Found Items: Physics Equations

This weekend at the bookstore, a family brought in six large plastic bins full of science books. The books had belonged to the wife/mother's brother. He had recently passed away.

As we went through the books, it became increasingly more clear what a rare gift we'd been given. Science and math books don't find their way to the bookstore very often. When they do, they're usually very, very outdated. But these books were absolutely beautiful and new. He had obviously loved his books well, and, judging by the little pieces of paper with notes on them that we found in each book, he must have read every single one of them.

The variety was mind-boggling: microbiology, neuroscience, astronomy, quantum theory. And those are just the ones that I can remember (and pronounce). One of our fellow volunteers is a science buff. We had to consult with him to even figure out what some of these books were about!

I have to say that watching his face light up when he realized what all the books were about was priceless. It's a good lesson to keep in mind, folks. I used to hold on to all of my books, but now I think I'll always give all but the ones I like the most away. If you're also a reader, then you can probably imagine how much joy you feel when you find a book that you've always wanted for cheap.

At any rate, this man was obviously a genius and a modern-day Renaissance Man. I thank his family from the bottom of my heart for sharing this gift. Here is a page of some of his physics equations that I found in one of the books:

Found Items: It's Patriotic Bookmark Week!

I have to admit that the idea of a patriotic bookmark had not previously crossed my mind. I mean, if I didn't have this blog, I wouldn't be showing my bookmarks around to anyone, so I don't feel like I have to "prove" my patriotism through my bookmarks. Nor do I feel the need to remind myself that I am patriotic.

But I'm beginning to wonder if I am in the minority here. Perhaps patriotism doesn't stop with flag pins or t-shirts. Perhaps my books need a reminder that they're being read by an American. This is something I'll have to ponder further.

As an aside, you know what I find is most frequently used as a bookmark (other than random scraps of paper)? Paperclips. I think it's weird. They're very obtrusive, leave grooves in the pages (if left long enough), and the metal ones leave rust marks!

Found Items: My Magnetic Bookmark Collection

I have to admit that I'm pretty sure that I didn't know that magnetic bookmarks existed prior to finding some tucked away in books at the bookstore. Here is my collection as it currently stands:

My first find was the "Oregon" bookmark that appears to showcase Multnomah Falls. Prior to finding this bookmark, I was never much of a bookmark user. I would just set books aside and find my place the next time I picked them up (sometimes unsuccessfully). But this bookmark appealed to my sentimental side.

Now I love magnetic bookmarks. What a fantastic invention!

The white one with the flower was my second find and is probably my favorite because it's pretty.

The monkey one is my latest acquisition - just this last weekend, in fact. I like it because it's a nice size, but it perplexes me. Why would a monkey be shushing anyone? Aren't they kind of loud themselves?

Found Items: Geisha Lady (?) and Christian Bookmark

Not found in the same book, hahaha.

I actually doubt that this is a geisha, but rather probably a woman in traditional Japanese dress. I say this because the name "John" is written on the back in childish cursive, leading me to believe that she was cut out and colored as part of a school project. And I doubt they're teaching the young kids about geishas these days. I commend John for his excellent cutting and coloring skills, in addition to his imagination: I don't think you can see it in the picture, but in pencil he drew a fan in her hand.

The wording on the bookmark below reads thus: "The most important principle I can share is: anchor your life in Jesus Christ, your Redeemer. Make Heavenly Father and his beloved Son more important than a beloved companion or children or anyone on earth. Make their will your central desire. Then all that you need for happiness will come to you. (Richard S. Scott)"

I don't know who Richard S. Scott is. A very cursory "Google" search turned up many Richard S. Scotts in the world, the most prominent of which was an actor - confusing, seeing as how his one acting credit was a movie called "Solar Crisis" in 1990. Huh.

At any rate, I have to say I disagree with Mr. Scott. Personally, I wouldn't be too thrilled if my husband considered invisible people more important than me or our hypothetical children, but to each their own, I guess.

Found Pictures: Jacaranda Tree

Who doesn't love jacaranda trees? 'Tis the season to be finding a picture of one in bloom:

If these trees bloomed all year round, I wouldn't be sad about it.