A Dessert by Raphaelle Peale, 1814.
“Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.”-Marcus Aurelius
The Novel Reader by Vincent van Gogh. November 1888.
By now, it is obvious that I love Ilya Repin’s paintings of famous Russian writers. This image of Tolstoy illustrates why: the coupling of serenity and realism is a powerful combination.
Portrait of Leo Tolstoy in His Study by Ilya Repin, 1891
Tolstoy Ploughing by Ilya Repin, 1887
Oh, autumn! You are my favourite season. No, really. I adore everything about you: your beautiful leaves, smoke-scented wind, vibrant sunsets, pumpkin patches, delectable food (warm cider, caramel apples, pie). You are really quite remarkable.
Autumn by Abraham Manievich, 1914
Autumn by Béla Farkas, 1913
Autumn Leaves by John Everett Millais, 1856
You have the best pastimes: hayrides, haunted houses, apple picking.
No wonder your charms drive poets into the arms of hyperbole:
you are the season of purest inspiration.
Autumn by Alfons Mucha, 1886
Your sights, sounds, smells–all are bundled away until needed. I unpack them in the heart of winter, when I do my best writing. They make life, and work, less barren. Hopeful, warm.
Autumn by Jens Lund, 1909
Thank you.
Elizabeth Gaskell by William John Thomson, 1832
Don Quixote in the Library by Adolf Schrödter, 1834
The front cover of the first edition of Poems of Passion by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, 1883:
Poems of Passion by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, 1883.
*Today is her birthday. She was born on 5 November 1850.
Happy Halloween, also known as The Chef’s birthday! Enjoy this vintage card whilst I am away celebrating the day with my husband:
A Happy Halloween
Poster for a production of Dracula (1938).
A Small Press Life: Books. Art. Writing. Life. Tea. 