Wednesday, December 31, 2008
First post of 2009 (Well, it is Eastern Time Down Here)
And, I love this woman's hair cut. I have an appointment on Friday - wonder if I would dare have it cut this short!
New Year's Eve
According to my clock, it's only 26 minutes until 2009 and I for one will bid a relieved adieu to 2008.
It was not a bad year until November 5 after which I had a brief melt down and deleted my long time blog, Knitstory (some of you may fondly remember), and a newer one called Bookrage. I regretted doing so almost immediately only because Knitstory contained a list of all the books I'd read or listened to on audio for the entire year. I've since tried to remember them and reconstruct the list but alas, my brain being what it is (Swiss cheese), that's not going so well.
This is going to be a good year, one in which I read more books, quilt more quilts, and turn over a new leaf where my eating habits are concerned. I'm making a concious effort to eat more whole foods, more organic foods (although not exclusively because of the expense), exercise more (will buy that bike rack to make hauling the bike around easier and therefore more likely to be used), and be a more upbeat, positive person. Negative thoughts are toxic.
One bright spot in 2008 was my discovery of Althouse, the blog of law professor Ann Althouse. Her posts are always interesting but the commenters are extraordinary. Once in a while I get up the nerve to post something comparatively inane. I recommend a visit.
It's getting closer and I feel the need for a cup of tea, one of my favorite escapist movies listed below:
1. Local Hero
2. Crossing Delancy
3. I Know Where I'm Going
...and read some of my book, Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
....and work on those 2009 resolutions.
Plus, this book has really got my attention, and it's what got me thinking about my diet and how it could be vastly improved. So tomorrow I plan to visit Whole Foods and find some of the exotic stuff he talks about in there: acai and quinoa and almonds. I know technically almonds are not exotic but in this house they are.
So Happy New Year, I'm going back over to Althouse where they're having a live blogging (ha, first I typed "love" blogging - is that a 21st century "love in"?) until the water boils for my tea.
Hope you all have a safe and happy New YEar!
It was not a bad year until November 5 after which I had a brief melt down and deleted my long time blog, Knitstory (some of you may fondly remember), and a newer one called Bookrage. I regretted doing so almost immediately only because Knitstory contained a list of all the books I'd read or listened to on audio for the entire year. I've since tried to remember them and reconstruct the list but alas, my brain being what it is (Swiss cheese), that's not going so well.
This is going to be a good year, one in which I read more books, quilt more quilts, and turn over a new leaf where my eating habits are concerned. I'm making a concious effort to eat more whole foods, more organic foods (although not exclusively because of the expense), exercise more (will buy that bike rack to make hauling the bike around easier and therefore more likely to be used), and be a more upbeat, positive person. Negative thoughts are toxic.
One bright spot in 2008 was my discovery of Althouse, the blog of law professor Ann Althouse. Her posts are always interesting but the commenters are extraordinary. Once in a while I get up the nerve to post something comparatively inane. I recommend a visit.
It's getting closer and I feel the need for a cup of tea, one of my favorite escapist movies listed below:
1. Local Hero
2. Crossing Delancy
3. I Know Where I'm Going
...and read some of my book, Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
....and work on those 2009 resolutions.
Plus, this book has really got my attention, and it's what got me thinking about my diet and how it could be vastly improved. So tomorrow I plan to visit Whole Foods and find some of the exotic stuff he talks about in there: acai and quinoa and almonds. I know technically almonds are not exotic but in this house they are.
So Happy New Year, I'm going back over to Althouse where they're having a live blogging (ha, first I typed "love" blogging - is that a 21st century "love in"?) until the water boils for my tea.
Hope you all have a safe and happy New YEar!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: The Best
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: The Best
I don't know about being the best, but I continuously try to improve my performance in my profession and my job knowledge. There is always something new to learn, to stay on top of things in an ever changing world. I also work at improving my relationships with others, coworkers and family, especially my daughters. Making the effort to improve is more important that getting to "the best."
I don't know about being the best, but I continuously try to improve my performance in my profession and my job knowledge. There is always something new to learn, to stay on top of things in an ever changing world. I also work at improving my relationships with others, coworkers and family, especially my daughters. Making the effort to improve is more important that getting to "the best."
Outreach
My library participates in a program for seniors where we present a weekly book review. It's a wonderful way to reach out to a somewhat neglected portion of the community - our elders. Basically anything-goes - presenters can talk about anything that interests them, and the class attendees are very receptive and curious.
I'm the coordinator for this program. I recruit (or try to) my collegues to take an hour of one day to discuss a book or an author they love to a wonderful group of senior citizens. Although I balk at that term: many of them are not much older than I am!
Next week I am the first presentor and I will be talking about books by Jhumpa Lahiri and Anne Munro, two writers in which I see similarities. Their prose is very clean and restrained, something I appreciate in writing. Too many authors I find over-write - they show off with cute metaphors that make their writing self-concious.
Both of them have a gift for turning the simplest things in life into something profound and universal: questions about the choices we make, relationships, love, marriage, culture. They have an ability to illuminate the essential things of life beautifully, clearly and concisely. It's miraculous when that happens.
My Book Shelves
My bookshelves are an ever changing landscape of old and new. Yesterday I checked out A History of Israel by John Bright, published originally in 1959. I can't even remember how I learned about this book but somewhere it was recommended to me. It's available on Amazon for $15.00 and i may have to buy it. It is extremely detailed and deep, more of a reference book or something I will have to read in pieces.
Also, I chanced upon The Making of a Story : A Norton Guide to Creative Writing by Alice LaPlante which looks interesting. I admire the short story form, that ability to hone an idea down to essentials. It's one reason I love Alice Munro: her writing does just that. I've grown tired of some writers that I used to love because they have become so impressed with their ability to make the simple more complicated.
Reading Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth will satisfy both my book discussion commitment and one of the Notable Books challenges.
I'm the coordinator for this program. I recruit (or try to) my collegues to take an hour of one day to discuss a book or an author they love to a wonderful group of senior citizens. Although I balk at that term: many of them are not much older than I am!
Next week I am the first presentor and I will be talking about books by Jhumpa Lahiri and Anne Munro, two writers in which I see similarities. Their prose is very clean and restrained, something I appreciate in writing. Too many authors I find over-write - they show off with cute metaphors that make their writing self-concious.
Both of them have a gift for turning the simplest things in life into something profound and universal: questions about the choices we make, relationships, love, marriage, culture. They have an ability to illuminate the essential things of life beautifully, clearly and concisely. It's miraculous when that happens.
My Book Shelves
My bookshelves are an ever changing landscape of old and new. Yesterday I checked out A History of Israel by John Bright, published originally in 1959. I can't even remember how I learned about this book but somewhere it was recommended to me. It's available on Amazon for $15.00 and i may have to buy it. It is extremely detailed and deep, more of a reference book or something I will have to read in pieces.
Also, I chanced upon The Making of a Story : A Norton Guide to Creative Writing by Alice LaPlante which looks interesting. I admire the short story form, that ability to hone an idea down to essentials. It's one reason I love Alice Munro: her writing does just that. I've grown tired of some writers that I used to love because they have become so impressed with their ability to make the simple more complicated.
Reading Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth will satisfy both my book discussion commitment and one of the Notable Books challenges.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Transsiberian
Transsiberian starring Emily Mortimer, Woody Harrelson, and Ben Kingsley.
This one completely eluded me this year. I had not even heard of it until I was poking around on Amazon's Video on Demand last night for a last minute diversion. Just couldn't face the end of the long weekend.
It's also available for FREE (which I found out too late) from Netflix's Watch Instantly feature, if you get that.
It's very Hitchcock - Jessie and Roy, travelling to Moscow on the Transsiberian Railroad meet Abby and Carlos. Jessie (Emily Mortimer) becomes suspicious of the other couple for various reasons. Roy, distracted by the excitement of the trip and the trains, is distracted. He's also a bit naive. A chain of events lead to a dangerous situation. Is that vague enough? I don't want to give away one minute of this film, it's that good: very well paced and the performances are excellent. Where has this movie been?
Having been burned way too many times in recent weeks, I checked Rotten Tomatoes where it got a 7.1 out of 10 rating. It's a good way to spend a couple of hours.
Emily Mortimer is becoming one of my favorite actresses. I loved her in
Lars and the Real Girl and another independent film, Dear Frankie. I think she's just terrific, and always gives a solid performance. She has a great quality about her - a little fragile, but steely underneath, if that makes sense. She's pretty without being fanatically beautiful.
Transsiberian was refreshing after subjecting myself to The Strangers, Eastern Promises, and Death Sentence (I'm not even going to bother linking to them).
ARGH. Got to get myself motivated to get dressed for work!
This one completely eluded me this year. I had not even heard of it until I was poking around on Amazon's Video on Demand last night for a last minute diversion. Just couldn't face the end of the long weekend.
It's also available for FREE (which I found out too late) from Netflix's Watch Instantly feature, if you get that.
It's very Hitchcock - Jessie and Roy, travelling to Moscow on the Transsiberian Railroad meet Abby and Carlos. Jessie (Emily Mortimer) becomes suspicious of the other couple for various reasons. Roy, distracted by the excitement of the trip and the trains, is distracted. He's also a bit naive. A chain of events lead to a dangerous situation. Is that vague enough? I don't want to give away one minute of this film, it's that good: very well paced and the performances are excellent. Where has this movie been?
Having been burned way too many times in recent weeks, I checked Rotten Tomatoes where it got a 7.1 out of 10 rating. It's a good way to spend a couple of hours.
Emily Mortimer is becoming one of my favorite actresses. I loved her in
Lars and the Real Girl and another independent film, Dear Frankie. I think she's just terrific, and always gives a solid performance. She has a great quality about her - a little fragile, but steely underneath, if that makes sense. She's pretty without being fanatically beautiful.
Transsiberian was refreshing after subjecting myself to The Strangers, Eastern Promises, and Death Sentence (I'm not even going to bother linking to them).
ARGH. Got to get myself motivated to get dressed for work!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Yesterday
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Yesterday Describe the best moment of your day yesterday. Focus on any or all of your five senses in your description.
Lunch with one side of the family, dinner with the other. Lots of laughing, eating and talking. No presents, just good company, reminiscing, looking at old snapshots. The best gift of all, good company, good food, good laughs.
Lunch with one side of the family, dinner with the other. Lots of laughing, eating and talking. No presents, just good company, reminiscing, looking at old snapshots. The best gift of all, good company, good food, good laughs.
The Cemetary on Christmas Day
...is pretty much like the cemetery on any other day. At this cemetary, huge cedars stand like monuments themselves. The effect is awe-inspiring, the man made tombstones beneath the huge trees.
I can't remember who this lady is but I was startled to turn the corner and come face to face with her. She looks pretty harmless, though.
These don't measure up to the eerie photos on Althouse
which is yet another reason I am saving hard for one of these.
I can't remember who this lady is but I was startled to turn the corner and come face to face with her. She looks pretty harmless, though.
These don't measure up to the eerie photos on Althouse
which is yet another reason I am saving hard for one of these.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Toy
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Toy
I had an incredibly detailed nursery, complete with babies, bassinettes, and a nurse. My uncle bought it for me - it was displayed at his grocery store where he often took me to "help" when i was very young. It was so detailed and realistic. Of course I loved my Tiny Tears and Gerber babies to death. I was a real girlie girl, I suppose; I loved my dolls.
I had an incredibly detailed nursery, complete with babies, bassinettes, and a nurse. My uncle bought it for me - it was displayed at his grocery store where he often took me to "help" when i was very young. It was so detailed and realistic. Of course I loved my Tiny Tears and Gerber babies to death. I was a real girlie girl, I suppose; I loved my dolls.
Photography
I don't quite understand This site, HarphamPix, but found a friend of mine there and decided to post some photos - when I figure it out. Other members can have permission from you to critique your phots, to download and enhance them, then re-upload them. Could be interesting! I love photography and used to be pretty good, back in the day of manual, film cameras. I had a Minolta with a telephoto lens, which I loved. Now, digital SLR cameras are so darned expensive, I have to make do with the best digital point and shoot I can afford: Canon Powershot S5 IS. Still, I've take some pretty good photographs with it: 
Favorites
One of my favorite blogs is Seraphic Secret where today he challenges his readers and lurkers to name their twenty favorite actresses. So here goes, in no particular order, just as I think of them, and the movies I loved them in. This may take a couple of days:
1. Joanne Woodward. Not only was she married to the fabulous Paul Newman for - what, 40 years? - but she was originally from Georgia. She had her own unique beauty, if that's important - but most all, she is such a fine, distinctive actor. I loved her in Three Faces of Eve and in Philadelphia. And her voice is beautiful.
2. Audrey Hepburn. My favorite Audrey movies are Nun's Story, Children's Hour, My Fair Lady. I did not care too much for her early films. As a person with tremendous beauty, style and most of all, class, she cannot be matched.
3. Ingrid Bergman. I once saw her interviewed by Phil Donahue not long before she died of breast cancer. He pressed her for more information on her relationship with Roberto Rossolini. She said, "I don't think I want to talk about that with you." Most celebrities today relish the opportunity to bare all but she, like Audrey Hepburn and Joanne Woodward, had to much character and self respect to discuss personal issues at that level. Beauty, brains, talent, class. Do you see a pattern here? My favorite Bergman film: Notorious with (sigh) Cary Grant. Unbeatable.
4. Judi Densch - saw her in Notes on a Scandel and Iris - fabulous.
5. Anne Bancroft - The Graduate, Miracle Worker. Smoldering, intelligent.
6. Maggie Smith - in every film she is fascinating. Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Gosford Park
7. Julie Harris - The Haunting, among others. Saw her live in The Belle of Amhurst. She seems fragile to me, and haunting.
8. Claire Bloom - she is so cool and serene. Charlie.
9. Thelma Ritter - the best second banana ever, everybody's reliable best friend. Often supporting Doris Day but remember her in Rear Window?
10. Doris Day - The Queen, we call her at home. Maybe one of the most underestimated talents ever. All of her movies with Rock Hudson and one with Jams Garner, I forget the names, but also Midnight Lace with Rex Harrson and Love Me or Leave Me with James Cagney. She also made a fun movie with Brian Keith called With Six You Get Eggroll.
11. Loretta Young - so versatile, so beautiful. Her TV show really showcased her versatility. Come To The Stable, The Stranger, The Bishop's Wife. My Gosh, those cheekbones!
12. Bette Davis - the ultimate bitch but you gotta love her. The Little Foxes.
13. Cate Blanchett - the Elizabeth movies, Notes on a Scandal, Paradise Road, the Aviator, Lord of the Rings, Talented Mr. Ripley
14. Laura Linney - always a good solid performance, in my mind. Squid and the Whale, You Can Count on Me, Mystic River
15. VAnessa Redgrave - hate her politics but she is always interesting to watch. Julia, HOward's End
16. Irene Dunne - so very funny. Remember My Favorite Wife with Cary Grant?
17. Myrna Loy - also funny, and smart. Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer, Nick & Nora movies
18. Elizabeth Taylor - what can you say? Giant, Suddenly Last Summer
19. Diane Keaton - she's a mess and flakey but I love her. Annie Hall, Murder in Manhatten
20. Hayley Mills - when I was a kid, I wanted to *be* Hayley Mills. I saw Parent Trap, and came home crying because I wanted to BE her so much. I still think she's great. Parent Trap, Flame Trees of Thika, Moon-spinners, Chalk Garden
21. Had to add Deborah Kerr. Now there's class, beauty and Talent! Chalk Garden, From Here to Eternity, King and I, and on and on and on.
What fun. I'm sure I could come up with 20 more!
1. Joanne Woodward. Not only was she married to the fabulous Paul Newman for - what, 40 years? - but she was originally from Georgia. She had her own unique beauty, if that's important - but most all, she is such a fine, distinctive actor. I loved her in Three Faces of Eve and in Philadelphia. And her voice is beautiful.
2. Audrey Hepburn. My favorite Audrey movies are Nun's Story, Children's Hour, My Fair Lady. I did not care too much for her early films. As a person with tremendous beauty, style and most of all, class, she cannot be matched.
3. Ingrid Bergman. I once saw her interviewed by Phil Donahue not long before she died of breast cancer. He pressed her for more information on her relationship with Roberto Rossolini. She said, "I don't think I want to talk about that with you." Most celebrities today relish the opportunity to bare all but she, like Audrey Hepburn and Joanne Woodward, had to much character and self respect to discuss personal issues at that level. Beauty, brains, talent, class. Do you see a pattern here? My favorite Bergman film: Notorious with (sigh) Cary Grant. Unbeatable.
4. Judi Densch - saw her in Notes on a Scandel and Iris - fabulous.
5. Anne Bancroft - The Graduate, Miracle Worker. Smoldering, intelligent.
6. Maggie Smith - in every film she is fascinating. Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Gosford Park
7. Julie Harris - The Haunting, among others. Saw her live in The Belle of Amhurst. She seems fragile to me, and haunting.
8. Claire Bloom - she is so cool and serene. Charlie.
9. Thelma Ritter - the best second banana ever, everybody's reliable best friend. Often supporting Doris Day but remember her in Rear Window?
10. Doris Day - The Queen, we call her at home. Maybe one of the most underestimated talents ever. All of her movies with Rock Hudson and one with Jams Garner, I forget the names, but also Midnight Lace with Rex Harrson and Love Me or Leave Me with James Cagney. She also made a fun movie with Brian Keith called With Six You Get Eggroll.
11. Loretta Young - so versatile, so beautiful. Her TV show really showcased her versatility. Come To The Stable, The Stranger, The Bishop's Wife. My Gosh, those cheekbones!
12. Bette Davis - the ultimate bitch but you gotta love her. The Little Foxes.
13. Cate Blanchett - the Elizabeth movies, Notes on a Scandal, Paradise Road, the Aviator, Lord of the Rings, Talented Mr. Ripley
14. Laura Linney - always a good solid performance, in my mind. Squid and the Whale, You Can Count on Me, Mystic River
15. VAnessa Redgrave - hate her politics but she is always interesting to watch. Julia, HOward's End
16. Irene Dunne - so very funny. Remember My Favorite Wife with Cary Grant?
17. Myrna Loy - also funny, and smart. Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer, Nick & Nora movies
18. Elizabeth Taylor - what can you say? Giant, Suddenly Last Summer
19. Diane Keaton - she's a mess and flakey but I love her. Annie Hall, Murder in Manhatten
20. Hayley Mills - when I was a kid, I wanted to *be* Hayley Mills. I saw Parent Trap, and came home crying because I wanted to BE her so much. I still think she's great. Parent Trap, Flame Trees of Thika, Moon-spinners, Chalk Garden
21. Had to add Deborah Kerr. Now there's class, beauty and Talent! Chalk Garden, From Here to Eternity, King and I, and on and on and on.
What fun. I'm sure I could come up with 20 more!
Lucy's Kitchen Notebook: A French Wedding
Lucy's Kitchen Notebook: A French Wedding: Check out this utterly charming story of a wedding. I especially love the picture of the grandmere et bebe! (hope I got that right!)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Seasonal
It's been very hard to blog lately because of a multitude of seasonal distractions. We don't celebrate Christmas but everybody else does and as hard as I try, I can't keep myself from getting caught up in the madness. This year I made home baked bread and some little steno notepad covers which turned out pretty good, good enough anyway. No expense really, I just used what I had on hand - and I have plenty of fabric. MAjor cost were the pads themselves, $.97 at WalMart.
I'm so into The Likeness by Tana French (audio) that I can't really concentrate on anything else. I've tried and tried to read When Will There Be Good News? by Kate ATkinson but just cannot.
My knitting is sitting there giving me baleful looks yet I cannot concentrate on anything more difficult than knit and purl. Tried knitting a scarf and got it screwed up on the first row so I quit for now.
The best thing that's happened lately is my DD#2 and I had a little outing where we went to the mall -- crazy I know but it was oddly calm for the weekend before Christmas. Land's End at Sears had everything 40% off yet no one was buying. Hmm.
We had lunch at Schlotsky's, hadn't had one of their fabulous hot sandwiches in forever. It was great. Seemed to cheer her up - she's been a little blue lately. Seasonal Affective Disorder maybe? I don't want to see her fall into that awful anxiety thing that I've lived with for my entire life, being told "it's just YOU."
Now I've fooled around so long I have to get dressed for work, really cramps my style.
Not even time to post a picture. Well, maybe one:
I'm so into The Likeness by Tana French (audio) that I can't really concentrate on anything else. I've tried and tried to read When Will There Be Good News? by Kate ATkinson but just cannot.
My knitting is sitting there giving me baleful looks yet I cannot concentrate on anything more difficult than knit and purl. Tried knitting a scarf and got it screwed up on the first row so I quit for now.
The best thing that's happened lately is my DD#2 and I had a little outing where we went to the mall -- crazy I know but it was oddly calm for the weekend before Christmas. Land's End at Sears had everything 40% off yet no one was buying. Hmm.
We had lunch at Schlotsky's, hadn't had one of their fabulous hot sandwiches in forever. It was great. Seemed to cheer her up - she's been a little blue lately. Seasonal Affective Disorder maybe? I don't want to see her fall into that awful anxiety thing that I've lived with for my entire life, being told "it's just YOU."
Now I've fooled around so long I have to get dressed for work, really cramps my style.
Not even time to post a picture. Well, maybe one:
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Reality TV
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Reality TV
Would you ever be a cast member or contestant in a reality television show?
I could actually answer this in two words: Heavens No. Why? Because I think it's apalling how people are so willing to expose their private lives ot millions of people. So often these programs degenerate into phony dramas that are just embarrassing and silly.
Speaking of embarrassing and silly...
Would you ever be a cast member or contestant in a reality television show?
I could actually answer this in two words: Heavens No. Why? Because I think it's apalling how people are so willing to expose their private lives ot millions of people. So often these programs degenerate into phony dramas that are just embarrassing and silly.
Speaking of embarrassing and silly...
Distracted
This week is dragging by and I'm very distracted by various goings on. Somehow when I get home I just collapse. Last night I managed to get some sewing done on a few gifts I've been making but that's about it. I pick up a book and I immediately am unconcious.
Still, I'm able to listen to an audiobook on the way to work:
The Likeness by Tana French. The narrator is Heather O'Neill and she is superb.
The book I'm reading (or trying to read) is one of the NYT 100 Notable Books of 2008, When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson. If I could remain concious for 5 minutes at a time, I might actually get into it.
I'm tempted by so many of the hundreds of reading challenges around the Internet but I think I'll stick to one of my own, which is to read a book a week. I love to read about the challenges, and pick titles from them that I'd like to read but I when I start to feel pressure to read certain things, it takes the enjoyment out of it for me. I like for my reading choices to be more spontaneous. I'm notorious for auditioning five or ten books at a time, making lists of books to read in the future, trolling the library shelves for something that catches my eye (I've found some fantastic books that way).
Having said that, I think I'll be guided by the Notable Books challenge but that's the only one (she said, fingers crossed).
I accidentally deleted the list of all the books I read last year which greatly upsets me - stupid, stupid, stupid. I've been trying to recreate it but that will take a long time. What a dumb thing to do.
Still, I'm able to listen to an audiobook on the way to work:
The Likeness by Tana French. The narrator is Heather O'Neill and she is superb.
The book I'm reading (or trying to read) is one of the NYT 100 Notable Books of 2008, When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson. If I could remain concious for 5 minutes at a time, I might actually get into it.
I'm tempted by so many of the hundreds of reading challenges around the Internet but I think I'll stick to one of my own, which is to read a book a week. I love to read about the challenges, and pick titles from them that I'd like to read but I when I start to feel pressure to read certain things, it takes the enjoyment out of it for me. I like for my reading choices to be more spontaneous. I'm notorious for auditioning five or ten books at a time, making lists of books to read in the future, trolling the library shelves for something that catches my eye (I've found some fantastic books that way).
Having said that, I think I'll be guided by the Notable Books challenge but that's the only one (she said, fingers crossed).
I accidentally deleted the list of all the books I read last year which greatly upsets me - stupid, stupid, stupid. I've been trying to recreate it but that will take a long time. What a dumb thing to do.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Nuts
The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Nuts
I am a creature of habit. I am addicted to Moose Tracks ice cream. I must have a cup of coffee when I come home from work regardless of the time. I am pathologically averse to calling attention to myself. I worry constantly. Is this crazy or just anal retentive/OCD? Should I be worried.....
I am a creature of habit. I am addicted to Moose Tracks ice cream. I must have a cup of coffee when I come home from work regardless of the time. I am pathologically averse to calling attention to myself. I worry constantly. Is this crazy or just anal retentive/OCD? Should I be worried.....
Saturday, December 13, 2008
One Minute Writer: Do Over
The One Minute Writer
If I had a "do over' button: I would have done things differently when my mom had Alzheimer's. I would have visited more often, I would have spent much more time with her. I would have quit my job and taken care of her. I would have told her I loved her more often. I would have hugged her. I would have sat with her andheld her hand. I would have tried to show her I loved her more. I have many, many regrets about that time.
If I had a "do over' button: I would have done things differently when my mom had Alzheimer's. I would have visited more often, I would have spent much more time with her. I would have quit my job and taken care of her. I would have told her I loved her more often. I would have hugged her. I would have sat with her andheld her hand. I would have tried to show her I loved her more. I have many, many regrets about that time.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Out of the Loop
We've been without the Internet for about 48 hours. AT&T finally sent a technician today to fix the thing but we had somehow locked our modem and couldn't figure out the password. AT&T was kind enough to replace our modem without billing us so we are back online. Funny how lost you feel without this thing these days.
I'm not even going to try & get caught up with the One Minute Writer, I'll start all that over tomorrow.
What I'm reading now: When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson. I read her earlier work, Case Histories and loved it and so far, her latest has already pulled me in. Atkinson's books all make you wonder from the beginning, How does this all add up?
I'm also listening to The Likeness by Tana French. The narration is very well done, and I'm loving the Irish accent.
It's nice to be back online. I have to admit, I did miss the Internets.
I'm not even going to try & get caught up with the One Minute Writer, I'll start all that over tomorrow.
What I'm reading now: When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson. I read her earlier work, Case Histories and loved it and so far, her latest has already pulled me in. Atkinson's books all make you wonder from the beginning, How does this all add up?
I'm also listening to The Likeness by Tana French. The narration is very well done, and I'm loving the Irish accent.
It's nice to be back online. I have to admit, I did miss the Internets.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
One Minute Writer: Online
The One Minute Writer
I started blogging a few years about about my hobbies & signed onto the Quilt STudio, where quilters discuss their projects. I "met" a group of women with common interests and over a year or two of blogging, was amazed at how close we all seemed. We shared our lives online, all these women who were close in age to me.
to finish:
and had similar interests and to a degree, similar lives. I felt that I came to know all of them in many ways. When disappointments and bad times came along, we supported each other. I finally did meet one fellow quilter during the Thanksgiving holidays, and it was just great. Interestingly, she was just as I imagined: happy, outgoing, friendly, open.
I started blogging a few years about about my hobbies & signed onto the Quilt STudio, where quilters discuss their projects. I "met" a group of women with common interests and over a year or two of blogging, was amazed at how close we all seemed. We shared our lives online, all these women who were close in age to me.
to finish:
and had similar interests and to a degree, similar lives. I felt that I came to know all of them in many ways. When disappointments and bad times came along, we supported each other. I finally did meet one fellow quilter during the Thanksgiving holidays, and it was just great. Interestingly, she was just as I imagined: happy, outgoing, friendly, open.
Monday, December 8, 2008
New York Times Top Ten Books of 2008
The New York Times selected the Top Ten Books of 2008 from the list of 100 notable books of 2008.
One Minute Writer: Values
What I value most materially are my photos from my mother. They chronicle not only her life, but mine as well, over decades I can see the evoluation and growth of the family, changes in life style, clothing, houses, cars. How we lived then, the importance of family, the fun we had together as I was growing up. I would not give anything for them. They would be the first things I grab.
The One minute Writer
Musing Mondays
Musing Mondays hosted by Just One More Page. part of the A Novel Challenge Yahoo group (hope I got all that correct).
How long do you wait after finishing a book before you pick/start another one? How many books do you have planned ahead or do you pick up random books from your tbr pile (if you have one)? Do you review right away or keep reading and come back to it later?
How long do you wait after finishing a book before you pick/start another one? How many books do you have planned ahead or do you pick up random books from your tbr pile (if you have one)? Do you review right away or keep reading and come back to it later?
After I finish a book that I've really enjoyed, it's hard for me to pick up another one for awhile. It's one reason I don't read as much as I'd like. I have to wait for the power of the book I just finished to subside - everything I pick up seems to pale in comparison.
I rarely plan ahead. I reserve a lot of books since I work at a library and I see all the new books that are ordered. Last week I received five new books which I doubt I will finish before I have to turn them in and re-reserve them. I'm around books all day long, 5 days a week. It's difficult to focus on one book at a time.
If I don't review right away, I'll forget a lot of things that I wanted to remember about the book. I'm often mulling these over as I read, and should jot them down somewhere (good idea).
Right now on my shelf to read are the following;
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo /Stieg Larsson
When Will There Be Good News? / Kate ATkinson
The Lace Reader / Brunonia
Die Withe Me / Ellen Forbes
Black Second / Karen Folsum
The Private Patient / P. D. James
Most of these titles are very popular and have long waiting lists, so it may be awhile before I see them again unless I buy them.
I've also got The Great Upheaval by Jay Winik and One Minute to Midnight by Michael Dobe. Both sound fascinating, the latter being about the Cuban Missile Crisis, something I remember all too well.
The best part of reading is the point at which the book completely claims you and there's no going back. That is a heady experience -- how wonderful that something that is that pleasurable is actually good for you.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
One Minute Writing: Daily Writing Prompt
My uncle worked at the A&P at Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. I was about six years old when he took me to work with him one day. Because it was the 1950's my mother dressed me in my Sunday finest: pink taffeta dress and black patent leather shoes, socks with lace around the cuffs. Uncle John let me put the prices on the shelves.
The One Minute Writer
To finish: Around noon my feet started killing me in those shoes, which I wore only on Sundays. Uncle John took me down to Richard Five & Ten Store and bought a pair of white sneakers, which I wore for the rest of the day - with my lacy socks and pink taffeta dress.
Uncle John and me.
The One Minute Writer
To finish: Around noon my feet started killing me in those shoes, which I wore only on Sundays. Uncle John took me down to Richard Five & Ten Store and bought a pair of white sneakers, which I wore for the rest of the day - with my lacy socks and pink taffeta dress.
Uncle John and me.
About Cookbooks
This was my mother's favorite cook book, and her best pound cake recipe. It's for a chocolate pound cake but when I want a plain cake, I use this recipe and omit the cocoa. It works beautifully. If you want lemon, add a teaspoon of lemon flavoring or extract. The cake recipe is not from this book but from an old friend. Believe me, this is a great recipe - I've probably eaten my weight in this cake. And this cake has certainly not helped my weight one bit. It's a mutually non-beneficial relationship.
Mom bought this many years ago, or my brother bought it for her, when the phone company where he worked was selling them. All the recipes, of which Mom made quite a few over the years, are tried and true from employees. It was not only her favorite cook book, but her filing cabinet - it's filled with clippings and printouts and hand written recipes from family and friends.
I love all the Atlanta imagery on the cover.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Notable Books Challenge
I've signed up for this challenge hoping to read 10 books from the list next year. I'm already one up: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. Here are the books I want to read from this list:
Fiction
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (read)
Lush Life by Richard Price (loved The Samaritan)
A Mercy by Toni Morrison
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson (in my book bag now)
Nonfiction
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham
Blood Matters by Masha Gessen
AN EXACT REPLICA OF A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION :A Memoir by Elizabeth McCracken
FACTORY GIRLS : From Village to City in a Changing China By Leslie T. Chang
Shakespeare's Wife by Germaine Greer
Interestingly, there were more nonfiction titles that appealed to me than fiction, so we shall see. Still, I am reading (or hoping to read) five of each.
Fiction
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (read)
Lush Life by Richard Price (loved The Samaritan)
A Mercy by Toni Morrison
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson (in my book bag now)
Nonfiction
American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham
Blood Matters by Masha Gessen
AN EXACT REPLICA OF A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION :A Memoir by Elizabeth McCracken
FACTORY GIRLS : From Village to City in a Changing China By Leslie T. Chang
Shakespeare's Wife by Germaine Greer
Interestingly, there were more nonfiction titles that appealed to me than fiction, so we shall see. Still, I am reading (or hoping to read) five of each.
Monday, December 1, 2008
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
Curtis Sittenfeld uses Laura Bush's life as the inspiration/basis for a novel about the effects of celebrity, fame, and power on the life of an ordinary woman. This book, as did her other two, engaged me immediately. Her prose is clean and the dialogue is natural and believable. Also, as in her previous novel Prep, she revelas an astute insight into the outsider, and skillfully allows her characters to navigate the unfamiliar landscape of the privileged. I admired Alice Blackwell tremendously for her ability to stand up to her rich, overbearing mother in law. She did now cower and she was not intimidated. Although Alice Blackwell comes off at times as somewhat self-righteous, ultimately her uncompromising dignity and determination to be "ordinary" commands respect. Sittenfeld does not draw a simplistic portrait of either the president or first lady; she is compassionate but honest in her portrayal of this couple, clearly drawn from the Bushes. Alice is an extremely moral woman but still stumbles now and then. If Charlie seems oblivious to the plight of others, he still comes through with a little nudging; he is a devoted husband and loving father. However one-dimensional and cartoonish his critics wish to see him, President Charlie Blackwell is much more complicated - through the eys of Alice Blackwell -- than one would expect.
This is the story of a woman's unexpected journey and how she maintained her own identity. It also chronicles the ups and downs of marriage, how two people can disagree fundmentally but still love each other deeply. It might even offer some insight into how we can respect each other as individuals in spite of our disagreements. Maybe? Highly recommended, as are Sittenfelds other two books, Prep and The Man of my Dreams
This is the story of a woman's unexpected journey and how she maintained her own identity. It also chronicles the ups and downs of marriage, how two people can disagree fundmentally but still love each other deeply. It might even offer some insight into how we can respect each other as individuals in spite of our disagreements. Maybe? Highly recommended, as are Sittenfelds other two books, Prep and The Man of my Dreams
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