I'm finally home from the United Kingdom. England is my favorite place to visit, and I was so inspired by the spooky and endearing Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks, both in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. Our day in Windsor was like stepping onto the set of Downton Abbey. (No, I didn't cheat and watch the new season while I was there.) And of course London was magnificent as always, a fascinating blend of cultures and history and modernity, all wrapped up together. I wish I had pictures to share from the Treasures Collection at the British Library. They have the original draft of
Persuasion, in Austen's own hand, with revisions. An original draft of
Jane Eyre, in Bronte's own hand, with revisions. First printings of Shakespeare and
Wuthering Heights. The Magna Carta. A Gutenberg Bible. It's just an overwhelming affirmation that words, writing, and their power of communication matter, not just now, but in the past and in the future.
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| The Oakley Court grounds, Windsor |
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| The Oakley Court |
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| The Isle of Purbeck |
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| Corfe Castle |
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| The Jurassic Coast |
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| Big Harry Rocks |
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| One of many delightful pubs |
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| At the Band of Skulls concert |
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| The Eye and the aquarium |
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| Big Ben, from Westminster Abbey |
