I wish to extend a special thanks to Yvette of In So Many Words..., who gifted me with the 2012 Blogger of the Year Award, which in turn originated from The Thought Palette. While I am not able to comply with all of the requirements of the award (because I enjoy all of my blogging friends too much to single out any favorites), I'll reveal seven personal things about myself, as requested:
- I started collecting antiques at the age of eight, and my first purchase was a set of glass slides from a magic lantern show.
- I took calligraphy classes from Arnold Bank, who was Art Director of Time magazine from 1941-1947.
- I collect books on Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello.
- I keep extensive log books and have recorded each of my days for decades.
- Family pets once included an orphaned baby groundhog.
- I give occasional workshops on creating mandalas.
- I work two or three crossword puzzles every day.
Thanks again, Yvette, for your lovely gesture.
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Hello Mark:
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this very well deserved award! It is always so touching when a fellow blogger shows appreciation for what one writes. And, this is doubly rewarding when the blogger has such an erudite blog as Yvette. Your posts are always beautifully crafted and have certainly opened up many avenues for us that, before our vitual meeting with you, were fallow ground. What a perfect way to start 2013 which we trust will continue joyously!!
Thank you, Jane and Lance! I don't think I've taken the opportunity yet to wish you a Happy New Year. I hope 2013 is a great one for you!
DeleteHow fascinating, especially abour mandalas. Did you study about them in my part of the world?
ReplyDeleteDear Columnist - My interest in mandalas started a long time after my stay in the Far East, but I'm certainly inspired by Asian mandalas, and especially the Tibetan ones.
DeleteDear Mark,
ReplyDeleteIt goes without saying that this is a well deserved award.
I am a big fan of your blog and have been since I arrived in the blogging world back in August. There is always something new to learn from your posts.
So, congratulations my friend and I hope your blog will continue to prosper!
Kirk
Thank you, Kirk — I'm glad you started blogging, too! Now I've experienced great tours of Germany and learned about conkers!
DeleteHello Mark. This is a well-deserved tribute. I am not sure whether you have mentioned the Arnold Bank connection--perhaps you can show us some samples of your calligraphy. I don't have the patience for puzzles or for creating detailed logs, although I wish I did. I remember my grandfather doing the crosswords. No clue seemed to stump him, he just filled in the words continuously.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember the theme of the lantern slides? I can recall a few early purchases, but I don't think I can remember the very first.
--Road to Parnassus
Thanks, Jim,
DeleteIf the truth be known, I do not consider myself a caligrapher, though some people think otherwise! What I retained from Arnold Bank was the design of type, and perhaps what I would share down the road is lettering, as seen on the front of my house.
The magic lantern slides were of clothed animals, much like the characters from Wind in the Willows.
Congratulations Mark - your posts at all times raise the bar to the highest level. They are always well prepared with excellent content. Your images are very well composed and look pleasing to the eye - a great blog.
ReplyDeleteWe do not have groundhogs, but I have looked them up on Google, and they seem to resemble marmots which I have seen in the Alps.
Thank you, Rosemary. The groundhog was a delightful pet, but sadly did not survive. We learned that his milk formula (he was bottle-fed and burped like a baby) was not correct for him. A big tragedy for a 5-year-old Mark.
DeleteWhat an honor! Congratulations, Mark!
ReplyDeleteYour log books must be filled with interesting entries. I once attempted to keep a diary. Sadly that lasted about a month or so. Would love to see your calligraphy work.
Thank you, Loi. I have made a distinction between a log and a diary. I too, quit a diary, largely out of self-consciousness and worrying that my jottings would be inane (and I was so much younger that they probably would have been!). The logs are simply a listing of all activities, places and calls. Ironically, I can now read my logs and recall full days, much as if I were reading a diary.
DeleteYou're most welcome, Mark. I know what you mean about picking favorites or seeming to. It's hard. But I've given awards to most everyone of my blogging friends so I don't feel too bad. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm fascinated by the idea of a daily log. Maybe it's time for an autobiography? Or is this blog it? Either/or, you know how much I enjoy your blog.
Regarding logs, the way I keep them, they're essentially like retaining years of Franklin Planners. Just the facts, Maam.
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