Kumari of Kathmandu
The Kumari's temple in Kathamandu. She appeared in the top right-side window.
The Kumari’s temple in Kathmandu, Nepal is one of the favorite places I’ve visited, probably because while I was standing in the courtyard the young, kohl-eyed Kumari herself—as described in Encyclopedia of the Exquisite—appeared in the temple window like a scowling, red-lipped Lolita.
Today, as I’m a bit antsy and would rather travel than work at the moment, I revisited Kathmandu, thanks to an amazing website which I go to often. (Too often.) If you haven’t taken the opportunity to check out the 360 degree extravagance available via UNESCO’s world heritage sites online, you should!
This link takes you to the Kumari’s temple courtyard, with its amazing carved wooden facade. The Tibetan mountain passes are spectacular, as is almost everything else. (Here’s a link to the global selection…)
I discovered Encyclopedia of the Exquisite today in Border’s bookstore. The perfect book always seems to find a way to call out to me. Just last night my colored pencils were scribbling up a mind map trying to discover the voice I want for a fantasy story I’m working on. A spidery thing with mythic, whimsical, romantic, fabulous, and surreal branches–well yeah, duh, it’s fantasy, but I needed to work through it.
An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights: the subtitle certainly caught my fancy. Exquisite, Elegant, and Delight hadn’t made it into my mind map. I had barely cracked the book, standing there in the isle, when two entries launched me back into my story, filling my head with ideas.
I think I’ve found my muse. I’m also bookmarking your blog.
Dear CK,
How exciting! I’m glad that you & the book found one another. While I was writing it I always hoped that it could provide a little inspiration for someone somewhere, somehow.
Sounds like you’re having a spring rush of creativity. Good luck with your mind-mapping and fantasy weaving!
All best wishes,
Jessica