flight paths discussion
What are you reading?
>
Mixing it up for March


I can't wait for the longer days to arrive. I'm hoping for more trips out of the city to prettier places, maybe even a visit somewhere for a few days. And I hope to be "inspired" by spring when it comes to do more writing.

And of course the lyrics will be what seals it for me...so far so good.
This then will be the soundtrack as i push myself to finish Autonomous


This morning I went out for a run. It was perfect outdoors. The sun came out, peeped behind clouds, came back out. It was just right. It's now raining and the skies are a dismal grey.
Thank you for all the thoughts on the carving group. I had settled into knowing that I carved before the group, learned a lot in the group and would continue to carve after the group with enough knowledge to keep moving forward. I've learned a lot.
Also, I will keep in touch with at least some of the people in the group. I had brought up the idea of perhaps meeting in each other's homes once a month or so and that idea seemed to be of interest.
Also, I received a call from the Community Centre in regards to an email I sent asking (1) whether they are looking for a new leader and (2) if the group could get a room occasionally to meet and carve in. It seems that many of the group have contacted the Centre and they are seriously looking into ways to keep the group together. They aren't confident that they'll find a new leader but are looking into a Drop-In situation where they will supply the room and we pay as we attend. They are surprised at the response of the cancellation of such a small group.
So, there's a small hope that they'll find something to help us. But, no matter what happens, things will be good and I'll stay in touch with some of the members of the group (whoever is interested).
I haven't heard of Swans. I'll check out You Tube.


It was fun and dirty (muddy). We climbed over logs, dug under piles of wood, sorted through wood pieces. Four of us plus the leader showed up and we all had a terrific time. Afterwards, we looked up at the sky and tried to find constellations. We got a good view of Venus but it was too cloudy for any clear constellations.
ETA: we all found cottonwood bark to carve. My pieces are drying on the hearth. I'm taking three (half) of the pieces to another of our group on Monday. She wanted to join us but had to work that evening. Seems right to share with her.


I pasred it into a word document and will try to post tomorrow.

Petra its heartening to see the official response to your requests. Maybe they would even welcome suggestions if any of you found someone suitable for the job of leader. There must be many native carvers who are qualified. Your outing sounds lovely. We will look forward here to seeing what you do with the pieces you gathered.
I notice that a lot of the larger twigs I have examined that the ends seem crumbly. How can you tell if a piece of wood would be good for carving.
Has anyone seen the longlist released today for what used to be the Baileys? Not many of the books are familiar to me except the one Ive read, Girl Woman Other. I've put a hold on a few of them but nothing too overly exciting yet
Still havent found my lost review book but ta da! I found my review for Kraken on a little notepad plus! the notebook I kept of titles read in the 70's. I have only just glanced at it but I intend to scan it more as the historical document that it is.
The wonky weather along with the planetary configurations and the approaching spring have been playing havoc with everybody.
No wonder world events seem like they are spinning down. Stay centred everybody and keep reading!

little by little I'm learning some tricks
But Im still even more pleased to have bought a new set of notebooks to record my reading. They do not have to be plugged in and its quite a good feelng to be able to flip through it and have 6 months of reading so handy.

Malcolm, I listened to Filth and I don't think it's for me but I will listen to some of their other albums. Sometimes it takes me a while to adjust to and appreciate music that is new to me. I've read your review but I need to think about it and read it again. It's fascinating and so well thought our and written.
Magdelanye, I finished Beloved and loved it. My copy of of Holy Wild has arrived at the library and I'm looking forward to reading it.
I just read a mystery which was the perfect "light" reading for me: A Rising Man. It's set in India during the Raj in 1919 and it was not only fun it was informative. It may have been the vivid setting and politics that held my interest. I'm also reading. I'm also reading Unfinished Business: Notes of a Chronic Re-reader by Vivian Gornick. I love her work and this is not exception: it's about her relationships with different books that she has reread over the years and how those relationships have changed as she has.
I've joined the Rubin Museum which exhibits Asian art and is heavily involved in Buddhism and offers meditation classes as well as other activities. It's a perfect place to write--much more elegant, better lit, and relaxing than Starbucks. I go into the city on Thursdays so I can definitely go then.
Now, finally, back to Little Dorrit!

I am also amused by the vast differences in out responses to little Dorrit. I remember nodding off as I struggled with the long descriptions and finally can smile at your eagerness to get back to it. I have come to the realization that I wasn't at 14 really capable of appreciating it. Maybe when I am in my 80s I will have another go at Dickens, when I'm done with my tbr.
So glad that you ended up loving Beloved, and that you are on the verge of Holy Wild. I wont say anything here to influence your first impressions but look forward to discussing. I am still in love with Ocean. And I ended up loving Dennis Lee, not everything he's written but enough that he makes my list. I do not have a poetry book on the go at the moment but I am working on mine a bit.
I need to refresh my memory on Vivian G. I am sure I would love the book you are reading.
Two-thirds of the way through Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo it's gone from fairly predictable, pleasant enough to very interesting.
Looking forward to hearing from others regarding what is being read in the spring of 2020/

Highlights:
Magdelanye, I'm not sure which twigs would be good for carving. My thought is that all of them are. They are small enough for knives to get through, I would think. One day, I'll give it a try. I'd love to be able to pick up a twig and carve. It would be fun to do this around a campfire, for example.
I also really enjoyed your poem. You have a way with words, Magdelanye.
Ellie, the Rubin Museum sounds like a peaceful place to write. The serenity and quiet must surround you like a warm blanket and bring your inner thoughts to the surface.
I finished reading Solaris and found it to be a lost opportunity. The premise is so good but the execution was so dry. It's been ages since a 200 page book took me so long to read.
I've now started Fools Crow, which has an interesting start.
I'm on Chapter 113 (of 145) of the audio of Written in My Own Heart's Blood. This series just keeps getting better. There have been a few revelations in this book that have really added to the series' storyline. I'm a bit sad (more than a bit) that I'll have to wait about a year for the next book to be released.


and i have adblock. Ads for facebook. These are google ads i think. Never look or buy.
Im glad you like the poem Petra.
And i hope you like Fools Crow as muh as i did. Some of that old sf was so awkwardly written. Often great bigginnings dwindle.
Just finished breakfast with Buddha. it did get better and might be of interest to anyone in a slump
I have a twig for you Petra
And Now: i get to begin small game hunting

/review/show...

Thanks, Magdelanye, I'll take that twig when we meet up. It'll be fun to experiment on it. Do you "see" a design or something in the twig that made you pick it up?
I am really intrigued with Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club. It seems that no one really enjoys reading it, many give up on it 鈥.and yet, those who finish it say it's worthwhile. I will read this one day, if only out of curiosity.
Magdelanye, I am enjoying Fools Crow. At first, I found the names confusing and couldn't figure out who was who and what was what but I've figured it out. The story is very rich in detail and feeling so far.
It was a beautiful day today. I went for a walk along the river with a lady from the carving group. We had a nice chat.
This afternoon I read a bit and did a little carving on a whale & waves piece. It's my largest piece yet, so I'm a bit nervous about making fatal mistakes to the design. LOL.
How is everyone doing? Is the weather starting to warm up?

Petra, I looked up Fool's Crow and it sounds interesting. I'm looking forward to your response once you've finished.
I've started a lovely book, Apeirogon by Colum McCann. It's about two fathers, one Israeli and one Palestinian, who have each had a daughter murdered by the other side. Beautifully written.
I've been sick for the past week and unable to enjoy the warm weather we've had. Hopefully, I'll be better soon. I'm planning on taking at least a short walk today to get out of the house.
Hope everyone else is well.

I loved Fool's Crow by the end.
I am not so interested in Joe Ab. but one of my best friends loves him the most.
Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club is everything everybody said. I cant leave this comment to check but has anyone read this???//
Canada Reads is next week already. I am finding it hard to believe that this is a contender because it takes a real push to get into.

Oathbringer
In the Region of the Summer Stars
Ice

Good to hear from you Ice! I'm always interested in the books you're reading/going to read: they're usually new to me. I'll have to investigate them.
Well all because I'm sick I'm avoiding crowds which is definitely cramping my style. The poetry reading I was going to on Friday has been cancelled. I've got several other events lined up which may also be cancelled (and if not I have to decide if I should swallow the monetary loss and not go). I think everyone is overreacting but what do I know? So I'm being cautious. Especially since I've been sick with this cold lingering on. And I was too exhausted to read or write, Magdelanye, but now I'm much better--still weak but able again to read and write and take short walks outside which is especially nice.
I'm very excited--I pre-ordered the last volume in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy and it just came in. I can't wait to read it. I may have to put everything else on hold. I've heard it's not quite as good as the others and very long but still quite good. I loved the others; I saw them on stage (and even got to meet Mantel who was in the theater signing books--no one was with her so I got to chat with her a bit. Very nice person, at least in that setting).

Lol--I looked up Ice and saw it was the one by Anna Kavan which I read years ago and loved. I also liked Sleep Has His House. I should go back and reread or read some more of her.
Thanks for reminding me. Enjoy!

As if that weren't enough, I had a chance encounter with one of my TAs, and brought up an idea for a forthcoming term paper that I've had for months: the potential intersection between ambient music and noise music where one becomes another or serves similar functions. It's not technically something I can write about, but the TA thinks it has potential and is willing to talk with the requisite professor if I can produce a good outline and examples. It's been a fruitful day, so far.

Ice, it's great to see your post. How have you been?
I looked up each of those books, as they were new to me. Ice sounds really interesting. I once read Amnesia Moon, which also had a dream-like feel about it, and really enjoyed it.
Ellie, I'm glad you're feeling better. Take care until you're back to your healthy self.
It's Tai-Chi day today. I think it's the last session for the morning class. In any case, the beginners will be learning their last 2 moves of this session. I hope a few of them continue in April. It's always nice to see them continue on.

Petra, hope your class goes well. Can you do Tai-Chi with artificial hips? I've been thinking about taking a class.

I am a bit askew at the moment having just finished Small Game hunting. I cant imagine how it ended up in Canada Reads its so visceral. Yes, i am recommending it to everyone
Petra on my walk today i noticed a truck piled with leaf litter and branches and a snagged a wonderful huge twig that might be good for carving.
stay healthy everyone!
Ellie hope you are feeling better

Currently experimenting with Gluten free flour, it's probably like having Ronald Weasley in the kitchen :-)

The good news is that I have more time to read. I'm reading Actress which is fun so far. And another mystery in the Abir Mukherjee series, A Necessary Evil so it's not a total loss.


Ellie i can imagine how nervewracking it must be there. Megan you too in a big metropolis with a kid in daycare, and Mary Anne in Vancouver. At least finally there are some positive messages coming out from groups like Shambala.
Its sad though that all the long anticipated spring events have all been canceled, especially the market where we get our spring plantings and seeds.
Concerts. Canada Reads! Mostly, though i feel for those travellrrs caught in the crossfire, i am terrified for all the people who have no home and no where to go to isolate or take care of themselves.
It doesnt help that my reading is all so heavy. Even the sci fi I picked up from the CR longlist Sputnicks Children is dystopian. I do not seem inclined to hook up the laptop today but when i next do I will rant a bit, I promise you
I have the fionavar trilogy in storage and have long anticipated reading it, so that is a disappointing assessment indeed
wishing us all in our far flung places a quiet sunny weekend for reading 鈿


I worry about all those locked up I the US. refugee camps, as well as the homeless and prisoners. I also worry about my children because the schools are crowded and large (there are are more than a thousand people, staff and children (mostly aged 15-21) in my sons not very clean school and many of those students are extremely medically fragile). So I鈥檓 lucky to have be able to comfortably 鈥渟ocially distance鈥 myself. And I鈥檓 getting lots of calls from friends.
I鈥檓 still reading the mystery and Actress both of which are fun. I鈥檓 frustrated with how slow my reading has become but with all that鈥檚 going on I have more time to read.

Ellie I can understand your worries for your kids. May this too pass.
Our local reading room is closing for a couple of weeks and probably the libraries in town will follow. So the silver lining is more time on library books.
This morning in Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation I finally got to an essay I was looking forward to called hip hop is not dead. I was thinking a least I wont cry over this one. HA, I've been watching the videos all morning and could scream and cry forever/
for instance could get you started.
At least I have The Crying Book by Heather Christle
It's an odd little book but I relate altho I havent cried reading it
From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle is another heartbreak so far. Now that Canada Reads has been postponed by the time it happens I will surely have dragged through it...its that hurtful
So it's somewhat of an escape to turn to Sputnik's Children by Terri Favro which I discovered on the CR longlist. Here's where my restlessness really comes in. Its dystopian, not badly written and probably deserves more attention than I'm giving it.
Same with On the Trail of Marco Polo: Along the Silk Road by Bicycle by Brady Fotheringham Not the best time to travel, or even dream of it.
It would be nice to hear from everybody in this group!

Ellie, I feel for you and your kids. I hope they both stay safe.
Ellie, if you can balance on one leg for a short period, then you would probably be able to do Tai-Chi with artificial hips. I don't know for sure and a lot would depend on the instructor and type of tai chi. I am practicing Tai Chi for Health, which is more about stretches and core muscles and nothing about martial arts (other than the moves stem from there).
My instructor has variations of movement for those who need it. A good instructor will be able to help you do the moves, even if adaptations are needed.
My step-dad is staying with us. He was supposed to leave on a trip to Argentina today but it got cancelled on Friday. He's disappointed, of course.
I've been going on a lot of walks with him. Luckily, the weather has been perfect for walking.
I'm still reading Fools Crow and really enjoying it. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten a lot of time to read this past week, so I haven't gotten far into it (about 100 pages). Can't wait to sit and give it some dedicated time. It's so well told.
You are all reading books that I haven't even heard of! LOL! I'm reading the comments with total interest.
I've read The Fionavar Tapestry. Looking back on my review, I liked the story but found the writing to be "early Kay" and distracting to the story, with flowery writing & awkward conversations. I'm still a fan of Kay's writing.

Last night we found out schools in Alberta are closed indefinitely. So my 5 year old is home with me. I can barely look after myself, so this will be a huge challenge for me.
So it鈥檚 pretty doom and gloom over here. I鈥檝e managed a bit of reading for 15/20min here or there.
Stay safe everyone!!!!

So I am dropping in on the mobile to respond to Megan mainly, to offer some encouragement. I this the same or similar to BPPV or ear crystals? I've had that and its not fun. Sounds like you are doing all the right things. I was amazed when i followed a video that provided immediate results. Hope yours clears up soon.
Petra I can imagine how disappointed your step dad must be to lose this particular opportunity. I can imagine many others in the same position. Let's hope it can still happen. Meanwhile, you get to enjoy each others company.
Have your Tai chi classes been canceled? At least you can practice on your own.
Ellie you must be happy that the schools are shut. And that you're retired! Petra too. Me too.
Ice Im wondering if you are still working.
MaryAnne if you are reading this know that you are also in my thoughts as we haven't heard from you in a while. Hope you and your tribe are all well.
And to all the dear lurkers, you too


How is everyone doing?
Ellie, how are things in NY?
Magdelanye, we live in more rural/small town areas. Things are still crazy here with hoarding. How are things in your area? Can you get the essentials? I haven't found a potato all of last week.
Ice, it's always fun to try new recipes and ingredients. I haven't worked with gluten free items. It sounds like a challenge.
Hubby isn't feeling well. Not sure if he's got this bug or something else. He's got a mixture of symptoms, not all of them Covid. My gut says it isn't Covid but in these new times, how are we to know?
He's got a video appointment with his doctor today, so maybe we'll get some answers. He's feeling a bit better today, which is hopeful.
We've isolated him as much as possible in the house: social distancing at all times, sleeps in a spare room, uses the other bathroom, etc. I disinfect all surfaces throughout the house that may be touched a couple times a day, stringent hand washing.
I go out for walks and runs, as I can easily keep away from people and I've got a lot to keep myself occupied at home, so I don't really miss going out (yet).
I carved yesterday. I have a cottonwood bark piece that I'd put aside because it looks awful. I tried carving a lighthouse and it didn't turn out well. I'm now trying to save the piece by changing lighthouse design. I looked at many pictures of lighthouses on-line and found a style that could work.

Things are a little surreal here--pictures of usually packed places like Times Square empty. I'm fine. Katie and I are doing Zumba to get at least a little exercise (I'm awful but it's fun). Lots of phone calls but I need to get out and take a walk. Luckily, my neighborhood is very quiet in general and not a lot of people on the street. But I'm fine. I should be using this time to do housework but instead I'm mostly writing and reading or on the phone with friends. And I'm relieved the schools are closed. Staff had to go in this week but David and Katie went for 2 days with nothing for the paras to do so they both called out.
Megan, how are you? Better I hope. You've been on my mind. Sending healing thoughts.
The only thing I need to be more careful of is going on Amazon and buying kindle books. It's too easy. I was being so good about it but now that I'm home all the time and on the computer more my fingers seem to be developing a life of their own. I bought Thick: And Other Essays which I'm excited about reading but really I have plenty of other books to finish first!


Glad you're feeling good about the coming of spring but sorry about the disappointment.

Congratulations Ice on mastering the gluten technique!
And Zumba! That is quite a workout! I love it! If you can Zumba Ellie you can do anything!
Let the spring come!

Sounds like everyone is managing to keep busy, so that鈥檚 great.
I am utterly exhausted being a current stay at home mom. It鈥檚 hard to not be able to go to any activities to burn off some of his energy!
I鈥檓 doing my Epley exercise thing twice a day plus my eye exercises. I鈥檓 slowly improving. I had coffee today and it triggered my dizziness pretty bad, so I鈥檓 wondering now if it鈥檚 a vestibular migraine issue.
My physio, acupuncture and chiro are all closed for COVID-19, so I鈥檓 on my own until they reopen. I have a doctor appointment in 3 weeks to check back in.
I鈥檓 currently reading Margaret trudeau鈥檚 autobiography. It鈥檚 been great to learn more about her.
Although I have t been posting very much I do try and keep up with all of your comments and it鈥檚 nice to have a connection to the outside world during this crazy time in my life.

I'm amazed you can read at all!
I'm having trouble concentrating. I am going to take a short walk this afternoon, staying away from people. Maybe that will help.
Books mentioned in this topic
Census (other topics)Youth of God, The (other topics)
Night Boat to Tangier (other topics)
Open and Shut (other topics)
Motherless Brooklyn (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Hassan Ghedi Santur (other topics)Jesse Ball (other topics)
Kevin Barry (other topics)
Tressie McMillan Cottom (other topics)
Emmi It盲ranta (other topics)
More...
All suggestions welcome!