Well, that was quick! I started "A Room with a View" last night and finished it just moments ago. What a great book! Thank you, sister dear, and I'm sorry I didn't appreciate it when I was 12. I didn't have the background for it, and was frankly probably too young. But now I am well steeped in Victorianism, have a mature understanding of love, and have seen "Manor House" and "1900 House". Seriously, those shows made me really able to picture what was going on :) So thank you, though I still don't see much "Anne."
This was a truly amusing read (I'm sorry if I use silly words, I mimic what I've been reading. Last night I called Brad "peevish."). The story is a straightforward narrative, but every once in a while Forster pops in to make sure you're reading everything properly. Big chunks of story, a rambly paragraph of philosophy, more story, a quick first person aside to clear up something he was trying to do with words, more story ... . I thought he characterized Lucy really well, brought her out with great dialog and thoughts and description without just telling you. And it was great fun reading an Edwardian picking on Victorians, while as Brad pointed out "There's nothing different about them except for a monarch."
Interestingly, the only other Forster I've read was "A Passage to India," which is not at all light or funny. "View" was published in 1908, "India" in the 20s; modernism definitely separates them.
So very, very good. Shana, you'd probably like it. Maybe a., too. Even Smitty.
And thus ends my 2006 reading. What's in store for 2007? I think I'll decide tomorrow.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
My secret identity
Was a great show. I though Jerry O'Connell was hot.
Anyway. For the past month or so, I've been writing another blog. Nothing major, just a once-a-week deal for Charlotte Parent magazine. Naturally, I don't get paid, though it was hinted that maybe, possibly, someday this could happen -- when the pigs are all done flying. But it's got me writing more, which is a good thing, and it lets me air out my mommy thoughts without burdening the non-parents I know. Sadly, it's not in real blog format, which is why I was so hesitant to share and may not be able to use it professionally later, but for now, it's interesting.
Anyway. For the past month or so, I've been writing another blog. Nothing major, just a once-a-week deal for Charlotte Parent magazine. Naturally, I don't get paid, though it was hinted that maybe, possibly, someday this could happen -- when the pigs are all done flying. But it's got me writing more, which is a good thing, and it lets me air out my mommy thoughts without burdening the non-parents I know. Sadly, it's not in real blog format, which is why I was so hesitant to share and may not be able to use it professionally later, but for now, it's interesting.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Reading rewind
Ages ago, my sister gave me "A Room with a View" by E.M. Forster. Perhaps because she called it a more grown up Anne of Green Gables, which I didn't see, I didn't really get into it at the time. I was probably 16. When I went to college, I really enjoyed "A Passage to India," so I got to thinking the first Forster deserved another chance. So that's what's up next, probably once the holiday insanity slows down.
I must say, I'm looking forward to it, if for no other reason than the chapter titles. I don't recall Forster being particularly zany, but the table on contents is great! Chapter 3 is "Music, Violets, and the Letter 'S'" while chapter four is brilliantly "Fourth Chapter." But chapter 6 has them all beat: "The Reverend Arthur Beebe, the Reverend Cuthbert Eager, Mr. Emerson, Mr. George Emerson, Miss Eleanor Lavish, Miss Charlotte Bartlett, and Miss Lucy Honeychurch Drive Out in Carriages to See a View; Italians Drive Them." That's GREAT! And then comes chapter 7, simply "They Return." This should be good.
And this morning, I got to thinking about other things I should add to my to-read list, and for some reason I'm now convinced I need to read "The Inferno." Ah, nothing like a little Dante for some light escapism! And of course, after that I must do "Paradise Lost," which I managed to essentially escape as an undergrad. I had a modern poetry class just after the Milton class, and the scribble on the chalkboard always made me so very glad I wasn't in the Milton class. But I feel it's something I should read, especially since the majority of our ideas about heaven and hell and all that come from these two works and not the actual Bible. What fun.
I must say, I'm looking forward to it, if for no other reason than the chapter titles. I don't recall Forster being particularly zany, but the table on contents is great! Chapter 3 is "Music, Violets, and the Letter 'S'" while chapter four is brilliantly "Fourth Chapter." But chapter 6 has them all beat: "The Reverend Arthur Beebe, the Reverend Cuthbert Eager, Mr. Emerson, Mr. George Emerson, Miss Eleanor Lavish, Miss Charlotte Bartlett, and Miss Lucy Honeychurch Drive Out in Carriages to See a View; Italians Drive Them." That's GREAT! And then comes chapter 7, simply "They Return." This should be good.
And this morning, I got to thinking about other things I should add to my to-read list, and for some reason I'm now convinced I need to read "The Inferno." Ah, nothing like a little Dante for some light escapism! And of course, after that I must do "Paradise Lost," which I managed to essentially escape as an undergrad. I had a modern poetry class just after the Milton class, and the scribble on the chalkboard always made me so very glad I wasn't in the Milton class. But I feel it's something I should read, especially since the majority of our ideas about heaven and hell and all that come from these two works and not the actual Bible. What fun.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Eye on society
Well, after all the excitement about the big society wedding this past weekend, I sadly must announce I did not get to do quite as much people-watching as I'd hoped.
For one, I could barely see. Those who know me well may not be surprised by this, but I managed to inflict bodily harm upon myself the morning of the wedding -- specifically, I jammed my mascara brush into my eye and scratched it. I've never done that before, and it HURTS! I couldn't look to the right and, as my loving husband put it, I looked like I had pink eye. Or perhaps like I'd been slugged, once it all started swelling up from rubbing it. I was all right as long as I kept drops in it and remembered to turn my head to look at something rather than just my eyes, but that's hard to do. So mainly, I had really good conversations with whoever was on my left.
But of course, it was still a lovely affair. It was held in a beautiful 18th century church, which was all done up for Christmas, and we were lucky enough to be seated near the front. My friend, The Groom, looked very happy, complete with his trademark bouncy walk, and The Bride was adorably excited. There were lots of Scottish touches throughout, including a piper leading her down the aisle.
The reception was most interesting. At first I was surprised it wasn't a sit-down -- until I realized, you know, you really can't prepare seating for 500 and keep them in the same building! All seven layers of the wedding cake disappeared. The reception was set up as a mingling event, which sadly I was not exactly in the mood for, but the food and drinks were great -- I missed the pomegranate martinis, but I did get a fried green tomato and some fabulous sweet potatoes -- and Brad valiantly did his part mingling, meeting some really interesting, well-connected people. A top state politician's husband, a college president, other people who could obviously bank roll us 100 times over. And he found them all very approachable and genuinely nice to talk to. I just stayed with my college friends, so I wouldn't have to explain my eye, though they still asked me how I was doing every 15 minutes. I really wanted to talk about something else! -- but all I could think about was not looking to the right. But I did manage to meet and like the newest girlfriend in the group and generally catch up with with folks, who look surprisingly nice all cleaned up! :)
So no major shoulder-rubbing and no stunning pictures of Ayzair in her cocktail dress, but a nice time was had by all.
And my eye is now fine, or at least just slightly puffy and blood-shot.
For one, I could barely see. Those who know me well may not be surprised by this, but I managed to inflict bodily harm upon myself the morning of the wedding -- specifically, I jammed my mascara brush into my eye and scratched it. I've never done that before, and it HURTS! I couldn't look to the right and, as my loving husband put it, I looked like I had pink eye. Or perhaps like I'd been slugged, once it all started swelling up from rubbing it. I was all right as long as I kept drops in it and remembered to turn my head to look at something rather than just my eyes, but that's hard to do. So mainly, I had really good conversations with whoever was on my left.
But of course, it was still a lovely affair. It was held in a beautiful 18th century church, which was all done up for Christmas, and we were lucky enough to be seated near the front. My friend, The Groom, looked very happy, complete with his trademark bouncy walk, and The Bride was adorably excited. There were lots of Scottish touches throughout, including a piper leading her down the aisle.The reception was most interesting. At first I was surprised it wasn't a sit-down -- until I realized, you know, you really can't prepare seating for 500 and keep them in the same building! All seven layers of the wedding cake disappeared. The reception was set up as a mingling event, which sadly I was not exactly in the mood for, but the food and drinks were great -- I missed the pomegranate martinis, but I did get a fried green tomato and some fabulous sweet potatoes -- and Brad valiantly did his part mingling, meeting some really interesting, well-connected people. A top state politician's husband, a college president, other people who could obviously bank roll us 100 times over. And he found them all very approachable and genuinely nice to talk to. I just stayed with my college friends, so I wouldn't have to explain my eye, though they still asked me how I was doing every 15 minutes. I really wanted to talk about something else! -- but all I could think about was not looking to the right. But I did manage to meet and like the newest girlfriend in the group and generally catch up with with folks, who look surprisingly nice all cleaned up! :)
So no major shoulder-rubbing and no stunning pictures of Ayzair in her cocktail dress, but a nice time was had by all.
And my eye is now fine, or at least just slightly puffy and blood-shot.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Jesus is full of hot air!
I wonder how much crazy hate mail I'll get from that title ...
Of course, I do not mean that literally. Or rather, I intend it literally about the alarming inflatable, illuminated nativity that popped up on one lawn here in town. Now, I find the whole inflatable trend pretty idiotic -- geez, and we complain about energy prices?!?! -- but a three-times larger than life glowing holy family? Come on, people! Thankfully, baby Jesus wasn't in a snow globe, but I still find it incredibly tacky and just a wee bit too irreverent.
Although it provided much humor on an extremely windy evening last week as the whole stable whipped about in a frenzy, nearly crashing into the nearby inflatable snowman and Santa.
But seriously, people. Leave the all-out stuff to official town decorations. I plan to take Abigail to McAdenville, and that will be loads of wonderful tackiness, but we don't need it on your average residential street!
Of course, I've always been biased toward white lights of the non-blinking variety. And I'm not totally against manger scenes in the front yard; someone in my mom's neighborhood had a lovely white, cut-out silhouette of the inspiring scene, gently lit and only about 3 feet tall. There are better ways to spread the spirit of the season!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
I need an empire waist dress
How on earth can I not like this one? Thanks, Shana! Though I do have to dig out my Austen to remember exactly who Jane was ...
(Later: Damn, this is annoying! I've read the book, I loved the book. Who the hell was Jane?! I think I'm all confused with "Sense and Sensibility" ...)
(Later: Damn, this is annoying! I've read the book, I loved the book. Who the hell was Jane?! I think I'm all confused with "Sense and Sensibility" ...)
You scored as Jane Bennet. As someone who would rather see the good in people, Jane is a true pacifist and caregiver. At times, her shy temperament and naive outlook of people can land her in a compliant position, but those who know her love her for her positive spirit and cheerful view of what surrounds her.
Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!! created with QuizFarm.com |
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Blatant ads on parade
It was Christmas parade time again here in my small town, and still being a bandie at heart, I can't let this one pass by without sharing. (Ha, ha, did you catch that pun? I'm so clever.)
As last year, the parade was quite the sight to behold. It lasted for at least an hour, though this year we parked ourselves at the start and weren't out too much past bedtime. The high school bands were good, though one was AWOL; the Shriner cars smelly; and the floats heartfelt -- though nothing like we used to make for homecoming and rather obviously intended primarily as advertising for the sponsor. You can vicariously share in the festivities here. And of course, there were several highlights:
1. Out right in front of the Rock Hill High dance team, dancing gaily with a giant candy cane and leaping daintily from tiptoe to tiptoe, a 6-foot, 250-pound black boy. Now that takes guts!
2. In a similar vein, there was a very tall, very slim male flautist for the big Christian school, whose band was certainly making a joyful noise, though I'm not sure it qualified as music. The boy's build certainly fit the instrument.
3. The Winthrop University cheerleaders were out in uniform. Of course, cheerleader uniforms don't exactly offer much against the chill, so these girls were essentially in a giant plexiglass aquarium on a truck bed. Perhaps entitled "Spirit under Glass."
4. The amusing appearance of lighted dump trucks sponsored by the Christian radio station.
5. Very enthusiastic, very elderly Shriners singing "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music."
And finally, 6. The Hospice float. Yet again, the most cheerful, energetic group in the parade. I guess it really is a good way to go.
As last year, the parade was quite the sight to behold. It lasted for at least an hour, though this year we parked ourselves at the start and weren't out too much past bedtime. The high school bands were good, though one was AWOL; the Shriner cars smelly; and the floats heartfelt -- though nothing like we used to make for homecoming and rather obviously intended primarily as advertising for the sponsor. You can vicariously share in the festivities here. And of course, there were several highlights:
1. Out right in front of the Rock Hill High dance team, dancing gaily with a giant candy cane and leaping daintily from tiptoe to tiptoe, a 6-foot, 250-pound black boy. Now that takes guts!
2. In a similar vein, there was a very tall, very slim male flautist for the big Christian school, whose band was certainly making a joyful noise, though I'm not sure it qualified as music. The boy's build certainly fit the instrument.
3. The Winthrop University cheerleaders were out in uniform. Of course, cheerleader uniforms don't exactly offer much against the chill, so these girls were essentially in a giant plexiglass aquarium on a truck bed. Perhaps entitled "Spirit under Glass."
4. The amusing appearance of lighted dump trucks sponsored by the Christian radio station.
5. Very enthusiastic, very elderly Shriners singing "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music."
And finally, 6. The Hospice float. Yet again, the most cheerful, energetic group in the parade. I guess it really is a good way to go.
A pox on money grubbers!
I must say a hearty BAH HUMBUG! to the jerks who buy out all the hot Christmas toys and the jack up the prices on eBay. I just now realized that the digital camera we were wanting to get Abigail is one of these hot toys. And of course, I can't just buy it somewhere. So rather than $55 from a retailer, the cheapest I've seen is at least $80 plus shipping. Grrr. And there are probably thousands of the damn things on eBay, with at least a dozen parents battling it out per camera. I don't enjoy spending my time pouring over store ads and I certainly don't get up before the crack of dawn on Black Friday. I should be able to buy my Christmas presents in December from a store. BAH!
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Welcome to my odditorium, a collection of curiosities made up of snippets about my life and occasional machinations on deeper subjects.
