A wonderful short essay by Jessica Francis Kane, "Where We Write: The Merits of Making Do," about the author's penchant for writing in libraries. There is much, much too much excellence in this essay to capture with a quote, but a snippet: "I began to suspect I was too susceptible to the idea of the “writer’s desk” and decided it might be better to do without one. Somewhere along the way, I began to work in libraries. More important, I began to get work done in libraries. I acquired a laptop, a padded case for it, and a backpack. I carried pens, a notebook or two, a legal pad, and a few books. Very soon I felt like the academic equivalent of the college student backpacking abroad—I was entirely self-sufficient! I didn’t need a private desk and the talismanic power of special objects surrounding me."
Marvelous post, including lots of photos, about literary pets. Worth a visit for the Edith Wharton shoulder puppies picture alone. (Via Austin.)
Finally, the best vintage safety manual ever, entitled "It's Great to Be Alive!" Remember: "Don't play in abandoned ice boxes–they are death traps!" Also, if you do play in the ice box, don't expect any plums. I ate them. (Via Juliet.)