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There is something to be said for researching, writing, and then presenting a paper to a group of like-minded women. All the members of the club are life-long readers and each one has a lively interest in intellectual pursuits.
I find that actually having to 'perform' in front of an audience is so much more fulfilling than the times in school when term papers were simply handed in to the teacher and then received back with a grade. Somehow having to think about how my audience might respond to the information I am writing makes for a tighter and more entertaining paper.
I have come a long way since the time I was in a fourth-grade talent show and kept my eyes closed the entire time I was on stage thinking - with my elementary-school brain - that if I couldn't see the audience then they couldn't see me!
Over the years I have learned some tricks that make speaking in front of an audience less terrifying than my early school year experiences. Yes, I did keep my eyes open! As a matter of fact, getting to share with the group the intriguing ideas and information that I have come across in my research is truly the best part - the frosting on the cake!
Thanks for your comments and for sending me your well wishes for this project.
Hmmm. Now, what do I want to research for next year's paper?
While I anticipated your success, Belle, based on your writings and enthusiasm, it is good to hear that all went well. Your Monday Afternoon Club sounds stimulating - and rewarding.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful group, Penny. Keeps me on my toes! I am sure to learn about many subjects this year which may or may not send me off in other intellectual directions.
DeleteBelle, I did want to also mention that I am thoroughly enjoying "Chasing Vermeer", which I picked up recently at the library after reading your review. What fun!
ReplyDeleteOh good, Penny. Are you decoding the letters from Calder's friend (Tommy?)? I have a feeling you recognize some of the Chicago landmarks.
DeleteI am decoding, though it takes me far longer than Calder to do.
DeleteYes. I've been to Delia Dell several times and to the Oriental Institute on campus. Hyde Park is an interesting neighborhood, though security is prevalent these days as the president's house in there.
I thought you would be familiar with these places, Penny. That makes reading the book more fun, don't you think? I almost didn't bother with the decoding, but I wanted to get into the spirit of the children. And, I didn't want to miss a clue if any were in the notes!
DeleteCongratulations on your success--what an interesting club that must be. I'm reminded of the Anne of Green Gables series. Anne and her friends were often preparing papers to be given at various organizations they belonged to. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy. It is a great group to be involved with. I have not yet read any of the "Anne" books. My childhood reading was sadly lacking in many of the books that I am now enjoying as an adult. I did have a nice hardcover edition of the first "Anne" book but before I could get around to reading it, it got water damaged and I had to toss it out. Sigh. I need to start that series!
DeleteAnne is a comfort read for me. I read one or two books from the series every year. My copies, all softcover, are getting pretty tattered! I hope you'll like her when you finally get around to reading her. I wonder how you'll feel reading her as an adult? I began when I was a kid, and I don't know if I would have had the same love for her if I'd begun as an adult. You'll have to let me know what you think!
DeleteKathy, I seem to be on a kick of reading books for the 'younger set' so maybe now is a good time to get to know Anne. How nice that you have been friends with her since childhood!
DeleteBelle, sounds like a fascinating paper, an excellent subject, and I'm glad you enjoyed it! I know a little about it from your posts and appreciate your spending the time to write about these archaeologists.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, Kat. I especially liked that most of these women were accomplished writers as well as 'diggers' and that I could go to primary sources for information. The Agatha Christie book is especially entertaining. This is a subject I knew very little about but am glad that I came across these women and their daring ways!
DeleteBravo Belle~
ReplyDeleteThanks Tullik. I quite enjoyed the entire project and am now glad for a rest from all the research and writing.
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