Note to self

I

must

always

control

my

anger.


Seriously.

Lightening up

Because the day stopped being heavy and got a bit sparklesome.

( The Random Question Meme! )

Jiri Trnka

I have always loved fairy tales and illustrations. I still have a book of HC Andersen's stories from my childhood, illustrated by Jiri Trnka; I've only recently learnt how influential he became in animation and puppet theatre (my little book might be worth some cash if it wasn't covered in the mucky finger stains of childhood; The link leads to one of my favourite pictures from the book. The story is 'The Nightingale,' and here we see Death sitting on the Chinese Emperor's chest.

I've put it on storybookland because I think it is so textured and beautiful. But I want it here too, so I can just stare at it whenever I want to.

http://www.amo-bulbi.it/AB/J_T_07.htm

...But the Emperor was not yet dead. He could scarcely breathe, however, and it appeared to him as though something was sitting on his chest. He opened his eyes, and saw that it was Death. He had put on the Emperor's crown, and in one hand held the golden scimitar and in the other the splendid imperial banner. From under the folds of the thick velvet hangings the strangest looking heads were peering forth, some with very ugly faces and others with looks that were extremely gentle and lovely. These were the good and bad deeds of the Emperor, which were now all fixing their eyes upon him, while Death sat upon his heart.