Tuesday 16 April 2013

40th Birthday

I'm 40 today, a date shared with Charlie Chaplin, Dusty Springfield, ex-Pope Benedict and, so I'm told, some bloke called Rafa Benitez.  My office desk is covered in about a tonne of glitter and someone has put up lots of photos of me as a baby/toddler with, er, "witty" captions.  I suspect the hand of the Kiwi. My birthday always tends to co-incide with Salute,  The very first Salute I attended was actually on my birthday - I think in 1986 when I was 13.  Happily, my spending power is rather better nowadays than it was when I was 13, even with 2 money-devouring children; so I'm looking forward to a couple of "birthday treats" on Saturday.  In the meantime, this seems an appropriate opportunity to thank everyone who reads, follows and comments on this blog and for the extra enjoyment of the hobby I have had from such contact.  Here are some of my favourite photos from the achives to celebrate past 7 years of blogging about toy soldiers.




















 
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33 comments:

  1. Dalauppror16 April 2013 at 14:54

    Congratulation Giles on the big day !!!!!!

    Thanks for all stunning minis you paint and share with us, lots of inspiration!!!

    Best regards Michael

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  2. Steve-the-Wargamer16 April 2013 at 14:58

    Happy Birthday Giles... looking forward to Salute myself!

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  3. Mosstrooper16 April 2013 at 15:40

    Many happy returns !

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  4. Colin Ashton16 April 2013 at 15:51

    Here's to the next 40

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  5. Colin Ashton16 April 2013 at 15:52

    Here's to the next 40 years!

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  6. Sire Godefroy16 April 2013 at 16:12

    What can I say? Many congratulations, Giles!

    Cheers, SG/Tilman
    www.mountainsoflead.com

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  7. Capt Bill16 April 2013 at 16:17

    Happy Bitrhday mate!

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  8. Michael Awdry16 April 2013 at 16:44

    Very many happy returns and such a visual treat to boot; have a great day my good man.

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  9. Whisperin Al16 April 2013 at 18:04

    Many happy returns!

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  10. Paul Forgette16 April 2013 at 18:20

    Happy Birthday Giles ..... I remember my 40th .......
    Well sort of ...... just passed my 66th ...... I enjoy your website.

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  11. Der Alte Fritz16 April 2013 at 18:49

    Happy birthday Giles. At 40 you are still considered a "young puppy" in my book. Happy shopping at Salute!

    Best regards,

    Jim

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  12. Mike16 April 2013 at 19:03

    Happy birthday! If you were here in the States, you could retire in 25 years. It's a great blog.

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  13. Chris Stoesen16 April 2013 at 19:29

    Happy Birthday.

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  14. Silver Whistle16 April 2013 at 19:58

    Happy Birthday Giles.

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  15. airhead16 April 2013 at 20:46

    Have a great day, many congratulations, 40 is the new 30.

    Best regards

    Airhead

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  16. Andy McMaster16 April 2013 at 20:50

    Hope you've had a great day and that your desk is now suitably de-glittered. Though I'm sure the 'youthful' photos will be around for a while! And have a great and toy filled day at Salute!

    Andy

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  17. painterman16 April 2013 at 21:36

    Many congratulations on the milestone Giles - and for a great blog, which has been such a consistently high standard over the years.
    So where are the pics of young Giles the toddler then...?? :)
    Simon.

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  18. Christopher(aka Axebreaker)16 April 2013 at 22:00

    Happy birthday Giles!! May your blog continue to inspire as all with your fantastic painting and rich background text!

    Christopher

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  19. El Grego17 April 2013 at 03:06

    Happy birthday Giles!

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  20. Stefan (aka. Monty)17 April 2013 at 09:16

    Congratulations Giles!

    And thanks for the pictures of those excellent miniatures. I hope that a lot more will follow!
    ;-)

    Cheers
    Stefan

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  21. Rodger17 April 2013 at 12:02

    Happy Birthday Giles! Great photos too.

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  22. AJ (Allan) Wright17 April 2013 at 13:09

    Happy birthday. Enjoy Salute. As far as wargamers go you're still a youngster. Healthy and happy living.

    AJ

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  23. Greg Sapara17 April 2013 at 15:31

    Happy birthday Giles - and many more!!!

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  24. valleyboy17 April 2013 at 21:12

    Looking forward to a drink with you after Salute Giles

    Those pictures sum up the quality of what you've produced over the years

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  25. meadows boy18 April 2013 at 18:58

    All the best, have a good one :-)

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  26. Vinnie19 April 2013 at 00:28

    Happy Birthday Old Chap I turned 42 on the 4th April...now you can be call 'Old Balls"

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  27. Doc Smith19 April 2013 at 03:40

    Apologies for the late reply but many happy returns on your Big-Four-O Giles. Now the real fun begins!

    Thanks for posting all those wonderful pictures of your extraordinary painting talent and we can all look forward to another 40 years of your painting prowess!

    Well done that man.

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  28. Schrumpfkopf21 April 2013 at 12:20

    Congratulations - I just had my 41.
    It's going downhill from here :--)

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  29. Foss106622 April 2013 at 01:25

    For those of us over the pond, these kind of reports really sustain us. Thanks Giles, and happy Bday!

    Cheers
    Thomas

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  30. Iowa Grognard24 April 2013 at 23:35

    Completely missed this post, so belated happy birthday wishes are in order.

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  31. Steve27 April 2013 at 14:24

    Hi Giles

    I noticed you brought the Carlist Wars Scenario booklet at Salute, what did you think of it.

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  32. NAPOLEONIC-SPAIN6 May 2013 at 10:31

    the best blogs!

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  33. NAPOLEONIC-SPAIN6 May 2013 at 10:36

    congratulations

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