Quote de jour

"No tears for the writer, no tears for the reader. No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader."
~Robert Frost

Even though it's Halloween, I'm not reading anything scary or remotely spooky.  Never mind trick or treat, it's been a weekend of  surprise treats. Almost as good as chocolate was a nice surprise from a book publicist who overnighted a weighty coffee table book of stunning photographs from National Geographic. It's titled: Simply Beautiful Photographs by a compilation of photographers and presented by Nat Geo Photog Annie Griffith. The scant amount of text includes quotes and poems, but make no mistake: it's all about the photographs of nature, people and the beauty of this planet. Simply Beautiful is simply beautiful. If I didn't already have a copy, I'd want it for Christmas.  A print of the photograph by Michael Melford (featured on the cover) is included for free. I was extra careful taking my usual front and back cover shots careful not to tear the dust jacket.



I enjoyed hearing from some of the photographers and their experience creating the images. Click below and see for yourself.

Another surprise was becoming the proud foster parent of a one-eyed kitten and an old Russian blue boy last night. Name changes are in the wind. The biggest surprise was Merlin sharing a bed with the gray cat. It didn't last long but we're off to a good start. Who has time to read with two new furry house guests, but read I must with this stack for starters.

The day of surprises included a leaning Tower of Pisa; seven books I'd ordered arrived earlier than expected. Only two are posted today which is more than I can manage without my head exploding from sensory overload. I've wanted to read Spoiled a collection of short stories by Caitlin Macy since it's rave debut last year. She has her finger firmly on the pulse of the wealthy, young Manhattan female archetype who may or may not be spoiled CaitlinMacy.com


Michael Caine, the consummate actor's actor has a new memoir out titled The Elephant to Hollywood, and unlike most celebrity memoirs this one isn't ghostwritten. Better yet, it's well written in his distinctly witty style. He's also working on a novel and has this to say about writing. “I love writing. You don’t have to look your best, you don’t have to get up in the morning, you don’t have to talk to anyone and you can do it on your own.” Thanks for reminding me as I sit here in my bathrobe. MichaelCaine.com

I haven't posted a "Room With a View" (from my bathroom) in ages, but the recent shower of fiery leaves warranted it. These are the changes in the past few days. As they say... going, going gone...





The last surprise yesterday was expecting to photograph my favorite dahlias, only to find the long flower bed mown down. This fiery clump remained as a punctuation point at the end. No, one more surprise...Happy Halloween and for my witchy friends