ARTFUL READERS CLUB

"ORIGIN" BY DAN BROWN

DECEMBER 30, 2017

Where did we come from? Where are we going? These are two most basic, yet important questions mankind asks itself. For thousands of years, man has struggled with these questions and, in an attempt to fill the void where there's no definitive answer, has created stories and gods to explain the inexplicable.

In this 5th book of the Robert Langdon "Da Vinci Code" series by Dan Brown, ORIGIN starts with the premise of answering these age-old questions. A former student of Harvard Professor, Robert Langdon,  has invited him to Spain to be present as he reveals the answer mankind has been waiting for. The author takes us through an intoxicating mix of history, art, poetry, symbols, codes, architecture as well as  famous landmarks to attain his goal...an adventure that had me utilizing Google Search from time to time! I love that I can look up an unfamiliar building, piece of art or religious organization and find that they're real. This man does his research!! Add to that the usual murder, intrigue and a beautiful woman...and we have another best selling novel.

ORIGIN follows the classic Dan Brown formula, but I'm enjoying his shift towards themes of futurism and cutting edge technology while still staying close to its roots of art, religion and history... central topics in his earlier books. In ORIGIN, he even ventures into the edges of science fiction.

I must say, the answer to "where are we going" left me flabbergasted...not so far fetched! AND...the surprise twist at the end... you must read this book!! I await Dan Brown's next...

IN THE SPIRIT

OCTOBER 30, 2017

THE DEVIL TREMBLES

FEELING THE AUTUMN WIND'S RAGE...

WITCHES PROWL ABOUT;

SPIRITS AWAKEN,

ORANGE GLOW BEFORE NIGHTFALL...

ALL HALLOW'S EVE DAWNS.

HAPPY HOWL-A-WEEN

BIG HUGS,
ABBYJ

WATERFALLS and SUNSHINE

OCTOBER 21, 2017

Our path is strewn

with the splendor of

autumn leaves

as more take flight

from the forest

surrounding us...

making their way down

to join others

beneath our feet...

crunching.

We exercise

lungs and limbs,

 climbing up 

to Taughannock Falls.

Many small, scattered falls

in Taughannock Creek

line our path

to the grand falls,

that drops 

from the gorge

the rushing water has carved

since the Ice Age.

Walking 

in the shallow creek

is a happy alternative

to our crunchy path.

Students learning Botany

examine plentiful foliage

along the edges

of our upward journey;

fishermen drop their lines

expectantly

into the shallow creek...

and tourists enjoy

the park environment,

appreciating its beauty.

Life is good!

KENYA'S ANIMAL WONDERLAND: THE MAASAI MARA

JULY 2017

The Maasai Mara in Kenya is not a national park, but rather a National Reserve belonging to the Maasai people.

The main attraction of this game reserve is, of course, game viewing of resident animals...and there are sooooo many. Eye-candy wherever you look! There are lion, leopard, elephant, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, Thomson's gazelle (who leap as they run,) hyena, rhino (though few and very hard to see because of all the poaching,) hippo and the thousands of migrating wildebeest that makes the park so famous...an absolute smorgasbord of creatures one may normally see in a zoo (if it's a good zoo) and then some!  I was out with my guide, Felix Wambugu, from morning 'til night with a few hours break in the hottest part of the day when the animals are sleeping, anyway! So much to learn...such interesting activities as we watch each animal group interact...

Here's a brief photo essay on some of my sightings...

Gathering of zebra and wildebeest getting ready to migrate across the crocodile-infested Mara River. How many will make it?

This was a curious site...seeing a zebra scratch an itchy belly... :)

Although I adore Africa for the people, every few years, I need my "animal fix." Kenya's Maasai Mara certainly satisfied that craving. Thanks Felix!

Please stop by for my next posting...stay well!

Big Hugs,

abbyj