8/20/2009

repose


lotus, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

The mossy greens in this scene from the Chinese Garden at the Huntington Library are so relaxing and inspiring. The Huntington is not only a place for repose, but also supports my dissertation research. As a Fellow, last Fall I spent nearly every day working in the 'inner sanctum' of the Library.

The Collections at the Huntington aren't accessible to John or to my children. Someday I hope I can point out my favorite study carrel in the old reading room, or show them some of the manuscripts that I've enjoyed (such as a few volumes of Emma N's journals and other treasures). It's hard not to be able to share that with them.

But I am glad that we can stroll the gardens together, anytime.

5 comments:

Ed Meers said...

The serenity of this picture is intense.

JohnR said...

It's a beautiful picture, my love.

gs said...

I haven't commented in a while, I guess because you've become a lot less edgey (and therefore less thought-provoking) than you used to be (sorry, but it's what I think), but this photo is a throwback to the old you -- magnificent!

jana said...

gs:
I find your comment fascinating. I've taken a bit of a break from blogging for the past month or two, just not having the heart for it and preferring the immediacy of twitter. I haven't even wanted to take pictures, which _is_ out of character...

However, something inside me shifted recently and I felt the desire to return. It feels right now. But I don't know if I will be edgy. I suspect that I will just continue on in recording the beauties and curiosities of my life.

Elizabeth McClung said...

I love the Huntington and the early Chaucer (sic) they have (I keep my eye out for the 1930's printing in library sales as someone will dump a $10,000 book for $30 - they always do!). I do like the library as well as the furniture, not accessible I think, green and green and FLW (I mean there are so many frank llyod around that area).

I am sure by now they have broken the 'no pay' policy which it was willed under - since the county was SO determined. I tell anyone going to LA, to head to Pasadena and head down to the Huntington since it has a Gutenberg as well.

Nice Picture. Thanks for the nice memories of the Huntington when I used to go once a month for several years. Now, I think it would be mostly inaccessible, kind of like the V&A in London, or at least the library where the textile books, art books and design books are kept.