Springfield News-Leader Highlights Research Project
Reply
Author Archives: Nancy
New Shell Jewelry!
The Little Microscope has Arrived
The whole thing is sooo small and so different from what I’ve known as a microscope. And the lens is so tiny! I don’t know how in the world Leeuwenhoek ever discovered all those things he did using this! (Now to figure out what I can try to look at using it. — Any ideas?)
Leeuwenhoek Microscope
Last year I contacted Al Shinn about making a replica Leeuwenhoek microscope for me. Leeuwenhoek was a compatriot of Maria Sybilla Merian’s, and he made around 500 very small microscopes.
Mr. Shinn and I talked last week, the results being since he is so busy that I would buy one on eBay. (Yes, I had seen three on eBay.) The little replica microscope I purchased was made by a man in the UK; it is on it’s way and I can hardly stand the wait! I will post a photo when it arrives.
Getting Excited, But There are Still Things to Do
I now have my new passport! The old one has been expired for several years, and it feels good to have an active passport again. Besides, this new one looks much nicer–even down to my photograph! Don’t think I’ve ever had a passport photo that looked this good.
Now for the visa and…the dreaded S word…shots….
I’m trying to learn a few words of Dutch since that’s the official language of Surinam. That’s been interesting…! I do have to say that it’s a heck of a lot easier to retain other languages when you’re a bit younger. But I do like to know a few words that could prove to be useful before I go to other countries. (I just may have to take a “cheat sheet” though.)
One of the artist prints is almost finished. I am enjoying creating them!
Trying to Learn a bit of Dutch
I’ve been trying to improve on what little Dutch I know, mainly adding to my vocabulary. And I’ve discovered something baffling. Words that have an interesting sound are more likely to be retained. For instance, the word “fietsen” which means to bicycle. Now I don’t plan to bicycle in the rain forest. Or even in the city of Paramaribo, for that matter! And I’m sure I won’t find anything in the old Dutch records of 1699-1701 about bicycling, either. Yet that word clings to my brain while more useful words just slide right off. What’s up with that?
Breakfast this Christmas Eve
Lovely–eating together to the sounds of Christmas music!
Beautiful Sunset in Memphis
A Visit to the Brooks Art Museum
I thoroughly enjoyed going to the Brooks Art Museum in Memphis today. We went especially to see the exhibit of William Christenberry’s photographs. They were all taken in Alabama around the area where he was born. There was also a very interesting movie about him that we watched. That made viewing his photographs even more enjoyable.
Stuck in Suriname
Writing this part has been going well…until I realized I needed to address the slavery issue in Surinam in 1700.
Stuck big time! It was not a good situation and I really didn't want to go into it. But I cannot ignore it since Maria Sybilla didn't. I believe that I have finally found my solution, and will see if I can write it today so I can go on with her story.