flight paths discussion

Sun! light! reading on the grass!
what can top that joy?

Step-dad and I are going away next week for a road trip. We'll be starting in Nelson, BC and seeing where the road takes us after that. He's pretty keen on Nelson but it's a hilly area and he can't mange high hills anymore so I'm a bit leery of it. We'll have to see when we get there.

I hardly read in June. I hope that improves in July.

Another plan I have is to start on and hopefully complete another flower bed.

July!! in all its rainy glory out here in Alberta.

I've read a couple mind-bending books lately (for different reasons), Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (which I borrowed from my Dad) and Bunny.

Now I'm reading Please Read This Leaflet Carefully: Keep This Leaflet. You May Need to Read It Again., which is a memoir about a woman living with chronic pain. It's been very interesting and heart breaking.

I have What the Poets Are Doing and Living with Light: Decorating the Scandinavian Way up next, and I'm looking forward to both of them.

I'm slowly picking my way through The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose, which I find easiest to read a couple pages of right before bed.

Hope everyone had a Happy Canada Day!! :)

@Petra, I've always wanted to go to Nelson, but haven't made it out there yet, I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Nice to hear from you Megan. Please give us your tips on discovering your lifes direction. Mine keeps slipping sideways!
Thats quite an array of titles you are reading. Hope the rain eases somewhat but as we know, better wet than ablaze.

Petra must be on the road. While I am disappointed that you didnt come this way I hope that you are enjoying Nelson and surrounds.

Ellie of course we are all wondering how you are adjusting to your new life. I see lots of poetry and music!

A comment to perhaps be taken up in whine and cheese, I notice once again the tyranny of the library due date. I am reading a challenging book The Book of God: A Response to the Bible by Gabriel Josipovici the author of Moo Pak which I adored. I had to special order this from the university library and don't get to renew so I have pretty well suspended everything else BUT speedreading Normal People by Sally Rooney on the side (ie when I become too overwhelmed with the bible. ) because it too cannot be renewed due to holds.
Petra I have thought you might like both these books but especially the bible one because of his frequent referencing of Proust. Yes, you read me right. Its an unusual interpretation, calling in a variety of unlikely characters. I still need a couple more days of it.
Not sure if MaryAnne has or anyone else has read Sally Rooneys book but one of the main characters is sweet Marianne who I am really enjoying. The other fiction I've paused is Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse which is indigenous woman sc fi starring the badass Magdalena!

Nope, I'm still here. We leave on Tuesday morning. It now looks like we'll settle in Kimberley for a few nights after Nelson, which is probably too hilly for step-dad. I'm having a bit of trouble finding accommodation in Kimberley, though, so plans are not yet settled.

Magdelanye, now that I know about where you live I think a day trip can be worked out at some point before winter arrives again. It might be do-able.

Interesting sounding book, Magdelanye. The write-up is a bit vague but there is mention of referring back to ancient art & literature, which does sound interesting.

My library system has the same restrictions on "interlibrary" loans: no renewals and a book can only be signed out for 2 weeks. It's a blasted shame at times.

Megan, I missed your post. Sorry. I think the Nelson/Kootenay area is going to be gorgeous. I'll try to post some pictures when I get back.

Currently I'm reading both A Severed Head (my first Iris Murdoch book) and They Were Counted. Both are interesting and written in easy, relaxing styles that draw the reader into the character's lives.
On my jogs, I've started to listen to Women Of The Outback. The first story is really interesting, so I think I'm going to like this one.

@Magdelanye if I ever get a path figured out I'll let you know! I've heard some amazing things about A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, so that will be my next path discovering read.

@Petra enjoy the Kootenay's!! It's a place I've driven through on my way to Vancouver, but I haven't spent any real time there.

My husband and I are in the process of planning our BIG birthday trip. We're thinking of going to Toronto for a sports weekend. I used to live in Ontario, but my husband hasn't seen Niagara Falls yet, so that will have to be on the list.

I have to say, I'm not doing any book challenges this year. I'm just reading random books on my to-read list, books that I get recommended to me and just random books from the shelves at the library. It feels really "bohemian" to be doing this after the last few years of structured reading.

My library also has interlibrary loans, with no renewals, 2 weeks to read it, and if the book is lost or damaged it is a $90 fine to replace it. Ack! I might as well buy the book at that rate.

July, how could I have forgotten, goes by even faster than June.
I have found a lovely spot just off the road, in front of the legion actually but that is further down and theres this large grassy space under the willows, no one around, perfect to indulge my passion.
This morning II bawled finishing Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli then stumbled around, hanging up some laundry, couldnt eat lunch, went to the willow spot with the 3 non fiction Im slowly working through The Seven Paths: Changing One's Way of Walking in the World put out by Anasazi Foundation is a simple little primer with a big message which can't be repeated too often.
Was it Megan or Ellie who recommended Chantel Gibson to me? She is a stellar poet with a fierce and original approach.
And then there is the book I have been avoiding but today I finally added it and made some headway. Ellie, it might not be totally appropriate but you might find of interest Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate: A User Guide to an Asperger Life by the delightful Cynthia Kim

Megan I am wondering how you liked the Eckhart Tolle? I was surprised how likeable and relevant he is, having resisted his ad campaign and suspicious of his popularity. But I got a lot out of the two of his books that I read.

Petra in case you dont notice my comment on another thread I am wishing you a happy vacation weekend. What does your hubby do without you?

It seems I am still not getting regular notifications for our group.
But at least we are not getting any more bogus members.

Magdelanye, how nice that you've found a nice reading corner to hide out in. Sounds very peaceful and calming.

Hubby does well without me. LOL! We talk every evening, so it's almost like I'm there. I can nag him by long distance. LOL!

Small world event: hubby & I go to a local, waterfront pub about once or twice a month. This morning, step-dad & I were just entering a golf club to have breakfast (story below) when a lady came out of the clubhouse and it was one of the regular waitresses from this pub! Small world!

For reading, I finished A Severed Head a week or so ago. It is the first Iris Murdoch book I've read. I can see the appeal ofher writing; it's very smart. The story reminded me of an upscale, "posh", polite 60's Love In with all the bed-swapping.
I've now started Bastard Out of Carolina and I like the main character already.

@Madgelanye, I have A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose waiting for me to read, but I just need a block of time so I can focus properly. Summer is fun but so busy!

Petra wrote: "Magdelanye, how nice that you've found a nice reading corner to hide out in. Sounds very peaceful and calming.

Hubby does well without me. LOL! We talk every evening, so it's almost like I'm ther..."

Iris Murdoch is one of my favorite writers. I've read all (or almost all) her work. I especially loved The Sea, The Sea, Severed Head and The Red And The Green but it's hard to pick my favorites. I hope you continue to enjoy her. I'd love to read her again.

Once again I have not been receiving any notifications from this group but it's great to make contact again. I have been busy adjusting to (and loving) retirement. I've over scheduled myself and am taking today off to just relax, although I feel guilty about it. I've been going to the gym and meditating longer as well as a multitude of other things, all very good but I'm getting exhausted.

I'm trying Dostoevsky's Demons again, this time as a buddy read. I haven't yet passed the point at which I stopped last time so it's too early to tell how I'll feel about it. I like what I'm reading but I'm impatient for the action to take off.

I'm also working my way through Simenon's Maigret series. I was inspired by Mary Anne's comment on my review to order a book in the original French. One of my retirement goals is to refresh my French and this seemed like a good place to start.

what is it? I'm not getting notifications either. I'm glad I investigated further.
Sad for Ice (see garden thread)
And glad for Ellie, retired!
You will find your place Ellie I'm sure.
Glad that Petra is having such a great vacation and hoping the summer will include a time conducive for a visit in this direction.
I liked Iris Murdoch well enough when I first read her but I confess my love for AS Byatt. I want to reread and read more

I meant to say peace Ellie but maybe...?

wow... I have a new auto correct phone that I haven't been able to shut off
I meant pace
(though peace is good too)

Magdelanye wrote: "I meant to say peace Ellie but maybe...?"

I agree: place and peace both work.

I love A. S. Byatt. I especially loved Possession but also The Matisse Stories. Well, I guess everything I've read so far. I still haven't read The Children's Book. Maybe this summer. Although my reading list for this summer, even not working, was ridiculously long. Just Demons may take the entire summer. Although I'm also reading Big Sky by another favorite of mine, Kate Atkinson. I think I've read everything she has written. I can't even pick a favorite. Maybe A God in Ruins or, even more, Life After Life. And I've enjoyed the Jackson Brodie series (mysteries) of which her newest is one of.

And I'm working my way through the Maigret series which I love and goes quickly. I'm trying my hand at one in the original French. We'll see how much of my French I remember!

I was supposed to go to the Jersey shore today but I'm rethinking it. It's suppose to be over 100 degrees. I'm not looking for sun stroke but I do love the beach. Don't know what to do.

Did you make it to the shore, Ellie? It's a conundrum: too much heat but enticing, cooling water.

The only A.S. Byatt book I've read is The Children's Book and I really enjoyed it.

I'm new to Kate Atkinson, too. I've only read A God in Ruins and enjoyed it very much. I hadn't realized it was the second of a series/collection but I don't think it matters what order they are read in. At least, it didn't seem to make a difference once I found out. Guess I'll know for sure when I read the first one.

I just finished Bastard Out of Carolina which hit close to home in some ways. It's the story of a dysfunctional family where one child's hurt, pain, anger and confusion are turned inwards. With no one she can talk to in order to help her understand, she turns the situation inwards and blames herself. Bleak but well told.

We're back from our road trip and step-dad has gone home. I wish he lives on the Mainland where we could help him more and spend more time with him. I really don't like him living on the Island, so far away. But he loves it there so moving isn't an option. He's at an age where he could use help and support, though.

I’m at the shore and it’s been beautiful. I’m so glad I came.

I found Bastard devastating. Very powerful.

It must be so hard with your step-dad. I hope he continues to manage for a long time but it’s worrying.

I'm so glad you are having a wonderful time! How long will you be staying?

Yes, Bastard is a story that needs to be told as so many kids are in situations where they are made to feel as Bone did. All those emotions just get turned inwards into anger towards the self and that's so destructive for the person's entire life. This was a powerful story. I'm still mulling over what to say in the review.

Ellie, thank you. I hope he manages well for time to come, too. We're always here for him but he wants his independence and he wants it in Victoria. He deserves that. I hope he gets it.

Today was my dads birthday.
I am trying to think of something to honour him.
Trying to remember his laugh.

Just finished Anthony De Sa, Children of the Moon which I found super distressing...child soldiers, lots of graphic violence. The children of the moon are the albino africans who suffer rather more than one might imagine for their genetic heritage.

I need a good book for today that will not squeeze my heart

I hope yesterday was not too painful. Even after many years I know how much I miss my parents. I hope you found a book that was comforting.

I think I'll pass on Children of the Moon. I am too sad right now over the state of my country--so much violence and cruelty--to take on something that difficult I think.

Magdelanye, I hope the memories of good times helped with the pain. Sometimes a heart squeeze is surrounded by a love mist and that makes it all serene and comforting.
I hope you had a peaceful day.

The Children of the Moon sounds brutal. It also sounds like an important story that the World should hear & know about. Those poor children.

Ellie, I hear you. The radicalism that is being stirred up will be difficult to soothe. Something is happening in many places of the World and radicalism is growing. It's scary. How did we get this way?

Petra wrote: "Magdelanye, I hope the memories of good times helped with the pain. Sometimes a heart squeeze is surrounded by a love mist and that makes it all serene and comforting.
I hope you had a peaceful da..."

I don't know. Maybe as economies fail, at least in the U.S. people look for a way other than capitalism. Some go left but apparently many go right.

The right wing are feeling marginalized, often because they don't have what others have. While the others are deep in debt because of purchasing what they have. So really, the others don't own what they have any more than the marginalized do but the marginalized don't see that. They only see "the stuff" they don't have.
That's simplistic, I realize, as it addresses only the luxuries. There are the necessities that need to be assured for everyone. The health care, proper nutrition, safe accommodations. This world has big problems that we need to address. I wish I knew the answers. Certainly, looking beyond the profit levels is one way.

Somewhere, deep inside, I feel that if the people of the world came together we could solve the issues. That something like 1% of the world's population hold 90% of the monetary wealth speaks volumes. If only these people would relinquish those funds so much could be done.
On the other hand, for how long? Could the new standard be sustained if this miracle would happen? Would the marginalized be less marginalized in an every day context? Would they have jobs to pay for their new standards to sustain them?

The rise of populism everywhere is very worrisome. Look at what happened in the UK today. We're no better in Canada, just look at who is running a lot of our Provinces.

I'm of no help in the joy department I'm reading Legacy: Trauma, Story and Indigenous Healing. It's a very heavy read but I feel really important to my continued learning and education as a Settler.

Also, I'm not getting notifications either so I've been missing out on everyone's news. @Ice and @Magdelanye I'm especially thinking of you.

I finished They Were Counted by Miklós Bánffy.
What a gem! This book manages to tell the story of individuals, a people and a country in pre-WWI Hungary. It's the start of a trilogy and I will be continuing with it very soon.
I really enjoyed this. The characters make some awful decisions and many are constrained by societal boundaries of duty & expectations (especially the women).

Of all things! There was a notification that Petra had posted a comment! And it seems Petra that we have been on a parallel track.
I just read Goodnight from London by Jennifer Robsonwhich focuses on the role of women in WWll. What I didn't mention in my review was the struggle I had with my judgmental critic that had me cringing at some of the predictable plot devices and cliche romance. The writing is not bad at all; it's just not great and I have been really spoiled by excellence lately. I also should not judge a character by our different taste in music! Or that she has such bourgeois values! But we never really bonded, as much as I admire her pluck and determination.
This series you mention sounds more engaging and I will have to find it. I have one more vol to read in the series by David Dowling which I think is excellent. It is more like a memoir of Berlin than a thriller, and it covers the years leading up to and after the WWll.
And did you not say you have just read Everyman by Philip Roth? I surprised myself by picking it up on the suggestion of my advocate, and again by finding it rather engaging. I did not like the only other book of his I remember reading, Portneys Complaint, decades ago.

Megan I dont think I could bear reading that one.
I loved How She Read by Chantal Gibson which I read just recently and I highly recommend. I am in love with the little girl on the cover. CG does such playful things with her hard words. Come to think of it, was it you first recommended it? or Ellie?
And where is MaryAnne these days? O do you think we can swing a meeting in August with Petra?

Ice Bear may you be at peace. Sending love....

And now to address very interesting beginnings of an ongoing discussion: what the heck is wrong with the world?
why can't we seem to learn? Petra I don't think your analysis is simple. But people are too nervous to be open to much change. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Human rights only seem to apply to those that believe they have them. Everyone else seems vulnerable.

If we can achieve a meaningful world peace, we still have a slim hope. I wish I was more hopeful of that happening.

It's interesting that for a moment I am less interested in the world and the enormous potential of human's to be stupid, selfish and short termist. Otherwise keeping busy, and focused on supporting those around me. Reading is just creeping back in, but have found lots of books scattered around in various draws that will be addiing to my tbr.

Ice wrote: "It's interesting that for a moment I am less interested in the world and the enormous potential of human's to be stupid, selfish and short termist. Otherwise keeping busy, and focused on supporting..."

Keeping busy can help. Reading can be hard--do whatever you can to keep going. Also sending love.

I'm reading Big Sky bt Kate Atkinson. Light reading but delightful. I've needed a little break from Demons.

Also reading Richard Rohr, one of my favorite people. People like him allow me to keep some faith.

And I continue with my Maigret fest with My Friend Maigret.

I'm having trouble tackling the big work (Demons) as well as write poetry. All I want to do is read novels and go to the beach.

Turning on the machine this morning there was a stunning new picture on the screen of Petra Aphrodite, a rock formation on the tip of Cyprus. Did I know that Petra is Rock?

I looked up Fr. Rohr and it does seem like hes doing interesting work. People like David Stendhal=Roth and Thomas More and Thomas Merton give Christianity some credence. What staggers me, as Ice has so succinctly put it, is " the enormous potential of human's to be stupid, selfish and short termist." and it seems to me that Jesus needs to be saved from Christianity.

In my reading I am starting a whole new array. Good Poems for Hard Times edited by Garrison Keillor is more conventional than the Houston series but there are a lot more poems in this bigger volume and some gems to be sure. I had never read Whitmans Song of Myself, just snippets of quotes. I guess Im going to have to track it down, because the long exert presented here was great.

Actually started The Promise of Paradise: Utopian Communities in British Columbia by Andrew Scott a while back but only just getting into it. The long introduction took days but fortunately the actual accounts are less dense and very exciting to read about.

Robert Bringhurst is someone I discovered in the collection of essays Thinking and Singing: Poetry and the Practice of Philosophy and I ordered two of his books, just starting on The Tree Of Meaning: Thirteen Talks and it's wonderful how intimate and sharp he is.

Adam Pottle is coming to the writers festival so I have started on his book Voice: Adam Pottle on Writing with Deafness

And splendid fiction! Relativity by Antonia Hayes Drew me right in

Ellie...follow your heart....to the beach with novels!

@ Magdelanye sounds like you need to read Unbelievable: Why Neither Ancient Creeds Nor the Reformation Can Produce a Living Faith Today. It's a pretty amazing book.

I'm reading The Year of Living Danishly: My Twelve Months Unearthing the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country in attempt to slow down my tenancies to venture into the north american capitalist society.

Megan wrote: "July!! in all its rainy glory out here in Alberta.

I've read a couple mind-bending books lately (for different reasons), Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (which I borrowed from m..."

Good to hear from you. I'd like to read Year of Living--I'm fascinated about the Scandinavian countries and how they create such a high standard of living.

Magdelanye wrote: "Turning on the machine this morning there was a stunning new picture on the screen of Petra Aphrodite, a rock formation on the tip of Cyprus. Did I know that Petra is Rock?

I looked up Fr. Rohr a..."

So many interesting sounding books Magdelanye: i'd like to try them all. I'm especially interested in the Adam Pottle; for some reason I'm drawn to books about living with deafness.

Again, I'm overwhelmed by how many books I want to read!

Is it as hot where you all are as it has been here? I took the subway downtown yesterday and there was no ac. It was excruciating hot.

I'm going to see the new bio pic about Leonard Cohen, perhaps my favorite songwriter/artist/performer. I have so many memories of listening to him over the past 35 years.

I've started a bio about Lorraine Hansbury, Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry which is so far quite interesting.

I hope to get to the beach on Friday, if it doesn't rain. How are you all doing?

@Ellie, the Living Danishly book was an interesting read. The actual woman I found a bit annoying, but it was interesting learning about Denmark and how things operate.

It's FINALLY supposed to be above +20 here today and NOT raining, so I'm being brave and wearing a summer dress.

I'm currently reading Swamp Angel, I'm not sure why people love this book, I am finding it very disjointed and I'm starting to skim read pages. Ack!

currently, which is Aug 1, thursday night, it is pouring rain. I love the sound on the cabin roof but I hope it clears up for our local festival this weekend. I will be volunteering on Saturday at the dock. Maybe I'll even get to go out on a boat!

If I remember right Swamp Angel starts dense and slow but I just at the end I did love it. Megan, I encourage you to persevere.
Just finished the chapter on the Danish colony at Cape Scott in Northern Vancouver Island. The gov't seems to have screwed them almost as badly as everybody else in those parts by not keeping their promises. The Promise of Paradise: Utopian Communities in British Columbia I'm finding this a fascinating book and I wish some of these communities are still around.
Curiously, I am really enjoying all the non fiction I have on the go as well as the short story collection by Richard Van Campbut I am rather hating the SF Factoring Humanity which was supposed to be my fun book of the serious batch. I an even considering ditching it altho I am curious how it can possibly conclude and will hopefully sail through.

Ellie, may the beach welcome you tomorrow! That bio of Lorraine H must be heartbreaking. If you want a racy beach book, you might love Girls on Fire which I recently read and reviewed today.

Didnt you all get the broadcast I sent out with the announcement of Petra assuming librarians duties? Maybe she is having second thoughts because she has been uncharacteristically silent since then. I only heard back from one person whom I dont really know.
I hope we can work around the rigid GR format to make the library relevant.

Magdalene, I checked the library and was totally confused. I may have been looking in the wrong place but I only saw a list of books and not shelves. So I wasn’t sure how to respond. But m grateful to Petra for taking on this difficult job.

I read a wonderful book yesterday which I found very inspiring. It was a book about my hero, Jean Vanier. I’m even thinking of joining one of his L’Arche communities where the disabled and able bodied live together as friends. Anyway the story was wonderful.

I'm a bit confused about the library. Is it for a list of recommendations?

I finished swamp angel this morning and I just didn't get it. Also some of the language about the Chinese characters did NOT age well and made me uncomfortable.

I have been quiet lately. Sorry. The garden has been kicking my behind and I'm trying hard to get it finished before my energy peters out. I'm sometimes so tired and sore in the evenings that I just lie on the couch watching the TV.

Thank you for the opportunity to help with the library. It's confusing to me, too, but we'll figure it out.
As I understand the intent, we could go to the library to find a recommended book for a specific theme. For example, if we're looking for a "family saga", we could go to our "family saga" shelf and find a list to peruse and choose from.
We could then cross-reference to the star rating shelvess to see how the book was perceived by the person who recommended it (there are 7 of these shelves, rated from "yuck" to "brilliant"), if we wished.

At the moment the library is a mess with most books just there and not sorted on a shelf, which doesn't let us know the theme or the rating. At the moment it's not a good reference for us but we'll get it there and it will be.

Petra, I think you got it!
go to library to find books on a specific theme. Frankly, I'm not sure how we can get the ratings to work. Later im hoping to get on my laptop and check it over again, can't access on the phone app.
We need to reply to Michael who sent what I think is a suggestion.

Megan I am sorry you didn't like Swamp Angel. I read it so long ago.
Hope your next read is more of a match.

i see Ice has posted our August theme.
Outside my window it's looking more like March. At least the mosquitoes are gone for now....they have been a real menace.
And in New York: Ellie on the beach!
I too am interested in L'Arche