It's only fair to present the other side, after Valentine's Day. I always thought this song was clever.

It might add a little humor to life if we thought of another word for lover -- perhaps job or resentment or anger or...we aren't stuck in unhappiness in life if we look for a way out. Sometimes that might even mean staying under new circumstances.

Karin

Originally posted 2007-02-16 07:59:39.

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In Praise of Books

A book is a garden you can hold in your hand,
An orchard you can take on your lap.

A book is a companion who sleeps
Only when you are asleep,
And speaks only when you wish him to.

A book is a tree that lives long
And bears delicious and abundant fruit
That is easy to pick and perfectly ripe
At all times of the year.

A book obeys you by night and by day,
Abroad and at home;
It has no need of sleep
And does not grow weary from sitting up.

--Al-Jahiz (Abu Uthman Amr ibn Bahral-Jahiz, known to his friends as al-Jahiz, was born in Basra in 776 and was the leading literary and intellectual figure of his age.)

I like that when reading a book, we can commune with the author no matter what time frame they lived in. People we'd have no chance to sit down or talk with, are as close as our thoughts when reading the words they have written.

Another thing I like about books, outside of the fact that I like to read and have broad interests, is that they can be put down and later picked back up again -- that's an important thing in a busy life. Invariably if I try to watch TV, I am interrupted. I might as well not try to watch TV unless it is recorded so that I can treat it like a book.

Plus reading a book is one of the few things that gets a little bit more done each time, like knitting or embroidery, unlike the chores of life that are never ending. You can actually see progress in reading a book as you get further into it, similar to seeing an embroidery begin to take shape.

I have, however, in recent years given myself permission not to finish a book if it doesn't strike me in one way or another. Because I read fast, I could skim to finish -- but when time is at a premium, I'd rather move on to another book or another project. It's the rare book that I read every word at a pace that is savoring it.

I like the tactile nature of books, holding them in my hands. I'm not really into using wooden stands to help me hold a book, though it might be nice if a book is particularly heavy. And I like the way most books smell -- a combination of paper and ink.

Android Phone Apps and such for reading
I store and read parts of books (and books with the Kindle for Android App or Stanza)on my iPod Touch (quotes and such) and at one time had the Bible downloaded into my Palm. I now have a Bible App for my Android phone that offers many versions.

ebooks
And now that I have a Kindle, I have read many ebooks. I have read a friend's manuscript on the computer. I did not print it out. Then I converted it for Kindle. I have also done this with some research I have done.

Audio books
I have listened to a couple of audio books which were very well done. The Harry Potter audio books are excellent. Jim Dale, the reader, voices every character differently. Another I read (and heard) took place in England. The reader had an English accent, so it had a different feel than reading it to myself with my own voice which is not English, but American. I get impatient listening to a book because I can read it so much faster, but it is a good pastime in the car on long or repetitive rides.

What are you reading?

Video
I thought this video was quite funny. Introducing the book (with subtitles.) This is a skit showing how a monk might have learned to read a book when he was used only to a scroll. Not too far off from introducing a computer or an ebook. We gotta learn how to do it!

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Originally posted 2007-02-16 08:03:57.

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I appreciate Dorothy Parker's wit. Nearly everyone is familiar with this particular one, though they may not know she was the one who originated it -- it has passed into familiar lore:

Men seldom make passes
At girls who wear glasses.

During her lifetime (1893 - 1967) she was referenced in many different venues, including music and plays. She is still relevant today, as evidenced by many modern-day references. I suppose that shows the on-going influence of her life. Just a few are:

* In the movie Girl, Interrupted (film), Angelina Jolie's character, Lisa, quotes Parker's poem, Resume

* Part of her poem, Coda, was read in an episode of Gilmore Girls by Jared Padalecki.

* Canadian musician Ron Hawkins refers to Dorothy Parker in a song titled "Out of the Black".

Lyric: And just like Dorothy Parker would say, its no shame to call it a day ...

* The songs Afternoon and Ballade at Thirty-Five from No Promises, by Carla Bruni were adapted from the poems by Parker. Wikipedia

Today at Curves, they had one of her quotes on the board. I'm not surprised it is attributed to DP because it has her same witty ring to it. Her quotes usually make you think twice.

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. (Attributed to) Dorothy Parker

Makes sense to me, speaking as one who is curious.

While looking through some of her other quotes, this one made me laugh:

The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant--and let the air out of the tires. Dorothy Parker

I laughingly say, if you want your children to talk to you, just pretend to be on the phone. They will talk to you every time.

This quote illustrates her clever use of double entendre:

If all the girls who attended the Yale prom were laid end to end, I wouldn't be a bit surprised.

Karin

Originally posted 2007-02-06 17:30:54.

No related posts.

I like to watch the Oscars as much for the glam as for the host and the presenters, not to mention the winners. I never wanted to miss any of Billy Crystal's openings.

Ellen DeGeneres is hosting the Oscars this year. It sounds like she is working incredibly hard, double shifting her talk show, and getting ready, writing and re-writing, while keeping a good spirit about it. It's something she's hoped to do since she hosted the 2001 Emmys.

I'm trying to enjoy every step of it: the anticipation, the day of, the night of...It will be interesting to see if this is something that I'll do again. But right now I'm just looking forward to this one.

That's the secret to happiness, according to one book I read: to enjoy all that goes into the final moment of accomplishment. If you are a writer, the book said, but you only enjoy it when your book is published, you will not be happy the rest of the time. But if you enjoy all that goes into writing the book, then you will be happy. I'm not sure I totally agree, because if you hope to be published and that doesn't happen, then what.

Others say her warm approach, her positive attitude, her wit, humor and unpredictability and that she makes you feel good are parts of her appeal.

She hopes for some last minute surprises on Oscar night, like when Jack Palance did one-armed push-ups or when there was the streaker.

Chris Rock evidently told her last week that the job is 'scary as hell.' I betcha. About 40 million watch it in the US, not to mention other countries. As she says, not too many people could do it.

She hopes to spread a happy vibe. I don't know about you, but I can always use more happiness.
Karin

Originally posted 2007-02-21 09:53:51.

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College Girl, a bunch of her guy friends and I went to see this when it first came out. It was hilarious and skewers everything from adoption (I didn't know this) (only for a few minutes, but tastelessly, involving being adopted only for his skating prowess, then disinherited as an adult and left at the side of the road) to incest and figure skating, with the obligatory bathroom scene(s) along the way.

It stays just this side of being too much.

It kept you wondering how they filmed it to look so real. (unseen wires)...

It did us all good to laugh so hard. It's a gift to be able to do this without crossing the line into raunch humor.

It might be something to enjoy on DVD.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Originally posted 2007-04-14 07:05:09.

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This is a cute story and just makes my day, plus the cat is one gorgeous cat! To see pictures of the cat, go here.

Bus drivers have nicknamed a white cat Macavity after it has started using the No 331 several mornings a week.

The feline, which has a purple collar, gets onto the busy Walsall to Wolverhampton bus at the same stop most mornings - he then jumps off at the next stop 400m down the road, near a fish and chip shop.

The cat was nicknamed Macavity after the mystery cat in T.S Elliot's poem. He gets on the bus in front of a row of 1950s semi-detached houses and jumps off at a row of shops down the road which include a fish and chip shop.

Driver Bill Khunkhun, 49, who first saw the cat jumping from the bus in January, said: "It is really odd, the first time I saw the cat jumping off the bus with a group of passengers. I hadn't seen it get on which was a bit confusing.

"The next day I pulled up on Churchill Road to let a couple of passengers on. As soon as I opened the doors the cat ran towards the bus, jumped on and ran under one of the seats, I don't think any of the passengers noticed.

"Because I had seen it jump off the day before I carried on driving and sure enough when I stopped just down the road he jumped off - I don't know why he would catch the bus but he seems to like it. I told some of the other drivers on this route and they have seen him too."

Since January, when the cat first caught the bus he has done it two or three times a week and always gets on and off at the same stops.

Passenger, Paul Brennan, 19, who catches the 331 to work, said: "I first noticed the cat a few weeks ago. At first I thought it had been accompanied by its owner but after the first stop it became quite clear he was on his own.

"He sat at the front of the bus, waited patiently for the next stop and then got off. It was was quite strange at first but now it just seems normal. I suppose he is the perfect passenger really - he sits quietly, minds his own business and then gets off."

Originally posted 2007-04-11 07:31:23.

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Here's a story from the world's oldest blogger, of how she was bullied and how she solved it.

Olive is 107 and as feisty as my grandmother was. I think I'd like her! What a gal! (I miss my grandma!)

I was once told by my older daughter's school that bullying is just a natural part of junior high and high school. I think not! was basically what I said.

Now, of course, they take a no-bullying stance, but it was sure a long time coming. And I'm not sure they can solve what takes place after school.

Have you ever been bullied? how did you solve it? (Me, I left quickly the place where I should not have been alone. I never told my mother either!)

Karin

Originally posted 2007-06-30 19:59:57.

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Raising a family is a meditation. Joseph Campbell

I could have used a few meditations yesterday, LOL.

My kids got into the car after school continuing the negativity that started in the car loop. It only takes us 5 minutes to get home, but it was clear to me that home we must go, not on any errands, even fun ones.

This is unusual for them now ... a combination of being too tired (the time change and college girl being home, hence more late nights) and being hungry (always) ...and little one needed a lot of love before she got out of the car. (I say one or all of these three things are behind most melt downs.) (So if you can feed them quick and love them before they need it, you can head some of this off at the pass.)

'course we talked about it...and this morning I suggested that perhaps I'd have to alternate who I drove home or they could both walk (and I'd pick them up somewhere along the route)...

When one of our (adopted) girls was little, she would whine before we hit the end of the driveway. Occasionally she does this now. Partly she couldn't stand being confined in a car seat. Partly, it bothered her on visceral levels...so we simply didn't do a whole lot that required driving. Funnily, she did really well on long trips. She'd settle in and be a regular little traveler.

But don't ask about flying. After the last flight I took her on, I promised her I'd never take her on a plane again. She'd have to be grown and take me. (She'd probably be OK now.)

I think as parents we need to be one step ahead of our kids, if possible. And one way to do this is to be in constant meditation/prayer.

Of course, that kind of drowns out the sounds from the back seat too.

Well, this is humorous, but it is also serious. I'm not sure you can ever be truly prepared. That's where the meditation comes in.

What tactics work for you? (I sometimes had one or both girls walk home from our corner because I tell them they aren't allowed to ride in my car if they are having major bickering.)

Karin

Originally posted 2007-03-20 07:16:06.

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Maybe, I put blinkers on, but I can't remember any miserable times in my life. I see the present moment as a sacrament. It's all about sacrament -- eating, conversing, being with friends, telling a good joke and making people laugh. Sister Immaculata Knox

Seeing the human and divine coincidence in the particular, individual, mundane, even normal moments of our lives is a way of recognizing and appreciating the sacred in our days. Maybe if we connect the dots of these moments it is a help when we are going through rough waters.

Because you will forget your misery and remember it as waters that pass away [water under the bridge.] KJV Job 11:16 and commentary on NKJV

It is certainly something to hold onto and claim when things are tough. And when they are easy, it multiples the good in it to recognize it and to see God as the source of it.

Sometimes we go in the strength of our reserves. It's a truism then that we better have some. Every time we see the present moment as a sacrament, I think we are adding to our reserves, then we have something to draw upon when needed. Other things that build reserves are getting enough rest; taking care of ourselves, not putting ourselves last; making sure we eat at regular times; being with those we love and who love us; laughter; growing spiritually; a little inspiration; reading a good book; listening to a mentor...

One pathway to hope is to choose your memories very carefully....put a frame around them. So many hopeful things happen day in and day out, but we lose them if we don't stop for a moment, think about them, and consciously frame them. Arthur P Ciaramicoli

How do you build your reserves? Make it a priority.

Karin

Originally posted 2007-09-06 15:31:01.

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Originally posted 2007-05-20 07:56:15.

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