Commentary: Wonderful warm colors, it's a bit on the cluttered side but this only makes the room more appealing. Lots of cushions and space for sprawling, tables to hold books or a pot of tea; even the carpet looks comfortable, with an ottoman to put your feet up. This is a charming book nook, but would also be inviting for creative people, or people who prefer their places laid-back and a bit bohemian, just in general.
Photographer and location not specified. Designer is Marjorie Skouras.
Commentary: This is more of a browsing nook than a book nook, since it's not very spacious or comfy and that table is definitely on the small side for any serious reader, unless they're reading a stack of miniatures. On the other hand, the light quality is excellent and the colors of the immediate environment are both cool and airy, and warm and welcoming.
This wouldn't be a spot to curl up and read during the winter, but it would be a nice place to sit and browse new book purchases before putting them away safely on the shelves. It might also be just comfy enough to browse a few selections from a book of poems or short stories as a relaxing break late in the afternoon, before proceeding with evening plans.
Commentary: Cheerful colors , nice quality of light and a mellow, low-key design would make this a pleasant place to read. The greenery is also nice, as are the extra pillows and lap blankets and small tables that can be moved around to hold extra books or notes or a bowl of grapes to nibble on.
Commentary: This keeps it as simple as can be - a cute spot sprawling and a stack of books at hand. The arms of the couch look sturdy although not particularly comfortable - a few cushions or pillows might be welcome. Another option might just be an ottoman. This looks like a spot for a light read or a browse under half an hour, not a super-comfy environment where it'd be easy to read for hours. It's still cute, though.
The nicest part of this book nook is the essay on reading that comes along with the photograph, a feature by author Rick Braggs:
Here, between the shelves, I escape everything worrisome, petty, mundane. In late afternoon, as the weak winter sun begins its slide, pale yellow light washes through the west-side window of my office in Fairhope, Alabama (U.S.), and something like magic floods the room. I sit in a big, soft chair, and the words that are bound here come loose all around me. (More)
Photographer: Joe De Sciose
Location (given in caption): Eudora Welty's shelf life in Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Commentary: Sweet reading oasis in the middle of a crowded city. Nice comfy couch, table for tea, snacks or drinks, and some pleasant touches like green plants here and there. But mostly this just looks like a haven for readers feeling cramped into city apartments. Details: Found at French Couture. Photographer and location not specified.
Commentary: Secluded but open to the sky, luxurious but casual - this charming spot is an appealing study in contradictions. It's hard to pick the most welcoming thing about this particular spot; it could be the luminous quality of light, the expansive view, or the soothing greenery. It might just the fact that lots of small details have been anticipated and attended to with minimal fuss, in order to make the visitor feel at ease. The space is cozy without being cluttered. The sturdy teak table is a good choice, wide enough to hold a few books and maybe a serving tray, low enough to be within easy reach. The metal frames of the matching couches don't look particularly comfortable, but the cushions make up for it, in addition to pillows for a lazy afternoon, or light blanket for chilly evenings. There's sunshine for reading during the day, with candles provided to provide enough illumination to read just one more page... The only thing that might be missing is a rug to offset the scrape of those metal couch legs against the wood grain. It's definitely a consideration if those are slats and those couch legs are narrow enough that they'll tip into one of the spaces between - someone's going to wake up with a jolt, one day. In any case, a rug would just enhance the feeling of seclusion and quiet walking, talking - and, of course, reading. This charming spot has quite a few of the things that signal a top-notch reading nook; seclusion and peace, bright light, sturdy tables close at hand, and a focus on tranquility and comfort. Bella. Details: Location unknown, photographer is Mikkel Vang.Part of slideshow in HouseBeautiful.com featuring cozy places, slide #45 of 46. The description given is: There's no reason why outdoor furniture shouldn't be as comfortable as indoor furniture. The inviting daybeds on this upstairs balcony are from the Amalfi collection by Janus et Cie and are covered in outdoor fabric from Kravet. The starry print on two of the pillows is Smith's Star Atlantico in Ocean, from Jasper. Teak coffee table and side tables from Sutherland. Glass hurricane lamps from Home Art.
Edition: Dec. 28-Jan. 3, 2011 Update: Series has wrapped.
Art and Quotes
Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people, citizens of distant epochs, who never knew each other. Books break the shackles of time, proof that humans can work magic. - Carl Sagan, Cosmos
Discussions and Book Chats
Bookie Brunch question: What do you think of seasonally-themed books? Join this discussion
By the way, William Shakespeare does put in an appearance in Random Magic, by Sasha Soren. At a party held among the clouds. With some pals like Lord Byron and Mark Twain. Thrown by a celestial muse who can't stop falling into fountains overflowing with vodka tonics. There's also a nine-dimensional cat. It all gets a bit complicated. Yes, slightly skewed version of Shakespeare, granted - ah, the secret life of William 'Shakes' Shakespeare...
Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: The Greek Classics reading challenge arrives in 2012. From the host: Take a look at the roots of Western civilization and ponder the great questions of existence by reading some ancient Greek literature. Participants will be reading from one to 12 classics of Greek literature. Host is Jean of Howling Frog Books and Musings of a Bookworm, no contact info available. Visit or Sign up
Weekly: Begins January 2012:Visit or Sign up: Host Snowdrop Dreams of Books (@snowdropdreams) invites authors and bloggers to share their must-haves for a stay on a desert island, in Deserted Island. Visit or Sign up
Jan. 1- Dec. 31, 2012: Visit or Sign up: Host Tiffany from For Those About to Read (@AboutToRead) invites you to indulge yourself in up to 10 tales of myths and legends, in the Mythology Challenge, with focus on teen fiction (also called young adult fiction, or YA). The book list for the challenge is already up for browsing, so check it out, if you like: Book List Random Magic by Sasha Soren is on the book list and counts for this challenge. Visit or Sign up for the challenge.
Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2011: Visit or Sign up: Host Melissa of Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf (@myeclecticbooks) invites you to grab your broomstick and join her for all manner of witchy things, in her Witches and Witchcraft reading challenge. Random Magic by Sasha Soren is on the book list and counts for this challenge. Visit or Sign up
Weekly: Every weekend (Fri. thru Sun.): Visit: Random Magic Tour (@RandomMagicTour) invites you to find and share a beautiful book nook every weekend - posts include a badge collection of all the pretty libraries, coffee shops or various reading rooms. Every weekend through Dec. 31, 2011. Visit or Participate
Videos and Vloggers
Shown above: Liddy of TheeBookMonster shares some of the titles she's acquired recently.
Shown above: Daisy of Between the Pages (@DBetweenPages) shares her take on the question of whether or not she reads seasonally-themed titles. Part of Bookie Brunch, hosted this week by Jennie (@joaniefontana) of Jennie's Corner.
Shown above: Liddy of TheeBookMonster shares her take on seasonal reads. Part of Bookie Brunch, hosted this week by Jennie (@joaniefontana) of Jennie's Corner.
Shown above: The Book Bunny (@The_BookBunny) gives a quick update on reads finished and coming up, puts herself on a book-buying ban and then promptly breaks her own rule (update in comments).
Prize pack item: Quirky tote bag, folds up to fit on key clip
Win: Enter: Through January 15, 2011: Adorable prize pack at Bookie Brunch, hosted by The Fluidity of Time. Prize pack includes multi-title DVD, book, blank journals, chocolate and other goodies and a book tote. Tote, DVD, book and blank notebook shown above. Sponsored by The Fluidity of Time and Random Magic Tour. Win: Enter: Through January 3, 2011: Gift card for Uncommon Goods, purveyor of colorful and slightly offbeat items.
Win: Enter: Through January 3, 2011: Gift certificate for ProFlowers. Large selection of seasonal greenery. Sample bouquet shown above. Note: Offer not made or sponsored by Random Magic Tour. Win: Enter: Through January 1, 2012: Enter to win a Kindle Fire e-reader. (More)
WIN: Enter: Through December 31, 2011:Now you won't have to wonder if the movie is as good as the book or not - win this classic novel and matching movie version. This set features a paperback edition of The Age of Innocence with a new, beautifully designed cover and a DVD of the feature film, nestled together in a sturdy case. This could be a nice treat to keep for a rainy weekend. Sponsor: Random Magic Tour. Win this cute book and DVD set
Grapevine, Last-Minute News and Misc.
Grapevine: Lieder Madchen (@LiederMadchen) of Songs and Stories is sharing her invite to a review community for up to five fellow book bloggers who'd like to win a free book. Reply
Grapevine: Eleni of La Femme Readers (@LaFemmeReaders) would like to hear from anyone who might have a lead on a reliable and talented graphic designer who might be able to give a bit of a design lift to her book blog. Reply
Shown above: Christina at I Love Books (@Booklover_622) gives a quick update and puts out an open call out for book-loving vloggers who'd like to be part of her project. Reply
Header image: The Blue Pool (1911) by Augustus John
Talk to Us
Are you planning something cool for your blog, or have you heard about something great that we might have missed this week? Tell us about it!: @RandomMagicTour
Welcome to the Songs of the Season music hop! You're invited to join us every day from December 10-25, to enjoy a virtual round of caroling. You can visit a different blog each day to find another wonderful music selection, handpicked by a great host.
Everyone picked such cool, personal and interesting music that Songs of the Season has been a real pleasure. For visitors, thanks for dropping by to visit with everyone, and hope you had a wonderful time this month. Here's our selection for your enjoyment:
Commentary: This is an excellent live rendition, everything works together to create an exceptional performance. It's a lovely song, and it also has interesting back story.
The carol is based on a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, called 'Christmas Bells.' Longfellow wrote the poem during one of the dark times in his life.
Longfellow was familiar with suffering; he'd been widowed early in life and found a life partner in later years, Frances Appleton, only to lose her after she was burned to death when her dress caught fire. Longfellow never recovered from the loss, writing some 18 years later about the gentle ghost that still haunted him, in the sonnet, 'The Cross of Snow.' (1879). [Read this poem]
He wrote 'Christmas Bells,' during the American Civil War. He'd lost Frances in 1861, just after the war started. Although Longfellow supported abolitionism, he forbade his eldest son to join the Union army, not wishing to lose him, too. His son ran away and joined the army against Longfellow's wishes.
Three years into the war, there was no hope of peace in sight, and Longfellow received word that his son had been severely injured in a battle and wasn't expected to live.
This was the backdrop for a simple but poignant moment of clarity, which inspired Longfellow to write a poem which defied the reality of war and personal loss, and lasted beyond his lifetime to continue to lend strength to the weary.
Standing with head bowed in contemplation of this latest news and with nothing but darkness and despair all around him, he was suddenly aware of a simple but transcendent sound - he heard the sound of bells ringing, to announce the arrival of Christmas Day.
The poem was later adapted into a carol. Some 140 years later, we have this modern version of the traditional carol. The lead singer of the group that recorded it, Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, explains how he came to choose this carol to include on one of their albums:
And that's the story of the bells!
You might also like...
Shown above: Clip from Joyeux Noël, a film based on the real-life story of the Christmas truce of 1914, during World War I.
About: Joyeux Noël captures a rare moment of grace from one of the worst wars in the history of mankind, World War I. On Christmas Eve, 1914, as German, French, and Scottish regiments face each other from their respective trenches, a musical call-and-response turns into an impromptu cease-fire; the men spend a few hours in peace, trading chocolates and champagne, playing soccer. But when Christmas ends, the war returns... (Summary via Amazon) Find this film: Amazon | UK | DE | FR
And, now, for a bit of luck for the upcoming new year, and some light in the darkness as a send-off - some sparkly things. You might like the Holdman Christmas lights show, which can also be seen on another stop on Songs of the Season, at Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf - it's an entertaining light show and one of the best examples of synced light-and-music displays:
Please note: There are several series of flashing lights in this video. Any viewers known to suffer from photosensitive epilepsy (PSE) would probably be better off skipping this clip.
If you've already seen the spectacular light show clip above at Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf or elsewhere, then here's a simpler and shorter one to check out, with a mellow and quirky ending:
You can have fun guessing what's going to happen and what the designer's going to do with this string of lights! Or, for anyone who's out there walking and walking on long road - hopefully it just makes you smile to see how the story ends up...
Goodies
Through Dec. 31, 2011: Win a pretty box of stationery, featuring quotes by writer Charlotte Brontë and her sisters, who were also novelists. Browse details
Through Dec. 31, 2011: Win a book-and-DVD set of a romantic drama set in New York during the Gilded Age. Browse details
Available starting Dec. 25, 2011: Win a book-and-DVD set of great classic film, Little Women,based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Film trailer shown below.
If you have a favorite song, feel free to share in the comments. Thanks for stopping by, and hope you have a chance to enjoy a cup of cider or hot cocoa on the way to your next stop on the hop - or anywhere you may be headed for the day. If you need a break, feel free to drop in at Bookie Brunch for a relaxing discussion: Bookie Brunch at Jennie's Corner - Dec. 25
For all the delightful bloggers who were such good company on Songs of the Season - hey, that was fun! What a great event and a wonderful treat seeing all the beautiful posts and all kinds of amazing tunes - spiritual, edgy, quirky, unexpected and comfortingly familiar, they were all great picks and wonderful surprises.
Commentary: 'Darling, I'm just going to step into this little nook in my insanely outlandish, yet strangely beautiful castle.' 'Oh, all right.'
The person who dreamed this castle up was popularly called the Fairy Tale King, the Swan King - and the Mad King of Bavaria. But you were probably guessing something along those lines, anyway... Whether it's your point of view that this fellow, Ludwig II, was a misunderstood dreamer or shy eccentric, or a madman with an expensive hobby - NICE CASTLE!
Shown above: Video tour of the castle, courtesy of World Site Guides Visit World Site Guides' video channel: Browse videos
By the way, the Swan King appears briefly as a character in Random Magic, by Sasha Soren. More images of the castle here (Sängerhalle, or singer's hall), here (drawing room) and here (study). Additional images: Throne room, dining room.
