Saturday, November 15, 2008

HistorialEsther


My niece was complaining about school the other day. They had been “forced” to read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

Had I read it? Yes.

Did I like it? Yes.

Did I EVER learn anything worthwhile in seventh grade? Well, I had to confess yes I did.

I read Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes when I was in Junior High School. At thirteen I didn’t care if the novel had won the Newberry Award in 1944. Nor did I give a hoot that Johnny was involved in the Revolutionary War. Worse of all it was a guy book. I complained bitterly to anyone who would listen that my seventh grade teacher Mr. Nolan was a liar. He had promised the story was exciting, a great adventure, and we’d love it.

NOT.

At age thirteen I loved gothic novels (aka romance reader.) I slugged through Johnny’s adventure kicking, screaming and whining until I got to the description of bundling. I read with delight and desire the detailed description of the colonial courting ritual about BUNDLING. Parents who wrapped each adolescent in a different blanket. Parents who then put them both in the same bed, so they might talk through the night. My heart was racing, my hands were sweating and I reread that particular passage until the print began to smudge. How cool were revolutionary parents?

Woo Hoo! What a great idea. A blanket, my boyfriend, and a bed and we got to talk all night. Oh yeah. My hormones were in overdrive. I was ready to go and put this old ritual into modern practice. I even had new pajamas.

There was however, a fly in the proverbial ointment, MY parents. They knew me too well. NO blankets if a boy was involved. And OH HELL NO, I was getting within sight of a bed if there was a guy in the house.

Well Esther made me appreciate history that year and I'll give props to Mr. Nolan for having us read the book. My niece hasn't been seen for days. She's looking through all my book boxes for the my well worn copy of Johnny Tremain.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Friends

I'm a lucky gal. I've got friends on both sides of the aisle so to speak. Although we may not always agree on a topic, we always agree on our friendships. A rare and precious commodity I cherish more as I get older.

We've argued over politics, teased about politics, and agreed on politics. Although I have said very little on this blog about the election, I've found myself smiling and invigorated over Obama's campaign. I haven't felt this way since Robert Kennedy. The mood at Obama Headquarters in Indianapolis was light, bright, and party-like. (Dare I say hopeful.)

I've got a special Republican Friend who is all sunshine and light, at least she's practicing long deep chi breaths since election night. She even grinned when I told her I would miss President George Bush like an abscessed tooth. It's good to be able to disagree and still be friends. I miss her dearly, especially our bi-weekly lunches at Panera. So in honor of her new light and sunshine here's a special video to help her reach her zenith.


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Friday, November 7, 2008

TheKeepsake


I'm bleary-eyed today because I spent most of the night reading The Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen. I know better than to start her books at bedtime, I rarely can put them down until I've completed the entire novel.

I marvel at her writing. She is one of the few authors whose characterization doesn't suffer from a swift pace. Tess also has the ability to take a well traversed subject such as stalking, and explore it from a new perspective. I know, I'm gushing, but I enjoy a well written novel.

The Keepsake revolves around a forgotten mummy is rediscovered in a museum basement. Dr. Isles determines that the century old relic however is rather a modern day murder. While following the numerous plot twists, I'm was delighted Gerritsen provides me with medical insight without beating me over the head with 'geek-speak' which often distracts me from the mystery. Like I said earlier there's not much about her writing I don't like. So whose writing skills do you wish would magically materialize inside your brain? Now, just to wait patiently for the next episode in the series.
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