flight paths discussion

This is indeed a time of new beginnings: new month on the new moon and for me, a new home. And fittingly, as I contemplate the pile of boxes around me and reassembling my library ( o joy! O what a lot of work) I've started a new book: The Unwritten Library which promises to be quite a romp.
How about you?

LOL QUITE A Misconception
its the full moon!

Hi there. Magdelanye: where did you move to? Lots of work to move.
Happy September all!

hey Mary Anne Lovely to hear from you
I am back in Roberts Creek
I remember your visit when i was just packing the library up for storage. Several years later I am thrilled to be assembling it again.
today was spent quietly looking for things as i needed them, like the dish soap and the pepper grinder
lotta work moving.Yes

Petra the branches fit nicel in a large
bin and this place is way easier to get to
ie there even a bus stop just down the road.
Ellie and Ice, have wonderful vacations!
Megan hope arrangements are working out with your boy. Will he be in kindergarten or grade one?

MJ how you doing? i hope youve managed to have some fun with the threads here.

Happy September everyone! The air here has a crisp feel to it, I do admit I like to wear sweaters rather than tank tops.

It was my son's first day of Grade 1 today. It was surreal dropping him off, everyone in masks, social distancing line ups, temperatures being taken....I felt awful leaving him there, but I know his teacher and the school are doing their best under the circumstances.

I'm currently reading Mexican Gothic, it's a bit slow starting so I'm hoping it picks up.

Ellie that's exciting about your possible Canada move!
Magdelanye, I'm glad you're starting to get settled in and how wonderful to see all your books again!

Got my wisdom teeth removed two days ago; seems the upper ones came out far more smoothly, because stitches aside it doesn't feel like anything happened to it. My lower jaw is a different story; it's in perpetual discomfort and pain, though I'm told it should only improve from tomorrow onwards.

Also had a slight change of name and gender identity, and so far my family's taken it in stride.

well Blixa you have my curiosity.
are you one of our members?
or a friend of a member?
or just a joke

thanks Megan and everyone for the well wishes.
I love my new place.
It is awesome not to have to move my computer.
and to have a real stove.and a bath.
And no toxic landlord spying on me or bullying

hope everyone is enjoying these fine days

To spare you confusion, I used to go by Malcolm.

Hi All.......
Been missing for the past while. Been feeling a bit reclusive. Sorry.

Blixa, what a lot of change in such a short period of time! It takes courage to be oneself, no matter what the circumstances. Well done.

The jaw will stop hurting. Major dental work inflames the poor nerves. I hope you're feeling better today.

Magdelanye, congratulations on the new home. I love that you are loving it. It must be so warm and comforting to have all your "stuff" around you again and nicely set up.
Having no nosy, bullying landlord is worth gold.
Now it's time to relax.

I finally finished Mason & Dixon, which was a mixed experience. Parts were fascinating; parts were a slog. I will read another book by Thomas Pynchon, though. He has an interesting way of writing.
I also finished Seven Stones to Stand or Fall, My Lobotomy: A Memoir and Dear Committee Members.

I'm now reading The Colony: The Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai (interesting story but written in a dry manner) and about to start LaRose.

Ellie, how exciting that you may be moving.......to Canada!!!! That's a huge decision. Let us know how things move along.

Hope everyone is doing well.

well you were confusing enough as Malcom :-}

So understandably the library on holiday is unable to accept donations at the present time. Had my return flight cancelled, but managed to re-arrange, does mean a 3am ferry trip. This is my 3rd attempt at a holiday abroad this year, and still 2 weeks until I depart.

Congratulations Ice Remember how the time flies this time of year especially. I know you will make it. And those night ferry rides can be so thrilling (especially if you have had a good nap )

Actually, I wrote a longish message on my fone last night and lost it when I foolishly went to check on a title. That motivated me to finally set up the computer at the desk which had just been put in place after a lot of juggling. Now to set up the lighting. I know it will make a big difference in my life to have a stationary place that I don't gave to move each time I use it.

Ellie I would think it great if you do decide to move to Canada, but I was under the impression that it was New Mexico for you.
Has David made his decision? I just hope you are all OK there in the big bad....

Congratulations Petra on finishing M & D. I have surely mentioned that one of my all time favourite books is Gravitys Rainbow. He is a bona fide genius for sure/

Megan I hope things are going well with your son in school.
I can't imagine how they are managing recess!

Anybody read Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams? I am having such a hard time appreciating it. I realize that its only because its by a black woman that I have even gotten this far.
Much more fun was The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith That one I am recommending to everybody. A great book for your vac Ice

May this find you all well and able to enjoy the summers end

Hi all,

I have no good excuse for not posting here--I'm just consumed with meditation and anxiety about the upcoming election. Between the two, it's full-time.

Magdelanye, I'd love New Mexico. Except if It wins, I feel like I need to leave the country.

I'm reading Backlash by George Yancy, a powerful book built around his "Letter to White People," which for some reason inspired the most venomous hate mail I've ever read. And many from people who consider themselves "not racist."

I'm also reading You Belong: A Call for Connection
by Sebene Selassie, who I watched in conversation with Tara Brach. It's something I need to be reading right now.

Otherwise, as I said, I'm off meditating to try to contain the terror I'm feeling.

Plus my children went back to work last Tuesday and my son's school closed on Friday (one day only) because there were two staff members who test positive for COVID. And the students haven't even come in yet. There are at least 24 teachers in the city who have it and the DOE has a list which they won't make public. David wears a mask, goggles and a face shield (and he bought a plastic divider for when he works with students). Katie and I laughed at him but he's all "who's sorry now?" with us given his situation.

Hope all are well.

O Ellie,
I certainly feel for you, in that humungous city. JMW says if you can worry, you can meditate. He never mentioned doing both at the same time!This is what I observe: that anxiety is like a virus. I read your message, and immediately started feeling anxious for you. The only way I can get out of the anxiety loop (that's my expression) is to lean back into the embrace of the universe. Grounding myself in loving spirit. Self-acceptance and faith.
Pema taught me to lean into the difficult stuff but for me its important to take significant breaks. So when i am feeling depressed for example it goes much better if i dont pretend i am not depressed, anxious, confused, whatever..When i admit my feelings I can begin to explore them and ultimately transform them AND i can also put them aside so I can function more joyfully.
Did you see the series of short videos Tara made for NICABM? She really addresses this succinctly and her calm demeaner is also infectious.

At least you are reading again!

I thought it was David actually that had a lead on moving to Canada. I hope he is paying as much attention to boosting his immune system as the paraphernalia!
Actually I suppose that has become the new look. How are the fashion magazines dealing with this i wonder, assuming that there still are fashion magazines.

Petra you too have been awfully quiet .
Have your tai chi and carving classes got underway? Im interested in how you are proceeding. It was marvelous that you had the park for the summer. But arent you thankful for the rain!!

Ice I hope the rain stays here and that your vacation is flawless.

enduring grace

Hi all!

Is it as cold where you are as it is here? Sudden drop: it's fall with a vengeance (and an actual fall in temperature!).

Magdelanye, it is David who is getting his citizenship (hopefully) and planning on moving but I may join him (if we can work it out with the Canadian government!) if we lose this election. Assuming the borders stay open.

Have I written here that I had the opportunity to actually work with Tara Brach for a few minutes? Absolutely terrifying (a Zoom meeting with 500 people!) and thrilling. Even the few minutes that she spent with me has made a significant and positive difference in my practice.

Am reading Sebene Selassie's You Belong: A Call for Connection. I love it. She ran one of Tara's Wednesday night dharma talks and was wonderful so of course I ran out and bought her book. Very helpful and also supportive just of being in this world.

I'm reeling from RBG's death and the possible/probable impact on the Supreme Court. I can't even say more than that.

Petra, how are you?

I'm off to take my morning walk--it may be a short one since I'm so cold but I am determined to at least get out for a little bit. I got used to having one of the kids with me which was much more fun than going alone but, on the other hand, my solitary walks are also more meditative. So it works out in the end I suppose.

Be well all.

Hi all,
It's quiet here. Has September gotten everyone down?
I've been feeling a bit blase lately. Not sure why because I really don't have anything to be blase about.

Tai Chi and Carving in the park is still continuing. The weather has been really good. We had heavy smoke from the California, Oregon, Washington fires here last week but that blew away on Sunday.

I was going on a hike up the "Coquitlam Crunch" a week ago Sunday but it got cancelled because of the smoke. We rescheduled to this past Sunday. It was fantastic! A good workout and a lot of fun. The trail is 2.2 kilometers long and has an elevation gain of 280 meters. The first section of the trail consists of about 450 or so stairs. This was the hardest part. Stairs are hard! The rest of the trail was steep but a gravel trail is easier to climb than stairs.
I went with 2 ladies from the carving group. We met there, the trail was wide and, while busy, people kept the distancing between groups.
We did not see any bears or deer.

I didn't go out running during Smoke Week but went out again yesterday. It was nice and the air is so wonderfully cool now. I'm currently listening to a true crime book while running. I've forgotten the title but it's started out well. Creepy father figure who had a cold, stringent upbringing.

We have committed ourselves to having our bathrooms renovated. Gulp! All 2.5 of them! We've been busy choosing tubs, sinks, toilets, tiles, flooring.....you name it, we're immersed in it at the moment. It's kind of fun.
So far, we have chosen tubs, toilets, sinks, taps/faucets and floor tiles. There's a bit of a problem with the faucets we chose in the ensuite and powder room. We chose vessel sinks in those 2 rooms and the faucets don't come in a height that fits over the sink. We may need to re-choose our hardware in those two rooms.
But we've got lots of time. The guy can't start until the New Year.

I'm still reading The Colony: The Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai. It's an interesting story but so, so, so dryly written.
I've also started a group read of Little Dorrit. It's very different than any other Dickens book that I've read. It's much darker in feeling and atmosphere.

I'm slowly closing our flowerbeds down for winter by pruning everything down, weeding and generally getting things ready to be put to bed.

Hmmm.... I sound like a broken record. I've said all this before in one way or another. Maybe that's where the blase feeling is coming from? There's not much new and, while good, it is all "the same".
I'm not complaining. Life is good.

Ellie, it's a shame that a Country's actions can make a good citizen think about leaving. It's always difficult to start a new life but we welcome you and your son, should that be the decision.

Magdelanye, it's so wonderful that your new home is set up, comfortable and homey. I'm glad that the branches found their way to your new home.

Ice, a ferry trip at that time sounds either very exciting or very dull. I'm not sure which. One doesn't normally ride the waves at that time of day. I hope you have a wonderful vacation and get home in without any extra delays.
Travelling in these days must be so full of temperature checks, line-ups and delays.
If you could tell us how one eats on an airplane while having to wear the mask, I'd appreciate it. I've been wondering whether they let people eat by rows or some other method. I'm just curious.

Meghan, how are things? How is school doing? How's the job?

Mary Anne, how are you doing? What's new?

I was glad to hear from you both Ellie and Petra and in fact I am wanting your input on my most pressing challenge of the moment.
Fact is, I overdid it on the computer watching the shift networks music summit and in particular Monday which was an all day focus on peace. I needed a couple of days off the macine! The weather has shifted quite dramatically and Tuesday in fact was spent battening down the hatches. I even bundled up the tomato plant and moved it up on the porch.

Petra I have to laugh at your kind comment. My new home is far from set up, but still dominated by the immense pile of boxes in the middle of the room. Order is emerging slowly as I figure out where things will go. I have a few area staked out, like the sofa where I sleep and the desk with the laptop. I have ordered some shelf pins that will hopefully fit and now the challenge is to get replacement shelves for those lost in the shuffle.

I am sure there must be a thread for organizing shelves...is there?
Right now I am taking the lazy way to recruit some input.
I realize that my brief few years with the Canadian Content group really did influence the way I organized my library the last time. I am no longer sure that I want to segregate the fiction that way. I have thought of arranging alphabetically by country, which would keep the canadian content together, but then just alphabetically seems easiest. The science fiction gets its own bookcase of course and I will not try for now to separate out the fantasy. I am trying to be patient but in fact have started with the poetry section which is only missing one shelf. AND OMG Petra, I opened a box of fiction, just one, to have a peek. Right on top was the humongous Mason & Dixon. I am impressed with your dedication. I could barely lift the book. But I put it up on the only shelf, the built in one, in the one of the cases I have designated for fiction. Any suggestions?

My inclination is to ignore the settling chaos and get cosy and just read! and enjoy cooking on a real stove. I made borscht on Tuesday and have enough room to freeze some.

Highly recommending Tyll by Daniel Kehlmann. And to think I almost jammed out when my order came in and I saw the disturbing cover. But it is sheer brilliance.

Read the first few pages of SUE MONK KIDD HTE BOOK OF LONGINGS and decided it was not the book for me right now. Anyone read this? I know a great review caused me to order it but I have never really took to her and seeing as it cannot be renewed I am skipping it for Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips which is taking a long Russian time with the introduction of all the characters. And finally a book of short stories, each one so far quite amazing and complete. How to Breathe Underwater by Julie Orringer. And I am still plodding along with the Short Life in a Strange World: Birth to Death in 42 Panels. Now that I have accepted his style, it's actually quite fascinating.



Petra I remember my mom going through that process! What a lot of fuss, but well worth it for years of greater comfort. I am sure that you will make the best choices. Actually, I recommend a shower saver function on the showerhead. That way you can turn off the flow while you apply shampoo or whatever, without turning the tap off and having to readjust the temp,and then flip on again when your ready to rinse.

The sun came out for a few hours and the blue jays are drunk on the mulberry tree. I hope everyone is well, and Ice having a glorious vac. and a sustainable routine for Megan et famille.
Ellie it seemed you sound more grounded this last message. Can you remember the particular show you were on with Tara? What was your question? I was tempted to take the seminar with Lama Rod but got diverted.

enduring grace

So masks off to eat and drink, but must be put back once finished. I might get locked down whilst away, so that could be exciting !

Thanks, Ice.
Travelling in these times of restriction must be interesting and sometimes frustrating. I hope you don't go into lock down while on vacation.

Magdelanye, we had to replace a shower head a few years back and the one we got has a shower saver function. It's fantastic. I really like it. Any new shower heads will definitely have this option.
Weren't the rains the other day incredible?! So heavy and solid. It was coming down so heavy overnight that I woke up a couple of times (that never happens; I sleep like a rock).
It was comforting to be under the blankets, warm & cozy and listening to it but I felt & thought of all the homeless. Man, I wish we could solve that problem. No one should be homeless.

Boxes are okay to have around. It's still a comfy, cozy home that you're enjoying.

I don't organize my bookshelves. I think I should do that one day but it's such a daunting task that I never get started. I just put books on the shelf where there's room. It makes finding a book interesting......and in the process, I find many more treasures and "must reads" than the book I'm looking for.

Mason & Dixon is a tome, right????!!!!!! It's huge! But the pages are on thick paper so it's not as huge in reality as it looks and is. While reading it, hubby commented often on the size of that book and after I got started I told him that the book could easily look a lot smaller if they used regular book paper. This thick paper makes the book way more substantial. It's a brick in it's current format, for sure.
Isn't it funny that this book would be waiting for you, right at the top of a box?

They've called a provincial election. I'm already tired of hearing how people are supposed to cope with the process of "how to vote in a pandemic". Really???!! Are we so weak and unsure that we cannot figure out how to vote in a way that we are comfortable and safe?!! There are so many options. I'm sure we're smart enough, capable enough and strong enough to figure out what works for us. I'm a bit annoyed (a lot annoyed) that this is the "big" issue that the News is focussing on.

It's a gloomy looking morning. I am hoping that the rain stops for awhile so that I can get a run in. Other than that, I have no plans (except some house cleaning).
What do we all have on the agenda for the weekend?

the weekend? since covid the concept has become less relevant to me than ever. I do look forward to weekend cbc though and to JMW Kingdom on Sundays.

So they've called a provincial election here....is it time? I wish you were right Petra but I do not find in general that people are all that smart or capable or even willing to cooperate. Yes there are some lovely people in the world {like this group :))} and thank goodness for their light, but the herd mentality displayed is kind of terrifying.

It did clear up here and I was able to lie on the grass and read.
That wont be possible much longer. Hope you got a nice run in.
I can hardly imagine unorganized bookshelves! Funny that you are so much more organized than me, I was sure you had a system that let you find what you you wanted when you wanted it. That is what I aim for in my library.
Yes, I thought it serendipitous that M&D was the first fiction I found. I am glad to hear that actually reading it is not as formidable as contemplating it.

Ellie I am awaiting your reply to my earlier questions.
May you be calm and safe. Well I wish that for everybody.
Ice May you be enjoying your offline time.

enduring grace

It cleared up here, too I got a nice, long run in today. Eight and a half kilometres! That's a rarity for me. The day was so nice and the temperatures perfect for running, so I didn't get as winded or uncomfortable or tired.
I was hoping to run 100 kilometres this month and was on track for that until the smoke from the fires rolled in. Now I don't think I'll make much more than 90. Still good but, sadly, not to goal.

About M&D.......are you going to read it now that you've so serendipitously found it? LOL!

I don't know if my library will ever be organized. It's a loved mess.

love that 'loved mess'
yesterday was lovely but my momentum is stalled as I seem to be having some physical issues, probably due to the lumpy sofa ive been sleeping on and quite possibly ive got a chill.

im considering M& D but right now ive just started Greenwood by Michael Christie.

Hope everybody else is good!