The Latest from Nancy...
Geocaching/Earthcaching
While I’ve been geocaching for years both all over the US and in other countries, I have just recently discovered earchcaching. An earthcache is a natural geologic formation, so nothing is hidden at these sites. Instead, to get credit for finding one of these, you must answer some questions about it. I have now reached the Bronze level in finding earthcaches, which means I have found a total of three, but found in at least two states. A mere neophyte!
Small spring babbling its way out of the cave.
Cave at Sequiota Park, Springfield, MO.
The tallest sand dune in Florida is on an island.
Zentangles!
A library visit in Arlington Heights, Illinois, provided me with something new to try… Zentangles! It’s a form of meditation and art, I suppose. I just enjoy creating them. There are a few “rules” and named patterns. Some I like; some I don’t like——par for the course it seems. I’m learning, starting with pen and ink with a little pencil shading.
Priyaa: Another Great Little Restaurant in St. Louis
Priyaa Indian Cuisine at 1910 McKelvey Road, Maryland Heights, MO. If you like Indian food, this is a MUST. I ordered Masala Dosa with no idea of what it was. The waitress’ comment was “Wow!” My reaction was uh oh, what’s wrong? Nothing wrong, it was just the most authentic Indian dish ordered at our table and it surprised her! It was absolutely scrumptious!
Masala Dosa — Nearly three times longer than the plate!
Hidden Gem Vegan Cafe in St. Louis
Sweetart at 2203 South 39th Street is a great place to stop and spend awhile. It is a cafe, bakeshop, and art studio. cbabibayoc is the artist whose work is displayed on the walls. And 8×10 prints of his work are also for sale. Once discovered, you will want to go back! (www.cbabibayoc.com) (www.sweetartstl.com)
Vegan food and great art.
I really like this painting in the cafe.
Paintings to enjoy while eating.
Happy Unbirthday Maria Sybilla Merian!
It is generally assumed that Maria Sybilla’s birthday was April 2, 1647, however that is the day she was baptized. Because the death rate of babies was so high back then, most babies were baptized two days after birth. Therefore…Happy Unbirthday, Maria Sybilla!
Chasing Caterpillars is with Beta Readers!
My manuscript about the life and time period of Maria Sybilla Merian is finished. Now I wait for comments from my beta readers. I feel like it must be similar to the caterpillar now in the chrysalis stage. One “life” of the book is finished, the middle one is in progress, the final transformation is in the future.
It has been quite a journey, starting with the day my daughter came home from the university and said, “Mom, there’s a lady you need to write a book about.” I remember looking up from the computer, asking who. When she replied, “Maria Sybilla Merian,” my immediate response was “Who?” And that’s the exact same response I get when I mention Maria Sybilla.
I have learned an enormous number of things while researching her life. I had many questions beyond the typical ones, such as: Is it easier to carry buckets of water uphill or downhill? Turns out I didn’t need to know that answer because there was a well located right in front of their house in Nürnberg. Another question was: How did the residents of Amsterdam get drinking water? Not the canals because they contained seawater. Answer: They had to buy their water from a waterboat! And: How hot IS it in Suriname? Answer: Energy Draining! Yet, at the same time the trade winds blow nice breezes. The result is that if you are in the sun it’s pretty bad, but it’s very nice sitting in the shade. No wonder so many people take breaks to sit in the shade!
I managed to travel to Germany and to Suriname, which was great. I love traveling. Didn’t get to be a tourist, but I still loved it.
Thank you, Maria Sybilla Merian.
Dispatch from Suriname: Paramaribo Likes You, Too
Image via: Oskari Kettunen aka "aokettun" on Flickr
Picture wooden buildings with red tin roofs, many buildings with peeling paint, interesting architecture…that’s a start. People are very friendly here, and ask me how I like Paramaribo. And when I say I do, some say, “Paramaribo likes you, too.”
Dispatch from Suriname: Fresh Papaya!
Image via Janine aka "janineomg" on Flickr
Got up this morning when I heard the birds singing and people talking out on the porch downstairs. My first order of business, after breakfast (discovered I absolutely LOVE fresh papaya!), was to find the bookstore and buy a map… Next on my list was to book a trip into the rain forest (Monday).
Wandered around a bit; found the Palm Garden and the Presidential Palace…and the big wooden church of Sts. Peter and Paul… If I get a little used to the layout of the city and where things are today, then I can zero in on something tomorrow.
Today it rained — a SUDDEN shower that lasted maybe two minutes. I happened to be enjoying a cold drink out on the porch of TwenTy4 at the time.
Yay!
I have my ticket! (happy dance)
I will be going to Suriname in March 2012!
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Bad Day in the Shell Studio
Well, so far working with my latest batch of shells… After settling on three arrangements on three backing pieces…all three backing pieces BROKE during the drilling of the holes. Since each pendant is a one-of-a-kind that means those three pendants are now history and will not be completed–they were designed to fit that particular backing piece. (I think I will do something else for a little bit before I go back to drilling holes in more shells!)
Other Work
Chasing Caterpillars
The Life and Times of Maria Sybilla Merian
Maria Sybilla Merian (1647-1717) lived in a culture where women were supposed to marry, keep house, and raise children. So how, then, did her persistent involvement with caterpillars make such an impact on the world of science? This is her story.
Draft
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Missouri Life Magazine
Illustration
Gone But Not Forgotten — Missouri Life Magazine
Artist Profile: Jim Veronee
An article about a Missouri mural artist and his legacy.
I just couldn’t put it down!
– Dixie Simpson
Upcoming Events
September 8, 2018
ABC Books, Book Signing • Springfield, MO
1-3 pm
September 31, 2018
Draft, Book Reading • Los Angeles, MO
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Coming Soon!
Available Aug 16, 2018
Missouri’s Best Known Resident, A Dog?
Non-Fiction
In the 1930’s Jim may have been Missouri’s best known resident.
My Writing Blog
Follow Along
Chasing Caterpillars has arrived!
Chasing Caterpillars: The Life and Times of Maria Sybilla Merian
My contribution to Tree Whispers
I am currently involved in learning a variety of methods used in hand papermaking. Our group was invited to participate in the next installation of Tree Whispers. This is my contribution. The next installation is scheduled for the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial in the...
Ticket Holes Have Meaning
Interesting! The shape of the holes punched in the tickets, and how many there are tell who punched that ticket. And that tells on which line you traveled. Hmm; tidbit for a story?
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