Late last month I upgraded my computer system, so I feel like most of the Googling I've done recently has been exciting topics like "Why doesn't my scanner work anymore?" and "What's wrong with my keyboard?" That said, I did spend a little time online with some more fun topics. Here's my latest list of items that I've been enjoying recently:
- Art Matters
This small gift book contains a few quotes from author Neil Gaiman with simple line illustrations by Chris Riddell. Sections include: Credo; Why our future depends upon libraries, reading, and daydreaming; Making a chair; Make good art. Here's a sample quote: "The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before." - Chocolate Business Expense [comic]
If you're working on your taxes, you might like this comic by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. - Creative Block
This thick book by Danielle Krysa (The Jealous Curator) shares advice and projects from 50 artists. It's a fun book to flip through if you like to see a wide variety of art styles. There's a short Q&A for each artist with similar questions, making it easy to compare responses if you like. Each artist suggests a project or activity to help those feeling creatively blocked. - Desk Mats
Society 6 is now offering desk mats patterned with artwork to place underneath your computer keyboard and mouse. I like the idea of using one of these to brighten up my home office, but I know in my heart of hearts that my current system of using an old calendar as a desk mat works best for me because I have the tendency to jot things (simple math calculations, notes to myself) on it. - Flower Cone for Cat [photo]
After seeing so many of those plastic cones on pets, I enjoyed seeing this bright flowered creation on a cat. - Front Desk by Kelly Yang
I'm continuing to read some children and teen books that are being banned in various schools. In this middle grade book, a young girl helps her Chinese immigrant parents work the front desk of a motel. The story is partially based on the author's own experience. - The Hunt for the Perfect Winter Coat
Living in Colorado, I could easily relate to this essay. I actually own more than one winter coat so that I can be comfortable in a range of winter temperatures.
- Literature Clock
This site will give you a passage from literature based on the time of day you look at it. It is amazing how to-the-minute some of the passages are! - The Power of Seeing Only Questions
This tool strips out everything in a passage except for the questions. Oddly fascinating! Fun to try with a snippet of literature or your own writing. - Sketchbook Library Fire Fundraiser
Some sketchbooks that were being transferred in the library's move caught fire. I don't know yet whether my particular sketchbook is one of those. (They'll be contacting everyone eventually.) The good news is at least 70% were saved. I wrote about my sketchbook back in 2018. - Ted Lasso (TV show)
I'm behind the times as usual, but I finally got the chance to see this popular TV show from 2020 when I got a free trial of Apple+ TV. I liked the first season about the U.S. football (soccer) coach in Great Britain more than the second, but overall it was just the funny, feel-good show I needed.
- Thank You, Mr. Entenmann
Is there anyone who hasn't ever had one the pastries or cakes in the signature white box with the clear window on top? I enjoyed learning a little bit about Charles Entenmann who died recently at age 92. - Ways to Help Ukraine
No surprise, I've been thinking a lot about Ukraine lately. This list compiled by NPR isn't definitive, but it's a good place to start. - A Year of Reading in Cross Stitch [photo]
An amazing photo by author E. M Wright on Twitter showing cross-stitched versions of book covers from a year of reading.
Happy Spring!