Midori Snyder's Blog, page 61

Zora Neale Thurston and Zombies

Zombies, unlike dreary vampires, have not lost their edge -- nor their capacity to surprise on the screen or in stories. And I love this fascinating little radio interview done in January 25,1943 between Mary Martin McBride and the author...

A Moment of Dress-Lust

For this beautiful, hand embroidered, silk 1940's cocktail dress -- currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I guess makes a lot of sense. Still...it does inspire.

The Novel and History: Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" Now A Film

I often enjoy novels in which the historical backdrop is so powerful a force that it is almost a character by itself, informing all the meta-events of the novel. It is only the consummate skill of the author not to...

Alicia Baladan: "Una Storia Guaraní"

Alicia Baladan is an Italian illustrator whose work has given me yet another reason for massively improving my Italian. I love this work -- with its beautiful palette of colors and evocative imagery. Her latest children's book "Una Storia Guaraní"...

A Band Of Wild Petticoats...

"Peeking at the Underthings of Literature." My daughter Taiko has recently created a new blog called "Band of Wild Petticoats" (because all the other names she wanted were taken, and because fate decided this name is perfect for her.) A...

At Sea in the Bathtub

I ordered this because in our new house I actually have a bathtub and wall where these amazing tentacles can go. It's like filling the house with dreamy landscapes -- now if I could only find a way to bring...

Read to Me Mr. Tolkien, Please.

Sometimes there is nothing better than listening to an author read their own work, especially when they have such a rich, sonorous voice like Tolkien's. These recording came about quite by accident and I am happy they are here now,...

Raw Strength and Cinderella

I have been a Crossfitter for three years now and this means I engage in a fitness program that includes a lot of intense workouts coupled with Olympic weight lifting. I also do a lot of strength workouts which involves...

Reve des Monuments: Imaginary Architecture

If you are any where near Paris this January -- February, 2013, consider stopping by to see this amazing exhibit created by the French Center For National Monuments -- "Reve des Monuments, Imaginary Architecture," featuring imaginary castles and buildings from...

A New Year, My Birthday, and the Solemnity of Mary

"Hail, heavenly ladder by which God came down; hail, bridge leading from earth to heaven." Agathistos Hymn, Greek --6th century. It is something of a challenge to be born on a day so charged with potential and even more so...