Time Wastes Too Fast

June 28, 2009 7:46 PM

Maira Kalman does it again, with a beautifully illustrated blog post about her visit to Mr. Jefferson's Monticello.

Previously and previously, but she may be best known for the famous New Yorkistan New Yorker cover.

posted by gingerbeer (25 comments total)

Beautifully illustrated and beautifully written, the blog post drops you into a place and takes you on a little tour through time and through space, opening your eyes, your mind, your heart. I'm reining in the hyperbole here, too. It's a wonderful link.
posted by cgc373 at 7:53 PM on June 28, 2009

This is wonderful. Thank you.
posted by ColdChef at 7:58 PM on June 28, 2009

Very cool.
posted by Xoebe at 8:01 PM on June 28, 2009

Wonderful.
posted by rtha at 8:03 PM on June 28, 2009

She is amazing. I love her work.
posted by blucevalo at 8:05 PM on June 28, 2009

Wow. Incredible. How I missed the previouslys I do not know, but I am glad I didn't miss this one.
posted by dogmom at 8:13 PM on June 28, 2009

"And our own dear Monticello, where has nature spread so rich a mantel under the eye? mountains, forests, rocks, rivers. With what majesty do we there ride above the storms! How sublime to look down into the workhouse of nature, to see her clouds, hail, snow, rain, thunder, all fabricated at our feet! And the glorious Sun, when rising as if out of a distant water, just gilding the tops of the mountains, and giving life to all nature." — TJ 1786
posted by netbros at 8:16 PM on June 28, 2009

How terrific. She's been publishing these monthly, eh? I have some catching up to do and some subscribing. Such tender thoughts and so gracefully shared. Thanks, gingerbeer!
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 8:19 PM on June 28, 2009

Don't miss the charming little movie she made for The Elements of Style.
posted by gingerbeer at 8:24 PM on June 28, 2009 [1 favorite]

Truly "the best of the Web".
posted by vac2003 at 8:25 PM on June 28, 2009

For those who have trouble reading the last quote:

"I will not argue the matter : Time wastes too fast : every letter I trace tells me with what rapidity Life follows my pen ; the days and hours of it, more precious, my dear Jenny! than the rubies about thy neck, are flying over our heads like light clouds of a windy day, never to return more -- every thing presses on -- whilst thou are twisting that lock, -- see! it grows grey ; and every time I kiss thy hand to bid adieu, and every absence which follows it, are preludes to that eternal separation which we are shortly to make. --

-- Heaven have mercy upon us both!"
posted by empath at 8:26 PM on June 28, 2009 [3 favorites]

Wonderful! Thanks.
posted by marxchivist at 8:39 PM on June 28, 2009

Perfect. Thank you for sharing.
posted by maxwelton at 9:22 PM on June 28, 2009

Really enjoyed that a lot. Thanks.
posted by nickyskye at 9:35 PM on June 28, 2009

She is absolutely the greatest. Every time I read one of these, every blogging and/or illustration project I've ever undertaken seems woefully inadequate. More so than usual, anyhow.

Seriously, I can't get over what a fantastic read this was. Two tickets to Monticello, please!
posted by EatTheWeek at 10:31 PM on June 28, 2009

Very nice. Thank you.

Monticello is an amazing place. And of course Jefferson was an amazing man. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Monticello, don't skip it.
posted by trip and a half at 10:44 PM on June 28, 2009

Chicken Soup Boots is one of the best "children's" books ever. I received one myself from an amazing person, and subsequently bought a dozen or so more copies as gifts over the years.
posted by rokusan at 2:10 AM on June 29, 2009

I'm sure I've recommended this podcast before elsewhere in the Meta-verse, but if you have not already done so, get thee to The Thomas Jefferson Hour post-haste. Fantastic resource for all things TJ.
posted by the littlest brussels sprout at 4:41 AM on June 29, 2009

That totally convinced me to go visit Monticello.
posted by exogenous at 4:44 AM on June 29, 2009

Wonderful indeed. I visited Monticello as a kid, and I very much want to return.
posted by languagehat at 5:16 AM on June 29, 2009

Fantastic drawings. Very Matisse.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 7:17 AM on June 29, 2009

another "thank you" for the post.
posted by wittgenstein at 8:45 AM on June 29, 2009

I was just there last month. Thank you for posting this. Love it.
posted by photoslob at 11:04 AM on June 29, 2009

I visited Monticello for the first time a couple of years ago, and she captured my feelings about the experience far better than I could myself. Wonderful post!
posted by TedW at 12:15 PM on June 29, 2009

Ooh, she writes children's books too! I know exactly what I'm getting my little sister for her birthday ...
posted by Devika at 8:10 PM on June 29, 2009