This audio collection takes it title from the first story read by Alexander Spencer, and also includes the following:
The Inferiority Complex of Old Sippy (Bertie "helps" old school chum get rid of unwanted writer, and acquire a fiancee)
The Kid Clementina (Bertie "helps" to smuggle a boarding school student back in to school)
Indian Summer of an Uncle (Bertie "helps"--see a pattern?-- uncle avoid a "disastrous" marriage to young woman)
The Impending Doom (Bertie tries to save an old school chum's job, avoids getting his own unwanted job)
The Yuletide Spirit (Bertie tries to avenge a prank, avoids a romantic entanglement
(in Song of Songs, Bertie tries to break up a couple, fails according to plan, but succeeds anyway)
The basics:
setting- 1930's England
characters- Bertie Wooster (of "family", untitled)
- Jeeves, his "gentleman's gentleman"
- several other relatives, chums, and romantic objects
conflict- Bertie gets into scrapes and situations, Jeeves bails him (and/or friends) out
* #'s 4-9 read for the 100 Shots of Short Reading Challenge, master post here
Showing posts with label audio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label audio. Show all posts
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Where Are You? Tuesday (11/18)
Mom is here for a few more days, Anthony is doing well in school, and the holidays are looming (I did manage to get 3 presents yesterday, so that was actually a big chunk). Luckily, I have blocks of time when I can't do much more than read or write, so my reading goals are moving along well.
As of this morning, I was in a bar in 1930's London, listening to "Sonny Boy," which the crowd is getting mightily tired of, as it's the fourth version for the evening [Jeeves and the Song of Songs].
And in my short story collection, I'm in a large, unspecified port city on the East Coast [SuSu and the 8:30 Ghost].
Monday, November 17, 2008
Musing Monday (11/17)
WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?
Sisters in Crime 3, edited by Marilyn Wallace
WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING, and WHAT DID YOU THINK OF IT?
Arts and Crafts by Mary Jo Adamson (first story in the above-named collection)
It was an enjoyable short story. The bad guy "got his" all on his own, and blamed everyone else to the very end. [will link to longer review once I get it posted]
Last night, I finished listening to The Awakening by Kate Chopin. The story itself was beautifully executed, but I was very disappointed (although not surprised) with the conclusion.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL READ NEXT?
The next story in the collection: Listen and Listen Good by Marcia Biederman, and for my audiobook, I will probably start Jeeves and the Song of Songs this evening.
WILL YOU READ ANY HOLIDAY-THEMED BOOKS SOON?
I'm not signed on to any holiday challenges, so if I do crack one open, it's likely to be a picture book that I read to my son at bedtime.
Sisters in Crime 3, edited by Marilyn Wallace
WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING, and WHAT DID YOU THINK OF IT?
Arts and Crafts by Mary Jo Adamson (first story in the above-named collection)
It was an enjoyable short story. The bad guy "got his" all on his own, and blamed everyone else to the very end. [will link to longer review once I get it posted]
Last night, I finished listening to The Awakening by Kate Chopin. The story itself was beautifully executed, but I was very disappointed (although not surprised) with the conclusion.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL READ NEXT?
The next story in the collection: Listen and Listen Good by Marcia Biederman, and for my audiobook, I will probably start Jeeves and the Song of Songs this evening.
WILL YOU READ ANY HOLIDAY-THEMED BOOKS SOON?
I'm not signed on to any holiday challenges, so if I do crack one open, it's likely to be a picture book that I read to my son at bedtime.
Mailbox Monday, Nov 17
I didn't bring many books into the house, which is just as well, but there were two surprises I was happy to receive:
InterLibraryLoan: Cerulean Sins from Tallahassee, Florida--technically, it didn't arrive in my mailbox, but it did come through the mail to my local library. I've been wanting to make better progress with this series (this is book 11), and only just found the company that records these. [description from PW:] "Having gained immense supernatural powers and become an important force in the vampiric and lycanthropic communities of St. Louis in the 10 previous books, Anita begins this fantastic dark adventure by raising the dead and ends it by tackling a murderous monster. In between, she wades (literally) into a bloody investigation of a preternatural serial killer and (metaphysically and physically) into dangerous vampire politics. šber-vampiress Belle Morte has sent her dreaded surrogate, Musette, to demand that Anita's paramour, Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of the City, return the vampire Asher to her-a fate worse than a stake through the heart. In order to save Asher, Anita must be both sexually and psychically creative. Anita and the vampires also need head werewolf Richard to help defeat Belle Morte's designs. But can Richard, who recently dumped Anita because she was more "monster" than human, be relied on? Meanwhile, cop Dolph Storr, who's gone violently anti-preternatural, won't let Anita (now a federal marshal) help stop a series of gruesome murders. If this all seems complicated, it's nothing compared to Anita's sex life. There's plenty of the hot stuff, but it's presented with a certain morality and definite hilarity."
Buffalo Gal, by Laura Pedersen from Marcia at Up For Grabs. [description from BoB:] "Growing up in the snowblower society of Buffalo, New York, Laura Pedersen s first words were most likely turn the wheel into a skid. Like many families subsisting in the frigid North during the energy crisis, the Pedersens feared rising prices at the gas pump, argued about the thermostat, fought over the dog to stay warm at night, and often slept in their clothes. While her parents were preoccupied with surviving separation and stagflation, daughter Laura became the neighborhood wild child, skipping school, playing poker, betting on the horses, and trading stocks. Learning how to beat the odds, by high school graduation Pedersen was well prepared to seek her fortune on Wall Street, becoming the youngest person to have a seat on the American Stock Exchange and a millionaire by age 21. Combining laugh-out-loud humor with a slice of social history her hometown was a flash point for race riots, antiwar protests, and abortion rallies, not to mention bingo, bowling, and Friday night fish fries Pedersen paints a vivid portrait of an era."
InterLibraryLoan: Cerulean Sins from Tallahassee, Florida--technically, it didn't arrive in my mailbox, but it did come through the mail to my local library. I've been wanting to make better progress with this series (this is book 11), and only just found the company that records these. [description from PW:] "Having gained immense supernatural powers and become an important force in the vampiric and lycanthropic communities of St. Louis in the 10 previous books, Anita begins this fantastic dark adventure by raising the dead and ends it by tackling a murderous monster. In between, she wades (literally) into a bloody investigation of a preternatural serial killer and (metaphysically and physically) into dangerous vampire politics. šber-vampiress Belle Morte has sent her dreaded surrogate, Musette, to demand that Anita's paramour, Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of the City, return the vampire Asher to her-a fate worse than a stake through the heart. In order to save Asher, Anita must be both sexually and psychically creative. Anita and the vampires also need head werewolf Richard to help defeat Belle Morte's designs. But can Richard, who recently dumped Anita because she was more "monster" than human, be relied on? Meanwhile, cop Dolph Storr, who's gone violently anti-preternatural, won't let Anita (now a federal marshal) help stop a series of gruesome murders. If this all seems complicated, it's nothing compared to Anita's sex life. There's plenty of the hot stuff, but it's presented with a certain morality and definite hilarity."
Buffalo Gal, by Laura Pedersen from Marcia at Up For Grabs. [description from BoB:] "Growing up in the snowblower society of Buffalo, New York, Laura Pedersen s first words were most likely turn the wheel into a skid. Like many families subsisting in the frigid North during the energy crisis, the Pedersens feared rising prices at the gas pump, argued about the thermostat, fought over the dog to stay warm at night, and often slept in their clothes. While her parents were preoccupied with surviving separation and stagflation, daughter Laura became the neighborhood wild child, skipping school, playing poker, betting on the horses, and trading stocks. Learning how to beat the odds, by high school graduation Pedersen was well prepared to seek her fortune on Wall Street, becoming the youngest person to have a seat on the American Stock Exchange and a millionaire by age 21. Combining laugh-out-loud humor with a slice of social history her hometown was a flash point for race riots, antiwar protests, and abortion rallies, not to mention bingo, bowling, and Friday night fish fries Pedersen paints a vivid portrait of an era."
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday Salon
These are the ways in which I'm able to steal time away from my family, and my regular routine of housework and child juggling (not quite literally):
Listened to The Awakening while I nursed and pumped today. While I was hoping for a different ending, the one I got did not surprise me.
If I finish that today, I'll break into one of the short story collections I've set aside for the challenge I'd signed on to last month.
Searching for and entering contests/giveaways:
The Magician's Book
Is It Just Me or Is Everything Shit?: Insanely Annoying Modern Things, or Men with Balls
What Peace There May Be
Catching up on book reviews for:
Dearly Devoted Dexter
Missouri Homestead
Easier Than You Think
Sisters Grimm
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
It's Tuesday, November 11... Where am I?
In real life, we're honoring veterans. There was a parade in Austin, and our high school is sponsoring and event tonight.
I'm at home, figuring out which chore I should do first, before I register some books for the MeetUp tonight.
In my book (Dearly Devoted Dexter), I'm sitting in a stakeout car, listening to a federal agent talk about the meth lab he just found while looking for a serial killer. The broader setting, is, of course, Miami, Florida.
I'm at home, figuring out which chore I should do first, before I register some books for the MeetUp tonight.
In my book (Dearly Devoted Dexter), I'm sitting in a stakeout car, listening to a federal agent talk about the meth lab he just found while looking for a serial killer. The broader setting, is, of course, Miami, Florida.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The one where I post off-topic
Have been busy all day, and have not done much related to books. I did start a new audiobook for pump/nursetime: Sisters Grimm, The Fairytale Detectives, and am about 1/3 of the way through the first disc.
With any luck, I will have a little more breathing room tomorrow, and will have a little more substance to report.
With any luck, I will have a little more breathing room tomorrow, and will have a little more substance to report.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Mailbox Monday
I used to receive books in the mail on a fairly regular basis, first from book "clubs" (when I felt OK about spending money on brand-new books... no longer), then from BookCrossing trades, and then from publishing companies and authors wanting me to review their books. All those sources have pretty much dried up (for now), but I do still receive rented audio books. These two came in the mail on Friday:
Jeeves and the Song of Songs A collection of Jeeves short stories, including: The Inferiority Complex of Old Sippy; The Kid Clementina; Indian Summer of an Uncle; The Yuletide Spirit; and The Impending Doom
Dearly Devoted Dexter "Dexter Morgan has been under considerable pressure. In trying to avoid the deep suspicions of the dangerous Sergeant Doakes-who believes Dexter is a homicidal maniac (which, of course, he is)-Dexter has had to slip further into his foolproof domestic disguise. While not working as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, he now spends nearly all his time with his girlfriend, Rita, and her two children. But how long can Dexter play Kick the Can instead of Slice the Slasher? How long before his Dark Passenger forces him to drop the charade of family life and let his inner monster run free? In trying times, opportunity knocks. A particularly nasty psychopath is cutting a trail through Miami-a man who "slices and dices and leaves vegetables behind." Dexter’s dark appetite is revived, but it’s not until his nemesis, Sergeant Doakes, is abducted that Dex can finally throw himself headlong into the search for a new plaything. Unless, of course, his plaything finds him first..." Yes, I started this series by watching the tv show first, and no, my daughter is not named after him.
Jeeves and the Song of Songs A collection of Jeeves short stories, including: The Inferiority Complex of Old Sippy; The Kid Clementina; Indian Summer of an Uncle; The Yuletide Spirit; and The Impending Doom
Dearly Devoted Dexter "Dexter Morgan has been under considerable pressure. In trying to avoid the deep suspicions of the dangerous Sergeant Doakes-who believes Dexter is a homicidal maniac (which, of course, he is)-Dexter has had to slip further into his foolproof domestic disguise. While not working as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, he now spends nearly all his time with his girlfriend, Rita, and her two children. But how long can Dexter play Kick the Can instead of Slice the Slasher? How long before his Dark Passenger forces him to drop the charade of family life and let his inner monster run free? In trying times, opportunity knocks. A particularly nasty psychopath is cutting a trail through Miami-a man who "slices and dices and leaves vegetables behind." Dexter’s dark appetite is revived, but it’s not until his nemesis, Sergeant Doakes, is abducted that Dex can finally throw himself headlong into the search for a new plaything. Unless, of course, his plaything finds him first..." Yes, I started this series by watching the tv show first, and no, my daughter is not named after him.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
It's Tuesday... Where am I?
I'm on an Indian Reservation in Nevada in the early '70s, trying to avoid getting shot by a wolf.
I started listening to The Blessing Way yesterday after I'd heard that Tony Hillerman had passed. I have a hard copy of the book (actually, a 3-title volume), but am finding that I can take more time for audiobooks (can listen while I pump, or am nursing my daughter to sleep).
Sunday, March 9, 2008
I Feel Bad About My Neck, Nora Ephron (audio)
Ephron touches on several topics in this collection of essays: physical and mental aging, housing in New York, death, gourmet cooking, and JFK are a few. Her brand of humor is of the depressive sort, and some of the topics probably don’t garner much empathy from less-privleged[sp?] For example, she has to have her roots and highlights dome every 4 weeks? Oy, cry me a river, says I, who hasn’t had scissors nor hair color touch my locks for over 2 years now. These essays show a descriptive slice of life of the moderately rich-and-famous, so it’s perfect for those who like their celebrities intellectual.
As this was an audio “read,” I wasn’t able to jot down any worthy or especially funny quotes. Maybe when I’m old enough to better appreciate her angst, I’ll find a hard copy and give it a re-read. I suppose this book would also be good for those who can read it and feel grateful for not being in Ephron’s stage of life.
[finished 12/11/07]
As this was an audio “read,” I wasn’t able to jot down any worthy or especially funny quotes. Maybe when I’m old enough to better appreciate her angst, I’ll find a hard copy and give it a re-read. I suppose this book would also be good for those who can read it and feel grateful for not being in Ephron’s stage of life.
[finished 12/11/07]
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Moll Flanders, by Daniel Defoe
Another self-imposed classic, listened to during housework, Baby Einstein dvds, and travel to and from various errands. I know that there have been 2 different movie releases of this (in 1996) the U.K. version being more true to the book than the U.S. version. And, of course, Netflix doesn't carry it, so it may be a good while before I can see this story played out onscreen. No matter.
Defoe does a more than fair job of describing Moll's life cycle. I found it strange, however, that she chooses to reunite with only one of her several children, and that only because she hopes to secure her mother's fortune. In this novel, money seems to be all, and even though she falls upon the occasional hard time, she's uncharacteristically lucky, and ends her days well above her original station.
Moll's story is an early forerunner of today's crime novel. She gets away with (in the eyes of the law, at least) a great many thefts, whorings, and other scams, until finally caught, sent to Newgate, and sentenced to death, which she manages to evade thanks to a religious sponsor. Also, Moll's travels between the high and low societies emphasize her own shallowness regarding money. Hers is a classic psychological tale wherein money equals security and to what lengths an obsessive personality will travel to that end.
Although I'm not sure whether or not Defoe meant to do this, I can see a faint hint of primordial feminism in Moll's actions. This, apparently, is further explored in Defoe's novel Roxana:The Fortunate Mistress, which I'll read at some point, perhaps next year.
Defoe does a more than fair job of describing Moll's life cycle. I found it strange, however, that she chooses to reunite with only one of her several children, and that only because she hopes to secure her mother's fortune. In this novel, money seems to be all, and even though she falls upon the occasional hard time, she's uncharacteristically lucky, and ends her days well above her original station.
Moll's story is an early forerunner of today's crime novel. She gets away with (in the eyes of the law, at least) a great many thefts, whorings, and other scams, until finally caught, sent to Newgate, and sentenced to death, which she manages to evade thanks to a religious sponsor. Also, Moll's travels between the high and low societies emphasize her own shallowness regarding money. Hers is a classic psychological tale wherein money equals security and to what lengths an obsessive personality will travel to that end.
Although I'm not sure whether or not Defoe meant to do this, I can see a faint hint of primordial feminism in Moll's actions. This, apparently, is further explored in Defoe's novel Roxana:The Fortunate Mistress, which I'll read at some point, perhaps next year.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Endangered Species, by Nevada Barr
I am enjoying this series, especially the change in setting with each book. I feel as though I'm getting a little geography and flora/fauna lesson along with my attention-stretching. I am far enough in to care about Anna, especially when I think she needs a good shaking for not getting the medical attention she so obviously needs, and for taking her "lone ranger" persona way too seriously.
I know that the title refers to the loggerheads that open and end the story, but I couldn't find the deeper connection in the plot--I suppose Barr keeps her titles simple for a good reason. Maybe I'm just trying too hard, but I thought that the plot would have more to do with the wildlife; then again, Barr isn't exactly following a pattern, so I suppose I need to stop expecting that.
I'm looking forward to the next one in line (Blind Descent, which I think I have on one of these shelves, somewhere), but I also know that it will be a while, given all the other reading I've assigned myself.
In other reading progress, I finished a big chunk of Cider House Rules, and now have less than 100 pages to read for tomorrow. Christmas Letters is up next.
I know that the title refers to the loggerheads that open and end the story, but I couldn't find the deeper connection in the plot--I suppose Barr keeps her titles simple for a good reason. Maybe I'm just trying too hard, but I thought that the plot would have more to do with the wildlife; then again, Barr isn't exactly following a pattern, so I suppose I need to stop expecting that.
I'm looking forward to the next one in line (Blind Descent, which I think I have on one of these shelves, somewhere), but I also know that it will be a while, given all the other reading I've assigned myself.
In other reading progress, I finished a big chunk of Cider House Rules, and now have less than 100 pages to read for tomorrow. Christmas Letters is up next.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Getting late...
so I'm going to hold off on any writeups for tonight (I finished Endangered Species last night). Maybe tomorrow will be less laundry-filled, and I'll be able to sit and concentrate.
I decided to start Moll Flanders for my housework read; I'm somewhere on disc 4, which (I think) is a good beginning. I didn't get to read as much of Cider House Rules as I'd hoped. My son had a late dinner, and DH had to take over; I think I managed another 25 pages. I think I will do another round after I've fed the dog and shut the house down for the night.
I did spend a little time today preparing some of my long-ago reads (39, in this batch) for review (with the index cards). I also decided to file the finished reviews by title, so I could have an organized paper record of them (my inner archivist had fun, at least). My desk is also slightly clearer, but I've still not found the dvd that went missing a few months ago.
I decided to start Moll Flanders for my housework read; I'm somewhere on disc 4, which (I think) is a good beginning. I didn't get to read as much of Cider House Rules as I'd hoped. My son had a late dinner, and DH had to take over; I think I managed another 25 pages. I think I will do another round after I've fed the dog and shut the house down for the night.
I did spend a little time today preparing some of my long-ago reads (39, in this batch) for review (with the index cards). I also decided to file the finished reviews by title, so I could have an organized paper record of them (my inner archivist had fun, at least). My desk is also slightly clearer, but I've still not found the dvd that went missing a few months ago.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Still working on yesterday's books...
I made a lot of progress with my audiobook, but I miscounted the number of discs, so I still have to get through #9 tonight (for bedtime). Did not get to read much of Cider (I'm up to p. 125), but I plan to read much of that tomorrow (that is, while I'm not on a new audiobook (either Moll Flanders or Lion in the Valley while I'm taking care of dishes and laundry). I won't have any tv-viewing tomorrow to catch up with, so I'm hoping to get most of it finished.
No write-ups tonight, but if I can manage it, I'd like to write out some answers to the end-of-chapter questions for Pagan Spirituality sometime tomorrow, perhaps in the evening while my annoying shows are taping.
No write-ups tonight, but if I can manage it, I'd like to write out some answers to the end-of-chapter questions for Pagan Spirituality sometime tomorrow, perhaps in the evening while my annoying shows are taping.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Lots of reading done so far,
and I've a review for my "quick book" mostly written. DH is coming home early, so I will have to do my tv-watching during son's nap.
Anyway, I finished Puss 'n' Cahoots last night. I'm enjoying the series less as mysteries, and I don't expect more than brain-candy at this point. Part of me wishes that RMB would just do some nonfiction work covering horses and farm life and get back to her storytelling in her fictional works. More on that later.
While I transferred some material to my iPod, I read Best Advice on Life After Baby Arrives, again, so I can send it off to my sister soon. That review is also in the works. I'm really liking my index-card format, as it's also getting me to be concise and not get boring.
I started listening to Endangered Species during my son's videotime, so that's all ready to go while I'm occupied with housework this week. I'll get a start on Black Dahlia later on tonight, when I've all my writing done.
Anyway, I finished Puss 'n' Cahoots last night. I'm enjoying the series less as mysteries, and I don't expect more than brain-candy at this point. Part of me wishes that RMB would just do some nonfiction work covering horses and farm life and get back to her storytelling in her fictional works. More on that later.
While I transferred some material to my iPod, I read Best Advice on Life After Baby Arrives, again, so I can send it off to my sister soon. That review is also in the works. I'm really liking my index-card format, as it's also getting me to be concise and not get boring.
I started listening to Endangered Species during my son's videotime, so that's all ready to go while I'm occupied with housework this week. I'll get a start on Black Dahlia later on tonight, when I've all my writing done.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Nearly halfway through the month!
I need to get out of this reading/writing lull, and quick. I've put off my normal weekly errands until tomorrow, and it's also Thursday 13... and I still need to fix up last week's posts.
*sigh*
You'd think, with the night off from the husband, I'd have gotten more done.
I finished 3 more chapters of Puss 'n' Cahoots, now I'll be putting it away until I get Age of Innocence finished.
*sigh*
You'd think, with the night off from the husband, I'd have gotten more done.
I finished 3 more chapters of Puss 'n' Cahoots, now I'll be putting it away until I get Age of Innocence finished.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
V. lazy day for books...
I only managed to listen to 3 chapters of my current audiobook, which I may have to set aside in favor of starting/finishing Age of Innocence on time for my book group on Monday. I've been invited by the MIL to attend a Celtic music concert in San Antonio, and Grandpa will watch my son so that DH can work on the homestead, so that actually kills Sunday for doing any reading whatsoever (well, maybe I can plug the iPod in for the way down and back, but the doesn't help with AOI). Oh--short note to self: remember to check in at SWA's blog to enter the contest to win her latest book in the Beatrix Potter series. I've a lot of housework to catch up with tomorrow, so I should make some decent headway with Puss 'n' Cahoots.
Called RB today to get them going with sending me another shipment, it sounds like they were not researching some missing cds after all. Am beginning to think I should give up on them and just do what I can through the library.
Called RB today to get them going with sending me another shipment, it sounds like they were not researching some missing cds after all. Am beginning to think I should give up on them and just do what I can through the library.
Friday, November 9, 2007
A lazy day for books...
I spent the earlier part of my day preparing my son for public consumption (fed, bathed, dressed, diapered and packed for a 2-hour drive and visit with his grandparents), and about two minutes doing a Home-Alone-Kevin-frenzied-freedom-scamper-around-the-house-dance. Then I applied myself to some chores, and some tv-watching (bonus--only Friday Night Lights to catch up with this weekend--maybe I'll finally get the chance to watch a few episodes of Weeds and get a new dvd from Netflix next week). While I was doing said chores, I was able to get through a few chapters of Puss 'n' Cahoots (Rita Mae Brown )via my iPod. Best!Present!Ever!
Today was supposed to be Fantasy Friday--I want to get through my huge backlog of fantasy novel reviews by doing at least 4 per month (regardless of whether I'm currently reading any)--but I'm not exactly in a state to knock one out in the next 20 minutes. So, my last write-up for Saturday's sessions at the Texas Book festival will have to wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow is also supposed to be a post for Saturday Review of Books, but I'll have to see what kind of slave-driving mood my husband is in.
Today was supposed to be Fantasy Friday--I want to get through my huge backlog of fantasy novel reviews by doing at least 4 per month (regardless of whether I'm currently reading any)--but I'm not exactly in a state to knock one out in the next 20 minutes. So, my last write-up for Saturday's sessions at the Texas Book festival will have to wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow is also supposed to be a post for Saturday Review of Books, but I'll have to see what kind of slave-driving mood my husband is in.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
#3--13 things on my desk
 |
1. Earrings, about 15 pair. I cleaned them today while I was surfing. As I was cleaning my heart-shaped faux alexandrite, one of the crystals fell off, so now that pair is out of commission until I can have it fixed. It's one of 10 pieces of jewelry in line for that task. I should just put these on my "wish list" in lieu of new presents. 2. Water bottle, blue, 64 ounces. My goal is to finish off a full one every day, but I haven't achieved that in quite a while. I get too distracted, and then I chug a lot at night, when I'm nice and dehydrated. 3. Poppets; I bought these last month, and I took them on an outing:  4. 3 tins of BPAL imps. I'm supposed to be testing at least one per day, to figure out which ones I'm willing to trade, and which ones need a full bottle purchase. 5. Bills: Verizon [the last one! we cancelled service after giving up on them ever offering us DSL out here], Sprint, Chase, boat slip rental. 6. Audio Books: Puss 'N' Cahoots, Beekeeper's Apprentice, Inkspell, Stone Work 7. blue hairclasp 8. vitamins 9. kitchen timer [there it is!] 10. Books; too many to list, but in the following categories: to be reviewed, RIP Challenge, to be reshelved, new books to be de-stickered. 11. Markeroni Logbook. 17 registered for the summer, but am missing a few snarfed during the Poppet outing. 12. Mini-Mag flashlight (for the nights--most of them--when I'm the last one to bed and need to find my way around the bedroom, which is usually mined by my husband with shoes and whatever else he can fling) 13. Lotion, because I don't wear enough (or so my mother must think), but it's out of normal reach, so I'm not going through it very quickly. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Lesley tells us what didn't suck about her week. 2. Karl and Anastasiastate 13 reasons to participate in their IDYA challenge on Sunday. 3. Kailanilets us know about 13 contests and giveaways currently going on in the Blogosphere. 4. Damozellists 13 Quotes from H.L. Mencken. 5. Suetells us Thirteen Random [and pretty cool] Things About [Her] 6. Nancyshows us 13 (mostly) food-related gifts from her garden. 7. the gal herselfposts a timely Thirteen Things about Dog Fighting. 8. Amytells us 13 ways to say "Hello" in different languages. 9. Journeywomanchallenges us with a Harry Potter Meme **with spoilers** 10. L-squaredoffers 13 Random Thoughts. 11. Edrecalls Thirteen Favorite old TV Shows. 12. pussreboots shows us pictures of her trip to UC Santa Barbara. 13. Linda tells us about 13 experiences she'd never have had without a motorcycle. 14. then, Linda gives us 13 reasons to tell everyone about Markeroni. 15. Ben gives us 13 reasons to drink coffee. |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
[edited because I, apparently, can't count, or a week has warped itself out of existence]
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
In Memoriam, Persephone 1994-2007
I suppose I’ve been off-planet long enough; here’s my attempt to make sense of the last few weeks...
My Dearest Beloved Grrl
died in my arms on 5/15, 13 days shy of her 13th birthday. The story of how I found her, and her last hours, aren’t pretty. I’ve told a few people, but I don’t think there’s anyone who wants to see it in “print.”
Deep down, I’d known that she’d been making the transition, but her journey to the Summerlands (where there are no fleas, fireworks, or thunderstorms, yet chaseable bunnies and fresh deer legs are plentiful) still hit me hard. I also know that I could have easily lost her to breast cancer in 2001, so these past 6 years have, technically, been bonus time. I wish they’d been better for her. Let me explain...
When I first took Persephone home, we (the ex-sociopath and I) had no fencing at our rental. At first, our restraint system was chains. We tried an electric fence (with the zap collars), but she broke “through” it more times than my sanity could handle. So, we contrived an overhead run which gave her some room to, well, run. The relationship fell through, and I made my way out here, with herself riding shotgun (I’d made a nest on the floor, but she insisted on watching the road). Our first week here, I boarded her at a vet’s; when I’d found an affordable apartment, the best yard I could offer her was a 12’x6’ patio. At least she was off the tether, and we walked the neighborhood every weekday, and one park or another on the weekends. We saw our first fireflies together on the Town Lake trails.
The next few residences had adequate backyards--one with grass and another dog to play with, another with wild onions in lieu of a lawn, another that was rocky, but on a hill (excellent for surveillance, or so she told me), and the one before our current residence (Browncoat Acres), which had grass and a concrete slab to dig under--in theory, anyway. Hopefully, I have made the point that I was almost never happy with her living arrangements. I wanted her to be unfettered, to have shade and sun and grass at will, and to have space in which to gallop, like she used to do on the beach in her puppyhood. Can’t go back again, indeed.
We moved into this house over the 4th of July weekend in 2003. I remember being adamant that she be out of Austin and away from Nemesis#2. Finally, I’d found her a home where she was free to explore off-leash, switch locations at will, and make her own favorite spots. Within a few years, however, she became incontinent, and we weren’t able to treat it adequately. Her favorite spot was on the front porch, in front of the door ("take a hint, Mom"), so she was eventually confined to a run (cobbled together from cattle panels) in the backyard, which essentially put her back to where we’d started. The difference this time was in my ability to exercise her--I was pregnant with my son. At one point, I was nearly put on bed rest, and soon after that I was big enough to be uncomfortable exerting myself in the summer heat--two of our chickens exist purely because I didn’t set foot in the backyard to collect eggs for the 3 weeks prior to giving birth.
Could I make this story longer? I know I can’t justify or excuse the attentional neglect. I feel horrible for allowing myself to be coerced into banishing her from our home--I wanted her inside more often, I wanted her to be more comfortable in her later years, and I didn’t make it happen. I know (in my head) that I should focus on all the wonderful times we’ve had over the years and quit wasting energy on guilt-tripping.
Persephone had a wonderful smile.
She was beautiful.
She’d throw herself *wham* onto her back for a belly rub.
She’d also stick her butt up in the air to have it spanked--I swear she did not learn that from me.
I could feed her biscuits from my mouth.
She loved children, especially those with special needs.
She was so hurt when DH took her baby rabbit away.
Watching her take off down the beach, ears back, paws churning, made my heart sing.
She hated to swim, but did it for me anyway (what trust! what love!).
She was my best friend for nearly 13 years--that is the longest non-blood-family relationship I’ve had.
She loved to go camping; if it rained, I’d bring her into the tent with me.
She bore our rings at our handfasting.
She tolerated Anthony’s attempts at petting with grace.
She held her own when Boudreaux was in the mood to wrestle.
She behaved well in Circle.
She was the first of our animals to greet Anthony when we brought him home.
She’d howl at fire engine sirens, and at me if I sang “Blue” to her.
Of course she had a middle name: Ann.
She was always, always happy, nay, thrilled to see me.
I miss:
our walks down to the gate to get the mail
sleeping back-to-back with her
her kisses
the wag of her tail
her prance and bounce as I’d come near
her howl, and her “roo-roo-roo”
her sweet face
her deep brown eyes
playing tag, spins and play-bows included
the churn of her leg (sometimes two) as I scratched her belly
her, just her.
As far as the practical aftermath goes, her body is currently in our upright freezer (yes, it is almost impossible for me to go in there ). Neighbors run a business for which they own a backhoe; they will be coming over in the next few weeks to dig her grave (next to Kimmy’s), and I think DH will be building her coffin (if not, I have some phone calls to make). I’m considering a simple funeral, but I’m not sure what form it would take. I can’t find my copy of “I’ll Always Love You,” and it’s bothering me.
So, while I haven’t been dwelling specifically on losing Persephone, I’ve been in a self-absorbed funk. I’ve been reading, but not writing; the writing has got to get underway soon, or I will lose the best parts of my reviews to brainfade.
That said, I owe reviews for:
Greenmantle (for OUAT Challenge)
Good Kids, Bad Habits, and Dangerous Book for Boys (for BlogHer Virtual Book Tour)
Just a Geek (for NonFiction Challenge)
Irene at Large, Happiest Toddler on the Block, and A Life's Work (for Recorded Books)
My Dearest Beloved Grrl
died in my arms on 5/15, 13 days shy of her 13th birthday. The story of how I found her, and her last hours, aren’t pretty. I’ve told a few people, but I don’t think there’s anyone who wants to see it in “print.”
Deep down, I’d known that she’d been making the transition, but her journey to the Summerlands (where there are no fleas, fireworks, or thunderstorms, yet chaseable bunnies and fresh deer legs are plentiful) still hit me hard. I also know that I could have easily lost her to breast cancer in 2001, so these past 6 years have, technically, been bonus time. I wish they’d been better for her. Let me explain...
When I first took Persephone home, we (the ex-sociopath and I) had no fencing at our rental. At first, our restraint system was chains. We tried an electric fence (with the zap collars), but she broke “through” it more times than my sanity could handle. So, we contrived an overhead run which gave her some room to, well, run. The relationship fell through, and I made my way out here, with herself riding shotgun (I’d made a nest on the floor, but she insisted on watching the road). Our first week here, I boarded her at a vet’s; when I’d found an affordable apartment, the best yard I could offer her was a 12’x6’ patio. At least she was off the tether, and we walked the neighborhood every weekday, and one park or another on the weekends. We saw our first fireflies together on the Town Lake trails.
The next few residences had adequate backyards--one with grass and another dog to play with, another with wild onions in lieu of a lawn, another that was rocky, but on a hill (excellent for surveillance, or so she told me), and the one before our current residence (Browncoat Acres), which had grass and a concrete slab to dig under--in theory, anyway. Hopefully, I have made the point that I was almost never happy with her living arrangements. I wanted her to be unfettered, to have shade and sun and grass at will, and to have space in which to gallop, like she used to do on the beach in her puppyhood. Can’t go back again, indeed.
We moved into this house over the 4th of July weekend in 2003. I remember being adamant that she be out of Austin and away from Nemesis#2. Finally, I’d found her a home where she was free to explore off-leash, switch locations at will, and make her own favorite spots. Within a few years, however, she became incontinent, and we weren’t able to treat it adequately. Her favorite spot was on the front porch, in front of the door ("take a hint, Mom"), so she was eventually confined to a run (cobbled together from cattle panels) in the backyard, which essentially put her back to where we’d started. The difference this time was in my ability to exercise her--I was pregnant with my son. At one point, I was nearly put on bed rest, and soon after that I was big enough to be uncomfortable exerting myself in the summer heat--two of our chickens exist purely because I didn’t set foot in the backyard to collect eggs for the 3 weeks prior to giving birth.
Could I make this story longer? I know I can’t justify or excuse the attentional neglect. I feel horrible for allowing myself to be coerced into banishing her from our home--I wanted her inside more often, I wanted her to be more comfortable in her later years, and I didn’t make it happen. I know (in my head) that I should focus on all the wonderful times we’ve had over the years and quit wasting energy on guilt-tripping.
Persephone had a wonderful smile.
She was beautiful.
She’d throw herself *wham* onto her back for a belly rub.
She’d also stick her butt up in the air to have it spanked--I swear she did not learn that from me.
I could feed her biscuits from my mouth.
She loved children, especially those with special needs.
She was so hurt when DH took her baby rabbit away.
Watching her take off down the beach, ears back, paws churning, made my heart sing.
She hated to swim, but did it for me anyway (what trust! what love!).
She was my best friend for nearly 13 years--that is the longest non-blood-family relationship I’ve had.
She loved to go camping; if it rained, I’d bring her into the tent with me.
She bore our rings at our handfasting.
She tolerated Anthony’s attempts at petting with grace.
She held her own when Boudreaux was in the mood to wrestle.
She behaved well in Circle.
She was the first of our animals to greet Anthony when we brought him home.
She’d howl at fire engine sirens, and at me if I sang “Blue” to her.
Of course she had a middle name: Ann.
She was always, always happy, nay, thrilled to see me.
I miss:
our walks down to the gate to get the mail
sleeping back-to-back with her
her kisses
the wag of her tail
her prance and bounce as I’d come near
her howl, and her “roo-roo-roo”
her sweet face
her deep brown eyes
playing tag, spins and play-bows included
the churn of her leg (sometimes two) as I scratched her belly
her, just her.
As far as the practical aftermath goes, her body is currently in our upright freezer (yes, it is almost impossible for me to go in there ). Neighbors run a business for which they own a backhoe; they will be coming over in the next few weeks to dig her grave (next to Kimmy’s), and I think DH will be building her coffin (if not, I have some phone calls to make). I’m considering a simple funeral, but I’m not sure what form it would take. I can’t find my copy of “I’ll Always Love You,” and it’s bothering me.
So, while I haven’t been dwelling specifically on losing Persephone, I’ve been in a self-absorbed funk. I’ve been reading, but not writing; the writing has got to get underway soon, or I will lose the best parts of my reviews to brainfade.
That said, I owe reviews for:
Greenmantle (for OUAT Challenge)
Good Kids, Bad Habits, and Dangerous Book for Boys (for BlogHer Virtual Book Tour)
Just a Geek (for NonFiction Challenge)
Irene at Large, Happiest Toddler on the Block, and A Life's Work (for Recorded Books)
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