3 Beautiful Things

Here are three beautiful things I encountered this week.

1. Farmer Giles of Ham by JRR Tolkien

   

   This short story by JRR Tolkien tells the story of a country farmer, a wily dragon, and a blunderbuss. If you haven’t read it, it is hilarious.

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2. The Rhythm of the Saints by Paul Simon

   Yes, yes, I know that Graceland is Paul Simon’s magnum opus, and I agree. But I find myself listening to his follow-up album more and more. It’s just as sonically interesting and experimental. From the drum intro in “The Obvious Child” to the marimbas in “Can’t Run But” to the choir in “Born At The Right Time,” every song is a delight to the ears.

   And the lyrics are what you’d expect from Simon. Take this from “Spirit Voices”:
   

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   Or this description of the innocence of babies in “Born At the Right Time”:

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3. Devotions by Mary Oliver

    This collection of Oliver’s poetry, taken from various points in her writing career, is a great introduction to her work.  As a sample, I present the opening to “I Wake Close To Morning:”

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