Tag Archives: books

Too many books!

Posted on January 7, 2024 | 2 comments

So how are those new year’s resolutions working out for you? How did you do with keeping them last year?

Statistics show that about 1/3 of all adults in the US make resolutions. Statistics also show that 23% will give up their resolutions after the first week. And only 8% will keep them all year. I think I read that bit last year which may have influenced my list of resolutions that I made this year.

Actually, I prefer to call them goals. That sounds like something to aim for, not just I resolve to do such and such this year. Maybe that’s splitting hairs but whatever works, I always say.

Unfortunately, as with most people, I tend to want to fix everything at the same time. Lose weight, get more exercise, eat better, etc. We all know how that goes. I find better results if I stick with fewer goals than to tackle too many at once.

One of my goals last year was to not buy any books. That doesn’t make the top ten in resolutions, but is certainly needs consideration in my case. I have a wide range of interests and love books of all kinds. But…they do take up a good amount of room. And they’re heavy, very heavy if you have to move. Also, they’re visible proof of where I spend my money. New clothes? Nah. New books? Oh, yes, please!

Most of the books that I buy are non-fiction. I always justify my purchases in that they are actually reference materials, I can learn something from them, I might need to know this stuff later. What if the internet goes down and I’m left with only my personal library? You can recognize a true addict by the excuses they make. I even buy a lot of used books, many times for such low prices that I can’t pass up the good deal. (See what I mean?)

So, I’m mostly proud to say that I stuck with my goal to not buy any books last year. At least until July when I had a little melt down when I took my granddaughter to the bookstore. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t read; I just resisted buying the books. I’m fortunate that I have a fairly good library system which supports my reading habit. Also, I’ve made very good use of the two electronic systems that they belong to where I can borrow nearly anything from books to music, videos to movies. Too much, actually.

But back to the no buying book resolution, er, umm, goal. I got back on the wagon…mostly. I did have a few slip-ups with buying some used books online. Although I’m very proud to report that I went into the local bookstore to shop for Christmas presents for others and did NOT buy a single book for myself. That wouldn’t have happened in the previous years. Magazines don’t count, do they?

So how did you do with your resolutions last year? I did manage to add more fruits and veggies to my diet. And walked more (with the help of the dog.) Cleaned out a few attics but not all of them. Some of the other goals are being recycled for 2024. No sense in getting crazy about improvements, is there? We’ll just see what I can stick with this year. I haven’t given up ice cream yet.

2 Comments

Posted in books, opinion

Tagged books, bookstores, goals, kit miracle, resolutions, self-improvement

The Smallest Library

Posted on July 23, 2023 | 4 comments

Libraries have been a big part of my life since our family made weekly visits when I was little. A local library has always been a criteria for every place I’ve ever moved. I even worked in my college library. Today’s libraries provide services far beyond just lending printed materials and have become hubs of their communities.

In the past few years when we were dealing with COVID, and while the main library was being rebuilt, the little Birdseye Library played an even more important role in its community. The town population is only about 445, but the library provides services to patrons from two adjoining counties (Perry and Crawford) due to its location on the border.

Although I’m not sure if it qualifies as the smallest library in the state, at only about 500 sq ft, it has to be close. As a branch library, it probably doesn’t meet the criteria for smallest, but physically it’s pretty little.

Opening in 2012, the Birdseye Public Library is in the former town hall building, adjacent to the railroad tracks on 145. The vibrant flowers planted by the library staff add to the beauty of the town.

The library is only open for two and a half days per week but it has a dedicated staff. AmyJo is the Branch Manager, Pat, Mary, and Craig are part-timers. Craig is very helpful, especially with technical issues. Most of the staff split their time at the other branch libraries, too.

A multitude of services and programs are provided for patrons. Large print books and videos are two of the most popular items borrowed. There is a good selection of children’s books, magazines, electronic launch pads, and current best sellers. Books from other branch libraries are available and can be delivered to the Birdseye branch within a couple of days. Computers, printers, games, puzzles are also available.

Dinosaur Mountain meets the electric train in this photo. The librarians frequently change out special displays and activities for all ages.

Sitting only a few yards from the tracks, trains pass by frequently throughout the day. AmyJo, daughter of a train man, says she doesn’t even notice the sound but it can be unnerving for newcomers.

A Blessing Box sits behind the library. This is another free service to the local community. Food and goods donated by local businesses are made available to all. Free Wi-Fi is also available so the parking lot is often filled, especially during the school year when families bring their kids to do homework in their cars. Most households in this area do not have internet services.

The Summer Reading Program with crafts and activities for all ages began on May 30^th and runs through July. From a ventriloquist to a juggler, Professor Steve (science programs) to a balloon creator, and animal handlers of all kinds, entertainment is provided at the shelter house at Birdseye Town Park. These free programs count towards the reading program’s log of activities. Patrons submit the list of activities that they’ve participated in at the end of the season, where they are eligible to win prizes of all types from an inflatable kayak to camping equipment, bicycles to games, train rides and tickets to amusement parks, and so much more. Prizes are made possible by donations from local businesses.

Meet a real desert fox brought by Silly Safaris

Volunteer Fireman Clint Cummings explains all the workings of the firetruck.

And who doesn’t want to operate a fire hose, with the help of Volunteer Firewoman Kelly Zehr?

The smallest library in Indiana has a pretty big impact on its community. What is happening at your local library?

4 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged books, children's programs, indiana, library programs, small library, summer program

Rereading favorite books

Posted on January 26, 2020 | 5 comments

Just a small portion of my personal book addiction. I should also mention that I have library cards from two counties!

Winter is a time of forced indoor activities, or at least, that’s my excuse.

I’ve been culling some of my many books for donation and have come across some of my favorites, probably too tattered to donate. I was thinking about if I could only have ten books to read, maybe on that proverbial deserted island, what would they be? That actually led me to contemplating rereading some of my favorites. Books that may (or probably not) end up in the donation pile.

These are just some of my favorites, most read many times but at least twice…or more. These days I cheat a little and will get the recorded book from the library to listen to while I’m in my studio, but they’re still on my list.

In no particular order:

Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams and The Bean Trees. Plus, just about anything else she has written. I love her observations and narrative. She has introduced me to different ways of life, different ways of living, that I never knew existed.

Louisa May Alcott, Little Women and Little Men. I always thought Laurie was a sap and Amy was a spoiled brat. But I actually like Little Men much better. I haven’t seen any of the recent movie remakes but will probably catch them on TV later. My imagination is always better than the movie.

Robert McCammon, Boy’s Life. This was a gift from my father many years ago and has nothing to do with the magazine of that name. It’s a delightful coming of age tale with so many twists and plot threads that it’s often difficult to keep up with. I’ve read it several times including once aloud to my sons when they were young. One of them recently borrowed it again.

Jean M. Auel, Clan of the Cave Bear and Valley of Horses. I’ve read these several times and recently pulled them off the shelves again. I even read them to the boys, skipping the juicy parts, and they have borrowed them again. I didn’t care for some of the later books in the series but these were still thought-provoking.

Niven and Pournelle, Lucifer’s Hammer. I first read this on vacation in Florida many years ago and it has been a hit with the family since then.

Shel Silverstein, all. Love every book of his and am now reading them to the grandchildren. Just the irreverent attitude and silly poems and puns. And who doesn’t love The Giving Tree?

Raymond Jones, The Alien. First read this back in high school when I was in my aliens and outer space period and a few times since. Might have to reread this again.

Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking. I read this when I was very young and I think it has an effect on my life ever since. It gave me the idea that with enough effort, I could pretty much be whatever I wanted to be. Looking back now, it seems a little simplistic, but it was a good push at a young age.

Robert Henri, The Art Spirit. A major inspiration for artists and probably on lots of studio bookshelves.

Bayles and Orland, Art and Fear. I reviewed this book not long ago and have read it several times. I find something new in it every single time. Another great inspiration.

David Lynch, Catching the Big Fish. This book has prompted me to look at life with new eyes and an open attitude. Another inspirational book for artists, writers and any creative person.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Flow and Creativity. I particularly liked his research on flow, that feeling of being one with whatever you’re doing, whether that is painting, gardening, biking, whatever. You get so involved with what you’re doing that you just go away in your head for awhile and return to the results a few hours later. This really works for me and other people that I’ve talked to. It might be likened to a creative meditation trance. For me, at least.

Johanna Spyri, Heidi. And her other books. I’ll admit that I read this many times when I was young but when I tried to read it to my granddaughter, it just wasn’t the same. Probably dated, by now.

Anna Sewell, Black Beauty. Another children’s book that is getting pretty dated now, but still, most girls love horses, so there’s that.

Agatha Christie, any, all. I think I have the complete works of Agatha Christie in various book forms. Used to love these books and would reread them endlessly. I loved the England of the era of Miss Marple but those days are gone now. Might be time to donate this collection.

I remember the time when my best friend Mary and I would always have a mystery or sci-fi book tucked into our purses for those moments when we had to wait after school for someone to pick us up, or on road trips or vacations. I wonder if teens still do this? I know my granddaughter is happy to take a bag of reading material with her on vacation. I still do. But I also am as likely to read a book on my phone at the hairdresser or while waiting for a meeting to begin as with a physical books.

What do you think? What favorites have you reread or are still rereading? Are any of these books on your list, too?

5 Comments

Posted in books

Tagged books, classic books, favorite books, kit miracle

Art and Fear

Posted on September 15, 2019 | 2 comments

Art and Fear, a small book with a powerful message.

The only work really worth doing – the only work you can do convincingly – is the work that focuses on the things you care about. To not focus on those issues is to deny the constants in your life.

I just finished reading for the umpteenth time one of my very favorite inspirational art books, Art and Fear: Observations On The Perils (and Rewards) of ARTMAKING by David Bayles and Ted Orland. This small but mighty book has been in print since it was first published in 1994. It always ranks high on the lists of books on art making. So why is it so difficult to describe, except to say read it?

I think it’s because the authors address the secret, deep down challenges of art making. Whether you are a visual artist or musician, writer or dancer, they seem to be able to tap into those questions that we raise in our souls. What are we doing? Are we any good? Who says? Does anyone really care but us? What makes a serious artist? Do we actually need talent or is just plain perseverance and hard work enough?

The authors portend that these questions only really have arisen in the past couple of centuries. Before that, artists knew their role and their expected work, whether working for the church or their clan. Few artists had the luxury of just creating for themselves. You joined the guild that your father belonged to and that was that. You accepted that you would carve stone for the rest of your life, doing the best that you could.

Now we have so many options available, that we’re often left blowing in the wind, twisting from one attraction to another. If you do settle on one or two outlets for your creative efforts, you will still probably be working alone (excepting for those artists who are part of larger group projects.) Maybe even after you’ve put hours, days, weeks, years into your project, you are still faced with the fact that no matter how skilled you may be, someone will come along, probably younger and glitzier, who will garner all the accolades for the next new thing. Maybe they whip up a frenzy over their spray painted graffiti turned art or that they’ve stuck a bunch of miscellaneous objects together with snot and string (and I’m not saying that those things aren’t art), and you’re looking at your studio stocked full of precision master drawings or paintings, and wondering, Was all my effort worth it? Doesn’t anyone appreciate real art?

In the end, art is hard work. You have to keep after it, often (usually) for very little reward. You work long hours, usually alone, for …what?

That ultimately is the question that this book – answers is not the right word, maybe explores. It will make you think. There are so many quotable quotes in this small tome. The battered, used copy that I purchased years ago has underlines from at least two other readers (who the heck uses red for underlining?), plus a name label in the front. Plus my own stars and underlines. What the other readers thought was important may not be what I focus on. Or maybe I do now at a different time of my life.

Whatever your art making form and wherever you are in your art making journey, I highly recommend this book as a great prompt for deep thoughts that you will want to return to often.

2 Comments

Posted in art, books

Tagged art, art making, books, ceativity, philosophy

A sad day for arts magazines

Posted on March 27, 2019 | 2 comments

I love arts magazines. Looking at all those gorgeous photos of the artwork of other artists is so inspiring. I’ve learned so much over the years. But there is a downside to all the magazines, and that is that I never wanted to throw them away. I know, I know, they’re just meant to be temporary but most artists I know feel this way. We always think we’ll come back to them but we don’t. That still doesn’t change the allure these shiny missives of creativity.

But I noticed something the last time I went to a bookstore. You know that I live in a really rural area so visiting a brick and mortar bookstore is a treat for me. I love the smell of new print, fondling volumes of wonderful possibilities, smelling the coffee and just hanging around with other book-lovers. But the last time I visited my favorite big name bookstore, I headed to the magazine rack at the end of my visit to peruse the latest offerings in art magazines and to snag a couple for home reading. After digging through the layers, looking behind the home decorating and wrestling mags, I couldn’t find some of my favorites. I thought that maybe it was the end of the month and the new editions hadn’t been put out yet.

So I was dismayed to read one of my favorite blogs by artist James Gurney (Gurney Journey) yesterday and to learn that F & W Publications, Inc., the company that produces The Artists Magazine has filed for bankruptcy. What!?! This magazine has been a staple for artists across the country for decades. When I purchased a copy, I would read it from cover to cover. Even the ads in the back listed announcements of exhibits and other great information. Sigh. This will make my next visit to the bookstore a little dimmer. Yes, there are some other fine art magazines out there but they have a different mission and flavor than The Artists Magazine. Oh, and Writers Digest, Pastel Journal, Watercolor Artist, and Interweave Knits are going, too.

Winter reading – artists’ biographies

Posted on February 10, 2019 | Comments Off

I love reading biographies, particularly autobiographies, particularly artists’ autobiographies. Winter is a great time to snuggle inside with a book or two or ten. These are a few of my current recommendations. You may be surprised that I don’t just read books about painters or even about artists who work in the same style as I do; I am more interested in their motivations, how they became who they became, and what obstacles they had to overcome.

Alexander Calder, an Autobiography with Pictures. 1965. In this autobiography, Calder dictates over a period of several months, his life and career as an artist. From a struggling student in engineering to the famous artist he became, this is a fascinating tour of his life. He doesn’t always delve into the why of the works he created, but it’s amazing to see how his career grew. And I couldn’t believe just how much he and his wife Louisa traveled, not only between the US and France, but all over the world. They moved frequently and were undaunted to tackle any old derelict of a farmhouse, apartment or barn. Personally, I would not be able to remember all the details about my life as he relays in this account of his. Full of photos in both black and white, this is a page-turner.

Chuck Close, A Life by Christopher Finch (2010) Chuck Close is a brilliant artist known for his gigantic portraits but he also faced many struggles in his career. A poor student, he probably suffered from dyslexia, but he overcame the naysayers to garner acceptance into Yale. His early successes established him as a leader in the art world. I loved reading about his years in a loft apartment in the Village, and the name-dropping of other famous contemporaries. His spinal stroke in mid-career set him on a new trajectory that would have sidelined many lesser individuals. Close didn’t discover until late in life that he actually suffered from prosopagnosia, i.e., he is unable to recognize faces, even of those whom he knows well. This probably set him on the path to focusing on the giant portraits.

Renoir, My Father by Jean Renoir (1959) It was interesting to read this biography of such a famous artist by his own son. I always admire the early impressionists (although they didn’t call themselves that at the time) and to read such a personal account by an eyewitness of the day is fascinating. I learned a lot about Renoir and in the end, didn’t really care for him as much as a person. But this is still a great you were there account which gives the true flavor of what it was to be a painter at this critical period in France.

Van Gogh by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith (2011) Nearly everyone holds some ideas about Van Gogh but many of those ideas are shallow characterizations. He was much deeper than cutting off his ear. He painted to celebrate his love of God and God’s world. The fact that he was able to create in the face of so much ridicule and drive himself to continue to paint is inspiring. This book is not for the faint of heart as it is over 900 pages, but it is very thorough.

Edward Willis Redfield, An American Impressionist and His Paintings and the Man Behind the Palette by J.M.W. FLETCHER (1996) I am a huge admirer of Redfield and his work. He was such a dogged master painter and had some of the best working habits of any artist that I’ve read about. Redfield doesn’t get as much attention as he did during his lifetime but take a look at his work if you happen to visit a museum. What I love most is the sheer energy that he put into his paintings. You can tell by the bold and sure strokes. He was a big man and usually painted large canvases….on location. No matter the season, winter or summer, he would wade through snow and ice to get what he wanted. This book is a personal labor of love by the author who researched it about as thoroughly as anyone could. It contains just about every detail of Redfield’s life and career as he could round up. I feel that some of the photos that the author took could have been done a little better, but overall, this is an amazing portrait of an American Impressionist.

Willard Metcalf, Yankee Impressionist Spanierman Gallery, LLC. (2003) I fell in love with Metcalf when I first viewed his painting The North Country in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It became an annual pilgrimage to visit this painting on my many trips to the city. The delicacy of the colors of the painting cannot be done justice in any reproduction compared to the real painting. Metcalf was prolific and had many successes early in his career. However, he was not so lucky in his relationships and had a problem with alcohol. The book is filled with many beautiful plates and is certainly a good depiction of a lesser-known American artist.

This is just a small list of some of the artist biographies that I have enjoyed. Check them out and be inspired. I’ll post links to my favorite women artists another time.

Links to the books:

Calder – Autobiography with Pictures

Chuck Close – Life

Renoir, My Father

Edward Willis Redfield

Willard Metcalf

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Posted in art, books, Uncategorized

Tagged art, biographies, books

Your One Thing

Posted on January 6, 2019 | Comments Off

How are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions? Already feeling a bit overwhelmed? Maybe fell off the wagon already? I’ll go on my diet when all these sweets are out of the house. That big work project is hanging over my head; I can’t stop smoking now. I promise that NEXT YEAR I’ll set up a budget for holiday shopping. Any of these sound familiar? Or something similar, I’m sure.

I always get weird looks from people when I tell them that my favorite day of the year is New Years. Not for the sports (although I live with someone to whom those are pretty important.) No, it’s my favorite day of the year because it portends new beginnings, new opportunities, a fresh slate. Possibilities!

Over the years, I’ve gotten pretty good at planning. My job as Director of a performing and multi-discipline arts center required planning out eighteen months to two years. I set up a spreadsheet with upcoming events and tasks in all the major areas: administrative, fund-raising, performing arts, visual arts, educational, special events, etc.

I would check the list every month, update as necessary, and set up my weekly schedule – also in categories. Long term goals were guided by our five year plan and updated as needed.

When I retired a couple of years ago, I decided to put my energy back into painting. I’ve been a professional artist since the early 80’s but had limited time to give when I was working full time (although I never gave it up, always managing to fit in 15 or so hours a week). Now that I didn’t have any excuses for not giving my best, what exactly did I envision for my next stage art career?

The first several months I floundered about. I fooled around, did some art, but not with any real focus. My question to self was, how do I apply everything I’ve learned and practiced for the past couple of decades in the arts business to my art business?

Then in December 2017, I picked up a book from the library that impressed me so much that I had to order my own copy. I’m a business and marketing book junkie, btw, but I was really fired up by this book. It is called The One Thing by Gary Keller.

The One Thing by Gary Keller

The main premise is to focus on one thing. The focusing question is:

What’s the ONE THING I can do

such that by doing it

everything else will be made easier or unnecessary?

There is more in the book to help the reader find and focus on his/her One Thing, but that is the main premise. The author has a number of free downloads on his website but I developed my own.

I usually focus on some personal goals as well as business goals, but inevitably I am too ambitious and can get overwhelmed. Sound familiar to you? Keller emphasizes setting up a set of goals which will cause a domino effect, i.e., do a small thing, which will lead to a bigger thing, until you finally get to your ONE BIG THING. I set weekly, monthly, one-year, five year, and someday goals, all revolving around my one big thing.

The goal I set for the year (which I’m not going to share specifically) revolved around creating and selling a certain amount of artwork. This was one BHAG (big hairy a$$ goal) and beyond anything that I’ve achieved for a very long time. It was a real stretch. The final result? I created and sold more artwork last year than I have in any single year since I had a full-time job. I came within $17 of my big, reach-for-the-stars goal. Yay! What a boost to my confidence. And, all that creating has probably improved my work as well.

So, what’s up for this year? Revised the plan from last year, tweaked a few things….and DOUBLED my goal! Heck, why not?

What are your goals for the year? What is your One Thing? What one thing, such by doing it will help make everything else easier or unnecessary?

If you’re floundering and lack direction, or lack progress, I highly urge you to get this book by Keller. Check it out of the library or snag a copy online. With over 2,500 hundred reviews, you can’t go wrong. As a caveat, I am not affiliated with Gary Keller or his organization in any way. I just really like this book and think you might, too.

The One Thing by Gary Keller

Gary Keller’s website

My personal Word doc for goals one big thing 2019 blank form

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Posted in opinion, Uncategorized

Tagged art, books, business, goal setting, goals, kit miracle, planning

What are you reading?

Posted on July 18, 2018 | Comments Off

Books, my not-so-secret addiction

What are you reading these days? This is a question I am frequently asked as most people who know me, also know that I am a true bibliophile (lover of books.) I covet books. I love the smell, the feel, the heft. Just opening a new book gives me chills of anticipation.

So, most friends are also surprised when I reply with several titles. How can you read more than one book at a time? they ask. Well, you can watch more than one television series at a time, can’t you? You watch an episode and then come back the next week to watch the next one. Then I can see the light dawn as they get what I’m saying.

I like a variety of books and subjects to read and switch off during the week. Quiet morning time is often reserved for more contemplative, deeper non-fiction. Later in the day, I escape with some fiction (many genres). And bedtime reading is, let’s just say, a wee bit boring, or at least nothing that’s going to keep me awake all night.

So this is my current reading stack.

Bronnie Ware’s The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Since I already have more years behind me than I have before me, I mostly want to see how my life compares with others who have reached the end of theirs. There are some interesting concepts but I do find that the author wanders around a bit.

John Muir’s A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf. This is more of a journal than a bonafide book. It is scanned and has all the errors that some scanned books have. But I always find Muir a fascinating and awesome writer and person. It’s nearly incomprehensible some of the treks and adventures he made with very little in the way of supplies or equipment. Bedtime reading, for sure.

Dr. Michael Mosely The Fast Diet. The author discusses some of the science behind intermittent fasting and the research for better health and longevity. I think I like’d Dr. Jason Fung’s The Obesity Code better but this book is very readable.

James H. Rubin How to Read Impressionism: Ways of Looking. I’ve read so many books about impressionism, the period, the specific artists of the era, that I doubted there would be anything new here. However, the author approaches the subject by grouping the artists and paintings by location and subject matter more than chronologically. It’s an interesting read but I have noticed that his conclusions do not always agree with other authors. It’s loaded with color pictures and is a good reference.

Then this past weekend I indulged a guilty pleasure of zipping through two sci-fi dystopian books by Dima Zales, The Thought Readers and The Thought Persuaders. Not deep but good entertainment.

So, this is what is on my reading table these days. What is on yours?

So many books; so little time. – Frank Zappa

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Posted in books, opinion

Tagged books, bronnie ware, impressionism, john muir

Your Legacy

Posted on April 8, 2018 | 2 comments

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. (Kahlil Gibran)

I was in my studio yesterday, finishing up a large painting that I’ve been working on for the past couple of weeks. Then I started another one…and finished it.

My mind often wanders when I’m working as I’m zoning out in the painting process. I’ve been spending the past month redesigning my website from the ground up. I put up some work in the archives which one of my sons remarked he had never seen. (Before you were born, sweetie.) That led me to thinking about all the art I’ve created over thirty-five years plus. A lot!

And then that led me to think about where it all is now. I did my first art fair in the early 80s and have been selling my work ever since. I’m embarrassed when I visit relatives and see all the paintings I’ve given them over the years. It looks like a Kit Miracle art gallery.

Several years ago I received a call on my business land line phone…when I had a land line. It was from a woman in Florida who had purchased one of my small paintings in a resale shop. It had my information stamped on the back. We chatted for a while.

That led me to thinking about where all my paintings are now. I’ve traveled a lot. Shipped a lot. And now, with online marketing, have sold work all over the place. It’s a little bit of me scattered all over the world. That’s my legacy.

I’ve never been a person who longs for fame, but it’s always pleasant to think about all the places where my paintings live now. Maybe they’ll end up in a jumble sale; maybe they’ll be treasured family heirlooms. But they’re like my children, scattered to the winds.

Which led me back to one of my favorite poets, Kahlil Gibran and his exemplary work The Prophet. The section of the poem above is from the part of the work where he discusses Children. My art is like my children.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;

For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

We are the bows. We send our children….or our creations…out into the world. That is our legacy.

If you haven’t picked up a copy of The Prophet lately, check it out soon. I’m sure you’ve got an old copy from high school or college lying about. Or you can check it out of the library. Or purchase a used copy. You won’t be sorry and you’ll have plenty to think about when your mind takes a walk.

2 Comments

Posted in books, opinion

Tagged books, legacy, poetry

The Demise of Art Supply Stores and Bookstores

Posted on March 14, 2018 | 2 comments

Just a small part of my secret addiction.

Two of my favorite hangouts when I go shopping are bookstores and art supply stores. For some reason, these marvelous emporiums of possibilities grab me and hold on until I manage to escape some hours later. Usually lighter of wallet, too.

Last week I made a foray to the “city” of Evansville and, as usual, stopped by Dick Blick’s art supply store. I had my list in hand, had checked out online prices, and was prepared to spend some money. I milled around a bit, filling my basket with some “necessary” studio items, and proceeded to the checkout. The clerk couldn’t tell me if the in-store prices matched the online ones or not. What the heck. I was there already so I checked out anyway. It seemed like a lot but when I got home and checked the online prices, they were the same. That’s good for my budget.

And I’m afraid that I do the same thing at bookstores. Spend hours perusing my favorite sections, surreptitiously check prices with Amazon and Bookfinder, and see if the book I desire is the latest edition. It’s just so easy so shop from home and have my heart’s desire delivered to my doorstep.

But the past several years, I’ve made a concerted effort to actually buy something in these stores, even if the price is a little more. I think we need to support our local merchants for more than just a cappuccino and to read magazines for free. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be enough.

Yesterday I received an e-mail notification that Dick Blick’s in Evansville will be closing later this month. I am so sad. This was one of my favorite stops every time I went down there. Shopping online just doesn’t supply the same adrenaline rush of actually fondling new pens and paints, checking out new authors, just looking around to see what is available.

Over the past several years I’ve seen Border’s flagship bookstore in Ann Arbor bite the dust. As well as Hawley-Cooke in Louisville. These stores had knowledgeable staff, enormous selections, and were just comforting places to hang out.

Lee’s Art Shop in New York closed its door last year. Dang, that is where I bought my Lamy fountain pen (in dayglow green). And the awesome Rizolli’s Bookstore in upper Midtown was a store right out of casting central – beautiful carved stone exterior, well-worn wood inside, nooks and crannies to find some amazing tome.

Sigh. I know. Things change. And we’re all guilty of bottom price shopping. But where are people going to shop, to hang out, to fondle the plants at the nursery or the special pens and crayons at the art store? To find out what is new and amazing? Are we all going to sit in our isolated armchairs and just punch buttons to order things? It is fantastic to be able to find that something special online but it doesn’t quite replace the in-person experience of ogling something new in person. It’s so sad but I await to see what’s next.

What are your thoughts? Have any of your favorite stores closed?