Jump over to Jane's for Flowers in the House from around the world.
I have stacks of books everywhere. This one is pretty typical of my reading--a mix of fiction and non-fiction, with poetry, magazines etc. mixed in. I have not read Cloud Atlas yet, but I will this winter. The Canon is a wonderful book on the basics of science; perfect for someone like me who is interested in, but never studied science. I've read it before, but of course I've forgotten almost everything. It came to mind when I was in New Mexico near Los Alamos, where the atomic bomb was developed, which brought up incredibly disturbing thoughts. It was the astronomy section of The Canon that helped me understand thermonuclear fission and fusion, the power of stars that
alone can start with the simplest lightest atoms, like hydrogen and helium, and forge them into the whole periodic palette of the elements, into all the Rubenesque beauties with their thickset nuclei--nickel, copper, zinc and krypton, silver platinum and gold... (from The Canon)
Also in the stack is Image and Imagination, Georgia O'Keeffe which juxtaposes black and white photos taken by John Loengard of the artist and her surroundings, with her paintings.
It is early morning in Massachusetts and our power has already gone out briefly, so it may go out for a longer time once the storm effects really reach our region. If you don't hear from me for a while, that's why. I have books, bottled water, candles and peanut butter--I'm ready for anything. Stay safe, everyone.
Jen
Flowers, books, and incredible views into nature from your windows; you seem set to weather the storm, and even get that special enjoyment of being cozy inside while the elements rage outside.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I have often wondered why power is so prone to go out in bad weather. When I lived in Ohio, it seemed that even an overcast sky could interrupt the electricity.
--Road to Parnassus
Dear Jen,
ReplyDeleteI wish you be safe.. you and your family and friends.. this is a trying time for you in that part of the world.. The news is not great.. My son was in N.Y last week.. I still thought he was there, but thank god he is now in L._A.
Very interesting about the Canon book.. I can see you enjoyed reading it.
I am very keen on Georgia O'Keeff's paintings.. i must look the book up.. I am painting a similar type of flower based on her work..just a small one.
best wishes
val
The Canon book was written by a science writer for the NY Times--she knows how to write for lay people. The booked helped me grasp concepts that were previously beyond me. O'Keeffe is such an inspiration in so many ways. I used to have her biography but I gave it away. Will look for it in the library.
DeleteStay safe Jen,
ReplyDeleteit must be a very worrying time.
I hope that Sandy goes quickly and quietly.
I love your flowers, they are so pretty.
I'm not sure about the book, I am not mad about science
and prefer something a little lighter but maybe one day...
Take good care of yourself
x
I have plenty of lighter reading too--especially mysteries!
DeleteGood morning, I love our vase and your bouquet. The branch of euronymous is brilliant. I can't get enough of it in the shop.
ReplyDeleteOur back yard is flooded, so far a steady, gentle rain. The whole area is closed down, no school, no buses, liberal leave for the government,but still plenty of power.
More will be revealed.
I'm reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, loving it.
xo Jane
I loved Wolf Hall too. Not everyone did.
DeleteI like how you included the autumn leaves, they'll all be gone in the next two days and that vase is really pretty. Sounds like you're ready for the storm. Let's hope it passes quickly, the wind is swirling scarily over here, I have very little peanut butter. Knew I forgot something. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I'm also stocked up on Halloween candy. I try to buy stuff I don't like, but got some peanut butter cups this year and they go well with stormy days.
DeleteHi Jen!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers and some very interesting books on your piles.
Stay safe my friend!
Hello Jen:
ReplyDeleteAn arrangement of the last remaining flowers in the garden is always touched with nostalgia and this seems a particularly poignant moment as you await the brunt of the storm to pass. Our thoughts are with you to stay safe and warm and we hope that these fragile blooms will cheer you through the worst and into the promise of sunshine after the storm. Love, J and L
Being inside during a storm is fun--the wind, the rain, the blowing branches. For a while I can enjoy the elements and not think about the damage that will occur to so many.
DeleteUgh, hopefully the storm is not going to be as bad as they say it is going to be up your way. Anyway, the flowers are beautiful and the vase is great. I want to read the science book now, and will hope our library has it. Maybe you should pick up a six-pack to go with the peanut butter? Just heard Atlantic City is flooded and Sandy hasn't even fully arrived there. Maybe you should pick up a nice bottle of scotch to go with the peanut butter. :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, stay safe and peace be with you.
Beautiful flowers and just the right touch for a stormy few days. Sounds like you have the essentials, so stay safe and warm and hopefully it is over and nothing is damaged.
ReplyDeletestay safe!!! just get something hot to read and drink with a flash light, ha, or the other way around, lol... xxx
ReplyDeleteYou find such great containers! Wish I had more stuff in my yard to use. I'm rivetted to storm news. Have you read Catching the Light by Arthur Zajonc? A wonderful history of light and color for the physics lay person.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to sample Cloud Atlas on kindle.
I love your'e sweet vase and the pretty arrangement suits it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are not affected badly by Sandy. Stay safe.
Penny x
Flowers help to make a house a home. I love to have them about too.
ReplyDeleteHope you are ok, stay safe Jen X
The colors of the painting, vase, and flowers all work so well together.
ReplyDeleteInspired choices.
I imagined the somber nights of passing storm,,,but the flowers look so bright as if they reflect your mind.
ReplyDeleteHave a noce time with your favourite flowers and books, Jen.
The vase is amazing ....with or without your lovely flowers! Enjoy your books, stay safe, take care. My thoughts and prayers are with all who are experiencing Sandy.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've been thinking about you and looking at the weather map on TV. Don't go out in the wind. Weak trees . . . and all.
ReplyDeleteHey friends--Thanks for the good wishes. We are fine in Massachusetts--a couple of large and many small tree limbs down, a bit of basement flooding...I'll post later.
ReplyDeleteGlad all is well, and what a magnificent flower arrangement. It's amazing to me how something so simple can be so much more beautiful than an elaborate arrangement!
ReplyDelete