hello.

• Mockingbird
  Wireframes on the fly
  (tags: webdesign tools wireframing)
• Font Viewer – myFontbook.com
  Could be a very useful way to organise and categorise fonts.
  (tags: fonts tools)

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted my recent reads, but I thought it was about time to catch up a little with what I read in October (not a busy reading month). If you are on Goodreads, let me know!

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. I have some mixed feelings about this one. I found The Historian very interesting, particularly for the historical detail which Kostova does great justice. It is also very well written with great thought and care going into each word and every line. Some lines are particularly lyric. However, I did find it all rather slow-paced and, at times, a little anti-climactic. Unsatisfying. I did enjoy it, but if you aren’t willing to invest some time and energy into this one, it may not be for you. I also yearned for more traditional vampire action. Perhaps I am easily swayed in this direction for my love of all-things vampire, but I felt a little let down in this regard. The prose is beautiful and the history fascinating, but this one does take a little more investment if you don’t like a slower-paced novel. It can start to feel a little long.

Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. I haven’t seen the movie at all and I wanted to read the book before doing so. It was definitely enjoyable, and for any foodie, I can see why they may get into it even more, but I was hoping for a little more Julia Child. Although Powell’s adventure to cook every recipe from the infamous Child tome was enjoyable to follow (along with other antics in her life during that year), I was hoping to read more about Julia Child intermingled with Powell’s life. The details of the recipe were a little much at times and I found myself wanting to skip some of the more extensive descriptions about what went into each butter-filled dish.

• Code and Theory
  These guys do great work.
  (tags: webdesign agency)

We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down”—Kurt Vonnegut

Autumn is my absolute favourite season. Although it was a rather blustering day, we spent the afternoon enjoying the lovely Autumn colours around Oxford. I’m definitely looking forward to experiencing some more vibrant New England Autumns in the coming years, but I’ll miss Oxford in the Fall.