made it through all three of my first class meets...check.
will have more on that later.. a peek into each of the courses i am taking, because i'm sure to reference them this term (when i have opportunities to blog).
though i will say that scorsese films will make for an interesting dreamscape on monday nights.. except i may be too exhausted to remember them in the morning.. last night we watched 'who's that knocking on my door' (written and directed by) and his first..
*******
an aside, and spurred by various sources and a long-running curiosity:
children catch a lot of criticism for purchasing things just because they have a certain character on them, or because they are merchandise from a particular film, book, or series... or like hello kitty, a non-character.
what about the crap "christians" will buy just because it is marketed correctly? i know you know what i am talking about.. they will excuse failings in fundamental aspects of its creation (e.g. bad film technique, or poor drumming skill)..
are we that starved? are we just sad? what are we? confused?
****
alright, back to my homework for school....
30.9.08
25.9.08
end of summer reading
I just finished 5, 6, & 7 of the Harry Potter series. I didn't cry during 6, but a few times during 7, and it has nothing to do with how i feel the author did with the closing book. We finished 4 with Nate (will hold off on 5 for another year) and started a nightly reading of The Hobbit by Tolkien. Well, Sean is reading it and he is great at it. his reading of the chapter of the riddles had my skin crawling; glad i wasn't the one who had to go directly to bed afterward.
The Shack finally came in at the library (i only had to wait on a couple hundred people). just in time for me to cram it in before school starts. i am sure i should not try to cram it, but enjoy it; we'll see how it works out. it will be one of the few non-"juvenile fiction" books read this summer.
i thought, as the summer is finally ending for me, to recommend some great "juvenile fiction" reads from the past couple months. really, i should remember to record the books i read, so i will be working from memory. yeah, i found myself wincing too, but here goes. and as for why you might take my recommendations with you to your own public library... i don't know precisely, but you should...cause i am particular. and here is my rote disclaimer: you should know yourself, and your own child before choosing anything, because what we allow, or avoid, with nate (and ourselves) will probably differ from your own perameters upon occasion.
to follow are not all the books i read, but the ones i liked the most (and in no particular order).
The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman. this was end of school into summer, so i will count it. And it is one of Natalya's absolute favorites. You will find yourself laughing out loud. the scarecrow can be exasperating but is ultimately lovable. ask what questions are being explored here and you may get a few different answers depending on the reader: which can only be good.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Reminiscent of those good campfire ghost stories. Creepy. Will give this another year or two on Nate (who is 8). otherwise, don't read in the evening or at home by yourself, or maybe i am just a big baby. gaiman has an incredible imagination and it translates well onto the page.
Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke. Went on a path of works by Cornelia Funke after this one. A strong female as a central character (something Nate and i appreciate in a novel). one who does not falter into the simpering once. Magical fun and a bit of silliness. The author really knows her craft. also of note, this is one heroine who still has a living mother who loves her, and is a great part of the story..a rarity, i know.
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. good read, and i hear there is a movie version that holds true. there is a bit of dark to it, and it is a great deal thicker than Igraine but the pacing is just right. this author just creates great characters and interesting dilemmas.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. this book boasts over 500 pages. nate picked this up on her trip in abq and read straight through it...sometimes aloud to her grandma mary jane on the road. the characters are well-formed and the story has moments you wish would move along, but the adventure is a clever one. it can easily stand on its own, or move you into a good read its sequel.
The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo. i love DiCamillo's stories and i was, of course, not disappointed in this book. nate has yet to read it, and i would hate to waste it on her at this age. we'll wait a couple years for this one. it is one to own, and one to pick up for a re-read every few years...not a daunting task as it is a quick read.
Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan. i picked this up from an endcap and thought it sounded charming. a girl who makes lists, how could i resist. and it was charming, and heart-wrenching. i cried, i'm sure, but she doesn't leave you to linger over the sad parts, but the triumphant moments of a brave little girl and her incredible brother and grandmother. it gives true glimpses into the real world, the cruel difficulty of it, and is determined to find beauty. a fairly quick read, but recommended for perusal by parent unless your child is already 10.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. This was written and awarded before Becoming but i read it second because of my affinity for the first. life is not easy in this book either, and it truly is a fairytale in that since. the fact that the author draws from a reality her own abuelita faced makes it richer, but is not necessary to know. the story is complete in itself...and is very informative. a good follow-up to this book is to pursue the times and temperament in which the story is set.
The Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer. another 'endcap' find. wonderful main character set in an interesting time for such a strong female lead...and the fact that she is so young. i like the authors premise, the young sister of sherlock holmes. it is fun, and interesting, and makes for great conversation on patriarchal societies and cultural ideologies. really, i think it frames important historical facts to the benefit of an intelligent and resourceful heroine. oh, and the mysteries are good too. there are 4 so far, and are best read in order.
May Bird by Jodi Lynn Anderson (all three!) if the realm of dead humans (a beetlejuice like fun) and ghosts and the bogeyman is not a comfortable idea for children's literature for you, skip this one. if it is-- the writing is fantastic. funny, creepy, and perfected cliff-hanger suspense. the characters are wonderful..it was really creative..and i'm sure you've heard me mention that the second is the strongest in a trilogy that i have read in a long while.. it is not just a bridge book. and the end book suits the series, but do not look for an easy ending (and why you would expect one with the first two as they are...)
The City of Ember (and subsequent books in the series) by Jeanne DuPrau. i can only hope that they did not do to this what they did to Nim's Island or Spiderwick Chronicles (and any number of others) when it comes to big screen, but i'll probably go see it just the same. the book can easily stand alone, but of course, we need a series, don't we? especially if the idea is fascinating enough to not leave it alone. the first has a good puzzle and adventure that the others do not match. the books are timely, and i think that fact alone is worth the read-together and ensuing conversation. there are some difficult images in the second book (The People of Sparks) and the third (The Prophet of Yonwood) tackles its own tricky topic (recommended on religious-fervor-and-fear-conversation alone) and the last (The Diamond of Darkhold) you feel glad the series is being laid to rest and will find your happy ending. if you are curious how technical writers fare as creative fiction writers? you'll read these and know that they do very well.
i provided links as you noticed i didn't provide a synopsis of any of the stories. these are to name a few...i debated a few 'avoid these' paragraphs here at the bottom. but i will restrain.
i hope you pick one or two up...and enjoy them
The Shack finally came in at the library (i only had to wait on a couple hundred people). just in time for me to cram it in before school starts. i am sure i should not try to cram it, but enjoy it; we'll see how it works out. it will be one of the few non-"juvenile fiction" books read this summer.
i thought, as the summer is finally ending for me, to recommend some great "juvenile fiction" reads from the past couple months. really, i should remember to record the books i read, so i will be working from memory. yeah, i found myself wincing too, but here goes. and as for why you might take my recommendations with you to your own public library... i don't know precisely, but you should...cause i am particular. and here is my rote disclaimer: you should know yourself, and your own child before choosing anything, because what we allow, or avoid, with nate (and ourselves) will probably differ from your own perameters upon occasion.
to follow are not all the books i read, but the ones i liked the most (and in no particular order).
The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman. this was end of school into summer, so i will count it. And it is one of Natalya's absolute favorites. You will find yourself laughing out loud. the scarecrow can be exasperating but is ultimately lovable. ask what questions are being explored here and you may get a few different answers depending on the reader: which can only be good.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Reminiscent of those good campfire ghost stories. Creepy. Will give this another year or two on Nate (who is 8). otherwise, don't read in the evening or at home by yourself, or maybe i am just a big baby. gaiman has an incredible imagination and it translates well onto the page.
Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke. Went on a path of works by Cornelia Funke after this one. A strong female as a central character (something Nate and i appreciate in a novel). one who does not falter into the simpering once. Magical fun and a bit of silliness. The author really knows her craft. also of note, this is one heroine who still has a living mother who loves her, and is a great part of the story..a rarity, i know.
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. good read, and i hear there is a movie version that holds true. there is a bit of dark to it, and it is a great deal thicker than Igraine but the pacing is just right. this author just creates great characters and interesting dilemmas.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. this book boasts over 500 pages. nate picked this up on her trip in abq and read straight through it...sometimes aloud to her grandma mary jane on the road. the characters are well-formed and the story has moments you wish would move along, but the adventure is a clever one. it can easily stand on its own, or move you into a good read its sequel.
The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo. i love DiCamillo's stories and i was, of course, not disappointed in this book. nate has yet to read it, and i would hate to waste it on her at this age. we'll wait a couple years for this one. it is one to own, and one to pick up for a re-read every few years...not a daunting task as it is a quick read.
Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan. i picked this up from an endcap and thought it sounded charming. a girl who makes lists, how could i resist. and it was charming, and heart-wrenching. i cried, i'm sure, but she doesn't leave you to linger over the sad parts, but the triumphant moments of a brave little girl and her incredible brother and grandmother. it gives true glimpses into the real world, the cruel difficulty of it, and is determined to find beauty. a fairly quick read, but recommended for perusal by parent unless your child is already 10.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. This was written and awarded before Becoming but i read it second because of my affinity for the first. life is not easy in this book either, and it truly is a fairytale in that since. the fact that the author draws from a reality her own abuelita faced makes it richer, but is not necessary to know. the story is complete in itself...and is very informative. a good follow-up to this book is to pursue the times and temperament in which the story is set.
The Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer. another 'endcap' find. wonderful main character set in an interesting time for such a strong female lead...and the fact that she is so young. i like the authors premise, the young sister of sherlock holmes. it is fun, and interesting, and makes for great conversation on patriarchal societies and cultural ideologies. really, i think it frames important historical facts to the benefit of an intelligent and resourceful heroine. oh, and the mysteries are good too. there are 4 so far, and are best read in order.
May Bird by Jodi Lynn Anderson (all three!) if the realm of dead humans (a beetlejuice like fun) and ghosts and the bogeyman is not a comfortable idea for children's literature for you, skip this one. if it is-- the writing is fantastic. funny, creepy, and perfected cliff-hanger suspense. the characters are wonderful..it was really creative..and i'm sure you've heard me mention that the second is the strongest in a trilogy that i have read in a long while.. it is not just a bridge book. and the end book suits the series, but do not look for an easy ending (and why you would expect one with the first two as they are...)
The City of Ember (and subsequent books in the series) by Jeanne DuPrau. i can only hope that they did not do to this what they did to Nim's Island or Spiderwick Chronicles (and any number of others) when it comes to big screen, but i'll probably go see it just the same. the book can easily stand alone, but of course, we need a series, don't we? especially if the idea is fascinating enough to not leave it alone. the first has a good puzzle and adventure that the others do not match. the books are timely, and i think that fact alone is worth the read-together and ensuing conversation. there are some difficult images in the second book (The People of Sparks) and the third (The Prophet of Yonwood) tackles its own tricky topic (recommended on religious-fervor-and-fear-conversation alone) and the last (The Diamond of Darkhold) you feel glad the series is being laid to rest and will find your happy ending. if you are curious how technical writers fare as creative fiction writers? you'll read these and know that they do very well.
i provided links as you noticed i didn't provide a synopsis of any of the stories. these are to name a few...i debated a few 'avoid these' paragraphs here at the bottom. but i will restrain.
i hope you pick one or two up...and enjoy them
22.9.08
week from today
next monday is back-to-school for me...seems like it has been forever, and yet, the forever is not long enough. big plans for the week? not really, nothing unusual.
this term's schedule? well, there was some angst between a pre-1800s requirement i have which a medieval literature offering would satisfy and a fun sounding graphic novel class which wouldn't hurt the necessary hours/electives. well, the teacher for medieval (whom is much sought after) is ill and they were unable to find a fill-in. The Graphic Novel it will be. and then i have a theater arts class on Scorsese. and lastly a lit class on Borges and Calvino, both of whom i know nothing about. But Sean's familiar and as he does take my courses vicariously encouraged me to go ahead and schedule it in.
i did well last year (the 3 terms my first back after a few years) so i shouldn't be as anxious..and i am not as anxious..but here is another thing i do that i should not...sigh...worry.
i've had the professor of the graphic novel class before, for the utopia/dystopia in film course last fall... the one where we watched 'hot fuzz' and 'the big lebowski'. familiarity with a prof's expectation is good to know going in, instead of fumbling those first few papers or tests..unfortunately (or fortunately, in a way) this guy has a definite set of expectations that students should meet and possibly exceed the level of the course.
we shall see what i recall learning from before summer...but we will wait a week. i have a few more of my own books i want to finish first.
****
aside: nate has a hilarious running commentary while playing snowboarding on the playstation...well, and her conceit, though a bit suffocating, is also very funny. i may have to go humble her with a race challenge.
this term's schedule? well, there was some angst between a pre-1800s requirement i have which a medieval literature offering would satisfy and a fun sounding graphic novel class which wouldn't hurt the necessary hours/electives. well, the teacher for medieval (whom is much sought after) is ill and they were unable to find a fill-in. The Graphic Novel it will be. and then i have a theater arts class on Scorsese. and lastly a lit class on Borges and Calvino, both of whom i know nothing about. But Sean's familiar and as he does take my courses vicariously encouraged me to go ahead and schedule it in.
i did well last year (the 3 terms my first back after a few years) so i shouldn't be as anxious..and i am not as anxious..but here is another thing i do that i should not...sigh...worry.
i've had the professor of the graphic novel class before, for the utopia/dystopia in film course last fall... the one where we watched 'hot fuzz' and 'the big lebowski'. familiarity with a prof's expectation is good to know going in, instead of fumbling those first few papers or tests..unfortunately (or fortunately, in a way) this guy has a definite set of expectations that students should meet and possibly exceed the level of the course.
we shall see what i recall learning from before summer...but we will wait a week. i have a few more of my own books i want to finish first.
****
aside: nate has a hilarious running commentary while playing snowboarding on the playstation...well, and her conceit, though a bit suffocating, is also very funny. i may have to go humble her with a race challenge.
19.9.08
ridiculous
reviving an old standby for posting material: the purple journal. after all, it is friday...
I have been feeling lately that I haven't any words. I have nothing to say or write which stems from a lack of words forming into meaningful thoughts inside the brain. Sounds terrible, doesn't it? And terribly boring. And I should add that it is inopportune. And maybe that is the point.
I could read more. There is no lack of cleverly formulated thoughts or beautifully wrought word pictures to stir the imagination, or emotion, or tangent.
I could engage in engaging conversation with someone inspiring. I should add 'more' in there: engage in more conversation with engaging persons of inspirational qualities. Two live with me, thankfully, otherwise I would be forced to talk to myself, and well, you can guess where that would get me. Mostly hand gestures and the beating of the head on the table. Usually someone gets home in time to rescue me from absolute frustration-induced anger which would cause me to throw the computer, or myself, or both against the wall.
It is obvious why many people surround themselves with those they feel more inferior. I fight the impulse. Yes, it is embarrassing to have admit the impulse exists. It is just that the larger I get, the smaller, thinner, everyone else is getting; like I am eating up the pounds they are sloughing off. And the more elegant another's paragraphs are in eloquent times has me wondering where that ringing between my ears has come from. I am not dumbstruck, but struck dumb. Mostly I begin to feel helpless as everyone else seems overwhelmingly capable—nauseatingly capable. It must be nauseating because the perfection makes my flaws crawl into my digestive track and jump up and down.
I suppose if I had to find a crowd, I might find a group of infants wallowing on their bellies, possibly squalling. They could be happily playing with their toes. But they have a reason to be where they are. I am sure I am not exempt, having a reason for my muteness (which sounds remarkably like mutiny). I haven't the words to explain how, or why, nor the detailed plan for my return to where expectations lie.
Or: It is not that everything else is smaller, more eloquent, more beautiful, more capable, or happier. It is that I feel the definite lack of all those things. While looking for the things I should already have, I haven't the time to find the things I would like to adorn myself with, to better myself from, or to lend to anyone else.
I can be ridiculous, and it feels completely genuine. Is it because I am, ridiculous...
*****************************************
I have been feeling lately that I haven't any words. I have nothing to say or write which stems from a lack of words forming into meaningful thoughts inside the brain. Sounds terrible, doesn't it? And terribly boring. And I should add that it is inopportune. And maybe that is the point.
I could read more. There is no lack of cleverly formulated thoughts or beautifully wrought word pictures to stir the imagination, or emotion, or tangent.
I could engage in engaging conversation with someone inspiring. I should add 'more' in there: engage in more conversation with engaging persons of inspirational qualities. Two live with me, thankfully, otherwise I would be forced to talk to myself, and well, you can guess where that would get me. Mostly hand gestures and the beating of the head on the table. Usually someone gets home in time to rescue me from absolute frustration-induced anger which would cause me to throw the computer, or myself, or both against the wall.
It is obvious why many people surround themselves with those they feel more inferior. I fight the impulse. Yes, it is embarrassing to have admit the impulse exists. It is just that the larger I get, the smaller, thinner, everyone else is getting; like I am eating up the pounds they are sloughing off. And the more elegant another's paragraphs are in eloquent times has me wondering where that ringing between my ears has come from. I am not dumbstruck, but struck dumb. Mostly I begin to feel helpless as everyone else seems overwhelmingly capable—nauseatingly capable. It must be nauseating because the perfection makes my flaws crawl into my digestive track and jump up and down.
I suppose if I had to find a crowd, I might find a group of infants wallowing on their bellies, possibly squalling. They could be happily playing with their toes. But they have a reason to be where they are. I am sure I am not exempt, having a reason for my muteness (which sounds remarkably like mutiny). I haven't the words to explain how, or why, nor the detailed plan for my return to where expectations lie.
Or: It is not that everything else is smaller, more eloquent, more beautiful, more capable, or happier. It is that I feel the definite lack of all those things. While looking for the things I should already have, I haven't the time to find the things I would like to adorn myself with, to better myself from, or to lend to anyone else.
I can be ridiculous, and it feels completely genuine. Is it because I am, ridiculous...
17.9.08
the busy-ness of facebook. i am working on a addiction, and am failing miserably. and as school has not started back yet (for me) what is my excuse...can't be housework (sorry sean)...
really, i like the idea of facebook. i like how you can find and be found. i like how you check in on a page and try to figure out what those comments on the walls mean. unfortunately, facebook doesn't give me the gift of being a good corresponder. i am an energetic wall-to-wall converser for maybe a day...or the thirty minutes i am on.
it can't be the number of friends i have is just that overwhelming.. i am offensive, i'm sure, in the way that i don't accept every "friend" invitation. i mean, really, you didn't talk to me in high school, how is it i am your friend? and you not-so-secretly hated my guts...i'm sure i am missing out on a gold mine relationship there; going to have to think on this.
anyway, facebook has been fun of late.. there are those lulls, something that doesn't help form a habit. actually, a week or two ago was the best.. a really good friend from first semester university caught up with me.... and a guy i've known since forever tracked me down. he knew my supreme dorkiness in high school -- alas some things do not change.
really i went through a chapter a day of my past life. who i was in junior high/high school, who i was in mannheim, who i was in abq. sure, parts of me have continued forward...some developing better than others in the light. i am a bit saddened in the way s i have changed; things i've shed, or have buried. ah, well...she may be make bold appearances now and again.
meanwhile, i'll be adding facebook to the daily blog reads...instead of the checked-my-gmail-and-found-a-notice response. still--i really can't see the addiction taking hold for me. not the worst thing surely, but---it could be saying something. i think about friends i have made and treasure, that i do not see much of, if ever, anymore... i think about them and wonder about them.. as i don't see myself getting over my phone-dislike anytime soon, i am going to have to grow up into some better habits, make sure those connections i've made do not fall completely into the past memories bin.
really, i like the idea of facebook. i like how you can find and be found. i like how you check in on a page and try to figure out what those comments on the walls mean. unfortunately, facebook doesn't give me the gift of being a good corresponder. i am an energetic wall-to-wall converser for maybe a day...or the thirty minutes i am on.
it can't be the number of friends i have is just that overwhelming.. i am offensive, i'm sure, in the way that i don't accept every "friend" invitation. i mean, really, you didn't talk to me in high school, how is it i am your friend? and you not-so-secretly hated my guts...i'm sure i am missing out on a gold mine relationship there; going to have to think on this.
anyway, facebook has been fun of late.. there are those lulls, something that doesn't help form a habit. actually, a week or two ago was the best.. a really good friend from first semester university caught up with me.... and a guy i've known since forever tracked me down. he knew my supreme dorkiness in high school -- alas some things do not change.
really i went through a chapter a day of my past life. who i was in junior high/high school, who i was in mannheim, who i was in abq. sure, parts of me have continued forward...some developing better than others in the light. i am a bit saddened in the way s i have changed; things i've shed, or have buried. ah, well...she may be make bold appearances now and again.
meanwhile, i'll be adding facebook to the daily blog reads...instead of the checked-my-gmail-and-found-a-notice response. still--i really can't see the addiction taking hold for me. not the worst thing surely, but---it could be saying something. i think about friends i have made and treasure, that i do not see much of, if ever, anymore... i think about them and wonder about them.. as i don't see myself getting over my phone-dislike anytime soon, i am going to have to grow up into some better habits, make sure those connections i've made do not fall completely into the past memories bin.
12.9.08
queen & hearts
it feels like a three-beautiful-things morning.
i was thinking about yesterday, while contemplating what i would do today (where did i put that list of "to-dos/should-dos"?)
3bts:
1--getting a love letter, er, email, from sean yesterday. he does this often, but the content was good timing for my sense of balance.
2--natalya's heart bursting open so big with love for me she was in tears, big sobbing tears, telling me "I love you mommy, so much!"
3--free dilly bars at dairy queen and the pleasant walk to get them in the cooling evening air.
i was thinking about yesterday, while contemplating what i would do today (where did i put that list of "to-dos/should-dos"?)
3bts:
1--getting a love letter, er, email, from sean yesterday. he does this often, but the content was good timing for my sense of balance.
2--natalya's heart bursting open so big with love for me she was in tears, big sobbing tears, telling me "I love you mommy, so much!"
3--free dilly bars at dairy queen and the pleasant walk to get them in the cooling evening air.
11.9.08
a mind set
someones to keep in mind...if they are not already.
*************************
i don't know about you, but i need to get back into a card writing mode...
one of many modes i should get back into.
10.9.08
another look
aahhhh, feels like a new haircut---that turned out well.
been wanting a bit of a change for a while, and i asked (and possibly whined) sean into helping me in photoshop---thanks darlin'.
hope to eventually make it over to melted crayon with a new look and more content; as it is, this is enough for now.
thank you sharie for the already positive feedback. will be moving on to actually posting blogs, hopefully...maybe this afternoon, or in the morning, or tomorrow evening...sigh...
thanks to those who keep checking in... and thanks to those who've followed the links to stephanie nielson's family.
been wanting a bit of a change for a while, and i asked (and possibly whined) sean into helping me in photoshop---thanks darlin'.
hope to eventually make it over to melted crayon with a new look and more content; as it is, this is enough for now.
thank you sharie for the already positive feedback. will be moving on to actually posting blogs, hopefully...maybe this afternoon, or in the morning, or tomorrow evening...sigh...
thanks to those who keep checking in... and thanks to those who've followed the links to stephanie nielson's family.
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