A Wrinkle in Time

I recently enjoyed falling back into the story of Meg Murry in Madeleine L'Engle's, A Wrinkle in Time. I read it again as a bit of research for a project I've been adding to in my spare time. Spare time which seems to become more and more elusive as the year progresses. I've been able to read A Wrinkle while training for the mini-marathon on, yes, (gasp), the treadmill. I know I'll offend all real runners by admitting that I've done most (I'm sorry all) of my training on a treadmill and not outside. Regardless, thanks to the new Kindle, I'm able to actually read while I run! There's no doubt it's the reason I've been able to get through these initial miles. So, right what's the point of this post - I recommend picking up the books, like A Wrinkle, that were favorites from years ago. It's refreshing to enter the worlds you can only remember in bits and interact with characters who charmed years ago.

simple

I'm discovering something necessary about the combination of a steady, almost rhythmic, candle flicker; a familiar, calming song surprising me on the playlist; and the simplicity only a Friday night with no alarms on the horizon can evoke. The underlying anxieties and to do lists which normally run as background on repeat throughout the hours and minutes are erased. (They really are constants I promise...just ask Ryan...and everything on those lists are a TOP PRIORITY...at least it seems that way at the time...maybe not so much right now).

This is a breathing moment. I need to remember to do this more often. : )

The Bell Jar

I just finished reading The Bell Jar and recommend it to everyone who, like me, is an introspective psychology major with closet dreams of writing more than client letters and various legal documents. Sylvia Plath's fictional account of her own life experiences winds its way into the slipping mind of a college-aged girl. She is aware of her mind's decay and endures the psychiatric treatments available in the earlier part of the 1900s. From the moment I heard the premise of this book, I started my library watch in hopes of making it my next read. Libraries can be pretty frustrating at times, and a few months went by as I waited for my turn to read about a life trapped in a bell jar. This sentence on the first page assured me I was going to like the book -

"Mirage-gray at the bottom of their granite canyons, the hot streets wavered in the sun, the car tops sizzled and glittered, and the dry, cindery dust blew into my eyes and down my throat."

I appreciate an author's ability to, with words, describe people, events, and scenery in such depth that I can almost taste the ideas. I relish words and the way they can be finely crafted to allow the reader a glimpse of the author's imagination. As a writer I am and have always been concise. I find little reason to ramble and have always had difficulty meeting page limits. However, when I am blessed by the time and inspiration to write something other than an assignment for work or school, I love sitting and reflecting on different and better ways to describe the ideas flowing through my mind. I am excited when the words flow together to create a crystal clear picture of my thoughts.

Plath's novel resounded with descriptions like the one above and satisfied my desire to both look into and attempt to understand a tired mind. Enjoy!

A lazy sway in the grasses and leaves adds to the night's symphony as the day slips away. The sky becomes a painter's dream with shades of colors indescribable using only words. The stillness melds succinctly with the slight assertions from the wind instilling a peacefulness much needed after this day, after any day. Here, dreams begin to emerge from hazy ideations. Blurred edges of impossibilities take shape and become belief. This moment is made for escaping normalcy and routine; crafted for weary eyes and minds; perfected by eyes attuned to beauties beyond description.

sundae

I love reading the words grey and sundae.  I've always preferred grey to gray, I only recently noticed sundae.  It's the placement of the letter "e" in these words that's so aesthetically pleasing.  I suppose the word aesthetically has the same effect.  :)  

technology

I recently purchased an ipod touch.  I bought it for the apps.  Then, even more recently, I procured a palm pre!  This was much sooner than anticipated.  I worried my ipod would become obsolete after only a few weeks of enjoyment.  I no longer needed wifi to access twitter and pandora!!  I don't want to linger much longer on the topic of gadgets; however, I did decide I would attempt to make use of both and this was my plan.  I would use the ipod as a kindle (I suppose I will also listen to music, which, by the way, is a lesser-known function of the ipod apple should really try to market).  

One of the applications I downloaded to my ipod, obviously, was Kindle.  I've been a bit leery of the thought of reading an entire book without touching a page.  However, the ability to sit on my couch, browse the best-seller list, find a captivating book, and immediately read it appealed to my over-powering desire for instant gratification.  Instant gratification has always been a part of my life; ask my dad.  Case in point - I purchased the ipod and palm pre both within weeks of each other.  Anyway, this ease of availability, to someone with my tendency to devour novels in a few days (or hours), is beyond enticing.  At the moment I am choosing to overlook the possible expense.  :)

The first book.  I was supposed to read The Piano Teacher by Janice Lee for July's book club but it was checked out with undetermined wait times at every library.  I discovered that the cheapest way to purchase the book was through Kindle!  Finally, after much hesitation and wavering, I took the plunge.  I just finished the book tonight.  The experience was new and different, but I was drawn to the story just as if the book was physically in my hands.  The slight difference I need to investigate is how to determine my location in the book.  There are numbers at the bottom of the page, but they are not page numbers.  I've heard they might be line numbers.  We will see.  Overall, the first experience was not a disappointment.  I will become a return customer.   

I do want to tell you about this book because I was captivated by the story from page one.  But, I'm sure I've reached the point where a blog becomes slightly too long and you've most likely already mentally escaped to your next online destination.  Enjoy!!    

donuts

As last week came to a close and this week began, I realized something jarring.  I had finished the book I was reading and could not find (at the library) the book I will read next.  Now, you might think that I should not, in fact, be reading.  I am after all studying for the bar exam, which I have to take in a little over 1 month.  (SCARED!)  Regardless, I've enjoyed reading as a respite from my constant cramming.  What entertainment would now keep my fragile mind from slipping into the insanity of total immersion in legal studies?  Enter Wimbledon.

I was pleasantly surprised Monday morning by the sound of tennis balls coming from the television before breakfast.  I was aware Wimbledon had likely started for one very important reason.  It was almost the 4th of July.  The 4th of July and Wimbledon carry with them fond memories of Smith family "breakfasts at Wimbledon."  Most years growing up the four of us would pile onto my parents bed (yes even into our teens and twenties) on the Sunday morning of the men's finals.  We would eat donuts and enjoy the match.  The memories of this tradition, like Christmas Eve pajamas or hidden clues to find the easter baskets, will stay with me.  

As the week has progressed I've found that I can watch tennis while eating breakfast and lunch!  I'm also receiving tweets regularly during playing hours over in England.  This morning I even found myself thinking of joining a tennis league!  This thought quickly progressed into needing private lessons, and then the realization that I should probably just try to hit with Ryan from time to time.  Let's not get over-excited.  It's been the perfect distraction...although, I'm sure I will still find a book to read.  ;)