Jolly news, or just plain scary?

45 Replies

You know how they say you should get out of your comfort zone every now and again? Well, at the end of February this is exactly what I will be doing. Erm…. I’m not sure how this happened, I blame the pandemic, BUT I have agreed to explain my calligraphy process to some lovely calligraphers via Zoom. Gulp. I know, crazy talk… I have been signed up by the European Pointed Pen Collective and details of my ‘course’ are HERE – soooo out of my comfort zone that it almost hurts! I’m sure I will be fine. Calligraphers are notoriously nice, AND THEY WILL forgive the squeaky voice, the peculiar accent, and hopefully for the hour they lose discussing where best to place a well turned tittle [tittle details are very important].

Anyhow, this is my big, scary news! What does this mean for my blog in February? Well I might put up some videos of me actually writing words, if WordPress is agreeable; and I might go missing in action for a bit as I will need to prepare; AND, I will probably also need some time on the fainting chaise with the smelling salts, or the gin, or the Diazepam….. IT WILL BE FINE – I am blind as a bat and can barely make out what the hell is going on on Zoom with or without my glasses! [This is a good thing]

So in February expect a bit more of this:-

calligraphy exchange

calligraphy exchange

Finally – Sunday Music!! I’ve chosen this, cos Jon gave me an ear worm.

45 thoughts on “Jolly news, or just plain scary?”

  1. Z

    Learning the rules and forgetting all about them – yes, that’s creativity. Though I mostly use it in cooking, I recognise and admire it. I’d sign up but it’s above my capabilities, unless you can suggest a crash course for the beginner to prepare (I’m actually up for anything right now). xxx

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    1. Scarlet Post author

      Z – I can indeed recommend a crash course! My friend Claire has some free beginner videos on her website HERE! Please don’t blame me if you become addicted!! And there are tons of how-to demonstrations on Youtube – calligraphy is a good way to lose hours and hours of time!
      Sx

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  2. Jon

    Heavens! A stand-up gig! Just try and avoid telling any Jethro jokes.

    I look forward to seeing you “in person”.

    Jx

    PS Don’t “Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away”…

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    1. Scarlet Post author

      Jon – I know!! A stand up gig!! [I’ll probably sit down though] I will avoid the Jethro jokes!! They wouldn’t work with my Peggy Mitchell accent….. but then again?!
      That’s the issue I have with lockdown – I can’t run away!!
      Sx

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  3. batarde

    Copperplay! Oh, I like that – conveys perfectly your subversively ludic take on English Roundhand, and prepares the lucky students for sophisticated wit, laughter and anecdotage. This should cement further you status as a National Treasure, and give the Honours Committee a hefty hint.
    Also, Janice. I suppose it’s too late to ask you to say “hi” from me?

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    1. Scarlet Post author

      Mr Batarde – Hahaha!!!! Crikey, have I got to come up with anecdotes as well? I suppose that’s possible. Yes, Copperplay was from Cecilia! I like it too.
      Janice’s envelope went in the post a couple of weeks back – I don’t think it’s made touchdown yet… not even in Nevada.
      Sx

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  4. Inexplicable DeVice

    How bum-clenchingly exciting! I’m sure you will be marvellous, and people will be in awe (especially of your well turned tittle).

    P.S. The European Pointed Pen Collective sounds rather sinister.

    P.P.S. Did you show off Jake’s arse on purpose, or was it just a happy coincidence?

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    1. Scarlet Post author

      Mr Devine – I know! I’m scared silly, but in a good way.
      Haha! Yes, I always feel that all collective members should wear bowler hats and carry black umbrellas, or some such, and always have a pen nib instead of a handkerchief visible in the top pocket.
      All arses are happy coincidence!
      Sx

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  5. Mistress Borghese

    Congrats Ms Scarlet!!!!!! Doesn’t surprise me in the slightest with your talents!!! Im always left in awe. I agree with Mr Device….European Pointed Pen Collective has a sinister sound….but Im sure youll be fine. Maybe go with a Joann Worley approach.

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  6. Jane Hattatt

    Darling Ms S,

    We rather feel like Alice in Wonderland having ventured down rabbit holes and blind alleys to seek you out!! And, here you are….. perfectly pen poised to venture into Zoom with your calligraphy, wit and wisdom.

    Your students will love you.

    Thank you for your warm welcome. We are happy to be reconnected.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Scarlet Post author

      Apologies, Jane! I’m so glad you found me, and it’s so lovely to see you again – I did wonder what had happened to you both! I’m pleased to read that you are in fine fettle.
      I’m sure my students will teach me a thing or two!
      Sxx

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  8. dinahmow

    On the importance of tittles….I was made to write a line of tittles as an exercise in getting them “even.” Now? I don’t give a jot!
    But maybe I should do some practice?
    Anyhoo, I think this course is just the thing for you.You’ll be the next Youtube hit

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  10. lisleman

    Of course I’ve seen your fabulous calligraphy but never thought one could get online calligraphy gigs. Have you taught your craft in the more traditional class room setting? Do they offer online doodling gigs? I have done some doodles.
    That music video had me thinking of those adverts that you used to create stories.

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    1. Scarlet Post author

      Bill – I’ve never taught anything in my life!!! Or even been to a workshop – I’m thinking that this might be a fresh and interesting approach!
      Calligraphy gigs online are incredibly popular – there are many on Youtube and some are soothing – I doubt mine will be!
      Yep, I intend to write some advert posts this year – I think I only did one last year. In March I want to pick up my writing again.
      Sx

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  11. melaniereynolds

    Forgive me if you weren’t asking for suggestions and I’m being presumptuous, but several friends have found it useful to have a practice zoom session with someone before hand. I often volunteer as tribute guinea pig (although I can’t say I know anymore about how zoom works than you do) only that I’m sympathetic to such anxieties. If you don’t have any experimental hedgehogs to work with in your time zone send me an email.

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  12. Scarlet Post author

    Melanie – I might just email you re your suggestion! I have a few people on that particular list – starting with people I know and then moving gently to people I don’t know so well – so thank you for the offer!
    Sx

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  15. Mitzi

    Send the diazepam to me! Whenever I’m feeling stressed (usually on flights) all I have to do is watch ASMR videos of Indian head massages and Turkish barbers I’m in raptures.

    I’m confident all will go well.

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    1. Scarlet Post author

      Mitzi – I only have a limited supply of Diazepam and it has to last! I will try the Indian head massage videos – do they make your sculp go tingly?
      Sx

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  18. 63mago

    Jessasmariaundjoseph ! Workshop. Zoom, whatnot …
    All will be good. I mean, what could possibly go wrong ? … Just a rhethorical question.
    I do not “congratulate” before, just after the presentation(s). Two weeks for preparation, so no need to worry. It will be an interesting experience.

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. looby

    The word “tittle” makes me titter.

    Good luck Miss S. I will never go anywhere near teaching again. I’ve had far too much time sweating in front of teenagers armed with nothing but a copy of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. The imposter syndrome overwhelmed me in the end. Not that that will apply to you — you can actually do it.

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  21. Scarlet Post author

    Looby – Moi?????!! I have no idea how I’ll be in front of a screen full of expectant faces – I’d prefer it if I did the writing and someone else did a voiceover, as though I was playing golf or something.
    At least they will all be adults who have chosen this form of torture!
    Sx

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