Apple Tree with Red FruitGeorge Frederick Watts Orpheus and EurydiceGeorge Frederick Watts Orpheus and Eurydice detailUnknown Artist The SunFlowersSalvador Dali Portrait of the Cellist Ricard Pichot
scuse me‑‘
‘You only got to look at the way he leaping about and barking.’
‘That right. I saw him in this click, he showing people where to find lost children in caves.’
‘‑‘scuse me‑‘
A troll brow wrinkled. ‘To eat ‘em, you mean?’
‘No, to bring ‘em outside.’
‘What, like for a barbecue sort of thing?’
‘‑‘scuse me‑image viz‑ah‑viz public relations if we find lost children.’
‘And even if we don’t, we can eat the dog, right?’
The bar emptied, leaving only the usual clouds of smoke, cauldrons of molten troll drinks, Ruby idly scraping the congealed lava off the mugs, and a small, weary, moth‑eaten dog.‘Another foot caught Gaspode on the side of his bullet head.‘Could be he found some more. Look at the way he running back and forwards to the door. He one clever dog.’‘We could go look,’ said the first troll.‘Good idea. It seem like ages since I had my tea.’‘Listen, you not allowed to eat people in Holy Wood. It get us bad name! Also Silicon Anti‑Defamation League be down on you like a ton of rectangular building things.’‘Yeah, but could be a reward or something.’‘‑‘SCUSE ME‑‘‘Right! Also, big improvement for troll
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Michael Austin The Black Drape
Michael Austin The Black DrapeTalantbek Chekirov Tender PassionTalantbek Chekirov Missing YouTalantbek Chekirov Embrace in ParisTalantbek Chekirov Close Encounter
it’s a woman holding a torch over her head‑‘
Victor slowly turned back to the front of the book.
‘Yes?’ he said, carefully.
‘And she keeps on trying to tell me something, something I can’t make out, about waking something, and then there He went back to the chair, which was promising to become annoyingly uncomfortable within half an hour, and turned down the lamp.
Something in the hill. That was the danger.
The more immediate danger was that he was going to fall asleep, too.
He sat in the dark and worried. How did you wake up a sleepwalker, anywayare a lot of lights and this roar, like a lion or a tiger or something, you know? And then I wake up.’Victor’s finger idly traced the outline of the mountain under the stars.‘It’s probably just a dream,’ he said. ‘It probably doesn’t mean anything.’Of course, Holy Wood Hill wasn’t pointed. But perhaps it was once, in the days when there had been a city where now there was a bay. Good grief. Something must have really hated this place.‘You don’t remember anything else about the dream, by any chance?’ he asked, with feigned casualness.There was no answer. He crept to the bed.She was asleep.
it’s a woman holding a torch over her head‑‘
Victor slowly turned back to the front of the book.
‘Yes?’ he said, carefully.
‘And she keeps on trying to tell me something, something I can’t make out, about waking something, and then there He went back to the chair, which was promising to become annoyingly uncomfortable within half an hour, and turned down the lamp.
Something in the hill. That was the danger.
The more immediate danger was that he was going to fall asleep, too.
He sat in the dark and worried. How did you wake up a sleepwalker, anywayare a lot of lights and this roar, like a lion or a tiger or something, you know? And then I wake up.’Victor’s finger idly traced the outline of the mountain under the stars.‘It’s probably just a dream,’ he said. ‘It probably doesn’t mean anything.’Of course, Holy Wood Hill wasn’t pointed. But perhaps it was once, in the days when there had been a city where now there was a bay. Good grief. Something must have really hated this place.‘You don’t remember anything else about the dream, by any chance?’ he asked, with feigned casualness.There was no answer. He crept to the bed.She was asleep.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Lord Frederick Leighton Odalisque
Lord Frederick Leighton OdalisqueLord Frederick Leighton NausicaaJean Auguste Dominique Ingres Napoleon I on His Imperial ThroneJean Auguste Dominique Ingres Mme MoitessierJean Auguste Dominique Ingres La Grande baigneuse
for a day off,’ said Mr Thumpy.
‘No-one asks for a day off in Holy Wood!’ said Victor. ‘I’ve been fired once, thank you.’
‘And he his body all day. Every time he’d shut his eyes he kept seeing a figure shaped like a small hillock. He had to face up to it. Detritus was in love.
Yes, he’d spent many years in Ankh-Morpork hitting people for money. Yes, it had been a friendless, brutalizing life. And a lonely one, too. He’d been resigned to an old-age of bitter bachelorhood and suddenly, now, Holy Wood was handing him a chance he’d never dreamed of.
He’d been strictly brought up and he could dimly remember the lecture he’d been given by his father when he was a young troll. If you saw a girl you liked, you didn’t just rush at her. There were proper ways to go about things. took you on again at more money,’ said Gaspode. ‘Funny, that.’ He scratched an ear. ‘Tell him your contract says you can have a day off.’ ‘I haven’t got a contract. You know that. You work, you get paid. It’s simple.’ ‘Yeah,’ said Gaspode. ‘Yeah. Yeah? A verbal contract. It’s simple. I like it.’ Towards the end of the night Detritus the troll lurked awkwardly in the shadows by the back door of the Blue Lias. Strange passions had wracked
for a day off,’ said Mr Thumpy.
‘No-one asks for a day off in Holy Wood!’ said Victor. ‘I’ve been fired once, thank you.’
‘And he his body all day. Every time he’d shut his eyes he kept seeing a figure shaped like a small hillock. He had to face up to it. Detritus was in love.
Yes, he’d spent many years in Ankh-Morpork hitting people for money. Yes, it had been a friendless, brutalizing life. And a lonely one, too. He’d been resigned to an old-age of bitter bachelorhood and suddenly, now, Holy Wood was handing him a chance he’d never dreamed of.
He’d been strictly brought up and he could dimly remember the lecture he’d been given by his father when he was a young troll. If you saw a girl you liked, you didn’t just rush at her. There were proper ways to go about things. took you on again at more money,’ said Gaspode. ‘Funny, that.’ He scratched an ear. ‘Tell him your contract says you can have a day off.’ ‘I haven’t got a contract. You know that. You work, you get paid. It’s simple.’ ‘Yeah,’ said Gaspode. ‘Yeah. Yeah? A verbal contract. It’s simple. I like it.’ Towards the end of the night Detritus the troll lurked awkwardly in the shadows by the back door of the Blue Lias. Strange passions had wracked
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Vincent van Gogh Houses at Auvers
Vincent van Gogh Houses at AuversVincent van Gogh Tree trunksVincent van Gogh Stairway at AuversVincent van Gogh Souvenir de MauveVincent van Gogh Peach Tree in Bloom
kind of dreams?’ said Victor.
‘It’s bloody embarrassing,’ said Gaspode. ‘Like, in one there’s this bridge that’s been washed away and I have to run and bark a warning, right? And there’s another where this house is on fire and I drag these kids out. And there’s one where some kids are lost in these caves and I find ‘em and go and lead the search party to
A little twig fire burned on the slope of Holy Wood Hill. Victor had lit it because - well, because it was reassuring. Because it was the sort of thing humans did.
He found it necessary to remember he was human, and them . . . and I hates kids. Seems I can’t get me ‘ead down these days without rescuin’ people or savin’ people or foilin’ robbers or sunnink. I mean, I’m seven years old, I got hardpad, I got scurf, I got fleas somethin’ dreadful, I don’t need to be a ‘ero every time I go to sleep.’ ‘Gosh. Isn’t life interesting,’ said Victor, ‘when you see it from someone else’s perspective . . . ?’ Gaspode rolled a crusted yellow eye skyward. ‘Er. Where are we going?’ said Victor. ‘We’re goin’ to see a few Holy Wood folk,’ said Gaspode. ‘ ‘Cos there’s something weird goin’ on.’ ‘Up on the hill? I didn’t know there were any people on the hill.’ ‘They ain’t people,’ said Gaspode.
kind of dreams?’ said Victor.
‘It’s bloody embarrassing,’ said Gaspode. ‘Like, in one there’s this bridge that’s been washed away and I have to run and bark a warning, right? And there’s another where this house is on fire and I drag these kids out. And there’s one where some kids are lost in these caves and I find ‘em and go and lead the search party to
A little twig fire burned on the slope of Holy Wood Hill. Victor had lit it because - well, because it was reassuring. Because it was the sort of thing humans did.
He found it necessary to remember he was human, and them . . . and I hates kids. Seems I can’t get me ‘ead down these days without rescuin’ people or savin’ people or foilin’ robbers or sunnink. I mean, I’m seven years old, I got hardpad, I got scurf, I got fleas somethin’ dreadful, I don’t need to be a ‘ero every time I go to sleep.’ ‘Gosh. Isn’t life interesting,’ said Victor, ‘when you see it from someone else’s perspective . . . ?’ Gaspode rolled a crusted yellow eye skyward. ‘Er. Where are we going?’ said Victor. ‘We’re goin’ to see a few Holy Wood folk,’ said Gaspode. ‘ ‘Cos there’s something weird goin’ on.’ ‘Up on the hill? I didn’t know there were any people on the hill.’ ‘They ain’t people,’ said Gaspode.
Frida Kahlo Self Portrait with Braid
Frida Kahlo Self Portrait with BraidFrida Kahlo Naturaleza vivaFrida Kahlo MemoryFrida Kahlo Me and My ParrotsFrida Kahlo Me and My Doll
What’s hawt cuisyne?’ said Victor.
‘It’s foreign,’ said Dibbler. He scowled at Victor. Someone like Victor under the same roof wasn’t part of the plan. He’d been hoping to get Silverfish alone. ‘Means food,’ he added.
Silverfish stared at the card.
‘What about it?’ he said.
‘Why . ‘That’s not important.’
‘But,’ Silverfish said, ‘if we went around saying Harga’s House of Ribs was the best place in the city, what would all the other restaurants think?’
Dibbler leaned across the table.
‘They’d think,’ he said, ‘ "Why didn’t we think of it first?" ‘
He sat back. Silverfish flashed him a look of bright incomprehensiondon’t you’, said Dibbler, speaking very carefully, ‘hold this card up at the end of the performance?’ ‘Why should we do that?’ ‘Because someone like Sham Harp will pay you a lo– quite a lot of money,’ said Dibbler. They stared at the card. ‘I’ve eaten at Harga’s House of Ribs,’ said Victor. ‘I wouldn’t say it’s the best. Not the best. A long way from being the best.’ He thought for a bit. ‘About as far away from being the best as you can get, in fact.’ ‘That doesn’t matter,’ said Dibbler sharply
What’s hawt cuisyne?’ said Victor.
‘It’s foreign,’ said Dibbler. He scowled at Victor. Someone like Victor under the same roof wasn’t part of the plan. He’d been hoping to get Silverfish alone. ‘Means food,’ he added.
Silverfish stared at the card.
‘What about it?’ he said.
‘Why . ‘That’s not important.’
‘But,’ Silverfish said, ‘if we went around saying Harga’s House of Ribs was the best place in the city, what would all the other restaurants think?’
Dibbler leaned across the table.
‘They’d think,’ he said, ‘ "Why didn’t we think of it first?" ‘
He sat back. Silverfish flashed him a look of bright incomprehensiondon’t you’, said Dibbler, speaking very carefully, ‘hold this card up at the end of the performance?’ ‘Why should we do that?’ ‘Because someone like Sham Harp will pay you a lo– quite a lot of money,’ said Dibbler. They stared at the card. ‘I’ve eaten at Harga’s House of Ribs,’ said Victor. ‘I wouldn’t say it’s the best. Not the best. A long way from being the best.’ He thought for a bit. ‘About as far away from being the best as you can get, in fact.’ ‘That doesn’t matter,’ said Dibbler sharply
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Jean Francois Millet Garden
Jean Francois Millet GardenHerbert James Draper Ulysses and the SirensHerbert James Draper LamiaHerbert James Draper Lament for IcarusGeorge Inness The Coming Storm
Mind you,’ he said, selecting another puffed morsel, ‘it does have a certain something, doesn’t it? They do seem right. What did you say it’s called?’
‘Hasn’t really got a name,’ said Peavie. ‘I just call it banged grains.’
Silverfish took another one. ‘Funny how you want to go on eating them,’ he said. ‘Sort of more-ish. Banged grains? Right. Anyway . . . gentlemen, let us turn the handle one more time.’
Lully of sunlight and land, waiting for us. It’s our chance, lads. We’re not allowed to make magic, we can’t make gold, we can’t even make a living - so let’s make moving pictures. Let’s make history!’
The alchemists sat back and looked more cheerful.
‘Yeah,’ said Lully. started to wind the film back into the unmagical lantern. ‘You were saying you knew a place where we could really build up the project and where the wizards wouldn’t bother us?’ he said. Silverfish grabbed a handful of banged grains. ‘It’s along the coast a way,’ he said. ‘Nice and sunny and no-one ever goes there these days. Nothing there but some wind-blown old forest and a temple and sand dunes.’ ‘A temple? Gods can get really pissed if you–’ Peavie began. ‘Look,’ said Silverfish, ‘the whole area’s been deserted for centuries. There’s nothing there. No people, no gods, no nothing. Just lots
Mind you,’ he said, selecting another puffed morsel, ‘it does have a certain something, doesn’t it? They do seem right. What did you say it’s called?’
‘Hasn’t really got a name,’ said Peavie. ‘I just call it banged grains.’
Silverfish took another one. ‘Funny how you want to go on eating them,’ he said. ‘Sort of more-ish. Banged grains? Right. Anyway . . . gentlemen, let us turn the handle one more time.’
Lully of sunlight and land, waiting for us. It’s our chance, lads. We’re not allowed to make magic, we can’t make gold, we can’t even make a living - so let’s make moving pictures. Let’s make history!’
The alchemists sat back and looked more cheerful.
‘Yeah,’ said Lully. started to wind the film back into the unmagical lantern. ‘You were saying you knew a place where we could really build up the project and where the wizards wouldn’t bother us?’ he said. Silverfish grabbed a handful of banged grains. ‘It’s along the coast a way,’ he said. ‘Nice and sunny and no-one ever goes there these days. Nothing there but some wind-blown old forest and a temple and sand dunes.’ ‘A temple? Gods can get really pissed if you–’ Peavie began. ‘Look,’ said Silverfish, ‘the whole area’s been deserted for centuries. There’s nothing there. No people, no gods, no nothing. Just lots
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thomas Kinkade London
Thomas Kinkade LondonThomas Kinkade Light of FreedomThomas Kinkade GracelandThomas Kinkade Deer Creek CottageThomas Kinkade Cobblestone BridgeThomas Kinkade Clearing Storms
The noise stopped, filling the air with the dark metallic clang of sudden silence. The light went out, lancing the night with blue and purple afterimages. It was not the silence and darkness of conclusion but of pause, like the moment of equilibrium when a thrown ball runs out of acceleration but has yet to have gravity drawn to its attention and, at it.
And then, with deceptive slowness and considerable dignity, it exploded.
It was almost too crass a word. What it did was this: it came apart ponderously into building-sized chunks which drifted gently away from one another, flying serenely out and over the necropolis. Several of them struck other pyramids, badly damaging them in a lazy, unselfconscious way, and then bounded on in silence until they ploughed to a halt behind a small mountain of rubble. for a brief moment, thinks that the worst is over. This time it was heralded by a shrill whistling out of the clear sky and a swirl in the air that became a glow, became a flame, became a flare that sizzled downwards into the pyramid, punching into the mass of black marble. Fingers of lightning crackled out and grounded on the lesser tombs around it, so that serpents of white fire burned their way from pyramid to pyramid across the necropolis and the air filled with the stink of burning stone. In the middle of the firestorm the Great Pyramid appeared to lift up a few inches, on a beam of incandescence, and turn through ninety degrees. This was almost certainly the special type of optical illusion which can take place even though noone is actually looking
The noise stopped, filling the air with the dark metallic clang of sudden silence. The light went out, lancing the night with blue and purple afterimages. It was not the silence and darkness of conclusion but of pause, like the moment of equilibrium when a thrown ball runs out of acceleration but has yet to have gravity drawn to its attention and, at it.
And then, with deceptive slowness and considerable dignity, it exploded.
It was almost too crass a word. What it did was this: it came apart ponderously into building-sized chunks which drifted gently away from one another, flying serenely out and over the necropolis. Several of them struck other pyramids, badly damaging them in a lazy, unselfconscious way, and then bounded on in silence until they ploughed to a halt behind a small mountain of rubble. for a brief moment, thinks that the worst is over. This time it was heralded by a shrill whistling out of the clear sky and a swirl in the air that became a glow, became a flame, became a flare that sizzled downwards into the pyramid, punching into the mass of black marble. Fingers of lightning crackled out and grounded on the lesser tombs around it, so that serpents of white fire burned their way from pyramid to pyramid across the necropolis and the air filled with the stink of burning stone. In the middle of the firestorm the Great Pyramid appeared to lift up a few inches, on a beam of incandescence, and turn through ninety degrees. This was almost certainly the special type of optical illusion which can take place even though noone is actually looking
Monday, March 23, 2009
John William Waterhouse The Lady of Shalott
John William Waterhouse The Lady of ShalottJohn William Waterhouse waterhouse OpheliaJohn William Waterhouse Hylas and the NymphsJohn William Waterhouse Waterhouse OpheliaLeonardo da Vinci Portrait of Ginevra Benci
He knew they had galloped into Ephebe. He should be looking across the fertile, pyramid-speckled valley of the Djel that lay between the two countries.
He'd spent an hour looking for it.
It was inexplicable. It was uncanny. It was also extremely embarrassing.
He shadeddecided it was time he should come back in out of the sun.
He shook her hand off his shoulder, and gestured impatiently. 'I've found it!' He pulled a knife from his boot and started poking at the stones.
'Where?'
'Here!'
She laid a ringed hand on his forehead.
'Oh yes,' she said. 'I see. Yes. Good. Now I think you'd better come into the shade.'
'No, I mean it! Here! Look!' his eyes and stared around for the thousandth time at the silent, baking landscape. And moved his head. And saw Djelibeybi. It flashed across his vision in an instant. He jerked his eyes back and saw it again, a brief flash of misty colour that vanished as soon as he concentrated on it. Some minutes later Ptraci peered out of the shade and saw him get down on his hands and knees. When he started turning over rocks she
He knew they had galloped into Ephebe. He should be looking across the fertile, pyramid-speckled valley of the Djel that lay between the two countries.
He'd spent an hour looking for it.
It was inexplicable. It was uncanny. It was also extremely embarrassing.
He shadeddecided it was time he should come back in out of the sun.
He shook her hand off his shoulder, and gestured impatiently. 'I've found it!' He pulled a knife from his boot and started poking at the stones.
'Where?'
'Here!'
She laid a ringed hand on his forehead.
'Oh yes,' she said. 'I see. Yes. Good. Now I think you'd better come into the shade.'
'No, I mean it! Here! Look!' his eyes and stared around for the thousandth time at the silent, baking landscape. And moved his head. And saw Djelibeybi. It flashed across his vision in an instant. He jerked his eyes back and saw it again, a brief flash of misty colour that vanished as soon as he concentrated on it. Some minutes later Ptraci peered out of the shade and saw him get down on his hands and knees. When he started turning over rocks she
Friday, March 20, 2009
Gustav Klimt Judith II (gold foil)
Gustav Klimt Judith II (gold foil)Gustav Klimt Hygieia (II)Gustav Klimt Goldfish (detail)Salvador Dali TigerSalvador Dali The Sacrament of the Last Supper
Various-headed gods vied for his attention, explaining details of godhood, while in the background a distant voice tried to attract his attention and screamed something about not wanting to be buried under a load of stone. But he had no time to concentrate on this, because he saw seven fat cows and seven thin cows, one of them playing a bigger, bigger than the world, so that at last the pyramid was so big that the whole world was a speck in the centre.
And in the centre of the pyramid, something very strange happened.
And the pyramid grew smaller, taking the world with it. and vanished . . .
Of course, when you're a pharaoh, you get a very high class of obscure dream.
Another day dawned, courtesy of the king, who was curled up on the bed and using his rolled-up clothes as a pillow. Around the stone maze of the palace the servants of the kingdom began to wake up.trombone. But that was an old dream, he dreamt that one nearly every night. And then there was a man firing arrows at a tortoise . . . And then he was walking over the desert and found a tiny pyramid, only a few inches high. A wind sprang up and blew away the sand, only now it wasn't a wind, it was the pyramid rising, sand tumbling down its gleaming sides . And it grew bigger and
Various-headed gods vied for his attention, explaining details of godhood, while in the background a distant voice tried to attract his attention and screamed something about not wanting to be buried under a load of stone. But he had no time to concentrate on this, because he saw seven fat cows and seven thin cows, one of them playing a bigger, bigger than the world, so that at last the pyramid was so big that the whole world was a speck in the centre.
And in the centre of the pyramid, something very strange happened.
And the pyramid grew smaller, taking the world with it. and vanished . . .
Of course, when you're a pharaoh, you get a very high class of obscure dream.
Another day dawned, courtesy of the king, who was curled up on the bed and using his rolled-up clothes as a pillow. Around the stone maze of the palace the servants of the kingdom began to wake up.trombone. But that was an old dream, he dreamt that one nearly every night. And then there was a man firing arrows at a tortoise . . . And then he was walking over the desert and found a tiny pyramid, only a few inches high. A wind sprang up and blew away the sand, only now it wasn't a wind, it was the pyramid rising, sand tumbling down its gleaming sides . And it grew bigger and
Jack Vettriano Valentine Rose
Jack Vettriano Valentine RoseJack Vettriano Union JackJack Vettriano Tuesday's childJack Vettriano Traffic Light MomentJack Vettriano the_Tourist_trap
swung his legs off the slab in the little chamber. With barely a conscious prompting from his brain his right hand grasped the snake-entwined staff of office. He paused to make another mark on the wall, pulled his robe It reached sundown without anything particularly unpleasant happening to it* (* Such as being buried in the sand and having eggs laid in it.), and its dying rays chanced to shine in through a window in the city of Ankh-Morpork and gleam off a mirror.
It was a full-length mirror. All assassins had a full-length mirror in their rooms, because it would be a terrible insult to anyone to kill them when you were badly dressed.around him and stepped smartly down the sloping passage and out into the sunlight, the words of the Invocation of the New Sun already lining up in his mind. The night was forgotten, the day was ahead. There was much careful advice and guidance to be given, and Dios existed only to serve. Dios didn't have the oddest bedroom in the world. It was just the oddest bedroom anyone has ever walked out of. And the sun toiled across the sky. Many people have wondered why. Some people think a giant dung beetle pushes it. As explanations go it lacks a certain technical edge, and has the added drawback that, as certain circumstances may reveal, it is possibly correct.
swung his legs off the slab in the little chamber. With barely a conscious prompting from his brain his right hand grasped the snake-entwined staff of office. He paused to make another mark on the wall, pulled his robe It reached sundown without anything particularly unpleasant happening to it* (* Such as being buried in the sand and having eggs laid in it.), and its dying rays chanced to shine in through a window in the city of Ankh-Morpork and gleam off a mirror.
It was a full-length mirror. All assassins had a full-length mirror in their rooms, because it would be a terrible insult to anyone to kill them when you were badly dressed.around him and stepped smartly down the sloping passage and out into the sunlight, the words of the Invocation of the New Sun already lining up in his mind. The night was forgotten, the day was ahead. There was much careful advice and guidance to be given, and Dios existed only to serve. Dios didn't have the oddest bedroom in the world. It was just the oddest bedroom anyone has ever walked out of. And the sun toiled across the sky. Many people have wondered why. Some people think a giant dung beetle pushes it. As explanations go it lacks a certain technical edge, and has the added drawback that, as certain circumstances may reveal, it is possibly correct.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Henri Matisse The Blue Window
Henri Matisse The Blue WindowHenri Matisse Spanish Still LifeHenri Matisse Moroccan LandscapeHenri Matisse Moorish ScreenHenri Matisse Luxe I
The Fool pushed away the wet nose of an inquisitive cow.
'The duke will be expecting you,' he added.
'You said he said we weren't to know.'
'He said I mustn't tell you. But he also said, "They'll come anyway, I hope they do." Strange, really. He seemed in a very good mood when he said it. Um. Can I see you after the show?'
'Is that alldid do unpleasant things to people, sometimes.
Tomorrow night came, and the witches went by a roundabout route to the castle, with considerable reluctance.
'If he wants us to be here, I don't want to go,' said Granny. 'He's got some plan. He's using headology on us.'
'There's something up,' said Magrat. 'He had his men set fire to three cottages in our village last night. He always he said?''Oh, there was something about showing witches their future. I didn't understand it. I really would like to see you after the show, you know. I brought—''I think I might be washing my hair,' said Magrat vaguely. 'Excuse me, I really ought to be going.''Yes, but I brought you this pres—' said the Fool vaguely, watching her departing figure.He sagged as she disappeared between the trees, and looked down at the necklace wound tightly between his nervous fingers. It was, he had to admit, terribly tasteless, but it was the sort of thing she liked, all silver and skulls. It had cost him too much.A cow, misled by his horns, stuck its tongue in his ear.It was true, the Fool thought. Witches
The Fool pushed away the wet nose of an inquisitive cow.
'The duke will be expecting you,' he added.
'You said he said we weren't to know.'
'He said I mustn't tell you. But he also said, "They'll come anyway, I hope they do." Strange, really. He seemed in a very good mood when he said it. Um. Can I see you after the show?'
'Is that alldid do unpleasant things to people, sometimes.
Tomorrow night came, and the witches went by a roundabout route to the castle, with considerable reluctance.
'If he wants us to be here, I don't want to go,' said Granny. 'He's got some plan. He's using headology on us.'
'There's something up,' said Magrat. 'He had his men set fire to three cottages in our village last night. He always he said?''Oh, there was something about showing witches their future. I didn't understand it. I really would like to see you after the show, you know. I brought—''I think I might be washing my hair,' said Magrat vaguely. 'Excuse me, I really ought to be going.''Yes, but I brought you this pres—' said the Fool vaguely, watching her departing figure.He sagged as she disappeared between the trees, and looked down at the necklace wound tightly between his nervous fingers. It was, he had to admit, terribly tasteless, but it was the sort of thing she liked, all silver and skulls. It had cost him too much.A cow, misled by his horns, stuck its tongue in his ear.It was true, the Fool thought. Witches
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Juan Gris The Open Window
Juan Gris The Open WindowJuan Gris The Mountain Le CanigouJuan Gris The Guitar 1918Juan Gris TeacupsJuan Gris Portrait of Josette Gris
made these words, Hwel thought. But they don't belong to me. They belong to him.
Look at ,' said Tomjon.
'A good deal too well, I reckon.'
The boy rubbed his hands together. 'Right. Where shall we go next?'
'Next?'
'Tonight is young!'
'No, tonight is dead. It's today that's young,' said the dwarf hurriedly.
'Well, I'm not going home yet. Isn't there somewhere a bit more friendly? We haven't actually those people. Not a patriotic thought among them, but if Tomjon asked them, this bunch of drunkards would storm die Patrician's palace tonight. And they'd probably succeed.I just hope his mouth never falls into the wrong hands . . .As the last syllables died away, their white-hot echoes searing across every mind in the room, Hwel shook himself and crawled out of hiding and jabbed Tomjon on the knee.'Come away now, you fool,' he hissed. 'Before it wears off.'He grasped the boy firmly by the arm, handed a couple of complimentary tickets to the stunned barman, and hurried up the steps. He didn't stop until they were a street away.'I thought I was doing rather well there
made these words, Hwel thought. But they don't belong to me. They belong to him.
Look at ,' said Tomjon.
'A good deal too well, I reckon.'
The boy rubbed his hands together. 'Right. Where shall we go next?'
'Next?'
'Tonight is young!'
'No, tonight is dead. It's today that's young,' said the dwarf hurriedly.
'Well, I'm not going home yet. Isn't there somewhere a bit more friendly? We haven't actually those people. Not a patriotic thought among them, but if Tomjon asked them, this bunch of drunkards would storm die Patrician's palace tonight. And they'd probably succeed.I just hope his mouth never falls into the wrong hands . . .As the last syllables died away, their white-hot echoes searing across every mind in the room, Hwel shook himself and crawled out of hiding and jabbed Tomjon on the knee.'Come away now, you fool,' he hissed. 'Before it wears off.'He grasped the boy firmly by the arm, handed a couple of complimentary tickets to the stunned barman, and hurried up the steps. He didn't stop until they were a street away.'I thought I was doing rather well there
Monday, March 16, 2009
Frida Kahlo Self Portrait with Cropped Hair
Frida Kahlo Self Portrait with Cropped HairFrida Kahlo Self Portrait with BraidFrida Kahlo Naturaleza vivaFrida Kahlo MemoryFrida Kahlo Me and My Parrots
Vitoller leaned down.
'Do you believe that?'
'I believe I heard a voice that took my doggerel and shaped it and fired it back through my ears and straight into my Spring came, and ex-King Verence still wasn't taking being dead lying down. He prowled the castle relentlessly, seeking for a way in which its ancient stones would release their grip on him.
He was also trying to keep out of the way of the other ghosts.
Champot was all right, if a bit tiresome. But Verence had backed away at the first sight of the Twins, toddling hand heart,' said Hwel simply. 'I believe I heard a voice that got behind the crude shape of the words and said the things I had meant them to say, but had not the skill to achieve. Who knows where such things come from?'He stared impassively into Vitoller's red face. 'He may have inherited it from his father,' he said.'But-''And who knows what witches may achieve?' said the dwarf.Vitoller felt his wife's hand pushed into his. As he stood up, bewildered and angry, she kissed him on the back of the neck.'Don't torture yourself,' she said. 'Isn't it all for the best? Your son has declaimed his first word.'
Vitoller leaned down.
'Do you believe that?'
'I believe I heard a voice that took my doggerel and shaped it and fired it back through my ears and straight into my Spring came, and ex-King Verence still wasn't taking being dead lying down. He prowled the castle relentlessly, seeking for a way in which its ancient stones would release their grip on him.
He was also trying to keep out of the way of the other ghosts.
Champot was all right, if a bit tiresome. But Verence had backed away at the first sight of the Twins, toddling hand heart,' said Hwel simply. 'I believe I heard a voice that got behind the crude shape of the words and said the things I had meant them to say, but had not the skill to achieve. Who knows where such things come from?'He stared impassively into Vitoller's red face. 'He may have inherited it from his father,' he said.'But-''And who knows what witches may achieve?' said the dwarf.Vitoller felt his wife's hand pushed into his. As he stood up, bewildered and angry, she kissed him on the back of the neck.'Don't torture yourself,' she said. 'Isn't it all for the best? Your son has declaimed his first word.'
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Brent Heighton After the Rain
Brent Heighton After the RainAlbert Moore silverAlbert Moore DreamersAlbert Moore A VenusAlbert Moore A Musician
duke leaned forward on his throne.
'I trust,' he said, 'that they do pay taxes?'
'Not, exactly pay taxes, my lord,' said the chamberlain.
There was silence. Finally the duke prompted, 'Go on, man.'
'Well, it's it happen. But killing a kinsman rather stuck in the throat or – he recalled – the liver.
'Quite so,' he managed. 'Of course, there would appear to be many witches, and it might be difficult to find the three that were on the moor.'
'That doesn't matter.'more that they don't pay, you see. We never felt, that is, the old king didn't think . . . Well, they just don't.'The duke laid a hand on his wife's arm.'I see,' he said coldly. 'Very well. You may go.'The chamberlain gave him a brief nod of relief and scuttled crabwise from the hall.'Well!' said the duchess.'Indeed.''That was how your family used to run a kingdom, was it? You had a positive duty to kill your cousin. It was clearly in the interests of the species,' said the duchess. 'The weak don't deserve to survive.'The duke shivered. She would keep on reminding him. He didn't, on the whole, object to killing people, or at least ordering them to be killed and then watching
duke leaned forward on his throne.
'I trust,' he said, 'that they do pay taxes?'
'Not, exactly pay taxes, my lord,' said the chamberlain.
There was silence. Finally the duke prompted, 'Go on, man.'
'Well, it's it happen. But killing a kinsman rather stuck in the throat or – he recalled – the liver.
'Quite so,' he managed. 'Of course, there would appear to be many witches, and it might be difficult to find the three that were on the moor.'
'That doesn't matter.'more that they don't pay, you see. We never felt, that is, the old king didn't think . . . Well, they just don't.'The duke laid a hand on his wife's arm.'I see,' he said coldly. 'Very well. You may go.'The chamberlain gave him a brief nod of relief and scuttled crabwise from the hall.'Well!' said the duchess.'Indeed.''That was how your family used to run a kingdom, was it? You had a positive duty to kill your cousin. It was clearly in the interests of the species,' said the duchess. 'The weak don't deserve to survive.'The duke shivered. She would keep on reminding him. He didn't, on the whole, object to killing people, or at least ordering them to be killed and then watching
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Pino LONG STEMMED LOVELIES
Pino LONG STEMMED LOVELIESPino DRESSING TABLEPino DAYDREAM
ALL THE DEMONS OF HELL REND YOUR LIVING SPIRIT IF YOU DON'T GET OUT OF THE SHOP THIS MINUTE, Death tried.
'I don't know about that, but what about my bedwarmer? It's no place for a respectable woman up there, they tried to —''My husband will be told about this,' said the cook darkly, as she left the shop. It seemed to Death that no threat of his could possibly be as dire.
He stalked back through the curtains. Keeble, still slumped in his chair, gave a kind of strangled gurgle.
'It was true!' he said. 'I thought you were a nightmare!'
I COULD TAKE OFFENCE AT THAT, said Death. IF YOU WOULD CARE TO GO AWAY, said Death desperately, I WILL GIVE YOU SOME MONEY.'How much?' said the cook, with a speed that would have outdistanced a striking rattlesnake and given lightning a nasty shock.Death pulled out his coin bag and tipped a heap of verdigrised and darkened coins on the counter. She regarded them with deep suspicion.NOW LEAVE UPON THE INSTANT, said Death, and added, BEFORE THE SEARING WINDS OF INFINITY SCORCH THY WORTHLESS CARCASS.
ALL THE DEMONS OF HELL REND YOUR LIVING SPIRIT IF YOU DON'T GET OUT OF THE SHOP THIS MINUTE, Death tried.
'I don't know about that, but what about my bedwarmer? It's no place for a respectable woman up there, they tried to —''My husband will be told about this,' said the cook darkly, as she left the shop. It seemed to Death that no threat of his could possibly be as dire.
He stalked back through the curtains. Keeble, still slumped in his chair, gave a kind of strangled gurgle.
'It was true!' he said. 'I thought you were a nightmare!'
I COULD TAKE OFFENCE AT THAT, said Death. IF YOU WOULD CARE TO GO AWAY, said Death desperately, I WILL GIVE YOU SOME MONEY.'How much?' said the cook, with a speed that would have outdistanced a striking rattlesnake and given lightning a nasty shock.Death pulled out his coin bag and tipped a heap of verdigrised and darkened coins on the counter. She regarded them with deep suspicion.NOW LEAVE UPON THE INSTANT, said Death, and added, BEFORE THE SEARING WINDS OF INFINITY SCORCH THY WORTHLESS CARCASS.
Winslow Homer Rowing Home
Winslow Homer Rowing HomeWinslow Homer Kissing the MoonWinslow Homer Gloucester Harbor
was the first person to notice.
It had been a long had a nasty foreboding that it had something to do with him.
He reined in the horse and allowed him to trot gently towards the ground, touching down a few yards behind the wall of iridescent air. It was moving at something less than walking pace, hissing gently as it drifted ghost-like across the stark damp cabbage fields and frozen drainage ditches.
It was a cold night, the type of night when frost and fog fight afternoon. The mountaineer had held on to his icy handhold until the last moment and the executee had called Mort a lackey of the monarchist state. Only the old lady of 103, who had gone to her reward surrounded by her sorrowing relatives, had smiled at him and said he was looking a little pale.The Disc sun was close to the horizon by the time Binky cantered wearily through the skies over Sto Lat, and Mort looked down and saw the borderland of reality. It curved away below him, a crescent of faint silver mist. He didn't know what it was, but he
was the first person to notice.
It had been a long had a nasty foreboding that it had something to do with him.
He reined in the horse and allowed him to trot gently towards the ground, touching down a few yards behind the wall of iridescent air. It was moving at something less than walking pace, hissing gently as it drifted ghost-like across the stark damp cabbage fields and frozen drainage ditches.
It was a cold night, the type of night when frost and fog fight afternoon. The mountaineer had held on to his icy handhold until the last moment and the executee had called Mort a lackey of the monarchist state. Only the old lady of 103, who had gone to her reward surrounded by her sorrowing relatives, had smiled at him and said he was looking a little pale.The Disc sun was close to the horizon by the time Binky cantered wearily through the skies over Sto Lat, and Mort looked down and saw the borderland of reality. It curved away below him, a crescent of faint silver mist. He didn't know what it was, but he
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Paul Klee Red Bridge
Paul Klee Red BridgePaul Klee Red And White DomesPaul Klee Fire in the Evening
That might not be a good idea, if you think about it,' said Mort haughtily. He clicked his tongue, and Binky leapt into the air, cleared the parapet and cantered up into the blue morning sky.
'I wanted to say thank you!' Keli yelled after him.
The maid, who couldn't get over the feeling that something was wrong and had followed her, said, 'Are you all right, ma'am?'
Keli looked at from ice blue to sullen grey as Binky eased himself into the gap between dimensions. He didn't land on the dark soil of Death's estate, it was simply there, underfoot, as though an aircraft carrier had gently manoeuvred itself her distractedly.'What?' she demanded.'I just wondered if – everything was all right?'Keli's shoulders sagged.'No,' she said. 'Everything's all wrong. There's a dead assassin in my bedroom. Could you please have something done about it?'And —' she held up a hand – 'I don't want you to say "Dead, ma'am?" or "Assassin, ma'am?" or scream or anything, I just want you to get something done about it. Quietly. I think I've got a headache. So just nod.'The maid nodded, bobbed uncertainly, and backed away. Mort wasn't sure how he got back. The sky simply changed
That might not be a good idea, if you think about it,' said Mort haughtily. He clicked his tongue, and Binky leapt into the air, cleared the parapet and cantered up into the blue morning sky.
'I wanted to say thank you!' Keli yelled after him.
The maid, who couldn't get over the feeling that something was wrong and had followed her, said, 'Are you all right, ma'am?'
Keli looked at from ice blue to sullen grey as Binky eased himself into the gap between dimensions. He didn't land on the dark soil of Death's estate, it was simply there, underfoot, as though an aircraft carrier had gently manoeuvred itself her distractedly.'What?' she demanded.'I just wondered if – everything was all right?'Keli's shoulders sagged.'No,' she said. 'Everything's all wrong. There's a dead assassin in my bedroom. Could you please have something done about it?'And —' she held up a hand – 'I don't want you to say "Dead, ma'am?" or "Assassin, ma'am?" or scream or anything, I just want you to get something done about it. Quietly. I think I've got a headache. So just nod.'The maid nodded, bobbed uncertainly, and backed away. Mort wasn't sure how he got back. The sky simply changed
Claude Monet Regatta At Argenteuil
Claude Monet Regatta At ArgenteuilClaude Monet Woman with a ParasolJohn William Waterhouse Echo and Narcissus
Mort watched the smoke ring wobble into the sky and drift away towards the river.
'I can see you,' he said.
THAT'S DIFFERENT.
The Klatchian waiter arrived with the bill, and placed it in front of Death. The man was squat and brown, with a hairstyle like a coconut gone nova, and his round face creased into a puzzled frown when Death nodded politely to him. He shook his head like someone trying to dislodge soap from his ears, and walked away.
Death reached into the depths of his robe and brought out a large leather bag full of assorted copper coinage, most of it blue and green with age. He inspected the bill carefully. Then he counted out a dozen coins.
COME, he saidsaid Mort, running to keep up.
IT CERTAINLY ADDS A NEW TERROR TO POVERTY.
They turned into a wider street leading into a more affluent part of the city (the torches were closer together and the middens further apart). There were no stalls and alley corner traders here, but proper buildings with signs hanging outside. They weren't mere shops, they were emporia; they had purveyors in them, and chairs, and spittoons. Most of them were open even at this time of night, because , standing up. WE MUST GO.Mort trotted along behind him as street, which was still fairly busy even though there were the first suggestions of dawn on the horizon.'What are we going to do now?'BUY YOU SOME NEW CLOTHES.'These were new today – yesterday, I mean.' REALLY?'Father said the shop was famous for its budget clothing,'
Mort watched the smoke ring wobble into the sky and drift away towards the river.
'I can see you,' he said.
THAT'S DIFFERENT.
The Klatchian waiter arrived with the bill, and placed it in front of Death. The man was squat and brown, with a hairstyle like a coconut gone nova, and his round face creased into a puzzled frown when Death nodded politely to him. He shook his head like someone trying to dislodge soap from his ears, and walked away.
Death reached into the depths of his robe and brought out a large leather bag full of assorted copper coinage, most of it blue and green with age. He inspected the bill carefully. Then he counted out a dozen coins.
COME, he saidsaid Mort, running to keep up.
IT CERTAINLY ADDS A NEW TERROR TO POVERTY.
They turned into a wider street leading into a more affluent part of the city (the torches were closer together and the middens further apart). There were no stalls and alley corner traders here, but proper buildings with signs hanging outside. They weren't mere shops, they were emporia; they had purveyors in them, and chairs, and spittoons. Most of them were open even at this time of night, because , standing up. WE MUST GO.Mort trotted along behind him as street, which was still fairly busy even though there were the first suggestions of dawn on the horizon.'What are we going to do now?'BUY YOU SOME NEW CLOTHES.'These were new today – yesterday, I mean.' REALLY?'Father said the shop was famous for its budget clothing,'
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sandro Botticelli Venus and Mars
Sandro Botticelli Venus and MarsJean Beraud La Rue de la PaixHenri Rousseau The Snake Charmer
There seemed to be a whole world under the University. It was a maze of cellars, coldrooms, stillrooms, kitchens and sculleries, and every inhabitant was either carrying something, pumping something, pushing something or just standing around and shouting. Granny caught glimpses of rooms full of ice, and others glowing with -telling provided it was done badly by people with no talent for it. It was a different matter if people who ought to know better did it, though. She considered that the wall-sized. Bakeries smelled of new bread and taprooms smelled of old beer. Everything smelled of sweat and woodsmoke: The housekeeper led her up an old spiral staircase and unlocked the door with one of the large number of keys that hung from her belt. The room inside was pink and frilly. There were frills on things that no one in their right mind would frill. It was like being inside candyfloss. "Very nice," said Granny. And, because she felt it was expected of her, "Tasteful." She looked around for something unfrilly to sit on, and gave up. "Whatever am Aye thinking of?" the housekeeper trilled. "Aye'm Mrs Whitlow but I expect you know, of course. And Aye have the honour to be addressing - ?" "Eh? Oh, Granny Weatherwax," said Granny. The frills were getting to her. They gave pink a bad name. "Ay'm psychic myself, of course," said Mrs Whitlow. Granny had nothing against fortune
There seemed to be a whole world under the University. It was a maze of cellars, coldrooms, stillrooms, kitchens and sculleries, and every inhabitant was either carrying something, pumping something, pushing something or just standing around and shouting. Granny caught glimpses of rooms full of ice, and others glowing with -telling provided it was done badly by people with no talent for it. It was a different matter if people who ought to know better did it, though. She considered that the wall-sized. Bakeries smelled of new bread and taprooms smelled of old beer. Everything smelled of sweat and woodsmoke: The housekeeper led her up an old spiral staircase and unlocked the door with one of the large number of keys that hung from her belt. The room inside was pink and frilly. There were frills on things that no one in their right mind would frill. It was like being inside candyfloss. "Very nice," said Granny. And, because she felt it was expected of her, "Tasteful." She looked around for something unfrilly to sit on, and gave up. "Whatever am Aye thinking of?" the housekeeper trilled. "Aye'm Mrs Whitlow but I expect you know, of course. And Aye have the honour to be addressing - ?" "Eh? Oh, Granny Weatherwax," said Granny. The frills were getting to her. They gave pink a bad name. "Ay'm psychic myself, of course," said Mrs Whitlow. Granny had nothing against fortune
Andy Warhol Neuschwanstein
Andy Warhol NeuschwansteinAndy Warhol Knives black and whiteAndy Warhol Guns
later. They had come, drawn as always by a discharge of magic. You just had to learn to ignore them.
Granny woke with bright sunlight skewering into her eyes. She was slumped against the door, and her whole body felt as though it had toothache.
She it ought to have a grudge against somebody, but for the life of it, it couldn't remember why.
Esk opened her eyes and stared for a long time at the ceiling. Over the months she had grown familiar with every lump and crack of the plaster, which created a fantastic upside-down landscape that she had peopled with a private and complex civilization.reached out blindly with one hand, found the edge of the washstand, and pulled herself into a sitting position. She was not really surprised to see that the jug and basin looked just the same as they had always done; in fact sheer curiosity overcame her aches and she gave a quick glance under the bed to check that, yes, things were as normal. The eagle was still hunched on the bedpost. In the bed Esk was asleep, and Granny saw that it was a true sleep and not the stillness of a vacant body. All she had to do now was hope that Esk wouldn't wake up with an irresistible urge to pounce on rabbits. She carried the unresisting bird downstairs and let it free outside the back door. It flew heavily up into the nearest tree, where it settled to rest. It had a feeling
later. They had come, drawn as always by a discharge of magic. You just had to learn to ignore them.
Granny woke with bright sunlight skewering into her eyes. She was slumped against the door, and her whole body felt as though it had toothache.
She it ought to have a grudge against somebody, but for the life of it, it couldn't remember why.
Esk opened her eyes and stared for a long time at the ceiling. Over the months she had grown familiar with every lump and crack of the plaster, which created a fantastic upside-down landscape that she had peopled with a private and complex civilization.reached out blindly with one hand, found the edge of the washstand, and pulled herself into a sitting position. She was not really surprised to see that the jug and basin looked just the same as they had always done; in fact sheer curiosity overcame her aches and she gave a quick glance under the bed to check that, yes, things were as normal. The eagle was still hunched on the bedpost. In the bed Esk was asleep, and Granny saw that it was a true sleep and not the stillness of a vacant body. All she had to do now was hope that Esk wouldn't wake up with an irresistible urge to pounce on rabbits. She carried the unresisting bird downstairs and let it free outside the back door. It flew heavily up into the nearest tree, where it settled to rest. It had a feeling
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Caravaggio The Musicians
Caravaggio The MusiciansCaravaggio St JeromeCaravaggio Narcissus
Down in the geological depths of Great A'Tuin's huge brain new thoughts surged along neural pathways the size of arterial roads. It was impossible for a sky turtle to change its expression, but in some indefinable way its scaly, meteor-pocked face looked quite expectant.
It was staringGreat A'Tuin waited until all eight baby turtles had freed themselves from their shells and were treading space and looking bewildered. Then, carefully, so as not to dislodge anything, the old turtle turned and with considerable relief set out on the long swim to the blessedly cool, bottomless depths of space.
The young turtles followed, orbiting their parent.
fixedly at the eight spheres endlessly orbiting around the star, on the very beaches of space.The spheres were cracking.Huge segments of rock broke away and began the long spiral down to the star. The sky filled with glittering shards.From the wreakage of one hollow shell a very small sky turtle paddled its way into the red light. It was barely bigger than an asteroid, its shell still shiny with molten yolk.There were four small world-elephant calves on there, too. And on their backs was a discworld, tiny as yet, covered in smoke and volcanoes.
Down in the geological depths of Great A'Tuin's huge brain new thoughts surged along neural pathways the size of arterial roads. It was impossible for a sky turtle to change its expression, but in some indefinable way its scaly, meteor-pocked face looked quite expectant.
It was staringGreat A'Tuin waited until all eight baby turtles had freed themselves from their shells and were treading space and looking bewildered. Then, carefully, so as not to dislodge anything, the old turtle turned and with considerable relief set out on the long swim to the blessedly cool, bottomless depths of space.
The young turtles followed, orbiting their parent.
fixedly at the eight spheres endlessly orbiting around the star, on the very beaches of space.The spheres were cracking.Huge segments of rock broke away and began the long spiral down to the star. The sky filled with glittering shards.From the wreakage of one hollow shell a very small sky turtle paddled its way into the red light. It was barely bigger than an asteroid, its shell still shiny with molten yolk.There were four small world-elephant calves on there, too. And on their backs was a discworld, tiny as yet, covered in smoke and volcanoes.
Leroy Neiman Carnaval Suite Panteras
Leroy Neiman Carnaval Suite PanterasLeroy Neiman Cafe Rive GaucheLeroy Neiman Beach at CannesLeroy Neiman April at Augusta
Yes, well.' The shopkeeper straightened his apron and made a brave little attempt to pull himself together. 'Anyway, this isn't getting you to Ankh-Morpork, is it?'
'Funny thing is,' said Twoflower, 'that I bought my Luggage in a shop like this, once. Another shop, I mean.'
'Oh yes, there's several of us,' said the shopkeeper, turning back to the table, 'that sorcerer was a very impatient man, I understand.'
'Endlessly roaming through the universe,' mused Twoflower.
'That's right. Mind you, there is a saving on the rates.'
'Rates?'
'Yes, they're—' the shopkeeper paused, and wrinkled his forehead. 'I can't quite remember, it was such a long time 'Oh, good.'
'Hold onto it.'
'Are you mad?' said Lackjaw.ago. Rates, rates —''Very large mice?''That's probably it.' 'Hold on – it's thinking about something,' said Cohen.Lackjaw looked up wearily. It had been quite nice, sitting here in the shade. He had just worked out that in trying to escape from a city of crazed madmen he had appeared to have allowed one mad man to give him his full attention. He wondered whether he would live to regret this.He earnestly hoped so.'Oh yes, it's definitely thinking,' he said bitterly. 'Anyone can see that.''I think it's found them.'
Yes, well.' The shopkeeper straightened his apron and made a brave little attempt to pull himself together. 'Anyway, this isn't getting you to Ankh-Morpork, is it?'
'Funny thing is,' said Twoflower, 'that I bought my Luggage in a shop like this, once. Another shop, I mean.'
'Oh yes, there's several of us,' said the shopkeeper, turning back to the table, 'that sorcerer was a very impatient man, I understand.'
'Endlessly roaming through the universe,' mused Twoflower.
'That's right. Mind you, there is a saving on the rates.'
'Rates?'
'Yes, they're—' the shopkeeper paused, and wrinkled his forehead. 'I can't quite remember, it was such a long time 'Oh, good.'
'Hold onto it.'
'Are you mad?' said Lackjaw.ago. Rates, rates —''Very large mice?''That's probably it.' 'Hold on – it's thinking about something,' said Cohen.Lackjaw looked up wearily. It had been quite nice, sitting here in the shade. He had just worked out that in trying to escape from a city of crazed madmen he had appeared to have allowed one mad man to give him his full attention. He wondered whether he would live to regret this.He earnestly hoped so.'Oh yes, it's definitely thinking,' he said bitterly. 'Anyone can see that.''I think it's found them.'
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Thomas Gainsborough Mary Countess of Howe
Thomas Gainsborough Mary Countess of HoweThomas Gainsborough John PlampinThomas Gainsborough Evening Landscape Peasants and Mounted FiguresThomas Gainsborough Conversation in a Park
'His name's Twoflower. He isn't from these parts.'
'Doeshn't look like it. Friend of yoursh?'
'We've got this sort of hate-hate relationship, yes.'
Rincewind couldn't see his captor, but by the feel of it he had a body made of coathangers. He also smelt strongly of peppermints.
'He hash got guts, I'll give him that. Do exshactly what I shay and it ish just poshible he won't end up with them wrapped around a shtone.'
'Urrr.'
'They're not very ecumenical around here, you shee.'
It was at that moment that the moon, in due obedience to the laws of persuasion, rose, although in deference to he laws of computing it wasn't anywhere near where the stones said it should be.
But his hand, and the squelchy voice behind him said, 'You ever done this short of thing before?'
'What sort of thing?'
'Rushed into a temple, killed the prieshts, shtolen the gold and reshcued the girl.'
'No, not in so many words.'what was there, peeking through ragged clouds, was a glaring red star. It hung exactly over the circle's holiest stone, glittering away like the sparkle in the eyesocket of Death. It was sullen and awful and, Rincewind couldn't help noticing, just a little bit bigger than it was last night.A cry of horror went up from the assembled priests. The crowd on the surrounding banks pressed forward; this looked quite promising.Rincewind felt a knife handle slip into
'You do it like thish.'
Two inches from Rincewind's left ear a voice broke into a sound
'His name's Twoflower. He isn't from these parts.'
'Doeshn't look like it. Friend of yoursh?'
'We've got this sort of hate-hate relationship, yes.'
Rincewind couldn't see his captor, but by the feel of it he had a body made of coathangers. He also smelt strongly of peppermints.
'He hash got guts, I'll give him that. Do exshactly what I shay and it ish just poshible he won't end up with them wrapped around a shtone.'
'Urrr.'
'They're not very ecumenical around here, you shee.'
It was at that moment that the moon, in due obedience to the laws of persuasion, rose, although in deference to he laws of computing it wasn't anywhere near where the stones said it should be.
But his hand, and the squelchy voice behind him said, 'You ever done this short of thing before?'
'What sort of thing?'
'Rushed into a temple, killed the prieshts, shtolen the gold and reshcued the girl.'
'No, not in so many words.'what was there, peeking through ragged clouds, was a glaring red star. It hung exactly over the circle's holiest stone, glittering away like the sparkle in the eyesocket of Death. It was sullen and awful and, Rincewind couldn't help noticing, just a little bit bigger than it was last night.A cry of horror went up from the assembled priests. The crowd on the surrounding banks pressed forward; this looked quite promising.Rincewind felt a knife handle slip into
'You do it like thish.'
Two inches from Rincewind's left ear a voice broke into a sound
Monday, March 2, 2009
Rembrandt Susanna and the Elders
Rembrandt Susanna and the EldersRembrandt Diana Bathing with the Stories of Actaeon and CallistoRembrandt Christ On The CrossRembrandt Christ Driving The Money Changers From The Temple
boots, and the arms were shoved into big supple gauntlets. Strangest of all were the big copper helmets that were obviously supposed to fit on heavy collars around the neck of the suits. The helmets were almost certainly useless for protection a light sword would have no difficulty in splitting them, even if it didn't hit the ridiculous but a horrible premonition.
He turned round and found Twoflower looking at him with a speculative expression.
"No- began Rincewind, urgently. Twoflower ignored him.
"The goddess said two men were going to be sent over the Edge," he said, his eyes gleaming, "and you remember Tethis the troll saying you'd need some kind of protection? The Krullians have got over that. These are suits of space armour."little glass windows in the front. Each helmet had a crest of white feathers on top, which went absolutely no way at all towards improving their overall appearance.Rincewind was beginning to have the glimmerings of a suspicion about those suits.In front of them .was a table covered with celestial charts and scraps of parchment covered with figures. Whoever would be wearing those suits, Rincewind decided, was expecting to boldly go where no man - other than the occasional luckless sailor, who didn't really count - had boldly gone before, and he was now beginning to get not just a suspicion
boots, and the arms were shoved into big supple gauntlets. Strangest of all were the big copper helmets that were obviously supposed to fit on heavy collars around the neck of the suits. The helmets were almost certainly useless for protection a light sword would have no difficulty in splitting them, even if it didn't hit the ridiculous but a horrible premonition.
He turned round and found Twoflower looking at him with a speculative expression.
"No- began Rincewind, urgently. Twoflower ignored him.
"The goddess said two men were going to be sent over the Edge," he said, his eyes gleaming, "and you remember Tethis the troll saying you'd need some kind of protection? The Krullians have got over that. These are suits of space armour."little glass windows in the front. Each helmet had a crest of white feathers on top, which went absolutely no way at all towards improving their overall appearance.Rincewind was beginning to have the glimmerings of a suspicion about those suits.In front of them .was a table covered with celestial charts and scraps of parchment covered with figures. Whoever would be wearing those suits, Rincewind decided, was expecting to boldly go where no man - other than the occasional luckless sailor, who didn't really count - had boldly gone before, and he was now beginning to get not just a suspicion
Sunday, March 1, 2009
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am surprised that you are so merciful, Hrun."
Hrun shrugged. "A man in my position, he can't afford to be anything else, he's got to consider his image." He looked around. "Where's the next test, then?"
"I warn you demigods - and for what? Well, for quite a lot of treasure, he had to admit - but where had it all gone? Rescuing beleagured maidens had a certain passing reward, but most of the time he'd finished up by setting them up in some city somewhere with a handsome dowry, because after a while even the most agreeable exmaiden became possessive and had scant sympathy for his efforts to rescue her sister sufferers. In short, life had really left him with little more than a reputation and a network of scars. Being a lord might be fun. Hrun grinned. With a base like this, all these dragons and a good bunch of fighting men, a man could really be a contender.that it is perilous. If you wish, you may leave now. If you pass the test, however, you will become lord of the Wyrmberg and, of course, my lawful husband."Hrun met her gaze. He thought about his life, to date. It suddenly seemed to him to have been full of long damp nights sleeping under the stars, desperate fights with trolls, city guards, countless bandits and evil priests and, on at least three occasions, actual
am surprised that you are so merciful, Hrun."
Hrun shrugged. "A man in my position, he can't afford to be anything else, he's got to consider his image." He looked around. "Where's the next test, then?"
"I warn you demigods - and for what? Well, for quite a lot of treasure, he had to admit - but where had it all gone? Rescuing beleagured maidens had a certain passing reward, but most of the time he'd finished up by setting them up in some city somewhere with a handsome dowry, because after a while even the most agreeable exmaiden became possessive and had scant sympathy for his efforts to rescue her sister sufferers. In short, life had really left him with little more than a reputation and a network of scars. Being a lord might be fun. Hrun grinned. With a base like this, all these dragons and a good bunch of fighting men, a man could really be a contender.that it is perilous. If you wish, you may leave now. If you pass the test, however, you will become lord of the Wyrmberg and, of course, my lawful husband."Hrun met her gaze. He thought about his life, to date. It suddenly seemed to him to have been full of long damp nights sleeping under the stars, desperate fights with trolls, city guards, countless bandits and evil priests and, on at least three occasions, actual
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