October 11, 2008
Quote of the Day from "If the Buddha Got Stuck"
Today's quote is from If the Buddha Got Stuck by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.
"The human mind likes a strange idea as little as the body like a strange protein and resists it with a similar energy."
- W. I. Beveridge, Scientist
It's a cool book so far.
Posted by Selena at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2008
RRN: "Steering by Starlight"
Reading Right Now: "Steering by Starlight" by Martha Beck
Actually, I'm not so much "reading [it] right now" as I have just finished it and am going back through to re-read my favorite parts.
This book is so good that it made me want to read everything Martha Beck has ever written. Even before I started the book, I was a fan of Beck's from her columns in Oprah magazine. Now, I love her even more.
I knew the book was affecting me when I caught myself assessing the "shackles off or shackles on" feeling of various moments and situations. And again when I started recognizing the ravings of my inner lizard—that fearful, panicked part of my brain that is always alerting me to potential "lack and attack." (Otherwise known as the amygdala, the fear center of the brain.)
One of the most fascinating parts of the book, for me, was reading about "shaman sickness" (pages 154-159). I have to admit though that I was a little weirded out by how closely I fit the profile of a shaman (or potential shaman). Seriously, the only thing I'm missing is a miserable childhood. I read the list of characteristics usually shared by shamans, contrarians, and medicine people, and my inner lizard started screaming, "Oh, no, you don't! Don't be looking at me like that. I know you are NOT looking at me."
I like this book so much I'm going to have to update my Recommended Books page so I can add it.
Posted by Selena at 08:45 AM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2008
Psalms 139
In getting ready for this week's Sunday School lesson, I came across Psalms 139 and it really spoke to me of how closely God is with us and how we can never get so far away that he isn't right there with us.
Here's my favorite section, verses 1-10:
"O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts when I'm far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me."
This verse is perhaps especially comforting to me because I sometimes feel alone, unseen, and far from home. But with God, I am never truly alone, unseen, or far from home. Because ultimately home is where God is, and God is everywhere.
Posted by Selena at 09:42 PM | Comments (2)
The Exhaustion Cure
I feel like I don't have as much energy as I used to. So, I got a book called "The Exhaustion Cure," thinking that might help. But I've been too tired to read it.
Posted by Selena at 08:26 PM | Comments (0)
June 22, 2008
Tough Week (but Two Good Books)
It's been a tough week. First, Lily was sick. (Who knew so much vomit could come out of such a small child?!) Then Sharon was sick. Then yesterday I was sick, although not as badly. In truth, I think my "illness" wasn't a stomach virus so much as it was my stomach throwing a tantrum over all the junk food I've been feeding it lately. "Okay, Grumpy Tummy, message received."
One of the downsides to all the sickness going around this week is that I hardly got anything on my to-do list done. But there was an upside: I did a lot of non-work reading, i.e. not submissions or critiques but actual books that I have been meaning to read.
Yesterday I finally finished Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Such a great book. So enlightening, so vital, so helpful. The weird thing is that the book is ten years old. The copy I have is a "tenth anniversary edition." So, what I want to know is: why didn't anyone in all my years of education make me read this sooner?
I have two more books on Emotional Intelligence sitting on my to-read stack. It's such a fascinating topic.
Instead of reading one of those, I chose to go with The Writing Diet by Julia Cameron. I like the idea of turning to writing instead of food when in distress. It's a skill I need to learn. Hopefully it will help with two of my problems: my seriously lacking productivity in regards to my writing, and my tendency to eat too much and all the wrong things. So far, the book has been very interesting and helpful. I think I am going to have to get that other book of hers, The Artist's Way. I've been coveting it for a while now. Maybe someone will give it to me for my birthday. ;)
Posted by Selena at 06:59 AM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2007
Super Shrew
I've been meaning to blog about how great The Taming of the Shrew was in DC, but the week just got away from me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It's a gorgeous production. Plus it's funny, as most productions of Shrew are. This production is even a bit romantic, which you don't always get with this difficult play. If you have a chance to see the show, I encourage you to do so. You aren't likely to get another opportunity to see a Shrew this good.
There are so many great moments in this production; I couldn't begin to list them all. There is one in fact that I won't detail because it would spoil the surprise. All I will say is that the text just indicates Petruchio is inappropriately dressed when he arrives for his wedding. It doesn't say what he is wearing, and it didn't prepare me for what Taichman and company did with the opportunity.
My favorite moment, however, is when Petruchio and Kate first meet. Kate walks by Petruchio and she literally slows down and turns back to have another look. It's a beautiful, romantic moment. I only wish I could have been watching Petruchio at the same time so I could have seen if he was equally smitten. It's a real "love at first sight" moment. I always thought the play needed that to make all that comes later believable.
The chemistry between Petruchio and Kate is palpable, which is another element I consider critical to the success of a production of Shrew. Plus, Christopher Innvar somehow makes Petruchio likeable, despite the way Petruchio bullies and manhandles Kate. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Innvar is so handsome.
Still, Petruchio manhandles Kate a little too much for tastes. But that's part of the play, and it's tough to get around. In this production, I found it a little odd to watch Petruchio best Kate physically because Charlayne Woodard, who plays Kate, has arm muscles like a bodybuilder. It kept reminding me of that scene in "What's Love Got to Do with It" where Ike is roughing up Tina, and Angela Bassett's muscular arms are shown off by her sleeveless top, and all I could think is "She could totally beat the daylights out of him! Why doesn't she?" Likewise, in this Shrew it was a little hard for me to believe that Petruchio could so easily out-brawl Kate. I kept waiting for her to punch him really hard right in the face. It might not knock him out, 'cause Petruchio's a big guy, but it would certainly stun him long enough for Kate to run away. But she doesn't, of course. I guess I could refer to my "favorite moment" above for a hint about why.
Kate's speech at the end is probably the toughest in the play. It's a real problem—especially for a female, maybe even feminist, director. But Taichman pulls it off.
I especially enjoyed how Petruchio handed Kate the money after winning the bet. It's a choice I recommended back in college when I wrote a paper on how to produce a feminist Shrew. I remember my professor called the choice "problematic." Whatever. I still believe the gesture is crucial to re-establishing balance between Kate and Petruchio, and showing that despite public appearances to the contrary they are equal partners in the game. Certainly, I'm not laying claim to the idea. I'm probably not even the first one who suggested it. But it was still lovely that this successful director, who I have come to admire so much, made one of the same choices I would have made. It was a little moment of personal validation for me.
This "Taming of the Shrew" is worth flying a thousand miles for. I'm certainly glad I made the trip. If I was still in DC, I'd go see it again.
Posted by Selena at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2007
More Articles on "Shrew"
The more I hear about Taichman's production of "The Taming of the Shrew," the more I am looking forward to seeing it. (Won't be long now. Yeah!)
Here are some interesting articles about the show:
A 'Shrew' That's Tamed But Wildly Entertaining
I think it's interesting that Marks mentions the importance of casting. I always thought the casting of Kate and Petruchio is particularly critical to this play's success. I think that to make the show work, you've got to have obvious chemistry between those two characters.
Of course, I also believed that to make the show work you couldn't set it in modern times. I figured that the play only really made sense in a strongly patriarchal society and our modern society just isn't anymore. (Thank goodness.) But it sounds like maybe Ms. Taichman and crew are proving me wrong.
In the Upcoming 'Shrew,' Love Is for Redder or for Worse"
"Lipstick-red stage." If the words don't grab your attention, check out the photo. Also, I can't remember ever hearing the phrase "drop-dead sexy" used in reference to "Shrew" before. Love that.
'Taming' a Tough Role
It’s fascinating to me that Charlayne Woodard's initial response to the idea of playing Kate was "No." I'm glad she changed her mind.
All three articles are from The Washington Post because that's where I get my WDC news. :) Actually, even though I no longer live in DC, The Washington Post is still my main news source. Old habits die hard, I guess.
Posted by Selena at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2007
Can't Wait for Shrew
I am so excited about the upcoming production of "The Taming of the Shrew" in my beloved Washington, DC. Shrew is my favorite Shakespeare play, and it's one that is hardly ever produced. Just having the chance to see it is a rare opportunity.
Ever since I studied the play in college, I have believed it is possible to produce a Shrew that is both romantic and feminist. I don't imagine it would be easy. There are formidable challenges, like a text that seems misogynist and archaic to a modern audience. I have never seen a production that manages to overcome that, but I am still hopeful that it can be done.
After listening to director Rebecca Bayla Taichman talk about the upcoming production, I am even more hopeful. If a romantic, feminist production of Shrew can be had, Ms. Taichman seems exactly the woman to pull it off. At the theatre's website, you can see video of her talking about the show, or listen to the podcast version.
Listen to the part where she talks about what being a shrew means. I love how she points out that Kate is silent through much of the play in direct opposition to her shrewish label. I was nodding my head when she said that.
As I studied Shrew, one of the things that appealed to me was the tension between this woman who is labeled "shrew" and the fact that she is not the most shrewish person in the play. Petruchio out-shrews Kate more than once. I think he must do it on purpose because it has two very positive results: 1) it puts the townspeople on Kate's side for a change (against Petruchio, her new husband, who behaves appallingly at their wedding), and 2) it gives Kate the opportunity to redefine her role (suddenly she is the one defending the servants from abuse, Petruchio's abuse).
I am also pleased that the notes on the website quote Coppelia Kahn. I think it was her "Man's Estate" I read back in the day, but what Coppelia Kahn has to add to the Shrew equation is the insight that Kate truly holds the power over Petruchio despite her submission to him at the end. Actually it is because of her submission. Kate doesn't need Petruchio. But Petruchio needs Kate. He needs her submission to validate him as an adult male in the strongly patriarchal society of the play. Without a wife who submits to him, Petruchio is a marginalized member of society. Only through his successful "taming" of a wife can he be respected. That is a key piece to understanding the play.
Don't miss the video where Taichman wrestles with the question of whether Shrew is "a great love story or a sexist put-down?" In her wisdom, she declares that it is both -- and much more.
I can't wait to see the show. I've got my tickets. How about you? Really, when do you think you'll have another opportunity to see "The Taming of the Shrew?" It could be awhile.
Posted by Selena at 05:48 PM | Comments (0)
May 28, 2007
Magic and God and The Ladies of Grace Adieu
Oddly enough, the topic of some Christians' objection to fantasy stories about magic came up at about the same time that I started reading Susanna Clarke's The Ladies of Grace Adieu.
Clark's collection of stories is about magic and fairies, and is set in the land of Faerie and old England. I'm pretty sure no one has labeled it Christian fantasy. But I don't just read Christian fiction and the book looked good, so I dove in.
I wasn't disappointed. In the first story, which is "The Ladies of Grace Adieu," one of the characters tells a story about the Raven King. The story so moved me that I have read that section over and over again. (I wish I could quote you the whole thing here, but I can't. I recommend you buy the book and read it for yourself.)
The story is a perfect example of why I don't just read Christian fiction, and why I don't feel the need to eschew stories about magic. God can speak through any story, not just ones without magic or with the "Christian" label. God spoke to me through the story of the Raven King.
The story is about the Raven King as a child. His uncle is concerned about the Raven Boy and decides to check the boy's dreams to see how he is doing. Upon laying the dreams out on a table, Uncle Auberon is dismayed to see that each of the boy's dreams contain terrifying things like dark towers, black birds, wolves and ghosts. He asks about each dream, "was you not afraid?" To which the boy responds "no" and depicts the nightmarish elements in a harmless, even loving way; for instance, that the wolves nursed, cuddled and comforted him when he was too young to do such for himself.
Finally the boy loses his patience with explaining his dreams and a fairy speaks up, warning the boy that "There are all sorts of things in Heaven and Earth…that yearn to do you harm." He then lists some pretty scary ones for good measure.
The boy responds that he knew the fairy sent him the dreams, and that he is a human child and thus cleverer than the fairy. Moreover he says, "I am an English child and all the wide grey English air, full of black wings beating and grey ghosts of rain sighing, belongs to me. This being so…why should I be afraid?"
At this point I was crying because what I heard was "I am a child of God. All the big, wide world belongs to my Heavenly Father, who loves me and cares for me. Every frightening thing in the world is under His command. Why then should I be afraid?"
Secular book, maybe. Christian blessing, for sure.
Posted by Selena at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2007
Distant Passages 2 Now Available!
The "best of" anthology I edited is now available. Yippee!
You can buy it at the DEP store or at Amazon.com.
I'm still trying to get over the fact that if you go to Amazon.com and search on my name, it actually brings up a book I had a hand in. Not one I wrote. But still, it's wild!
Posted by Selena at 07:52 PM | Comments (0)
May 20, 2007
New Book Club
I finally caved in and did it. I joined the Science Fiction Book Club. I've been tempted to join many times. But I always felt too guilty about the expense. I knew I couldn't join and not constantly want to buy new books. Plus when did I have time to read books anyway? I could barely keep up with reading submissions at DKA and SR.
It was a quandary, but finally I just called it an investment in my writing career and went ahead and did it. I figure that if I want to write great science fiction then I need a steady diet of great science fiction. Makes sense, right?
Plus, I love books. (I belong to three other book clubs.) I read so much for my positions at DKA and SR that I hardly ever read just for pleasure anymore. And that's not right.
When I got my initial order it was like Christmas. A big box of new books – what could be better? It took quite a while to decide which one to dig into first. But in the end, I chose "The Ladies of Grace Adieu and other stories" by Susanna Clarke. I've only read the first story so far, but it was wonderful so I can hardly wait to read the rest. In fact, I will probably blog about the story. It spoke to me in the nicest way.
If you don't belong to the Science Fiction Book Club you can also buy the book through Amazon here:
Enjoy. And don't forget to make time for books. There must always be time for books.
Posted by Selena at 07:12 PM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2007
Distant Passages #1 Reissued
The Distant Passages "best of" anthology that has my story in it has been reissued with a fancy new cover. (Author bios included this time around too.)
Also, it's now available from Amazon!
This book has tons of good stuff. Here are the works (fiction and poetry) you will find in its pages:
"And on the Seventh Day" by Marsheila Rockwell
"Beautiful Dreamer" by Edward McKeown
"The Last Hurrah" by L. S. King
"The Traveler's Tale" by Marcie Lynn Tentchoff
"All That Glitters" by Pam L. Wallace
"Captain Jack Bowie and the Steel Wolf Renegades" by Sean T. M. Stiennon
"Rosemary" by Jaime Lee Moyer
"The Choosing" by Selena Thomason
"Moonstone" by Joseph Thomas Mahoney
"City of Deliverance" by Robert Barlow
"Treecutter" by Scott M. Sandridge
"Welcoming Armageddon With Open Arms" by Mikal Trimm
"Old Soul" by Mike Wever
"Presence" Domyelle Rhyse
"Racing the Gap," by Byron Leavitt
"A Picture's Worth" by Wade Ogletree
"The Anointed" by Rosemary McMillen
"No Greater Love" by Wesley Lambert
"Dark Angel, Benigno" by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz
"The Ship" by Terry Weide
Go and buy one now! You know you want to. ;)
Posted by Selena at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2007
Too Busy to Blog: Houseguests, the Anthology, and More
I've been much too busy to blog, so here's what's been going on.
My mom and one of my aunts came to visit for a few days. Mom won at cards so often that we were convinced she was cheating. We just couldn't figure out how she was doing it.
We went to the beach one day, but it was so cold that we ended up sitting on the balcony under blankets.
After my houseguests left, I turned my attention to the upcoming DEP anthology, which I am editing. I've spent the last couple days pulling that together and sending out contracts. I love sending authors good news! It's a thrill because I know how exciting it is to get that sort of good news.
The anthology will cover fiction and poetry from DKA and SR. I'm really excited about the great work we're planning to include. Maybe once all the authors had responded I will post a list so you can know what you have to look forward to.
I also got my contributor's copy from The Literary Bone. It is a gorgeous, large-format, glossy-type magazine. Go ahead and buy one, you know you want to.
Plus, it's a great day because Entenmann's chocolate chip mini muffins are on sale at the store. Yippee! Just don't ask me how many of them I have eaten today 'cause I lost count hours ago.
Happy day, everyone!
Posted by Selena at 06:40 PM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2006
"The Curse of Chalion"
I just finished Lois McMaster Bujold's "The Curse of Chalion
About halfway through the book I realized that I should be noting my favorite parts so that I could easily find them again. So, I grabbed a stack of Post-Its and began bookmarking pages for future reference. I ended up having to rip the Post-Its in half to increase their number. Now the book has this disorderly mass of tiny pieces of blue paper sticking out from its pages.
I don't usually go in for the "lords and ladies" type of fantasy. Court politics just seems oh so boring. But not in Bujold's hands.
What appeals to me most about this book, and the other of hers set in this world ("Paladin of Souls
That's not to say that the intricate plot and compelling characters did not also hold my interest and provide much enjoyment.
The book spoke to me in so many places (as "Paladin of Souls" did). I hate that I have to return the book to the library. I must buy a copy of my own since this book bears re-reading. Already I think I could stand to read it again from the beginning.
The book is also very quotable. Here are a few choice passages:
"When it is too-long-anticipated, a blow falls as a relief." (page 317, at least in my current copy)
"Any man can be kind when he is comfortable. I'd always thought kindness a trivial virtue, therefore. But when we were hungry, thirsty, sick, frightened, with our deaths shouting at us, in the heart of horror, you were still as unfailingly courteous as a gentleman at his ease before his own hearth."
"Events may be horrible or inescapable. Men always have a choice – if not whether, then how, they may endure." (page 340)
"All is well, and if it's not, then at least each day brings us closer to our god." (page 438)
I highly recommend this book and "Paladin of Souls."
Now, I'm off to see if Bujold has written any more.
Posted by Selena at 06:22 PM | Comments (0)
August 19, 2006
DKA: “Tyler McHenry, Middle-Aged Lover of Books” by Wade Ogletree
August’s latest addition is a bit of flash fiction with an intriguing premise.
“Tyler McHenry, Middle-Aged Lover of Books”
by Wade Ogletree
Tease:
"Tyler McHenry has found a better way to read: a technology that allows him to become the perfect reader at the perfect time for whatever book he is reading."
Posted by Selena at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
August 07, 2006
Noted on Today’s Walk
Today I saw a T-shirt that said:
Got Books?
Reading is the key to All Learning
I agree with the sentiment. I just have one question: why is “All Learning” capitalized?
Posted by Selena at 10:36 AM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2006
Reading Right Now: Writing to Change the World
Well, I finished Traveling Mercies and it is definitely on the Recommended Books list! (You can read more about it there if you want.)
Now, I’m on to Writing to Change the World by Mary Pipher. So far, it’s fantastic!
I’ll post more as I get further into the book.
Posted by Selena at 03:33 PM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2006
What's Going On
What’s going on? Sadly, not much.
I’ve been a bit under the weather lately, so my productivity has plummeted, especially where writing is concerned. I have managed to get caught up on reading submissions though, in a couple bursts of energy today and Saturday. But that’s pretty much all I’ve accomplished work-wise.
However, I have gotten other stuff done. I took one of my cats to the vet and found that she had conjunctivitis in both eyes like I thought she did. (She’s had it before. I still have no idea how she gets these things since all she does is lay around the house all day.) So, it’s antibiotic goo in both eyes twice a day. Giving cats medication is always a good time. (Not.)
I’ve been avoiding the muse; I’ve hardly written anything in the last few days. Bad, I know.
I’m also eating all kinds of wrong. Lately it’s been anything with caramel in it. And if it has chocolate too, that’s even better.
On the plus side, I’ve started swimming again. That’s partly due to my dad who keeps saying things like, “I sure wish you’d start swimming again. It’s such good exercise.” Yes, I know. It really is; it works the heart without straining the joints. Turns out that there is a YMCA just a fifteen-minute walk from my house, AND it turns out that they have a pool! I am ashamed to tell you how many years I lived here before I figured that out. Despite my slacker slump, I’ve managed to swim everyday since I joined. That’s three days and counting for anyone who’s keeping score.
More on the plus side: I watched the pilot of “Eureka.” It was pretty good. And I’ve been reading a lot of Traveling Mercies, which is just one great moment after another.
Tomorrow I may attempt a writing practice. But I don’t want to rush into anything. ;) And right now, I'm tired. I think it's gotta be bedtime.
Posted by Selena at 09:14 PM | Comments (0)
July 10, 2006
RRN: Traveling Mercies
Today I read more of Traveling Mercies and it’s wonderful. I got to the part at the end of the first section where she finally lets Jesus into her life.
I was waiting for the bus when I read it. I just stood there at the bus stop, reading this conversion story, and trying to keep the tears from overflowing my eyes and running down my cheeks.
I would quote the section for you, but I’d have to quote at least a page and a half.
Suffice it to say that if you are turned off by all the talk of drugs, drinking, etc. in the beginning of this book, I encourage you to stick with it anyway. It’s true what they say, that the light shines brightest in the darkness. Wow. That moment is unforgettable. Jesus crouched at the edge of despair, waiting to be let in so he can change everything.
It’s beautiful, powerful prose. I was so overwhelmed I had to put the book away and just think about it for a while.
Posted by Selena at 05:53 PM | Comments (0)
July 05, 2006
RRN: Traveling Mercies
One of the books I am “reading right now” is Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott.
I am a huge fan of her book Bird by Bird, which is about writing.
I’m only a little bit into Traveling Mercies but so far it’s pretty good. (Although there are a lot of drug references in the first section. I guess Ms. Lamott had a very colorful adolescence.)
This is my favorite quote from the book so far: (She is talking about why she preferred to spend time at her friend’s house instead of her own.)
“In a way life was easier there than over at my house, because at least it was consistent: Mary was always a drunken mess, Pammy’s father was always in prison. Over at my house, things could go any number of ways. I have read since that this is how you induce psychosis in rats: you behave inconsistently with them, you keep changing the rules. One day when they press down the right lever, expecting a serving of grain like they’ve always gotten before, they instead get a shock. And eventually the switching back and forth drives them mad, while the rats who get shocked every time they press the lever figure it out right away and work around it.” (page 19)
It spoke to me because one of the most stressful times in my life involved dealing with people who were particularly inconsistent. I could never be sure what they wanted or how they would react at any given moment. It seemed that the rules were constantly changing without notice. And that is a very stressful place to be.
It’s a delicate balance between predictability and boredom, I realize. Life thrives in that thin zone between chaos and stagnation. Too far in either direction, and it all goes wrong.
Posted by Selena at 04:04 PM | Comments (0)
July 04, 2006
Recommended Books
If you have a chance, check out my recently updated Recommended Books page!
Posted by Selena at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)
November 02, 2005
Reading Right Now: 3 Good Books
I’m reading three books right now. It’s not as crazy as it sounds. I’m not reading much of them, just a little bit each day.
Today I read the week-one chapter of “No Plot, No Problem" by Chris Baty. Very good, very helpful. I especially like the “Take My Inner Editor" button on page 108. I hope it works. The book’s good but I’m done with it until next week.
In the morning, I read a page from “Morning Notes: 365 Meditations to Wake You Up" by Hugh Prather. Today’s gem: “I know what to do. The only question is, will I do it." I put that one to use this afternoon.
Before bed, I read a chapter out of “Ruling Your World" by Sakyoung Mipham. It’s wonderful so far. I’d give you a quote but the book is upstairs and I have a cranky cat sitting in my lap. Truth is, I don’t want to disturb her.
Edited on 11-3 to add:
OK, here is a great quote from “Ruling Your World" –
“Caring for others is the basis of worldly success."(p.18)
How’s that for counterculture but totally true?
Posted by Selena at 08:24 PM | Comments (0)
October 28, 2005
Quote of the Day
I’ve been reading Paladin of Souls (in case you hadn't already guessed by the multiple blog entries on the topic).
It’s all wonderful but I read this part that night and it particularly struck me. Ista, the main character, is having an internal conversation with one of her gods.
"I’m not getting it all sorted," she worried, "I’m not getting it right.""You are brilliant," the Voice reassured her.
"It is imperfect."
"So are all things trapped in time. You are brilliant, nonetheless. How fortunate for Us that We thirst for glorious souls rather than faultless ones, or We should be parched indeed, and most lonely in Our perfect righteousness. Carry on imperfectly, shining Ista."
Wow.
Posted by Selena at 07:23 PM | Comments (1)
October 22, 2005
Show Me Your Soul
Lately I’ve found myself wondering what people’s souls look like.
A weird thought I admit. I blame it on a book I’m reading, Paladin of Souls.
In it, one of the characters has the ability to see the spirit world, including people’s souls. It’s interesting to see how each character’s soul is different – this one bright and centered, this one in tatters and shreds (from being demon-gnawed for a long period of time), this own with the faint purple glow of a demon curled up and hiding within, this one a faint white light that hovers about the person’s body because the person is dead and being kept life-like through sorcery.
It makes me wonder what my soul looks like to someone who can see those things. It makes me wonder what other people’s souls look like.
Truth be told, you can’t tell much useful about someone by looking at them.
And that’s kind of a shame. But it's also a blessing.
Posted by Selena at 05:35 PM | Comments (0)
October 12, 2005
Reading Right Now: Paladin of Souls
Well, I finished the part of No Plot? No Problem that I can read before the actual novel-writing month so now I’m back to reading Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold.
The book is every bit as wonderful as Phy (at TSR and DKA) says.
Click here for a thread at TSR with more information about the book (and others work checking out).
Happy reading!
Posted by Selena at 09:55 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2005
Reading Right Now: No Plot? No Problem
I’m currently reading No Plot? No Problem: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty, the founder of National Novel Writing Month.
The book is fun and helpful.
I can hardly wait for November.
Guess I better head over to www.nanowrimo.org and sign up. I encourage you to do the same.
Posted by Selena at 10:01 PM | Comments (0)
August 19, 2005
RRN: Easier Than You Think
Reading Right Now:
Easier Than You Think: Because Life Doesn't have To Be So Hard by Richard Carlson
It’s about “the small changes that add up to a world of difference."
I like the idea that small changes can add up to something major.
Favorite quote so far:
“Just as a check is worthless without your signature, your thoughts cannot harm you without your consent." (p. 17.)
Hmmm.
Posted by Selena at 09:26 PM | Comments (0)
July 18, 2005
Harry Harry Everywhere
Someone mentioned today that they noticed a lot of people on the Metro were reading the new Harry Potter book. So when I got on the train and immediately spotted two copies of the book, I thought “wow, Harry Potter must really be everywhere.? That's when I started actively looking for them. But I didn’t see any more.
I know several people who are Harry Potter fans but I haven't read any of the books myself. I recognize that I may be missing out on something. I’m not opposed to Harry Potter; it’s just that the list of books I’m interested in is already really, really long, plus there’s The Sword Review to read, TSR blogs, TSR discussion forums…lots of stuff to read.
Posted by Selena at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)
June 24, 2005
Reading Right Now: The Time Traveler’s Wife
I just got The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffennegger. The literary, time-traveling romance vibe appealed to me.
I just started it, but it’s really good so far.
Posted by Selena at 05:08 PM | Comments (0)
June 23, 2005
Reading Right Now: Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers
I finally finished reading Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. (It’s a good book, I've just been busy with other stuff.)
What sticks with me most from this morning’s 2 am reading (couldn’t sleep, too stressed) is that it’s best to keep your coping strategies flexible but that we tend to think that if an approach isn’t working that we just need to try harder.
So, what is the healthiest approach?
“Coping responses built around fixed rules and flexible strategies. This requires that we fight a reflex common to most of us. If something bad is happening and our attempts to cope are not working, one of the most common responses is to, well, go back in there and just try twice as hard to cope in the usual way. Although that sometimes does the trick, that’s rare. During times of stress, finding the resources to try something new is really hard and is often just what’s needed." (p.412)
It’s that last line that particularly struck me in the wee small hours. “During times of stress, finding the resources to try something new is really hard and is often just what’s needed." Faced with chronic stress and my usual strategies not working, I’ve been thinking of trying something new, making a change.
For more of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, check out these earlier posts:
http://www.selenathomason.com/bblog/archives/00000030.html
(part of the lost ones, so it’s far down the page, the 3-11 post)
and Recommended Books at
http://www.selenathomason.com/bblog/archives/00000008.html
Posted by Selena at 10:26 AM | Comments (0)