 Working on a drawing while listening to an audiobook from the Loyal Books site (up on my computer screen) is great fun. A Treasure Trove of Audiobooks
by Annette Bartlett-Golden Packing up at the end of a small family reunion in the Blue Ridge, my sister happened to ask me if I knew of any good audio books she and her children could listen to on the long drive home. Immediately I thought of the website Loyal Books (formerly Books should Be Free) and the many wonderful stories on the site I’ve listened to over the years. As it says on its home page, Loyal Books offers “Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads”. Although you won’t find the latest bestsellers, there are many classics and old favorites, and with over 7,000 books to choose from, there’s sure to something appealing. The audio versions are read and recorded by volunteers from all over the US and perhaps other places, too. Since the narrations are of variable quality ranging from superb (one book was read by an excellent group of actors) to mediocre, it’s good to have a list of recommendations. Here is a short list of favorites: Children and Fantasy
*This book “has had an immense influence on children's literature and was reputedly J.K. Rowling's favorite children's book” according to the preface on the Loyal Books site. Adventure & Mystery
Humor
If you’re already a fan of Loyal Books website, what are your favorites?
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Discovering a Gem by Annette Bartlett-Golden Part of the business of working as an artist is to write. And there is a great deal more writing involved than I ever imagined. There are blogs, newsletters, social media posts, press releases, the obligatory artist statement and much more. While I’ve come to enjoy writing, generating fresh ideas can be a bit of a challenge. This summer I took a course on creating interesting content for social media. With much brainstorming, introspection, and free writing exercises it was just my thing and besides ending up with lots of great ideas for the coming months, I rather unexpectedly found a gem.  @Annette Bartlett-Golden,Cottage Garden. Watercolor, 12 by 9 inches. $225 Contemplating my paintings of peaceful landscapes, garden views, friendly looking animals and children at play, I realized that while these subjects were all rooted in the theme of harmonious nature, there was more going on. My subjects evoke both a feeling of serenity as well as a sense of aliveness. At last, I realized what my art is all about: vibrant tranquility. That’s the title of my new solo show, Vibrant Tranquility: The Art of Annette Bartlett-Golden, opening next month at River Landing Retirement Community. If you’re in the area, please stop by. I'd love to know what you think. Vibrant Tranquility: The Art of Annette Bartlett-Golden  My copy of a fun summer read! A Fun Book for Summer Reading
by Annette Bartlett-Golden Perusing the hall bookshelf of my lodgings for some fun summer reading while visiting Charleston, South Carolina last month, a book title caught my eye:Mercury in Retrograde by Paula Froelich. Since like to follow astrology I was intrigued by the title and pleased to discover that the book was just the sort of light, entertaining read I was hoping to find. While this book isn’t about art, unlike the books I’ve written about in past newsletters, I thought you might enjoy something different for a change. And there is a minor artist character in the story who is portrayed with realism and sincerity. Well done, Ms. Froelich! Set in modern day New York City, the story revolves around three likeable but very different women who eventually become friends after a series of comical misadventures. Quirky and daring Penelope Mercury works as a reporter for a demanding and peculiar boss at a third rate newspaper until one inauspicious day when everything goes awry due to astrological influences. Warm hearted Lena Lippencrass, also known as “Lipstick”, is enjoying the perks of a socialite lifestyle while working for an elite fashion magazine until her parents suddenly cut off her allowance and she decides to make it on her own. Dana Gluck, in shock after her seemingly perfect husband left her for a younger woman, buries herself in her legal career until one disastrous and memorable evening. Against the starry backdrop of a zodiacal sky, Paula Froelich, brings her characters together like planetary bodies crossing paths and the result is an engaging lark told with warmth, charm and humor. |