New Year's Resolutions

So...it's 2012. When did that happen. Today, I remembered that I had a Neopet and when I tried (and failed) to log in, it turned out I set it up 11 years ago! 11 years! What the what? I wish time would stop moving - there's loads I haven't achieved!

So, with a new year comes some resolutions. I was originally planning to make a diary comic about what my plans were over the Christmas break...but alas, I got lurgy. It was really annoying as it meant I spent Christmas coughing and snotty. The snot bit has mostly gone but I'm still coughing. I suspect I'll visit a doctor or something. But that's besides the point. Here, in poster form, are my resolutions for 2012:

I think those are main ones. I need to sort my life out too - do normal things like go on dates and talk to people and go to parties. In fact, I just booked my train tickets to visit a pal who lives at least two hours train journey away! That counts as being grown up and seeing new places, right?

I'm also planning to use this blog more. I'm not quite sure who yet...but you'll know when I do.


Stay out of trouble
TWx

Review of the Year: Music in 2011

So, I covered some of the comics I enjoyed in 2011...which can only mean that music is next. Normally I would agonise for a long, long time about when to put on here. I mean, you want to seem cool but not like you're trying too hard, right?

Except! 2011 clearly belonged to one person and one person alone...and that person is Ms Rebecca Black:

And it's not just Friday that cements her at the top of the 2011 charts. She has other songs...which aren't as catchy as Friday but are still ace:

My Moment

Person of Interest

Hooray for Rebecca Black! 

As for other, non-Rebecca Black songs, here are a bunch of other things I enjoyed listening to this year. You're not allowed to laugh at me!

My pal Martin sent me this Disney...thing. It's amazing and I don't know how to explain it, but it's ace.

Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers

I don't know if this officially came out in 2010 or 2011 but I listened to it a lot so it is making the cut. Hooray!

M83 - Midnight City

An amazing video as well as the theme tune to Made In Chelsea? Double thumbs up!

Yelle - Safari Disco Club / Que veux-tu

I'm late to the party with Yelle but it's good fun. I don't speak French though so when I singalong, I just make noises and hope it sounds right.

Songify - Can't Hug Every Cat

The Gregory Brothers are ace and responsible for some of the catchiest songs ever. Auto-tune The News #12 is still brilliant. You know what, that is going on the list too, I don't care if it came out in 2010:

Game of Thrones theme 



I know it doesn't really count as a chart smash...but the theme from Game of Thrones is ace. And it's so catchy! If I had a theme tune, it would sound like this...




Robyn


Robyn was all over the place this year. Or was it last year? I'm not sure. But I remember listening to her a lot in 2011. I mean, you couldn't really ignore her with videos like this (which, is pretty much how I dance all the time...just so you know)






I think that's mostly it? I can always add in more songs? And now it's 2012 and there's a whole host of music to look forward to. My first official tip of catchy songs (besides whatever Rebecca Black releases next) is the theme tune from New Girl, for no other reason than I enjoy it?





Who's that girl? It's Jess!

Review of the Year: Comics in 2011

2011 was a year and now it’s over. In 2010, I did some comics about my Review of the Year but since so many of this year's People I Know comics have been about me and my life, I figured I’d do a blog about some of my favourite things instead. Plus, one of my plans for 2012 is to make better use of this blog anyway so everyone is a winner! HOORAY!

So, here are a few of the comics I enjoyed in 2011. There are lots more than this but these ones are jumping into my mind now that I’ve sat down to type…

The Case of the Lonely One (Bad Machinery)

by John Allison 

You know what two things I love? Well-paced romps of a mystery persuasion and stories about young people, trying to navigate growing up. Think Murder, She Wrote and most books by Diana Wynne Jones. Combined! It’s that sense of good fun that got me super excited about this Bad Machinery story.. Well, that and the onions.

Skimpy Jim

by Joe List

Skimpy Jim is the sort of comic I wish I had made. It even has a gatefold cover which has been my comic-dream for a long time. One day, I will have my own gatefold cover! JUST YOU WAIT! But yeah – read Skimpy Jim if you want to smile. It's a story about hair and monsters and being true to yourself.

Gunnerkrigg Court

by Tom Siddell

What the eff? It turns out everyone has been reading Gunnerkrigg Court and not telling me? Come on! Why didn’t anyone let me know? I was sitting nearly-opposite the Gunnerkrigg table at Thought Bubble and picked up the first (giant hardback) volume to read on the train ride home. It was really engrossing – lots of mysterious stuff going on, mixed with some ace characters. I imagine I’m not the first to say it, but it’s sort of like Harry Potter mixed with Lost. If I cared about Lost.

Hilda and the MidnightGiant

by Luke Pearson

The internet is awash with praise for lovely Luke Pearson – and rightly so. He works hard and is a good person. Hooray for him! In 2011, whilst I was busy crying under my desk, Luke was working his fingers to the bone on this masterpiece. It’s a tale about a girl named Hilda and also, there is a midnight giant. Or is there? It’s the sort of comic I would have demanded my local library order in. And I only did that for the good stuff.

My Cardboard Life

by Philippa Rice

My Cardboard Life is probably one of the webcomics I look up to most. It’s smart, fun and cute with a brilliant cast of characters. I’d be happy if just one of those words could be used to describe People I Know (let alone all three), so 2012 is all about knocking my webcomic into shape. Philippa also put out an amazing book this year, compiling LOADS of My Cardboard Life strips. It is A4 and in full colour and just ace. Keep it up Philippa!

Depressed Cat

by Lizz Lunney

I look positively upbeat compared to Depressed Cat – the ever-sighing feline from the brain of Lizz “Lizzbert” Lunney. I wouldn’t read this book if you want to see a happy cat. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it…because you should. It’s funny (rhymes with Lunney!) and cute (rhymes with…boot?) and totally worth some time in front of your eyes.

Red Planet Ride

by Jim Stone

I picked up the first issue of Red Planet Ride at MCM Expo in October. I can’t remember how I got to talking to the creator, Jim, but it didn’t take much for me to buy it. It’s so pretty! Mysterious powers! Whales! Sassy teens! Bicycles! My favourite things! I’m expecting to see some pretty impressive things from this gentleman so keep your eyes peeled. And do yourself a favour by picking this up.

I’m still reading the odd mainstream comic and the weekly trip to the comic shop are a nice distraction after work. I’m still reading X-Factor which does a great job of juggling a large cast of characters. The X-Men line has been through some changes with Schism (which I thought was a great waste of time) but I’ve been picking up the odd title. The whole “setting up a school for young mutants” is pretty much my dream storyline so I’ll be following that for a bit. Mainly just because Quentin Quire is brilliant. And in non-X-Men news, Journey Into Mystery has pretty much done the impossible – it made me care about the Asgardian-section of the Marvel Universe. Plus the festive issue with the puppies was brilliant. The new series of Daredevil has also found its way into my buy-pile. It looks good and isn't boring! Excellent combination!

As for manga, Fairy Tail is still ace and will continue to be ace as long as they keep Lucy and her celestial spirits around. Oh! And Hunter X Hunter has started again! HOORAY! Bleach and Naruto are still doing a great job too but that goes without saying.

So yeah – there’s some things for you to read in 2012. And hey, maybe I'll make some cool stuff too for you to read! Fingers crossed!

Angela Lansbury Week 2011 - Day Five

Day Fiiiiiiiiive! Yep - it's the end of Angela Lansbury Week 2011. But don't cry. Hold back those tears until you've seen all the amazing Lansburys that people have sent in. You can shed your tears afterwards... Now brace yourselves. You're about to get Lansbury'd!

It’s the last day of Angela Lansbury Week 2011 so I’m opening up with this incredible submission from Sarah. I’m pretty much speechless about it. Why’s that? Because as I type this, the actual crocheted Eglantine Price from these photos is sitting next to me! YEAH! I really don’t know what to say. She’s so cute! I might take her to work to sit on my desk and we could sing “Substitutiary Locomotion” when we feel sad. Yeah – that sounds like a good idea. I bet no one would mind that. Thank you so much for this Sarah (and Mark!)!

You can do it! Put your back in to it! Yeah! That’s right! This photo montage was sent in by the ever-sassy Carly. What makes Carly sassy, I hear you ask? Well, for a start, she used a picture from teen classic Save The Last Dance. Don’t pretend you haven’t seen it. Even I have seen it and Angela Lansbury isn’t in it! Oh. Wait. Looking at Carly’s picture, Angela *was* in it. I had no idea! Wow. And her and Julia are wearing the same colour! I love it when pals coordinate outfits on a night out. I would do that if I ever went to club…or if I had any friends. Thanks for sending this in Carly!

Once upon a time, I told a nice guy that the only way we could ever be BFFs would be if he drew me an Angela Lansbury. And lo – it was so! That’s right, Martin – comic lover and all-round cool dude, submitted this drawing for that very reason! He even did it on his lunch break! HOORAY! I don’t know whether I’m imagining it, but it looks like there’s a single tear rolling down her face… Heartbreaking. Well played, Martin. Well played indeed. Thanks for sending this in, Martin!

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is such a cute and fluffy film it is easy to forget that it deals with war and the unfortunate things that come with it – families being split up, invasions etc... But you know who didn’t forget about that? Seafaring superdude Warwick – the owner of one of the finest drawing hands (and beards) in the UK. Warwick drew this very focused-looking Eglantine, armed with sword and broom. She means business! I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side… Thanks for sending this in Warwick!

Uh oh. Someone did a murder…which must mean that Jessica Fletcher is in town. And if there wasn’t a murder, someone made a terrible mess on the carpet. This drawing was sent in by Gon – a fine fellow who stopped by my table at MCM Expo in October. He’s opted to draw everyone’s favourite murder mystery writer/solver – and when she looks this cute, who can blame him? Thanks Gon!

This drawing – by Trev – was one of the earlier entries in Angela Lansbury Week but I’ve kept it for the end because it involves TWO of Angela’s roles. TWO! But there’s only ONE drawing! What the cabbage? Don’t panic! Trev’s explanation actually makes sense. He originally wanted to draw Mrs Potts…until he discovered that Angela Lansbury was also in a version of The Picture of Dorian Gray! So, using his artistic skillz, Trev worked on a way to combine the two, the result of which you see before your eyes! HOORAY! Thanks Trev!

I spend about an hour commuting to work every day. An hour of scary drunks, pushy business types and screaming babies…and that’s just in the morning. But you know who doesn’t have to worry about any of that stuff? Eglantine Price from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Why not? Because she can ride a broomstick (and also because I don’t think she had an actual job?)… This was sent in by Ben. I don’t know if Ben can ride a broomstick or not but I’ll still say thanks for sending this in. Thanks Ben!

I love that old joke. You know the one – “my dog has no nose.” Well, this dog has a nose…and some lipstick…and a hat? Hang on. It has a necklace too! That’s right – this drawing, sent in by Peggle, is an Angela Lansbury/basset hound hybrid! As far as I’m aware, Angela hasn’t played portrayed a pooch, but never say never. And if Peggle’s picture is anything to go by, she would look very cute if she did. Thanks Peggle!

LAST MINUTE ENTRY! This Lansbury, despite what I'm told, landed in my inbox this very afternoon. Sent in by Craig, this features four Lansbury references - Mrs Potts, Jessica Fletcher, Bedknobs and Broomsticks (there's a doorknob which is sort of the same) and some poison...which is sort of what Angela's character in The Manchurian Candidate did to people's minds... OK, fine, it just contains two Lansburys. But that's still two times the amazingness of a normal pictures which contains zero Lansburys! Thanks for sending this in Craig (even though it was late)!

Do you hear that tappity-tapping? The sound of metal on paper? The creaking of fingers as they dance around the typewriter? If you can’t, maybe you need to rewatch the iconic opening sequence to Murder, She Wrote. Or you could just look at this brilliant drawing by Ross and imagine you’re watching it? For a lady that spends so long in front of a typewriter, Jessica must get lots of writing done… but what if she just typed then word “murder” over and over again? It would explain the title of the show… Hmmm… Thanks for clearing that up, Ross. And thanks for the drawing!

When I was about 20, I used to wear a cape. I’m not joking. An actual cape – think Florence Nightingale rather than Batman. I don’t wear it anymore since I would probably get beaten up…but if I was brave, I’d spend at least one day a month dressed like a pirate. But not just any pirate – I’d want to dress up as THIS PIRATE that was sent in by Jamie. He’s drawn Ruth from Pirates of Penzance – and I think we can all agree that there has never been a sassier pirate! The hair! The hat! The weird gold shoulder pads! Be still my heart! Thanks for sending this in Jamie!

Treading a fine line between scary and saucy, this Lansbury was sent in by all-round brightspark Dan. He has obviously decided to base his drawing around Lansbury’s ability to play sinister characters. Well, he might have? I just made that bit up because it sounded grown up. I suspect I’m not fooling anyone. Whatever – I think it is important to remember that Angela has played her fair share of scary characters – it just goes to show what a brilliant actress she is! Thanks Dan!

LAST MINUTE ENTRY: You know who is a classy dame? Angela Lansbury, that's who! This beautiful drawing was sent in by Simon - a  lovely gentleman who saw Angela herself in the Blythe Spirit a few years ago! In real life! Not just on the television! The only way I could be any more jealous would be if he went to Nando's with her afterwards. That's the dream, right? I can't tell you much about Simon as we've never met, but I guess that he's ace because he went to see Angela Lansbury on stage...which is worth a zillion cool points in my mind. Thanks Simon!

QUESTION: Which is the best Disney song about the sea? You might say Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid…or you could be right and say The Beautiful Briny Sea from Bedknobs and Broomsticks! I know it’s a controversial opinion, but go and watch Angela Lansbury do her underwater dancing and prepare to be bewitched! Speaking of bewitching, this magic drawing was sent in by the charming Kristyna. She gets bonus points for the supercute seahorses in the background! Seahorses are the cutest! I think they are going to be big in 2012! Very on-trend. Very sassy. Very Krikri! Thanks Kristyna!!!

Top tip: that whole “Keep calm, blah blah,” is tired. Get a new slogan. Or, just use this one! It’s catchy! This drawing was sent in by Will – a gentleman I met at a comic thing a few years ago. Will is suggesting that Angela’s acting prowess is natural…but I reckon she also worked pretty hard too. I watched an interview where they said that Murder, She Wrote could shoot for 18 hours a day – which is a good portion of the day to be spent typing books and solving murder. Thanks Will!

Watch out everyone! There’s been a murder! And look who seems quite pleased about that… why, it’s Jessica Fletcher of course! And I guess she *would* be happy about a murder – it’s yet more inspiration for a new book, right? This Angela was sent in by Stuart who did a great job with getting Jessica’s hair right. And he even remembered the pearls, collared shirt and earrings. Good work! Thanks Stuart!

 

Are you ready for the last Lansbury of Angela Lansbury Week 2011? Let me rephrase that… Are you ready for the last…

MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT!!!

This Mrs ‘Arris was sent in by the Queen of Cardboard – Philippa! Clearly (and quite rightly) she was so besotted by Angela Lansbury’s performance in Mrs ‘Arris In Paris that she had to make this super cute drawing. If you’ve watched the movie (why wouldn’t you have?!) then you’ll spot a very familiar-looking hat and coat… not to mention a loveable Cockney washer woman. Oh come on – how could you not want to watch this movie? It’s so good. And so is this drawing, Thanks Philippa – it’s a great way to close Angela Lansbury Week 2011!

And so...that's the last of the Lansburys. After 5 comics, 50+ submissions and over 5500 words, Angela Lansbury Week 2011 is over. I really hope you've enjoyed it. Due to some unforeseen work and life issues, it's been more work than I was expecting, but on the plus side, it has also been much more popular than I was hoping for! A massive thank you to everyone that sent in a drawing. And another thank you to everyone that retweeted or linked to it. I really appreciate it! And maybe Angela Lansbury herself will see all these great drawings and she'll appreciate it too? Well, fingers crossed.

Now, next week isn't back to business as usual. Oh no. I'll be uploading a diary comic of my weekend at Thought Bubble over the week. It's a bit of an experiment as I haven't really tried autobiographical comics before... but if it's half as successful as this week then I'll count myself lucky.

Stay out of trouble

x

Angela Lansbury Week 2011 - Day Four

Remember how I said I was trying new things - well check it out! It's a drawing for Angela Lansbury Week that doesn't actually involve the actress herself. Plus, I'm double excited because I heard the phrase "character correct," this week - which means that the way a character does/says something is in keeping with who they are as people. I think the fancy dress costumes are all "character correct." But whatever - we're not here to watch me justify drawing teapots, you want Lansburys! Well, you're in the right place...

If you make comics then you’ll no doubt already be aware of Dan – what with him making comics, teaching about comics and eating comics. Oh wait. I made the last one up (I think). Dan has chosen to draw a very serious-looking Lansbury. The hair. The necklace. The sassy jacket. The only way she could mean any more business would be if she was the guy from Monopoly! I know Dan’s super busy what with comics and comics and more comics, so I’m really excited he found the time to do this. Thanks Dan!

Do you like unicorns? If you’re using the Internet then the answer has to be YES YES YES – because unicorns are ace. But you know who doesn’t like unicorns? Mommy Fortuna – the evil witch from The Last Unicorn! This spooky drawing was sent in by Angus – a cool dude/animator I met at a thing in the Summer. I remember watching The Last Unicorn as a little person…but I don’t actually remember anything about it. I think it involved the song Sleeping Satellite by Tasmin Archer, but I’m not sure. Maybe I just made that up? What I didn’t make up is how ace this drawing is. Thanks Angus! 

One of the questions that has often plagued the greatest minds throughout history is “what would Angela Lansbury look like if she was a cat?” Well, thanks to this super cute drawing by Rus, we finally know the answer! It’s good to know that if Angela Lansbury was a cat, she’s still have accepted the role of Jessica Fletcher. In fact, I sort of want to watch a cat-remake of Murder, She Wrote. It would be a massive hit on YouTube! Plus! FUN FACT! Jessica Fletcher didn’t drive anywhere in Murder, She Wrote – she always got rides from pals so they could have a gossip. And the cat version of Murder, She Wrote (Meow, She Wrote?) could be just the same. Amazing. Thanks Rus!

Avast, me hearties! Set sail for shore – and don’t forget to pack the picnic. Oh. I got the last bit wrong, didn’t I. Boo hoo. But you know what isn’t wrong? This drawing of Ruth from The Pirates of Penzance was sent in by Carl. It’s nice to see Angela with a sword instead of a typewriter…although I can’t decide which one is deadlier. I know people say “the pen is mightier than the sword,” but I reckon Ruth would probably take Jessica Fletcher in a fight. Not that they ever would fight, but still. Thanks Carl!

This drawing was made by the dreamboat duo of Simon and Tom. I was hounding them for ages about taking part in Angela Lansbury Week and when I saw them recently, they sat down and played a game of Exquisite Corpse to create this. Except that’s where it all got a bit…wrong. Urnk. I’m not normally one for censorship but the lower portion of their drawing got a bit too…um…tentacle-friendly? I hope they don’t mind that I cut that bit out – it just seemed a little…intense. I bet if you asked Simon and Tom to show you the whole thing, they’d be up for it. Thanks Simon! Thanks Tom!

Cute as a button describes two things – Mrs Potts and Lizz, the sweetheart who sent in this comic about her. You’ll remember Lizz from her previous drawing of Mrs ‘Arris – but she clearly couldn’t decide which Lansbury role she liked the best. Hence, two drawings! Not that I’m complaining – I get double the Lansburys and Lizz gets double…the…uh… I don’t know? Something cool. But, we mustn’t be distracted! Lizz’s comic raises a very important question: what is inside Mrs Potts? If she can talk, where is her voicebox? And if she has memories, where are they stored? Hmmm… While we ponder those. I’ll say thanks to Lizz. Thanks Lizz!

Uh oh! Watch out! There’s a Lansbury about! This one was sent in by James who decided to go for a Lansbury/mouse combination. I can’t say it’s a combination I ever expected to see (like prawn cocktail flavoured crisps!) – but I like it anyway (just like prawn cocktail flavoured crisps). It goes without saying that no mice or Lansburys were hurt in making of this drawing. Phew. Thanks James!

This drawing, by the frightfully talented Joe, raises one of the most often-asked questions:

”What would Angela Lansbury look like if she were a giant inflatable head? Would she still have accomplished so much as an actress and a woman?"

It is my personal opinion that Angela would have accomplished just as much if she was a giant inflatable head. It is also my personal opinion that Joe has done a great job with Angela’s hair! It’s a pretty tricky hair style to depict. I seem to talk about her hair a bit too much, eh? Huh. Either way, thanks Joe! 

Hey! Everyone! Get yourself onto the dancefloor! This Angela wants to boogie! Sent in by the charming Sammy, here we have Angela playing Eglantine Price – from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. If you’ve seen the film then you know who she is dancing with. And if you haven’t see the movie then I won’t ruin it for you. Also, I’d quite like to borrow that brown jacket – especially if it was tweed. But yes – Eglantine is good fun and it’s nice to see her do something other than fly around on a magic bed. Thanks Sammy!

The world of comics is full of lovely people and one of the loveliest is Sarah – the person responsible for (amongst other things) this brilliant drawing about the important role Angela Lansbury had on her childhood. Sarah’s Grandma has a good point though – how does she keep looking so well? I have a theory. You might have one two. Maybe we can swap them one day? The important thing is that everyone’s childhood was probably improved in some way by Angela Lansbury! Thanks Sarah!

It’s nearly Christmas so there’s a certain someone up in the North Pole who will be pretty busy. Nope – not Father Christmas. It’s Mrs Santa Claus, as played by Angela Lansbury in the 1996 movie, Mrs Santa Claus! See what they did there? This drawing was sent in by Rick who, at the time of writing, is the only person to send in a drawing of Angela’s most festive role. Bonus points for you! I haven’t watched this movie for a while – something I intend to resolve this Christmas. Thanks Rick!

The dainty figure! The spout-like nose! The cute little eyes! It can only be everyone’s favourite singing teapot – Mrs Potts! YAAAAAAAY! This cute drawing was sent in by the lovely Dan (who still owes me pancakes). I like the fact that we get double Lansburys in one picture. It’s like buy one, get one free! Or a bonus Lansbury! Speaking of bonuses, Dan has really highlighted what a snappy dresser Angela is. Thanks Dan!

MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! Watch out world, we’ve got another Mrs ‘Arris in our hands. And what a looker she is! This one was sent in by Britain’s rising star – Luke! And let me tell you some hot gossip – I heard a rumour that Luke used real inks for this! I don’t know about you but I’m crazy jealous…but not of Luke! Oh no! I’m jealous of Mrs ‘Arris and her devotion to her dress. I wish I felt that passionate about something… *sigh* Thanks Luke!

And so, another day of drawing is at an end. I hope you've enjoyed them. Due to some late (but amazing) entires, today and tomorrow have more drawings than I expected. I hope you don't mind having all the extra drawings cluttering up space in your brain. You'll thank me for it one day. 

Have a lovely day!

Angela Lansbury Week 2011 - Day Three

I don't know whether you've noticed...but I've tried something a bit different with this themed week. Normally, I just concentrate on the central character and do some jokes. BUT! This time, I've tried to concentrate on getting the People I Know characters involved. It has been a new experience! I hope you've enjoyed it. But whatever - you aren't here for my stupid words. You want some Lansburys! And who am I to refuse you? Prepare yourself!!!

Angela Lansbury doesn’t always play cute and cuddly characters. Fine, her better known roles (Jessica Fletcher, Mrs Potts et al) couldn’t be any nicer…but she’s played her fair share of scary characters too. And, I’m of the opinion that even characters like Jessica Fletcher aren’t pushovers. I mean, you couldn’t solve that many murders if you didn’t have a steel backbone. But that’s a whole other post – this drawing of a pretty sassy Lansbury was sent in by Tom, someone I was lucky enough to sit (almost) opposite at this year’s Thought Bubble. Tom has done a great job of reminding us that one should never underestimate a dame! Thank you Tom!

You know who likes cycling? Jessica Fletcher in the opening credits of Murder, She Wrote! And my pal Jon! YAY! He drew this sassy looking Lansbury with a lovely collar and some smashing-looking earrings. What a dame. And what a guy Jon is for sending it in. Not many people know this, but Jon is pretty much in charge of the Internet. Well, when I say “not many people,” I actually mean “everyone that I introduce Jon to.” It’s become a bit of a running joke between us. Well, me. Thanks for this Jon! And thanks for all the burritos you’re going to buy me!

This drawing was sent in by Jack – a man who promises he did this from memory, without cheating. Jack has made use of two Murder, She Wrote costume classics: a nice pearl necklace and PERFECT HAIR! Do you see a hair out of place? No you don’t! Because Jessica Fletcher AND Angela Lansbury always have perfect hair at every moment. It just happens! So yes – thanks Jack! (Nope. Not mentioning the dragon)

RUDE WORD WARNING! Avert your eyes if you don’t like swears. But this excellent drawing by Becki is so cute (SO CUTE!) that maybe that will counteract the rudey? I don’t know. I’ll let you decide yourself! But yes – Becki has chosen to draw everyone’s favourite witch, Eglantine Price! What a vision in purple she is! Great work, Becki!

I work with some pretty cool people…which you may or may not believe considering how often I come home, exhausted and emotional. One of those cool people is lovely Neil – an ace guy who is always happy to help me with things. Hooray for Neil. And Hooray for his drawing. Neil has opted to depict two of Ms. Lansbury’s biggest roles – the magnifying glass represents Murder, She Wrote whilst the bedknob obviously represents Se7en. Haha – only kidding. It is actually for Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Thanks Neil!

MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT! That’s right! It’s that time of the day when we all go on a money-saving montage before getting the ferry over to Paris. Oh no – have I said too much? Have I spoiled the plot? Well, you should have watched the film! It’s so good! But yes, this drawing was sent in by Sara – a friend of a friend that I haven’t seen draw before. But judging by this, she should do it more often! I love the eyes and nose – very Mrs ‘Arris. Thanks Sara!

FUN FACT: I don’t drink tea. But you know who clearly loves tea? This Angela Lansbury – sent in by Dan! I was going to say that Mrs Potts loves tea too…but then I thought that if I had been transformed into a magical teapot, I would be SO SICK of tea. The smell. The constant sloshing around my innards. Bleurgh. No thanks. But still, excellent work Dan! Thanks for sending this in! 

Pirates. What a bother they can be! All that cursing! And what about the parrot droppings?! Plus, you need a beard to be a pirate so I wouldn’t be allowed to join up. Jon, who sent in this drawing, has a beard. But you know who doesn’t? Ruth from The Pirates of Penzance! Whether it’s because she can’t grow one or just doesn’t want to – who knows? The important thing is that she gets to sing some sassy songs whilst wearing a giant hat. Score. Thanks Jon!

Angela Lansbury’s fame and influence isn’t just limited to my heart/England. Oh no. She is a big name pretty much everywhere! Including Canada – as demonstrated by this lovely drawing by Canadian-born, snappy-dressing Jordan. This drawing involves two iconic pop culture references – the magic scene from Bedknobs and Broomsticks AND Kylie’s Locomotion. Unless I’m just completely wrong? I don’t think I’m wrong. But you know what isn’t wrong? Those sensible shoes! Perfect for everyday situations from broom-flying to deep sea diving! Thanks Jordan!

Ha. I just realised that this batch of Lansburys features THREE from gentlemen called Jon/Jonathan. And this is one of them! This Angela GLAMSBUSY (see what he did there?) was sent in by the professional drawing dude, Jonathan! Clearly, Jonathan knows a looker when he sees one – and as you can see from his drawing, Young Angela is a very pretty lady. If you don’t believe me, check out this clip from the 1948 film Till The Clouds Roll By – where Angela does a great rendition of Spoon With Me… in a very fetching outfit. Such a great song! I wish someone would sing it to me. But I’m getting off track. Go check out some of Angela’s early films and be dazzled by how accurate Jonathan’s drawing is. Thanks Jonathan

Wowsers. I think that's another day done for Angela Lansbury Week 2011. I hope you were dazzled by all the drawing skillz... And by Angela's acting skillz too. She makes me feel like such an underachiever. Sigh. Come back tomorrow for some more brilliant drawings! There are some proper crackers on their way!

Angela Lansbury Week 2011 - Day Two

What the what?! It's Day Two of Angela Lansbury Week 2011?! When did that happen? Today's drawing by me is about how Angela Lansbury's character in Bedknobs and Broomsticks doesn't look like a traditional witch. And if you thought the one with brown hair was me in drag...well, good. That's what you were meant to think. But enough about me. I hope you're enjoying Angela Lansbury Week so far. Here's the next batch of brilliant beauties! I hope you like them.

What’s that? Up there! In outer space!!? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s Angela Lansbury… IN SPACE!!!! This galactic beauty was created by Joe who I was lucky enough to sit behind at this year’s Thought Bubble. Although I can’t say for sure whether Angela has been to space – on film or in real life. I bet she could if she wanted to though. And there’s been so many episodes of Murder, She Wrote that there must have been one set in space…right? Also, I think this might have been my first submission for Angela Lansbury Week 2011. Excellent work, Joe! YAY FOR YOU!

MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT!!! MRS ‘ARRIS ALERT!!! It’s that time of the day when we all go on a money-saving montage! What’s that? You don’t get the joke? Well, that’s because you haven’t seen the brilliant Angela Lansbury classic, Mrs ‘Arris Goes To Paris. Well, Lizz has seen it and she even decided to draw it for Angela Lansbury Week! HOORAY! Lizz has done a great job with capturing Mrs ‘Arris’ sweet nature along with her steely determination. And the hat! Oh the hat! A thing of beauty! Thanks Lizz!

One of my favourite things about going to conventions is meeting nice and interesting people. People like Martin – the kind soul who drew this super cute Lansbury. It’s such a cute drawing, I’ll even overlook the misspelling of her surname. In fact, Martin, gets bonus points for including a copy of People I Know in his drawing! Take note everyone! Thanks Martin!

If you’ve met me in person then you’ve probably heard me talk about two things: how great I think Angela Lansbury is and how much I wish I could grow a proper beard. Well, let me tell you – Rembrand doesn’t wish he could grow a proper beard…because he already has an impressive one (with a curly moustache!). This isn’t Angela Lansbury-related, I just wanted to put that out there before I start talking about how brilliant (but slightly disturbing) his drawing of Mrs Potts is. So wrong but so right. Thanks Rembrand!

One of the things I really like about doing these themed weeks is when people I know ask their pals (who I don’t know) to get involved. So, I’m very happy to introduce this drawing by Richard – a friend of some friends. The only bad news is that because we’ve never actually met, I can’t tell you any personal stories about him. Sorry. Instead, I’d like to draw your attention to the ever-present Jessica Fletcher trademarks – necklace, hair and typewriter. Clearly Richard know his Murder, She Wrote. Although obviously Angela later upgraded to a computer in the later series. Unless I just imagined that? Either way, thanks Richard!

I know I keep going on about how many amazing roles Angela Lansbury has played in her career and how some people only relate her to certain ones… but that clearly isn’t a problem for Andrew! As you can tell from the incredible drawing above, Andrew decided to draw the terrifying Great Aunt Adelaide from Nanny McPhee. You might have seen the film and totally not realised it was Angela, and that’s fine. But if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it as it’s good fun. Thanks for this Andrew (I don’t know why I’m calling you Andrew though. It seems so formal. Thanks Andy!!!)

I asked a bunch of people from work to take part in Angela Lansbury Week… Mainly to be polite. But also because I suspect that some of them are hiding artistic talents. So I was thrilled that lovely Mia sent in this technicolour beauty. She has chosen to depict Eglantine Price – the apprentice witch from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I haven’t watched it in a while but I know I have the DVD somewhere. Mia’s brilliant drawing has really made me want to watch it again. Thanks Mia!

Jessica Fletcher is one of the most iconic character in television history. Seriously. Stop looking at me like that. Murder, She Wrote is a brilliant show (except for the series where she just narrated a story) and Jessica is a great character. You know who else is great? Matt – the hideously cool guy who sent in this drawing. What I really like about this one is the detail in her outfit. The scarf! The sensible shoes! The pleated skirt! I doubt Jessica ever wore a robot brooch – but she’s got one here! Thanks Matt!

 And thusly, we come to the end of Day Two of Angela Lansbury Week! I hope you enjoyed all the hard work people put into their submissions! I'm blown away - and we're not even halfway through yet. Urnk!