Pizzas 4 Patriots

Pizzas 4 Patriots
$10 provides two soldiers with a taste of home!

Monday, August 13, 2007

"I have always imagined that Paradise...

will be a kind of library." Jorge Luis Borges

Borges is right in my opinion. Another quote that seems particularly apt in my situation right now, but this one appears to be unattributable to anyone: "A library is a hospital for the mind."

I had finished the 13th Stephanie Plum novel and took up Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Not able to put it down, I devoured it and reluctantly left Rowling's wizarding world to revisit the court of Henry the VIII for the next group of headless romps with The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory. First, I was so sad to leave Harry. Another ending to deal with, and one that had the realization, we'll never see Hogwarts again or never start the school year again with a trip on the Hogwart's Express. We're stuck with starting the school year shopping at Walmart or Target. I certainly won't ruin the book for those who have yet to read it, but if you haven't read the series, you should. The movies are just glimpses of the books. But, on to the continuing saga of the Tudor pursuit for a son!

The story telling technique in The Boleyn Inheritance for me, leaves a little to be desired. I'm having trouble moving with a fluid reading manner because the author is telling the story from the perspective of three women at court, each woman getting a chapter in turns. I've got a friend who told me to hang in there... The Queen's Fool would be next and it's her favorite. So, another book for the queue!

I rarely mention music here despite that I have it at the top of the blog page. Music is important to me, just as much as words. At times when things seem overwhelming, burying myself in a book with music in the background makes sadness seem so far away, though I know ultimately it's a momentary escape. Anyway, I've turned Patrick onto Vince Guaraldi. Yes, my 10 year old enjoys this jazz pianist who died way too soon and left behind wonderful music beyond just the soundtracks for the Peanuts cartoons. As a treat, I got Patrick a copy of this album:


He loved the caricature of Guaraldi. While the music is all Peanuts related, it is very good. A nice album to sit and listen to. As someone who grew up at the time the Peanuts cartoons were being shown (for the first time, not repeats!) there are some moments that remind me of the cartoons, but just some. A few if the pieces were recorded live and "live" jazz is always a treat. I'd initially looked over this album in gathering my collection of Guaraldi's work. I'm glad I didn't totally miss it. Besides, the album ends with "Cast Your Fate to the Wind." What a wonderful song to listen to and feel your soul a little more free.