Spitting Yarn

I’m back.

I’m actually feeling quite refreshed and zingy, which is a change. Usually when I come back from holiday, I feel like I need another one to get over it. I think the exercise, good food, new experiences and Upper Class return flight (thanks to Air Miles), has me in good shape.

Japan was really wonderful – definitely the most interesting place I’ve had the good fortune to visit so far. There is a real enthusiasm for craftiness there, both traditional and new, which was great for me (less good for poor old DB, who got dragged round quite a number of craft emporiums of one kind or another). I have lots to post about, but I haven’t organised my thoughts and pics yet. I’ll sort the pics into a Flickr set, so they will be easily viewable, should you be interested.

Here’s a taster in the meantime…

Also, a book tip. A friend of DB’s has just had her first novel published. Her name is Kit Whitfield, and the book’s called Bareback (or Benighted in the US due to the connotations of the book’s title). We picked up her book at the airport. DB finished it on our hols, and I’m near the end. It’s gripping. I don’t want to say too much about it for fear of ruining it for others, but I shall describe it as a werewolf thriller in the noir crime genre. I’m not a huge fan of the latter genre, but it lifts what would otherwise be a tired fantasy theme into something much more edgy. Don’t be put off by your view of either of the genres mentioned, as the book is neither and manages to be something new. I’d thoroughly recommend it.