Reflections from the Mirror: July 2011

This Blog's Focus, or lack there of

Edith Wharton said "There are two ways of spreading light ...To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it." That's what this blog is about, how the light of other people and the world around me have reflected off and in me. . .or other things when I need to write about other things, like walking, lizards, or fruit. There will be pictures of plants. All pictures are taken by me, unless noted.

I say what's on my mind, when it's there, and try to only upload posts that won't hurt or offend readers. However, readers may feel hurt or offended despite my good intentions. Blog-reading is a matter of free choice, that's what I have come to love about it, so if you are not pleased, surf on and/or leave a comment. I welcome any and all kind-hearted commentary.

It's 2012 and my current obsessions are writing and walking, sometimes at the same time. And books. I'm increasingly fascinated by how ebooks are transforming the physical book, forcing it to do more than provide printed words on a page.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Here's an Ecofriendly Tip for Poetry Lovers

My son loves origami and as an obsessive enthusiast of learning things about things, I have spent hours boning up on origami paper history. It also appeals to my interest in plants, since the best papers are made from plant fibers. But, since I now learn more and more via the internet, I tend to stumble on gems while surfing off on a tangent. This morning I went from the process of turning gampi trees into washi paper to learn that poetry is sometimes written in Japan on square sheets of washi paper. So I Google "Poetry Paper Japan" and find this awesome link: http://blog.toiletpaperworld.com/japanese-poetry-saves-on-toilet-paper/

Now I just need to find the right poems to post at eye level in front of my toilet (which BTW is a Toto).

Any suggestions?

Friday, July 1, 2011

Trees We Need

My kids call this the hundred-acre-woods tree. Some just say "let's meet at the tree in the park," and it's understood that the rendez-vous will take place under this carob even though the park has many other species. But none others so revered. See how it's branches are crutched up like an old veteran's broken bones. So far, I've found two other trees propped like this, an attempt to keep them alive beyond their years. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest under whose canopy Robin Hood and Maid Marian courted and the long-dead oak in Rome where poet Torquato Tasso sat in the shade and waited for papal recognition for his genius. He died in 1595 still waiting. Now the dead tree shackled up with metal bands waits for him.

Trees like these matter beyond reason and beauty.