Monthly Archives: April 2012

My Love of All That is Bizarre

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“I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life.”-Sherlock Holmes, The Red-Headed League (by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).

Sherlock

Sherlock

Yes, I know that Sherlock is a surname here. That doesn’t stop me from giggling every time I walk by this grave at my favourite hiking spot. I’m such a hopeless LitGeek.

The Dead Writers Round-Up: 19th-21st April

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  • Lord Byron died on 4/19/1824. “A celebrity is one who is known to many persons he is glad he doesn’t know.”
  • Bram Stoker died on 4/20/1912. “I shall cut off her head and fill her mouth with garlic, and I shall drive a stake through her body.”-Dracula, Chapter 15.
  • Charlotte Bronte was born on 4/21/1816. Charlotte, dying just short of her 39th birthday, outlived all five of her siblings.

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All images are in the public domain and are courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

 

Shopping for the Bookworm: Edgar Allan Poe Edition

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The Raven, a thriller starring John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe, arrives in theatres later this month. In anticipation, I’ve collected the best and weirdest Poe-themed goodies from Etsy. Enjoy!

Edgar Allan Poe-Handpainted Wooden Kokeshi Doll by Licoricewits

Edgar Allan Poe-Handpainted Wooden Kokeshi Doll by Licoricewits. $17.00.

I have no idea what I would do with him but he is adorable!

Edgar Allan Poe Painting-1-inch Scale Dollhouse Miniature by Particularly Unusual

Edgar Allan Poe Painting-1-inch Scale Dollhouse Miniature by Particularly Unusual. $7.00.

I do not own a dollhouse but I want this anyway. Is that creepy?

Scrabble Tile Pendant-The Works of Edgar Allan Poe by Missing Pieces Studio

Scrabble Tile Pendant-The Works of Edgar Allan Poe by Missing Pieces Studio. $6.95.

What a quirky, bookish piece of jewelry!

Edgar Allan Poe Pillow by Old Village Hall

Edgar Allan Poe Pillow by Old Village Hall. $60.00.

Your guests will think twice before settling on your couch.

Zombie Edgar Allan Poe Poster Print by Erika Jane

Zombie Edgar Allan Poe Poster Print by Erika Jane. $10.00.

What an inspired combination!

Tales of Mystery and Imagination Book Purse by Novel Creations

Tales of Mystery and Imagination Book Purse by Novel Creations. $47.00.

A new way to carry your favourite book with you.

Edgar Allan Poe-Pop Art Spray Paint Canvas by Mr Slappy

Edgar Allan Poe-Pop Art Spray Paint Canvas by Mr Slappy. $30.00.

You can call me morbid, but I really want this for my studio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words Mean Things

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DISCLAIMER: This rant is not directed at our wonderful followers or their lovely blogs. We love you!

Words mean things. Although the English language is highly malleable-giving us an exceptional amount of leeway in how we use it-there are still basic rules to follow, if you enjoy being taken seriously and don’t want to look like a twit. In my fight against imprecision in language, I’ve adopted the term “words mean things”. It’s short, easy to remember and to the point. I’m not ashamed to shout it at myself whenever I feel my writing is too mealy-mouthed.

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I’m in the habit of reading blog posts on my smart phone while still in bed. Call it what you will, but I like to think of it as laziness. Continue reading →

A Year in Books/Day 104: London The Biography

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  • Title: London The Biography
  • Author: Peter Ackroyd
  • Year Published: 2000 (Nan A. Talese/Doubleday)
  • Year Purchased: 2001-2003
  • Source: History Book Club
  • About: A city is a living, breathing, changing thing; it makes sturdy sense to give the biographical treatment to one of the world’s leading capitals. At nearly 800 pages, this account of London from pre-history to the late twentieth century is exhaustively comprehensive. Ackroyd manages to keep the pace quick without sacrificing detail or context. This is as good as anything he’s ever written, which is large praise indeed.
  • Motivation: Anglophile in the house here. I’m also a life-long history nerd.
  • Times Read: 2
  • Random Excerpt/Page 51: “On either side of the southern entrance to that bridge, there now rear two griffins daubed in red and silver. They are the totems of the city, raised at all its entrances and thresholds, and are singularly appropriate. The griffin was the monster which protected gold mines and buried treasure; it has now flown out of classical mythology in order to guard the city of London. The presiding deity of this place has always been money.”
  • Happiness Scale: 9 1/2
    The Great Fire of London destroyed 80% of the ...

    The Great Fire of London destroyed 80% of the city in 1666. The Guildhall was damaged in this and other great fires. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

     

Diversions-15 April 2012

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  • The Fictional Characters Birthday Calendar on Flavorwire  is the best thing I have seen all year! Unfortunately, I share a birthday with a character from Type-Moon. Oh, well, it is still a fun bit of fluff.
    • When I saw the amazing band Alabama Shakes in concert back in December, I knew they were standing on the edge of big-time success. Their free show at a local dive bar brought out a few hundred of us die-hards. My friend and I were lucky enough to spend about 40 minutes chatting with the entire band; we even shared pet pics with Brittany (she has a bunny!). Now their first album has dropped and the Alabama Shakes are everywhere. Including on Letterman. Check out this brief profile of the band on Bust Magazine‘s blog, which includes footage of their recent Late Show performance.
    • I’ve been doing yoga and pilates for years. When I recently saw my first pair of Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear  ballerina flats, I squealed. Meant to be worn while working out, they combine comfort and eco-consciousness with serious style. They’re slightly pricey (for me, anyway) but I’m eager to invest in a pair, as I know I will get more than my money’s worth. By the time I decide between the Amanda and the Daryl, I should have enough dosh to make the purchase!
      The Daryl in Leopard by Blake Brody

      The Daryl in Leopard by Blake Brody. Image courtesy of blakebrody.com.

      • The closer I get to going home, the more homesick I become! I’m really looking forward to my (brief) visit in early May. Until then, I’m stalking Etsy for reminders of Columbus. I love this photo by illumiquest.

        Columbus Ohio Downtown Photograph by illumisquest

        Columbus Ohio Downtown Photograph by illumisquest. Photo courtesy of illumiquest on Etsy.

A Year in Books/Day 103: Art Nouveau

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  • Title: Art Nouveau A Fascinating Guide to One of the Most Notable Periods of Decorative Art
  • Year Published: 2002 (A Quantum Book/Published in the United States by TODTRI Book Publishers)
  • Year Purchased: 2004
  • Source: Barnes & Noble clearance rack
  • About: The average level of craftsmanship involved in Art Nouveau creations-from jewelry to illustration, textiles to furniture-is exquisite. This mini coffee table book is one part history, one part design eye candy and one hundred percent stunning. I know that I am tossing out superlatives like they are going out of business but we’re discussing Art Nouveau here. Nothing less than poetic turns of phrase will do! No matter how many times I see the still modern looking periodical illustrations or the sensuous, undulating lines of a Rene Lalique brooch or Georges Fouquet hair comb, I’m gobsmacked. Don’t even get me started on the architecture, where the tiniest detail is impeccable. It’s all covered here.
  • Motivation: It’s Art Nouveau, hello!
  • Times Read: 1
  • Random Excerpt/Page 14: “Nature was to be the ultimate source book of the Art Nouveau artist, particularly the plant world, for many artists had a scientist’s depth of knowledge of botany. Flowers, stems, and leaves were chosen for their curving silhouettes. Naturally, lilies, irises, and orchids were favored, although any and every form, from palm fronds to seaweed, offered potential for development into an animated pattern.”
  • Happiness Scale: 7 1/2

    La Plume, 15 January 1898. Cover composition by Mucha.

    La Plume, 15 January 1898. Cover composition by Mucha.