Favorite Dreams:  1. Waltzing With James Norton…

James Norton and Robson Green in a playful mood on the set of Grantchester’s Christmas special

Migration Period Jewelry, 5th-6th Century AD

Ring made of gold, garnet, agate and glass. Earrings made of gold, garnet, lapis lazuli, red carnelian, pearl and chalcedony.

Saint Petersburg Mosque @

Happy 1st day of Winter! X

A Scene from Milton’s ‘Comus’ (exh.1844). Charles Robert Leslie (English, 1794-1859). Oil paint on canvas. Tate.

Seated on an enchanted chair, the Lady is immobilised, and Comus accosts her, holding a necromancer’s wand, he offers a vessel with a drink that would overpower her. Comus urges the Lady to “be not coy” and drink from his magical cup (representing sexual pleasure and intemperance), but she repeatedly refuses, arguing for the virtuousness of temperance and chastity.

King Amanullah Khan of Afghanistan (ruled 1919-1929) once gave a public speech in which he said “Islam did not require women to cover their bodies or wear any special kind of veil”. At the conclusion of the speech, to the amazement of those present, Queen Soraya tore off her veil in public.