Aching after Body Combat...

...it was my third class back to Combat today and I went for it! So sweaty and tired! All this is part of a health kick chez Warden. We are both trying to loss a couple of pounds and tone up. No big deal but we are eating better and working out a bit more. Actually I'm enjoying the challenge and, after only two weeks, we both feel a wee bit better for it. I must say, I love a bit of exercise - I guess I am pretty fortunate to enjoy working out! Anyways, I'll keep you posted on our progress.

So, what has happened since the last post? Well, as usual for my quiet, research-based summer, not a lot. I've started preparing for next term's classes and am looking forward to both the courses I am teaching in the first block. I am co-ordinating (first time for everything!) a course in technical theatre (I know, I know...) so am brushing up on my gobos and prosceniums. All fun. The Book is coming on well and I'm just about reaching the point where I need another big library visit. Am also currently writing a short review article for the journal Comparative Drama. Could do with getting that finished today really.

Heard of two sad deaths this week. The great literary critic Sir Frank Kermode died on the 17th. I saw him at the Edinburgh Festival a few years ago and you was extremely gracious and interesting. His articles for the LRB were also thought-provoking. Also on the 17th came the news that Edwin Morgan had passed away. He was a great Scottish poet and makar, and was really the last surviving member of that great generation of Scottish artists (in the broadest sense of the word). Two grand old men of culture sadly leaving us.

We are looking forward to our holiday which starts on Wednesday. If you're in Edinburgh then we'll hopefully see you at the weekend. If you fancy a performance at the festival then I am singing with Rudsambee on Sunday night at St Giles. Last night I had my first dream about trying to perform without knowing any of the words. Expect many more of these dreams over the next few nights. I haven't sung in anger since I left Rudsambee (7 months ago?) so it could all be very interesting! Holiday should be very jolly though. I'll write a couple of posts while we're away to fill you in on our trip and hopefully (courtesy of D's iphone) we'll have a couple of pictures to share with you as well. Anyways, this paper beckons. I'l listen to the football while I'm writing and hopefully my fantasy league team will do the business.

CSW