I was originally going to post another entry on the Bill Woggon colouring book I featured at the beginning of the year as I've always had three posts in mind for it. But somehow I felt I needed something with a bit more colour in my life today - and this lovely story seemed just the ticket. The illustrations are by Nadir Quinto - one of my favourite artists and someone who has featured in my blog on more that one occasion before.
I love everything about these illustrations. The richness of the colours, the subject matter, and the way just looking at them makes my spirit soar into the heavens where it can dance in that vast spangled expanse alongside these fairies and prancing winged horses.
Last week I was feeling very tired, demoralised and pretty glum in general. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who left a comment and to those of you I know visit regularly even if you don't always say anything. I've mentioned before that blogging has surprised me by being such a two way street. I always hoped my posts would bring enjoyment and delight to the lives of others in the same way that these illustrations have given such joy and pleasure to mine. I never expected to find my own life enriched in return so much by the people I've met in the process. I may not have managed to garner hundreds of followers but I've realised that each and every one of you is far more important to me than a thousand voiceless faces - so for that I'd like to thank you all for the wealth of friendship you've brought to my world.
This is another instance where I've had to split my scans into two images because I can only cope with A4 size and the original pages are much larger. I've tried to do these so that both the illustrations and the text are included. I may have cut a little bit off on the edges but I hope I've still managed to keep a workable balance.
This story originally appeared in 'Once Upon a Time' magazine.
Issues 79 to 82
Published weekly between 15 August 1970 and 5 September 1970
To those of you whose blogs I normally visit - thanks again for being so understanding if I don't pop around as often as I used to. I've found because of my new extended commute (coupled with a demanding work environment) I tend to run out of steam as the week progresses - each day gets progressively worse and by Thursday I'm capable of doing virtually nothing by the time I get home. Its almost more than I can do to get up on Friday morning but at least then I have the knowledge that on Saturday I don't have to make a 5am start. Its amazing how well the weekend manages to revive my energy and spirits - but then treadmill continues and its back to the same old routine on Monday again!
