Saturday, May 30, 2009

i married adventure

I hope one day I can say that about my life.

Summer reading is here. This year my plan is to work through what I own that I haven't read, which it quite a bit. I have the best of intentions when I purchase books, which isn't often because I prefer the library. But it takes me so long to finish books that I usually run out of library renewals. So then I buy a few books. . . it's a cycle. It would help if I could keep myself to reading one book at a time. That hasn't worked since high school/college. I'm technically still reading a book about Roe v. Wade that I started in college. . . 15 years ago. I read a few pages each year. It's interesting enough. I just can't seem to finish it.

I'm starting this summer with I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson. Memoir, which I enjoy. When I opened it up last Monday, I found a bookmark at Chapter 6. Chapters 1-5 don't ring any bells, so I suspect I really wasn't into this book when I tried reading it a few years ago. It's an early 1900s story about Osa and Martin from the Midwest who meet, re-meet, marry and travel throughout Africa and the South Pacific. Martin is a self-taught photographer. Not sure at this point who Osa is outside of Martin's wife, travel companion and equipment carrier. Well, I guess I do know she's a gifted writer.

This week I tested reading for a half hour right when I came home from work, while I'm eating dinner. Seemed to work well. I stayed awake and read for the full time. Reading before bed is usually not as productive for me. And this time around, the story is holding my attention to the point that I look forward to getting back to it on my way home from work.

This is over 400 pages. It might be the only book this summer. Especially since Brooklyn, a novel I read about recently in O, has just made it to circulation in the state library system and I think I'm next in line for the copy I requested. . .

5 comments:

  1. Just thought you might want to know that Martin and Osa Johnson are the namesake and inspiration for the Martin + Osa clothing brand and chain for stores. See www.martinandosa.com.
    For more information about the Johnsons please visit our website www.safarimuseum.com.
    Best wishes,
    Conrad Froehlich
    Director
    Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum

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  2. I knew this! We have a Martin + Osa at the Mall of America in Bloomington, or, Mauled by America. However you want to look at it. I wonder how they would have felt about a retail clothing chain being named after them?

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  3. I love summer reading...I have Hawaii by Michner and Bless the Beasts and Children to read for the summer... plus whatever the book group decides is next up! My goal is 9 of something... School isn't even out yet...so I have a head start! Hawaii isn't doing it for me...I hope I can get thru it!

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  4. Osa Johnson had her own line of clothing, gloves, and jewerly. In 1939 she was named one of America's 12 best dressed women.
    Also, Martin and Osa Johnson used funds from product endorsements to help support their documentary film expeditions. Then as today it is a challenge to fund this important work.
    Yes, the Johnsons would have approved.
    The museum's relationship with American Eagle Outfitters helps support the museum's educational mission, perserve the Johnsons' films and photographs, and continue their legacy.
    Conrad Froehlich
    Director
    Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum

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  5. Great to see you yesterday, but I was busy with quilty talk and didn't get to chat. Bummer.

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