Wednesday, August 28, 2013

I can't believe it's the last week of August already. That means it's time for the August reveal of the Inspired by Reading Book Club!

Thanks again to Andrew Thornton for selecting the books, organizing the blog hop and hosting an in-person meet up at his shop Allegory Gallery in Ligonier, PA. Maybe we should call the group Inspired by Andrew!

That said, I'm not sure what Andrew was thinking when he chose The Infinities, by John Banville. Maybe that's not fair of me to say. Perhaps, you will like this book. If not for the book club,. I'm sure I would have put it down after the first chapter. According to the "blurb" on the back cover, "a clan of mischievous immortals... begin to stir up trouble for the Godleys".  Sounds good - I like a good fantasy combined with modern day realism.

I'm happy to say I did finish the book, although I found Banville's style difficult to read. One reviewer compared John Banville to Shakespeare. I think that could be an appropriate comparison. Banville uses so many obscure words and phrases that I needed a dictionary as I read. I also found the story line hard to follow at times.

My inspiration this month, quite simply, was the title - The Infinities. I decided to challenge my wire skills and make a linked bracelet. I used 16 gauge sterling silver wire to make the infinity symbol, which I hammered flat. I then connected them with 5mm jump rings and created a hook. I gently curved each link so it would sit comfortably on the wrist.

I am so glad I took photos immediately -
(I so often forget)

This beauty sold on Saturday at the fair in Shelter Island!
Looks like I'll be creating another one before HarborFest!

I can't wait to read the other blogs and see how the other members of our group felt about this book.




You can also check out the facebook group and join us next month. You do not have to create jewelry, although many of us do. We'd love to see other art forms!

9 comments:

  1. Your bracelet really fits the title of the book and congratulations on your sale. I don't think I could have read the whole book if I was reading it. I listened to an audio version and hearing it aloud I could appreciate the author's prose.

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    1. Thanks so much, Mary! Hmmmm - Audio may have been better, although I found myself thumbing back in the book to recheck events and characters.

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  2. I just LOVE your bracelet, Jeanne. Such a clean and classic look! Not surprised it sold already, and you should make more!

    I confess I only made it to lunch in my reading. Maybe I'll finish it after The Dogeaters, but I want to stay current with my reading. I just couldn't slog my way through another long, labored paragraph. It was easier than Shakespeare, but not a lot!

    How does it feel not starting school this fall?

    Terri Greenawalt

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    1. Thank you, Terri!!!
      I do have another bracelet in the tumbler as I type. I actually think I used 18 gauge wire on the first one. The buyer liked that it was so light and delicate. This new one is 16g and definitely heavier.
      I have such mixed feelings this week as I read my former colleagues comments on Facebook about their class lists (generic comments) and getting classrooms together. I am also very happy too, with all that's happening these days with the test score.

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  3. I just LOVE your bracelet, Jeanne. Such a clean and classic look! Not surprised it sold already, and you should make more!

    I confess I only made it to lunch in my reading. Maybe I'll finish it after The Dogeaters, but I want to stay current with my reading. I just couldn't slog my way through another long, labored paragraph. It was easier than Shakespeare, but not a lot!

    How does it feel not starting school this fall?

    Terri Greenawalt

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  4. I really like how you worked with the infinity symbol...so cool! Congrats on your sale too (and for remembering to snap some picks beforehand...I've had that issue at times too)!

    I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who found this title "challenging."

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  5. Thanks Sarajo! I finished another bracelet in a heavier gauge. Hope this one goes as fast!

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  6. I haven't read any of the books on the list. Many of the titles were selected from suggestions and some are prize winners... etc. While that has provided some really surprising likes, this book wasn't one of my favorites. I too found it difficult. The author even said that he purposefully tried to make it harder. I am glad that you finished though. I had to force myself and while I wasn't impressed so much with the book, I was impressed with myself for actually slogging through.

    Anyway, your piece is simply lovely! It has a modern elegance and ties in the symbolism beautifully. I can see why it sold! It's stunning. Good job! And thank you so much for participating in the book club! You're great!

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    1. uh oh - hope you weren't insulted by my comment, Andrew. I can be sarcastic at times. And I definitely was not judging you. I am so glad we all had difficulty with this book.

      Thanks so much for you thoughtful feedback! I enjoy participating and getting to the members of group!

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