victoria thorne: 1/25/09

30.1.09

Good Night, Hawaii

Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend.

(above: three of my favorite

people in Hawaii last summer)

Two Russian Winters

Okay, folks, this is far more somber than usual, but I must pass it on: here, Sergei Larenkov, a Russian photographer has superimposed present day images with those from WWII.

Same place, very different time.

There are other arresting images; this one, above, is sadly poetic. And gives us pause to think...times may be tough, but things could be worse.

We live in a free country.

[See Maira Kalman, below.]

How lucky are we? Well, take a moment to see what it looked like, not so long ago, in a very cold place without hope.

(Links from Warren Ellis via sevenblock. Twitter, again.)

Halleluja for Maira and the Pursuit of Happiness

Thanks to Paul Pincus and twitter, this morning was made Glorious by the Reality that entered my sunshiny house with the knowledge that Maira Maira Maira Blogs Again!

simple: Maira Kalman and the Pursuit of Happiness

Watching Your Head About It

"The yellow walls are lined with portraits
And I've got my new red fetching leather jacket
All these poses such beautiful poses
Makes any boy feel like picking up roses
There's never been such grave a matter
As comparing our new brand name black sunglasses..."

Poses
Rufus Wainwright

(It seems that we could be at the dawn of a new age.

One in which we might begin, as a society, to know

better than to put store in the gravity of our new

brand name black sunglasses.

We'll see.)

27.1.09

Reading the World, in San Francisco. Following Folktales in the Ukraine. Two Wonderful Journeys, and You're Invited!

We're going to conduct a few "4 by 4" interviews in the next few weeks...four questions, four minutes. Quick and informative, with fun topics and fascinating folks.

Our first interview is with

Dr. Beverly Vaughn Hock,

a most amazing woman

(a veritable and charming force of nature!)

and we've asked her about

Reading the World,

the marvelous conference taking place

at the University of San Francisco,

on the

28 and 29th of March...

and about an upcoming

adventure in the Ukraine--

one you might want to join in!

Below, four quick questions,

with answers from Dr. Bev Hock:

1. The most fun about "Reading the World?"

The most exciting part is seeing people come together to make connections and build relationships, all brought about by the love of the book. Literature is a transformative vehicle and I get to watch it happen right before my eyes every conference.

2. Best comment afterwards, from someone who's attended?

"I don’t care who is coming next. I know it will be great. I mark my calendar a year ahead. It was wonderful to be around such a brilliant group of people who are attempting to be a positive influence to humanity through writing, illustrating, and publishing children’s literature."

3. The Ukraine! You are going! What seems most thrilling?

I always look forward to meeting with contemporary authors and illustrators. I love, however, plunging into the folktales since the proverbs and sayings in them always provide wonderful clues and insights into the national psyche of a people.

This is a part of the world I have never seen, so it will be a wonderful adventure - and we have the most wonderful inspiring and educated guide (one we adore) who will be explaining the culture to us.

4. Tell me where to sign up for both or either.

Reading the World XI: www.soe.usfca.edu/institutes/reading_world/index.html to view the website and see who is coming...or contact me: bevvhock@earthlink.net
For the trip: Contact me, bevvhock@earthlink.net or 650-342-2817, or Susan Fox, susan.fox@csueastbay.edu