The Purdzilla Show

'We live in a singular world, sir', said Mrs Sparsit. 'I have had the honour, by a coincidence of which I am proud, to have made a remark, similar in effect, though not so epigrammatically expressed.' Charles Dickens ( Hard Times - conversation between Mr Harthouse and Mrs Sparsit)

  Photo by Derek Lynn on Unsplash

T he fairy palaces burst into illumination, before pale morning showed the monstrous serpents of smoke trailing themselves over Coketown. A clattering of clogs upon the pavement; a rapid ringing of bells; and all the melancholy mad elephants, polished and oiled up for the day's monotomy, were at there heavy exercise again. Charles Dickens ( Hard Times )

  Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash

I would like an abundance of peace. I would like full vessels of charity. I would like rich treasures of mercy. I would like cheerfulness to preside over all. St. Brigid of Ireland (c.451-525)

Photo by Kajetan Sumila on Unsplash T he snowflakes were sifting thickly down through a cone of blue light over the doorway to the public baths, and a deep, fluffy white carpet lay on the sidewalk, glittering as though sprinkled with tiny diamonds. Josef Skvorecky (in The Swell Season )