iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I suspect this will be forever my favourite of all Asian dramas. Must watch Season 1 again but the ending broke my heart while Season 2 is much more of a comfort watch. #AlchemyofSouls

Male and female lead of Alchemy of Souls dealing with an escapee magical "relic" (cat size of an elephant). Fantasy historical dress. ML has a sword.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Still in love with #AgainsttheCurrent while falling madly into #SpringoftheBlade. Testimony to great script, direction & production, also supporting cast, as I avoid or drop series with either lead. They've limited emotional range & 0 chemistry here but their revenge arcs are rivetting!

Leads of Chinese historical drama Xu Kai and Zhou Ye in costume.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Copy of my friend's latest collection of #haiku arrived this week. Andrew Fitzsimons is an Irish poet, translator (Basho: The Complete Haiku, amongst others) & professor who lives in Tokyo. These poems refer to the strange case of a serial murderer in Japan called "The Haiku Killer"

Book cover shows partial image of a purply brown "inugami" or dog spirit/demon in picture scroll design from the Edo period.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I should be working but Bilibili has dropped ep 28 #AgainsttheCurrent and I'm heading into the wedding. WOO HOO. Look at our happy ML. (This is not a SPOILER if you watched the intro.)

Wedding procession, historical Chinese drama, groom in red with black hat on a horse, marriage carriage behind him, red and gold, in which sits the bride.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Anyone else watching #TheScandal on Netflix? I was all set to boycott, citing Americanisation i.e. sexualisation of Kdrama when I saw 1) #JiChangWook & 2) #DangerousLiasions. You can't do the latter without sex (it's French) & it's all about sex & power. This is a brilliant adaptation. 🌟

Leads of historical Kdrama in Joseon era costume.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Not long back from County Galway in the west of Ireland. Gorgeous sunny days, craic with friends, flower workshop & good food. This is on the train home, coming into Tullamore. That's Ballycowan Castle, a 16th c castellated tower house. #Tullamore #Ireland

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

But while #ZhangLinghe is the pretty face of #PursuitofJade, Mrs Fan's story is what holds people. His is boring & only interesting when it crosses with hers. #TianXi is the heart & soul of the series & few FLs could carry it as well. I still maintain, any beautiful ML could've been the Maquis.

FL Pursuit of Jade in historical Cdrama costume, female general in armour and red cape with white fur. Hair bound high with headpiece normally worn by a male character.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

On its way from Kennys Bookshop, #DreamoftheRedChamber 1,606 pages! I'll be in olde China for months. Epic intergenerational story of a noble family's women (with poetry). First encountered the book in the imperial library in Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul. In my hanbok at a desk, perusing tomes. 😍

Parujeong Pavilion 2-storey octagonal structure physically attached to the main library hall by a raised corridor.

Images of Joseon era "books" the voluminous chapters no doubt of the epic thousand page plus novel.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Here you go, lads. Screenshot. 🥰 You're welcome. #LiuXueYi

Close up of ML Against the Current in historical Cdrama costume: hair bun topknot, blue robe.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Started new Cdrama #AgainsttheCurrent. Loving it. Opposite to a short drama, the pace is slow with the director lingering over every scene so you can savour the full emotional impact, the incredible acting of young & old & the beauty of the settings. First episode is harrowing! 💔

FL Tan Songyun and ML Liu Xueyi in red historical drama wedding outfits.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The fact our sleeveen government is rolling out the red carpet for this criminal when the majority of the country loathes him, makes me ill. 🤢 Sculpture on Dublin beach by Waterford artist Seán Corcoran. Sand reminding us there will come a time when he is gone & not too soon!

Sand sculpture on Dublin beach with buildings in background.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I'm rewatching #LovesAmbition because I'm on a #WilliamChan kick but my god #ZhaoLusi. Magnificent. Have people heard about her own upcoming production? Short drama with lots of her fave people in it including her Dad who's a general. 😍She's the producer. #SonderIamNotNPC.

Zhao Jun in historical drama costume and long hair wig, cut on nose, light beard.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

They do speak Scots Gaelic in Nova Scotia & Cape Breton. But if you view the globe from a different perspective & our isles from above as per Scottish geographer Arthur Geddes you see we all belong in a Celtic Union. Tried to find the map displayed in this glorious book but not available online.

Cover of art book including images and calligraphic text from Irish and Scottish artists.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I was actually named after this Val who's well known to older generations in Ireland & UK. My Dad was in his band before Val emigrated to England & we emigrated to Canada. He also had a room in our house in Bray. #ValDoonican

Val Doonican Irish singer, TV show host in blue jumper with white turtle neck holding his guitar.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Caught the last 4 rounds at my sister's house on big screen (you could hear same street after street in Bray & no doubt Dublin & beyond). That all this was for a woman athlete brought tears to my eyes. But Jaze, ye can get very visceral watching a live fight. I even read match analysis. 😳

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

A girl who disguised herself as a boy to join the local boxing club - shades of another real-life Irish legend Granuaile who cut her hair to join her father's pirate fleet eventually becoming a pirate queen with her own fleet - she proved that individual women athletes could draw huge crowds.

Big screen & big crowd on Bray seafront to broadcast the Katie Taylor fight.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Exciting weekend in my hometown. Local legend #KatieTaylor won her last fight, bowing out at 40, world champion, changer of women's boxing worldwide, beloved by all Ireland & beyond. The last time there was a boxing match in iconic Croke Park, Dublin it was Muhammed Ali. 🌟❤️ #Bray

Irish world champion boxer Katie Taylor wearing her signature black & gold boxing shorts & top holding tricolour flag of Ireland behind her.

Katie Taylor savouring the moment of her last fight, last win.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Wonderful area! Was lucky enough to stay at the glorious International House of Japan when on speaking tour in 2024, hanging about in a posh neighbourhood. But why buy from any other nation when Japan has the best okashi? Just some of the yummies I ate & I don't have a sweet tooth. #Japan #Sweets

Japanese red bean treats - packaged bicsuits and fruit bowl with paste - served with green tea.

Round tin of mixed Japanese miniature biscuits, jellies, nut treats.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Good morning, Bluesky folk & good evening those on far side of planet (me-centric POV). Back up the stepladder today. Last of walls & drawers to paint, window to wash, silicone caulking (not grouting, eejit) & that's it for now. Inner doors can wait. How I long to be a writer again! Soon.

Image of working woman arm up to show strength, wearing red head scarf with white polka dots and blue working-class shirt. Rosy the Rivetter.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Out of mesmerising if confusing intellectual video game intro of #MysticNine & into emotionally rivetting act about the Masters & their fight against the Japanese. Now I care DEEPLY if anyone dies especially #WuLaoGu, his beloved #HuoXiangu , also 8th Master, #StinkyYu & of course himself.

Official file papers of Master Zhang as military commander in full uniform (Republican era China) with gold braid on cap and jacket, gold buckle on belt. Played by William Chan.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Kusama designed the museum herself. The mirrored elevator with red polka dots takes you up to the roof where you see the iconic gourd. Some more infinity pumpkins also.

Author in mirrored elevator with red polka dots.

Iconic sculpture of yellow gourd with black polka dots on white roof top of museum.

Dark room with glass case of yellow infinity pumpkins with black polka dots.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Yayoi Kusama (1929-2026) died this month. 💔❤️ One of my favourite artists. Visited her museum in a working-class area in Tokyo. Awed every second by her otherworldly imagination and artistry. #YayoiKusama #Japan #Art

Long walk from train station to Yayoi Kusama's private museum.

Dark room of infinity yellow infinity pumpkins with black polka dots.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Another staff-made poster. Gotta love it. 😍 Also image from the film. Niù Lai 牛来 "The cow is coming." #NiuLai

Staff made poster of a super-cow for low budget big hit Chinese animated film with Chinese cinema-goer on her phone.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

I love when people buck the system or react in an unpredictable way proving the powers-that-be can't control everything. A Chinese animated short with cow characters 'manually' created is so bad it's good. A surprise hit - "we know it's not AI" say fans - the big cinemas have taken it on. #NiuLai

BBC article showing cinema lobby posters of latest films with crude hand-drawn one by staff.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Ep 10 #MysticNine & still haven't a bog's notion what's going on but mesmerised! Not an emotional investment, don't care if they all die (ok wouldn't want #WilliamChen to) but an intellectual fascination with puzzles, video game scenarios, Chinese theatre & demonology. Now the Japanese as well!

Atmospheric "family" photo of the clan heads of the Mystic Nine in either uniform or traditional Chinese costume of 1930s Republican era. Ornate wall with mural behind and oil lamps chandelier overhead.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I know there are lots of Canadians who are not fans of #JustinTrudeau but I still think this is a great photo of Prime Minister Trudeau carrying Prime Minister Trudeau. 🍁 (Also sad that his marriage ended.)

Canadian PM Pierre Elliot Trudeau carrying his son Justin on his hip as Mountie salutes them. Justin became PM Trudeau later in life.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Took a lot of flak on Viki for my choice but we were many. 😂. #XiangLiu #deliciousdemon #LostYouForever #TanJianci

white haired cdrama historical character in white robes

white haired demon with sparkly silver mask

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

My first ever contract marriage series: understated modern Kdrama about ordinary people, house poor, salary workers. The agreement pays his apartment mortgage & gives her a place to live. The slow burn of their relationship & interaction with each family captivated me. #Becausethisismyfirstlife

Poster shoes the two leads of modern Kdrama. He's holding a white cat & she's holding pink clipboard.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Bored now #RoadtoSplendour. Don't give af about salt politics & #ZhaoLing seems to have forgotten he's in love with FL. Sadly, romance & plot have ground to a halt. @alicepoonauthor.bsky.social says #MysticNine is fab so I started tonight. It's 🎆. Creepy & exciting! Also William Chen.😍

Drama poster showing huge demon face, smaller demon figure and two MLs, one in army uniform and one in red robe ready for battle. Chinese style pavilion in background.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

HAPPY 80th INDEPENDENCE DAY, INDIA! For all Indians on Bluesky wherever you are. Apologies late for those in the Motherland. #India #IndependenceDay

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Three illustations by Gai Qi poet & painter from #DreamoftheRedChamber 18th century Chinese epic classic by Cao Xueqin. Must find a translation as almost finished #TaleofGenji. Wept when he died somewhere near page 800. 😢 The shining prince left the story & it just isn't as exciting any more.

Chinese beauty looking out round window at delicate tree.

Chinese beauty sitting on a chair under a tree beside green rocks.

Chinese beauty with orange cloak gazing at a tree in snowy landscape.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Damn I should've posted this pic. They were both so adorable. 😍

The Strategist Gongsun Yun in historical Cdrama costume - blue coat over white robes, blue feathered fan, long hair past shoulders. Standing under a cherry or plum blossom tree.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Post your favourite Disney princess. Wrong answers only. The Grand Princess & imperial physician Qi Shu. #PursuitofJade

Grand Princess in Cdrama historical costume, pale pink mantle, white gown with blue and red designs. Hair jewellery.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Spotted on Vevay Road in Bray yesterday. Children passing got all excited. So did adults. Love when people do things to brighten everyone's day. Generosity is the sweetest of virtues. #Bray #CountyWicklow #Ireland

A sunflower missing its seeds to show a smiley face in amongst yellow blooming flowers and a younger sunflower to the right.

Sunflower missing its seeds to show a smile and two glass beads for eyes. In the midst of younger sunflowers in full bloom and pale yellow flowers whose name I don't know.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

One of my favourite tropes in newer Cdramas both modern & historical is the ride-or-die girl bestie. (Older dramas I assume written by men preferred woman-to-woman hate.) Niao Niao's bestie in #LLTG is still the best but FL's bestie in #RoyalBetrothal is 🌟. She even says she would kill for her.

Cdrama historical actress Zhao Zhao Yi playing bestie to FL, wearing all pink robe.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Main street Kinvara (where I used to live); Viking tent & shield with wolves (Athlone festival); high tea in The G Hotel Galway (their website, too busy scoffing treats to take pic but ours had more yummy savouries); friend's daughter's flower farm lus.ie. She does fresh & dried & workshops.

Hanging and potted flowers outside house on main street - pink lilies, dark pink petunias, various white & other pink flowers I can't name, sorry. Bright green shop house lower end of road.

Viking helmet, rope, round knobbed shield with black and white wolf heads design, rough grey tent behind blue wooden bench.

Afternoon high tea metal "bird cage" with plethora of cakes, scones and multi-tiered sandwiches. Glass of pink champagne. Mini pots of honey and ham. Window overlooks river and street.

Yellow petalled flowers that look like daisies to me but aren't.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

I went into the West where I used to live. When you cross the Shannon, you enter a magical country. Ever Ireland - "silence falling over sage-green fields" (James Joyce), damp, misty, soft rain, green. Pity poor brown & withered wildfire Wicklow. #WildAtlanticWay #Galway #Clare #climatecrisis

Bedroom window overlooking green field with vase of flowers in craft vase.

Bedroom room at night with vase of flowers silhouette by clouded moonlit sky.

Stone wall, gravelled walkway, wind-blown tree arching over, green field on the left, Atlantic on the horizon, cloudy sky, : the Flaggy Shore, New Quay, County Clare.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Lads, #EastPalace Kdrama on Netflix is great! #AlchemyofSouls level production values though not much (early episodes) on heart warmth or humour.🌟special effects🌟 Amazing actors given that's all green screen/LED. ML we know well ❤️. I feared abuse porn but no. Dark fantasy/horror grim.

Poster of Kdrama dark fantasy showing the two leads in Joseon era costume, a court lady and a male shaman.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Just found this. Odd that they're in white as that's the traditional colour for mourning while red is for marriage (I prefer the Chinese trad myself. Wore all white to my Mum's funeral instead of black.)

Marriage photo of Wu Jinyan & husband Hong Yao. Both in white.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Without fanfare, trailer or heads up #Viki dropped first episodes of #RoyalBetrothal. 🌟Bit of a shaky start with scrappy story & bizarre chats inexplicably in the middle of the desert (making use of expensive location shoot/LED screen?) but it soon settles down to a gripping tale with great leads.

Historical Cdrama poster in red and gold with leads in imperial robes and crowns and between the architecture and steps of the palace.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

How old is the kid?! The manga is what all the young have read in Japan.

Cover of Japanese manga edition of The Tale of Genji Vol 1 - Genji in blue robe with black hat embracing one of his many women wearing pink robe and her long black hair falling freely to her shoulders.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

The other two framed pieces are the same poem in Japanese & English by Eriko Tsugawa, with whom I used to hike in the Wicklow Mountains. (Group disbanded alas.) Her gorgeous book of poems in both languages comes with these two illustrated postcards. #Japan #JapaninIreland

Book cover image of beautiful abstract artwork, cut out images, ink-blue water colour, apple on top of column (sorry, trying to describe abstract art is not easy). Writing in English and Japanese kana (script).

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

My Noren curtains are up! Had to iron as rumples don't fall out of pure linen. Thrilled with quality & price. Custom-made for open wardrobe & shelves, one-piece with slit down the middle, colour in the Japandi palette. Next to them, textile artwork by Japanese reader & poem in Japanese & English.

open wardrobe & shelves covered with charcoal-grey linen Noren curtains. Hakata doll on shelf above. Sage-green walls, green carpet. Textile artwork and two framed poems on wall.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Ach I'm so sorry to hear that. 💔 Younger friend of mine has had L.C. for over 2 years. Nightmare. And bedbound for a year? My heart goes out to you. The deck of cards we're handed in any lifetime is so random & bizarre. But I'm convinced we agreed to come here & play the game of life. 你呢？

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Not that I've any right to question masters of calligraphy or a culture not my own but sometimes the stroke order of words is ... counter-intuitive. I mean, the arrangement on the left is followed by the arrangement on the right with that middle bit (person on treadmill mneumonic) last. 😑

First character in the long Mandarin word for "gym" .

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Had to wear a mask today as smoke from Wicklow Mountain wildfires has come down from Glencree. Didn't wear one yesterday & my lungs hurt. They're damaged from smoking & chronic bronchitis now gone once I quit years ago & more recent bouts of Covid. The climate crisis has come to Ireland.

Wicklow Mountains, July 2026, RTE. A mountain road through bog & forestland with smoke from wildfires ahead.

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

He'll always be Captain Kirk to me. Did you hear about the time he tweeted the other famous Canadian-in-space Commander Chris Hadfield who was on the International Space Station? (I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Trekkie). Here's the exchange:

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O.R. Melling @ormelling.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Went looking for Persis Khambatta. Another bald beauty! (From a Star Trek film? The one who had to take a vow of celibacy because she's irresistible? Or was that someone else. (Still controlling the women because the men can't control themselves, even in the far future!)

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