i was reminded to share with you, in case you didn't know, that Stephanie Nielson (Nie Nie) is back to blogging again (has been for a little while now)... this is a particularly good post and i wanted to share it.
if you want to start at her return to posting on her blog go to January 16.
10.4.09
9.4.09
two weeks in...
two weeks into school and... i am still not sure how this term will shape up. sounds familiar, i know. will be spending the weekend writing, a little reading...yes, the usual. any new news? not really, nothing that doesn't already feel recycled a hundred times in my mind.
i've a couple of books i've snuck in i could comment on...perhaps another time.
maybe i should post some of my papers...i'm sure you would love to read my "personal correspondence" for advanced expository writing. i'm just really glad she didn't make us read them aloud in class (though a few did read theirs and it was great--talented, and --er--heart warming)... we didn't even have to turn them in either, we just had to write it and she gave us credit.. i turned mine in anyway. it wasn't personal, or even autobiographical, though that is not say it wasn't inspired.
my personal essay was okay...a little fictional, but a lot true. as the prof is not concerned with grammar for this class, i think i will have to look over it in a couple days to proof it and possibly then i could post it... the lack of concern over comma and semi-colon is freeing.
there is a lot of in-class writing this term: all three classes and to varying extents. should be good for me.
***oh, mom...went to the "women's retreat"...(just racking up pride points).
going was a bit of a dangerous proposition but i felt sure that after the first week of classes i wouldn't have too much of a weekend homework load, nothing i couldn't get done the friday-day before or a short while during free time saturday.
the personal essay was due monday 8 am... no sweat, as i usually contemplate, sketch it out in my head, make notes. was nice that others had homework or reading they wanted to accomplish during 'free-time'. a restless night, and the lovely sun, my mind wandered but i made notations. really, i tried to be good.
sunday i sit down to type it all out, deciphering my horrible handwriting. I change directions and write a whole other paper... i'm still recovering from the lack of sleep... the things i do to myself. that will probably be the name of my collection of letters: when i start actually writing them, which means i will have to work on my handwriting. i would like to say i used to have such lovely handwriting, but that isn't all that true.
tanya led an activity to imitate a poem called 'where i am from'...she had done one (which turned out really, really good) and found it to be a good experience. some of the ladies' shared the ones they worked on over the day, and it was fun, and insightful. sharie's was really good..made me hungry, and homesick, and more in-love with my husband and daughter.
i scribbled out a couple of stanzas that i am sure would fall under 'interpretation' rather than 'immitation'. i know there is little difference in those terms, but enough for me to growl over my contrariness and my habit of late to write more toward the abstract rather than concrete.
maybe i'll share those tomorrow. i was thinking it would be fun to collect all of the poems from over the weekend, not do any heavy editing (just the spelling mostly) and bind them and redistribute them.
i don't know...
i've ideas of late, which is an improvement..
certainly a step out a depressive state...
but now for the energy.
it was good to see the sun... it was a good reminder.
i've a couple of books i've snuck in i could comment on...perhaps another time.
maybe i should post some of my papers...i'm sure you would love to read my "personal correspondence" for advanced expository writing. i'm just really glad she didn't make us read them aloud in class (though a few did read theirs and it was great--talented, and --er--heart warming)... we didn't even have to turn them in either, we just had to write it and she gave us credit.. i turned mine in anyway. it wasn't personal, or even autobiographical, though that is not say it wasn't inspired.
my personal essay was okay...a little fictional, but a lot true. as the prof is not concerned with grammar for this class, i think i will have to look over it in a couple days to proof it and possibly then i could post it... the lack of concern over comma and semi-colon is freeing.
there is a lot of in-class writing this term: all three classes and to varying extents. should be good for me.
***oh, mom...went to the "women's retreat"...(just racking up pride points).
going was a bit of a dangerous proposition but i felt sure that after the first week of classes i wouldn't have too much of a weekend homework load, nothing i couldn't get done the friday-day before or a short while during free time saturday.
the personal essay was due monday 8 am... no sweat, as i usually contemplate, sketch it out in my head, make notes. was nice that others had homework or reading they wanted to accomplish during 'free-time'. a restless night, and the lovely sun, my mind wandered but i made notations. really, i tried to be good.
sunday i sit down to type it all out, deciphering my horrible handwriting. I change directions and write a whole other paper... i'm still recovering from the lack of sleep... the things i do to myself. that will probably be the name of my collection of letters: when i start actually writing them, which means i will have to work on my handwriting. i would like to say i used to have such lovely handwriting, but that isn't all that true.
tanya led an activity to imitate a poem called 'where i am from'...she had done one (which turned out really, really good) and found it to be a good experience. some of the ladies' shared the ones they worked on over the day, and it was fun, and insightful. sharie's was really good..made me hungry, and homesick, and more in-love with my husband and daughter.
i scribbled out a couple of stanzas that i am sure would fall under 'interpretation' rather than 'immitation'. i know there is little difference in those terms, but enough for me to growl over my contrariness and my habit of late to write more toward the abstract rather than concrete.
maybe i'll share those tomorrow. i was thinking it would be fun to collect all of the poems from over the weekend, not do any heavy editing (just the spelling mostly) and bind them and redistribute them.
i don't know...
i've ideas of late, which is an improvement..
certainly a step out a depressive state...
but now for the energy.
it was good to see the sun... it was a good reminder.
27.3.09
frivolity...
Frivolity: I just wanted to use that word in a title.
Wednesday + Thursday this week deserves a lengthy list not unlike the two previous days. It has been a really good week thus far. Today promises to go well also.
Let's see: there was a matinee Race to Witch Mountain (Wed.), then we watched Winky's Horse (Thurs.)--a children's film from the Netherlands voice-dubbed in English about a Chinese girl, Winky.
Family group was a summer beach picnic Hawaiian theme (thank you Davis') and Thurs. we had Thai food to celebrate the strange phenoma of me actually getting all A's last term (it was a horrible struggling term).
Gabby was over Thurs. to play dolls and run around the neighborhood with (note to self: she doesn't like steamers).
And Natalya has been reading and drawing and playing like mad (both days). Natalya asked that I list a few of her sketches: "butterfly" which is intricate, "sea serpent" detailed, a "Joey", and a "glass slipper"----all of which were modeled in a 'how to draw' book. She also drew a lovely sunflower (at an angle).
I was accused--on Goodreads (a site Mel invited me to)--that, well let me quote it for you: "Leslie has too much time on her hands!" I think she was referring to the fact that I had catalogued several (or more) books both read and to-read...or maybe I read ridiculous books no one would ever think to read? Could be all the above. But I thanked her just the same: "this week i do, thankfully...but i also read quickly." I am feeling pretty satisfied with the state of this week. It has been helpful planning in a couple of play dates for Natalya, I get to find myself doing minimal entertaining and at loose ends to which I might indulge some of my addictive behaviors, or just indulge in the nonsense. Though I haven't written much (other than these blogs): I haven't had that much un-interupted time.
As for the "read quickly", I picked up a book yesterday, read quickly, was mostly social, and stayed up a little later than I intended to finish it.
*** just an alert that there will be a book rec ahead**
I was alarmed in searching my blog that I hadn't mentioned the first book to which the second book that I read belonged. I hadn't told you about R.L. LaFever's Theodosia books. Well, I suppose she isn't for everybody, but when has that stopped me.
The first book is called Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, and the second is Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris. As you know by now, I like stories with good female protagonists (if the protagonist is female, and good as I define it from my somewhat feminist viewpoint). Theodosia is wonderful. She is extremely intelligent, resourceful, and determined. She is also a little girl who wants her parents attention, love, and affection. LaFevers does well to create a uniquely interesting 10-11 year-old-girl; of course the setting helps.
The books are late 1800s, early 1900s London, England. Theodosia's father is head curator (runs) the Museum of Legends and Antiquities, and her mother is an American Archaelogist whose primary interests are Egyptology. The books are steeped in Egyptian legend and lore. Theodosia not only knows a great deal on the subject, but she has special abilities: most particularly her sensitivity to the presence of dark magic (evil spirits, curses, etc) that surround the objects entering the museum.
Trouble follows Theodosia, and complications arise; such is adventure. The protagonist makes for a great narrator and is the source of the humor in the book. I like her dry wit, which finds its premise in the fact that she is just a child, and that this is set in a prim and proper society.
I mention Theodosia, but there are plenty of other well-rounded characters as well. (I like the street urchin Will, Theodosia's cat Isis, and Grandmother Throckmorton in particular.) All are well-imagined and designed to create drama and adventure.
The book is sold as independent-reader, 8-12. Despite the fact that I am 30 and found it amusing (alright, I love them), I am guessing the earlier end of that age range would appreciate it best. 3rd and 4th grade? if your young reader is already reading a little ahead. But I should bring up the fact that peril is very present in these books. Theodosia develops some serious enemies by the end of the first book, who will reappear as terrifying figures in the second. Also, Egyptian mythology and history is not rosy--there are mummies and jackals and snakes, etc.
I like the books (I am assuming there will be more): I like the time period, the subject matter, the humor, and its well-paced, well-crafted adventure. I agree with the School Library Journal when they say that Theodosia is "A combination of Nancy Drew and Indiana Jones." They sum it up well.
Wednesday + Thursday this week deserves a lengthy list not unlike the two previous days. It has been a really good week thus far. Today promises to go well also.
Let's see: there was a matinee Race to Witch Mountain (Wed.), then we watched Winky's Horse (Thurs.)--a children's film from the Netherlands voice-dubbed in English about a Chinese girl, Winky.
Family group was a summer beach picnic Hawaiian theme (thank you Davis') and Thurs. we had Thai food to celebrate the strange phenoma of me actually getting all A's last term (it was a horrible struggling term).
Gabby was over Thurs. to play dolls and run around the neighborhood with (note to self: she doesn't like steamers).
And Natalya has been reading and drawing and playing like mad (both days). Natalya asked that I list a few of her sketches: "butterfly" which is intricate, "sea serpent" detailed, a "Joey", and a "glass slipper"----all of which were modeled in a 'how to draw' book. She also drew a lovely sunflower (at an angle).
I was accused--on Goodreads (a site Mel invited me to)--that, well let me quote it for you: "Leslie has too much time on her hands!" I think she was referring to the fact that I had catalogued several (or more) books both read and to-read...or maybe I read ridiculous books no one would ever think to read? Could be all the above. But I thanked her just the same: "this week i do, thankfully...but i also read quickly." I am feeling pretty satisfied with the state of this week. It has been helpful planning in a couple of play dates for Natalya, I get to find myself doing minimal entertaining and at loose ends to which I might indulge some of my addictive behaviors, or just indulge in the nonsense. Though I haven't written much (other than these blogs): I haven't had that much un-interupted time.
As for the "read quickly", I picked up a book yesterday, read quickly, was mostly social, and stayed up a little later than I intended to finish it.
*** just an alert that there will be a book rec ahead**
I was alarmed in searching my blog that I hadn't mentioned the first book to which the second book that I read belonged. I hadn't told you about R.L. LaFever's Theodosia books. Well, I suppose she isn't for everybody, but when has that stopped me.
The first book is called Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos, and the second is Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris. As you know by now, I like stories with good female protagonists (if the protagonist is female, and good as I define it from my somewhat feminist viewpoint). Theodosia is wonderful. She is extremely intelligent, resourceful, and determined. She is also a little girl who wants her parents attention, love, and affection. LaFevers does well to create a uniquely interesting 10-11 year-old-girl; of course the setting helps.
The books are late 1800s, early 1900s London, England. Theodosia's father is head curator (runs) the Museum of Legends and Antiquities, and her mother is an American Archaelogist whose primary interests are Egyptology. The books are steeped in Egyptian legend and lore. Theodosia not only knows a great deal on the subject, but she has special abilities: most particularly her sensitivity to the presence of dark magic (evil spirits, curses, etc) that surround the objects entering the museum.
Trouble follows Theodosia, and complications arise; such is adventure. The protagonist makes for a great narrator and is the source of the humor in the book. I like her dry wit, which finds its premise in the fact that she is just a child, and that this is set in a prim and proper society.
I mention Theodosia, but there are plenty of other well-rounded characters as well. (I like the street urchin Will, Theodosia's cat Isis, and Grandmother Throckmorton in particular.) All are well-imagined and designed to create drama and adventure.
The book is sold as independent-reader, 8-12. Despite the fact that I am 30 and found it amusing (alright, I love them), I am guessing the earlier end of that age range would appreciate it best. 3rd and 4th grade? if your young reader is already reading a little ahead. But I should bring up the fact that peril is very present in these books. Theodosia develops some serious enemies by the end of the first book, who will reappear as terrifying figures in the second. Also, Egyptian mythology and history is not rosy--there are mummies and jackals and snakes, etc.
I like the books (I am assuming there will be more): I like the time period, the subject matter, the humor, and its well-paced, well-crafted adventure. I agree with the School Library Journal when they say that Theodosia is "A combination of Nancy Drew and Indiana Jones." They sum it up well.
24.3.09
+ 2 books
i am getting to adult fiction, i promise...as soon as finish the series of comic anthologies called Flight, edited by Kaku Kibuishi. there are 5 volumes (thus far).
two books i've yet to recommend on this blog.
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor. Nate picked this up at the book fair at school. it is 170 pages and recommended to ages: 8-12. the version nate has is a 'literature circle edition' which means it comes with book discussion questions in the back; some of which are not too bad.
If the idea the title incites a discomfort, wait until you get to reading it. Georgina (the main character) is in a difficult situation. She, her mother, and younger brother, come to live in a car (a clunker) after being evicted and having all their money taken by their father who has run out on them. it is very much a story that deals with desperation beautifully. Georgina is in a hard situationand struggles to make good choices. O'Connor carefully erects walls in which Georgina is forced to work around (or ram herself into head-on) walls i found frustrating but necessary to complicate the already difficult situation.
this story is not an easy one (though easily read) and i think that is a good thing. O'Connor creates convincing characters in a well-described setting, though I initially balked at its placement in the Carolinas, accents/idioms included (it felt cliche). Putting down the book mid-read is difficult because there are tense situations you want to see through. and, alas, it all turns out in the end, though the ending itself is not easy---it is real enough without robbing the child reader of catharsis. I was still haunted, and so was natalya. her eyes have been opened to situations of homelessness and the need for compassion and community; and she has expressed a desire to help. on that recomendation alone, consider the topic (can read the synopsis at a bookseller) and have your 8+ take a look. all in all, i think O'Connor weaves a good story, creating a tight conflict and leading the characters through it successfully, if not at times surprising us all.
Savvy by Ingrid Law is a lot of fun!! though not terribly easy either. things happen, decisions are made (perhaps rather hastily, certainly emotionally), and adventure ensues. Law has a fabulous imagination, and it slips so easily into the reality of the book, and thus, our reality.
Mibs, born Mississippi, is turning 13 and on her birthday will recieve her savvy, the gift of a special ability. this is a familial inheritence though the story comes to encourage that everyone should find their gifts, their uniqueness--and know that it can work for you or against you if you haven't developed an understanding of its use and purpose. the lessons are fairly sublte, in the way a good story can relay them.
the characters are well-crafted, and consistently complex. we have a central character (our narrator, Mibs), but she is not the only character to grow or develop. Law handles the cast of interesting characters effortlessly.
I really, really recommend this read. if you like a bit of the magical in your read, i suggest this one. it is a bit coming of age, Mibs is 13, but innocence is still intact, willed there by a girl on the brink of young-womanhood. she comes to a decision to be comfortable with being young, i like this aspect to the story.
i think it is rated for 9-12, which is fair. i think it is fun for boy or girl, though i think a girl may be more comfortable with the first person narration. the ideas are fun...and some of the boys have awesome powers, er, savvy!
two books i've yet to recommend on this blog.
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor. Nate picked this up at the book fair at school. it is 170 pages and recommended to ages: 8-12. the version nate has is a 'literature circle edition' which means it comes with book discussion questions in the back; some of which are not too bad.
If the idea the title incites a discomfort, wait until you get to reading it. Georgina (the main character) is in a difficult situation. She, her mother, and younger brother, come to live in a car (a clunker) after being evicted and having all their money taken by their father who has run out on them. it is very much a story that deals with desperation beautifully. Georgina is in a hard situationand struggles to make good choices. O'Connor carefully erects walls in which Georgina is forced to work around (or ram herself into head-on) walls i found frustrating but necessary to complicate the already difficult situation.
this story is not an easy one (though easily read) and i think that is a good thing. O'Connor creates convincing characters in a well-described setting, though I initially balked at its placement in the Carolinas, accents/idioms included (it felt cliche). Putting down the book mid-read is difficult because there are tense situations you want to see through. and, alas, it all turns out in the end, though the ending itself is not easy---it is real enough without robbing the child reader of catharsis. I was still haunted, and so was natalya. her eyes have been opened to situations of homelessness and the need for compassion and community; and she has expressed a desire to help. on that recomendation alone, consider the topic (can read the synopsis at a bookseller) and have your 8+ take a look. all in all, i think O'Connor weaves a good story, creating a tight conflict and leading the characters through it successfully, if not at times surprising us all.
Savvy by Ingrid Law is a lot of fun!! though not terribly easy either. things happen, decisions are made (perhaps rather hastily, certainly emotionally), and adventure ensues. Law has a fabulous imagination, and it slips so easily into the reality of the book, and thus, our reality.
Mibs, born Mississippi, is turning 13 and on her birthday will recieve her savvy, the gift of a special ability. this is a familial inheritence though the story comes to encourage that everyone should find their gifts, their uniqueness--and know that it can work for you or against you if you haven't developed an understanding of its use and purpose. the lessons are fairly sublte, in the way a good story can relay them.
the characters are well-crafted, and consistently complex. we have a central character (our narrator, Mibs), but she is not the only character to grow or develop. Law handles the cast of interesting characters effortlessly.
I really, really recommend this read. if you like a bit of the magical in your read, i suggest this one. it is a bit coming of age, Mibs is 13, but innocence is still intact, willed there by a girl on the brink of young-womanhood. she comes to a decision to be comfortable with being young, i like this aspect to the story.
i think it is rated for 9-12, which is fair. i think it is fun for boy or girl, though i think a girl may be more comfortable with the first person narration. the ideas are fun...and some of the boys have awesome powers, er, savvy!
monday-tuesday: check
since yesterday:
*we've been on walks (some in the rain)
*we've gone to garden at her school (a few well-spent hours)
*we are having a friend for a sleep-over in the middle of the week (i hear them whispering and conspiring now)
*we are having a friend over for dinner and games (will be arriving momentarily)
*we've watched a new movie (it was a sequel to something we'd never seen--oops)
*played on the wii (with a new game checked out from the library)
*did some mad-libs (her adjectives and nouns choices are getting better and better)
*slept in every morning (at least she is, bless her, bless her)
*we're diving headlong into Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince (sean and nate, that is)
*played barbies and kelly dolls for hours
*whispered over ideas for a secret society (girls only and under which Nate has chosen a brilliant alias)
*developed a few secret codes
*had mcdonalds (a rarity)
*had an animated discussion (at McDs) about Wall-E, and depicting inner conflict using the book vs film versions of Harry Potter and Bridge to Terabithia (yes, we are geeks)
*extensive conversations regarding anna's and natalya's plans for a Nature Club (including phone calls between anna and nate--which were fun)
*argued over my having a headache and her whining over being bored with our craft options (she was being impractical and i was needing caffeine).
i think i hit most of the highlights....looking forward to the up-coming rest of break.
*we've been on walks (some in the rain)
*we've gone to garden at her school (a few well-spent hours)
*we are having a friend for a sleep-over in the middle of the week (i hear them whispering and conspiring now)
*we are having a friend over for dinner and games (will be arriving momentarily)
*we've watched a new movie (it was a sequel to something we'd never seen--oops)
*played on the wii (with a new game checked out from the library)
*did some mad-libs (her adjectives and nouns choices are getting better and better)
*slept in every morning (at least she is, bless her, bless her)
*we're diving headlong into Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince (sean and nate, that is)
*played barbies and kelly dolls for hours
*whispered over ideas for a secret society (girls only and under which Nate has chosen a brilliant alias)
*developed a few secret codes
*had mcdonalds (a rarity)
*had an animated discussion (at McDs) about Wall-E, and depicting inner conflict using the book vs film versions of Harry Potter and Bridge to Terabithia (yes, we are geeks)
*extensive conversations regarding anna's and natalya's plans for a Nature Club (including phone calls between anna and nate--which were fun)
*argued over my having a headache and her whining over being bored with our craft options (she was being impractical and i was needing caffeine).
i think i hit most of the highlights....looking forward to the up-coming rest of break.
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