Quote of the Day

"You're told time and again to write about what you know, and what do you know better than your own secrets?" – Raymond Carver

{Image from Abby Kullman's Webstagram via Pinterest}

Advice for Little Girls

Mark Twain, children's book author? In a word, yes. In 1865 his story Advice to Little Girls was published and appeared alongside other stories in a compilation called The 30,000 Dollar Bequest and Other Stories. The NY Books explains that:

"American children’s literature in those days was mostly didactic, addressed to some imaginary reader—an ideal girl or boy, upon reading the story, would immediately adopt its heroes as role models. Twain did not squat down to be heard and understood by children, but asked them to stand on their tiptoes—to absorb the kind of language and humor suitable for adults."

Twain's story is now re-published today alongside these charming, incredibly funny illustrations by artist and children's book author Vladimir Radunsky. The wry, subversive, decidedly very adult humor of Twain comes to life when juxtaposed with Radunsky's droll illustrations. Reading them makes me feel like I've stumbled upon something extraordinary; I think they might have to become a part of my permanent book collection. They're simply too delightful to pass up. Radunsky's work sort of reminds me of Maira Kalman's; I think both artists share a fierce intelligence and honesty in their work.

Any of these images can be enlarged on the NY Books website. More of Radunsky's work can be found on his own website.

{Photos via NY Books}

Four Years

Today marks four years that T and I have been dating. Funny how quickly the time goes; I now cannot imagine a time where I didn't know him. Tonight we'll celebrate at this little restaurant in Brentwood. I'm really looking forward to being wined and dined. Here's to another four years and counting.....

{Image via Kristen Murphy's Pinterest}

Book Nook

Cozy book nook*, anyone? I've covered ideal nook and crannies for reading before here and here (I'm a wee bit book obsessed).

*I think The Book Nook would be a fabulous name for a bookstore. I've always dreamed of owning my own some day and I still entertain fantasies of doing just that, perhaps at some future time when the book climate isn't so volatile as it is now. Will brick and mortar bookshops ever make a comeback? I certainly hope so! It depresses me too much to think of a life without a place to buy actual, physical books. The kind you can smell the pages and marvel at the front cover.

{Photo via Apartment Therapy}

The End is Near

I can hardly contain my excitement. Professors McGonagall and Snape are ready. Are you?

And can we talk about how freaking adorable Emma Watson is? Here she is at the last ever Harry Potter premiere (for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2), relishing her princess moment. She also gave a heartfelt goodbye speech and caused this blogger to tear up a bit (I'm human, people!). It all ends Friday. I cannot WAIT!

{Photos via EW and GFY and NY Mag}

Breakfast Inspiration

I have to say, this looks mighty scrumptious. Elegant and seemingly simple to make, too. I'll have to give this a whirl and get back to you.

{Photo from Jennifer Causey via her blog Simply Breakfast}

Gone Swimmin'

If these pictures of literary greats Fitzgerald, Woolf, and Hemingway serve any purpose at all, it is as a reminder that it's ok to step outside every once in awhile and enjoy a little sun. Which admittedly is something this pale-skinned bookworm should indulge in a bit more often. But never, never without high protection sunscreen. Of course.

{Photos via Flavorwire}