I recently read Darkover Landfall by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Grade: B
A decent book. Some of the characters behaved in ways that I found peculiar, particularly with regards to sex and childbearing, though I wonder if my modern mindset is to blame for that perception. The expectations of both men and women have changed since 1972, the year when this novel was published. Overall, it’s a fun introduction to the planet of Darkover and required reading for any fan of the series.
It was an exciting week.
My Faithful Reader hung the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. It looks good and it’s wonderful to have somewhere to put all those miscellaneous bottles and tubes and jars of the pills and pastes and gels necessary to maintain this gorgeous body of mine. Soon this apartment will really feel like home (probably just before it’s time to move again!).
Our new food processor arrived. It chops like a samurai on amphetamines. Woohoo!
But most importantly, my Faithful Reader and I got our marriage license with as much ease, if not more, as we might have attained a fishing license. We flashed a couple of official documents, signed a form, and slipped them some cash. They rewarded us with the right wed. But only each other. And only in this state. And only during the next 90 days. And only because we’re straight. Should one of us have a change of heart and wish to marry a same-sex partner next year in Idaho, we’ll be SOL.
Giuseppe Verdi wrote amazing music. Even if you don’t like opera, Aida will knock your socks off. Something interesting about Verdi: he was turned down by the Conservatory in Milan. They said that he was privo di talento musicale (lacking in musical talent). Verdi was not a quitter. He found someone to teach him privately and though I don’t know his story beyond that point, he clearly succeeded in becoming a great composer. We can only hope that those idiots in Milan had to eat their words.
According to popular anecdote, something similar happened to Fred Astaire. He had a screen test at a studio and this is how they summed him up: “Can’t sing, can’t act, slightly balding, can dance a little.” This tale is part of Hollywood legend, so it may or may not be factual, but it has the ring of truth, doesn’t it? Astaire was a funny-looking guy, nearly awkward. At first glance, he wouldn’t have seemed like star material. In any event, he didn’t let that or anything else get in his way. He succeeded magnificently as a singer, an actor, and a dancer. He never became a hair model, but had that been his goal, who knows what might have happened? 😉
And here’s an example fitting for today. Madeleine L’Engle’s most famous book, A Wrinkle in Time, was rejected by 26 publishers before she was finally able to sell it. L’Engle died today. The only reason that I know and care is because she didn’t give up on that book.
If you give up too easily, you rob not only yourself but also every person who might appreciate your special talents.
I am grateful for lunch breaks.
Sometimes I forget to take them. Like today. I realized it was 4:30 and I hadn’t taken a break yet and I said, “Hey, Chick. Go do something else for a while.” And so here I am, being grateful.
The eyes, they see what these phrases all have in common.
MEETING OF SOUL BUDS
BIG, UNMOLESTED UFOs
GENIUS BUM FELT GOOD
DUMB TOE OF UGLINESS
OFT-GLUED OMNIBUSES
SUBLIMEST EGO FOUND
I just finished a book by William Nicholson called The Wind Singer.
Grade: D
Sadly, when I say that I finished this book, what I really mean is that I read most of it but skimmed through the last few chapters because it had gotten so bad. The characters were like angry little stick figures being pushed around on a game board. Nothing was fleshed out. Nothing was ever really explained. Why was the Hath family so different? Why did they suddenly rebel? What made the Old Children old? What was with the Emperor and his chocolate? Why were the wolves and eagles waiting to fight the Morah? Who built the Wind Singer, why, and how does it work?
This story reminded me of Jeanne DuPrau’s The City of Ember, a much better book which I would recommend in place of The Wind Singer.
“What can any one person do?” he said.
“Each person does a little something,” I said, “and there you are.”
He sighed heavily. “It all adds up,” he said. “People don’t realize.”
–excerpt from Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut
Just a little thought from Vonnegut to warm us up as we prepare to continue the marathon. Yes, the marathon. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already? Not me. I’m behind schedule, but not for long!
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