Saturday, December 30, 2017


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...




Monday, October 30, 2017

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

Saturday, October 21, 2017

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!


Monday, July 31, 2017

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