dos libros mas

(SRC/P) King Ink, Nick Cave (164pp) At last a collection of Nick's lyrics along with images of lyrics in progress. Whoa what interesting umm printing. Also included are a couple of one act plays that Nick wrote along with Lydia Lunch. Apparently the two of them didn't get along so well. Lydia is a pretty strong prescence and so is Nick. I think I'm glad I was on the West Coast when they were doing their thing on the Eastern Sideboard.

(SRC/P) The Summer King, OR Melling (369pp) The second volume in a series of tales which take place in modern Ireland involving the fey. It would seem that, while the series is connected (I'm waiting for vol.III), each story involves different characters, except for the fey right? What a wonderful treat to discover Grace O'Malley (the Irish Pirate Queen) plays a significant part in this story! I started reading a biography of her over the summer and now I'm inspired to return to it :)

I have now met my SRC challenge of 51 books. BUT that doesn't mean Mistress Chaos can relax: I'm still reading ;) ***CV

limited omniscence

I've decided to let my building manager know I'm interested in any top floor vacancies.

I had similar musical issues when I lived in SF but the people above were really reasonable and always let me know it was okay to come and remind them if the decibal level was too much. It's only within the past month that it has become so loud here. Too, it appears a bf has moved in.
**

(SRC/P) Take Joy, Jane Yolen (182pp) I read this interesting book last night, by Jane Yolen, about writing. When talking about voice she demonstrates the over blown bardic voice through a tale of a barbarian having tea with the queen :) Now when I talk about my readings I can say whether the point of view is Omniscent, First Person, Limited Omniscent or Objective. And she includes some interesting plot summaries which are, well, anything but plot summaries. Myfavorites are:

Where is the big bad wolf when you really need him (Animal Farm) and
Yo! Fro give the mountain the .... oh never mind
***

(SRC/P) Pale Fire, Vladimir Nabokov (315pp) A poet dies and his last work is in the hands of a trusted friend for editing and glossing. Why then is the story more about the editor and his agenda then the poem itself? Could it be that some academics are more about the author than the subject? Could it be that glossing poems is more about the glosser's agenda then the poem itself? Can we trust interpreters to be objective? How do we really know an expert is an expert?A really good story for the cynic in all of us :)

(SRC/P) Miss Wyoming, Douglas Coupland (311pp) I'm going to look for more of this author's work. An amusing but at the same time serious story about beauty queen pagents and hollywood boy wonders, but it ain't no F. Scott. I said before that the story reminded me of Rupert Thomson and Christopher Moore. A really enjoyable read.

(SRP) Lupin III vol. I, Monkey Punch (190pp) In which we are introduced to this playboy thief and the wonders that are the world of male 60's mod. A collection of shorts in which Lupin reminds me of a lanky Sean Connery (alas no knitwear modelling)

(SRP) Lupin III vol.II, Monkey Punch (179pp) In which we meet Fujikomine, Lupin's buxom lover /competitor in expert crime -if she can beat him and beat him so much the better. Also are Jigen and Inspector Zenigata. For some reason this one seemed more crude (hah! it IS Lupin, what am I thinking?) than the first volume. Powell's was sold out of vol III so I have to wait (le sigh)***CV

Poe-tic

Listen how carefully, how reasonably I can tell the tale.

I shared the building with several others. True we did not communicate frequently nor in overly sympathetic ways; still, ours was a convivial community. We held open doors for one another, exchanged plesantries, took turns on the stairways and let others ascend in the elevator that would only accomodate two before protesting in a tremulous and somewhat irritating manner.

So we spent our days and nights: leaving for our various daily tasks as dictated by the hours of employment which, not unexpectedly considering the diverse group we represented, were not identical. Nor I hasten to add should they be. Thus by neccessity our hours of rest and relaxation, which were achieved in disperate ways: some prefering solitude and quiet, others indulging in companionship and musical assemblies, still others in cinematic escapades; also occured at varying times. There is nothing to lead one to suspect any disease in this surely.

And yet, there was a faint rythmic pulsation, which at first I barely noticed so trivial and ephemeral did it seem. Also when I attempted to locate its source it was difficult to ascertain its location, was it above me or beside? Perhaps it came from some place else all together. And so I shrugged it away busying myself in various activities.

However, as time passed I became aware in the upper layers of my mind of this steady beating, pulsing ... 'tis nothing I laughed to myself. Tis only a passing motorist indulging in a current musical fascination. It will pass.

It didn't. Lately in fact it has become more noticiable. It permeates my night. It pervades my early morning. I have ascertained that it comes not from the outside nor does it generate from the rooms beside or below me. It comes from above.

While I know now that I am not mad, why would you think me to be? Most certainly I shall become so unless I can still this unquiet bass beat.

Any advice?
**
In other news I signed up for sock wars :)***CV

zembla

First things first. For those wondering what bhekasana looks like I give you:

Now imagine that posture while lying on your back. (Ideally ones palms are flat on the tops of the feet as well as fingers pointing forward. This is why it is called a practice ;) Oddly enough this yogi reminds me of David Life, but I know he's not.
**
The Circle of Fifths is an arrangement of musical scales including flats and sharps. I love the music that we cover in class but it can be confusing at the start. The circle of fifths is one of the last things we show chilren who are interested in music. It's not last because it is suppose to be but because there is so much information included in the lesson itself ( information which is given through earlier presentations). Sure I'll give the lesson if someone requests it but I will not expect somone to "know" it if they haven't had the previous material. Nor would I presume they won't "get it" unless they have had the previous lessons.
***
I'm currently reading a story which really brings home the point that if an expert critques a subject that doesn't make the expert objective by any means; or a real expert.****CV

impossible is impossible

The colours I'm using for the Traveller's bag are lilac, spice, pumpkin and an off white that I believe is called pearl. I went back and picked up the Hempathy 6 and will either exchange or keep the Hempathy 3 originally purchased.
**
Sewing is my life at the cottage. Well, that and sorting nomenclature :)
***
I'm thinking about joining Sockwars, but I'm not sure if I should.
****
Suptabhekasana (upsidedown frog posture): impossible you say? Then how come two in my class could do it?*****CV

cheerio cat

Well there has been a lot of activity regarding New Moon lately. For those curious as to the meaning of la tua cantante it means "your singer". The phrase ocurs towards the end of New Moon so I can't talk about it or risk spoiling the story. Sorry. Check out Stephenie's site or the Twilight Lexicon , or the Twilight group on MySpace for more information.
**
I'm almost finished with Miss Wyoming. However, it would appear that I am not the only one who does nothing but read, *cough* mistress of chaos*cough*. But Ihave four more to meet my SRC challenge and two for SRP
***
Musical sorting today. Anyone care to elaborate upon the differences between: intervals, accidentals, and the circle of fifths?
*****CV

stuph stough or stuff

Well I found another reason to have fun with Coupland's book ,Miss Wyoming. One of the main characters has a lot happen to her in Oregon. Very clever KTC pal ;) When I last left Susan she was eating a cold cheeseburger while locked inside a McDonald's garbage bin.
**
I cast on for the traveller's bag last night but my circs were 24" instead of 20" so I transferred the cast on onto DPNs. On the bus I reminded myself that, yes, fairisle and stranded work was originally done on DPNs so it must be possible to do in these modern times as well.
***
I sent my KSKS pal a belated thank you tonight for a wonderfully amber themed package :)
****
We are at work from 8 to 8 almost everyday so far setting up so I'm going to try the 6am class this Friday. My coteacher and I have been having so much fun the past few days I guess we were due for a "bleh day" which we had.

So, think of Calvin and: bleh.*****CV

tag

(SRC/P) Amrita, Banana Yoshimoto (366pp) see previous post for review.
**
Long hours setting up make cv a very tired girl. I missed class tonight becuase of set up so I'm planning on going to a morning class tomorrow***CV

SRC 47 SRP 49

stirring the seas

I am struggling with Amrita. And I think I've figured out part of the problem: the book blurb.

According to the bb this story is about a woman trying to regain her memories (after falling down a steep flight of stone steps which resulted in an injury requiring brain surgery). I disagree. True that is part of it, in a very far reaching manner, but I say it's more about a woman discovering what it is to be present. Part of which occurs when she re-experiences (in very ditto paper and the smell of white out ways) past events. Also, this is the most introspective of Banana Yoshimoto's books I've read, and that is saying something as they are all pretty inward directed.

Then there are the ghosts (but I did laugh out loud when Sakumi and Yoshio were watching a scary tv series and suddenly the door bell rang), the albino scuba diver, the friend who dresses like a call girl, the sea cucumbers who are really dead japanese soldiers, and the whole dating your dead sister's boyfriend affair.

And characters tend to scream instead of shout, yell, cry out, or other wise speak in non dulcet tones. What is up with that?

I'll finish it as I am more than halfway there but it is a struggle.

la tua cantante

(SRC/P) New Moon, Stephenie Meyer (563pp) To answer a few questions I started reading at the cafe at 2:20 but I started reading at the train stop, so ... 2:05?) I finished reading at 2:20 am after restarting at 9pm. Total time elapsed: 8ish hours.

*Spoiler*Spoiler*Spoiler*Spoiler*

If I am to talk about New Moon then everything is a spoiler, except perhaps that it is definitely a middle of the series tale. The first was Twilight which I like almost as well as Sunshine. I enjoyed New Moon but there are definite personality changes going on and some events worry me about how fanfic like they were. I do love that Bella got a motorcycle. I adore Jacob (if only because I dated someone almost exactly like him and he too was an absolute sweetheart, and rode a motorcycle and was mechaniclly inclined and *sigh*). So spoiler avoiders go away NOW.

Bella and Edward seperate over a birthday incident. Bella is emotionally shattered, to the point where the following three months are utterly blacked out of her memory. I really liked the way this was conveyed by each successive page simply titled with the name of the month - very cinematic) She decides to live dangerously and in so doing manages to revive the voice of her beloved. Meanwhile things on the La Push Rez are getting out of hand (or are they?) Just what are these mysterious animal prints so unlike a grizzly but too large for a wolf? And just what will the Volturi do after their dining pleasure? (A whole town operated by Vampires - the Volturi - and consequently the safest place from vampire ravishment) We have to wait until Eclipse to find out. And that is why I say it's a middle of the series read. It updates you and then sets you up for the next one. Twillight could be a stand alone. Not so New Moon.

**

Yesterday afternoon as I was reading New Moon (and working on my Loilita knee highs) I met Maura. Maura ws visiting from NM and saw me knitting and came in to chat. The secret password?

"Opal?"

(I nod) Yep

(she holds her bag) "Koigu"

I had never met her before that afternoon but we sat and chatted and she showed me how to cast on toe up and even gave me a pattern she had written for the process (so sweet!) I told her about a sale happening at a nearby purveyor of wooly wonders today and she brought some friends. While at said sale I found some hemp for a pattern (Thank you Hope for reminding me of the Nancy Bush traveller's bag) so I will try that later. ***CV

beware the werebear

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Purchased at 2pm.
Started reading at 2:20.
179pp/563pp read by 5pm.

I'll let you know how it ends tomorrow ***CV

villa veen

(SRC/P) Ada, or Ardor, Vladimir Nabokov (606pp) A love story involving two cousins (or are they?) over the course of their entire lives. Nabokov grew up speaking both english and french, later russian when his father discovered that Vladimir couldn't speak it. In much the same vein ada or ardor is a tale told in three languages. Fortunately for me, unlike some of his other works, there are parenthetical moments that allow one to glimpse what that french or russian actually means. Puns, word games, nods and smirks to other literary works make this a very Nabokovian story.

According to the jacket this is the last story Nabokov wrote.
**
I started Vera this afternoon. I sense a similarity between the Van Veen and Ada Veen relationship, and that of VN and VN ***CV

sky cheshire smile

One length of I cord complete. I made 6 feet of it while sitting in a cafe and reading Ada,or Ardor by Vladimir Nabokov.

Speaking of, I picked up Vera by Stacy Schiff (the biography of Vera Nabokov) along with Amrita by Banana Yoshimoto today. Then I come home to find out that New Moon is in stock; why did I not go into the YA section? I know what I'll be doing tomorrow (aside from sewing curtains and linings ;)***CV

did sean connery pose for knitting patterns

I have no idea. Consequently I have no idea how such a question led you to my blog. I'd be interested if you find an answer though. Do tell.
**
In other news Robin McKinley is writing another book (brief pause for happy dance). She will be in fact attending a con with her husband as a GOH; sadly in Liverpool *sigh* But new book means possible book tour means possible USA right?
***
I am sadly tardy on my KSKS making. The deadline for sending is this Saturday. Make way for Icord. Actually I have all the pieces it's just the Icord and lining to do.
****
SRC 44 SRP 46
*****
M/W/F is monday/wednesday/friday and T/R is tuesday/thursday ******CV

scheme

Starting next week I am back to school. This then is my last official week. However, my coworker and I would like to be able to actually lesson plan and not do bad impersonations of U-Haulers by heaving furniture about the room and grunting at each other. So we're taking it in stages this week. She's to come in during the evenings and I have a plan for myself.

This morning I started the plan. I went back to class (8am) and then to the cottage where I proceeded to drag, shift and remove stuff for about three hours. Then I knocked off and went and worked on my peppermint sox. (Well, after a stop at Powell's; Ada or Ardor, Vladimir Nabokov :)

The plan: for every a.m. practice with a teacher I really really like I will go in and work. So that's M/W/F. This leaves T/R for my summer pleasure. Sounds like a good plan to me ;)
**
Oh and the ignose godnose title came from the discovery of a compound by the Hungarian scientist Albert Szent-Gyorgi. He published an article about his discovery and when the publication asked for the name of the compound he said ignose (-nose=sugar and ig- ignorant) They didn't think that was funny so he said Okay it is called godnose.

Science publications man, no sense of humour.***CV

dolores haze

(SRC/P) Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov (317pp) Not what I expected. Not that I really knew what to expect. The term Lolita is tossed around quite casually and we all know what it means right? But then those of us who know what it means seldom have actually read the source. I have now.

As I read the story I had flashbacks to a film called "the Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane". It starred a young Jodie Foster and Martin Sheen. I think those two characters; one a young girl living alone due to a fathers premeditated suicide, being harassed by the other, the town pedophile; are simplisticly analogous to the characters in Lolita. Simplistic because Lolita and HH are not simple, they are complex. And, while there is no question as to the morality of the situation there is much to question regarding the true origins of what evolves into a tragedy. Who really is at fault?

It is fiction. It is a story. As readers of such we can ask ourselves: what did I learn?***CV

ignose or godnose

(SRC/P) Dogsbody, Diana Wynne Jones (261pp) I started this last night and finished it this afternoon. I think I really should have seen it being a wild hunt story when Leo's colouring was described. I would like this as a read aloud for the class but there are some bits that I would have to edit out for the youngers; and thank you Ellie for giving me this story. I can see why it's a favorite :) Basic premise a being of power loses his temper with grave consequences and so is baninshed to earth to atone for his "crime" by finding a mysterious object or simply die as a mortal being. The higher being is Sirius and his mortal body is a dog. I really couldn't tell more wihtout taking some of the pleasure of the tale away from potential readers. Just read it. it is a sweet sad story (with a Wild Hunt).

(SRC/P) Soft!, Rupert Thomson (307pp) I haven't heard that much about subliminal advertising in recent years. I do remember it being quite the topic at one time. In Soft! Rupert Thomson again addresses manipulation of the individual, this time through the advertising or manufacturing sector. But the body capitalist is not the only group he brings to the discussion. There is also the manipulation of ourselves whether it be through others opinion or our own self judgement or lack there of. Thre are three main characters: Barker, Glade and Jimmy, Barker is a rough and shady character who seems fated to the life he leads, Glade is a dreamy and lost soul, and Jimmy is an upwardly pushing ad agent who comes up with a scheme to make sales self perpetuating. Ethics? What are those? The scene between Lambert and Barker reminded me of the cafe scene in Murakami's Wind up Bird Chronicles. This is the the third RT book I have read. I'm looking forward to the rest.
**
I am now in a point of transition. Having gone in to work this past week I am no longer in a position of free flowing freedom. Half my thoughts are in or of the clasroom, other thoughts are reminding me it's still summer break officially. But once you start going in, officially doesn't mean much anymore. ****CV

Peppermint sox

Is the SRP still in effect? There has been no update on it since the end of June. Does anyone know?
**
A parent once told me a story about visiting a hotel and her son found something hehad never seen before:

What's that mommy?

It's an iron honey.

What's an iron?

She laughed while saying this to me and explained since she does not iron, well, he had no idea and a very hard time understanding the purpose of such a tool.
***

Is there a law agianst banging on your neighbor's door when the bass is just too loud? I already wrote a note to them a week ago. And I did knock on their door before writing the note only no one heard me (I can't imagine why.)
****

Chai is on strike 'cause I got her the healthy food instead of the junkfood I've been buying for her the past month.
*****

(SRC/P) Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town, Cory Doctorow (315pp)
Positive: A canadian author writing about a Canada area. This is one of the many things I like about Charles de Lint. What deLint does for the Glebe Doctorow does for Kensington. AntiPositive: a mish mash of plot devices. I couldn't decide if I liked the book or was reading just to finish it.

(SRC/P) Deep Secret, Diane Wynne Jones (375pp) premise: the universe is loosely shaped like an infinity loop one part of which is called Naywards and the other Ayewards. Depending upon which loop you are located on or closest to, you either do or do not accept magic as a given. This universe is overseen by a group(Archons) who delegates duties to another group (magids). Enjoyable read but I found the lead character a bit difficult to follow. He just went through such a radical opinion shift regarding another lead character with no crux to justify such a rapid switch. I have heard of the concept you often hate the one you love, but still.
******

One of the references cited in A Perfect Red was the story Max Havelaar. It is a fiction about the Dutch coffee trade in Java. (It never really ceases to amaze me how willing people are to oppress each other if there is a monetary profit to be gained). It would seem that this book opened the eyes of the Netherlanders who, until the books publication, had no idea of exactly what was going on. (Sound familiar?) At any rate it is not a book that one would expect to find in the B&N top 20. I was browsing Powell's for completely different books-I had forgotten to keep an eye ou for Max, and guess what I found? ***CV

The seven legged being was a rather larger than usual black widow who, for some reason, was missing a limb. When I put the spider next to a tree it immediately scurried into the root system. I'd be very wary of relocating a wolf spider with just a cup and paper :)

unintended pranksters

Painting can be fun.

I went into the cottage today for the first time in over a month. My new partner has been busy during that time. So when I said sure I'd go in and paint I was not quite expecting what I found. Stuff. Everywhere. Fortunately the paint supplies were gathered, huddled together, on a table; Not quite cowering.

Okay. Lets see. I should tape the areas I don't want painted. Good.Where's the tape? Here tapetapetape. C'mon. I know you're here somewhere. Hmmm.

Much wandering amidst the labyrinth that once was a classroom.

I give up. I have my new toy so, Riiiinnnng. (During the entire conversation I do not stop moving arond the room. I think I felt as if I were in Chartres or something, must walk the spiral path allll the way)

Hi

Hi I'm here

Whaddya think? Too bright?

(We had agreed to doing a yellow trim inside)

It is bright! No, it's cheerful ...ummm where's the tape?

Tape?

Yeah I thought I'd cover the mouldings.

Oh. It's not there?

I don't see it.

Huh.

It worked out. I just tore off the tape previously used and re used it. Then when I'd finished I found the roll of tape next to my coteachers cafe cup across the room from the rest of the supplies. So I hid it :)***CV

Lolita, Vladmir Nabakov
Napolean's Buttons, Penny LeCouteurand Jay Burreson
Multatuli, Max Havelaar
Soft, Rupert Thomson

book free

I have been asked if I do anything besides read.

Why yes I do. I eat. I sleep. I move about in various ways (see yoga in your standard dictionary). Occaisionally I interact with others of my kind - just what kind I will leave up to your very capable imaginations.

Today I:

woke up a 6 (after going to sleep at 2:30)
practiced
answered a message from a friend cancelling the arrangement which was the reason for me awaking at such an unchairitable hour of the morning
knit
fell asleep
did laundry
went to a cafe
went to a yarn shop
rescued a big black seven legged being (Hi Anansi)
shopped
came home
admired my newly reorganized home
ate dinner
read blogs

Thus endeth a day***CV

three more....

As promised.

(SRC/P) A Perfect Red, Amy Butler Greenfield (338pp) A few years ago I came across a book which proposed to tell the history of the colour mauve. I bought it and when I began to read, well ... let's say that I was less then enthralled. I must have read more of it then what I thought though as several aspects of it came up towards the end of A Perfect Red. Who would have thought a little insect could cause so much hubub. My only complaint would be that I had expected a focus on the colour red and there were many digressions (though interesting) into other areas. Ms. Greenfield manages to bring all to bear on her premise. She traces the production of red cloth in particular from its vegatal to its animal stages as well as the staus of both producers and consumers in relation not only to each other but over time. Caste is everywhere.

I may even look for that mauve book again.
**

(SRC/P) A Passage to India, E.M. Forster (362pp) Hmmmm. I almost didn't finish this book. I really have a hard time when people (even fictional ones) act ignorant. I realise that this is a time and a place and people do act that way. However, when it got to the point of the Doctor being accused and put on trial I almost put the book aside. I'm glad I didn't. I would have missed the spectacle at the end and all the associated imagery. I also appreciated a look at India without the seemingly unavoidable pantheon context (Shiva2000 anyone?). Most novels from India and I believe most western views of India are through the filter of multitudinous deities. I appreciated the not untimely reminder that there is much more to the culture of India.
***

(SRC/P) Leave it to Psmith, P.G. Wodehouse (328pp) Such a change from all my other reading to date. So very English and so Masterpeice theater. I kept imagining Patrick Macnee as Psmith ("the P is silent"). I think Psmith in real life would annoy me no end but as a fictional character he was great fun. The dialogue and terms used "Gee" "attaboy Ed" and "Just you start joshing at my poems and see how quick I'll bean you with a brick", are priceless.

Currently reading:
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town; Cory Doctorow
the Age of Homespun, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich***CV

SRP update II

Last check in I had read a total of 18 books and 4,276pp as of July 2, 2006
***
Since then I have read:

(SRC/P) Asleep, Banana Yoshimoto (177pp)
(SRC/P) A Kingdom Divided, Rupert Thomson (336pp)
(SRC/P) Liquor, Poppy Brite (339pp)
(SRC/P) Haruki Murakami and the Music of Words, Jay Rubin (289pp)
(SRC/P) The Book of Revelation, Rupert Thomson (260pp)
(SRC/P) The Empire of Ice Cream, Jeffrey Ford (319pp)
(SRC/P) One Thousand and One Ghosts, Alexandre Dumas (156pp).
(SRP) The Tarot Cafe, Sang-Sun Park (176pp) manga
(SRC/P) Anansi Boys, Neil Gaiman (334pp)
(SRC/P) When Fox is a Thousand, Larissa Lai (236pp)
(SRC/P) Coram Boy, Jamila Gavin (328pp)
(SRC/P) The Sunbird, Elizabeth E. Wein (184pp)
(SRC/P) Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones (380pp)
(SRC/P) The Perilous Gard, Elizabeth Marie Pope (280pp)
(SRC/P) Look at the Harlequins, Vladmir Nabakov (253pp)
(SRC/P) The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafon (487pp)
(SRC/P) Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal, Christopher Moore (444pp)
(SRC/P) The Lust lizard of Melancholy Cove, Christopher Moore (304pp)
(SRC/P) Something Rotten, Jasper Fforde (383pp)
(SRC/P) Uncle Silas, Sheridan LeFanu (444pp)
(SRC/P) Leave it to Psmith, PG Wodehouse (328pp)*
(SRC/P) A Perfect Red, Amy Butler Greenfield (338pp)*
(SRC/P) A Passage to India (362pp)*

For a 2nd subtotal of: 23 books and 7,137pp

Total to date: 41 books and 11,413 pp as of August 6 2006 ***CV

*Finished last night and this morning. Summaries in next post :)

summer night

Beautiful weather tonight. I don't normally go back out once I've turned in for the evening but tonight I did. It's clear and still and warm: truly a summer night. People are out on their porches or sitting with friends close to the window in dimly lit rooms. Next to conversation and laughter the only sounds are of gently clinking glasses. Lots of people at the out door restaurants. Just really really pleasant.

I am 40 pages from finishing a Perfect Red; 60 pages from completing A Passage to India and halfway through Leave it to Psmith.

One week left of summer break ***CV

asleep at the needles

This week I have been truly lazy. Instead of going to pratice - I did my own shortened routine at home, I read and cafe'd all week. It is this laziness to which I attribute my ability to nearly complete all the socks I started last year (including my very first pair). There is something about spaciousness of time with no set commitments (which I consider practice to be) that allows me to complete partial projects.

Perhaps stepping off my "assigned reading" has also helped.

**
(SRC/P) Asleep, Banana Yoshimoto (177pp) This is the most introverted of the authors works I have read so far. I suppose the title should have been some indication. I don't think this is the first book I would suggest to someone who was curious about Banana Yoshimoto. The last story did remind me of something I read in Jay Rubin's book about Murakami: mental binding. According to Mr. Rubin this is a condition peculiar to women in Japanese society. I don't know about that; I've experienced something similar. One of the symptoms of mental binding is waking up and being completely unable to move. It can take up to several hours before a person wiht this condition regains control of their body. It is terrifying.

The heroine in the final short sleeps all the time, well, except when she is with her married boyfriend. Even then, towards the end she finds it difficult to wake up for him. I suspected one of the connections that is made clear towards the end about 15 pages before it was revealed. I do like the temp office scene though. It reminded me so much of my own experience as a temp watching people create piles of busywork for themselves, rather than actually doing the work.

***
I signed up for Nancy Bush's sock class in October. Is anyone else going***CV

Divided Liquor

(SRP) A Kingdom Divided, Rupert Thomson (336pp) This is a futuristic novel. Some reviews suggest that it should be in the same section as 1984, Brave New World and the like. I ceratinly had a sense of those works as I was reading; along with flickers of A Clockwork Orange, Murakami, and films by the directors of Delicatessen. The basic premise is that the government of the UK has decided to restructure society so that it is less violent and anti social. Their method? To base a division of peoples based upon their humours - phlegmatic, choleric, melencholic or sanguine. The story then proceeds to follow the life of a child who is seperated from his family due to the rearrangemnet and what happens when borders are crossed.

I'm reserving my opinions on RT's writing until I've had a chance to read a couple of his other books.
**
(SRP) Liquor, Poppy Brite (339pp) Two New Orleanian boys decide to start up their own restaurant but are broke. So what happens when your GM hates you and you find a property to house the resaurant of your dreams only to discover (after you sign the lease) it was the site of a mob slaying? Lite fun read that is very different from her earlier works (and yes I still have my original copy of Lost Souls) I would like to try that Morte de Napolean dessert though.
***
I've decided to just start reading what I want as opposed to sticking to my list. Most of what is left is non fictions and historic (naval, textile). My numeric goal is still intact: 51. But I'm more likely to attain it if I start choosing from ALL my unreads. ****CV

oooh that means I could go reread Sunshine!!!

my own personal eden

WhenI lived in SF there was a cafe I sometimes hung out in on Haight Street. I could never stay there very long because they didn't simply play music, they blasted music. That and the ambient homeless hanging put* on the corner tended to make the cafe a pit stop rather than a relaxation venture.

I bring this up because I have noticed that one of the cafes I go to, recently, has begun to play 80's hits. This could be okay or not depending on how you feel about Echo and the Bunnymen, Bauhaus, David Bowie, Kate Bush, Thomas Dolby, et al. I realized today that the cafe in question is also selling an 80's themed CD. At any rate the music is not played it is bellowed, (as much as electronica can be) it is shrieked (I already said I am not a KB fan) it's produced at club levels sans the buccolic club atmosphere (ie enough beer so you really don't care if your eardrums are perforated or not).

So I leave. I return to my personal, paid for on a monthly basis, abode; seeking solace and serenity. Ahhhh.

*thump * thump * thump * budabumbumbah * budabumbumbah * thump * thump * thump *

What's this? Did I mistakenly enter the realm of four wheeled pink fuzzy dice? Did I just tease and deozone layer my hair into ridiculous elevations? Am I suddenly parading around in a belly baring hip sliding arches breaking ensemble?

Oh. It's my neighbor.

Maybe a Divided Kingdom isn't such a bad idea***CV

*hanging put: really that is a more descriptive term than hanging out for the culture in question don't you think?

Super Frog revelation

(SRC/P) Haruki Murakami and the Music of Words, Jay Rubin (289pp) If you enjoy Murakami's writing and are curious about how his ideas developed (this book won't tell you). What this book does is follow chronologically Murakami's published works and give you some context of his life at the time. It is by no means an up close and personal look. It is written by a prrofessor of Japanese Literature and as such tends too much to the footnotes for my taste. As an insight into the Japanese publishing or rather classification (without being detailed) of literature it was interesting. It also pointed out how closely interrelated are boku and Murakami. I still like the super frog :)
**
(SRP) The Book of Revelation, Rupert Thomson (260pp) Gender role reversal in the abduction and captivity of a person for ones own (or the groups) interests. DO NOT skip to the end even if you feel you kow how it will end. I thought I knew but found it surprising and entirely appropriate. Curiously I find Mr. Thomson's writing reminds me of Josephine Tey. *shrug* They are both British.
***
My unreads are growing again: 31 at last count***CV