Author: Stacy Horn

Ah, the unexpected perks for doing research! Yesterday I was at the Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary to search through a book, and afterwards I sat in their courtyard to watch the baby ducklings. As you can see, momma had her eye on me. Okay, I admit it, I was dying to pick one up, but I wouldn’t! I swear.

I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep. Masterpiece Theatre was on, some war movie set in WWI, and this dying guy tells the other soldier that to love and be loved is all that matters.

Right. Thanks a heap, Masterpiece Theatre. There are so so so so many movies and tv shows where the theme is “love is all that matters.” People like me are left looking at our cats asking, “Does this count?” At which point Bleecker jumped on my head, nearly putting out my eye, and Finney panicked, digging his claws into my chest trying to get away, but one of his claws got stuck in my tshirt so he’s Tasmanian Deviling-out on top of me while Bleeck is trying to bite his ear and I’m trying to disengage his claw.

Men are easier, right?

There was a tank parked behind the library the other day. People were invited to get on top and explore. It looked fun but I was tired from a day of librarying. Thinking is SO exhausting.

Damnit, damnit, damnit. I just read that Matt Shapoff died on May 19th. He was only 43 I see. He was just the sweetest, nicest soul. Once, totally out of the blue, he took a picture a friend had taken of me in college (Sandra Whaley) and reinterpreted the image using the cyanotype method which he loved so much. Then he just gave it to me as a present. He talks about his process here.

My condolences to his wife Cynthia Rybakoff, also a lovely person, and all his family and friends.

I’ve wanted to buy a Robert Indiana Love poster for the longest time. Yes, it’s a nostalgia thing but it makes me happy. It’s been an expensive month however. I’m looking at you Bleeck, who cost me hundreds in vet bills and you’re just fine. (Not complaining, really.)

Then a friend said, “Why don’t you just get the postcard.” Which I did. And, it makes me happy!

I’m heading back to the library today, to copy more annual reports about the institutions on Blackwell’s Islands. I’ve found all the copies I could get easily, and now I’m down to the ones that can only be found on microfilm.

I’m grateful the library has them, but holy mother of God I hate working with microfilm. It is SO TEDIOUS copying hundred of pages from microfilm not to mention very expensive.

Dread, dread, dread. I will be treating myself to a nice sandwich when I take a break.

Women from the organization, Women in Black Against War, in front of the main branch of the New York Public Library.