At my confirmation I took the name of Martha — a saint I identified with readily as she was always the first to cook for everyone, clean house for everyone, and in general, worry about everyone else. Admirable virtues to be sure — but she needed a gentle reminder that there was nothing wrong with […]
I am swooning over these gorgeous illustrations from the Czech children's book The Forest Story," written in 1929 by Josef Kozisek and handsomely illustrated by Rudolf Mates. I would so have loved as a child to receive such a gem of of a book. (Via Will Schoenfeld's amazing 50 Watts, a website dedicated to sharing
A Forest Story And The Lush Illustrations of Rudolf Mates Read More »
“It is springtime, he goes off with the peasants to mow the fields. in the beginning the task seems too arduous for him. He is about to give up when the old peasant leading the row calls for a rest. Then they begin again with their scythes. Once again Levin is about to collapse
From The Scythe To The Pen Read More »
I am a little annoyed with the internet right now for its failure to make the important and necessary distinction between what an author says and what an author's character says. In the usual Flannery O'Connor quotes collected on all kinds of internet sites there is one without any cite or reference, making it appear
A Flannery O’Connor Moment: Get Your Quotes Correct Read More »
Here's my favorite band t-shirt from Los Zebras, a Milwaukee Norteño duo. You can buy it at CafePress. It comes in a variety of colors (though note that American Apparel can run on the small side) and is available along with other cool items, like the tote bag, which is also awesome. You can hear
Love this engraving of Swiss (Basel) dress from the 1630s entitled "How To Admire One Another in a Good Year." Still trying to work what the young woman has concealed under her headdress — that hoof sticking out beneath the veil is a bit alarming. What we won't do for fashion. But it does show
How To Admire One Another In A Good Year Read More »
Well…this is nice! I just learned earlier this week when a check arrived that Jane and I had sold our novel Except the Queen in Turkey. I knew the Italian deal was in the works, so it was awesome finding this cover of the Italian edition on the internet with its new title that translates
New Editions of Except the Queen in Italy and Turkey Read More »
Two of my favorite films this week that make me wish I could write like these artists paint: Above: French street-artist team of Supakitch & Koralie have filmed in time-lapse the entire process in the creation of one of their maginificent murals. (DO adjust the screen to full size just so you can see
Friday Films: Feed Your Art Appetite Read More »
As it turns out, Hans Christian Andersen produced really wonderful, whimsical, and beautiful papercuts when he told stories. He also produced lovely Christmas ornaments out of colored paper. I always think of his melancholy fairy tales — and was surprised by the humor and quirkiness of these delicate pieces. Happily, you can see a lot
Hans Christian Andersen’s Whimisical Paper Cuts Read More »
I rejoice at finding wonderful items on the internet, but I am also pleased in being found. I recently received a terrific email from a middle school English teacher whose sixth grade class was tackling poetry with some difficulty at the start. This is what she wrote to me: After teaching all kinds of dry
A Return to How They Drank In The 40s Read More »
