So, I seem to have caused a lot of confusion about yesterday's Wordy Wednesday (or Wordless Wednesday) selection of two monks discussing the correct way to portray a rabbit in an illuminated manuscript. I got lots of "I don't get it"
So, these types of illuminations are found in the margins of some manuscripts. Oddities of marginalia are called Drolleries. These are images that turn the world upside-down. In the example to the left, we see a rabbit posed as a nobleman going out for a hunt, riding his dog, and carrying a snail as if it were a falcon. Knights fighting snails human heads on animal bodies were also popular subjects.
Some scholars would argue that these images were Medieval political commentary. Perhaps, lower-classes trying to get above their station.
One of my colleagues commented that it would seem the monks were served the abbot's "good" wine at the noonday meal. Everyone was in their cups as they went back to the scriptorium to work. Besides wine, maybe mushrooms (as in magic mushrooms or psilocybin.) were also served. Their bread may also have been contaminated with ergot which can cause hallucinations.
I think the main takeaway is the scribes were bored. They drew funny pictures in the margins of the texts they were copying. Drawings that mostly had nothing to do with the text. Just like we doodled in the margins of our textbooks or while taking notes in school or at meetings. (At least I did) The drawings were droll. Just a joke. 😺
I schedule most of my blog posts ahead of time. Sunday is usually the day I work on the blog. So while trying to think of what I could write for a T Day post, I took a look at the blog, Cake Wreck's. During the week, Jenn shows cakes that go horribly wrong from professional bakers (mostly grocery store chains). On Sundays, she showcases really gorgeous cakes.
This Alice in Wonderland cake just floored me. I thought it would be perfect for the Tuesday tea party. The Alice blue layers remind me of Wedgewood. Stunning.
Jenn didn't have the name of the baker, but this cake was a center piece for an Alice and Wonderland themed wedding. She did have a link for the photographer's blog, and you can read about his experience as he captured the magical Alice and Wonderland wedding at Arnos Mano Hotel Bristol
Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.
Last month, Gemma Black, Australian calligraphic designer, artist, teacher, and my friend had offered Pieces of Peace. These were small works about 6 inches square with Gemma's gorgeous lettering and gold work. Gemma had offered these small works and would donate a portion of the sales to the Rural Fire Service via the Australian Red Cross in light of the devastating fires in Australia. I believe one of Gemma's brothers is a volunteer firefighter.
I thought it was a wonderful way to help a worthy cause. By the time I got to take a look at the artwork most were already bespoke. I chose this piece titled #19 and happily, it became mine and arrived this past weekend.
The substrate was made to look charred like the scorched earth of Gemma's country. The goldwork reminds me of Aboriginal art. I think this looks like a sun symbol. No matter the changes to the landscape, Australia will always endure. Like the sun.
Gemma also announced on her blog her 2020 teaching schedule. At the end of this year, Gemma will retire from teaching. I'm saving my pennies because in September, Gemma will be coming up over to teach a workshop for Masscribes at the end of August.
And for Second on the Second, the letter, J from Alphabet Sunday around my home in 2011
It's your turn to play. From Elizabeth: Now it's time to share your Second on the 2nd. The rules are quite simple and everyone is welcome to join the fun look back. All you have to do is bring back a post that you are especially proud of, or perhaps one you shared before anyone knew your blog existed. Any post, any genre, any artistic endeavor is acceptable. Join hosts Bleubeard and Elizabeth to see what else is being served up the Second Time Around.
This idea came from a Facebook meme:
Over 10 days, post your 10 all time favorite films. What movie has really made an impact on you or what films can you watch over and over and never tire of? Post either the movie poster, DVD cover or even a screenshot on your timeline. No need to explain.
Only I had a hard time picking out just 10 movies so my favorites over the next few hundred Saturdays 😸 in semi-alphabetical order:me favorite films. What movie has really made an impact on you or what films can you watch over and over and never tire of? Post either the movie poster, DVD cover or even a screenshot on your timeline. No need to explain.
Only I had a hard time picking out just 10 movies so my favorites over the next few hundred Saturdays 😸 in semi-alphabetical order:
No Way Out (1950), Richard 😻 Widmark, Sidney Poitier
Richard Widmark salutes legendary Actor Sidney Poitier at the 20th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Sidney Poitier (1992).
If you haven't seen this movie, it's available for rent on YouTube. You might be able to find it for free there, too.
