Bel Canto

I just finished reading the book Bel Canto (P.S.) by Ann Patchett. This compelling story takes place in South America, but really it could have been any country in the world. The book opens with a birthday party for a Japanese businessman being wooed to bring his business to this economically needy country. As a surprise for this opera-loving man, a famous soprano is flown in to perform. The party is given by the vice president of the country, and it is in this setting that a hostage situation arises. Over the course of the book, the hostages and terrorists alike begin to develop relationships, and it is those relationships that compel the reader to keep reading and reading (or at least keep the book nearby!).

This is my book club selection for the month. Our discussion is next Monday night, and I'm sure it will be a good one. If you do decide to read this book, be sure to read the interview with the author at the end. It offers a lot more insight into the story and the characters.

Two more links (and then I'll stop!)

Here are two links to some interesting Web sites. The first has to do with color selection.

http://www.colourlovers.com/

"COLOURlovers is a creative community where people from around the world create
and share colors, palettes and patterns, discuss the latest trends and explore colorful
articles... All in the spirit of love."

Lots and lots of pages to explore.

Another great Web page is http://surfacedesign.org. Check it out!

More Great Links from Online Rug Hooking Magazine

Here are some wonderful links to rug hooking-related topics:

danceswithwools.org
This is Abby Chapple's Web site. "It is designed to be an advocate for new, alterernative, or different possibilities for rug hooking." Her gallery of rugs is amazing.

http://www.lorilaberge.com/
This site is Lori LaBerge's, a contemporary fiber artist. You will find a gallery or her rugs (done in a slide show). There are three categories: geometrics, landscapes, and architecture. Very interesting interpretations, and I love her use of color.

http://lizalpertfay.com/
This is the site of fiber artist Liz Alpert Fay, whose work is pictured in my last post. Of particular note is a page on her site with an article from the premier issue of Fiber Arts Now magazine. The article is about Liz and is quite extensive with loads of wonderful photos. I love the rug with the log in the center! I have a log I've been "drying out" for about two years. Makes me see some other possibilities for my "hunk of wood!" There is also a glimpse into her art studio.

Do click on the link for Fiber Arts Magazine. Their site is quite interesting, also.