eyes.2c Reviews

The Battalion Artist: A Navy Seabee's Sketchbook of War in the South Pacific, 1943–1945 by Janice Blake (Author), Nancy Bellantoni (Editor), Natale Bellantoni (Illustrator) I have always been drawn to art works depicting battles and wars and marveled at how the artists were able to work under pressure to produce some amazing pieces. I have spent time at major art galleries reflecting on varies artists' abilities. That interest is  what drew me to this title. Of course with the advent of the camera, paintings and sketches were no longer the only medium recording historical moments of life at the front. If your an ordinary serving seaman you use what media you have available. Natale Bellantoni used them all. Watercolor paintings, sketches, photographs and other realia. His paintings very much have that aura of late forties Realism (And how can they not be one asks!) I marveled at how this talented young painter, attendee of the Massachusetts School of Art, was able to prod...

Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod   I enjoyed 'Paris Letters' immensely. The story of one woman's walk, well flight really, to redefinition. Janice MacLeod of 'Clan MacLeod' and 'the Highander' (a recurring joke), a successful advertising writer, one day took a deep breathe and decided to try for a new direction. Her mission, to see what the world could offer her and what she could offer the world. Her aim, two years travel in Europe with Rome and Paris on the top of the list. Her goal was to save a $100 a day. Her savings plan is brilliant. (I could learn a bit, although I'm already practising some of her savings ideas. I do cook and chop my own vegetables. I loved her beginning place, 'My first trip to Paris began in my underwear drawer.' A great line! Her message is that de-cluttering is the place to start. This chapter was thought provoking. Her pared down wardrobe she sees as giving her, 'a certain freedom in not having so many choic...