The Latest from Nancy...
Leeuwenhoek Microscope
Last year I contacted Al Shinn about making a replica Leeuwenhoek microscope for me. Leeuwenhoek was a compatriot of Maria Sybilla Merian’s, and he made around 500 very small microscopes.
Mr. Shinn and I talked last week, the results being since he is so busy that I would buy one on eBay. (Yes, I had seen three on eBay.) The little replica microscope I purchased was made by a man in the UK; it is on it’s way and I can hardly stand the wait! I will post a photo when it arrives.
Getting Excited, But There are Still Things to Do
I now have my new passport! The old one has been expired for several years, and it feels good to have an active passport again. Besides, this new one looks much nicer–even down to my photograph! Don’t think I’ve ever had a passport photo that looked this good.
Now for the visa and…the dreaded S word…shots….
I’m trying to learn a few words of Dutch since that’s the official language of Surinam. That’s been interesting…! I do have to say that it’s a heck of a lot easier to retain other languages when you’re a bit younger. But I do like to know a few words that could prove to be useful before I go to other countries. (I just may have to take a “cheat sheet” though.)
One of the artist prints is almost finished. I am enjoying creating them!
Trying to Learn a bit of Dutch
I’ve been trying to improve on what little Dutch I know, mainly adding to my vocabulary. And I’ve discovered something baffling. Words that have an interesting sound are more likely to be retained. For instance, the word “fietsen” which means to bicycle. Now I don’t plan to bicycle in the rain forest. Or even in the city of Paramaribo, for that matter! And I’m sure I won’t find anything in the old Dutch records of 1699-1701 about bicycling, either. Yet that word clings to my brain while more useful words just slide right off. What’s up with that?
Breakfast this Christmas Eve
Lovely–eating together to the sounds of Christmas music!
Beautiful Sunset in Memphis
A Visit to the Brooks Art Museum
I thoroughly enjoyed going to the Brooks Art Museum in Memphis today. We went especially to see the exhibit of William Christenberry’s photographs. They were all taken in Alabama around the area where he was born. There was also a very interesting movie about him that we watched. That made viewing his photographs even more enjoyable.
Stuck in Suriname
Writing this part has been going well…until I realized I needed to address the slavery issue in Surinam in 1700.
Official Art Museum Board Member!
Went to my first Springfield Art Museum board meeting this evening; everybody was very friendly and I enjoyed being there. It took about two months to become official. Of course first there was the interview with the assistant mayor and the director of the art museum. Then the city council had to approve my nomination, and finally I was sworn in at another city council meeting. Verrry Interrrresting…. 😛
Clover Luck!
This month of May started with me finding three four-leaf clovers in two days at home. Yesterday coming back from Memphis I stopped at Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, to give the dog a chance to do what dogs need to do. I found a total of five four-leaf clovers before we got back in the car and left. This morning I found one more! This must be a good omen for a good decade.
No Wells in Amsterdam?
Were there really no wells in Amsterdam in the late 1600s? While researching material for my book about Maria Sybilla Merian I realized that not once had I come across any reference to wells. Nothing was mentioned in the books I read. I had not seen any marked on old maps of the city. Oh there was plenty of water with all of those canals, but I suspected that the canal water was salty since they did connect with the sea. So where did the residents of Amsterdam get their drinking water? Who could I ask?
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
Varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes. Varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes.
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
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus et nisi mattis, bibendum mi vel, interdum urna. Donec in augue sed turpis hendrerit semper.
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
Picture from the sea
This was a gift from the sea. The picture was there; I simply outlined the lighthouse with ink.
Postale: The Emerald Coast
Sent by Postale for iOS.
Cloudy Sunrise on the Beach
Lazy morning in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida.
Schedule an Event
events@nancybdailey.com
Contact Agent
publishing@nancybdailey.com
Contact Author
author@nancybdailey.com
Recent Comments