More From the “What Was I Thinking?” Files
Exploring Chinese History with Respect and Curiosity
A note on respect, curiosity, and creative tools Over the past months, some readers may have noticed a new interest thread appearing on An Itinerant Scribe. I have been exploring Chinese history, culture, and daily life. This exploration is through the voice of a historical persona. I want to pause for a moment—not to justify…
Perplexing Pictures In Manuscripts 6
Jacques de Longuyon’s poem“Vows of the Peacock.”1350s Tooting butt trumpets, really? It’s amazing what you can find exploring Medieval illuminated manuscripts on the Internet. And this isn’t the only one. Medieval scribes worked long hours in cold rooms bent over their work. To entertain themselves bored and cranky Medieval scribes used the page’s margins to kvetch,…
Unlocking AI: Tips for Using ChatGPT Effectively
“Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.” -Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) AI is moving fast, and there’s no denying that it’s becoming a part of our everyday lives in interesting ways. Whether you’re exploring it for fun, to help with research, or to make tasks easier, ChatGPT can be a helpful tool….
My Week’s Highlights
My week… Listening: barbershop on YouTube because it makes me smile. Watching: Hamilton for about the 30th time Following: @meidastouch independent news and politics network. Reading: “11/22/63: A Novel” by whom else but Steven King Crafting: finished updating the Baronial Role of Arms Doing: preparing for the coming Kingdom of Calontir Coronation event hosted by…
New Page Created
Hey all. This is a brief note, sort of a public service announcement. I just posted a new page showcasing my apprentice THL Astrid Esbjornsdottir‘s creative creations. Enjoy!
Perplexing Pictures In Manuscripts 7
Two grotesques from the Vaux Psalter, Lambeth Palace Library MS 233 f.15r. Glad you are back for another perplexing manuscript picture. It’s hard to believe these two grotesques are from the lovely Vaux Psalter. Just look at the left grotesque’s fearful dirty look. Dramatically amazing. But what is it? And why? Michael Camille in his book Image On…