Daily Photo #1007

Scifi Friday!



Some retro 60's/70's spacegirl goodness for you all. AS inspired by the TV series, which you can buy from the link below.

Still not well, Doctor has signed me off for 2 more weeks. I'm going stir crazy as it is.

Media I am currently indulging in:

Daily Photo #1006

Some improvement to the vertigo today. A little but not enough. Still shaky on my feet and balance still somewhat off but less disoriented.



Anyhoo, here's a shot of Linda in her superhero pose.

Good times.

Media I am currently indulging in:

Daily Photo #1005

Wish I could get outside, it's a great autumnal day but I'm stuck here in bed with the netbook and two cats for company.



So, more orange juice for me and a sleep perhaps?

Media I am currently indulging in:

Daily Photo #1004

Blerg. Still sleepy from the meds, and tucked up under my duvet.



Majorly weird dreams though....not unpleasant, just surreal. Mainly of abandoned places or houses. This one sums it up well.

Media I am currently indulging in:

Daily Photo #1003

Currently off work this week (again) due to a horrific bout of Vertigo that is making a major impact on how I function. Doctor recommended rest and gave me a massive dose of histamines to counter the feeling of being on a rocking (and sometimes sinking!) boat.

But to show I have a sense of humour...



...something that I couldn't take a shot of today without falling over. So, back to sleepy bye byes due to meds and away from anything that involves reading too much/computer screen action.

Anyway, to add a little more interest, I'm going to add where applicable a link to something I am currently reading/watching or listening. It might be of interest but I am sure there may be the odd gem in there.

Media I am currently indulging in:

Daily Photo #1002

Just because.



Gosh, I think my wife is awesome! Heh...

Daily Photo #1001

So, past the 1000 furlong.



I like this shot, reminds me of a glorious day in NYC at the Rock , only a slight breeze but I think this adds real movement to the shot.

Overcast in the UK today but I have a few things to keep my mind off the weather.

Daily Photo #1000

It's taken a while but this is the 1000th photo-a-day post. I thought it appropriate to use a mosaic of some of my favourite images over the past few years.



And yes, I know it's traditionally Scifi Friday but if you look closely, I've lived up to my side of the bargain.

Here's to the next 1000 I hope!

Doing your bit.

I have added a few Amazon links on the side to try and recoup a bit of cash, all Linda's outfits cost a bomb so if you can, try clicking on the links and maybe even buy something as "that" season approaches.

It doesn't take a second to click on the occasional ad and it will keep this blog sustainable for the future, well, for the 10 or so people that read it ;)

So, thanks for reading and keeping these entries going!

Warmest thoughts,

Trav28 xx

Daily Photo #999

Almost there with the thousand images. Will have to give it some thought as to what to post tomorrow!

In other news still poorly and feeling somewhat blue. Sleeping 15 hours a day is not good for one, methinks but it's all I can do right now. No energy, no hearing and a touch of vertigo sooo...



..wonder if I can coax Linda to come home and mop my fevered brow?

Daily Photo #998

Still poorly. Not sure what it is but feel shaky, nauseous, tired, headache, dizzy and sore.



Chelsea, NYC. Something to lift my spirits. Back to bed for me.

Daily Photo #997

Still a bit poorly with a congested set of sinuses and one ear out of action. Thank god for hot steam and eardrops and *sleep*



Anyway, something to lift my spirits on a dreary overcast and somewhat damp Tuesday.

Daily Photo #996

A very chilled out weekend. Included walks in the park, comic books and sunshine.



Yes, Linda is dancing with a twig in her hand. Go figure...

Daily Photo #995

Blue sky day!



Now, I just need to wakeup and get my arse in gear.

Daily Photo #994

Linda looked rather cool today so am posting a piccy in her honour ;)



Said hi to Joel Meadows and generally gadded about at the Comics Show in Brum (which after 3 years, should be a *lot* better, but the same old issues re: poor management and security ruin what could be a great time).

Daily Photo #993

Scifi Friday!



Is that Catwoman in my hotel room? ;)

Daily Photo #992

I felt a bit like this today.



Disconnected. Faraway.

Daily Photo #991

These look good enough to eat!



mmm...black tulips....

Daily Photo #990

No excuses.



I just like this shot. Taken in NYC. Brightened up my day no end.

Daily Photo #989

Blue skies today!



But I'm in B'ham and not Manhattan. Boo!

Daily Photo #988

It's an amazingly sunny day today!



Might be last best chance to cut the grass although I don't think the cats would agree. So instead, we're lazing around the house in our jimmy jammys and bathrobes accordingly.

Ah, what to do on a lazy sunday I wonder?

Daily Photo #987

Wedding Anniversary today! 17 years.



I couldn't talk her into the catsuit outfit instead of a wedding dress but I think my luck might be in tonight! So, Mexican food, some champers and a chilled out evening are on the cards tonight :)

Happy Anniversary Linda!

Daily Photo #986

Scifi Friday!



Anyone want to give me funds to make the movie?

Daily Photo #985

Linda thinks that being hassled by an Imperial is cool



Then again, she gets the giggles during the weirdest of situations.

Daily Photo #984

Autumn is finally here, methinks.



But there is still time for some whacky colours before everything turns brown and drops from the trees.

Daily Photo #983

The Chelsea skyline



Oh heck, I am missing NYC as we speak!

Interview with Julia Wertz

(Linda reading the original Fart Party Graphic novel, comes highly recommended!)



Before we hit the US, I conducted a quick e-interview with Julia Wertz, artist and creator on the hit comic, The Fart Party. In order to celebrate the release of her latest book, she sent the word out that she would be conducting some interviews so ever the opportunist I sent away a few questions.


So, here goes!



Trav28 (T28):After reading your work you have quite the eclectic ear, what are the five most important songs on your play list right now?

Julia Wertz (JW):These songs are relevent for just this week. Some of them are long time keepers, some just a toss off for a few days.

1. Devil Makes Three- Old Number Seven
2. Mika- Lollipop.
3. Ida Maria- Oh My God
4. Bon Iver- Skinny Love
5. Louis Prima- Buona Sera

But if I look at my itunes most played list, these are the top 5:

1. Regina Spektor- Summer in the City
2. John Denver- Take Me Home, Country Roads
3. Cat Power- Lived in Bars
4. Ingrid Michaelson- Be Ok
5. The Band- The Weight

T28: comix or comics?

JW: Comix if ya nasty. Nope, didn’t say that. Nnnng haaaated it.

T28: In reference to the above, many of us have an influence or something that has affected us on a personal or superficial level. If I had to choose 5 it would be 1) V for Vendetta. 2) Maus. 3) Box Office Poison. 4) Strangers in Paradise. 5) Dark Knight Returns. I'm not sure any of these would be in your repetoire but I'm interested to see what has made a dent in your reality?

JW: Not in any particular order, I’d say these five books influenced/affected/changed things for me:

1) The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
2) My New York Diary by Julie Doucet
3) Bill Peet; An Autobiography by Bill Peet
4) Drinking, A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
5) Spaniel Rage by Vanessa Davis

T28: Your whisky (or whiskies!) of choice? Are you a lass that likes her single malt or a decent blended scotch?

JW: Ice cream!

T28: Fart Party has attracted a lot of attention. Do you ever feel that you compromise yourself or to quote that semi famous song by Accept, is it "Balls to the Wall"?

JW: The latter. Sometimes I’m embarrassed by stuff I’ve put out, but I never regret it. There’s no point in over analyzing or dawdling over it. It is what it is.

T28: The stage is set - Fart Party the movie has been green lit. You have a lead actress (Lizzy Caplan) but who would direct and co-star? And ideally, would it be animated, live action or a CGI extravaganza complete with Burger King and Pizza Hut ties ins?

JW: Live action. It’s weird enough to see my real life as a comic on paper. If it was moving and talking I’d probably have a heart attack about it. If I could pick co-star I’d pick Mike Birbiglia but that’s just because he’s hilarious and I have a ridiculous schoolgirl crush on him.. Maybe someone like Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Paul Rudd. Well, no, those are just guys I want to hang out with. This is why I shouldn’t be in charge of anything but fart jokes probably.


T28: As to the merchandise, would we see Fart Party Burger King toysor McDonalds Happy Meal toys? If so, what would they be?

JW: Thinking of “me” in plastic the size of something that a kid could choke on gives me the douchechills. I’d wind it up and walk it off the roof.

T28: Bears, Ninjas or Zombies? Who would win in a fight?

JW: Bears, fer sure. Ninjas and Zombies were made redundant by 2006.

(Interviewer note: For anyone who has read Julia's work, bears feature prominently in her earlier works and are a source of both massive humour and importance for a good proportion of the first collection of Fart Party strips)


T28: What is a typical day for you?

JW: I usually wake up around 8, and I have to eat breakfast right away or I go insane. I read the news and answer emails and then write for a few hours. If I have time, I go on a long bike ride or a short jog. Then I head up to Pizza Island, which is the cartoonists studio I share with Sarah Glidden, Domitille Collardy and Karen Snider. I’ll usually work there until the early evening and then I go off and do whatever it is I do at night. I’m usually back home around midnight, then wash, rinse, repeat. It’s a pretty sweet schedule, but I don’t know how long it’ll last so I’m trying to really appreciate it now.

T28: I should have asked this above the previous one - are you a breakfast burrito or pop tart kind of gal?

JW: Neither. I’m an unabashedly granola and organic yogurt eater in the morning. I’m from Northern California! That said, I do think strawberry pop tarts are delicious when camping in the same way that cheese in a can is only good when you’re hiking.

T28: You've taken Brooklyn and New York to your heart. The city has many secrets but which are your favourites and have there been any eye opening moments that you never ever expected?

JW: Bottle Beach at Dead Horse Bay is one of my favorite things in Brooklyn, and was something I definitely never expected to exist. It’s a stretch of beach covered in old bottles from a landfill that burst in the 50’s. Tons of the bottles are whole, but the beach is mostly broken glass and it makes the prettiest sound when the water clanks them all together. It’s the most beautiful garbage I’ve ever seen.

T28: You've documented the move from West to East but who has the best Pizza? (don't lie!)

JW: East coast, no contest. 8 of 10 slice places in NY are good, whereas the opposite is true on the West coast. I don’t know why, it’s baffling.

T28: OK, being a bloke (and a UK bloke at that), I see why you get angry at people but some of the bods and peeps you've encountered during the course of the Fart Party seem sooooo....well, shallow. And a bit, shall we say....closed minded/obtuse. Is this a cultural difference in that you seem to catch people on a bad day or is this your comment on society at large? (there's probably more than one question in there!)

JW: Actually it’s probably more of a reflection of how I used to be, which was a bit more negative and disgruntled than I am now. And often, nice, open minded folk don’t make for good comic fodder, so it’ll end up just being the one asshole out of a group of many that gets put into a comic.

T28: Is there one strip that you've done that you're particularly proud of?

JW: I’m pretty proud of the pages I did recently regarding my dream and sleep history. I thought it was an interesting way to combine boring dream stories with some of the problems that effected my sleeping patters throughout various stages of my life. And maybe the strip about never being able to find the perfect pair of winter boots or a winter hat, because it’s the bane of so many peoples’ existence, not just mine, but it’s so dumb to talk about. So I did it anyways.


T28: You have an amazing dialogue with your mom. As a kid did you find that she valued honesty and open communication as a opposed to "saying the right thing"? Were there times that you felt that this set you apart from your peers as you were growing up?


JW: Communication was a big part of the way I was raised. My mom is a no-bullshitter and she didn’t care at all about what the proper thing would be to say, but only about the dialogue of what was surrounding the issue. She’s even more so like this today, and we have a great relationship because of it. As a kid it sometimes set me apart when I would say things without the usual filter of “is this appropriate/proper?” and sometimes it would get me into trouble. My older brother was kind of shy growing up but I had a pretty big mouth. But I think my mom was always amused by it rather than embarrassed.

T28: There was a point where you became obsessed with the News? Did you feel that this had an impact upon your work and shaped it in anyway? I say "News" as opposed to "politics" but feel free to juxtapose or rip apart as you feel fit :)

JW: I’ve always been obsessed with the news, and politics when they’re in the news, but not so much politics alone. I just began to include news events in my comics because I thought they helped ground the story in time and add to the overall picture. I don’t think it impacted my work much beyond that aspect. Although the state of health care has provided me with some great comic material.


T28: Glenn Beck? Satan or genetically mutated baby-man?

JW: I don’t give a sharp toot about Glenn Beck.


T28: Your top 3 mammals.

JW: kittens, bears, sloths

T28: What is in the pipleline next for you? After the release of "Drinking at the Movies", is there another book in you?

JW: I’m going to do a follow up to DATM and then probably retire the yearly books and work on one big book that I know will take me at least 5 years. I figure I’ve already embarrassed myself enough for a lifetime, why stretch it out year after year? Although I’m always flipflopping about that so who knows.


T28: Following on from the above, are we going to see a pure "prose" work from you one day?

JW: Maybe? The big book I referenced above might be pure prose rather than a graphic novel. I haven’t decided. The material is so dense, I’m not sure a graphic novel would suffice unless it was 1000 pages. It might work better as prose, but if I go that route, I have a lot of work to do on my writing skills.


T28: Ok - the eye thing on "cartoon Julia". Why? Your eyes look fine to me!

JW: Why would I draw wonky eyes on a cartoon character? That seems self explanatory, no?

T28: Word association

Sea Gull

JW: poop

Paper hat

JW: poop

Lego

JW: poop

Washing Machine

JW: I hate this game

T28: Which would you rather be lost in - The Strand Bookstore or Bloomingdales?

JW: Depends on the circumstances. If you mean that everything else is the same, people around, open hours, etc…then the Strand. But if you mean trapped inside overnight when no one is around, then Bloomingdales all the way. That way I could inflate a raft and eat all the boxed foods. Oh wait, shit, I was thinking Bloomingdales is like Target but I googled it and it’s all clothes and shoes. Barf. Then it’s back to the Strand.


T28: Which has the better class of geek shopping in it - Jim Hanley's Universe or Forbidden Planet?

JW: I don’t know, I don’t shop at either. A few years ago I ate a pot brownie and went into Forbidden Planet and I haven’t been able to go back since. *shudder*




Well there you go folks, my first interview. Now go buy her books, stat.

Daily Photo #982

Much nicer weather today and a good way to spend my last day of leave.



So, blue skies in the UK, but not as blue as NYC. And I did keep an eye out for Liz Lemon while at the Rockefeller Centre but sadly our paths did not cross.

Daily Photo #981

Yuck yuck yuck weather!



Somewhere a bit nicer (and warmer), methinks. Post vacation blues are slightly there but we have central heating and nice food stuffs to combat it!

Daily Photo #980

The NYC underground metro service.



The most quiet I have ever seen it!

Daily Photo #979

And what a day to return!

Scifi Friday :)



Something 60's/70's retro styled too, taken in NYC and inspired by the character of Wilma Deering from the all time classic, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

So, what has been happening with me? I felt I needed a month off to do some new shots and recharge my energies as I felt pretty low in August and much of September. Anyhoo, things that have happened during that time include:

Turning 40 (not so bad, much like 35 really. Not a biggie to be honest)

Two wonderful, amazing and awesome weeks with the lovely Linda in Manhattan. Weather was amazing and by the Lord Harry, I now have a suntan.

Took some photos in Manhattan but that came second to chilling out and relaxing.

Not that much else really. So, back again and hope to keep things a little fresher here.

Back to bed for me, bleeding jetlag!

Daily Photo #978

On hiatus!



See you all on October 1st!

Daily Photo #977

Linda does her best Emma Peel impression.



Did mean to do some photos this weekend but time wasn't on our side. Also, need to think up some new ideas and/or locations.

Daily Photo #976

It's difficult when you lose a member of your family, our nephew Jonathan passed away yesterday at 10:00am.



He went peacefully with his family around him. Our thoughts are with you, mate.

Daily Photo #975

Will the weather hold off....



...or will Linda need her silver hunter wellies? As it's a bank holiday weekend, quite possibly.

Daily Photo #974

Scifi Friday! What is better than catwoman...?



Well, it has to be catwomen! Linda and Ingrid, having fun in Vegas!

Daily Photo #973

Took some annual leave this afternoon due to things that are happening with family.



Feeling very pensive, thankful and thoughtful today.

Daily Photo #972

Getting ready to pounce!



The first person that greets me when I get home :)

Daily Photo #971

Today's photo is for my nephew Jonathan who is currently critically ill after the bone marrow treatment for his lymphoma did not succeed.



Our thoughts are with you, your brother, your sisters and your mom and dad.

Daily Photo #970

Mondays = dullness.



Linda = yay! I just thought she looked cute in this shot. NYC 2009.

Daily Photo #969

The nights are now drawing in and I love it!



Roll on Autumn, my favourite season of the year.

Daily Photo #968

Natural colour.



For a dull and rainy day.

Daily Photo #967

Scifi Friday!



Catwoman goes to Cardiff. She seems to like the Marriot hotel there for some reason.

In other news, still feel wiped out on a physical level but getting a little better. Have some errands to run on Saturday so a trip to the bank is on the cards then sleep all afternoon I think.

Also, going on hiatus in 11 days for September this year. I need a blogging break and this will give me time to gather new materials and get my creativity back with some new shots of new places if things work out.

Daily Photo #966

Another New York at night shot.



Counting the days. Counting the days...

Daily Photo #965

God bless the NYC metro system. Even at its spookiest it still looks cool.



Feeling wiped out from virus/fever right now. Might be up for work tomorrow as I am going stir crazy but managed to read a little in between sleeps. Need to lift my spirits as I feel a little low in myself but that is something I shall work on as the path is laid one stone at a time.

Daily Photo #964

I dream of blue skies and open spaces.



Better than concrete and the daily grind. At least my migraine has now lessened which is a good thing.

Daily Photo #963

Very tired and worn out so an image that makes me happy.



Linda does her "blue steel" look.

Daily Photo #962

We haven't seen Canal Cat in an age.



I think it's time to pay him a visit :)