Snowmageddon

Also known as the Snowpocalypse, Snowverload, and (in my own inner monologue) Snowmygoodnessgracious. Not too long ago we were caught smack dab in the midst of the mid-Atlantic's biggest snowstorm in three centuries. The most memorable aspect? The icicles. Three feet long and shimmering with a diamond-like glitter in the cold winter sun--every time I passed under an awning, I felt like they were aiming right for me.

Words and Curiosities

As a lover of antiquities, reference books and, of course, words, I've spent the past few months wondering whether my overflowing bookshelves might have a little extra space for a copy of Pictorial Webster's: A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities.

Printed by Quercus Press, and released last August, Pictorial Webster's is a 400 page alphabetical arrangement of images printed from wood carvings and copper electrotypes used in 19th Century dictionaries.

The project was begun by John Carrera almost fifteen years ago when he found a tattered 1898 dictionary under his grandfather's favorite reading chair at the family farm. Read all about it right here.

Here's a peek inside the pages of this artistic and whimsical volume of lexical history:

Naturally, the copy I was thinking of adding to my collection is the Trade Edition, shown above, and available on Amazon.com for a very reasonable sum.

Nonetheless, this film detailing the making of the $4600 leather-bound Deluxe Edition, is incredible. From the actual printing of each image, to the cutting of the pages, to the painstaking binding and stamping of the cover, it is an amazing glimpse into the process of creating a book. I was blown away! Well worth 7 minutes to check it out.

Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion from John Carrera on Vimeo.

Alma

If you're down for a little dose of creepy, take two minutes to watch Alma, a beautifully-made animated short that I stumbled upon earlier this evening, written and directed by Rodrigo Blaas. But don't say I didn't warn you...

( via GeekTyrant)

Let's Hear it for New York

I've had this song stuck in my head all day, and what can I say? I'm feeling the love for New York. Just wanted to share a few favorite shots of my favorite city in honor of that Empire State of Mind.

Snow Day!

I cannot begin to describe how amusing it was to watch this dog experiencing her first snow day. Hazel, welcome to winter.