Thank you to Matt for the idea!

Monsters: 052 bib jongen from Volstok Telefunken on Vimeo.

(Via Kit Blog)

More cute Belgian monsters here.

Damn. More ways to waste time online.

“Draw a web comic,” said Matt. “Draw it now.”

I should be writing an essay on hiring visible minorities and legislation and stuff. It’s easier just to draw pictures.

Here is our joint project: the ink scribbles are courtesy me, the digital magic is all Matt.

Thanks, Matt!

Having finished reading Queen Emma and the Vikings a few weeks at the start of my medieval binge, I am thrilled to have found this animated version of the Bayeux Tapestry. Be sure to read the captions:

(Via Got Medieval)

Having been invited to a literary fundraiser, I now have the chance to wear my Texan fedora. Matt bought it for me on Boxing Day. I haven’t worn it outside yet. Quite frankly, I am not charismatic enough for a hat. Which is too bad. I aspire to wearing big hats like some seventeenth century rake. I just haven’t managed yet to pull off the look or the reduction in peripheral vision.

But now, I am facing a dress code that requests something crime-inspired, like a film noir trench coat and fedora.

A few days ago, I came across a Lubbock blog by journalist Karen Brehm. I combed through her archives, eager to re-live that holiday feeling Lubbock always imparts.** I had saved a particular post of Brehm’s in one of my tabs. I wanted to cement the wisdom of her words and make use of them, some day.

Brehm offered some advice to would-be hat wearers:

1. Put the center of the hat over one eyebrow (doesn’t matter which one) instead of the center of your forehead.

2. Pull it forward.

She got this advice from a milliner.

*Karen’s Brehm’s words.

**It’s a good thing I only ever go to Lubbock for holidays. My opinion of the place is coloured by happy vacation memories. Not like Vancouver, where I have had to go to school. Ruined it for me.