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.
6 comments
The serenity of this picture is intense.
It's a beautiful picture, my love.
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!
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.
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.
[…] comments I’m rarely more content than when I am perusing the shelves of a library. There are many reasons why that’s the case, […]