sitting here resting my bones

To say the last few days have been stressful would be an understatement. I've had no internet, at home, for ten days now. I've spent hours on the phone to my internet provider getting technical 'help', had one massive sweary rant at an obnoxious member of their 'customer care' team and then broke down tears to an overly nice lady in their Essex office (I've spoken to every office they have). It sounds pathetic, I know. But when your business and livelihood relies on you being online it's more than just missing messing around on Facebook or Twitter. Although, I've missed that too.

And things just seemed to get worse and worse. Mostly brought on by myself and my inability to function as an actual human being in the real world. By Saturday, and after a series of unbelievably embarrassing Larry David moments (I'll tell you about it another time, it's still raw), I just never wanted to leave the house ever again. But I did, and on Sunday I had a lovely afternoon, chilling and watching (well, drawing) some cricket with my sketching friends. So, everything feels better now. And, suddenly I have internet. It just started working. I have no idea how long I'll have it for but as soon as I noticed it was working I rugby tackled the laptop and started typing this.

These are all drawings I've made, out and about, over the last few days. I found some old calligraphy pens that I haven't used for years and have been getting hooked on the gorgeous unpredictable flow of a fountain pen nib. Below are some piss poor figure drawings from the cricket match. There are some moments and lines I like though. Specifically the ones that I picked out with that thick nib.

hanging out my old love letters

The problem with having lots of illustration work on is that all of one's own projects get pushed aside. Not that I'm complaining about having lots of work on. I live to draw. I did, however, take a little time out, from the paid work, to make this drawing above. I got the letter, and felt heart, through the mail the other day. It had to be drawn and I haven't finished with it yet. Nope, I just cannot resist Air Mail. And just to prove it, here are some of my old love letters...

on a quiet street corner

I've been living with this drawing for so long I can't even be bothered explaining it. Suffice to say it was a grower. It grew and grew and grew. Stick your nose in and have a look around. And if you don't know by now, you can do that by clicking on the drawing and then on the green arrows in the bottom right hand corner. Fill your boots.

tell me have you ever seen me

I was looking through some old stuff yesterday. Throughout my life I've always made books. Books of stuff. Books about nothing much. Just about life, I guess. I found this one which is about 15 years old. It's jam packed with drawings, photos, thoughts and ideas. I hadn't looked through it for years.

This page, particularly, made me smile. Not just because it looks like one of my drawings. And not just because Weller and Young can all be found amongst the stamps and other bits and pieces from places I've visited. But mostly because this is, without a doubt, my favourite photo of my mam and dad. Looking fabulous. Looking like a couple of young Mods.

I'm getting this urge. A feeling that I might just draw this entire page in one of my Moleskines.