternatively, they had the choice of the pond in the wood.... This was the 'Mermaid's hour' so-called. T'was the time of the day when she felt most serene and at ease. No tedious Ogre to watch out for and, above all, no Elves, Imps and Pixies to upset the apple cart - and every resident of house and garden withal.... The Cook arrived early for, today, there was to be a large garden party here, hosted by my sister. So plentiful were her requests, nay, demands that, even an experienced Cook had become confused.... Next chapter tomorrow....! Debbie & Peter |
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26th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Drawing on a train, is, how shall I put it? "Juddery". But I was determined to see, what sort of use I could get from the swerving, juddering, rickety movements of the carriage and how they could be used to create effects? To my surprise, it really quite added useful effects. Whereas I would have had, otherwise, to create effects these effects, such as broken-up perimeter edging were created "naturally' by the movement of the train. One wonders what other varieties of line could be found by placing oneself in what, at first thought, would be considered unfavorable situations that, in fact, produce useful effects? I shall give it more thought in due course! |
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Meanwhile, other disruptive events were happening, back at the magick garden . . . . |
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Corsican
bandits had invaded the garden, to join all those Ghosts already resident. The ghost pirates and highwayman kept a hand on their knives or swords. "Are these Corsican bandits Friends? Foes? Secret Agents? Spies? The Elves crowded near to absorb into their memory banks every detail of these ghost's dress and the weaponry on their hips. The Flower Faeries settled on the branches of the Aspen, where the yellow turning red leaves part-obscured them. A wren perched beside them. They listened to the guttural exchanges between the men, in a tongue only decipherable by the multi-linguist Wizard. Parlate corsu? Debbie & Peter |
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25th "EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Birmingham) Setting up the equipment, ready to draw . . . . . . |
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Meanwhile, back at the magick studio garden, the heat of the day had caused "issues" . . . . |
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The
fire was extinguished with water and mounds of soil, brought in by the Fire and Rescue Service. Today, it is the turn of the RSPCA.... The garden residents are undertaking a training in the widening of perception.... Information overload?! 'Tis unlikely that the Ogre, or Elves attend. Their perception of the world is 'the truth.' Full stop.... The Witch will instruct, the Wizard expand and those who complete the course, receive a diploma. The Queen of Faerie Land has sent her Lord Chamberlain and Secretary to pitch in, play the game, add an elegant BA Hons. to his name. The Unicorn had no time for such skills, for already he knew, or, at least was aware of, countless scenarios which the average human being - ignored. The Goblin and Gnome looked at things from below, the Flower Faeries, on the other hand, had a full scope of vistas from above, below, sideways. The Owl saw the world from above and so on and on, and so forth.... Amen. The Witch will sort it.... Debbie & Peter |
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24th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, |
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Wailing
Wanda had been muzzled, so to speak.... and, escorted politely through the garden gate to the road. Her wings had been clipped to prevent her from escaping the exile island to which she'd been banished. A message had been relayed, via bush telegraph, to every niche and corner of the Kingdom of Faerie Land. "By hook or by crook, let not the Wailing Wanda through Faerie Land Customs. Watch her." The news has lately come to my ears that "The Lady has been permitted an extended parole...." Debbie & Peter |
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23rd EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Stafford) Exterior of St Mary's Church. Early 13th century, with 14th century transepts and 15th century clerestories and crossing tower. Recorded in The Doomsday Book. |
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Meanwhile, |
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Wailing
Wanda, the dreary Faerie, was wringing her hands and "doing her stuff." She had served as an alarm call this morning early and disturbed the garden creatures. The Elves, the Imps and Pixies, were being calmed by the Witch. The Flower Faeries worked off their jumpiness by zipping through the trees. The Toad, the Frog and Water Rat dived into the garden pond and raced each other rapid, fast, fast through the bitter morning water. The Mole, the Stoat and Weasel, and an hedgehog passing through, were contemplating throwing - anything and everything - at the offending Faerie. The Ogre made his entrance when the scene was revved full throttle. He liked it not and roared full volume, stamped his feet and shook, (with a vengeance), the trunk of the Oak. The Oak shed truckloads of its leaves upon the sleeping Ogre, who, spluttered in his sleep. Giving an enormous sneeze awoke him and - and? - the tranquillity of the garden went slurp down the plug hole.... Debbie & Peter |
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22nd SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, |
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Catapulted
out of a profoundly restful sleep, the Goblin sprung to his feet and headed towards the garden pond. There he splashed icy water over face and head, patted them dry and charged around the garden like shot from a rifle. The Gremlin, sleepy-headed, lifted has head from the pillow and yawned a huge yawn. Throwing back the bedclothes, he sat, contemplating his navel till he felt energised. A thundering upon his front door, snapped him to his feet. He opened his front door to his breathless, red-faced, friend, invited him inside and sat him down. A cup of mint tea and a puff of cheroot and they were ready to face the day and commence their daily preambulations. The garden was silent, the temperature? Phew! Was this spring, summer, autumn, winter or just the Arctic? The Ogre joined them, sniffling and snorting, having found no clean handkerchiefs with which to wipe his nose. The Witch summoned the Ogre to carry her cauldron to a well-protected spot and, with her artistic skill, built a masterpiece fire, lit it. The sounds of crackling and the smoke attracted the Elves, Imps and Pixies, who, abluted themselves quickly and huddled close as they could. The Ogre filled the cauldron with water and today's potions, and waited upon the arrival of the Flower Faeries bearing food and beverages. The Unicorn landed, the Dragon glided on to the fields. His hugeness made fitting on to the lawn a near-impossibility…. The Frog, Toad and Water Rat ambled through to the wood, where they enjoyed a dip in the pond with the Mermaid. Their friendly Witch of the wood saw them, invited them to join her and, rubbed them down smartly before pouring mugs of sweet berry juice. The morning was in motion, the cuckoo sang and the birds of Rhiannon flew in to lend their voices to the refrain.... Debbie & Peter |
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21st EN PLEIN AIR TRIP" (Stafford) Exterior of St Chad's Church. |
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Meanwhile, |
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Bastille
day. The French Revolution. Heroism, cowardice, duty and treason. Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities, Les Miserables. Strange though it be, the resident garden creatures were in the mood to revolt.... The Queen of the Faeries and the Queen of the woodlands each desired to issue an edict which replaced the current free movement with passports and visas. Outmoded, unacceptable. The Wizard's opinion was a copy of their's. He strode hither and thither, deep in thought - considering - what spell and which spell would be the bestest, the most efficacious. Pondering the next step to take, one foot went into a hidden rabbit hole. He fell upon his face, squashed his nose and muddied his clothes, his person, his hair. Bringing up the rear, the embarrassment ruined his well/developed ego.... Debbie & Peter |
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20th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, |
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The
garden had returned to its usual routines, though the Ghosts and the Spectres were on the qui vive. Too many antipathetic ghosts, whose behaviours were.... yuck?! The Witch, the Wizard, the Dragon and the Unicorn were far from home, winging their way t'wards lands remote. The Flower Faeries were packing their bags, prior to flying to distant islands in the sun. The Elves, the Imps and the Pixies, too, had decided to remain here, at home, 'cos holidaying abroad meant a great deal of preparation. The Weasel, the Stoat, the Mole, the Goblin, the Gremlin were readying themselves for a walking holiday. The Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat were still planning a break across the hill in a deserted, no man's land.... My sister had already set the backup of almost everyone in the house.... My own holiday I shall bring forward - if I can. Buona fortuna!! Debbie & Peter |
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19th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, |
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The
ghosts of Corsican bandits had vanished into thin air....leaving the resident Ghosts and Spectres to get their breath back, breathe deep and breathe easy. The Goblin and the Gnome moseyed round and about, stopping to exchange pleasantries with fellows in arms and those they held at arm's length. The Witch had, once again, annexed the wine cellar. She had with her, the Flower Faeries, for she wanted to learn their unique magick spells, (those they'd divulge?!) The Ogre had been unable to sleep trundling semi-comatose from his dwelling place to his daybed underneath the Oak. The Mermaid was entertaining the Frog, Toad and Water Rat, the conversation turning to life in the wood versus life in the garden. The sun beat down fiercely, the heat climbed, climbed higher. The garden water taps gushed cold water, the sprinklers played. The squeal of brakes in the stable yard heralded the arrival of my sister in her Aston Martin, and the prospect of a fortnight of family disagreements.... Cave canem!! Debbie & Peter |
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18th TALES FROM THE WOOD The Unicorn had disappeared for respite elsewhere on the globe. The Dragon wasn't welcome, so lumbering had he become. |
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When he visited, the garden was full of Dragons, with scarce room for the others.... The Elves, Imps and Pixies had set in motion their summer routine now, which included waking us all très early by whatever means they chose. The Cook, they had decided, must be kept in good temper. Otherwise they found themselves barred from the larder, kitchen and pantry. Their good behaviour fell short of not raiding the larder or pantry. Occasionally, they even left the kitchen untouched?! Today, their preoccupation was to nettle the garden residents by use of their pea shooters and the playing of loud music. They succeeded.... The birds of Rhiannon flew in later than is their wont and took great pains to drown out the Elves non-musical cacophony. The crows, too, had settled in the Oak and, the Owl was become exceedingly agitated. Unable to rest, he emerged from his "home" and swooped down to where the Elves, Imps and Pixies stood. Each one of these 'despots' received a sharp peck on the nose.... Debbie & Peter |
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17th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, |
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A
shoal of diminutive multi-coloured dragons, zeroed in on the garden afore the sun had arisen. They plummeted earthwards, to crash land inelegantly upon the dewy lawn.... The Elves grouched. The Pixies and Imps, scowled. The Witch shook her broomstick violently, and began pelting them with pebbles. The itsy bitsy dragons charged around the garden, jumped into the Witch's cauldron, were scalded, hollered. The Ogre kicked as many, as many as poss, hurled Ogre-ish insults, stormed back to his home. The Goblin and the Goblin remained cool and collected, the Toad, the Weasel and the Stoat, leapt down abandoned rabbit holes, nestling a feared 'gainst the earthen walls, shaken and shaking.... The dragons, having sussed that no fun could be got here, took off en masse, storming thisaway, thataway, Then poof!! Magick - The sky was empty... They were gone.... Debbie & Peter |
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16th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, |
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T'was
a whispery, starlight backdrop that met my bleary-eyed squint through the bedroom window pane to the magickal kingdom wherein I dwelt. No comprehensible language or tongue was audible. The complementary passages were, earth, wind and fire.... Earth being dug and then moulded into statuettes depicting nature's fauna and flora and mythical creatures. The wind blew a variety of nature's gifts into modern art shapes and patterns upon the lawn. Dawn broke upon the Elysian landscape which we call home.... Debbie & Peter |
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15th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, out in our magick studio garden . . . . |
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The
Ogre was beaming from ear to ear. He was off for a holiday in sunnier climes.... Where precisely that was, no other resident could ascertain. The Witch was to accompany him for part of the journey. At the base of the hill range, a magickal mountain pony would take over.... The Ogre struggled to climb the steep, rocky hillside, slithering and sliding and losing his footing. Nearing the summit, he was pleasantly surprised to find, as he negotiated a pile of rocks, that, a friend from his childhood was resting behind it and munching an energy restoring snack. They conversed for some while in their guttural tones, then pursued their way upwards to the summit and sleep.... Debbie & Peter |
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14th "TIME TRAVEL" "A Cantile For Leibowitz" New Limited Edition Print release. Newly de-archived this week. Only available by direct e-mail request. Go HERE to order > http://www.peterandrewjones.net/hello.htm |
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Meanwhile, |
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The
Elves had purloined a can of fly spray, with which they were playing silly bs.... Spraying first, each other and then, for good measure, any other resident of our enchanted garden who passed by too close.... When the fly spray can was empty, the Elves rushed round to the kitchen, hammered on the door, til the Cook let them in. Her angry voice resounded like the thunder of drums. Surely, even the Elves would scarper as soon as they could?! They stayed. The Unicorn was brushed, groomed and presently, the Flower Faeries were dusting its body with satin grey sparkles. As a variation upon the usual choice of colours for mane and tail, the Witch had conjured a tiny spell, which meant that, with each change of the Unicorn's mood, the indigo violet dye would fade into Lamp Black.... The Witch was most satisfied, and the Unicorn, too, ceased to graze. Instead, standing in the garden pond, admiring his beauty.... The Ghosts and Spectres, the ghostly Wolves and Werewolves, the Goblin and Gremlin played a game of Hide, Seek and Hunt, as the sun crept over the window sills . The clean as crystal windows were open to the mellow summer air.... Debbie & Peter |
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13th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, The Flower Faeries had issued a host of invitations, to those Faeries considered to be worthy of such an honour. |
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The
Witch had been roped in to supervise the food, devise a suitable menu and buy the ingredients. The Ogre, t'was expected, would conclude that a substantial portion of the food would be his.... without asking. The Goblin and the Gremlin had asked of the Flower Faeries to prepare a picnic repast of tip top quality. They had packed their rucksacks with the items required to keep them dry, warm and energy-full for as long as it took to hike across the hills, the dust dry plain beyond, to the desert of Mythalasia. The Elves, Imps and Pixies, the Dragon and Unicorn were to travel back in time to the Dark Age. They had known those times, for sure, in a very different guise. Fantasy creatures, certainly, nevertheless, more beginning of time, more reptilian than of now. They pre-dated the Ghosts, the Spectres, the ghostly Wolves and Werewolves. However. The Wizard, the Witch, the Queen of Faerie Land and the Queen of the wood, were older than old. Stretching back to an era afore time was born.... Debbie & Peter |
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Meanwhile, outside th studio, in the magick garden . . . . . |
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The
rain pelted down upon an already saturated lawn. The grey clouds skudded across stormy skies. A wild wind blew, there was thunder on the right. Sheet lightning flared, illuminating the landscape. Each and every garden shelter was chockablock with occupants, shaking and shivering with cold and anxiety. There were the exceptions.... The Elves, Imps and Pixies were inclined to perform war dances. Shout, yell and shriek as they tore through the garden. Nevertheless.... They were not captivated by the prospect of being struck down with an illness, which might impede their ability to play mischief, despoil and vandalize. The Witch had demanded entry into the house. T'was admitted. She was presently endeavouring to position her mini cauldron over the lighted fire in the Library fireplace. The Goblin and the Gremlin had stormed the greenhouse, had locked the door. The Toad, Stoat and Water Rat were hell bent upon gate crashing the kitchen, the pantry. Even the wine cellar?! The house was warm, the attic quiet. Going down the stairs, I encountered the Fly, the Mouse, the Spider, a glow worm and a myriad of scurrying, unwelcome, ants. With fortitude, I ignored them, pursuing my way to the bottom of the stairway and in to breakfast. Debbie & Peter |
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11th "NEW SPECIALSED PROJECT" Drawings to be created in these personal collector's hardbacks. |
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Meanwhile, outside th studio, in the magick garden . . . . . |
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A
grass snake slithered through the grass at the rate of knots. In its wake came a squirrel, chattering dementedly.... From the Oak, the Owl eyed the scene with a keenness tinged with fatigue and the Flower Faeries darted and weaved overhead, oh so curious they were.... The grass snake outsmarted the squirrel, the chitter chatter ceased. The garden was shush.... At this point, the Imps and the Pixies came on board, hopping and skipping, hollering, too. The racket was dire?! From the kitchen, the Cook issued forth, armed with her rolling pin, and a jug of hot water. She waddled quick as you please, t'wards the offending creatures, and showered the lot with the hot, (not scalding), water. The racket increased, as the Cook exited the garden. Such was the anxiety felt by the other garden creatures, that, when the Witch and the Wizard magicked out of nowhere, they cast such a spell that turned the Imps and Pixies to corn flowers and daisies.... Debbie & Peter |
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10th "TALES FROM THE WOOD" New painting (detail) for upcoming faerytale book. Progressing - bit, by, bit ! |
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Meanwhile . . . . . |
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A
gentle breeze whispered through the half opened window, carrying with it particles of garden debris, miniature featherlings, and a tree leaf or two. Golden sunbeams illuminated the clouds of dust particles, which settled upon floor, furniture and rugs. The Elves, Imps and Pixies were playing Elfin bagpipes, the jarring dissonance was beyond the acceptable. The Goblin and the Gremlin betook themselves to the wood, through it to the fields. The Mole, the Weasel and Stoat climbed through the garden gate and along the country road to the village. Posthaste, the Frog, the Toad and the Water Rat took the path to the wood pond and dived down real deep.... The Cook, sympathetic, stuffed her ears with cotton wool, the Witch fetched her ear muffs. The Ghosts, the Spectres, the ghostly Wolves and Werewolves howled soundlessly, crying into the mounting wind. The Owl, the birds of Rhiannon and, paradoxically, the Crows, perched as high as possible, at the tip top of the Oak. The cacophony continued, continued, continued 'til the heavens opened and the rain fell in sheets and the lightening flashed seeming with evil intent.... Debbie & Peter |
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9th 0 BLOG DO ESTUDIO Blog by Pedro Panhoca, our Brazilian game development partner > Enjoy his full blog @ http://www.peterandrewjones.net/blog-sa.htm |
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Long time away forced me to return
to .... KULT! In the midst of my master's research, I came across Arcane magazine (# 4), from March 1996 (e-mail me if you want a screenshot) which featured an article about the KULT card game, both out of print for decades. It is rated 7 (the maximum note is 10) by the magazine. This CCG is characterized by its most attractive words: "Gruesome", "macabre artwork", "skulls", "tarot", "death" and many others, whose obscurity repels the weak and attracts the most curious. Featured are the playing card box with Peter Andrew Jones' legendary DEATH ANGEL, and in a small pile of cards, the top one also passed through his hands. |
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It's not Nescafe, but "one thing leads to another": surely KULT fans would love this game, and the card lovers would go deeper if they knew what the RPG could offer them. Make your hole in the membrane that the gods have enveloped us in and read the matter in its entirety. Then tear it a little harder and open your mind to something never imagined. And give yourself up to the sublime by having contact with the art of Peter Andrew Jones in its entirety. |
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8th "THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE - stage 3" First pass, blocking-in. Oil paint only. Initial thumbnail characterisation sketch of main character shown also. More walks around the magick studio garden needed . . . . . |
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And, we couldn't help but notice, the Dragon was suffering from a snuffling cold and sore throat. Impossible to blow smoke, let alone breathe fire.... |
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The
doctor who attended these mythical creatures was presently present in this dewy, chilly garden, applying soothing medicinal cream. And . . . endeavouring to feed him a nasty tasting medicine. The Witch stood beside the doctor watching closely his methods of working. For the doctor t'was become increasingly difficult to cover the vast area for which he was responsible. Help and assistance would never come amiss! The Flower Faeries did their bit - mainly back up. However, their skills were more the making of fruit teas, coffees and scrummy food for unwell creatures. The Ogre was grouchy this morning, having slept ill and now. discovered that, the centre of attention t'was the Dragon, not himself.... The Unicorn, too, was not his usual self. His front right fetlock had been injured during his last-night's visit to debris-strewn Space. He resented the prospect of having to rest, to remain as still and quiet as he was able. The Elves were their usual, self-seeking selves, the Imps and Pixies a trifle more sensitive to others! The Goblin and Gremlin were gone to market, the Mole, the Weasel and Stoat were visiting friends. As the day progressed, the Witch impulsively invited all and sundry to partake of the lavish tea that she had prepared for friends and family. Thus . . . the residents of the garden wended their way home in luxuriant mood... Debbie & Peter |
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7th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, The Wizard swept into the garden, aboard his moth eaten Magick carpet. |
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As
he came into land, he put his foot through a hole and, with a crack his ankle snapped and was broke. Oh, blast, damn and blast! He swore blue murder and screeched, collapsed in a heap yelling for the Witch to come to his aid immediately.... The Witch responded at a run, bathed his ankle, bound it, and called the Elfin doctor to visit, pronto.... The doctor was engaged with a patient. His arrival was delayed. The Wizard tore his hair, ranted and raved, caused the other residents of the garden to plug their ears and shove off quick.... At that, the Witch cuffed his ears, both ears smartly, bringing a soothing tranquility once more to the garden.... Wow!! Debbie & Peter |
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6th UNIQUE BOOK Special one-off book for private collector. So, busy, busy, busy in the studio, this weekend. |
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Meanwhile, The Cats were asleep under the open breakfast room window. In the shade? |
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Then
I saw it. A mouse hole. T'would be brand new, Oh, Lordy, Lordy.... The front door banged, and scores of footsteps shuffled across the carpets in the hallway. Silence. From under the door the Spider punched the clock, the Fly droned his irksome music, a bumble bee, the chorus. The rhythm liked I not. With reluctance I pushed the chair back, left the work assigned by my agent, went downstairs to the Library..... Debbie & Peter |
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| 5th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, |
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The
nonpareil Elf was a warrior, an explorer, a painter, a mountain climber and an author of Fantasy galaxy, note.... His age was indeterminate, his health and stamina exceptional. And his physical strength? I had watched him lift awe inspiring weights and throw boulders at least 2 times his size, believe me! The garden Elves could blow peas long distances from their pea shoots, fire rifles and pistols and fence with Elfen swords. The Stoat, Weasel and Mole, the Toad, the Frog and the Water Rat preferred cricket bats, Hockey sticks and Lacrosse sticks, too?! The Ghosts and ghostly Wolves and Werewolves made do with a scare or a fright. The Flower Faeries were loving and giving and the Ogre cornered the market in grouchiness and bad temper. The Unicorn chose to fly away from discord and the the Dragon breathed fire and blew clouds of grey smoke in the eyes of his foes. The Wizard and the Witch cast spells to metamorphose those who upset or distressed them from creature to a sculpture of brick, marble or stone. My inclination was to imitate the Cook and soak the culprit in dirty water.... Debbie & Peter |
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4th SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile, The Unicorn was chatting with a visiting grasshopper . . . . . |
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The
tongue they spoke dated from dem days of yore, of such a squint to see over the horizon long, long, long, long time ago. The Dragon flew over, skimming the tree tops. A late-to-go home bat dipped in and out of the grass. The Elves sat close to an Ogre-constructed fire, stretching hands and feet to the blaze and sliding closer and closer. The Ogre, himself, was traipsing through the fields, head bowed, hair unkempt, arms held rigid by his sides. As he swung along, his rigidity modulated. His head lifted, his whole face smiled, as he drank in the country landscape and breathed the fresh country air. The Elves, Imps and Pixies had naught to do - again?! So, they played cards, shook tambourines and plink plonked on their venerable, portable clavichord.... Debbie & Peter |
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3rd SIMULACRA (The Card Game) Update! |
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Meanwhile . . . out in the magick studio garden a different game is being played . . . . . |
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Meanwhile . . . back at the studio . . . . The
garden was, momentarily, a stopping place
for an archetypical kestrel passing through. The Crow escaped to the garden next door, lest the kestrel be hungry and chance upon him to form a part of its menu. The Flower Faeries, it ignored, the Elves it could deal with, the Imps and the Pixies were beyond its ken. Whilst the kestrel cleansed itself, had a sleep and a drink, the residents of the garden agreed to form a defence force, armour plating (?) A barrier against the prospect of becoming a delectable feast. It t'was substantiated when, the kestrel woke hungry. Scanning the immediate environs with his 20/20 vision, he picked out the meal of his choice - the Weasel, and the Stoat. The barrier held and the kestrel had perforce to do else and vamoose.... Debbie & Peter |
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| JANUARY - JULY HERE |
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