Reading Snacks Eight
NETTING SMALL WONDERS
Did you know that the great cities of the world have been
founded at seven hills? These are Rome, Paris, Moscow,
London, Washington (Troy). Luckily the citizens are not
expected to find and climb them all.
Did you know that, according to Anthony Doerr, most of the
ancient temples, monuments and other statues were originally
painted?
‘An exhibit at the Vatican called ‘The Colours of White’ displays a
stone lion as its sculptor supposedly intended, cobalt mane, pink nails,
green irises. See a bust of Caligula with hazel eyes and coral lipstick;
see Venus de Milo with eye shadow and crimson nostrils.’ (Or maybe you'd
rather no!)
THE LEGEND OF THE DRAGON
It is almost a sure thing, that by means of some worthwhile reading, you
will come across mention of a dragon. Luckily you don't have to make
friends or shake hands with such allegorical creatures, but at least it
might help to have a definition, such as found in the beautifully
illustrated book, ‘The Mermaid's Muse - The Legend of the Dragon
Boats"’.
Now Dragons are neither male nor female; fish nor beast. It is suggested
that they are the loss of everything dear; the fear of an abandoned
puppy; the trust of a young child; the wonder of the old; and wonder of
what might come to be. All rather tender thoughts.