A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES- DECEMBER 2014 BOOK SELECTION

This month’s selection is A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. I ran across this novel while browsing in Barnes and Noble. I’m never safe there. I think I can say with reasonable certainty that I have never left there, or any bookstore for that matter, empty-handed. Anyway, I saw the third book of the All Souls trilogy was just released and it looked interesting. I found book one of the trilogy and purchased it to read at a later time.

Before I could read it, my daughter “stole” it while visiting (one of her favorite things to do:)) and before I knew it she was reading book two. She’s now on book three. She said I would like it so in the midst of this busy season I started it.

I can only speak about the first half because I have only managed a page or two a day before falling into a deep sleep. I always read just before bed and I’ve kind of been burning the candle at both ends.

So, at first blush, I thought….. hmmm… kind of like Twilight for adults. And it is. Sort of. But as I continue to read I’ve realized it’s much more. It’s an extremely literate and more complex version. The author is obviously very well-educated and well-traveled, which is fun. I feel as if I am traveling and experiencing these places with her. Her main character is also an academic and oh yes, a witch. Her love interest is a vampire. I know, I know… hasn’t it all been said already? Well obviously not, because I am still reading and learning and enjoying the novel. By the way, keep your Google Translate handy. You will need it.

The jury is out. But I’m still reading so that’s a good sign.

Signs

I haven’t meant to be an absent blogger, but events in the last weeks have demanded all of my free time. Ha! Free time! What’s that? I have traveled in and through five states. Included in my travels: a birthday celebration, a road trip, a marathon, extended house guests, rekindled friendships, and a writer’s conference. Oh, and a stint as the Assistant Director on the South Carolina Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear! Whew! I have to say, although pretty exhausting, I loved every minute of it.

I’ve caught up a bit on my sleep and feel compelled to try to see the big picture here. This is definitely not how I usually operate. Not since my children were little, anyway. I usually try to keep events and opportunities to a dull roar. I like my quiet time. I need it to write. To stay centered. At least I thought so. So what was up that I couldn’t or wouldn’t say no?

Have you ever thought about Signs? I capitalize on purpose. I think life is full of signs. As often as we notice them, just as often we ignore them. I’m trying to assess why so much occurred in such a short time. Were they just random events or were they a sign that I have been wasting too much time? I know I have written more in the last weeks and my creativity is at a peak. What’s up with that? I don’t know, but I’m inclined to go with the flow.

See you next time:)

THE WOODS AT BARLOW BEND-NOVEMBER 2014 BOOK SELECTION

This month’s Book Selection comes from my fellow writer and friend, Jodie Cain Smith. Her novel is called The Woods At Barlow Bend. One of the things that make this book so fascinating is that it is based on true stories told to the author by her grandmother. It is a murder/mystery centered in the deep south. I have just started the novel but am already entranced by the characters, setting (which is almost like another character) and the use of language. It's available in both Kindle and paperback format. Kudos, Jodie! Check it out!

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-at-Barlow-Bend/dp/1625969708/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417121730&sr=1-1&keywords=the+woods+at+barlow+bend

October 2014 Book Selection

Only one book offering this month. I have been traveling, traveling, traveling. More about that on a later blog.

I chose this month’s selection because it was recommended by two authors, Elizabeth Gilbert and Signe Pike, on their Facebook, Author’s Page. It is:

The Vacationers, A Novel, written by Emma Straub. 

It tells the story of a family and their extended family on a vacation in sun-drenched Mallorca trying to escape problems at home. Who wouldn’t love reading about Mallorca? It’s baked island landscape comes alive.

This novel is deceptively simple. The truths about family bonds, secrets, misunderstandings and long-held beliefs are so rich and well-drawn, the author’s writing skill draws you in and holds you captive.

Sidebar: Emma Straub is the daughter of  author Peter Straub 

Recommend.

Fresh Eyes

I read an interesting article on the Huffington Post blog recently. Apparently a woman posted a picture of her kitchen and immediately got “helpful” messages telling her it was outdated and needed a makeover. Her eventual reaction was to list all the ways in which her kitchen is amazing just the way it is. For example, and I’m paraphrasing: “When I turn on the faucet, water comes out! Not just hot water, but cold, too! There is an miraculous machine that keeps my food cold. Inside is an abundance of food that I can replace when it runs out. There is another apparatus where I can turn a dial and cook that food! There is another one that can cook food in just seconds!” She went on to list the extraordinary things in her kitchen that most of us in developed nations take completely for granted. She said she had decided to see her kitchen with fresh eyes. 

This must be a message I needed because I also got an email from my friend, Georgene which had a very similar theme. An excerpt, with her permission:

"Not a day goes by that I'm not presented with an opportunity to stand in awe of the universe -- of the earth, of different species, of laws of physics & chemistry, of how our human bodies work (our hearts continue to beat without our direction, all inner organs take care of what we need, amazing neurons send messages all over our bodies, words come out of nowhere when we want to talk, etc. etc. -- and on top of all these wonders we scold ourselves for not having enough AMBITION & accomplishing MORE?  How much more do we want, for heaven's sake?), of technology & innovation, of infrastructure and the legal system and too many other things to mention - - -

but then I forget about all of this & allow myself to fall into a funk over something not achieved, some unsatisfied "want," some guilt or regret.  I can remain in the present when I'm out in nature, but I lose it almost immediately when I come inside!"

Now bear with me here. You’ll see where I am going with this. I just took a road trip with my sister. Hard to believe, but first ever for just the two of us. We went to see my brother for his birthday. Before the visit was even over, I was trying to secure the planning of a future family get-together. Then, on the way home, I said to my sister. “I hope we can do this again. You never come to see me.” She responded, rather irritatingly I thought, “What are you talking about? I’m here right now.” I didn’t understand her frustration at the time but on reflection I do. I was missing right now by wanting more. More time with those I love is not exactly a horrible thing but it is if it interferes with RIGHT NOW.

Maybe it’s human nature to want more. But it doesn’t have to be so. Just take a beat. See with fresh eyes. It will help us remember. Maybe it will be to remember the awesomeness of a kitchen, the extraordinary order of the universe, or the lesson of not missing the NOW for wanting more.  

September Book Selections

This month I’ve listened to one book on tape and read another. 

My book on tape was Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. It tells a fictional story based on fact about the Native Americans and the settlers that first lived on what is now Martha’s Vineyard. I have read one other book by this author called, Year of Wonders. It tells the story of one village’s handling of the Plague. Okay, who wants to read about the Plague? But it was amazing. I would have never picked it up on my own had it not been my book club’s selection. Unfortunately I moved and no longer have a book club to make those kinds of choices. Geraldine Brooks has also won the Pulitzer Prize for her 2006 novel, March. Don’t you love it when one novel leads to another by the same author? Something to look forward to.

My reading choice was Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians. After last month’s selection, I needed something light and easy. This fit perfectly. It tells the story of a whole culture of very, very VERY, beyond your imaginings, rich people. The tone is light and funny  and the read is fast. I’ve enjoyed learning a bit, in a superficial way, about the Singaporean and the Chinese culture. 

Simple & August Book Selection

I just want it to be simple. And it’s not. Life, I mean. Obtaining goals. Maybe it is and I just don’t see it.

Today is the day I decide once again to continue to write. The truth is… it’s not really a choice. It’s an integral part of who I am. Sometimes I just want to lay it down. Let it go. But I can’t.

Pursuing publishing in the digital age is like pulling out fingernails. It was always hard…even before the age of electronic submissions but now… Geez… you have to be a one man/woman marching band, all the while twirling your baton, turning cartwheels, playing the tuba and singing Dixie. I know I could self-publish but I choose not to. At least not today.

By the way, I have a new feature on my Blog that shall be called “Book of the Month.” Ta Da….. So this month it shall be:

This novel starts with a harrowing birth scene that really rocked me back on my heels but I stuck with it because of the incredible writing. It has turned out to be one of the mostsatisfying books I have ever read. Highly, highly recommend.

So, I will persist. Maybe it’s just as simple as that. Simply persist.

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

-Calvin Coolidge

Plant Poetry

I have a house full of plants. I grew up in a house full of plants. I guess it has something to do with bringing some of the outdoors inside. Something green. It doesn’t match the experience of being outside, but it has always felt right to have them.

Recently, I was doing my watering duty when I realized how little I actually do see my plants or appreciate them anymore. This is interesting for two reasons. First, some of these plants are so old they are like members of my family. They’ve been lugged through at least seven moves that I can think of. Second… so I’m watering them and I’m actually dreading the time it takes to feed and care for them. Instead of enjoying them, they have become a chore. I’ve let them become a chore.

Instead of being in the moment like I’m always preaching and noticing their beauty, I’m rushing through the task with a vengeance. What stopped me was this. As I was waiting for the trays to fill with water, I was reading a Mary Oliver poem. Her vivid imagery reminded me that life is a series of moments. Why living in the present moment is such a difficult task that needs constant reminding, I do not know. I do know it’s best to take care and not let those moments slip away. Enjoy them when you can. See them. Be there.

Courtyard in Cordoba, Spain:)

Book Love

The first book I ever remember loving was about Madam Curie. Of course there had been many, many books before that. Our library was full to overflowing and I always received books as gifts, but this one was a book without pictures. A biography. A book I spent a whole summer day reading splayed across my bed, propped up on my elbows. It was a turning point for me because I literally could not stop reading. I didn’t want to. It was a beautiful, green, sunny day. I remember the breeze shifting the leaves of the tree outside my window but this usual siren song didn’t move me. Life was never the same. Since then, books have been a constant companion.

I think I have mentioned before in this blog, one of my greatest regrets is that I will never, in all my days, read every book I wish to. You would think, because of that, I would choose very, very carefully when I select my next treasure. But that’s not really so. If I have waded through something heavy but wonderful, I sometimes will need a breather in something light and I choose fluff. Sometimes I feel philosophical and I choose a more spiritual selection. Sometimes I choose simply because I love an author’s work. There never seems to be a time when I don’t want something going, usually two at a time. Sometimes two and a book on tape! I know…. but I like it. I didn’t think I would like a kindle, but I do. Not as a rule, I prefer holding a book in my hands, but it’s useful for traveling. I rarely read magazines although I do like them. I have a bunch of subscriptions but they tend to pile up.

Going to a bookstore is heaven on earth. I love independent bookstores, used bookstores, library sales and even Barnes and Noble. I love the way books are sold on the street in New York and even at local flea markets.

A few lifetime favorites:

Ordinary People - Judith Guest; The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy-J.R.R.Tolkien; The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis; Twilight (Series)- Stephanie Meyer (I really had fun reading this. I was traveling in Romania, which seemed appropriate.); Les Miserables –Victor Hugo; Faery Tale- Signe Pike; The Weight of Water- Anita Shreve; Olive Kitteridge- Elizabeth Strout; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo-SteigLarsson; In the Wood-Tana French; The Bartimaeus Trilogy- Jonathan Stroud; Stern Men- Elizabeth Gilbert. Okay, Really? I can’t do this. There are just too many. To be continued…..

A few more....

Truth and Beauty and Yoga

I’m a writer. My own personal process requires stillness in my environment and a certain stillness of mind. I’ve never been able to create well in the middle of a storm of activity. Achieving stillness in my environment is easier than it used to be. If all else fails, I can always get up before the hubbub begins.

Stillness of mind is harder to achieve. I’ve used many methods. “Porch-time” is one. I just sit (on my porch, weather-permitting) and reflect. It’s a type of meditation without a mantra. I started this one when my children were little. Then, it was to gain just one moment for myself. It was simply a way to get a breather. As in: “deep breath- I’m still a human being.” It was good for problem-solving, too.

I’ve also tried traditional meditation using a mantra or music (if one can ever say meditation is traditional). This is wonderful, too, but for me it is more a spiritual and mystical experience than a means to an end.

The practice that inspires me is yoga. My practice has waxed and waned for many years… but when I commit to it, it is transformative. Yoga is an ancient Sanskrit word that means to yoke or bind and that is what it does. It literally joins body and mind. The transformation comes because it guides you gently, using breathing and specific postures, into the present moment. Since we all are earth-bound at present, this seems a good idea.

I know this sounds a little esoteric but I’m convinced that if it was called Strength and Stretch instead of yoga… everyone would be on board. The benefits extend far beyond what I have mentioned here. All I can say is find a good teacher. This would be someone who doesn’t try to make you do ridiculous, painful poses. Whatever your endeavor, try it. Try it. Try it.

So Much of it is Luck

Arthur Penn/Interview with James Grissom/2006/

"So much of it is luck. Dumb f**king luck. There is so much talent out there--in every area--and it can't get a set of eyes [to see it] or ears to hear it because it hasn't gotten into a magical circle yet. The magical circle of the right plays with the right directors with the right agents with the right reviews. No one escapes this; no one ever did. What I would like to do--and what we should all do, including you with your writing and recounting--is to persuade those with dreams and talent to keep at it, despite the odds and despite the fact that the luck hasn't noticed them yet. You have to believe that it will, and what you and I have to do is make some noise and wave some flags so that luck looks over and finally notices the mendicant that has kept up the work."--

                                                                     Arthur Penn

What They Taught Me

I have seen a lot of information lately about the messages we give our children. How incredibly important those messages are and how they become an almost organic part of the way our children see the world and how they move through life. I have seen it work both positively and negatively.

My grandfather, for example, saw his own scholar father waste his life through the disease of alcoholism. I don’t pretend to know what transpired between them but I do know, as an adult, my grandfather would have nothing to do with his father. My grandfather was a man of integrity, a leader in his community and a family man. He was compassionate and giving to others. And a non-drinker.

This led me to think about the lessons I learned from my parents and how they shaped my own journey.

My father taught me humility, absolute honesty, bravery, the power of imagination, a love of music, compassion for others and a deep love of family.

My mother taught me to truly see and appreciate nature, the meaning of unconditional love, a passion for literature, perseverance, resiliency and, by example, strength.

In a perfect world I would have passed on these messages/lessons to my children. If I could leave a legacy… that would be it.

New Beginnings

Forgive me, any dear readers out there. I’ve been absent for a while. I’ve had many ideas for blogs over the last weeks but they have usually occurred just as I was falling asleep. Needless to say they never made it onto paper as the “old" saying goes. So today is my new beginning of the year…. a little late.

Last year, I started the precedent of picking a word or phrase for the year. Kind of like a vision board, a goal or a reminder for the year. Last year I had three.

One: Practice Being Present.

Two: Appreciate the Wonder of Now.

Three: Be Aware of the Splendor of Timing.

I have to admit I am still a work in progress on all of these. But reminding myself is half the battle, I say.

So, for 2014, in addition to keeping last year’s reminders always in the back of my mind, I have chosen my new year’s word and phrase.

One: Let go of my image of what I thought my life would be at this point. This is not serving me. It holds me back with regret. So, I’m letting it go to let in fresh images.

Two: Write. That’s it. Write. Pure and simply. Wherever it takes me. Do it. Write.

Here is to a Happy Year.

"The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe."

 — Joseph Campbell