As some of you may know I am a pretty big history buff. I have been reading historical novels ever since I was a wee tot. I remember being no bigger than a bean sprout, when I would walk into the town library to check out a book almost as big as I was. I wouldn't always finish it, but it excited me just to have it. I am particularly fascinated by women in history. So, you'll usually find me learning about different events that have taken place through various female perspectives. I usually get bored if there are too many men involved, so reading about their wives, mothers or sisters is a great way for me to learn about certain events that have taken place in our nation's history. There was a period of time when I became so involved, I told everyone I wanted to be the President of the United States when I grew up. I remembered the President's inaugural address and recited it to anyone who asked. 
I am currently about to start reading a novel about our fourth First Lady, Dolley Madison called "A Perfect Union: Dolley Madion and the Creation of the American Nation" by Catherine Allgor. She is one of the few First Ladies I remember hearing anything about in early history classes. When reading about the birth of our nation her name would inevitably be dropped as the heroine who infamously saved the Washington portrait when the White House burned in the Battle of 1812. She is typically painted as a charismatic, boisterous lady who could run with the big dogs. Before beginning a book I always take a minute to search through the pages of pictures that usually lie in the somewhere near the center. I love seeing what people looked like before I start reading their stories. As I was looking through the pictures that exist of Dolley's life I was shocked to see that a few actual dauguerreotypes exist of her. This may not seem like a big deal, or a surprise to you, but I was so excited. I have only seen painted portraits of her, so in a way she has always seemed rather imaginary. It was so neat to see an image of what she really looked like.
I'm excited to start reading this book. I don't have a lot of time at the moment for recreational reading, but I'll get through it slowly as the semester rolls along. It's nice to have a distraction from my sometimes daunting studies. This brings me to my question for the day: Are you reading anything now? Bloggy Friend Gary is, I'm sure. Any one else? What are you reading? What do you typically like to read? or do you despise it? Im interested!
Below I scanned a few of the dauguerreotypes I told you about. I'm not sure if you are a big fan of history, but maybe it will strike a cord of fascination within you like it did for me.
Have a great night. Do something that sends a chill of excitement down your spine!
Love, Josh
P.S. The above picture of me was from third grade (1988). Don't let that sweet smile fool ya, this was the first year I received my first (and only) paddling for starting a food fight in the cafeteria. It was also the year my little sister, Alexandra was born.
Credits:
Picture 1: Dolley Madison (R) and her neice Annie Payne Cutts. Matthew Brady 1948
Picture 2: "The Last of the Founders." Matthew Brady
