As much as I read for enjoyment and relaxation today, there was a time in my life when I had none of that. Being back at Tulane reminds me of those days. Oh, you read...professional articles, texts, journals, and on and on. I was touched by how excited a student was this week when she shared that she was actually able to read a book for enjoyment. We commiserated a bit. I know what a feat that is when you are in graduate school.
She chuckled when I told her that I had "gone to bed with Picasso last night." I moved on from Picasso to Man Ray. As much as I enjoyed Mailer's Picasso, I fell in love with Neil Baldwin's Man Ray. Both excellent, but there seemed to be a huge humaness in Man Ray. I'm not a "left bank" girl, but I was ready to return to Montparnasse and pay an homage to Man Ray with a pilgrimage on my next trip to Paris. I pulled out my Eyewitness Paris Guide, Printemps Map, and made sure to write down all the addresses to keep so I have them after I return the book to Eric. This may be one I have to have!
Man Ray came alive for me. I felt a connection to him and his struggles throughout the book. As I came to the end of the biography, I discovered that Man Ray and I share birthdays. It's a small thing, but seemed to be confirmation of those feelings. Some day soon-More Man Ray!
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