Saturday 31 December 2022

John Milton Biography Draft Complete

It's finally done! The blockage that was adding the John Milton biography is done. It'll need another content pass further down the line and a bibliography section will need adding as well.

As the Day in Milton's Life proved to be so short but also such a colourful glimpse that I'll work that in as well. For the AI art tooling  I'm shifting away from Midjourney as I'm not a fan of prompt censorship especially when they want real money from me.

But for now, let's discover some of Milton's life :

https://paradiselostaiedition.blogspot.com/2022/12/paradise-lost-ai-illustrated-edition.html

Tuesday 27 December 2022

One Last Message

 

It seems our ever-unstable cultist left a message before mysteriously disappearing...

Things the go bump in the night

 

I wondered what had happened to the final addition and now I need to nuke my house from orbit...

Sunday 18 December 2022

Mike's Reviews - Raven Forge Tactical Hatchet

Hi everyone! - I'm just trying something different here as I've grown more interested in playing around with videos helping with the GSD Welfare Fund and would love to do some more of my own projects with it. Starting with reviews of the various things I collect like the edged weapons and old books (well mostly Paradise Lost) seems a good place to start, so here's my most recent purchase.

It's rough on the edges, but I can fix those as I go along if this becomes more of a thing - which I hope so as I quite enjoyed putting this together :-) Anyway here's my review of Raven Forge's Tactical Hatchet from their new Tactical range.

https://youtu.be/1Gaw8XEcQWs

If you're interested in one for yourself then check it out here and they have plenty of other cool stuff:

https://ravenforge.com/collections/new-in/products/tactical-hatchet

Please note that I'm not sponsored by Raven Forge but if they'd like to I could be persuaded :-)


Tuesday 25 October 2022

Halloween Auction Open Items Roundup




The Halloween Horror Auction raising money for the German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund is in full steam approaching All Hallows Eve. There are still some amazing and a few unique horror themed items available with more to be added daily. Here's the list of items available for bidding:



These aren't auctions, but part of the same fundraising event and feature art (including my back piece)  from one of my favourite contemporary artists.


Thursday 20 October 2022

Added to Halloween Auction - Jack – Deconstructed. Mixed Media Abstract Art by Eilidh Griffiths

The talented Eilidh Griffiths has generously donated this excellent abstract piece titled 'Jack - Deconstructed' to the Halloween Horror Auction supporting the GSD Welfare Fund.

‘Jack Deconstructed #1 ‘ is a mixed media, an abstract art piece which shows the shapes and colours of the traditional Halloween “Jack o’ Lantern” along with invoking the feeling of chilly, misty mornings where you can smell the frost in the air, which then clear into crisp days with aqua skies.

This will make a very nice addition to any Halloween / Autumn or Pumpkin lover’s home as an abstract art piece.

It is approximately 20 cm x 15cm or 8 x 6 inches in size and is worked upon a canvas board with several different media including collaged paper and acrylic paint. Signed and dated on the rear, by the artist and initialled on the front. It is sealed with matt acrylic varnish and is supplied without a frame.

You can discover more of her art on Instagram: @alesgriff.art

Bid now to own this eye-catching and thoughtful work of art in time for Halloween:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364022276494

 



Halloween Horror Auction Update

 


We only have 11 days left of the Halloween Horror Auction raising money urgently needed to support the GSD Welfare Fund. Firstly a thank you to everyone who's participated we've raised just over £200, but we still have many cool items coming every day until Halloween.

We also still have some open auctions - take a look and see if anything catches your eye!


 


Sunday 9 October 2022

My Destiny Revealed

For a fundraising event for the Defibrillators in the village (a sensible precaution considering it has taken more than an hour for an ambulance to arrive for an emergency before and one I no doubt will take advantage of at some stage) a spirituality and well-being event was being held today. It's not generally my type of thing, although an Indian Head Massage is always welcome, but not immediately available today. 

I did fancy a Tarot reading though, in part because I tried one over 30 years ago, and the heretic (just kidding!) drew the cards and then promptly refused to do my reading. No doubt she enjoyed a penchant for the dramatic. So to support a worthy local cause I decided to give it another go it was fun and to be fair didn't quite follow the expected pattern.

Donations can be made here:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christchurch-defibrillato-funds

I know how these readings work, whether consciously on the part of the practitioner or not but even so it did head in some interesting directions. So, as a marker for the future, I'm going to write down the path of my destiny and we shall see how it shapes up over the coming years. 

I'll note before we start that I went along with it, except in a few parts - I didn't deliberately set her up, or make it difficult. I also didn't get the straight tarot reading I intended and instead received one guided by a spirit medium which was supplemented with a divination deck I wasn't familiar with.

And so without further ado...

Slaine by Clint Langley
redskullspage.tumblr.com/post/162509989112
My Destiny Revealed

Apparently, she'd noticed me upon entering the Hall. Firstly for the fact I possess an old would. One that has journeyed through many lives, all of them leading up to my current existence and preparing me for my final task upon the Earth where my next awaited me in the next one. Sounds better than your standard fetch quest so I'm in :-) It's also a rare event to meet someone on their final turn of the wheel, which is fine with me as I consider reincarnation to be one of the worst forms of damnation 👿 

I'd previously been informed that my Spirit Companion was a Bear - not an unreasonable thought I think. However in this case it was a Celtic Warrior. One formidable enough to help protect me through my many tribulations. Now the fact I wore a Blood for the Blood God t-shirt and general look no doubt provided her with a hint, but when I tried to guide her in a more Norse direction she initially went with it, but then returned and insisted on a Celtic warrior - so Slaine it is and I'm fine with that. I don't have Brainbiter so will have to add that beauty to my collection.

As for my ultimate task, all the militaristic build-up veered off on an unexpected tangent. I'm due to become some manner of healer, not in a medical or laying on of hands sense though. Instead, I have a gift (or will develop one) for being able to heal people by being in their presence and able to unlock whatever is blocking them from healing or healing them myself. 

I would also be able to have a similar effect from my writing - so maybe she's a fan of the blog too :-)

A slightly interesting aspect here is that in my younger days I used to be able to read people quite well - well enough that I could generally figure out what their issues might be without having met them before. There's no special power here besides just listening to what is being said, or not said as the case may be.

There was a strange moment when a dead loved one made an experience, but I have no idea who it was meant to be.

The session was only 20 minutes and the remainder was some fairly standard self-help style guidance. It wasn't an unpleasant way to spend the time and certainly cheaper than a therapist. And now we'll see my destiny manifest :-)

Here's the link again if you wish to contribute to the village's defibrillators:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christchurch-defibrillato-funds

And thanks to Lucy and co for putting it all together!


Wednesday 5 October 2022

Halloween Horror Auction - Original Painting by Luciana Nedelea Added

 Auction Quick List

Original Richly Detailed Horror Painting of a Spirit in Candlelight



Original Richly Detailed Horror Painting of a Spirit in Candlelight by Luciana Nedelea (the amazingly talented Romanian artist who designed my back piece as well as many album covers, bespoke design and atmospheric paintings).

This mixed medium painting is intricately detailed and signed on dated on the back. It is painted on paper and measures 22 x 22 cm.

The painting is from my personal collection to help raise funds for the GSD Welfare Fund.

Bid here to own this original piece of artwork - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364006019323

Tuesday 4 October 2022

Halloween Horror Auction - Signed Copy of Faust 2.0 Added

A new item has been added to the Halloween Horror Auction supporting the GSD Welfare Fund - you can see the master list of auctions and offers here:

https://gsdwelfare.blogspot.com/p/halloween-horror-auction.html

Signed Copy of Faust 2.0 by Michael Brookes

Today's new auction is a signed copy of my reimagining of the classic Faustian Pact legend in a modern setting.


Is it the rebirth of an ancient evil in a new realm? Or something much worse?

A sexy looking avatar grants wishes for people across the web, but nothing is truly free, and for those who accept, what price must be paid?

Sarah Mitchell must discover the truth of this creature and stop it while it can still be stopped, but why is a mysterious lawyer dogging her every step?

Bid here to win your copy - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364004523403 


Monday 3 October 2022

Halloween Horror Auction -- Various Horror/Dark Fantasy A3 Prints/Posters

Here's a new range of items available in the Halloween Horror Auction throughout this month. A master page listing all items as they're added can be found here https://gsdwelfare.blogspot.com/p/halloween-horror-auction.html

Various Horror/Dark Fantasy A3 Prints/Posters

Technically not an auction, but you can satisfy that retail therapy urge and buy one or more right now! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/364002142966

 

Start setting the mood for a Horrifying Halloween with these prints from original artwork created by the amazingly talented Luciana Nedelea - discover more of her art here:


I will be donating a few original pieces by her from my personal collection - not these ones - I'd want serious money to consider parting with them. Especially The Space Inbetween piece. That started life as a book cover for a Milton/Lovecraft crossover that still hasn't come together yet, There are lots of lovely details and the Paradise Lost influence is evident so I'll post an article with more detail on my Paradise Lost blog soon.

However, it did find a new purpose and became the design for my back piece as you can see below:

 

Treat yourself or someone you know to one of these darkly wonderful art prints. They're exclusively licensed so not available anywhere else.


  

Sunday 2 October 2022

History of Christchurch Website Launched

I'm pleased to announce that a project I've meant to put together since moving into the village is finally live. The History of Christchurch website assembles the documented history of the village into a single online resource (although it may well become a book at some stage). Although it's now live, it's far from complete, and it's too much for me alone.

I've found the process fascinating and there's a wealth of information still to be uncovered and added. If you have historical knowledge or material that can be added then get in touch.

Help is also needed in preparing materials and text for the site. Looking at the longer term I'd like to expand the site to record more than just the village's documented history, but also to capture the living history of our residents past, present and future.

I'm also asking local businesses to help fund the costs of operating the site. Don't worry it's only £10 per calendar year to include an advert for your business on the website. More details can be found on the local businesses page.

I hope you find the site interesting and feel free to use the contact us form to send me any feedback, I hope you'll get involved :-)


Saturday 1 October 2022

Two Days Left to Enter Your Calendar Photos

 


We've received a flurry of entries over the past couple of days, but there are still two more days to get your entries in for the GSD Welfare Fund's 2023 Calendar. Whether it's your favourite photo or matching one of the monthly themes, they need to be submitted along with your £3 entry fee before Monday 3rd October. Full details can be found here:

https://gsdwelfare.blogspot.com/2022/09/2023-calendar-comp.html

Please, Follow, Like and Share this post to keep informed and encourage as many entries as possible!


Friday 30 September 2022

Illustrated Drabbles - A Marriage Made in...

A Marriage Made In...

Hell. You know the place. Lakes of burning sulphur. Torture pits resonant with the wailing of the damned. Not the place you'd expect to fall in love. But I did.

Our eyes met across the inferno. It was love at first sight or first scream at least. At first, the demons didn't approve and tried to smother our love with fire and brimstone.

We endured and in the end, they came round.

Lucifer himself even officiated at our wedding. Love, honour and obey - two of those concepts are welcome here.

But until death do us part could be a problem.

Sunday 25 September 2022

Birth Pains of a Shared Consciousness

 Content Warning: Hippy Overthinking Incoming... 

Just some almost random musings really, but don't say I didn't warn you as I frantically try and type this before the 'too little sleep crust' clears from my eyes...


I recall as a youth reading about shamanistic rituals and their ability to project elsewhere onto the Astral Plane. A shared space that could be accessed by the power of the mind and with knowledge, talent and mastery could communicate with anyone as they slumbered. Those that knew the secret could access the library whether white, black or indeed of none, or all colours at once. Legend teased that all human knowledge - past, present or future could be found within its abstract walls.

There would have to be sacrificesthough. And much time spent learning, before embarking on a spiritual quest to access these mystical tools. A price more than coin always had to be paid. Even then the reality would be shrouded in myth and obscured by symbols so that the truth of it didn't consume the seeker. 

Simple primitive and restrictive nonsense that the clever monkeys trapped between their Heaven and Hell in a miraculous, yet crushingly mundane world could not bear. Some attribute the jump start in genetics to a lucky hand dealt, others to an omnipotent design, and still others to the code itself adapting and surviving to develop a crude tool. A cruel and brutal analogue of nature from which it spawned. A tool of technology outstripping that of patient adaptation and understanding. No balance, just progress.

And so that what was once considered a path reserved for the gifted ones, those lost to insanity, the outcasts and the visionaries are laid open. Exposed to all in its virginal vulnerability, available to (almost) everyone without consideration of merit or accountability 

Primate fists smash their keyboards, hooting and howling their dreams and fears. Then automatically translated by machine slaves into digital shrieking of political, spiritual and emotional dissonance reverberating through the shared blend of the world and virtuality. Technology is the great leveller, the gun defeats the sword, the enabler of the lowest common denominator. The barely understood impulse, lurking in the shadows of the mind snatched into reality with no effort, and so little time for consideration. No pause for knowing that just because they could...

Or is it all just an interesting story for a Midjourney prompt 😎

Outro...


Ooo a music video seems like a fun idea :-)

Saturday 17 September 2022

A Midjourney Through the Seasons

You have American horror author Heather Miller and my youngest sister in part as the inspiration for my latest Midjourney exploration. Heather because of she posted some seasonal quotes, and Christine for a similar post regarding the seasons. My favourite quote for the seasons is a rather poetical one from a song called Mythistory by a band called Sabbat.

Corn is the gold that will shine in the summertime
Leaves are the emeralds you find in the spring
At autumn they turn and as copper they burn,
then they fall like the diamonds that bleak winter brings.

I posted many seasons ago about this song and you can read more here

https://thecultofme.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-favourite-song-lyrics-mythistory.html

I need little excuse to to share this quote, but is also seemed a nice idea to run the quotes through Midjourney. Naturally it didn't go as simply as that although I did try to keep to the original lines as closely as the possible to the original lines as much as possible  for the individual images. This worked fine, except for winter as it didn't seem to recognise that it was a winter scene. Overall though I used iteration through regeneration rather than crafting the prompts and I'm pleased with the final result.


Apart from adding the text I resisted any modifications to the images. It was tempting to playe with some form of transition between the images though :-)

 


Sunday 11 September 2022

Paradise Lost - AI Illustrated Edition

 

Exciting times! My Paradise Lost - AI Illustrated Edition has officially commenced with the Front Matter scans and transcriptions from the 1794 edition on which the text will be based on.


And it has a cover!

https://paradiselostaiedition.blogspot.com/2022/09/paradise-lost-ai-illustrated-edition_11.html

Saturday 10 September 2022

Ancient Rome Under Assault


Today's Midjourney prompt inspiration is courtesy of Modiphius and their successfully advertised me something that I didn't realise I wanted - Call of Cthulhu in Ancient Rome (well technically it's Achtung Cthulhu in Ancient Rome, but you get the idea) - find out more here -  https://www.modiphius.net/pages/cohors-cthulhu


I'm going to have to revisit this idea in the future. I managed a few nice mood pieces, but some up-close scenes eluded me this time.