Category Archives: Writing

Not all those who wander are lost

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Each year on March 25th fans of J.R.R. Tolkien celebrate Tolkien Reading Day.  Around the world folks reread the books, discuss them with friends, and participate in Middle Earth related literary events. The Tolkien Society established Tolkien Reading Day in … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Europe, Film, Libraries, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

How could they leave it out

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Last week, the Atlantic magazine published a list of great American novels — 136 of them. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve only read 60 or so novels on the list. However, when I took a closer look at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

In March the earth remembers its own name

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Twelve Moons – Mary Oliver 1 In March the earth remembers its own name. Everywhere the plates of snow are cracking. The rivers begin to sing. In the sky the winter stars are sliding away; new stars appear as, later, … Continue reading →

Posted in USA, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Random but not ephemeral

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I have had the good fortune to have visited Iceland many times over the years, but I still get flummoxed sometimes by the country’s strict naming system.  The Mystery of the Icelandic Naming Committee. The Amsterdam-based artist Frankey brings a playful twist … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Europe, Film, Tourism, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

It is no secret

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

It is no secret. All power is one in source and end, I think. Tears and distances, stars and candles, water and wind and wizardry, the craft in a man’s hand and the wisdom in a tree’s root: they all … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Just wait, to see what’s going to happen.

Posted on March 7, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

  Raymond Carver’s “At Least” I want to get up early one more morning, before sunrise. Before the birds, even. I want to throw cold water on my face and be at my work table when the sky lightens and … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, USA, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Jane Austen : Revolutionary

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

I never thought that the English novelist Jane Austen was a revolutionary, but what do I know. In the video below, Evan Puschak explains, with examples, what free indirect speech is, why Austen employed it, and why it was so … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Regret Nothing

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

ANTILAMENTATION by Dorianne Laux Regret nothing. Not the cruel novels you read to the end just to find out who killed the cook. Not the insipid movies that made you cry in the dark, in spite of your intelligence, your … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

If you were so inclined, you could pick up a signed first edition of Truman Capote’s novel Breakfast at Tiffany’s for $5000 or less. But why not spring for the artfully rebound version for $1.5 million. The new version sports more … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Books, Film, Maps, USA, Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A House upon the Height

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Brian D. Butler

Closed since 2019, the Emily Dickinson Museum has now completed a multi-year preservation effort at The Evergreens, aimed at improving environmental conditions for objects in its recently documented collection, and reducing energy consumption. Reopening on March 1, The Evergreens is an integral … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Books, History, Museums, USA, Writing | Leave a comment