Happy New Year 2012

It is that time of year again and I cannot believe how fast the time is going. It will shortly be four years since I started this blog! I would like to wish all those people that contribute, read and those that I read for the friendship, thoughts, smiles and occasional sorrows over the year.
As it will be the Chinese year of the dragon, I went back and pulled out a piece of my art from the distant past. I have been spending a lot of time playing with grunged backgrounds and photoshop layers recently.
I am not sure that this image will appeal to everyone in that it doesn't work too well for those that prefer realism. However, I am having fun and it is good for my photoshop skills.



My thanks to Lenabem_Anna
from Flickr for the use of the background. I have been making some myself but this one fits so much better. Of course it isn't Chinese New year until 23 January ....but Chinese astrology makes for some interesting thoughts. Meanwhile Happy New Year to you all and best wishes for your health and happiness in 2012.

A Chocolate Lab

Before we get into the new year, I think it is time to post up one from last year...this one was a Christmas present so kept back until now.



I am hoping the recipient was pleased. I seemed to get so many labradors in commissions last year which I was not unhappy about. They are so soulful...but, you do start to wonder where next years art will lead. Meanwhile, I have been working on some wildlife art too...but, more about that later.

MY New Years Resolution - No More Messages from Politicians

I don't know about everyone else but last year seemed to be the year for messages. Messages from the politicians, at work there were messages from Ministers and heads of this and heads of that. Even further afield all the world illustrious leaders seem to be pouring them down every one's neck. I see a headline today that Nick Clegg has given a New Years Message which will shortly be followed by others speaking equally meaningless drivel from whichever political party they purport to represent.

At my place of work last year, every week a different one was coming down. Sorry folks, we are cutting this and cutting that but hey, we have to do it it is all to the good, we feel your pain and we value you!.....Yeah right ;)

I see that Mr Cameron went out to see the troops in Afghanistan before Christmas. I laughed! After a year of redundancy notices, budget cutting exercises where their allowances and terms and conditions have all been ripped up, I think morale is pretty damn low. I wonder what was the thinking behind his visit? Well, I am SURE *she says in a sarcastic tone* it made them feel better :/
However, I know one thing, my healthy New Years resolution is to avoid all of those meaningless, patronising messages next year......
If I want my head pecked...I shall go watch a woodpecker ;)

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 24

On this night many years ago, I used to read a book to my son. I wished I could recall what it was but all I know was that it was square, red and was based on the poem "The night before Christmas". He loved it when I read it and afterwards we would both go and check out the night sky. Even when everyone told him that Santa wasn't real, I can recall saying "Cal, the world is full of magic...it doesn't really matter what you believe in but, if you don't believe in a little bit of magic, well...then magic never happens!"
We used to look at the night sky full of anticipation. I recall one year we watched a falling star, another year we watched the first snowflakes and then another year we saw some lights in the sky. We shared it and I used to feel just as excited as he did...
So for children everywhere, it is time to go and check on Santa's travels : Norad

For the not so young, I have posted Sinead O'Connor before but this is the most beautiful carol of all time. After all these years, I listen to her singing this and think it is hauntingly beautiful.



Of course, I should by rights do a day 25 too....but, I leave you all to create your own day 25....perhaps, some of you will share? However, I wish you the very best. I hope you have enjoyed some of my favourite, books, films, images and music.....
I shall now take a short blogging break and be back soon with some art maybe, not before time!! Have a wonderful peaceful Christmas and good health to everyone....

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 23

I rarely watch TV but there are some films that are just so wonderful at this time of year. I think my most favourite has to be Miracle on 34th Street. This is just the trailer but, it contains some of my very favourite moments.



I love the line "The world is held together by things you can't see". This film has always provoked a lot of thought from me but, perhaps that is because I think the world needs a little magic.

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 22

I am going to do one last thoughtful post before I move on to the celebratory posts as Christmas approaches.
I hope any younger readers don't think that I wish to be in any way depressing but it is a fact of life that at times people are ill and carers are still caring at any time of year. When I was younger my Christmas wishes were initially for that latest lego, a bit later on they were for some good Christmas celebrations and more recently that my loved ones are safe and have a good season. A few of you know that my Mum has Alzheimer's and was diagnosed some years ago. The winter season has always been the worst and the last couple of years have been very bad for her. The darker nights heighten the confusion and I think depression is combined with it, so much so that last year she really didn't want to be here any longer. Her sorrow was heartbreaking to watch. I wished so hard this year that she wouldn't have to go though that terrible time again and equally that my Dad, her carer would not have to face the pain of watching a loved one go through that together with undertaking all the daily chores. So as I look at all my old ornaments on the Christmas tree, I am smiling....



This one used to belong to them. Whilst they no longer decorate a tree, I am pleased to say that my fears have not materialised into fruition. Mum is out and about, shopping and visiting and enjoying some TV, even though she tells me it is all rubbish. I have watched her opening the Christmas cards and reading the rhymes out loud. I have no doubt that my Dad is being driven crazy and will probably be glad when Christmas is over. However, the contrast between this year and last year is startling and for that I am extremely thankful. For anyone battling illness right now or of course those people caring for them, I wish you the best possible time that you are able to have.



I am sure my readers will also understand this plug for the Alzheimer's charity who provide so much information and assistance throughout the year. Incidentally, it can be quite hard finding gifts for sufferers of Alzheimer's and my most successful one in recent years was a down filled body warmer......;)

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 21

On day 21 it just had to be Jethro Tull.



Wishing you all a Happy Solstice. I always think it is a wonderful thought that the nights get lighter from now on so Ring Out Solstice Bells. Whilst the video looks quite dated especially as they always mimed back then on Top of the Pops, it always strikes me just how Ian Anderson comes across. I am not quite sure if he is as mad as a box of frogs or just naturally exuberant. Whichever, he makes me smile.....

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 20

I used to love writing Christmas cards and sadly nowadays I find it a bit of a chore. I have to remind myself in this electronic age that emails and texts simply aren't the same and I do love the tradition.
Although some of my crafty friends may think I don't make them any more, I still do make a selection and enjoy doing that, it is the last minute writing and posting that I always get into trouble with. Somehow, I never seem to get them done on time! When I used to make more, I loved vintage images and amassed quite a collection over time. Somehow, I think they have a lovely aura about them. So here is a selection from my vaults.









As someone who loves history, I could easily find myself collecting some of these but I try to refrain! It would just be another addition to the ever growing attic but, they are beautiful and very nostalgic.

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 19

I confess that I love lights. I am a little selfish and don't do too many outdoor versions...Mine are all subtle and indoors. However, that does not mean that I don't appreciate those by others. So a big thank you for the locals that share :)



Perhaps one day I will create a grotto befitting of my imagination.P.S I found an image taken before the vino ;)

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 18

I think one of the most amazing writers of our time is J.K.Rowling. I read all the Harry Potter books and loved them, I was almost sad that I wasn't reading them through a childs eyes. In a way they were a little like the books of my childhood by Enid Blyton but with more imagination and a lot more scary! I did wonder when they filmed the series if I would be disappointed because my imagination is always so much greater than a film producers! In fact, I think they did a good job although I confess to still preferring the written word.
One thing that I did enjoy in the films were some of the Christmas scenes. Whilst trawling through Youtube for some of my earlier posts, I came across this compilation of Hogwarts Christmas scenes to the music of Pachelbel's Canon. It has been beautifully done and captures some of the wonderful seasonal moments.

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 17

I have to say that my music tastes are somewhat eclectic and I couldn't do a Christmas theme without including a classical piece of music. This one by Mozart just makes me think of tinkling ice, snow and sleighs. The video is purely of the music and contains no tacky images of someone smiling too much ...just a great piece of music.



A very short piece and I think I will make this post the same......

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 16

Well after spending an hour and a half this evening trying to get home, I confess to cursing the snow. Actually it rained but it was cold so it turned to snow and the wet roads became icy in places. I did actually set off early from work with it all in mind but half way home is through Much Wenlock. It is very pretty but a degree colder due to the high levels. I am always taken aback by the white out! Unfortunately, someone had overturned on the icy roads and I do hope they are ok.

Last year was much worse to be honest and minus temperatures became almost the norm. It made for some beautiful images if you had the time or the inclination to brave the cold. So here is one from last year of the hoar frost.



That brings me on to my favourite Christmas carol.....

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing

For some reason this one has always been my most favourite.
Incidentally while I was travelling home, Bing Crosby came on singing I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....I was a little without Christmas spirit when I yelled at my ipod saying "And you can **** right off"!! ......just so everyone realises I too have my less than magical moments ;)
If you are on the roads over the weekend in the UK, do take care.....

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 15

This one is both art and music. I don't think there is anyone that has worked with coloured pencil who cannot admire the art of Raymond Briggs.



I have no idea how many drawings he must have done to produce either his books or the film. I love it's simplicity and love the story.....it doesn't matter how many times I watch it.

I am a little late with this one this evening, nearly missed it ~ a sign of the season. Lots to do and so little time haha ;)

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 14

I thought it was time for a little music and this one is decidingly slushy! However, it remains a real favourite and the words get me every time. I am one of those people that longs for everyone to get along together. I do wish for peace and I do sing along very badly in the car!



I also love the harmony between them which is odd to say the least!

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 13

I couldn't go through an advent without having some wildlife in it somewhere and of course the Robin is synonymous of the Christmas period here in the UK. Besides, as you probably know by now, I love these little birds. I haven't been doing very much photography in December, the light has not been very good. But, it does give me time to play! You will recall the little friend who used to eat from my hand if you have been reading a while. I took an image of him from back then and played on photoshop. The background was created by a clever Flickr member, Lenabem-Anna, and I have been playing with layers and overlays.



I have been lucky enough in my life to experience two wild Robins who would happily eat from my hand. They were a number of years apart but the magic stays with me. I only have to see one of these little characters in my garden to make me smile.

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 12

As a lover of books, there are so many that I think of at Christmas time. Perhaps it is because I actually get time to read them. I revisited a lot of children's books when I was on my own and this was one of them. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis seemed to have more depth somehow as a grown up :

The White Witch?" said Edmund; "who's she?"
"She is a perfectly terrible person," said Lucy. "She calls herself the Queen of Narnia thought she has no right to be queen at all, and all the Fauns and Dryands and Naiads and Dwarfs and Animals—at least all the good ones—simply hate her. And she can turn people into stone and do all kinds of horrible things. And she has made a magic so that it is always winter in Narnia—always winter, but it never gets to Christmas. And she drives about on a sledge, drawn by reindeer, with her wand in her hand and a crown on her head."

Edmund was already feeling uncomfortable from having eaten too many sweets, and when he heard that the Lady he had made friends with was a dangerous witch he felt even more uncomfortable. But he still wanted to taste that Turkish Delight more than he wanted anything else.

In this video from Youtube, there are three scenes featuring the White Witch played by Tilda Swinton. I do think she makes a great White Witch:



My favourite scene is actually where Lucy first comes out of the wardrobe into Narnia but I cannot find a decent quality video of that bit in English. However, if you share my enthusiasm, it is bound to be on at some time over the Christmas period :-)

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 11

I usually leave it until the second week in December before I do any Christmas decorating. I love to do it but I like it to be special so I am never one to have it there for so long that it loses the aura. I also don't like to spend a fortune on designer bits and pieces, it would lose the magic somehow. Over the years I had to do it on a shoestring anyway, there were times when I couldn't afford to do it any other way. The thing I love about creating Christmas atmosphere is that it is more about imagination than money. In the past I have simply used holly and pine cones with a few added touches.
So, yesterday I put up a tree and decorated the fireplace.



Each year it is a little different and I did spend a little bit this year, there are a couple of new additions. However, there are also some old favourites that make me smile. The glass bowl on the mantle is an old grapefruit dish from a car boot which cost about 20p. There is a Royal Worcester Trinket dish with a Christmas rose that cost £1.00 off eBay. I was buying and selling a bit at the time to make ends meet but, Andy loved it so it was kept. The strawberry dish that you see which harbours some tea lights came in a big junk box and I have long since sold other bits from it and doubled my money! The big pine cone in the dish of pot pouri was picked up in Skiathos. Of course there are a couple of bits in there that were not so cheaply acquired. The fairy, the Easel and the little plaque in front of it were all gifts from Andy on some of our travels. You can't see but the small plaque depicts Mary and Child. I know that both the plaque and the easel were done by an enamel and silver artist in Athens, sadly I have lost the card to know who it was to give credit. The great thing is that most of it has some kind of memories or meaning.

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 10

Now this one isn't just magic, it is a blooming miracle ~ do excuse the pun! Those of you that know me will also know that I am not very methodical, I don't work to schedules and I kill houseplants with neglect! I am notoriusly bad with anything indoors because I either overwater it or forget to water it for weeks. This one is now on it's third year and every time it flowers, I am stunned by it's resilience in my awful care.



Thank you to Andy for the lovely photo and thank you plant for being so beautiful despite my dreadful ministrations!

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 9

I have posted a lot about Christmas but like a lot of people there has been occasions when I have lost the magic completely. The worst Christmas was the year we lost my younger brother just after his 39th birthday. It was the only year that I never put up a Christmas tree.
I think he would have understood that one but somehow I knew that he would not have understood subsequent years. He was all about living. In fact, he was not a great one for Christmas and pretty much had the same views as my Mum and Dad. However, he did smile at my enthusiasm and I can see see him grinning at me now as I decorate the house and put up my tree. Throughout the year, I think of him but, whenever I go into a church, I will maybe light a candle. It is good to sometimes have a special quiet moment.
I am aware that for anyone that has experienced loss, Christmas can be a difficult time. When you feel sad, it is terribly hard to watch people enjoying themselves and it seems to deepen that feeling of loss or despair. So especially for anyone that is feeling the loss of a loved one, here is a poem together with candles lit on my fireplace:

I will Light Candles this Christmas
by Howard Thurman

I will light Candles this Christmas;
Candles of joy despite all sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all the year long.



I wish you peaceful thoughts....

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 8

My son was born in December and so a lot of fabulous moments come from the early years of his life. I can still recall his face at the first Christmas tree, he was totally in awe. Consequently a lot of his birthday presents were released at Christmas time. We watched some video's for hours as you often tend to do with young children's favourites. I will always love books written for children and this animation was inspired by the Rupert books. The strange thing is that I have never been a very great McCartney fan and the Christmas one that he did with Wings is enough to set my teeth on edge. However, combine imagination with two years work and you get a timeless piece that I smile at every time I watch it. This is the full version because I think that just the song takes it out of context. Also one of my favourite bits is Rupert talking animatedly at the end:

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 7

This is one for the cynics..... it makes me smile and there is more than a little truth within the words:

Advent 1955
by
John Betjeman


The Advent wind begins to stir
With sea-like sounds in our Scotch fir,
It's dark at breakfast, dark at tea,
And in between we only see
Clouds hurrying across the sky
And rain-wet roads the wind blows dry
And branches bending to the gale
Against great skies all silver pale
The world seems travelling into space,
And travelling at a faster pace
Than in the leisured summer weather
When we and it sit out together,
For now we feel the world spin round
On some momentous journey bound -
Journey to what? to whom? to where?
The Advent bells call out 'Prepare,
Your world is journeying to the birth
Of God made Man for us on earth.'

And how, in fact, do we prepare
The great day that waits us there -
For the twenty-fifth day of December,
The birth of Christ? For some it means
An interchange of hunting scenes
On coloured cards, And I remember
Last year I sent out twenty yards,
Laid end to end, of Christmas cards
To people that I scarcely know -
They'd sent a card to me, and so
I had to send one back. Oh dear!
Is this a form of Christmas cheer?
Or is it, which is less surprising,
My pride gone in for advertising?
The only cards that really count
Are that extremely small amount
From real friends who keep in touch
And are not rich but love us much
Some ways indeed are very odd
By which we hail the birth of God.

We raise the price of things in shops,
We give plain boxes fancy tops
And lines which traders cannot sell
Thus parcell'd go extremely well
We dole out bribes we call a present
To those to whom we must be pleasant
For business reasons. Our defence is
These bribes are charged against expenses
And bring relief in Income Tax
Enough of these unworthy cracks!
'The time draws near the birth of Christ'.
A present that cannot be priced
Given two thousand years ago
Yet if God had not given so
He still would be a distant stranger
And not the Baby in the manger.

As I don't have an image of a baby in a manger to hand, I thought that I would post up this images taken a few weeks ago up in Bridgnorth. The morning sun was streaming through the windows of St Mary's Church. I am sure that I have mentioned before that I am more spiritual than religious. However, this scene was so magical and very beautiful.

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 6

It was holiday times as a child when I can recall ever watching the television. I seem to remember two distictly separate times of Watch with Mother. The first ones were when I was very young such as Bill & Ben and Andy Pandy. But, after my brother was born, there are another set in my mind that are perhaps not so well known. This one is an episode of Pogles Wood entitled "the Crown" which was screened in 1967. Viewers will perhaps understand why I have chosen this particular episode when they see the mysterious arrival of a baby. However, this baby is the son of the King of Fairies!



For some reason, not many people seem to recall this series and perhaps it was because they were put into storage for more than 40 years! Showing my age here.....However, it was one of my favourites. Watching it now and I can see why I would have loved it, set in the woods with fairies and talking flowers!
Further reading can be found on the Pogles Wood website.
Oh and whilst I have a few more animations planned for this advent series, I promise that any further ones will be in colour! ;)

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 5

With the snow covering the Shropshire hills this morning, I thought it was time for this post. Whilst, it is lovely to see nostalgia and people all seemingly enjoying themselves, it is also important to remember that life or Christmas is not always perfect. Sometimes, you have to dig hard for the magic!

One time that stands out for me was following the break up of my marriage. My son was ten at the time and we were coming up for the first Christmas. The decision as to where he should spend Christmas was a no brainer, the options were alone with me or with his Dad, Nan and stepbrothers. So, I prepared for my first Christmas alone. I decided that I was going to go for a walk on Christmas morning in the Shropshire Hills which is a place of outstanding beauty. Sadly, when the day came, I drove there and it was raining. Not only was it raining but the mist was coming down heavily and I knew better than to go walking in that. The mist over those hills is renowned for thickening rapidly and creating a disorientation effect. So, I sat in the car for a little while feeling a little sorry for myself ;)

At the same time I thought back to a book that I had once read regarding someone being lost in those hills which had a big impact when I read it. It was of those books that stayed with me and was written by Rev. Donald E. Carr in 1865. It isn't a Christmas book but written in the depths of winter when the weather was at it's most severe. Historically it is of interest too because it provides an insight to the hamlets and villages in the area. If you are not a very religious person, don't be put off by it being written by a Reverend, although he does talk a little about his faith, it is a very factual account of a night where he got lost in the snow. There are no sudden revelations of light other than snow blindness. Recalling it was my reminder that sometimes in life a little adversity comes your way and there are degrees of adversity! Incidentally, afterwards I went on to have lunch with a girl friend in similar circumstances followed by an evening in a nice warm house looking at my Christmas tree lights with a glass or two of wine :)



The book is called A Night in the Snow and is only a short read if you have an hour or so to spare. It is available on several internet sites as an ebook or is also available for Kindle on Amazon for £0.00.

I will be back with a big dose of nostalgia tomorrow ;)

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 4

I thought that today we would have a little music and have chosen the Florin Street Band with the song "My Favourite Time of Year"



Despite trying to get a record label to produce this, they had no success and eventually went independent. The video is pretty much filmed at Blists Hill Museum at Ironbridge and is probably one of the most traditional I have seen. I suppose that Blists Hill being a Victorian working museum kind of helps with the overall effect and there is definately some Christmas magic. It certainly makes a change from some of the irritating "same old" which seems to have been wheeled out for years.
I posted it up last year but have no compunction in posting it again because this year all proceeds of the downloads are being split between charities. It is being used for the ITV text Santa appeal and can be downloaded as from tomorrow so feel free to share :)Incidentally, those of you that have seen my artwork of Casey the carthorse, which is down the blog on the right somewhere, will spot him in the opening scenes. For me, it also makes me smile as a regular visitor to Blists Hill working out the buildings used and spotting a few familiar faces! I wish them all the very best for this year and sincerely hope that it makes the charts this time....

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 3

My Mum came from a very big family and when I was small, we used to pay a visit to some of those that lived locally. Auntie Kath and Uncle George were a favourite with me, I recall being a little spoilt by them. They were not rich by any stretch of the imagination and lived in a council house. Every year they used to decorate it to the hilt and nowadays, it would probably be described as tacky. However, as a child you don't tend to notice tacky, for me it was magical. They always had one of those snow domes, you know those plastic globes with a snow scene inside.
I loved them and can recall spending hours shaking theirs up and watching the snow swirl around inside.



Nowadays, I have my own snow globe although I am not sure that it would withstand lots of child handling! I delight at getting it back out for the Christmas season every year and giving it a good shake. I watch all those bits of glitter swirling and smile at the memories it invokes. Auntie Kath and Uncle George are no longer with us, they both lived to quite a good old age and moved on a few years ago. However, I can still see them and hear them both in my mind with every shake together with good childhood memories. Sometimes, it is the little things......

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 2

Well after a very cold crisp start to the day, I couldn't resist putting up this piece of art by Joseph Farquharson (1846-1935).



Since time began I can recall seeing Christmas cards displaying this artists work and always loved it. Many of his scenes could be be of Shropshire given our rural landscape but, they are actually of Scottish scenes. I particularly like his use of light and as long back as I can recall, I always wanted to be able to paint a picture that looked like one of his. I had several very bad attempts in my early years! I don't know in which gallery I finally got to see his work for real, it was a long time ago. However, every time I see a Christmas card depicting one of his beautiful scenes, it raises a smile. Besides on a card all that snow doesn't cause any traffic chaos ;)
His work can be seen in galleries in Liverpool, Aberdeen and the Tate and if you want to know a little more about him, there is further reading on Wikipedia.

Christmas Advent Magic - Day 1

I like Christmas! However, I know that a lot of people don't enjoy the season for a variety of reasons and I have to say that I think the commerciality of it all has got a little too much. I know it can also be a very difficult time for missing loved ones for whatever reason, being on your own and also the stress of trying to "get it right" on the day. But, I thought I would post up a few personal thoughts and favourites. These are a few things that over the years has made Christmas magical for me. Oh, and despite it being rather nice, there won't be a video of the John Lewis advert!

I have previously posted up a clip from the film A Christmas Carol. However someone has since posted up a much better quality version. As a child, I loved the book and read it avidly, it was my favourite Charles Dickens book of all time. This film with George C Scott was filmed in Shrewsbury and those that are old enough will recall the town being transformed as they filmed it. Those that are too young will maybe have to guess at the places in the film. There are some of my favourite childhood haunts used in the settings and one that really springs to mind is the ghost in the tunnel with those eerie drips in the background but, I think you will have to view subsequent parts to get to that bit. However, this is Part One:



I still love the thought behind the fiction although, sometimes I still find myself muttering "Humbug" on occasion!