Birds

This is pretty incredible: Edwyn Collins (of Orange Juice), who had a stroke back in 2005, drew illustrations of birds as part of his recovery process:

Then I drew my first bird, a widgeon. It's quite crude, but I was pleased with the result. Each day I drew at least one bird. I was tired back then, but my stamina has grown. I could see my progress with each bird. Up, up, up. It's encouraging. The thing is, it's not just about switching to my left hand; my brain isn't the same as it was. Until recently, I only liked to use cheap notebook paper. Pencil drawings only. Everyone is telling me to use colour, but all in good time. I need to perfect my technique. I'm a creature of habit. But I'm now using posher cartridge paper. It changes your style.

Three years after his stroke, Orange Juice will be reuniting for a show, and Collins will perform on stage. (via Idolator)

Comments

[celeste w]

Ben, I don't mean to bother you and Mena, but I know you both are busy and I'm using every channel I can to reach you in this short week before this important election.

In 2004, you and Mena posted my Typepad Republican Switchers blog to eyebeam, and that helped it get tons of traffic right before the election.

http://inprogress.typepad.com/republicanswitchers

A friend and I just updated it for this election, and think it will be a great last-week strategy, especially for folks like Mena's mom (which I just happened to see right now on Twitter.)

If you can help spread the word in some way, asking folks to pass it on to the undecideds and conservatives in their lives (esp. in toss-up states) that would be wonderful.

Thanks for your consideration!

P.S. I have several blogs on Typepad:

http://inprogress.typepad.com/kidsforobama

http://inprogress.typepad.com/studio501c (for nonprofits)

http://comnetwork.typepad.com (for a national association of philanthropy communicators)