Pic of the Week . . . that's MRS Doctor Who to you

I confess, I have a LOT of catching up to do regarding Doctor Who, but you'll be pleased to know that I'm currently working on that thanks to Netflix. It wasn't something that I rushed out to watch when it was showing, but I did catch the odd episode and remember thinking to myself that that was really good. It's the same with Game of Thrones to be honest - but that's another story.

Anyway, I can't remember if I blogged about this all those years ago, about a dream I once had with Doctor Who, but I'm gonna blog about it again today, regardless. And what with Doctor Who being in the limelight at the moment and the news that the next Doctor is going to a woman, there's no better time to bring it up again.

So what do you guys think to the news? Will Jodie Whittaker become a successful Time Lord? I'm open for it and think it will be an interesting twist. I've watched her in a few other things and she's a good actress in my opinion but will the Doctor be the same as a female? And this is where my dream has a fun little answer to that...

Obviously I can only account for the episodes I've seen, so my facts may be slightly off. If so, you'll have to forgive me for that, but I do get the feeling the Doctor refuses to have any relationship with any of his female companions. All through the episodes with Rose Tyler, we watched how their relationship grew, evolved, and it was obvious that she loved him, but he never returned the feelings until the end, but even then he didn't actually say it. We're just lead to believe this was what he was going to say. And then afterwards we saw how painful it was for him to bring her up in conversations. So if he did actually like her that much, why didn't he act upon it?

In truth, according to my dream, he couldn't because...wait for it...he has no genitalia. True story! In my dream, he was asked why he would never take that step, and his answer was that Time Lords were minus any genitalia which meant any sexual relationship - especially with humans - was impossible. Whether this was kept secret due to embarrassment, I don't know, but that's why any relationship between the Doctor and his companion has never taken that final step.

So, if the Doctor wants to regenerate as a woman, why not? He's not defined by genitalia which sex he is, so in reality he's free to choose. And will being a female change anything? Of course not. It's still the Doctor. In fact, I'm surprised he hasn't made this choice sooner :)

Anyway, enough silliness. On to Pic of the Week. Sticking with a Doctor Who theme, this little beauty was created by Jasric on Devientart. If you like anything sci-fi, fantasy, film, TV, you have to check their gallery out. There's some real impressive pieces, including this piece below. So go check it out, and in the meantime...

...enjoy and have a good weekend!

  

Pic of the Week . . . Brandon McConnell

Today, highlighting the spray paint artist Brandon McConnell with his phenomenal talent with SpaceArt. I first saw a guy painting with spray paints about 15 - 20 years ago on a visit to Camden in London. He blew me away, so much so that I even went home and tried it myself. I created a few pieces, experimenting, but the cost of the equipment meant I didn't continue.  But still to this day, I could watch them spray all day long.

So, introducing Brandon McConnell. Be sure to check out his website - and, if you're interested, watch how he creates this specific piece in his video tutorial on YouTube.

Enjoy and have a grand weekend...

Pic of the Week . . . DareDevil

So, what does a writer do when they're not writing - or blogging? Well, watching a lot more TV, that's for sure. I've taken a very keen liking to the Netflix series Daredevil and Jessica Jones, and since finding out that the second series of Daredevil AND The Defenders, which bring them all together, are all on the cards, plus more, I'm am so excited. More time to spend not writing. Yay!

So what makes them different to the usual Marvel stuff that's out or in progress - which I also absolutely love? For starters, the writing. I don't know how they do it, but at some point they make you start routing for the bad guy - and you don't even realise it until you find yourself wishing they could have their happy ending (and question what the hell you're doing!). But in the words of Wilson Fisk, "Not everyone deserves a happy ending."

This week's Pic of the Week goes to NLMDA for his mind-blowing depiction of Charlie Cox as Daredevil. So go check out his other awesome pieces on his Tumblr website or like him on Facebook (which he deserves). He also does commissions too if his work can sway you.

Enjoy.

Daredevil by NLMDA

Pic of the Week . . . 'At Last, Sir Terry, We Must Walk Together...'

The Literary World suffered a major blow yesterday following the death of the great Terry Pratchett.

I've only ever read one of his books (shocking, I know) but I know people who absolutely adore him, and rightfully so.  He was brilliant at what he did.

I remember my first run-in with Pratchett - well, not him in person, but his work.  I was still at school and we were celebrating some kind of book week (I can't remember what) but they had a poster of Soul Music by Terry Pratchett on their wall.  I fell in love with this poster and asked if I could have it after, which they let me, and it sat on my bedroom wall for years.  It depicts Death on his bike.

If there's one thing you can say about Pratchett, it's that you could tell one of his books a mile away.  Their covers and illustrations by Paul Kidby are so unique.  They're busy, colourful, and manages to capture the style of his work to a T.  Even those who don't read Pratchett can recognise his work by the style of the covers.  They're so imaginative.

With the sad news of Pratchett's recent departure, I thought I'd dedicate this week's Pic of the Week to him, and I've chosen piece by Kidby himself.

So, in memory of Sir Terry Pratchett.  Rest in Piece.

'Check Mort' by Paul Kidby

  

Pic of the Week . . . Castle

I was just flicking through Google, looking for information on a post for next week when I come across this picture.  I haven't researched where it's from but I just loved it and so thought it deserved this week's spot.  The thing that drew me to it?  The way the dying light is playing across the actual castle.  And not forgetting the bright, autumn colours contrasting against the shadows.

Stunning...

  

Pic of the Week . . . Pastures New

What a week it's been.  First there was a dislocated jaw and an uncomfortable start to the week, next I've handed in my notice in my current job and am moving on to pastures new.

I'm hoping this is a good move creatively.  I'll be working at home again, and last time I was working at home my writing was soaring.  Since taking on a job in an office everything has suffered for some unknown reason; my writing, my art, reading, and even blogging (I'm sure many of you have noticed that).  I'm not blaming it on the job.  It's been a good job for the last two years, but I think it's stunted any creativity.  And so when I was offered this position to work at home again, I jumped at the chance, hoping it will give me more time to sink my teeth into the things I'm more passionate about and things I want to concentrate on going forward.  It's all about lifestyle change.

So, today's Pic of the Week has been inspired by Pastures New.  Unfortunately I don't know the artist, but the piece comes courtesy of WallPaperHi.com.

Enjoy and have an interesting weekend...

A Festive Pic of the Week . . .

Well, this is probably my last post for 2014 (A little early for Pic of the Week, I know), so I'll finish the year with this gem by an artist who goes by Brandrificus (Brandy) over on DeviantArt, an impressive US artist self-taught in the world of digital art.  Her gallery is definitely worth a visit if you like fairies and fantasy :)

So have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and thank you all for being there for 2014.

'Holly' by Brandificus

Pic of the Week . . . Snow

In honor of those out in the New York State with all that snow.  Keep safe out there, and don't forget your furry friends.  They need somewhere warm too.

I couldn't find the artist of this piece, so if you know
who they are, let me know and I'll credit them.

Pic of the Week . . . Mark Bryan

ON THIS DAY . . . (haven't done one of these in a while) in 1091, London was hit by a massive tornado, measuring T8/F4.  It's the first ever recorded tornado in the UK and destroyed churches, houses and businesses.  Even London Bridge, which was made from wood at the time, was destroyed. It's estimated that 18,000 people inhabited London at the time, all witness to the twister that tore through, and even though around 600 were left homeless, only 2 people were killed.

This fueled a tornado theme for Pic of the Week, and I found artist Mark Bryan whose work, I think, verges on a combination of reality vs dreamscape.  I really liked this piece for its imaginative simplicity.

You can see more of Mark's work on his website and prints are available to buy.

Enjoy and have a great weekend :)

'The Tornado Men' by Mark Bryan

Pic of the Week . . . Amalia Luliana Chitulescu

Well, it's official. This week saw the arrival of Autumn. I like autumn. I like the colours on the trees, the freshness in the air (I don't like the giant spiders that come in your house though, looking for somewhere warm to snuggle up for the winter). And the first thing that comes to mind when autumn arrives is bonfire night and getting your cosy hats, gloves and scarves out and snuggling over roaating marshmellows. Yep. Love autumn.

Anyway, in celebration of this time of the year, I've found a real gem for Pic of the Week. Amalia Luliana Chitulescu. If you like this piece as much as I do, do yourself a favour and check out her gallery on DeviantArt. She has some phenomenal pieces up there. It's well worth the visit.

Happy Autumn!

Pic of the Week . . . Storms Over UK

I love a good thunderstorm.  We don't enough in the UK, but we were in for a treat in the early hours of this morning.  All across the south of the UK (maybe even further) we were graced by a mega storm.  I've waited all year for this and hopefully we're in for some more this weekend too.  Here's hoping.

So for Pic of the Week I thought I'd share a few photos taken from last night.

Enjoy.

Lightning over Newquey, Cornwall

Lightning over the Isle of Wright

Pic of the Week . . . Dancing With Sharks

Happy Friday!

We're having a good - charitable - day at work today.  We're taking part in the Strawberry Tea fundraiser, raising money for Breast Cancer.  Lots of people in the office have baked and as I type half of the office are out in the car park with a BBQ on the go (I've just had my fill).  So even though there's still work to be done, there's plenty of food to purchase and consume and lots of fun.  I can't imagine much more being achieved today.  And it is Friday anyway...What better way to spend a Friday the 13th - and with a full moon thrown into the equation.

So, today is a charitable day, and one thing earlier caught my eye that would suit Pic of the Week a treat.

Hannah Fraser.  Ring any bells?  The model and marine conservationist has been in the headlines quite a bit just recently after dancing with a shoal of tiger sharks in protest against the worldwide killing of marine life, including tiger sharks, a threatened species after the popularity of shark-fin soup.    

I love sharks.  I think they're a very misunderstood species, as Hannah is proving.  Yeah, there was a chance of one taking a bite, and it was a risky photoshoot, but tiger sharks are known for their viciousness and did they take a chunk from her?  No.  Maybe this was just luck - or maybe it's proof that the species on a whole has been stereotyped by the movie Jaws.  I'm not saying we should all go swimming with them and cuddle them - god forbid, but...

Regardless of what people think, I support Hannah Fraser 100% for what she's campaigning against.  You can read more from this article.  In the meantime, here are two of her pictures.  Spread the word of her good work.

Have a good weekend :)

  

Pic of the Week . . . Banksy Mobile Lovers

I love Banksy.

Whenever I take a train ride into London I can't help but sit back and admire some of the graffiti on the way.  Most of it is tagging which looks messy and strongly sits under the term 'Vandalism', but then you'll come across a gem that is fantastic.  I know all graffiti is technically vandalism but the art and skill that goes into some of these pieces is often over-looked.  It's a form of art in itself.

For those who don't know, Banksy has recently been in the headlines with his newest piece.  He chose to use a door to a boy's club in Bristol as his canvas.  The idea wasn't to tag the area to say 'I WOZ 'ERE' so to speak, but to help raise money for the struggling club - a club he apparently attended as a boy (don't quote me on that bit).

The piece has been quoted to be worth £500,000.

This little piece was from Banksy's earlier days and sits on the side of the Thekla Social Boat in Bristol Harbour.  I loved it so much I had to show you.

Banksy's Grim Reaper, Thekla Social Boat

But the main piece for Pic of the Week is the topic piece of this post.  Mobile Lovers.

Enjoy and have a creative weekend...

Image from Butterfly

Pic of the Week (coinciding with A-Z) . . . Jonas Jakobsson

Today, the A-Z challenge seems to have fallen on J, so even though I’m not partaking, what better way to contribute than by choosing an artist for this week’s Pic of the Week whose name begins with J.

Returning to Jonas Jakobsson with a double J hit.  Check out his gallery on Deviant Art.

And name me a fantasy lover who doesn’t love a Ringwaith.

Have a great weekend J

Pic of the Week . . . New Mordor

It appears Mordor, the dark home of Sauron, is not a place of fiction anymore.  Worlds are converging.  Middle Earth is becoming a place of reality.

Just yesterday I was having a conversation with a colleague about places in Middle Earth and who Tolkien may have based them on.  We were thinking the Shire is Britain because we have a lot of shires over here, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, etc, and how Isengard could be based on Germany.  Gondor was likened to America, Rivendell was Switzerland, and then there were arguments about where the Dwarves and men of Rohan originated.  Feel free to add your ideas on this.

Then, low and behold, a few news articles popped up on Google.  The first google news article tells of how scientists have likened the Shires to Leicestershire and Lincolnshire (fair enough...ish.  That's basically what we said) but how Mordor is more like Los Angeles and Western Texas.  I don't entirely agree with this.  We put Mordor over in Russia - and with good reason. And this is proven with yet another google news article.

This week's Pic of the Week is from the second article.  It's a picture of Kamchatka volcano in Eastern Russia taken during its most recent eruption.  When compared against a picture of Mordor itself, it proves the convergence of this world and Middle Earth, making Eastern Russia the 'New Mordor'.  Lord of the Ring fanatics must be leaping with joy at the moment :) 

Kamchatka volcano in Eastern Russia

Mordor

So, in this Festive Season To Be Jolly, not only do we have to be good in case Santa is watching, we also have to be aware of the 'Eye of Sauron'.  If you're naughty he'll know, don't you know...

Pic of the Week . . . Thor: The Dark Work

I watched Thor: The Dark World in the cinema the other night and I loved it!  Yeah, just like the first one I felt they may have skimmed over a few things that would have been better explained, but I couldn't fault the over-all movie itself, plus the eye-candy that went with it in the form of Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston.  And give credit where credit is due, the graphics are spectacular.  I'm so glad we're living in an age where anything can be created for the big screen and look real - depending on budget, of course.  Sadly I only got to see it in 2D, but I can only imagine how great it would have seemed in 3D.

Asgard stunned me.  For any Fantasy or Sci-Fi writer out there, any creator of cities or worlds, Asgard sits on a visual level that we dream of.  If you create a city that's huge, spectacular and beautiful all at the same time, sometimes it can be hard to portray that in words.  You can see it, but can you write it and do it justice?  I only hope that should anyone choose to create my cities for the big screen (thinking widely here lol ) that they do it just as much justice as what they did for Asgard.

So for those who have yet to see it, do so, and do it before it disappears from the big screens.  Nothing compares to watching something on that scale (and a word of advice?  Stay until the very end of the credits, and I mean the VERY end) :)  And for Pic of the Week??  Well, I've given enough already, haven't I?  Or maybe I'll just post one more of the Bifrost...

Enjoy.

Pic of the Week . . . Seven Deadly Sins

I've been tagged (can I say 'tagged'?) By Mina Lobo over at Some Dark Romantic. Now, because of that I have to list my Seven Deadly Sins. Mina's post definitely raised a few chuckles and I have a lot to live up to, so here goes:

Gluttony: Just one more...It's always just one more with me. I don't watch much TV and don't keep up with all the good series that are out there. Instead, if I want to watch a series, I buy the DVD or watch it on Netflix. That way the button on the controller is always close enough to tempt me with just one more episode. I've lost whole evenings simply by watching just one more...

Greed: Hmmm...my Achilles's Heel. Books, CD's, DVDs (although this one has dwindled slightly since the introduction of Netflix in my house. Man, I love Netflix) and marvel memorabilia... Oh, and socks. Weird socks. Love 'em.

Wrath: I may think dark thoughts, may write dark things, but I rarely flare up at people. I'm usually pretty good at curbing my anger and then going off and seething in my own space. If I'm angry or upset, I go silent. Not too sure if this is a good thing or not...It certainly isn't when it comes to writing arguments.  How the hell do my characters respond to that??

Sloth: Ooh, sloth. Another Achilles's Heel. I usually struggle to get out of bed in the mornings and then can't wait to get back in it at night. I love my bed just as much as I love weird socks.

Pride: I'm proud.  I'm proud of being a creative.  I'm proud of my writing, of my drawing, and of being me. Should this be a sin?? Oh, and I'm a proud owner of a Persian Cat :)

Lust: Meh! I'll let Lust and Sloth battle that one out :) (What goes on the bedroom remains there...)

Envy: I confess. When one of my writer friends email round pieces of their work for us to read and critique, sometimes I find myself thinking that this is soooo good and why can't I write something like that. And when you're envious over someone else's work, it doesn't actually do your own confidence any good. That's a battle that insecure writers face every day.

I think I'm supposed to list seven unlucky bloggers who then have to list their seven deadly sins, but you know what?  Sloth comes into play here.  So if you fancy joining in then TAG - you're it!!

So there you go. My Seven Deadly Sins. And to coincide with these, I'm going to remind you all of an artist I've visited once or twice before.  Marta Dahlig over at Deviant Art.  This piece depicts Wrath, but if you want to see the rest of her collection check out her Sins Gallery and then move on to the rest.  You seriously won't be disappointed.

Pic of the Week . . . Jon Sullivan

I come across this piece completely by chance and fell in love it.  Then when I checked the artist and his website, I was blown away!

Introducing Jon Sullivan.

If you like this piece, check out the rest of his gallery on his website.  Fans of Fantasy and Sci-Fi won't be disappointed.

Have a great weekend :)

Pic of the Week . . . Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone.  Hope you all had a scary time, mwah ha ha haaa...

Pic: 'The Evil Within' but Jcdow3 on Deviant Art.  Go check out their gallery.  There's some awesome stuff going on over there :)

Pic of the Week . . . Saara Makinen

Bonjour...

Quick post this Friday for Pic of the Week.

Introducing Saara Makinen Arsinoes from Finland and her fabulous piece, the Dark Elf Summoner. 

So enjoy and have a grand weekend.  For those in the UK, enjoy the sun while it lasts :)