i have been re-reading "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society", which has been so much fun the second time around.
mentioned in the book is a chapel made of broken pottery--which piqued my interest--
from wikipedia:
The Little Chapel is a small chapel in Saint Andrew, Guernsey, situated in Les Vauxbelets.[1][2] It was created in July, 1914, by Brother Déodat.[3] He planned to create a miniature version of the grotto and basilica at Lourdes, the Rosary Basilica.[4]
It is reminiscent of Lourdes, don't you think?
But read on about the building of the chapel----third time's a charm...!
It has been said that it "is the smallest functioning chapel in Europe, if not the world", and[5][6] it is "believed to be the world’s smallest consecrated church."[7][8]
History[edit]
The chapel was originally built by Brother Déodat in March 1914 (measuring 9 feet long by 4.5 feet wide). After taking criticism from other brothers Déodat demolished the chapel. He finished a second chapel in July 1914 (measuring 9 feet by 6 feet).[9] However, when the Bishop of Portsmouth visited in 1923, he could not fit through the door, so Déodat again demolished it. The third and current version of the chapel started soon after the last demolition, and measures 16 feet by 9 feet.[3][10] Déodat went to France in 1939 and died there, never having seen his chapel finished.[11]
this will give you an idea of just how small the chapel is:
the proportions and setting is beautiful
this much wall decor would drive me batty,
but i love the tribute to our Lady
and
the bishop's failed attempt to enter by the narrow door! haha
The second book is called, "Kicked, Bitten, and Scratched, Life and Lessons at the World's Premier School for Exotic Animal Trainers" by Amy Sutherland.
this interesting book does not sentimentalize animals, but is full of interesting insights such as:
'Cougars don't take offense at being corrected, but if you discipline a cheetah, Hilker say, "they are in an instant snit. They will close their eyes and go rigid...They are Miss Priss with high heels and a tutu on."'
i didn't read every sentence, but it was tremendous fun to browse through.
(..this is my caveat in case there is something truly offensive lurking therein that i didn't see...but give it a try!)
1 comment:
Oh the Guernsey book is one of the very very best, I would like to reread it too!
That chapel! How wonderful would it be to see it in person? Also impressive how determined he was to perfect it.
And the animal book!!! Sounds fascinating!!! And here I have always thought Cheetahs were the absolute most perfect pet ;-)
Post a Comment