Tuesday, January 26, 2021

MishMash of Stuff

 Emily McDowell's Empathy Cards break the mold and offer new ways to show concern. I love them.



Books/Reading
In 2019, I read The Lost Words, a beautiful book by Robert McFarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris.  This year, I want to read the lost spells, which looks to be just as beautiful.  And I also would like to read MacFarlane's Underland: A Deep Time Journey.

illustration by Jackie Morris

RED FOX

I am Red Fox — how do you see me?

A bloom of rust
     at your vision’s edge,
The shadow that slips
     through a hole in the hedge,
My two green eyes
     in your headlights’ rush,
A scatter of feathers,
     the tip of a brush.

--Robert MacFarlane

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This penguin photo from award winning photographer Tobias Baumgaertner.  John Ruskin was definitely on to something when he said:  "...one can't be angry when one looks at a Penguin."
https://mymodernmet.com/widow-penguin-photo-tobias-baumgaertner/


Mail


I'm almost caught up on my correspondence!




How are things in your corner of the world?  

14 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing the link (and samples) to Em & Friends. I love unique greeting cards and usual stock u on a variety whenever I find them in gift shops or bookstores while on our travels. Since that's not happening right now (and I hate to buy cards at the grocery store), this website will be a great resource. I've recently purchased several from a company in Ashland, which you might enjoy looking at. It's called Carpe Diem Papers. carpediempapers.com I love her artwork!

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    1. Thanks, Les! I love the Carpe Diem Papers site--Mindy's art is so colorful and full of cheer! So different from the typical Hallmark cards (which are often beautiful). I'm going to check out her blog now. :)

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  2. The Morris illustrations are beautiful. The Baumgartner photo melts the heart. Your postcards charm the spirit on a wintery day.
    This Vermont part of the world, snowfall began minutes ago, enough to cover the bird seed outdoors.

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    1. The Morris illustrations are wonderful, and I love the way they works with the poems. :) Here, in Louisiana, we have had almost no winter this year. A friend from here has lived in Vermont for several years and her pictures of the snow are beautiful, but...the shoveling!

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  3. Yes, so often cards simply miss the mark. Good to know there are people trying to offer new ones. Ruskin really was onto something, wasn't he!

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    1. I really liked the messages on these cards--they express our usual inelegant, but heartfelt thoughts when we don't know exactly what to say.

      I smile every time I think of Ruskin's words. Not only seeing penguins, but thinking about Ruskin's solution to frustration and anger can change my mood. :)

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  4. This is a beautiful and uplifting post-just when I needed it. Thanks...

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  5. Those cards are awesome! And, that penguin photo is just too much cuteness. I'm going to print that out and put it in my journal.

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    1. The cards are awesome, aren't they! Penguins continue to fascinate me--Ruskin really started something for me. :)

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  6. I love the cards, too. I was watching the video of a child and she told her mom she wanted a penguin for a pet! I think maybe I need one, too, just til things settle down a bit. I love the "When it doubt, wear polka dots." One of my hometown friends is a firm believer in the power of polka dots--and pearls. She wore both she went to vote. She also wore polka dots recently when her mom died.

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    1. Maybe we all need penguins during this time. Polka dots and pearls make an inspirational outfit!

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  7. I always get such a kick out of your mail. So whimsical and fun. Was wondering if you've found this site in Chicago for papers, stamps and goodies? I'm usually able to find several wonderful things. I'm loving her new shibori/boro paper clips for $15. go to barizaki.com Hope you like her shop.

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    1. Ooh! I visited and saw so many pretty things--thanks for the link, Debra!

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Good to hear from you!