Merry Christmas 2012

May you have a Merry Christmas, may it be safe and filled with love, joy and peace.

As we approach a New Year, let us do it with remembrance for all those lost in recent tragic events, that they will never be forgotten, and that their families will feel the love of their fellow citizens.

May God be with each and every one of you.

RIP

May they forever Rest in Peace.
Never forget December 14, 2012

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

A self is not something static, tied up in a pretty parcel and handed to the child, finished and complete. A self is always becoming.
Madeleine L'Engle
The author of A Wrinkle in Time was born on this day in 1918.

Found this earlier photo of Madeleine.

Quote of the Day------Goodreads

I found this quote to pretty much sum up what Might be "wrong" with the current American frame of mind - some of those who have so much, and yet can never find "true Happiness".

It isn't what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.
Dale Carnegie


When I arrived home last night, my husband said "there was a nice message from The Salvation Army on the machine".  Helping those less fortunate is who and what I am, as we have been so "blessed" by the Powers that be.

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

From the Jones family to all of our friends

Happy Thanksgiving.

Please remember those less fortunate, and those who have been stricken by Sandy.

Love to all

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

‎Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.
Voltaire
The author of Candide was born on this day in 1694.


Perhaps while singing, one can give Thanks for that which has been given.

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

Words were not given to man in order to conceal his thoughts
José Saramago

---

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

Well, we don't always agree on everything, so today's quote is an excellent one to think about.........

Every one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. If a human disagrees with you, let him live. In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another.
Carl Sagan

Have a universally nice day!

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.
Saint Augustine of Hippo

Hmmmmmmm



Write what you know. That should leave you with a lot of free time.
Howard Nemerov


Well, that would help cut back on wasted trees!

Neverland, a film

This was an interesting version of how Peter became Peter Pan - not the Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson version.
The "injuns" were probably Pacific NW coast tribe with the artwork used on the dugout canoes, and clothing.

Give it a shot if you can find it. 

Hawaiian volcano

Incandescent lines mark the boundaries between migrating crustal plates on the surface of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Here, and at other lava lakes across the world, these rifting zones have a characteristic zigzag pattern.


Watch the amazing new photos of the lava lake on the Big Island of Hawaii . Check out the following website    
        http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov

Quote of the Day ---- Goodreads

What a blessing it is to love books as I love them;- to be able to converse with the dead, and to live amidst the unreal!
Thomas Babington Macaulay
The English historian and poet was born on this day in 1800.

The Legend of 1900 a film

This film is very unusual, beautiful photography.

The music - by Ennio Morricone - is absolutely incredible!

If you haven't seen it, you should give it a try.

Quote of the Day-------Goodreads

Just when you thought you knew it all

There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.
Socrates


Keep reading!!!!!!!!!

Banned Book Week-----Quote of the Day----Goodreads

You never know what you miss until it is taken away from you, then you regret not taking advantage of it.  You have the right to read, don't lose it.   Harper Lee said it well, please take a moment and consider .............

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.
Harper Lee
It's Banned Books Week! To celebrate the right to read, we're quoting literature that was banned or challenged at some point in history.

This is BANNED BOOK WEEK!!! Quote of the day----Goodreads

This is BANNED Book Week!
Read something BANNED  

What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through mountains.
Tennessee Williams
It's Banned Books Week! To celebrate the right to read, we're quoting literature that was banned or challenged at some point in history.


Make sure you preserve YOUR RIGHT to read.........

Quote of the Day------Goodreads

And the little screaming fact that sounds through all history: repression works only to strengthen and knit the repressed.
John Steinbeck
It's Banned Books Week! To celebrate the right to read, we're quoting literature that was banned or challenged at some point in history.

Quote of the day-----Goodreads

Do a loony-goony dance
'Cross the kitchen floor,
Put something silly in the world
That ain't been there before.
Shel Silverstein
The author of Where the Sidewalk Ends was born on this day in 1932.

When you have a moment consider reading any childrens poetry - they are always fun.

Keep reading!

Quote of the Day------Goodreads

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one. George R.R. Martin The author of A Game of Thrones was born on this day in 1948.

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly. Cornelia Funke

Quote of the Day------Goodreads

Quote of the day

If you are lazy, and accept your lot, you may live in it. If you are willing to work, you can write your name anywhere you choose.






Gene Stratton-Porter

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

If you would tell me the heart of a man, tell me not what he reads, but what he rereads. François Mauriac The Nobel laureate died on this day in 1970. I love this one very much. Reread those books you love!

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

A man's mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions. Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. The author of Autocrat of the Breakfast Table was born on this day in 1809.

Thought for the Day

Thought for the Day, seen in Everett Daily Herald on August 23,2012

"A wise man without a book is like a workman without tools."     Moroccan proverb


So keep reading!  Happy Day

How It All Began, a novel by Penelope Lively

How It All Began,  a novel by Penelope Lively


You have heard of the "ripple effect", Penelope begins her latest novel with just that.

Charlotte Rainsford is merely walking down the street when she is assaulted by a petty thief, this seemingly unusual event in Charlotte's life reaches out to her family, acquaintances, and even back to the petty thief himself.  Charlotte's daughter, Rose, is notified of her mother's assault, at the hospital where Charlotte is being attended to, Rose phones her employer, Henry, who must deal with the fact that Rose needs to attend to her mother, but Henry is in dire need of assistance to attend a conference, he being the "key note" speaker, Henry enlists the assistance of his niece, Marion.  Marion is a very successful interior designer, having an affair with Jeremy, whose wife picks up his cell phone message......  So you see the ripple effect has already spread beyond Charlotte's wildest imagination.  Henry's speech is an absolute "flop" thanks to Marion's inept ability to help her uncle, Henry's professorial reputation is about to come crashing down, and in walks Mark, out to make his "mark" on the world, which of course leads to Henry's further demise, and so it goes ......

The writing was really wonderful, the story enjoyable and at times humorous, at times sad, was worth every minute spent away from doing my chores.

Happy reading.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Having heard the author on NPR, I decided to read this.




As the title is very close to the "50 Shades of Gray" series, her book has been getting hits and interest. Although this story is about as far away from what the other series of books is about I am from the South Pole.



Nazis vs Stalin's army - which would you rather be a prisoner of? USSR annexed several countries and took away many people just as the Nazis did - one didn't even need to be of a certain ethnic/religous background. This is a story that really tears one's inner being apart. The author's family had "suffered" many of what the story tells.



Told from the point of view of a 16 year old, who with her mother and brother are transported to the Arctic circle and enforced labor camps.

Been off the air

Quote of the Day ---- Goodreads

O, to be sure, we laugh less and play less and wear uncomfortable disguises like adults, but beneath the costume is the child we always are, whose needs are simple, whose daily life is still best described by fairy tales.






Leo Rosten

Quote of the Day ----- Goodreads

There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.






Joseph Brodsky



The Nobel laureate and author of Watermark was born on this day in 1940.
 
 
 
Read a book!

The Browning Version, a film by Anthony Asquith

The Browning Version, a film by Anthony Asquith.

This is the original film with Sir Michael Redgrave, who won for his performance at the Cannes Film Festival of 1951.

Sir Michael portrays Andrew Crocker-Harris, middle-aged schoolmaster, whose marriage is a sham, who is loathed and feared by his students, and who will be leaving the school at the end of the term, due to his poor health.  His wife is carrying on an affair with one of his fellow schoolmasters, who believes that Andrew is unaware of the affair.  As the term is ending, one of his young students comes to him for a private lesson, this young fellow displays admiration and respect that causes Andrew to re-evaluate his career.  Andrew's wife, although disloyal to their marriage vows, is always honest with him, to the point of cruelity.

We watched this film last night.  It is in glorious black and white.

Harmattan: a journey across the Sahara, by Geraldine Kennedy

1964 - JFK has been instrumental in starting the Peace Corps, however, now his death leaves all those young idealists with major voids in their lives.  5 young Peace Corps women decide to make an unheralded and unusual trek across the Sahara - people from all walks of life, and various nationalities come to their aid during their quest.  At one point, the women are "hijacked" by a group of French military men.  Most people cannot comprehend their desire to undertake this voyage, after all it is 1964, and women are still not "equal" to men in facing this type of journey. 

Well, THEY DO!

Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, a novel by Trenton Lee Steward

Add caption  Having read the Mysterious Benedict Society series, I was anxiously looking forward to the next book in the series.  However, Trenton decided to do a "pre-quel" to the series, setting up the how's and why's of the Society itself. 

Nicholas Benedict is an orphan, not knowing how he can to be an orphan, as was the usual case in the era this book is set in.  Nicholas is sent from one orphanage, to another, one steeped in mystery.  Due to his rather unusual "condition" he is set up in a room all to himself, and at the top of the establishment, however, he is also locked in the room every evening..........., little do those in charge of the orphanage know that he is a "wizard" at solving problems beyond normal circumstances

Quote of the day-----Goodreads

Quote of the Day


Happiness consists in getting enough sleep. Just that, nothing more.






Robert A. Heinlein
 
 
Hope you had a good night's rest.

Quote of the Day---Goodreads

Quote of the Day from Goodreads



I'm not young enough to know everything.     

J.M. Barrie
    The author of Peter Pan was born on this day in 1860. 

Happy Reading!

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

Goodreads Quote of the Day from Christopher Morley


There is no mistaking a real book when one meets it. It is like falling in love.     

Christopher Morley
    The author of The Haunted Bookshop was born on this day in 1890. 

Dancing on the Edge of the Roof, a novel by Sheila Williams

Dancing on the Edge of the Roof, by Sheila Williams

Read in 2004


Juanita Lewis, mother of 3 grown dependent, ill-mannered children, has had 42 years of hard living in abusive relationships, so she has decided to RUN AWAY from Ohio to Montana.   Certainly life can be no more difficult than what she has already faced.  Along the way, in Butte, Montana, where her skin color does stand out BIG TIME, she "runs into" a gay truck driver, who delivers her to Paper Moon, Montana.  Juanita walks into the local diner, owned by Jess Gardiner, with the menu lacking basic breakfast fare, Juanita takes over cooking and NEVER looks back.  Jess doesn't know what "hit" him nor does he realize how Juanita's chance arrival will change both of their lives forever.


I remember how much I enjoyed reading this book.  Hope you will give it a shot!

Don 't forget to visit your local library.

Quote of the Day-------Goodreads

Quote of the Day by author of "I capture the Castle"


Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.     

Dodie Smith
    The author of "I Capture the Castle" was born on this day in 1896


If you haven't read this book, I hope you will give it a try.  It is one of the most popular "older" books, some might not consider it a classic, however, it needs to be considered........

Back of Beyond, Travels to the Wild Places of the Earth, by David Yeadon

Back of Beyond, Travels to the Wild Places of the Earth by David Yeadon.

Could not locate a current photo of this book, I did notice it seems to be available e-book wise.

Read in 1995

An account of some of the most unusual places that David Yeadon traveled to - 13 countries, some are generally considered common destinations, although the villages are out of the way places tourists do not usually visit.  One of the better places was a village in the Canary Islands, where David and his wife lived among the locals  for 4 months.
2 of the more unusual places were chronicled in chapter 14 - India, Rann of Kutch, and chapter 15 India, Getting to Goa. 
Of all the places David visited, chapters 2 Haiti, 3 Costa Rica, 4 Gran Canaria and 5 Morocco - The Last Caravan, were the most enjoyable.

Among Schoolchildren, by Tracy Kidder


Read in 1990


Tracy Kidder received permission to "sit" in Mrs. Zajac's 5th grade class at Kelly school in  Holyoke, CO - where she grew up to become a teacher - for a whole school year.  We are introduced to all her pupils, their backgrounds, their personalities, pleasures, pain and problems.  One child in particular becomes not only Mrs. Zajac's "cross to bear", but the one she simply refuses to give up on.  All the children become family and dear to the reader.  It is a very sad day for the reader, author and teacher when Clarence is sent ot another school - one wonders what became of him. 

Tracy gave us yet another  well-paced, well-written book  ----  good insights into terrible teaching conditions nationally at that time.  Have teaching conditions changed for the better or worse?  Maybe someday he will revisit this theme.

This book was read back in 1993.



Two Against the Sahara, by Michael Asher. 


Due to having lived on the Sahara Desert as a child, I find reading accounts of folks trekking the Sahara very interesting.

Only married 5 days, Tom and his new wife, Mariantonietta, begin not only a new journey of marriage, but the journey of a lifetime, that few will ever experience, to cross the Sahara Desert from west to east.  Passing through many obstacles, man-made and nature-made, crossing on camels, the drifting sands come and go, as do various guides and government regulations.  Some of the tales told by Michael are frightening, some life threatening, some humorous, but put altogether they make a strong statement for the inner strength one finds when faced with insurmountable odds, and the joy one feels with accomplishment.  One can taste the sand, feel the heat, savor the cool of the shade, this was a great journey.

Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman, a novel by Elizabeth Buchan.

According to my journal, I read this is 2006

She HAD it all, a good marriage, a great job, grown children, a home filled with....... But Nathan, can't compete with "long ago" memoris of why Rose married him, so when Nathan tells Rose he "wants out" of their marriage, especially with Rose's young assistant Minty, Rose isn't sure she is hearing this, and when Timon, her boss, informs her the paper no longer requires her services, she is REALLY sure she isn't hearing this!  Rose's life, as she know it, is over or so she thinks.  However, her children force her to put one foot in front of the other, in their own way.  Her former "beau" reappears, but is HE really what SHE wants?  Muddlying along, Nathan and Minty start having problems of their own, but Rose is pretty sure SHE doesn't care, nor does she want Nathan back, as his life begins unraveling, she does know that SHE has become a better person without him.

Tavern on Maple Street a novel by Sharon Owens

 Tavern on Maple Street, a novel by Sharon Owens

According to my journal, I read this in 2006

Untouched by the modern world, the quaint Victorian pub is a much loved place, by the locals and owners, Jack and Lily Beaumont.  Not just a business, a family tradition to all who work or enjoy "the stout".  However, bad times appear to be coming, as a property developer has hopes of demolishing the tavern to build a MALL - woe is me! - this event thrusts Jack and Lily into the limelight.  The countdown continues to D-Day (demolish day), UNTIL, yes, UNTIL a work of art is uncovered under a wall covering - BUT this work of art CAN'T be moved, it can only be seen if the building remains intact!   Thank Heavens for undiscovered ART!

Madonnas of Leningrad, by Debra Dea

The Madonnas of Leningrad, a novel by Debra Dean

Read in 2008


Marvelously woven tale of Marina, "then" a tour guide at the Hermitage Museum in Leningrad, during the WWII German siege of the city.  "Now" an aging woman, whose family must face the tragic fact that she is a victim of Alzheimer's.

"Then", an intricate history of the many art treasures of the Hermitage, how they were "rescued" before the Germans stormed Leningrad, with glimpses of how Stalin's regime "stole" works to fund the Communist party.

"Now", a loving look at how 2 people fled Soviet Russia, WWII and Europe to come to America for their children, and how they never want to be parted.

"Now" sequences set in the Seattle/ San Juan Islands of Washington state, "then" in Leningrad, Russia.

Lovely story of love both for individuals, and for one's heritage.


Hope you will consider this book.  Happy Reading.

Old Friends, a book by Tracy Kidder

Old Friends, a book by Tracy Kidder

I read this book in 1994.

Tracy chronicles the events of people for a full year, setting is Linda Manor, a "new" nursing home in Western Massachusetts.  The 2 main residents that Tracy "shadows" are Lou Freed and Joe Torchio, Lou is the elder of the 2 by about 20 years, he's in his 90's and a widower, Joe is in his 70's, his wife lives nearby.  Lou and Joe, from very diverse cultural backgrounds, become friends due to their unusual circumstances of becoming room-mates.

Tracy's gift of writing takes the reader right into Lou and Joe's lives so well, that "you" feel their joys, sorrows, frustrations, distrusts and silliness, as if you were in the room with them.

I really enjoyed this story and the writing.

"Tuscan Childhood" Kinta Beevor

Tuscan Childhood,  a memoir by Kinta Beevor

According to my journal this book was read in 1999.

Kinta's father, Aubrey Waterfield, a painter of the "upper middle" English class, purchased a castle "on top" of a mountain outside the Tuscanvillage of Aulla, consequently, Kinta and her brothers had a most interesting and unusual childhood, which was interrupted by WWI.  Legendary figures such as D.H. Lawrence, Robert Trevelyan, and Rex Whistler were among some of those who would be guests of her family.  With the onslaught of WWII, the family was uprooted and returned to their English homeland. Among all of the interesting people involved in her life, her great-aunt Janet Ross happened to have lived in the Tuscan area since the mid 1860's, all of these folks had a direct impact on her life.  This memoir was written in her later life.

Into the Forest, a novel by Jean Hegland

Into the Forest, a novel by Jean Hegland


A grim look into the future, when (and if) society and civilization fail.   Sisters, Eva and Nell, have been "left" in what is remaining of the Northern woods in California.  Before the phones and the electricity failed, they lived in this "paradise" with their parents, their mother died of cancer before the failures started, after things started failing, their father died from a horrible accident in the woods.

Eva had dreams of being a dancer, Nell had her sites of attending Harvard, however, with the failures both girls must come to grips with what the future really holds for them. 

This is obiviously NOT a light and fuzzy read, however, the writing is excellent.  I read this title in March of 2000.   It seems to still be a popular book, as I see it go in and out of the library frequently.  Consider this one when you need something with a bit of "meat" to it.

Sacred Horses a book by Jonathan Maslow

Sacred Horses  a book by Jonathan Maslow

I read this book in 1995, according to my journal. 

A very interesting history lesson, as well as a social commentary.  The Sacred Horses of Turkmenistan, otherwise known as the Akhal-Teke breed, was very nearly wiped off the face of the earth under the Soviet domination of Turkmenistan.  This breed is found in the desert area of Turkmenistan, and is considered to probably be the forerunner to the modern day Thoroughbred, it is valued not only for its unique beauty, but for its amazing stamin (can cover 125 miles a day for weeks on end).  Jonathan not only examines this incredible breed of horse, he also explores the unusual side effects of the downfall of the Soviet Union on many of its former states.  Turkmenistan is one of the more unusual former Soviet states, as it is almost entirely Muslim, with few amenities. 

I don't know if this title is still available for purchase, it seemed to be listed in Amazon when I was doing a google search for the title.  I do know that Sno-Isle does not currently own any copies.  I do recall that I enjoyed reading this title very much, and I learned quite a bit about this unusual, and unknown to me, breed of horse.     If you can find a copy of this title, I would strongly suggest you give it a shot.

Thought for Today------Everett Daily Herald

Today's Everett Daily Herald's "Thought for Today"  

I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.

Charlotte Bronte, English author of Jane Eyre, born on April 1816, died in 1855

"Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics" book by Ross Douthat

No, I have not read this yet, however, I do have a copy on order at the local bookstore.

Author was on Diane Rehm's show this morning, he makes some VERY interesting points about religion in America. Whether or not you are a "believer" this is a book that I think most Americans should read. His demeanor on the program was one of calm, intellectual insight.

Hope you will consider this one.

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. Coco Chanel

"Blott on the Landscape" by Tom Sharpe

"Blott on the Landscape" by Tom Sharpe

I read this book several years ago. It was a fun read, however, I don't know if it is still available.........

Unprincipled, Sir Giles, has plans to do away with his wife, Lady Maude, who has brought to their marriage her family's sizable estate. Lady Maude is a "large, overbearing" woman who deeply loves her family's estate and will go to any means to save it from the unsavory, powerful lobby who wish to run a highway straight through the village and the estate. Bring on the "heavy guns" - large equipment, lions, giraffes, a rhino or two, and Blott, the gardener who loves Lady Maude, will build a fortress to save her and her estate. Watch out for LIONS, especially hungry ones, Sir Giles............. You may have "bitten" off more then you can chew.

Two Cents' Worth quote of the day

Everett Daily Herald Two Cents' Worth quote of the day

The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read.

Abraham Lincoln

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

Each moment is a place you've never been. - Mark Strand The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet was born on this day in 1934.

And read some poetry during that moment.

"The Beginner's Goodbye", novel by Anne Tyler

Well, I have been waiting for Anne to return to her "golden" days of writing, with her previous novel, "Noah's Compass" she started the journey back. With "The Beginner's Goodbye" she has RETURNED to her "golden" art. This is a "simple" yet wonderfully written story. When I picked up my copy at the local bookstore, not only was it a first edition, it was autographed - SPECIAL!

Thank YOU Anne!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anne's signature location is Baltimore. Aaron's family has owned a "vanity" press publishing firm, that more or less fashioned books on the "dummies" series books, hence the titles always begin with "the beginner's"...... Consequently, "The Beginner's Goodbye" deals with how to say farewell to the dearly departed. Aaron's wife, Dorothy, a physician, dies in a "freak" accident when the huge tree next to their house falls and crushes the room she was working in. Aaron can no longer abide in the house, especially after the rains come, so he moves in with his sister, Nandina who resides in the house where they both grew up. Walking one day near his and Dorothy's home, he sees her on the street. Aaron's sightings of Dorothy continue over the course of time, until one day she seems to be finally saying "goodbye". The ending was simply Anne Tyler at her best.

Hope you will read this one.

"Wild Grass", a French movie

"Wild Grass", a French movie by Alain Resnais, with subtitles.

James and I watched this film last night.

The new French films are most intriguing nowadays.

Marguerite loses her wallet, and by chance Georges finds the wallet by the wheel of his car in a shopping center's parking garage. This one item opens the door to a strange relationship between the two. One has a sense that Georges has a very "dark" secret about his past - like having committed a crime. Marguerite on the other hand has very unique feet that require having her travel to a special store to obtain her shoes, this is when she "loses" her wallet.

The ending will leave you wondering exactly thinking "what really did happen?"

We thoroughly enjoyed the movie, wonderful music, great photograpy. Hope you will give it a try!

Quote of the day----Goodreads

I once saw a sign in Chicago that stated
Silence once broken can never be repeated.
This has always been an interesting concept to me. Today's Goodreads quote is similar





Does not everything depend on our interpretation of the silence around us? - Lawrence Durrell





Some folks consider silence a negative thing, you probably know folks that are never comfortable unless they are talking non-stop, don't they just drive you crazy? Silence is a lovely thing to enjoy.





Happy day to you!

Marion Bridge, a Canadian film

Marion Bridge, a Canadian film, by Wiebke Von Carolsfeld.

James and I watched this film several nights ago. This is not a light and fuzzy film, it took us by surprise, as it starts out very "gloomy" indeed. Three sisters have grown apart, two sisters have remained living with their dying mother in Nova Scotia, while the third has been living in Toronto where she has finally overcome her drug and alcohol additions, however, she smokes one cigarette after another........ Agnes returns to make peace with her dying mother and her estranged sisters, AND to attempt to gain entrance to the daughter she left behind, who knows nothing of Agnes.

The sisters share unspoken memories of the "abuse" they suffered at their father's hands, he now lives in a "neater" neighborhood in a "better" house. When they finally come face to face with him and his "new" wife, their hatred is shattered when they realize he is no longer mentally functioning......

The very end of the film really blew me away, "The song for the Mira", sung by the three cast members - well, it is pronounced the way I pronounce Mira, and I never knew there was a river in Nova Scotia with my name........ You can hear it on "YouTube" look for the version from the movie. At the end, you will come to understand the title of the film.

The acting in this was so very well done, it was heartbreaking to watch some scenes, however, it was a very well done movie.

Quote of the day-----Goodreads.com

Once again, a thought worthy quote from Goodreads.



The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference. - Elie Wiesel





Have a good day, and don't be indifferent about anything.

Man from London---2007 black and white film

The Man from London, a joint Hungarian,French,German black and white film, by Bela Tarr. 2007

I noticed this film coming into the library one day, and placed a hold on it.

James and I watched this the other evening. I must say first off, if you are into action packed films this one is NOT for you. If, on the other hand, you are one who enjoys watching the art of a film being "developed" before your eyes, then you might want to take a look at this one. It was like watching an artist paint a painting, with the paint drying before your eyes. If you also are of the "old" school of enjoying black and white films that create shadows, then once again this film is for you. Scenes take several moments to unfold, there is not an abundance of dialogue, so the scenes do most of the "talking" for you.

It is based on the novel by Georges Simenon. Dialogue switches back and forth between French, English, German and Hungarian..... It is pretty easy to follow.

Hope you will give it a shot. Enjoy

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

Everything in the world exists in order to end up as a book. - Stéphane Mallarmé

Books they are just such wonderful friends.

Crow Planet, a book by Lyanda Lynn Haupt

Lyanda Lynn Haupt's book "Crow Planet, Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness" is a must for everyone who lives on the planet earth. This book is not just about crows, but about humans and their footprints on the earth's surface, and why some species are disappearing and why some species, ie CROWS, are multiplying in alarming rates........

Lyanda lives the Seattle area, crows have become common city dwellers, having adapted to living in small crowded urban areas, as well as suburbs and in their natural habitat.

Lyanda refers frequently to John Marzluff's study at the University of Washington. John believes that "there might be about one crow for every five to ten humans." John's study was very interesting and had been part of a Nature series program that James and I had watched several years ago on Canadian television.... Crows do recognize people that "interact" with them on a daily basis, and depending on the way crows are treated by humans, they will either interact in a positive manner or a negative one.

This is one of those books that I need to re-read from time to time, so I purchased it.

Hope you will consider this one.

Bab Aziz --- Tunisian film

"Bab Aziz, The Prince who contemplated his Soul", a Tunisian film with Arabic and Farsi, English subtitles.

James and I watched this "lovely" film several weeks ago. Once again one from the Middle East that just caught us with the story, the photography, the beauty, the music and the dancing. Don't forget the dancing! Whirling Dervishes!!!!!

Bab'Aziz is on a pilgrimage with his granddaughter, Ishtar, in search of the great reunion of dervishes that occurs only once every thirty years. Bab'Aziz is in search of what he lost many years ago, and needs Ishtar to help guide him there, as he was blinded in his younger years. Ishtar asks many questions, Bab'Aziz relates the tale of a young prince who gave up his realm. As the tale unfolds, Ishtar and the viewers come to understand that Bab'Aziz is recounting his very own story.

This is a lovely tale of lost love and found love.

Happy viewing. Hope you enjoy!

"A Simple Curve" a Canadian film

James and I watched this a few weeks ago. It is always enjoyable to view the Film Movement series of "Indie" films, Hollywood sticks to the same old stuff, they need to wake up and see what else is out there!

This is a Canadian film, filmed in British Columbia, so the scenery is breath-taking. Of course, that being said, one also gets an earful of the "f" word, I think one can "turn" it our mentally if one really tries.

Premise is Father (fled USA during the Vietnam war, and remained in Canada even after the amnesty for deserters was granted) and son own a down-trodden wood working business in a tiny hamlet. They strive to produce only the very best to offer to would be buyers. An "old" friend of the father arrives one day to possibly bring a major source of business for them, the son falls for it "hook, line and sinker", the father is not impressed. Needless to say there is disharmony between the two.

There are some really humorous scenes, especially the "outdoor" toilet - for those who have septic systems, one can really appreciate the on-going situation with not having a working indoor

toilet!!!!!! James and I really enjoyed one scene in particular - what a hoot!

Hope you will consider this one.

Quote of the Day-------Goodreads

This is Philip Pullman, author of "The Golden Compass" one of my all time favorite "children's" books from his "Dark Materials" series, and today's Quote of the Day is from Philip.

After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world. - Philip Pullman

Thank you, Philip, for reminding of us of the importance of stories.

Happy Reading Folks!

Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

In an earlier post, I wrote about the movie version of this book, same title.

Naturally, knowing that Hollywood would concentrate on the more "romantic" parts of the story, I decided that I needed to read the story told by Li Cunxin. I had checked the book at the library, however, as there were many others who also wanted to read the book, I was unable to renew it, and I was only about a third of the way through - so I ordered the book at the local bookstore, and waited for it. It was well worth the wait.

To say that I was NOT disappointed with the book is putting it mildly - I LOVED the book. Although the film was pretty accurate, I was right about Hollywood's take on the story. The first 260 pages of the book are dedicated to Cunxin's childhood in his village and then his years of study at the Beiing Ballet Academy, the remaining pages are dedicated to his time in Houston and his career in the world of ballet. It was hard to put the book down, and it was equally as hard to have the book end, it was such a well written story.

I hope that you will consider reading the book.
Happy reading!

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads.com

Consider


Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat. - Ralph Ellison The author of The Invisible Man was born on this day in 1914



Possibly our world leaders need to meditate on this one for awhile..........

Read a book, any book!

Quote of the Day-------Goodreads.com

This quote is by one of James' favorite "authors"

On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom.
- Michel de Montaigne


Great Thought......

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads

No one says a novel has to be one thing. It can be anything it wants to be, a vaudeville show, the six o’clock news, the mumblings of wild men saddled by demons.
- Ishmael Reed


So, go out and pick up a novel and see where it takes you!

Happy reading.

Quote of the Day-------Goodreads.com

Sammy says that he really likes today's quote of the day.

My heart is warm with the friends I make, And better friends I'll not be knowing, Yet there isn't a train I wouldn't take, No matter where it's going.
- Edna St. Vincent Millay
The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet was born on this day in 1892.

Quote of the Day-------Goodreads.com

I do things like get in a taxi and say, "The library, and step on it.
- David Foster Wallace
The author of Infinite Jest was born on this day in 1962.


Well, considering the downpour outside, where else do you think people congregate on a rainy day?

Happy reading!

"Ten Letters, The Stories Americans Tell Their President" a book by Eli Saslow

Ten Letters, The Stories American Tell Their President, a book by Eli Saslow

As usual, I heard the author on NPR, probably the Diane Rehm show. Eli was very interesting, as I recall a couple of the letter writers were also heard (by way of taped interviews) on the show.

Eli has traced the history of letter writing to American Presidents all the way back to George Washington, believe it or not, there are so many interesting little known facts about letters to our Presidents. Spikes in the number of letters to our Presidents usually occur after some major historic event, ie. after President Roosevelt started doing his fire side chats, he mentioned he would enjoy hearing from "you", and the White House was swamped with letters, after JFK's assasination, after 9/11. Each event the number of letters just keeps sky-rocketing, there is a special building in Washington DC, locale is not public knowledge, and since the days of all the anthrax scares, the process of security has changed greatly.

Currently, President Obama receives approximately 20,000 letters and emails DAILY. Each piece of mail goes through the security system, then sorted according to subject matter, then staff members read 500 letters every day - YES every day - takes about 12 hours. There are several staff members who pull certain letters that might be of interest to the President, and the last staff member pulls 10 Letters every evening, these 10 Letters are then placed in a purple folder and delivered directly to President Obama, and he reads every letter before retiring for the night.......

One might believe that the letters chosen would only be from people who approve of the President, however, one would be wrong with that assumption. The letters are chosen for what they have to say to the President, regardless of their political beliefs. That is something that I found very interesting and made me regard President Obama even higher.

President Obama sometimes responds to the letter writer, sometimes not, however, once again, EACH and EVERY one of the TEN Letters is read. When the President does respond to a letter, it is not sent in any ordinary type of envelop, no, it is sent in a very special type of package. And, YES, President Obama, when he does respond, writes EACH and EVERY letter by hand.

I think that Chapter 5, "Stop and listen to the American People" was by far my favorite, a teacher from Plano, Texas, definitly NOT a supporter of President Obama, when a package was delivered to him in response to his letter, he thought it was a JOKE! He keeps his letter from the President in his classroom, and students are permitted to take the letter off the board and handle it! He still has it hanging there!

Well, I hope that I have whetted your appetite to the point that you will consider reading this very interesting book.

Happy Reading!

Quote of the Day Goodreads.com

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.
- George Sand



Seems to me that George's words should be considered by an awful lot of the "ME" generation, especially those who have so much and don't do "GOOD" things for their fellow man/woman.

Happy Weekend!

"Protektor" Czech film

"Protektor" Czech Film, winner of 9 Czech Lion awards (Czech Film Academy Awards)

This film is yet another view of what occured when the Nazis marched in and invaded yet one more country. Starts in 1938, set in Prague. Emil, radio reporter, is married to Hana, a beautiful actress who happens to be Jewish. When the Nazis first come to Prague, Emil vows to protect Hana from evil........

Naturally, Emil and his co-workers come under the scrutiny of the Nazis, for whatever reason the Nazis turn a blind eye to Hana for the time being, she is never one of those "rounded up" and taken behind the "wall". Emil is "promoted" when his co-worker voices his opposition to the new regime, Emil starts to waver in his fidelity and loyalty to Hana. Hana turns to the young projectionist at the local theatre who is in love with her. And then the assasination of the Third Reich Deputy Protector occurs. Bicycles play an important part of this part of the story......

James and I really enjoyed this movie, despite the "dark" theme. The photography was very interesting - black and white, muted color. There was some sex, some nudity, however, they did not occur together...... I don't recall any bad language, it was subtitled, which was very easy to follow.

Hope you will consider this film.

"Herb and Dorothy" a documentary

Herb and Dorothy Vogel, a most remarkable couple.

Herb is a retired postal worker, and Dorothy is a retired librarian. When they married, they decided to support new artists, and purchase pieces that they both liked. Since the 1960's, they have lived in a very small apartment in NYC, with each other and their many cats. On their "meagher" salaries, this couple acquired one of the largest minimalist art collection in the history of art collecting.

A recent documentary of this couple follows their years of collecting minimalist art, and the many artists, they helped bring to the forefront of this movement, and befriended over the years. One of the more interesting aspects of this film, is that so many of the artists were involved in the filming of the story, and give such wonderful insights to this amazing story.

Much to the delight of The National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., the Vogels GAVE their entire collection to the National Gallery.

This is a view of their overcrowded apartment that they still resided in when the documentary was being filmed.

When the National Gallery made arrangements to take the art from their apartment, the folks in charge figured they could get the collection into one "normal" U-Haul type moving van, little did they know.............

It took 5 regular size moving vans to take everything out of the apartment. The size and scope bewilders the mind.

It is amazing that with all that art work in their apartment, that their floor could support the weight of it all!

The Vogels have "permanent" visiting rights to view any part of the collection at any time at the National Gallery.

James and I enjoyed this one thoroughly! To the point that the next day, we attended a private showing in a gallery, locally, and purchased a piece of art. Oh dear, I hope we won't become the next "Herb and Dorothy"

Support your local artist!

Quote of the Day ----- Goodreads.com

Good Saturday morning to you!

Today's Goodreads.com quote of the day............


Literature is a textually transmitted disease, normally contracted in childhood.
- Jane Yolen
The author of The Devil's Arithmetic was born on this day in 1939.


Pick up a GOOD book and pass the "disease" along to someone else.

Happy reading.

Montrose, PA and Chris Snee

This is a photo of the public library in Montrose PA, town where my aunt lives.




This is a photo of Montrose PA high school. This is unique.

This is a photo of Chris Snee, "son" of Montrose Pa, right guard for the New York Giants, who won the 2012 Super Bowl, beat those Patriots (YES!!!!!)

Congratulations Chris, and New York Giants.

Quote of the Day ------- Goodreads

Think before you speak. Read before you think.
- Fran Lebowitz


What more can I say?

Happy Groundhog Day 2012

Happy Groundhog Day, six more weeks!

Please NO more snow on Camano

Saturday's Quote of the Day --- Goodreads.com

Have you read a good book lately??????? I am reading a GREAT one right now, will discuss it in a future post.....

Anyway, quote of the day follows



Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one's hand.
- Ezra Pound


Have good day, and pick up a good book.......

Quote of the Day Goodreads.com

You know, it's hard work to write a book. I can't tell you how many times I really get going on an idea, then my quill breaks. Or I spill ink all over my writing tunic.
- Ellen DeGeneres



This is a wonderful way to start the day, with a BIG smile on one's face!