Uniquely Portable Magic

February 15, 2017 (046/365)

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” -  Stephen King

One of my favorite things about traveling, especially flying, is the luxury of spending several, nearly-uninterrupted hours thoroughly immersed in a book. I used to struggle with the heft of so many novels and biographies that I would purposely leave finished books in public places for lucky kindred spirits to discover. Happily, in this age of ebooks (and costly airline fees for checked bags), I no longer limit myself to just a couple volumes. Before leaving, I load my iPad with new books as well as favorites that reflect my destination or situation.

In a week, I will be leaving for Paris. I've decided to re-read Hemingway's A Moveable Feast (a perennial favorite) and  Hotel on Place Vendôme (more on that later). But I'm also relying on you, my fellow bibliophiles -- especially the francophile bibliophiles, to suggest more "portable magic." What are you reading these days? What are your favorites? In fact, why limit the sharing? I may not leave physical copies in vacation destinations anymore, but I'd love to share recommendations and reviews with you on Goodreads -- let's be friends! 

Form Follows Function

February 13, 2017 (044/365)

"Form follows function." - Louis Sullivan, American architect

Every time I visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, I stop to by the decorative arts collection to gaze longingly at these beauties. The collection of Walter Dorwin Teague's Art Deco Kodak cameras includes five Beau Brownies (one in each color), a No. 1A Gift Camera (background), and this gorgeous Bantam Special.  As a student of architecture and design, Teague subscribed to the tenet that form follows function; yet, he was determined to created modern heirlooms out of practical, machine-made objects. These cameras are works of art to create works of art - a photographer/collector's dream!

Bouquet

February 12, 2017 (043/365)

"Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful."  - Jim Carrey