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Why, yes...
Nov. 26th, 2011 04:37 pmI am halfway through The Hunger Games series. Oh. My. God. I am so happy I didn't spoil myself. I knew the basic summary of the story, and I'd avoided threads, comments, etc. since I knew I'd get around to reading it.
I find I need to take breaks from the action. Phew. I love it; don't get me wrong. I just need a breather every now and then.
I find I need to take breaks from the action. Phew. I love it; don't get me wrong. I just need a breather every now and then.
One of my favorite books to read around Halloween is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. I haven't read it in a few years; I seem to have misplaced my copy. This needs to be remedied, because this is a classic horror tale about a small town, the evil carnival that sets up shop around Halloween, and the two young boys who save the day. It was originally published in 1962, and it is no surprise at all that Stephen King has mentioned it as an influence.
Here is the first paragraph of the book:
The seller of lightning rods arrived just ahead of the storm. He came along the street of Green Town, Illinois, in the late cloudy October day, sneaking glances over his shoulder. Somewhere not so far back, vast lightnings stomped the earth. Somewhere, a storm like a great beast with terrible teeth could not be denied.
You can find the rest of chapter 1 at Ray Bradbury's book site. It's a short, shivery read, and I am getting me a new copy posthaste.
Here is the first paragraph of the book:
The seller of lightning rods arrived just ahead of the storm. He came along the street of Green Town, Illinois, in the late cloudy October day, sneaking glances over his shoulder. Somewhere not so far back, vast lightnings stomped the earth. Somewhere, a storm like a great beast with terrible teeth could not be denied.
You can find the rest of chapter 1 at Ray Bradbury's book site. It's a short, shivery read, and I am getting me a new copy posthaste.
(no subject)
May. 3rd, 2009 10:02 amI made you an LJ post, but I ated it. I have meant to update more this week and failed miserably, so here is a catch all post.
Happy birthday a little late,![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
wanderlustlover! Or... is it early? I am not sure with time zones. I hope it is/was wonderful.
I cannot believe it's May already. This year is flying by.
I am watching cute squirrels sproing around my now-green yard. Our flowers and plants are coming back, which is always a magical thing for me every single spring.
I finished Hatful of Sky, the second in Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series, and I am here to tell you that I love his witch characters with a love that is vast and deep. It's rare in fantasy (as we all know) that you see female relationships written about in such ways. I mean, female protagonist, antagonists, mentors of different stripes - and some supporting male characters, who are nice but not the reason for the story. I'd love to read more about Granny Aching, but more Tiffany and Granny Weatherwax would be juuust fine. I'll snag the third book from the library tomorrow, I think.
I meant to write a more complete review on my Unwigged and Unplugged concert experience, but I fail in that, too. Here is the website, though!
I am, I realize, not unhappy that SPN only has one more season to go. I still enjoy watching it, but yeah. Sometimes endings are a good thing.
I caved and now have a DW account. I am vivien there, with no 529. I don't know how to do the code, or I would. I don't really plan to do much with it. I might post fic and/or back up my journal there. I am keeping my LJ as my main journal, though.
Work is good! I taught a class for teachers for the first time, and despite being worried I'd screw things up totally, I was not as nervous as I thought I'd be and it was also easier than I thought it would be. I got very good reviews, too. So that was a huge weight off my shoulders.
This time next week I will be in OK. This trip happened a bit on the fast side, but I am glad I am making it.
Hokay. I quit talking now.
Happy birthday a little late,
wanderlustlover! Or... is it early? I am not sure with time zones. I hope it is/was wonderful.I cannot believe it's May already. This year is flying by.
I am watching cute squirrels sproing around my now-green yard. Our flowers and plants are coming back, which is always a magical thing for me every single spring.
I finished Hatful of Sky, the second in Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series, and I am here to tell you that I love his witch characters with a love that is vast and deep. It's rare in fantasy (as we all know) that you see female relationships written about in such ways. I mean, female protagonist, antagonists, mentors of different stripes - and some supporting male characters, who are nice but not the reason for the story. I'd love to read more about Granny Aching, but more Tiffany and Granny Weatherwax would be juuust fine. I'll snag the third book from the library tomorrow, I think.
I meant to write a more complete review on my Unwigged and Unplugged concert experience, but I fail in that, too. Here is the website, though!
I am, I realize, not unhappy that SPN only has one more season to go. I still enjoy watching it, but yeah. Sometimes endings are a good thing.
I caved and now have a DW account. I am vivien there, with no 529. I don't know how to do the code, or I would. I don't really plan to do much with it. I might post fic and/or back up my journal there. I am keeping my LJ as my main journal, though.
Work is good! I taught a class for teachers for the first time, and despite being worried I'd screw things up totally, I was not as nervous as I thought I'd be and it was also easier than I thought it would be. I got very good reviews, too. So that was a huge weight off my shoulders.
This time next week I will be in OK. This trip happened a bit on the fast side, but I am glad I am making it.
Hokay. I quit talking now.
(no subject)
Jul. 8th, 2008 09:55 pmAh, there is nothing like trashy summer reading. *absorbs self in book some more*.
...yes, it's the second sparkly vampire book. I can't help it. It's crack. Bad crack! But I can't stop reading. Um, no wait - it's research so we know what the girls in the house are reading. *nods firmly* Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.
...yes, it's the second sparkly vampire book. I can't help it. It's crack. Bad crack! But I can't stop reading. Um, no wait - it's research so we know what the girls in the house are reading. *nods firmly* Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking with it.
(no subject)
Apr. 24th, 2008 10:42 amI'm taking an Excel Basics class today away from my office. Computer lab = whee!
The basics are pretty basic, but I have a lot of gaps in my knowledge, so I am learning some really good tips and tricks. But there are many pauses as the instructor helps out folks for whom this is all brand new and confusing. Thus I surf the 'net.
It's very cold in here. It's helpful with keeping me awake and alert. Ish.
I'm almost done with Lords and Ladies by Pterry. I've read the whole Lancre witches series on my commute lately. I do so enjoy these books, and this one especially. Nanny Ogg is my favorite, although I adore Esme, as well. This book develops all of their characters so well. Also, the juxtaposition of wizards and witches is most entertaining. Headology rocks.
I think I'll pick up his latest at the library for my next book. I do enjoy Pratchett's style.
The basics are pretty basic, but I have a lot of gaps in my knowledge, so I am learning some really good tips and tricks. But there are many pauses as the instructor helps out folks for whom this is all brand new and confusing. Thus I surf the 'net.
It's very cold in here. It's helpful with keeping me awake and alert. Ish.
I'm almost done with Lords and Ladies by Pterry. I've read the whole Lancre witches series on my commute lately. I do so enjoy these books, and this one especially. Nanny Ogg is my favorite, although I adore Esme, as well. This book develops all of their characters so well. Also, the juxtaposition of wizards and witches is most entertaining. Headology rocks.
I think I'll pick up his latest at the library for my next book. I do enjoy Pratchett's style.
(no subject)
Mar. 10th, 2008 09:38 pmDang it. AOL isn't working on Firefox for me tonight. How bizarre. I think it might be my connection, too, because some other sites are funky. Live Journal is coming in fiiiine though, which is ironic.
I am so tired. Sleep shall soon be mine.
Oh! I love New Amsterdam! It's really good, with a likable lead and some really cool historical flashbacks. So yay, new show of joy and joyness.
In book news, since I have a lot more time to read nowadays, I am reading The Ghost Map, a fascinating account of London's cholera epidemic of 1854, and re-reading The Stand. I didn't plan this, but it makes me laugh whenever I think about it. Yay plague stories!
I am so tired. Sleep shall soon be mine.
Oh! I love New Amsterdam! It's really good, with a likable lead and some really cool historical flashbacks. So yay, new show of joy and joyness.
In book news, since I have a lot more time to read nowadays, I am reading The Ghost Map, a fascinating account of London's cholera epidemic of 1854, and re-reading The Stand. I didn't plan this, but it makes me laugh whenever I think about it. Yay plague stories!
(no subject)
Feb. 17th, 2008 11:57 amUg. I really meant to get up on time and go to church today. But... I just plain didn't. Next week I will try to get on a less sloth-like schedule.
RP last night was SO MUCH FUN, though. I hadn't enjoyed it that much in quite a while.
Also, I finally finished Wheel of Time book five. Oh Moiraine. How you rock. She is just incredible, but poor Lan. I really felt for him. Nynaeve was also right there with the kicking of Forsaken ass. I'm liking Egwene a little less than I used to, which makes me sad. Mat is getting even better though. I really like his characterization. I feel sorry for Rand, though. His position is not an enviable one. I do enjoy this series, even if it takes me forever to read each book.
RP last night was SO MUCH FUN, though. I hadn't enjoyed it that much in quite a while.
Also, I finally finished Wheel of Time book five. Oh Moiraine. How you rock. She is just incredible, but poor Lan. I really felt for him. Nynaeve was also right there with the kicking of Forsaken ass. I'm liking Egwene a little less than I used to, which makes me sad. Mat is getting even better though. I really like his characterization. I feel sorry for Rand, though. His position is not an enviable one. I do enjoy this series, even if it takes me forever to read each book.
(no subject)
Sep. 7th, 2007 06:43 pmWhen I was nine, the abstract concepts of grace and faith became real to me after reading one special book.
"Not a song," Mrs. O'Keefe contradicted. "A rune. Patrick's rune. To hold up against danger. In this fateful hour I place all Heaven and its power-"
Without warning, the lights went out. A gust of wind dashed across the table, blowing out the candles. The humming of the refrigerator ceased. There was no purring from the furnace in the cellar. A cold dampness clutched the room, filling their nostrils with the stench of decay. The flames in the fireplace dwindled.
"Say it, Mom," Charles Wallace called. "Say it all!"
Mrs. O'Keefe's voice was weak. "I forget-"
The lightning outside was so brilliant that light penetrated the closed curtains. A tremendous crash of thunder followed immediately.
"I'll say it with you." Charles Wallace's voice was urgent. "But you'll have to help me. Come on. In this fateful hour I place Heaven and all its power..."
Lightning and thunder were almost simultaneous. Then they heard a gigantic crackling noise.
"One of the trees has been struck," Mr. Murry said.
"All Heaven and its power," Charles Wallace repeated.
The old woman's voice took up the words. "And the sun with its brightness..."
Dennys struck a match and lit the candles. At first the flames flickered and guttered wildly, but then steadied an burned straight and bright.
"And the snow with its whiteness,
And the fire with all the strength it hath,
And the lightning with its rapid wrath..."
Meg waited for the lightning to flash again, for the house itself to be struck. Instead, the power came back on as abruptly as it had gone off. The furnace began to hum. The room was filled with light and warmth.
"...And the sea with its deepness,
And the rocks with their steepness,
And the earth with its starkness,
All these I place
By God's almighty help and grace
Between myself and the powers of darkness."
Charles Wallace lifted the curtains away from one corner of the window. "The rain's turned to snow. The ground's all white and beautiful."
When I was nine, a book touched my life and left a lasting impression on me. For years after, I watched for Gaudior as I rode in the car past darkened woods, and I wondered about the downtrodden people I encountered, imagining their lives in a "once upon a time". I watched for the hope and wonder that I knew existed in this often frightening and stressful world. And I still do.
Rest in peace, Madeleine L'Engle. Thank you for all your words, and for showing me what grace and faith really mean.
"Not a song," Mrs. O'Keefe contradicted. "A rune. Patrick's rune. To hold up against danger. In this fateful hour I place all Heaven and its power-"
Without warning, the lights went out. A gust of wind dashed across the table, blowing out the candles. The humming of the refrigerator ceased. There was no purring from the furnace in the cellar. A cold dampness clutched the room, filling their nostrils with the stench of decay. The flames in the fireplace dwindled.
"Say it, Mom," Charles Wallace called. "Say it all!"
Mrs. O'Keefe's voice was weak. "I forget-"
The lightning outside was so brilliant that light penetrated the closed curtains. A tremendous crash of thunder followed immediately.
"I'll say it with you." Charles Wallace's voice was urgent. "But you'll have to help me. Come on. In this fateful hour I place Heaven and all its power..."
Lightning and thunder were almost simultaneous. Then they heard a gigantic crackling noise.
"One of the trees has been struck," Mr. Murry said.
"All Heaven and its power," Charles Wallace repeated.
The old woman's voice took up the words. "And the sun with its brightness..."
Dennys struck a match and lit the candles. At first the flames flickered and guttered wildly, but then steadied an burned straight and bright.
"And the snow with its whiteness,
And the fire with all the strength it hath,
And the lightning with its rapid wrath..."
Meg waited for the lightning to flash again, for the house itself to be struck. Instead, the power came back on as abruptly as it had gone off. The furnace began to hum. The room was filled with light and warmth.
"...And the sea with its deepness,
And the rocks with their steepness,
And the earth with its starkness,
All these I place
By God's almighty help and grace
Between myself and the powers of darkness."
Charles Wallace lifted the curtains away from one corner of the window. "The rain's turned to snow. The ground's all white and beautiful."
When I was nine, a book touched my life and left a lasting impression on me. For years after, I watched for Gaudior as I rode in the car past darkened woods, and I wondered about the downtrodden people I encountered, imagining their lives in a "once upon a time". I watched for the hope and wonder that I knew existed in this often frightening and stressful world. And I still do.
Rest in peace, Madeleine L'Engle. Thank you for all your words, and for showing me what grace and faith really mean.
(no subject)
Apr. 2nd, 2007 09:57 pmI finished The Great Hunt! Now I can go back and read Adiva's commentary!
So I really liked this book. RJ broke free of the Tolkien mold for the most part, which I was glad to see.
Final comments:
While I had called Ingtar being a Darkfriend, I was delighted with the redemption twist at the end. NICE.
Dude, what's up with all the women and Rand? I guess Reborn Dragon's get all the ladies. It's the only compensation, since it pretty much sucks to be him.
I like Egwene. A lot. She's going to have Dark Phoenix issues, though, right?
Elayne's okay, but I haven't fallen in love with her yet.
*kicks Lanfear inna head* I can't wait till she dies. She is one annoyingly smugtastic evil character.
The damane still horrify me. When the captain tells of the Aes Sedai being captured, I shuddered. Physically shuddered.
So yes, on to Dragon Reborn.
So I really liked this book. RJ broke free of the Tolkien mold for the most part, which I was glad to see.
Final comments:
While I had called Ingtar being a Darkfriend, I was delighted with the redemption twist at the end. NICE.
Dude, what's up with all the women and Rand? I guess Reborn Dragon's get all the ladies. It's the only compensation, since it pretty much sucks to be him.
I like Egwene. A lot. She's going to have Dark Phoenix issues, though, right?
Elayne's okay, but I haven't fallen in love with her yet.
*kicks Lanfear inna head* I can't wait till she dies. She is one annoyingly smugtastic evil character.
The damane still horrify me. When the captain tells of the Aes Sedai being captured, I shuddered. Physically shuddered.
So yes, on to Dragon Reborn.
(no subject)
Apr. 1st, 2007 10:33 pmGod, it's April already??? How'd that happen???
Okay, Adiva is way ahead of me, so I don't think I need to cut this. Unless it gets too long.
I am in the last few chapters of The Great Hunt. (Nynaeve and Elayne have made it to Falme.)
Nynaeve's trial to become an Accepted was heart-breaking.
Selene annoys the hell out of me. I hate that Rand is too young to realize how the wool is being pulled over his eyes.
I hate Lindrian even more. So she's a Darkfriend, too? I thought that was too obvious, or I'd have called her one way back when she first appeared.
Cairhien and its Slytherin-ity makes my head hurt.
Poor Thom.
Loial was adorable in Stedding Tsofu. He's an Ogier hottie, apparently.
Not enough Moiraine and Lan!
The Seanchan are terrifying and the concept of domane makes me a little sick to my stomach. Please let there be fiery death soon to Seanchan? Please?
Poor Egwene... I am terrified for her.
*reads a little more before bedtime*
Okay, Adiva is way ahead of me, so I don't think I need to cut this. Unless it gets too long.
I am in the last few chapters of The Great Hunt. (Nynaeve and Elayne have made it to Falme.)
Nynaeve's trial to become an Accepted was heart-breaking.
Selene annoys the hell out of me. I hate that Rand is too young to realize how the wool is being pulled over his eyes.
I hate Lindrian even more. So she's a Darkfriend, too? I thought that was too obvious, or I'd have called her one way back when she first appeared.
Cairhien and its Slytherin-ity makes my head hurt.
Poor Thom.
Loial was adorable in Stedding Tsofu. He's an Ogier hottie, apparently.
Not enough Moiraine and Lan!
The Seanchan are terrifying and the concept of domane makes me a little sick to my stomach. Please let there be fiery death soon to Seanchan? Please?
Poor Egwene... I am terrified for her.
*reads a little more before bedtime*
(no subject)
Mar. 20th, 2007 09:12 pm( The Great Hunt Commentary )
Oh, over the weekend, I splurged at the comic store. I got Dark Tower 1 and 2, the 1st Buffy, and the rest of the Neverwhere series I'd missed. I've really liked all of them, but the Buffy especially. It's so nice to see those characters again.
Oh, over the weekend, I splurged at the comic store. I got Dark Tower 1 and 2, the 1st Buffy, and the rest of the Neverwhere series I'd missed. I've really liked all of them, but the Buffy especially. It's so nice to see those characters again.
(no subject)
Mar. 8th, 2007 07:54 pmI am a big fat copycat! I am copying adiva_calendia in reading Eye of the World, the first of the Wheel of Time series. I commented on her running commentary, and genarti said I should do one as well.
( So... )
adiva_calendia in reading Eye of the World, the first of the Wheel of Time series. I commented on her running commentary, and genarti said I should do one as well.( So... )
(no subject)
Feb. 8th, 2007 09:19 pmSPN blew me away. More coherent thoughts soon. Maybe.
Milliways Lake Party beginning tomorrow. Eee!
His Majesty's Dragon is OMG SO GOOD. I'm nearly done. Then I have A Summer Tree from the library to read. Yay!
Collapsing with tired now.
Milliways Lake Party beginning tomorrow. Eee!
His Majesty's Dragon is OMG SO GOOD. I'm nearly done. Then I have A Summer Tree from the library to read. Yay!
Collapsing with tired now.
(no subject)
Sep. 12th, 2006 09:30 pmSee Viv. See Viv yawn. Yawn, Viv, yawn. I am going to bed early tonight for lo, I am exhausted.
Egads,aevalin, I missed your birthday. HAPPY VERY LATE BIRTHDAY!!!
I finally finished Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I really enjoyed it. It was quite a bit racier than I imagined it would be, which was totally fine by me. I like Jamie and Claire immensely, and as good villains should, I am intrigued by Randall. I mean, he's horrible but I want to know more of his story.
I just started on Thud!, another Vimes-ian Terry Pratchett. I'm also rereading Pet Semetery, which is my favorite Stephen King ever. So reading is nice, when I can fit the time in.
We have season 2 of Lost, but have we put one disc in yet? Why no. Because we clearly are lame. Maybe tomorrow.
Wow, I am tired. Curse you ever shortening days! Your darkness in the morning makes me want to sleeeep. To all I have slowtimes with - I love you and thanks for your patience.
Egads,
aevalin, I missed your birthday. HAPPY VERY LATE BIRTHDAY!!!I finally finished Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I really enjoyed it. It was quite a bit racier than I imagined it would be, which was totally fine by me. I like Jamie and Claire immensely, and as good villains should, I am intrigued by Randall. I mean, he's horrible but I want to know more of his story.
I just started on Thud!, another Vimes-ian Terry Pratchett. I'm also rereading Pet Semetery, which is my favorite Stephen King ever. So reading is nice, when I can fit the time in.
We have season 2 of Lost, but have we put one disc in yet? Why no. Because we clearly are lame. Maybe tomorrow.
Wow, I am tired. Curse you ever shortening days! Your darkness in the morning makes me want to sleeeep. To all I have slowtimes with - I love you and thanks for your patience.
(no subject)
Aug. 14th, 2006 10:15 pmI ran out of time tonight! So I meme and go.
The Ubiquitous Nearest Book Meme
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your LJ along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
An ancient woman inhabits the body of a girl. Death displaces the silver, scintillant fish. The bear comes forth.
- The Ancient Child by N. Scott Momeday (who is a Kiowa writer from my hometown)
I haven't read the book yet, but it is in the queue.
The Ubiquitous Nearest Book Meme
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your LJ along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
An ancient woman inhabits the body of a girl. Death displaces the silver, scintillant fish. The bear comes forth.
- The Ancient Child by N. Scott Momeday (who is a Kiowa writer from my hometown)
I haven't read the book yet, but it is in the queue.
(no subject)
Aug. 6th, 2006 09:36 pmI have acquired House of Leaves. I'm to chapter five, and I'm pleasantly surprised so far. Nice creepy story, interesting narrative(s), and I've been drawn in. Of course, I haven't gotten to the INSANE FORMATTING yet, so we'll see.
Also in book news, I'm reading Outlander. I am enjoying it, as well (once I got over the surprising "huh, adultery is unsettling" bit that resonated surprisingly due to my own marital status). It's quite good though, and I am over the "OOF I AM TORN AS I WANT TO LIKE THIS JAMIE GUY A LOT BUT FRANK OH NOES".
I'm currently watching Fallen on ABC Family, and I'm liking it. The kid who's the main character (who's also a Nephilim, poor guy) is doing a good job of baffled sincerity. I say that in a good way.
I also have been working on locking down my journal, just to be on the safe side. It's a slow process, as the fic and harmless entries I don't mind being public.
I'm not feeling so great, but I am hoping it's just congestion from allergies. Or an allergy to work, which is much more likely. :-P
Also in book news, I'm reading Outlander. I am enjoying it, as well (once I got over the surprising "huh, adultery is unsettling" bit that resonated surprisingly due to my own marital status). It's quite good though, and I am over the "OOF I AM TORN AS I WANT TO LIKE THIS JAMIE GUY A LOT BUT FRANK OH NOES".
I'm currently watching Fallen on ABC Family, and I'm liking it. The kid who's the main character (who's also a Nephilim, poor guy) is doing a good job of baffled sincerity. I say that in a good way.
I also have been working on locking down my journal, just to be on the safe side. It's a slow process, as the fic and harmless entries I don't mind being public.
I'm not feeling so great, but I am hoping it's just congestion from allergies. Or an allergy to work, which is much more likely. :-P
(no subject)
Nov. 26th, 2005 11:33 pm*snicker*
( Slytherdor )
Jen's daughter has a major thing for Draco. She's been arguing with us all weekend how unfair and mean it was for him to be turned into a bouncing ferret. It is most amusing. The other daughter is mooning over Cedric. It's awesome.
I am reading So You Want To Be a Wizard and enjoying it muchly. There is major plot a-brewing over at Milliways to unite Neverwhere and Young Wizards canon, so I am trying to read the series as quickly as possible.
Why am I not further up on the holds list for "Love in a Cold Climate" at the library? We wants it, my precious.
Will Farrell is a doofus. And not in a good way. "Bewitched" (the movie) should be much funnier that it actually is. Hmm. Back to the book, I think.
( Slytherdor )
Jen's daughter has a major thing for Draco. She's been arguing with us all weekend how unfair and mean it was for him to be turned into a bouncing ferret. It is most amusing. The other daughter is mooning over Cedric. It's awesome.
I am reading So You Want To Be a Wizard and enjoying it muchly. There is major plot a-brewing over at Milliways to unite Neverwhere and Young Wizards canon, so I am trying to read the series as quickly as possible.
Why am I not further up on the holds list for "Love in a Cold Climate" at the library? We wants it, my precious.
Will Farrell is a doofus. And not in a good way. "Bewitched" (the movie) should be much funnier that it actually is. Hmm. Back to the book, I think.
