July Down Under

Have you ever finished reading a book and then re-read the beginning? I have just completed True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey and done just that. While I initially was not sure that I would enjoy this book set in Australia describing the exploits of Ned Kelly, by the end I was absorbed. The fondness began subtly, making time to read an entire “parcel” and then carefully, timing my reading so that I could have ample moments to read through several key selections without interruption. I was intrigued by his “adjectival” language which took me nearly thirty pages to comprehend and then to appreciate. The story involves tragedy mixed with bravery and attempts at heroism using the voice of Ned Kelly to describe his life and actions to a daughter unseen. Also, in case you have an interest in this type of thing, the font was set in Minion.

Ode to Kansas

I am still thinking about reading maps. This morning I am sitting directly opposite a map of the United States and as I glance up periodically and read the state names, I am wondering if each of us could place the states in their appropriate location on a map as we all had to do at some point during our elementary/grammar school careers. This map is particularly nifty in that it also has a picture to note an item for which the state is widely known, excluding a few of the Northeastern states which have a tiny footprint on the map. (Likely a challenge to the artist to design miniature crabs, boats, maple trees, etc).

Going one step further, do we still know the capitals or would we instinctively say Seattle rather than Olympia influenced by a caffeine haze? I was curious to know whether I still had this ability of recall and sought an interactive map to use as a test. (Enter “Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids.”) Rhode Island was my last state to place on the non-outlined map of the U.S. My progress was respectable though I did not keep my time. No pressure to get them all correct, but I will tell you in advance that this map is geared toward young children.

Trading the 3rd for the 4th

Knowing where you are going is really nice, but this morning I appreciated that not knowing where I would be can also be a fun journey. Today was the Fourth of July Music City 5K/10K and GBC Paige and I attended in support of GBC Kim and Tim who ran the course. We, in our haste, had neither ownership of nor had reviewed the course map so it was a bit of an adventure to follow our fellow friends around their path.

We managed to catch them just in front of the fountains over the Woodland Street bridge and view them from afar on Commerce. (The folks at Panera were slightly interrupted by chants for our fellow book-clubbers). No neon lights on Broadway, but we were happy to get in our last words of cheer before the finish line. Well done to Kim and Tim, and be on alert that you may be approached to participate as part of a team run this fall.

My advice: occasionally, don't pick up a map and see how the day unfolds.

July on the Fly

This morning I’ve done something that I have not done in a long, long time; I read the liner notes in a CD. "Leonard Cohen Live in London" is a double-disc album in a tri-folded cardboard case with CDs at each end and that wonderful pocket in the middle for the small twelve page music booklet containing photos and text about the show. I moved through the book slowly and read about the performance; the text was beautiful and I imagined an incredible show.

By my best recollection, I have not purchased a physical CD in about three years (other than the occasional gift) as I have picked up most of my music online. I suppose this is one of the tragedies of technology and a desire for instant gratification. So this morning, I’m thinking a bit about how I used to pour through liner notes: CDs, tapes, albums, and yes, even a few eight-tracks. I would read as the first track played and keep the liner handy for reference during that first play through. I think my judgement on an album was heavily influenced by the effort that was placed in the liner notes. Was it a booklet of lyrics and photos or just a two page list of songs? Based on the liner notes, I think I will enjoy the Cohen album, and I am in gratitude both for the music and this reminder of albums past.