fresh canvas

I'm not a painter, but today has a fresh canvas feel to it. Little on the calendar, and though the to-do lists are long, most of it is not terribly urgent. This morning's Pioneer Press has a book review of The Coffins of Little Hope, which is already waiting on my nook. Might have to move it to the top of the virtual pile. But first, I've started Ann Patchett's State of Wonder, and simply because I loved Bel Canto, I'm eager to get deeper into her new novel.  (And wondering if I should check out SparkNotes on Heart of Darkness - I think some reviews referenced that, but I don't recall enjoying that college reading experience, so never mind.) From the reviews I've read, I expect both books mentioned here to believably combine memorable characters with unexpected events in Nebraska, Eden Prairie, and the Amazon.  When odd blends like that work, I love 'em!

dog books

Today would be a good day to start my next book group novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain. Aside from the fact that I'll be trying to lose a pound an hour before my college reunion this weekend, I'm just not that excited by a book with a dog on the cover.  I like dogs. Really. We once had the best dog ever and I still wish for another. But dog books, or dog-narrated books do nothing for me.  (Have I ever read one?  Probably not.) I'll keep you posted.

Unreliable

Book reviews, and recommendations, are such personal things. I just read one of the books that has been languishing on our shelves (and it has the word languishing in it. a lot.). A Reliable Wife had received lots of great reviews and the back cover quotes hooked me. I think it had been recommended by a friend or two as well. While I am not about to sing its praises, I am happy to pass this one on if anyone wants to read it.  And you can keep it. Yes, it was a compelling story, and the author's descriptive writing and creation of worlds was quite good. I got tired of some one-note characters and the endless money supply, and trying to buy people's allegiance, grew old too. This would be a good book group read and I would enjoy talking about the depression of an endless winter or the relationship of money and happiness or the nature of enduring relationships . . . but I just kept thinking the writer needs to work something out in his own relationships. The incessant thoughts of sex - positive or negative - just made me wonder what the author was working through. I know that others don't always love the books I do . . . and if you are interested in this one, may you enjoy it more than I did. When I race to the end not to find out what happens, but just to finish the thing, I know it's not a keeper.

Imaginery Shortcuts

My office at church is graced with a wall of windows. While a bit distracting, I see anyone driving into the parking lot when I sit at my desk. It can be a nice preview of who is stopping by for a project or gathering. I can also peg the shortcutters instantly. Resurrection is at the intersection of two busy thoroughfares and especially over the dinner hour, impatient drivers regularly try to avoid the wait at the stop sign by driving into our parking lot. They imagine a shortcut where there is none. Once they get there, they see there is no outlet and not only do they have to sit through the long wait at the intersection, but now they'll be further back in line. Irritation seems to rise off their car like steam as they speed back to the line they tried to skip. The pattern is a funny glimpse into human nature - and makes me think of the many ways I try to take shortcuts in life. A good reminder that with most of life . . . parenting, earning a living, building a ministry, relationships, EXERCISE . . . you've just got to go through the intersection. I laugh while the shortcutters fume.  Wonder who's laughing when I'm fuming. Good to see yourself in life's mirror once in awhile.

Remembering

Today Jon and I go to the memorial service for his Uncle Ozzie - Dr. Osmund Wisness. He was 91 when he died - and lived a full, long life, leaving five great kids and many wonderful grandchildren and now, little great-grandson Tor. I look forward to visiting with Jon's cousins and as I walked this morning, was remembering all of our cousins and feeling grateful for inheriting this phenomenal group of relatives. Ozzie's daughter posted photos on facebook, including a great mid-laugh picture of Jon's Dad and Ozzie, with the caption the two men I admire most. I can add my dad and uncles to that category too. Here's to celebrating a family of decent, hard-working, smart, giving, and witty men - and especially today, one life well-lived.

Rock the Combover

In one of those deep family conversations we seem to have so often . . . we went from hair color to which traits are passed on through your mother's side of the family. So at some point, accurate or not, Erika said that Peter was doomed. But, she was quick to add, he'll be 'rocking the combover'.  My apologies to Grandpa and Uncle Bob. It was just one of those phrases you don't see coming. A lot of life is that way--I'm just grateful for little joys like that one.

Stories

Watched the movie 'Fair Game' last night, based on the true story of Valerie Plame. While I remember reading news coverage of the events in the movie, having a story dramatized, or diving into someone's story through memoir or film reminds me of the people behind the news. It's so easy to skim through the morning paper and not get a true feel for the heart of the story. At Jeremy's student-led conference yesterday, I saw something similar, when he had to talk through some guided prompts.  Amazing what you learn when you actually spend some time talking. Fun to hear his thoughts and dreams for the future articulated so well.

Stuff

Jon drove back from Decorah yesterday with the contents of Ylvi Room 325. So now we look at the piles of books, laundry, speakers, and other dorm room contents.  It's a relatively small pile when I think that a 19-year-old guy seemed to live rather well with just these piles for a school year. Anyway, we have the stuff, but not the young man. He's off on another adventure, and I'm excited about his trip to Boulder. He's capping off a full freshman year with another road trip, another tourney. But this morning, I wish we had him here instead of the stuff. Or to deal with the stuff ;) Each bin is a reminder of the life that will burst back into this house in less than two weeks. And I'm looking forward to the real deal - the stories and the heart behind the stuff. 

Mark Twain

I appreciate the way Mark Twain observed life. On my google homepage today, this quote popped up:

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.
Hope I can choose my words carefully today.

Blogging . . . yet another way to avoid cleaning

Sat down at the computer to check one e-mail, and maybe start the process of changing e-mail providers, and suddenly I'm blogging. This was even a night when a full night's rest was possible.

So this post is just a test, but might be the start of something.