Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day

In East Tennessee, the day is still called Decoration Day. Something pretty and/or patriotic is typically taken to a cemetery in remembrance of lost loved ones and veterans. As we move further from our roots, we are left to find our own ways to remember. I like the idea of using something pretty.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Czech It Out

In one short hour, the Nashville Blogger Bake Sale benefiting Second Harvest of Middle TN will commence. Our very own GBC Kim is contributing kolaches for the event. As I suspect only three of our GBC members know what these are, I decided to do a little research for you. My most entertaining discovery comes in the form of the Prague Kolache Festival which occurred on May 1, 2010. [Warning: This link is not for the faint of heart as it includes heavy polka background music.] The festival includes a Kolache Eating contest as well as other tasty food items, Czech dress and dance. Next year will be the 50th anniversary for the festival, so consider this little gem for a future road trip.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

As the Page Turns

It was no surprise for me to see that today's best selling Kindle books included the three books in Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. (The Surgeon: with Bonus Content by Tess Gerritsen is interrupting the one-two-three sweep as it holds a position as third best selling. I am not familiar with this title.) My hand has hovered over the "One-Click" button a few times over the last month, and I am eager to read it. I know that several others of the GBC group are keen as well. So, what will happen? Will all GBC members purchase the book in a mad dash for discussion? Will excitement turn into a paralyzing inaction as we all wait to see who rushes in first? Tune in next month (if not before) for the exciting conclusion.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Gone Fission

With the email reminder that my book is soon due to be returned, I picked up the pace a bit on Possum Living. I am glad that I delved into the "Meat" chapter after lunch, as I am relatively certain that I might have lost a bit of my appetite during the paragraphs which discussed edible game. Freed and I share a similar affection for duck, however I cannot (will not) make a leap to muskrat. The information in the chapter could be quite handy however if I am dropped in the woods and left to survive on my own devices. The "Fish" chapter thus far has left me with similar sentiments. It could be said however that she was ahead of the curve with her support of carp.

Once I scale the "Fish" chapter, the topics turn toward grains and gardening with Chapter 12 addressing the "Necessities of Life" including both a diagram and instructions to construct one's very own "distillation apparatus." The Afterword (yes, I skipped ahead) includes some very good observations such as:

* One needs very few physical things in order to be happy.
* Look carefully at life and your choices.
* Do your research.
* Small steps lead to big goals.
* Hold on to the good, let go of the bad

Not too bad for an eighteen-year-old author with a seventh-grade education turned NASA aerospace engineer.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

May Ramble

In addition to this being an exciting week for GBC members, it was a time of recognition for Troubles by J.G. Farrell. The title received the Lost Man Booker Prize on May 19. This award was created to honour books published in 1970 when the rules of award changed. (So many things changed in the seventies.)

The Independent Publisher Book Award winners will be honored this upcoming week as well. A comprehensive list of authors and titles can be found here. I was hoping to report that I had read at least one of them, but I must currently remain silent on this issue.

Finally, to conclude this series of marginally related thoughts, NPR explores Meghan Daum's book Life Would be Perfect if I Lived in that House with this link. An excerpt of the book is also included. As I share Daum's fondness for Little House on the Prairie, this book has now been added to my reading list.

My summer reading will quite certainly carry into autumn. Enjoy the week.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Playing Possum

It was a surprise to be introduced to Diogenes in the first chapter of Possum Living.

Sometimes, however the unexpected gives us the most pleasure.

As it is later than my normal time of posting, this musing will be rather brief. After all, I do have a few more pressing things for a Friday evening than blogging. (At least, as far as you know.)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

We Had a Dr. in the House

The restaurant looked so inviting that people stepped in from the street to try to have dinner. The Mad Platter was, however closed and the host to our May meeting. GBC members arrived in good spirits and provided just the occasion to forget some of those life changes that many of us are experiencing: lost job, new job, wedding, and graduation. (I think we have most of the significant stressors covered by the group.) GBC members came with reading water in tow: either standard or sparkling to commemorate our new GBC PhD Kim.

After starters of peanuts and olives (nod to France), the first salad course with a sesame vinaigrette was delightful. We received a lesson on sustainability (choose char over salmon) which was followed by a main course of beef or arctic char with potatoes. A locally made cheesecake topped with either a raspberry or a chocolate mocha sauce left each GBC member quite full and content as we moved our chairs together to discuss the book.

As I have written before, the last of one thing is just the beginning of something new. As I sat in my regularly slated seat beside GBC Kim, I could not help but experience a moment of joy and of sadness that last night's meeting would be my last for some time. The GBC members have been dear neighborhood friends these last few years. As the conversation last night swirled between topics as quickly as a spinning top, I realized it would be moments like those that I would most miss. GBC Bill giving a history lesson, GBC Marcia dispensing cooking tips, the ability of GBC Paige & Carole King (not the singer) to remember names of obscure titles and authors like a Jeopardy showdown, with the rest of the group sharing technology, gardening, and some of the funniest anecdotal moments I have ever heard. Oh, and we did discuss the book.

One third of the members had read Private Altars by Katherine Mosby and we received the added treat of GBC Carole King (not the singer) to read a passage aloud. The discussion of the book took us to Steinbeck, Faulkner, and Fitzgerald with members sharing their favorite reads. We also had a spirited discussion of Larsson's first two books with many of us eagerly anticipating next week's release. We also welcomed two new members into the group.

With the most hearty remaining as book club wound down, we gave ourselves one last toast in celebration of life, books, and friendship before the candles were snuffed out and the bottles were counted. I am looking forward to wearing my new t-shirt - thank you.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Armchair Travel

During my little adventure these last two months, I met a number of very cool people. A few of them happened to be writers, and I wanted to share a few titles with you in the event you wanted to branch out a bit more on your reading.
  • Clara Villanueva published I, Carmela in 2007 with Mimbelle Books. She is the author of several Spanish guidebooks as well.
  • Nick Inman has published a number of titles, including The Optimist's Handbook
  • Stafford Whiteaker has written a number of books on a range of subjects. Interesting life? An understatement.

Time to start making your summer reading lists. Perhaps this year, you will add a bit of European flair.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

His or Hearse

A great thing about airport travel with delays is that one may be able to finish another book. Two books in two days was my mid-week mantra. By completing Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel by Jeannette Walls, I am back to GBC neutral with this year's reads. Reports from last meeting indicated this book had mixed reviews, however I liked the story. I am certain that the author's graduation from Barnard and travel delirium contributed to my enjoyment of the work. I also laughed aloud when the narrator recounted her conversation with Jim regarding the school bus (hearse). "Painting the word 'dog' on the side of a pig don't make the pig a dog," he said. He is right, but I gave her credit for creativity.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

May Flies

It is less than one week until this month's meeting to discuss Private Altars by Katherine Mosby. This month I will be scrambling to first, find a copy of the book and secondly, finish reading it in time. (Some of you may be wondering, "so, what's new?" but I have a feeling I am not alone.)

In other news, "Lake Morgan" has officially retreated to its origins as a softball field and we are all continuing our water conservation techniques. It is shaping up to be a busy and quite social month in the neighborhood which gives us a certain assurance that summer is on its way and porch chats will be increasing.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Losing Your Head

A couple of days in the airport give one the opportunity to complete a short read. I was inspired to step out of my planned queue (mainly because I didn't want to travel for business with a book entitled Possum Living), and decided instead to visit Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I cannot remember when I had last read this book and was happy to delve into a world of wonders for the series of hour long flight segments. There were so many characters I did not initially recall: the Duchess, the Knave, and the Frog Footman while so many others (Cheshire Cat, the Queen, the Caterpillar) were expected finds.

I think I was not the only one with Alice on her mind as the waitress last night made the comment when people were changing seats at the restaurant: "What is this? A Hatter's Tea Party?" Indeed a cup of tea and a bit of change are quite appealing at the moment.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mum's the Word

This is the first Mother's Day for GBC Kim. I would venture that she is off to a running start on the day. Have fun! Best wishes also to the other moms in the group; perhaps you can find a few minutes to steal away to read.

I am pages away from the end of Madame Bovary and am planning to finish the book later today. Possum Living: How to Live Well Without a Job and With (Almost) No Money by Dolly Freed is next in line. I am amused by the fact that my hold is fulfilled approximately two weeks before I start the new job.

Special thanks to my Mum for reading to my sis and me when we were kids. I am fairly certain this contributed my love of books and to my persistence to buy them back at auction if necessary.

Friday, May 7, 2010

We Are Nashville

I returned to a town which seems much more powerful than the one I left. Not that I ever doubted a neighbor would help a neighbor; this tenant is as oft repeated in the South as John 3:16. What has amazed me in speaking with those who have been actively helping since Sunday is the frequency with which residents accepted a duty for their city without question. GBC member KateO and her partner were essentially told that by filling sandbags, there was a risk of death and they had to accept this risk in order to assist. They did, and I would venture there was no hesitation. I am proud of my city and its residents and for the way both have responded in the face of a crisis.

If you haven't already done so, check out Cool People Care and their shirt to support local flood relief efforts with the slogan above. It was designed by our very own GBC neighbor, Rob Williams.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Water not Chocolate

You may not be aware that by day they are successful executives, but by night (or any time out of legislative session), they are available to heed your call (or email). Wherever there is trouble, they will be there (particularly if reading water is in danger). They are our neighbors and a group of mainly GBC members who are moonlighting under GEMA (Germantown Emergency Management Association) to assist when flood waters rise in the area to extreme depths. I am so fortunate to live in a neighborhood where neighbors help one another, often unasked, and without expectation of reward.

For you readers outside the area, the town has been suffering one of the worst disasters in its history. I would like to take this time to say thank you to my neighbors, and I ask that if you have an opportunity to help another, please take it. For resources on how you can help those in Nashville, please visit HON or the Red Cross. Please visit Nashvillest for helpful summaries of current conditions and other ways to get involved. Also, to repeat our Mayor's request, please reduce your water usage.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Got Milk?

I am really enjoying Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. I am nearly one-third into the adventure and feel as if my empathies have changed from Monsieur Bovary to Madame (the younger). With some upcoming travel, I am certain I will finish the title before the week is out.

I have visited a few bookstores, including "Happy Books" (for Happy People) but have resisted a purchase. I am tempted by 1080 recetas de cochina but feel as though cooking time would be heavily increased by additional translation time. [Side note: if anyone has suggestions for why 1080, I would be interested to know.] In other news, the cafe con leche has been mastered.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

May Day II

Happy May 1st. Today is Día del Trabajo (Labour Day) in Spain and to that regard, I expect to find myself wandering a bit. Enjoy the weekend, the nice weather, and perhaps a nice book.