from ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY: NASKH SCRIPT FOR BEGINNERS

(by Mustafa Ja'far, British Museum/McGraw-Hill, 2002)

The famous Persian calligrapher, Mir 'Ali of Herat (d. 1556), gave the following advice to those embarking on the task: "The calligrapher needs five things: a fine temperament, an understanding of calligraphy, a good hand, the ability to endure pain and a perfect set of implements."

- from the introduction by Venetia Porter, Department of Oriental Antiquities, British Museum

[I don't really agree with this -- especially not the "perfect set of implements" -- but it does amuse me.]

magpie telegraph

Elise Matthesen has a sale going on until midnight Minnesota time 22 February, and she asked those with shinies already in their nests to "maybe tell a little about a shiny that you have, or that you like, or that otherwise inspired you?"

To Cover the Jade Well goes well with my hair, and I wear that pair frequently. Truth be told, I had forgotten their name (2006 was a while ago), but having unearthed it tonight, I now have ideas...

I have, in fact, drafted a poem about "The Habits of Fire," which I wore more frequently before the green streaks. I shall polish and re-circulate it at some point.

I am fond of a green hair clip / bookmark (having reached for it for both purposes) M'ris sent me one Christmas.

And, another December, Sinterklaas brought me a pouch of blood- and rose-themed beads ordered by Paula, with this poem. I shall knot them into books or cards or broadsides or hair ornaments at some point. But the rest of tonight is for the fitting together of other rocks...