Still in the geeky embrace of Chalke. They’ve made more use of us this year, queue busting as well as the two shows, which makes it harder to just enjoy the talks. I missed the only one I wanted to see today – about Hannibal and Carthage. But many of the ones I didn’t think I would be interested in gave me some joy. I caught one about Bog bodies. Inevitably went to one about Shakespeare where various members of the company were interjecting with corrections of various points of history. We are a bunch of lovely nerds.
My favourite surprise hit talk so far was Doctor Crippen yesterday just as I hadn’t ever thought that story could be interesting. The speaker made it very alive. She’s just written a book about it and her frame on it and passion for it was contagious.
There’s a big old Waterstones tent here because everyone here is flogging their latest book and there are signings after many of the talks. I’m walking around with my kindle most of the day when I’m not listening to people talk. In between little bits of acting there’s time to wind down when it isn’t boiling. And last night there was a great big lightning storm so it isn’t quite as sweltering now. Last year I bought a book after a talk knowing Lou would like it. This year nothing has hit me so much but I’ve been working more so less able to sink into thinking.
I just got called boring cos I’ve gone to my tent. Affectionately but I still heard it and imwardly smiled. I don’t need to be hammering myself and I don’t feel much social pressure to do so now its been a good month off the old forgettyjuice. And a nice read and a good sleep makes me happier than watching people drink in the dark. I was going to bed early at Soul Revolution too. I’m tucked up in my sleeping bag again as the summer chafers slam into my tent. And the air in the tent is almost cold for a change. I think I’ll sleep better.
It’s crowded now. Must have been a couple of thousand people here at peak but only a few are camping. I’ve been here long enough and it’s been sweaty enough that I even washed some shirts for myself which will probably airdry before I wake up. I’m starting to miss things like Lou and bed and mobile phone reception and cats. I’m hoping this will post. I’ll just hit schedule and let the wheel spin…
