blazingworld.com

In 1666, in the epilogue to The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing World, Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle, issued a challenge to her readers:

And if any should like the world I have made, and be willing to be my subjects, they may imagine themselves such, and they are such—I mean in their minds, fancies or imaginations. But if they cannot endure to be subjects, they may create worlds of their own and govern themselves as they please.

So here is mine. You can get an idea of what's here by hitting the table of contents. And there's almost always something bizarre happening in the Duchess's.

recently

11/19/2007
The latest addition to our family arrives, David Tobias Ballard. He was 8 pounds 1 ounce and 20 inches long. His monthly photos are coming soon!
12/15/2005
Rachel Lynn Ballard was born today, a healthy and wonderful baby. She weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and is 19 inches long. It is amazing how much joy she has already brought us.
11/27/2005
I think we are finally ready for our little girl's arrival, thanks to Jeanna, who painted the most awesome mural on her wall, and to Zee, who washed one million loads of baby clothes and paraphernalia. For comparison purposes, you can see her current and future rooms.
10/28/2005
We lose a great friend. Jay's stepfather, Ernie Custer, passed away today from cancer. We miss you, Ernie.
10/15/2005
Hockey's back!!!

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TO THE DUCHESSE OF NEWCASTLE, ON HER New Blazing World. Our Elder World, with all their Skill and Arts; Could but divide the World into three Parts: Columbus then for Navigation fam'd, Found a new World, America 'tis nam'd: Now this new World was found, it was not made, Onely discovered, lying in Times shade. Then what are You, having no Chaos found To make a World, or any such least ground? But your creating Fancy, thought it fit To make your World of Nothing, but pure Wit. Your Blazing-world, beyond the Stars mounts higher, Enlightens all with a Cœlestial Fier. William Newcastle.

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