Monthly Archives: August 2025
Exploring the Fascinating Architecture of Stepwells
Step Well Pattern by Solitaire
In my Internet meanderings I came upon something I thought was extremely unusual and quite amazing. It was an ancient architectural marvel that served a very useful purpose and was visually outstanding – a Stepwell.
These structures are located in various parts of India and are water reservoirs created by digging deep into the ground and making use of natural layers in the earth to trap rainwater and groundwater. They are typically many levels deep (at least 25 meters or 82 feet) and can be reached by a series of stone steps.
The construction and use of stepwells went on for centuries under different dynasties. Stepwells provided people with a perennial water source in areas prone to arid climates and drought, such as Delhi and Rajasthan. The stepwells not only provided water for the people in the area, they had magnificent architecture featuring intricate carvings, and provided other social functions. There were often shaded pavilions where people could rest or gather to meet with friends and family.
They fell out of use under British rule in the 19th century. But today many have been excavated and used to divert and store excess rainwater, as well as to improve the groundwater table. They have become tourist attractions and social sites that provide employment and income for the locals. Today stepwells stand as testimony to the traditional knowledge of water systems, engineering, construction methods and craftsmanship of ancient times.
Solitaire
Poetry – Food for the Brain!
The variety of poetry out now is huge. But what is the point? Maybe you like poetry that rhymes, or just something that causes you to feel things that take you away from the daily grind and think deep thoughts. Put simply, poetry is a type of literature, or artistic writing, that attempts to stir a reader’s imagination or emotions. Language is arranged by the poet carefully for its meaning, sound, and rhythm.
But why is it good for your brain?
- Like listening to music, poetry triggers an emotional response. MRIs have shown that certain regions in the brain’s right hemisphere light up and are activated, linking reward and emotion.
- Poetry isn’t just about reading words, but it’s also about understanding the sounds, meanings, and emotions of them. When the brain connects all these things at one time, its function peaks and strengthens your overall mental health.
- Encouraging self-reflection and boosting memory is another reason poetry is beneficial. Studies have shown that MRIs display that poetry causes the part of the brain that activates during daydreaming to light up. The reader often re-reads and even memorizes the words. It can help improve a person’s memory making it more receptive to retention of other information as well.
Poetry is everywhere. So how do you get more poetry into your life?
Listen to music
Read greeting cards
Poetry Books (reading them out loud gives you extra brain engagement)
Many calendars have poems for each day
You might try writing your own poetry – just feel and write the words
Each time you read or listen to poetry it’s beneficial to your brain. It provides pleasure, offers wisdom, provides emotional expression, and can be a form of remembrance, consolation, and healing. In any case, you activate brain function, and your overall mental health will thank you!
Solitaire
Surviving the Scorching Summer Heat
Scorching summer heat is currently giving us record-breaking temperatures and intense heat waves across the globe. In Arizona we could probably cook on the sidewalks, as crazy as that sounds! Outdoor barbecue has taken on a whole new meaning! The kids are staying out of the sun in the middle of the day and limiting their outdoor activities to the mornings or late afternoons and evenings when the sun isn’t so intense or has disappeared beyond the horizon. Even my dogs don’t want to be outside for long.
As an author and digital artist, I am perfectly happy to be inside my office where I can be comfortable in the air conditioning with my ceiling fan whirring over my head to keep me cool. That’s the most productive atmosphere for me, and my favorite setting. If I want to see the outdoors I can just look out of the window next to my desk and pull back the curtains to let in the light, without having to deal with the heat.
If you work from home, adjust writing routines when necessary, by working during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings. Setting realistic goals and focusing on specific tasks like editing or mind mapping during peak heat hours can also be helpful. Writers may need to be especially mindful of channeling and shaping emotions in their work, recognizing the potential for heightened emotional responses during heatwaves. You can also try working from libraries or cafes to make your day more interesting.
Some writers find that the summer heat actually sparks their creativity. Ernest Hemingway embraced writing in the summer heat and his style flourished during these periods. He spent significant time in hot locations like Madrid, Spain and Key West, Florida.
If you’re in one of those excessively hot areas of the world, be kind to yourself and stay hydrated, comfortable, and safe from the effects of the hot sun. Many children are now heading back to school, which will keep them busy for a good part of the day. Stay indoors when you can and protect yourself if you do go outside with sunscreen, a hat or umbrella and wear loose, light clothing that will allow you to stay cool.
Being indoors gives us all a great opportunity to explore our world and other worlds through writing and reading!
Have a great summer!
Solitaire
Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 