Hallway Reflection

Capitol Hallway © 2007

An interior photo from deep within the Wisconsin State Capitol. Even the areas not seen by the typical visiting tourist are amazingly designed and beautifully appointed. From the inset marble floor to the hand painted ceiling, everything has been planned for aesthetics. I love how the hallway seems to be a reflection – ceiling and floor as a reflection of each other.

State Capitol Building,  Madison,Wisconsin

Book Lust and Groucho Marx

It was too cold, icy and blah to go outside yesterday, so I played with my macro lens inside, and then I was so inspired, I sat down and read ‘Surfacing’ by Margaret Atwood for the rest of the day. Here are a few categories of books I read when I’m not hunting with camera in tow or doing miscellany. This is the first set of three photos. A second set will be in another upcoming post, and those books are way, way different from these posted today. Way different! That’s a promise.

Books I Read ~ 3

Books – Humor © 2007

First are the comics and humorous books – of course included are Calvin and Hobbes, Dilbert, and Dr. Seuss. I grew up with Dr. Seuss and the very first book I read by myself was ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ My absolute favorite book is ‘Green Eggs and Ham.’ I love Sam I Am.

Books I Read ~ 2

Books  – Art © 2007

Then a few drawing books and art collaborative compilations. I have an entire shelf – 30 inches long – plus another half shelf, full of a wide variety of art and writing books. For nearly twenty years of my past life I entertained myself working as a mixed- media artist and fiction author, and these books are well-thumbed. Now I read them for auld lang syne.

What I Read ~ I

Book Lust © 2007

And then there are my books about words. Crossword puzzles, book lists, dictionaries and many more. Words and I have always had a special affinity ~ ever since I figured out that a few letters magically turned into a word at the ripe old age of 4. If you are wondering about the title part of the post, ‘Book Lust’, the two middle books are ‘Book Lust’ and ‘More Book Lust’ by Nancy Pearl. Nancy is a librarian and so, of course, she has written two books filled with book recommendations and fun to read descriptions of books – great books that could easily be overlooked if you didn’t know about them. If you’re looking for a good book – any genre – The Book Lust duo is the first place to check. I received them as Christmas presents two years ago, great gifts if you have a passionate reader on your list.

So there. I practiced with my macro, which I should do more often (much more often!) and shared my book passion in a multi-tasking effort. (Although I am an ardent un-fan of multi-tasking on principle. As in, pay attention to what you are doing and be mindful of your task at hand, and while you’re at it, slow down!) So now you know a little bit about me and some of my philosophies, too. Are there any other book lovers or philosophers out there? Why not share your books and/or opinions, too?

And as for my dear friend, Groucho, he will end this post with two of his opinions about books and reading…

“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” ~ Groucho Marx

“I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book.” ~ Groucho Marx 

Bravo, Groucho! Bravo!

Let’s hear it for books.

Autumn Reflections

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Reflection in Indian Lake © 2007

“Beauty is a primeval phenomenon, which itself never makes its appearance, but the reflection of which is visible in a thousand different utterances of the creative mind, and is as various as nature herself.”  ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

On a calm, misty morning, these autumn colors were reflected in Indian Lake. Photographed at Indian Lake County Park in Dane County, Wisconsin as the sun peeked over the hill. October 20, 2007

 

The Non-Conformist

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Gazing Upwards © 2007

Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity. ~ Christopher Morley

Love that, in a mass of autumn trees in oranges and yellows, there is one tree still holding out for a few more days of summer. Photo taken at Devil’s Lake State Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin on a perfect late October day

 

Double Yellows

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Double Reflection © 2007

Deep blue lake trapping
Reflection in calm waters
Double yellow orbs.

Just after sunrise on a calm, mid-October morning.
Indian Lake County Park in Dane County, Wisconsin