flight paths discussion

maybe

LOL! It matters....how else are we going to get rid of winter?! :D

Lol you guys!

Btw, I'm reading the most exceptional collection of short stories, The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen. Each one I've read so far has been amazing. Stories of people who have fled Vietnam. So beautifully written.

I'm just trying to get rid of this cold! Actually, was better last week, but a trip to the city last Thursday did me In.At least I have some appropriate reading, Zoe Whittalls Best kind of People and Frantumagalia, yes, by Elena Ferrante. Also have Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, the book as well as the CD. Its nice to listen to her, but when I check the book, there's huge gaps.
The short stories Ellie mentions sounds important, hope I'll be able to track it down.
should mention the short stories I have almost finished, my first William Trevor, Cheating at Canasta. He's a master all right, but these stories are misery.

I love Trevor but his stories are often misery. He's just so excellent. I also have Frantumagalia by Ferante and I look forward to reading it (if I can find it-right now it's been swallowed up by my other books and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to track it down!).

The Refugees is written by the woman who wrote The Sympathizer which was apparently also outstanding and won all kinds of awards. Reading this, I know I have to read that one as well.

I'm making very slow progress on Dostoevsky's Demons. I'm taking another poetry class and between that and work my reading time is seriously reduced. You might be happy,l Magdalanye, to hear that I'm planning to take an in-person workshop. Not in NYC but up in the Hudson Valley in an idyllic setting. I think I'm looking forward as much to the setting as to the workshop, which scares me since its focus is on editing, not just creating. The course I'm taking right now is a very gentle generating one with excellent writing exercises created by the teacher.

Anyway, sorry for running on so long! Hope you feel much better Magdelanye, March can be difficult I know although we've been having weirdly warm weather here. I went up to Beacon New York during my break last week to the Dia museum with my son and we walked around outside without jackets (although I hear it's supposed to snow on Friday and we just had a blizzard!). It's a little scary these weather changes.

Ellie, I will have a look for The Refugees. It reminds me of The Beggar's Garden, another book of short stories about people on the edge. I really enjoyed those stories.

I'm currently catching up on some library books (why do they all come in at the same time?!! LOL!) and reading Her Royal Spyness. It's a quick read and I should be done by the weekend. Then I'll get back to Proust's Within a Budding Grove (and pick up a lighter book for in-between).

I own Her Royal Spyness but I'd forgotten about it. Are you enjoying it? And I'd love to read Proust again.

It's fun. It kind of reminds me of the TV show, Miss Fisher, except that Georgie is poor. She seems to have the same spunk, though.
The mystery starts a bit slow; the body doesn't appear until quite a way into the book but still a fun read.

I'm enjoying Proust but it's slow reading and I need a break occasionally. He writes great characters. And his sense of humor is wonderful........then he starts to navel-gaze...... :D

I forgot about the humor...

I have been trying to read The Next Episode by Hubert Aquin, which I read in French years ago for a French literature class. I now find it pretentious and purposely obscured. Is it the translation? I realize that he wrote the novel while undergoing psychiatric treatment, and he later shot himself.
I read Tempest Tost which I had also read before. I had forgotten how much detail there was in the novel. It was quite Victorian. I will have to reread Fifth Business to see if it is similar. Do I have less patience now, or have novels become so devoid of verbal decoration like Sleeping Giants which has only interviews, journal entries, transcripts, and news articles with very little linking descriptive text.
Speaking of poetry, I listened to Allan Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Diane Di Prima and Anne Waldman giving a poetry workshop at Naropa university in First Thought Best Thought audio. I had studied the Beat Poets in university and it was a lovely treat to listen to their voices express such passion for poetry.

I love the poets you write of Mary Anne. I must search out that reading. They did bring a passion to their writing that was remarkable.

Dostoevsky, Proust, and the Naropa gang, oh my.
I have yet to read Proust, how about 30 years on my tbr. Dostoevsky is my high bar...hope it picks up for you Ellie. What translation you read makes a difference. For a few of his novels I actually read two translations at once, which was exciting.
And I too am a fan of those Naropa poets, especially Anne Waldman. For years I thought how I'd love to , well i still would, take one of their summer classes but at this point I doubt it will ever be possible.
Most exciting about your writing retreat Ellie. You must keep us posted.
I've finally got to Colm Toibins Brooklyn and its a good novel for a convalescent. Also Katherena Vermettes North End Love Songs. Trying not to read that one too fast, but her poems have that elegant simplicity that carries one along. I've also started a book of short stories by one of my earlier favorite poets, Robin Lane. I was piqued to find that I never entered any of his titles...he has a lot, and I'm not sure which I've read. Probably the same with most of the poetry I read before GR. A lot of that dates back to when I still had my uni library cards and haunted the stacks.

Glad to hear you're convalescing-hopefully quickly. I loved Brooklyn.

I am enjoying the Dostoevsky, very much, it's just hard to read in the short bits of time I have available. I'm finding it funny as well as intense, as usual with Dostoevsky. I'm not requesting and more books from NetGalley or LibraryThing-too distracting (although I have one more from Library-unfortunately very long though it looks interesting-Dan Chaon's Ill Will.

My poetry is uneven I think and I hate my latest one but the teacher loved my last one which is very gratifying and gives me some courage to go on. He thinks the prose poem is my strength and I tend to agree. I can use my fiction writing in the very condensed format of a poem. Anyway, I keep on going on.

Wouldn't it be great to take one of those summer classes?! Maybe someday, although the older I get, the less I like the idea of "someday."

Reading a book on Queen Victoria - my contribution to March madness !

Ice wrote: "Reading a book on Queen Victoria - my contribution to March madness !"

Which book? Is it good? Isn't there supposed to be a new (British) series about her?

Oh, and so good to hear from you.

Yes....which book, Ice?

Ellie, we just watched the final episode of Season 1 of a British series about Victoria last night (on PBS). We haven't watched the other episodes but this last episode was really good. I may have to go back and watch the others. My step-dad, who's visiting this week, has been watching the series from the beginning.
Is that the one you are thinking of?

Good morning! It snowed again last night. Nothing much and very wet but still.......snow!!!!
Step-dad likes long walks so we may venture out for a walk later this morning. Then I'm making burritos for dinner this afternoon.

What is everyone else doing today? Hope all is well.

Yes that's the show I mean Petra.

No snow here but it's cold.

Snow yes but sun has come out!. I've been enjoying reading this thread, but still feel too dull to contribute intelligently At least I can still read! And there's a name for this virus that's been colonizing me, at least around here: the 100 day flu. I learned my lesson on the weekend.... went to Seedy Saturday, the annual organic gardening event. By the time I got there, I was too wiped to focus. I did get a few packages of green seeds and some bunching onion sets. I'm gonna live,yes dammit!
Sorry I am not up to responding individually to the interesting comments, just wanting you all to know how you've lifted my spirits.

So glad we lifted your spirits-now rest up and don't answer. We'll all try to be entertaining.

I'm impressed by gardeners. I can't even make lima beans grow (in that usual kid supposedly fool-proof growing project-I guess I'm the fool they can't proof against!)

Hope you feel better soon, Magdelanye. That sounds like a nasty bug!

Ellie, I hope to find the Victoria series on Netflix. The season finale was really good.

The sun came out here, too. Step-dad and I went for a 12Km walk. It was really nice: sun, crisp air and a nice walk. The snow had pretty much melted off the roads and sidewalks already.

More snow expected tonight. Ugh!

Ellie, I've pretty much given up on vegetable gardening, too. I can't even make a tomato plant prosperous.......cheaper to buy them. LOL! I get maybe 2-3 tomatoes per plant per season. It's disappointing.

Thanks Ellie and Petra for your good wishes. Now I'm going to challenge you to do the same for your plants! That is, if you are willing to try once more. I seem to be rather lucky, because I don't have much room or sun and I mostly do container gardening. I plant easy things that are not generally available, like arugula and heritage greens. Personally, I adore planting seeds and watching them pop out of the earth, always a thrill, but you too might find more success with baby transplants. Tomatoes are slightly finicky Petra, and Ellie, Lima beans aren't that satisfactorily after the initial rush. But plant just a few things you love and you may find some joy.
I plant by the moon, no chemicals, lotta love.

The book being Queen Victoria: A Personal History by Christopher Hibbert - sort of similar to the mini series, albeit I preferred Gemma Coleman as Dr Who's assistant (waiting for the series return in April - enjoying it with my grandson).
I seem to have evaded snow this year :-( - but its only March.

Magdelayne -- hope you are feeling better. Were you able to find First Thought Best Thought in your overdrive library system?
Do you plant according to the phases of the moon? I think all lawns should be converted to edible greens.
It is too bad it took a revolution and an embargo to 'force' people in Cuba to use every lawn and park to grow vegetables and fruits. And poverty forced them to grow organically, recycling everything.
I like to grow a few herbs, some from seeds and some from bought babies. I find that cherry tomatoes are quite easy to grow in a container as long as they get enough sunlight and are well supported and nourished.
Here, on the mountain, I will have to wait some time before potting anything as there is still lots of snow and it snows almost daily.

Thanks Mary Anne
glad to know that you are also into growing things. Planting by the money n works!
Our Library only has an eBook, not the CD of the Naropa poets. would be so nice to have now...As it is, I have a 5 CD set of Pema Chodron that is helping me get through this low period: I don't do sick that patiently.

I did not say money! obviously its the moon

I like the image of planting by the money!

I love Pema Chodron. It sounds like you've been very sick.

My grandson reminds us that he has to be with us on Good Friday to plant the potatoes as 'big grandad in the sky' instructed us.
As deciding whether the earth is warm enough to plant in, apparently local tradition is that if the soil is warm enough to sit on it's warm enough to plant ....... the test of course having to involved removing one's clothing to sit on the earth !

@Ice, now that's a compelling image!

So, will you find out if it's warm enough?

Our grandson can't wait to drop his trousers and prove the folklore !

good that Easter is late this year, its rather chill at the moment for bare bottoms!
Another test for if the soil is warm enough, which is also surprisingly fun, is to squeeze a fistful of earth. If it clumps into a damp ball, its not yet ready to be planted.
Hope everyone on flight paths had a good day for IWD. I'm interested in what you all did. Mary Anne and Ellie in the USA, was it different this year?
Petra, do you ever join the events in Vancouver? I spent about 10 years on the Iwd committee when BCFW was big. We organized some great parades in particular.
And Ice, did it touch you on the other side of the pond?
I missed local events because of my current condition, but I've enjoyed the all women lineup all day on the cbc

The weather here has been having a nervous breakdown: 72 degrees one day and snowing the next (literally!). I wish Easter were sooner though; it's a long time until spring break at school. Something tells me I'll be getting a one day illness some time before the holiday!

maybe its time to admit that climate change is not in our future! Here on the west coast its the same:+(
The crocuses that bloomed on the weekend are already dead from frost.
Don't even pretend to be sick Ellie,! Your body believes every word you say!. How about taking your new pet to the vet?
I've got the library interested in the Naropa collection, they will see if they can track it down in CD format.

Magdelanye, I haven't participated in the Vancouver events. Yesterday, I wore some red and purchased In Her Place: A Documentary History of Prejudice Against Women.

My step-dad is visiting this week. We've been going on a long walks every day. Luckily, we've managed to walk between rain bursts. We've been very lucky, had good weather and weren't rained on once.

Ellie, the schools up here have a spring break and an Easter break. Spring break is sometime in March.

Magdelanye, congrats on getting the library to be interested in a book you recommend. Hope they can track a copy down.

Given that I am an avid fiction reader, my journey through Queen Victoria keeps prompting 'oh I didnt know that'. My school history only seemed to comprise Roman Britain and the Great war. So reading has allowed me to answer more quiz questions !!

When I was a teen, I read everything about Queen Victoria I could. (I even read about Disraeli!). I'll have to look at this.

@Ellie: just heard about severe weather in NY....may you be getting your wish about a day off!

I did! And then had to take off the following day because my car is snowed in and I'm too afraid of breaking my (valuable) hips to walk the long walk to the train and from the train to the school.

So I am enjoying being housebound-doing some work but mostly reading. I am currently reading Exit West by an author I like a lot (Mohsin Hamid-he also wrote The Reluctant Fundamentalist and How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, two books I also enjoyed immensely). This one is about immigration and although there is some magic realism (people escape through magic doors) there is nothing magical about the experience of our couple once they do escape. It makes me think about how any of us good so easily become refugees, given the right (or rather wrong) circumstances, how precarious our safety is, especially in my country at the moment.

I just bought Lincoln in the Bardo, a book I've been greatly longing to read. I love George Saunders and the premise of this - Lincoln grieving his young dead son - sounds touching. I can't wait to see what he makes of this.

All this and yet I have made some progress on Demon, which I also love but hardly have the concentration needed for.

And foolish me-I got three more books from NetGalley which I swore off. I'm like some kind of addict!

In addition, I'm reading through some books on poetry a friend lent me. A little at a time-but so exhilarating, even in small doses.

So work does not go so well and interferes with my reading but at least I am able to find some relief there.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Who's drinking some green beer today? I'm not; not a beer drinker.
However, I do enjoy St. Paddy's and wore green today.

Looking forward to the weekend. Went for a run today so that I can totally relax and read tomorrow (how lazy is that???!! LOL!)

What's everyone else up to?

Ellie, is your car dug out yet? That's horrible to get that much snow! Stay warm.
I'm also trying to swear off of any more books (she says after ordering 4 books recently). I'm being swallowed in books!

I enjoy hearing about your poetry reading, Ellie. One day, I'd like to spend some time with poetry and see if I can "get it". Right now, I'm a fan of Ogden Nash. I also enjoy A. E. Housman, who I got to know through an old Twilight Zone episode. :D

@Petra, Lazy? Thinking along similar lines, I was less ambitious but got to the grocery store so I don't have to go out at all over the weekend if the weather keeps nasty.I can stay home, with books.
Reading Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson and totally enjoying.
@Ellie, Moshid H is amazing. I still have to read Moth Smoke, which I own a copy of. It appears that's a drawback because I'm still bound to read my library books first. Its hard to wean myself from the library but its a goal. All I've managed so far is to consolidate somewhat, yet I still have one week this month ( next week) with books due on 3 days.
It would be so great if we could share poetry. I have a whole bookcase dedicated to poetry that lives to be shared. Are your poets contemporary Ellie? Most of all I'd love to see some of yours.
I like beer in the summer.

Petra wrote: "Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Who's drinking some green beer today? I'm not; not a beer drinker.
However, I do enjoy St. Paddy's and wore green today.

Looking forward to the weekend. Went fo..."

My poor daughter threw her back out clearing out the car. And, of course, as soon as we had to drive to work, someone else took our spot and she had to clear out another space!

Magdelanye wrote: "@Petra, Lazy? Thinking along similar lines, I was less ambitious but got to the grocery store so I don't have to go out at all over the weekend if the weather keeps nasty.I can stay home, with book..."

I love lots of kinds of poetry, especially Dickinson and Keats, but my focus lately has been on contemporary poets. I have a friend, Mary Lou Butler, who is a published poet and writes the most amazing poems! I too have a bookcase of poetry which my son loves to explore. I'm also a huge admirer of Louise Gluck, Jorie Graham, and Susan Howe.

I'd love to show you some of my work, Magelanye, if I knew how to get it to you! It's not to be compared to the poets I've mentioned of course; it's very minor indeed, but it means a lot to me.

Meanwhile, I'm reading way too many books again, especially with work cutting into my free time so much. I just started Lincoln in the Bardo, about which I am very excited since I love Saunders' work and which starts off very interestingly (does this sentence make sense?).

I also picked up a book I've had for years, Stanley Fish's How to Write a Sentence: And How to Read One. Each page has something or several somethings that I find exciting so I figure even if I only read part of it, I'll have gained so much. I love reading about language and his is a beautiful exploration of the basic foundation of writing: the sentence. I'm hoping my own writing will improve as a result of reading this book (and trying its exercises which I have so far been diligent about doing).

@Ellie, how great to hear of some poets unknown. Sadly, Louise Gluck is the only one I've been able to track.
you don't mention them here, but I bet you love some of my favorites as well: Rumi, Rilke, and pablo neruda; and Audre Lorde, Mary Oliver and Muriel Rukeyser.
I'm just started a new collection, 10 poems to say goodbye. edited by Roger Housden
Hope you are well and warm!

@Petra, hope your daughter is not too hurt!
Does she live with you?and do you have other kids? Sorry if you have mentioned before, my memory is sadly selective.
@Ellie, got a hold on the Stanley Fish!

I don't have a daughter, Magdelanye. Hubby & I got married too late, I think. The kids didn't come.
It was Ellie's daughter who hurt her back. How is she today, Ellie?

Magdelanye wrote: "@Ellie, how great to hear of some poets unknown. Sadly, Louise Gluck is the only one I've been able to track.
you don't mention them here, but I bet you love some of my favorites as well: Rumi, Ri..."

I love all the poets you mention! I was going to say especially Rilke, but then I might have to add especially Neruda and Lorde and Oliver. You get the picture. It;s impossible to choose just one. They're all so...necessary.

Hope you love the Fish! He's a wonderful writer, interesting mind.

It's my daughter who got hurt. And yes, she lives with me, she and her brother. Ages 26 and 23, respectively, but it's so hard to afford rent in NYC. And, selfishly, I'm in no hurry to see them go.
She works as a paraprofessional for the Department of Education and my son is currently a substitute paraprofessional.

I guess it's a family business! Tough times, though, to be a teacher. Especially with our new Secretary of Education taking charge.

Petra wrote: "I don't have a daughter, Magdelanye. Hubby & I got married too late, I think. The kids didn't come.
It was Ellie's daughter who hurt her back. How is she today, Ellie?"

Much better, Petra. Thanks for asking.

my bad re daughter mixup. I am using my device, and I got too excited about the poetry and once you start writing you can't leave the page to check anything. So, Ellie, glad your daughter is OK. I do remember our conversations about your two...I imagine they are both remarkable!
Now here's a recommendation for both of you, my favorite poetry CD, ( MaryAnne will like this too I bet). Its Jami Sieber on cello, Kim Rosen reading, Only Breath. is the name of the CD.
still hoping that the library will be able to get the Naropa readings for me.

And my reading takes me to ..... Toronto
Except the Dying by Maureen Jennings !

wow, never heard of her before, but I see she is originally from your side of the pond and she is very prolific. May it tickle your fancy!