Image of the Day

Root

Ithaca Falls

Winter 2008

Image of the Day

Shadows

Steppenwolf and Black Sun

Both of these novels, Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse and Black Sun by Edward Abbey, were aquired at the Ithaca Book Sale. Perhaps at the same time, but just as likely not. I've gotten so many books there that I don't remember when each made its way onto my shelf. For that matter, the stories of many of the books on my shelf have faded into obscurity, I do not remember where or when I purchased them, but for many there is a why. Some have specific whys, I've read it before and liked it enough to add to the collection, I know the author and am eager for more, for others, the blurb on the back cover or on the jacket flap have evoked an interest, a desire to read on. For many like this, the first hint of friendship, the reason they came off the shelf to be examined more fully lies in the spine. A strong spine, bold and pleasing, can be the mark of a good book. From the spine to the cover. Bad cover art can kill a book before it has a chance to breathe.

For these two in question, I was probably drawn because of the familiarity of the authors. I have read both Hesse and Abbey before. However, both were rather different texts. But, let me move to thoughts on the two at hand. Steppenwolf - wolf of the steppes - is I suppose at its heart the tale of a man who is not happy with his life, and cannot be regardless of the opportunities given to go down different avenues. The ultimate depressive, pessimist, even when happy he is sad. Did I truly understand this novel? Perhaps not.

An interesting line to ponder "Human life is reduced to real suffering, to hell, only when two ages, two cultures and religions overlap." Science and fundamentalism?

Black Sun is a love story...not a romance...but a love story. A rather haunting and sad one too. I am always captured by the way that he describes the western canyon landscapes. Makes me want to go experience it for myself...except for the creepy crawlies like snakes and scorpions.

Image of the Day

Delicate

Wildflower Preserve, Ithaca, NY

Spring 2007

Image of the Day

Exuberance

Ithaca College

Spring 2006

Image of the Day

Stillness

Ithaca, NY

April 2003

Stardust and Envelopes

This was a rather uneventful and workful weekend. I spent most of it with butt firmly planted in chair stuffing about 1200 invitations to Darwin Days happening from Feb 11-17. For those of you not in the know, Darwin Days is the Museum of the Earth's weeklong celebration of Charles Darwin's birthday (Feb 12) and the theory of evolution. We're having a host of events up at Cornell and at the Museum, including a birthday party reception on the evening of Feb. 16. Hence, the invitations. I think it took me about 12, 13? hours to do them all...anyway, it was most of the useful hours of the weekend.

One upshot of doing them at home was that I got to do it in front of the tv and with music instead of staring at our cubicle wall at work. In that time stuffing envelopes, I watched the movie Stardust which was based on Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name. It was truly delightful. I highly recommend it to everyone. Fun, but not silly. Romantic, but not corny. It's just a fun little adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously. I think I might even watch it again before sending it back to netflix.