The Flu

What I'm Reading: Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett

So, I've managed to pull my aching body over to the computer long enough to write a quick entry. I've had the stomach flu for the past 24 hours...and it is kicking my butt! I am generally blessed not to get sick when the kids do, but this one got me, and has left me pretty much incapacitated! But, it's another day, and I do feel a lot better than yesterday. Super Spouse once again donned his cape and played Soccer mom for me yesterday, while Squash and I lay prostrate on the floor, moaning in pain. Poor Squash had the back luck of getting sick at the same time as me, so neither of us could take care of the other. There was however the solace of misery loving company, so it wasn't to bad.

On the literary front, I am reading Pillars of the Earth, as a fore mentioned, and really, while it is spellbinding, I have to say I don't like it. It's quite vulgar, written by a man, so of course all the women are sexed up and throwing their selves at the men in the book, or they are getting raped left and right. I know, it's time period is in the 1100's but still, it's so coarse! But, have I closed it with disgust? No, I am 700 give or take pages into it, and determined to finish it. However, I have decided not to read the sequel, Worlds without End. And technically, I could say that reading the book made me sick, so sick that I puked, but that wouldn't be completely honest, since it was a flu bug that got me! So, it's not one that I would recommend.
Also, I read 16 Sandpiper Way in about 3 minutes. Entertaining but not much to chew on literary wise. There are 8 books in that series, and I don't know that I'll read any others there either.


Well, that's all I have time for right now. Sprite has decided to return to school, after having me come and get her claiming to be sick. I guess being home wasn't all she thought it would be.

Middlemarch

What I'm reading: Finished Middlemarch...still ruminating on that!

Well, 800 and some odd pages later, I am pleased to say that I have finished Middlemarch! Since hind sight is 20/20 I do have to admit, it is probably one of the best books I've ever read. Seriously. I know, who'd of thunk? Not me, as it took almost 200 pages to really get into it, but it was so beautiful. So full of philosophy, that it has left me thinking ever since I finished the last page. It's one of those books that you actually stop and highlight or mark a clever phrase in it. And besides, it is quite an insight into marriage, which is really interesting considering the author was only married for under a year before she died. The bouncing around from various groups of characters was at first annoying, but in the long run, it did keep hour attention. Also, it was brilliant the way all the characters were ultimately tied together, some without really even knowing the others in the book. And, the heroine....wow she was really something else. Talk about one classy lady! Not to mention the fact that it had romance woven all the way through it, which I adored. So, as I said before, it proved to be one of the best books, although a bit slow at first, that I have ever read. Up next, possibly something by Ken Follett, I hear he's pretty good. Besides, it's probably a good idea for me to come back to my own time period!

Now, as to my book- oh it's still there, and coming along. I am editing it, AGAIN, this is like the 4th time, but perfection doesn't usually come on the first try right? Well, as Winnie the Pooh said, "I have a rumbly in my tumbly." Tata!

Revise!

What I'm reading: Middlemarch, by George Eliot

On the literary front...ever heard the word revise? Yeah, me too. Really stinks, but quite necessary. And so after much thought, numerous rejection letters, and a bit of revelation ;) I have ripped the book apart (not literally) and started the beginning over again. Oh, and the ending as well. Sorta. In all reality, ego aside, I think it will be much better this time around. But, on the up side, the bits taken out should fit perfect into book 2. Which would explain why they never really belonged in book 1. Although it's been a bit of work, I love it. Crazy, but I freaking love it. I hadn't been writing for a bit because of the kidlets being ever present. (Oh dear, my biggest fan, Maude, just read this and is distraught....she loved the book as was...well, she'll like it this way to.) So, I'm back at it, up at 5:30am and writing away, cup o' hot chocolate on the side...it's so nice to be home! Reading wise, I'm still plugging away at Middlemarch, and shocker, I'm enjoying it! It did take a 150 odd pages to get into it properly, but now, it's quite good. I think after that I'll read Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. You do know it's going to be on the telly soon, so I thought I'd give it a read. Besides, I really liked Moll Flanders, and I'm curious to see how different this will be in comparison to that. Silly, I know. (Maude seriously just asked me if vampires (as in..sigh from her...Edward) could taste food. For the millionth time I had to explain that there are NO SUCH THINGS as vampires...thanks Ms. Meyers.)

On the home front....I still can't believe it, the kidlets started school on Monday (woohoo!) and the house is so quiet! I think if I yelled "Hello" it may echo, seriously. That being said, I feel like I've spent the entire week getting the house back in order from a summer of fun. It's almost there! I have numerous little chores set aside for myself when Salsa starts pre-school (or pretty-school as she calls it) next week. So, yeah, I've been happily occupied. The kids all love being back in school, even Maude, who daily tells me how absolutely annoying all seventh graders are, now that she's an eighth grader. Remember those days???(she just started up again, I can't take much more!) So that's about it on the home front. Oh yeah, we did venture up into the mountains last weekend to take the kids hiking. All four of them walked, which is huge, considering for the last 13 years Super Spouse has carried one of them at one time or another. He never realized how easy the hike was with out a child in arms! On the down side, we did encounter a bee hive, and sadly, Squash & Sprite were stung. Maude & I ran quickly, Squash had the misfortune of having a bee fly up his shorts and sting his bum. (I think I made him made because I was laughing so hard) Sprite froze with fear, until Super Spouse swooped down and she clung like a monkey to his leg, while he carried Salsa. That too was funny. So obviously I have an odd sense of humor. Can't help it. Ever since I was small I've always laughed, or tried very hard not to, when someone got hurt. My mom is the same way, it must be a genetic thing.

Well, it's feeding time at the Zoo for my herd!

Back from far away....

So, Maude had a soccer tournament this weekend far, far away from home. What is it about these tournaments that makes us continue to sign our kids up for the craziness? Her team took second place, so that's all well and good, but it did cost us a small fortune in gas money. I used to think as the kids got older, out of diapers & formula, they would be cheaper to keep-boy was I wrong! I'd love to be able to just feed them formula all day now! That's not to mention the clothes, (Maude's clothes are now the same price as mine, and we share a shoe size, lol) the activities...the list goes on and on! The other kidlets endured like little champs, and we all returned home safe, if not a bit dried out from the sun & heat. Besides, we managed to still catch exciting Olympic events each evening, so I'm not complaining.

What is it with the Olympics? They are so contagious! I have been shocked at how my kidlets have tuned in religiously each day & night to watch sports they have never seen before. They loved the swimming (and Squash hates water) but who didn't love the Michael Phelps Phenom? Sprite is determined to become a gymnast, in her words, "I've just got to be on TV!" It's been a great way to wrap up the summer....hey have I mentioned that fact that the kids go back to school in 5 days? (Hallelujah!) But whose counting? Not me, obviously.

As to other things, I've picked Middlemarch back up again, this time I am determined to finish it through. I have to share a line from the book that just cracked me up. I seriously chuckled out loud, causing Super Spouse to raise a curious eye brow.(he can't believe that anything written in 1871 could be that funny.) Anyway, the line sums up so perfectly the definition of 'keeping up with the Jone's'. It explains why we all outwardly try to appear the same as everyone else, conforming to society, keeping our true opinions tucked safely away, showing them only to those who we really and truly love, where we know they'll be safe. That being said, here is the line from the great George Eliot, pg. 5, "Sane people did what their neighbours did, so that if any lunatics were at large, one might know and avoid them."
The book thus far has plenty of moments such as that, and just to save face, I am actually on page 168. (of course there are 799 pages) Now, the truth is out, I have an odd sense of humor, I know.

On the writing front, I think I'll start the new book, it's simply screaming to be written. I'm still going to finish the sequel to my YA fantasy, on the side, but I need to get this one out. That being said, with all the kids back in school in 5 DAYS (I'm really not counting!) I will have grundles of time to write, and the rigorous writing schedule will resume. (ie: 5:30am rise & shine to write.) But I love it to much to complain. I find that when I write I am a happier person. Somewhere I read that authors don't write for fun, but that they write because they have to, just like they have to breathe. Or something along those lines, which I think is exactly how it feels.

Soccer Game vs. The Wedding

What I'm reading: Finished 'Moll Flanders'

Well, I can't believe the week is almost finished, or that today Super Spouse and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary! (Yeah us!) Or, that I just registered Maude for 8th grade, when I'm fairly certain that I just finished it, well at least it seems like it was yesterday. And, my baby, sweet little Salsa, starts preschool this year....add it all up and that makes me O.L.D.! (I'm not even mentioning the grey hairs on my head either!) But, I still feel young inside and that's what matters, so I've been told. Today my sis...hmmm, we'll call this one Bat Girl, is getting remarried to her ex husband. It's a good thing, but still funny to say isn't it? The blessed event happens to be at the same time as Maude's first game in a soccer tournament, oh, did I mention it's also our anniversary? Decisions, decisions! Super Spouse has nobly volunteered to take the brood to the game, whilst I attend the wedding, bless him. And so, with minimal guilt from my mom as to attending Bat Girls wedding, wedding I will be attending.(with a lovely bouquet of freshly cut Zinnia's in hand for the bride.) Wedding is declared the winner. Hope Maude will forgive me (she will, angel that she is) and kick some major butt on the field.

As to Moll Flanders...great read. As I've said before, I didn't think I'd like it, but I really did. I loved watching a person come completely undone, one tiny little step over the line at a time, until she found herself completely on the other side. I think that must make me a bit morbid, but there where a billion great lessons to be learned from the book. I've already mentioned the bit about honesty, and the value of ones word, but namely, from this book I learned that honest people will always be done a bad turn by a dis-honest person (no shock there) and that that fact has not changed in over 400 years, well probably longer(Cane vs. Able). Also, the book brilliantly proves that the old saying "You'll rationalize your way to hell" is 100% true, ask Mrs. Flanders. Or better yet read the book and watch her jump through hoops to try and stay out of hells flames. No really, give the book a read, it's a good one.

Next on my list is 'Paradise Lost' which looks like a yawner, but I thought 'Moll Flanders' would be too, and I was wrong there, so who knows. But, first, I need to vacuum the house, clean the kitchen, get the brood ready for the game and me for the wedding, so really 'Paradise Lost' will sit on the back burner for the moment!

Monday? Already???

What I'm reading:'Moll Flanders' by Daniel Defoe

Was it just me or did the weekend seem to vanish into thin air? Once again, not nearly long enough for my tastes! However, it was a good one! Martha Stewart had us all over for a party that ended in fireworks, which was very nice. Good food, great people, and fabulous conversation, who can complain? Super Spouse returned from girls camp a day ahead of Maude, his ears demanding reprise from the constant chatter he had incurred at said camp, at the hands of the many teens there. Upon returning, he promptly donned his cape and set out to mow the neighbors yards, since they were now up at camp. Isn't he just a Saint? And good looking to boot! The rest of my brood and I were treated to the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which was really really impressive. It left us awestruck several times. Upon seeing several of the events Sprite has decided that she will be going to the Olympics as a gymnast, now she just needs to start lessons, lol. Maude returned from girls camp, and has not shut up once about it-apparently she had a good time! I think I've heard all her stories three times now-each. Squash got to have a sleepover with his grandma, which he loved, then got to go miniature golfing, and has decided he loves golfing. Even more so when I told him how much Tiger Woods pulls in a year, haha. Little Salsa has been flitting about from friend to friend playing her heart out. She also received a letter from her school telling her about the meet and greet. She's absolutely over the moon about finally going to school like the bigger kids. And as for moi, not to much, just enjoying watching my brood play for the last few weeks of summer vacation.

Of course, I have been reading-writing-not so much. I started reading 'Moll Flanders' this last week, and am really enjoying it, in spite of my self. Remember, I told you I knew something was wrong with me when I loved 'Canterbury Tales', not much has changed there. I really recommend this book though. It's quite an interesting view point on the ups and downs of life, and what makes us do the things we do, whether bad or good. It's very well written (obviously) in a unique style. Almost like you are reading someones journal. I haven't finished it just yet, and I think back in the day it probably had the ladies fanning themselves in horror at some of the things Moll did, but loving it none the less. I'm also pretty sure smelling salts sold out over and over around the time this book was published. So far it has been a good insight at how life was back then, which so far is quite a bit rougher than we have it. For the most part though, I am struck at how much honesty played a roll in day to day life. People took you for your word if they knew you were an honest person-really you could tell them the sky was pink and they'd believe it. As one whose best and worst quality is her honesty, I really envy that way of thinking gone out of style. Anyway, I'll give a better opinion of the book as a whole once I've finished with it, which should be soon as it's not that big. I'm not sure what I'll be reading next, any suggestions, please let me know. Otherwise it will inevitably be another literary great, lol.

Well, the laundry needs folding, and as it's my job, I suppose I ought to get it done!

Scratching a Poetry Itch....

I did it! I finished a few of my required poetry reading, and in the mean time remembered I actually quite like the stuff. So, being in an excited frenzy to share, I thought why not share it here? So enjoy a few lines from the greats courtesy moi!

Sir Walter Raleigh: The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd
If all the world and love were young,
And truth in every shepherd's tongue,
These pretty pleasures might me move
To live with thee and be thy love.
Time drives the flocks from field to fold
When rivers rage and rocks grow cold,
And Philomel becometh dumb;
The rest complains of cares to come.
The flowers do fade, and wanton fields
To wayward winter reckoning yields;
A honey tongue, a heart of gall,
Is fancy's spring, but sorrow's fall.
Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of roses,
Thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies
Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten.
In folly ripe, in season rotten.
Thy belt of straw and ivy buds,
Thy coral clasps and amber studs,
All these in me no means can move
To come to thee and be thy love.
But could youth last and love still breed,
Had joys no date nor age no need,
Then these delights my mind might move
To live with thee and be thy love.

A Cradle Song
The angels are stooping
Above your bed;
They weary of trooping
With the whimpering dead.
God's laughing in Heaven
To see you so good;
The Sailing Seven
Are gay with his mood.
I sigh that kiss you,
For I must own
That I shall miss you
When you have grown.
William Butler Yeats

Didn't I tell you he was brilliant?? :)

A Drinking Song
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That's all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and sigh.
William Butler Yeats

Lastly, a line I found rather humorous while making my way through George Eliot's 'Middlemarch'.( which so far has mostly proven to be more of guaranteed sleeping pill for me, but I will not quit, for it does have it's moments of greatness.)
So, my quote of the day:

"Sane people did what their neighbors did, so that if any lunatics were at large, one might know and avoid them."