Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover...

...well, maybe just a little.  
I thought it was time I did a blog post on a great idea Penguin Books came up with - selling classic novels with blank covers.  The official tag line is: "Books by the Greats, Covers by You".   The blank covers are 'art-quality' paper which hold ink, paint and pencil amongst others.  They also come shrink-wrapped so the paper is nice and clean on arrival. The price isn't bad either for £5 (GBP) with free p&p in the UK, but they do ship worldwide (Here's the link to the online store) 

I really do love giving presents with a personal touch, something that says 'I actually thought about this'.  I was looking for a little gift for my friend 'J' and eventually settled on "The Waves" by Virginia Woolf.  I didn't have much time but managed to rustle up a quick cover using letraset promarkers and ink (you can have a gander at the result below).   

There's also an online gallery on the Penguin website, where people can display pictures of their gallant efforts.  Some of them are truly amazing, but I think my personal favourite has to be the one below for Bram Stoker's "Dracula".  The cover was created by: Stuart and Pania Fleming.  Simple and brilliant.  I especially love that 2 people are credited for it!  A splatter each perhaps?

'The Waves', Virginia Woolf                                   'Dracula', Bram Stoker

'Walk Off The Earth' Gotye Cover

How cool is this.  Over 21 million hits on youtube, in just over one week, says it all. Yes, 21 million.  In a week!  This Canada based 5 piece are the definition of 'going viral'...




You can check out their facebook page here

2012 We Meet At Last

So 2012 is here at last. It wasn't so long ago the thought of the year 2012 seemed incredibly space-aged and now we're here. Eek. I started 2011 with a massive 'to do' and resolution list.  Did I do any of them?  Did I bugger.  This year my New Year's resolution is not to make any resolutions.  I seem to inadvertently make it my personal mission to break as many as possible in as short a time as possible.   'Dear Diary, this year I resolve to go on a diet and exercise. Lots. [written whilst semi-comatosed on the sofa with a kitkat in one hand and a mouth stuffed full of crisps]'  So no, this year, no resolutions. 

I love a new year though, it feel's new.  It brings the promise of new beginnings. I read somewhere that:' Life is like a roll of toilet paper - the closer it gets to the end the faster it goes'.  I was going to add: then you're left in the shit. Literally. But, I won't...  Although, it did get me thinking about how quickly it all whizzes by and how we deserve to live a life we truly love for the short time we're here and while still able.  How easy it is to stagnate.  So many people have opinions on how the lives of others should be and alas if we don't shape our own lives, no-one else will. Continuing to beat the drum of what's gone wrong, only plays the sound of past regrets. Someone once said: " You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore" So maybe I'll make a resolution after all - that this year, I'll lose sight of the shore.


Wishes for all to have a joyful and healthy 2012 x