Daily Photo #439

It's not something from a Ridley Scott movie.



It's actually a passion fruit. One of my favourite kinds of fruit, just behind grapes and a few steps in front of a kiwi.

Daily Photo #438

The statue of Hellboy on my mantle piece.



He guards my passport.

Daily Photo #437

Found halfway up a hill in Lancashire.



When I took this, there were wild horses wandering about and looking at us strangely. I guess we were invading their territory.

Daily Photo #436

A while ago I blogged the contents of my kitchen cupboard.



Here is what can usually be found in the fridge. This post was inspired by Charlie Brooker's musings on food. Well, at least I don't have 1000 squirrels in the fridge to be cooked alive in a cauldron of oil (yet).

God, I'm hungry now.

I also need to get out of the house.

Daily Photo #435

Some more colour for this cold and slightly overcast day in February.



I am looking at a macro lens for my EOS 5D right now. I used to do a lot of close up macro work with my 350D so I am long overdue for a new gift to myself. I have my eye on a nice little Sigma lens.

Daily Photo #434

A random shot from Birmingham's Custard Factory last Summer.



Have a good Valentine's day everyone.

Daily Photo #433

It seems as if the worst of the winter has passed with most of the snow having disappeared from the ground and hedgerows in the back garden.



Hopefully the onset of Spring will see more photo opportunities.

Daily Photo #432

The weather is much improved here. Which makes walks and attempts to get a little fresh air much easier although Linda did make me accompany her to a bathroom showroom as a means of getting me out of the house and used to human contact. We ended up ordering a complete new bathroom suite (hooray for the male ability to grunt "mmm" and "aah" in the right places).



So, today's pic is not bathroom inspired, but it was shot in a bathroom all the same.

Daily Photo #431

Spooky heads made out of compost.



One of these is Charlie Dimmock. (Well, not the real Charlie Dimmock but an effigy made out of garden effluent, somehow appropriate given the crap she spouts on about conservatories on the telly).

Daily Photo #430

Something random in my office.



If you haven't read Alan Moore's V for Vendetta, you really should.

Daily Photo #429

A Winter-like vista.



Hockley, Birmingham 2008.

Daily Photo #428

Having a lazy Sunday.



I think I was a cat in a past life.

Daily Photo #427

I get insomnia from time to time and haven't slept well over the last few nights so I used one of the prescription sleeping tablets I was given a couple of months ago.

Err...results have been strange as I slept for 11 hours solid and am now yawning my way through the day. But it's that nice kind of tired where you know that you'll sleep so well tonight too. I'm not sure what has bought this on but I'm sure I have slept at points today with my eyes open. I don't think Linda noticed either.

Anyway, I shot this photo during a time a few years ago where I didn't sleep for a week.



Wandering around a cemetary at 4:30 am was probably not the cleverest thing to do in hindsight.

Daily Photo #426

Linda made me go into the city today to get some much needed fresh air and exercise. It's funny being cooped up at home, being kept toasty by central heating between the odd nap to experiencing the shock of cold air, catching the train (I thought they wouldn't be running!) and generally wandering around in a bit of a daze.

Still, it wasn't too bad all in all. Safely back at home now. So, still no photos taken recently. I'm kind of holding on for the ice to vanish and my muse to return. Given that it is so cold I thought I'd choose this one from the archives.



It was taken during the winter and I think the cool colour of the sky denotes the kind of weather that we experienced today.

Last post for today! Stuff that makes me go *mmmm*

Man, I have become prolific (haha! Not!). This has to be the most I have written in the past two weeks.

So, I had to post a link to this as it is the most poetic, beautiful and poignant post I have read today.

If you haven't read Julia Wertz's comics and blog posts, you really should. She is one of the most talented individuals working in comics today and a bright star for the future. The post I have linked to really sums up a lot of how I feel right now. You can go view her comics here.

Her work is diverse and poetic while appealing to both base humour and more existential moments of angst. I don't think I have the ability (or right!) to write a precis here. All I can say is Julia's work is both hilarious and evocative.

The subject matter is diverse ranging from loss, love, moving across America, life in NYC and the little observations that escape most of us.

If there is one writer or cartoonist who deserves to make it; Julia Wertz is that person.

A none photo related update.

Well, it's been a strange 2 and a bit months with being diagnosed as having clinical depression. I've been on anti-depressants for just over a month and they seem to be making quite a difference in controlling bouts of despair and mood swings.

The meds I am taking are SSRIs at present. The side effects seem to be lessening somewhat but my powers of concentration and social skills are quite non existant which means I am on paid sick leave at present.

Still, all the above is academic. Friends have been most supportive but I just feel that I'm not great company as I enter prolonged stretches of quietness where I just feel a little spaced out and I really don't like leaving the house at present. Crowds of people and noisy locations are a bit of a an issue too but I find time away from everything is putting a lot into perspective.

I am unsure as to the cause of the above but the doctor seems to think that there have been several "triggers" that have had a bearing on my current situation.

It's strange but I feel neither happy or unhappy right now. Just in this kind of "existing mode" which is weirdly comforting but kind of akin to having a stranger inhabit one's body and existence.

I know I'm improving but I'm unsure as to how long this will take to rectify and move forward with my life. All I do know is that I am going to beat this and I'm fortunate to have the support and love from Linda and my close friends.

Daily Photo #425

Yep, snow again. Managed a walk down to the village with Linda as she has taken some time off work to spend with me.

The snow fall was pretty deep last night but Linda was well prepped today wearing her Hunter's (as made famous by Lily Allen and Kate Moss), trendy person that she is.



As I refuse to take any snow pics (it's way too slippy outside and my meds kill any balance I have anyway), here's a pic of Linda leaping for some reason in her silver Hunter's.

Daily Photo #424

The thing about winter is that it offers limited possibilities of colours. I really don't like shooting snow scenes because unless they are shot during twilight hours or early in the morning, they can look really dull.



I chose this one, shot in London on my Birthday due to the hues in it. Granted, the backlight is artificial but I think it adds to the shot. Now, if only I could erase the carrier bag out of the shot ;)

Daily Photo #423

As seen outside the MGM Casino in Vegas.



I couldn't find any pics on my stream of "brass monkeys". If you're a Brit, you'll know what that means.

Daily Photo #422

Heavy snow over here, in Birmingham and most of the UK. So, we're staying in after Linda had a near crash in the car due to the poor condition of the roads.

I'm not going outside to shoot pics, sorry anyone who expected that kind of activity. There's not much to see, just some houses over the way and a garden covered in snow.

To be quite the devil's advocate, I'm posting pics of a sunny day.




So there!

Daily Photo #421

It's quite cold here in the UK. I need a holiday somewhere warm.



This was taken from the balcony of our hotel suite when we were in Morocco 3 years ago. That was an amazing holiday.

Daily Photo #420

I am beyond tired today.



The whole world was wooshing past in a blur of noise and colour. I'm going to snooze for a bit now. Go me.

Daily Photo #419

Happy Friday everyone! I thought I'd dedicate this one to Linda as she took some time out to spend with me today.



I do like my wife, she is rather cool. Even in the most difficult of times she makes me smile.

Daily Photo #418

Just a little colour for a dull and dreary day!



Cannot believe it's almost February.

Daily Photo #417

A night time view at a local railway station.



I liked the warm colours. Funnily, this place is much spookier during daylight hours.

Daily Photo #416

I just thought this was a pleasant portrait.



Feeling most exhausted today. Could barely do a thing. Not good but have been worse over the past few months. Now, if only I could eat properly but my appetite is so poor right now. I think some more sleep would be good!

Blatant plugging of good things.

For many years I have been a massive fan of Headpress Magazine. It has to be one of the best tomes/periodicals written on obscure counter-culture in the UK or perhaps even the whole world.

I cannot say how brilliant, witty, offbeat and interesting every issue is and it has a place on my shelves. If I could travel back in time and steal the themes, titles and articles and produce my own Headpress Magazine, I would. But then again I'm lazy in the extreme.

Recently, distribution has been quite an issue for David Kerekes, editor of the magazine. If you're reading this and have a music/book/comic store, please stock it. You won't be disappointed as it is one the smartest, most savvy and well written magazines on the market. It's criminal that it hasn't been embraced by a bigger audience but that would probably be in contrast to the ethos and tone of the publication.

Christ, just go out and buy the damn thing people!!!

Link to Headpress magazine.

Daily Photo #415

Don't blink!



Yes, it is a Doctor Who reference.

Daily Photo #414

Catwoman. Does there have to be a reason ;)



I just like this shot. I *really* need to shoot something new!

Daily Photo #413

Don't we all...?



Lie or believe?

Daily Photo #412

I thought it looked slightly macabre and sinister.



Even in the daylight.

Daily Photo #411

Just had a message from my friend Julie who is a massive Torchwood fan.




So, how could I resist posting this location which featured inthe episode, Doctor Who - The Last of the Timelords.

Daily Photo #410

In a bid to get my brain functioning normally (as if it ever did!), I'm doing a little cooking today.



I don't tend to follow recipes slavishly as I prefer to go with the balance of flavours and adapt as I see fit. Today, it's spicy roasted butternut squash soup (infused with other seasonal vegetables and coconut milk). Getting myself to follow the logical progression of the process has been difficult but the result is shaping up to be rather good.

Daily Photo #409

I posted a similar shot to this from the same set but this has Linda having a Captain Kirk moment.




KHAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnNNNNNNNNN!

Daily Photo #408

Taken in Morocco 2006.



I have been leaving many of my e-mails alone over the past few weeks, for a myriad of reasons. Delia, who many of you close to me know has a massive place in my heart lost her mother before Christmas under difficult and untimely circumstances. My thoughts are with her and her family right now.

Daily Photo #407

Well, in the end I didn't get around to shooting any new photos either today or on Saturday. Feeling most tired, probably due to a very sound night's sleep and the calming effect of the anti depressants that I am on. They have a bizarre side effect of making me a bit woozy and zapping any get up and go or creativity I might have/have had.

Still, managed to sleep through a small power cut during the early hours and the cats' demand for attention. In between lazing in bed with Linda and watching about 4 episodes of the classic Between the Lines.

So, sifting through my archives I thought this might be appropriate.




All in all, more lazing around and some lunch is on the cards.

Daily Photo #406

Yep, Linda dragged me into the city today for lunch and collection of comic standing orders. I haven't shot any new photos for a few weeks but feel Birmingham is lacking something right now. The sky would have been perfect for skyline shots but I jsut feel something about the city is bland and uninviting right now. I'm not sure what it is as I need to get back out there and do something vaguely urban.

We passed the Selfridges building which is still a stunning piece of architecture and I think it inspired today's choice of shot due to its iconic nature although some people think it has been done to death, I still like it. So there!



The shape still intrigues me and there is no "one way" of shooting it which always excites me no end. If the weather holds up this weekend I may actually get around to shooting something. Fingers crossed.

Daily Photo #405

I wonder if I can talk Linda into a photoshoot this weekend?



And if so, which outfit???

Daily Photo #404

I guess this blows the secret.



Daleks really have sweaty people inside operating them! Shock horror! (The photo is not of myself or anyone that I know!). I feel rather strange, photographing nekkid daleks.

Daily Photo #403

Linda is a secret geek. If you ask her, she will deny it.



The photo she is worshipping is Paul Darrow, the actor who plays Avon in Blakes 7. It's funny but scifi icons affected how we turned out as adults. Scary stuff.

Daily Photo #402

Still at home, although one of my house companions almost gave me a heart attack!



Just let her into the garden and five minutes later she had leaped on the neighbour's kitchen extension roof. Said cat then proceeds to jump 4 feet across an 8 foot drop to a fence no more than 4 inches wide. Needless to say she then fell off fence. Silly cat. Unharmed, luckily. Thank god I'm on something that calms my nerves right now!

The things cats will do to get your attention, eh?

A bit late but...

Vote for Created in Birmingham!

http://2008.weblogawards.org/polls/best-uk-blog/

A C.I.B is a great resource that supports artists and creativity along with being a great melting pot for all things Brum.

Daily Photo #401

I like this shot.



It seems timeless and the tracks going off into the distance add a sense of mystery.

Daily Photo #400

Sunday mornings? Feeling so tired and disoriented of late that one day sneaks into another and they all become the same. Coupled with feeling tired and blurry due to meds enhances this feeling of dislocation no end. Sleeping better but feeling exhausted for the majority of the day. Attention span is not great either but this is a pay off for the lack of mood spikes/swings.

I think Linda wants to drag me out to a park for a walk soon.



It's a little overcast so not taking my camera out today. Wish it were sunnier and warmer, it's bloody cold outside!! Maybe I can talk her into buying me lunch, that would be an incentive.

Daily Photo #399

I just liked the pattern in this one.



Totally random, but not if you look closely.

Daily Photo #398

The most evil force in the universe?



And I'm not talking about the Stormtrooper.

Daily Photo #397

I feel old today (don't ask!).



But this is a lot older than I am so it's all good.

Daily Photo #396

Less than inspired today due to lack of sleep last night so I'm going with the eye candy.



I like this shot, especially the blue/cooling filter.

Daily Photo #395

As you may have guessed I am something of a film geek, especially when it comes to George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead.



At the last count, I have about 15 different versions of the movie on VHS and DVD. It's kind of like my comfort movie (as Heinz Tomato Soup is a comfort food).

Anyway, I spotted this fantastic movie blog which is well worth a read as the writer actually visited the Monroeville Mall where the film was shot. Good times!

It's strange but this movie never ceases to amaze me as to how chilling and funny a zombie apocalypse could be. Romero's politics and vision of the end of civilisation as we know it is both poignant and resonant even by today' standards. Thirty years on and it still feels kind of timeless in its thematic content.

Daily Photo #394

One from the archives, shot on film even.



Linda being the geeky librarian that she is, outside the NYC Public Library. The famous stone lions are out of shot.

Daily Photo #393

I need to get outdoors as I am getting a little stir crazy.



Some blue skies would be nice.

Getting used to the anti depressants. My balance is a little off, still feeling a little up and down but it's strange. I certainly don't see this as a long term thing but for the short term it might just help. The nausea isn't great though.

Daily Photo #392

The BBC are announcing the actor who will play the next Doctor.



I don't think it will be Tom Baker though. Nobody gets two bites of the cherry ;)

Daily Photo #391

Still with the Cardiff vibe.



It was a great afternoon, the sunshine was amazing but so was the wind temperature, very very cold. I have mixed feelings about the place. I was less than impressed with the attitude of the local people who came across as being quite rude/cold but I did like the architecture and feel to some of the areas in the centre. Maybe we'll head back there and give it a second chance?

Progress report on my health - very mixed. Been back to the Doctor (again!) and filled out a very straightforward questionnaire. I scored pretty highly on the depressive illness scales and got asked some other questions. The upshot a prescription for anti depressants and another round of counselling. In addition to some anti-biotics for another ear infection.

So, progress in some areas which is positive. The side effects (potential) for the meds are a little scary. I don't think I have quite disappeared into the abyss just yet.

Daily Photo #390

Yep, start as you mean to go on. First image of the year may look sinister but I think it's the hotness.



Hopefully 2009 will bring more photos, less angst and more of the sexy.

I hope the two people who read this blog (ha ha!) have a great new year and best thoughts to you all. May '09 bring you everything you wish for and more besides.

And god bless Linda, my wife and my muse. Hopefully she won't get too fed up with having a lens pointed in her direction.