As this is October and thus the month of the creepy, kooky and altogether spooky holiday Halloween I have chosen a book that fits that genre. Or rather, a series of books. I am talking about the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. So far I have read the first three in the series and it is a fun, new take on the whole vampire mythology. In this world, vampires are real and have gone public, seeking rights etc. like normal people. They are able to do this in part because of the invention of synthetic blood. However, vamps aren't the only supernatural beings that exist.
The books revolve around Sookie Stackhouse, a blond barmaid with telepathy who happens to fall in love with a dead man (read: vampire)named Bill. Chaos and mayhem ensue as Sookie is thrust into the dangerous supernatural world, doing favors for big shot vampires, fighting off fundamentalist groups that wish to kill all vampires and their supporters, cavorting with shape shifters and catching murderers of the human variety.
The first book is Dead Until Dark, the second is Living Dead in Dallas and the third is Club Dead. The supernatural elements are well done, building on the ground work about vampires that we know so well, but adding creative touches here and there. The books are filled with humor, literary and mythological references, complex and interesting characters (human and otherwise) and a number of really good sex scenes. Sookie really comes into her own in the third book and I am tempted to go out and buy books four and five this weekend. (I really shouldn't since I need to re-read the book for my real life book club).
This series is pure fun but not altogether fluff. Sink your teeth into them. (Sorry, I couldn't resist the opportunity).
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Monday, October 8, 2007
Puzzle pieces
It is always disconcerting to come to the realization that you do not "belong" at all in the place where you have chosen to live. This isn't really shocking, in fact, I've known I don't exactly fit in here for quite some time, and generally speaking I'm okay with that fact. However, this past Saturday I attended something that demonstrated to me that not only do I not fit in here but I never will. I don't find it depressing exactly since I am secretly relieved that I am not the type of person who would enjoy a tractor pull (nor, for that matter, know exactly what took place at one), but it did get me thinking. And what is disconcerting is that I also felt this way in college and to a lesser extent, in high school.
Ordinarily feeling different isn't such a bad thing, provided you can find a few other people who feel the same as you do, or who can at least relate. Fortunately I do have some friends who fit that bill. But spending your life feeling like you don't ever fully belong anywhere is not comforting. If I was radically different, with no common ground to speak of, maybe it would be easier to deal with because then it could just be chalked up to being in the wrong place. Rather like a puzzle piece from one box that had found it's way into another puzzle altogether. You'd know that the correct puzzle existed somewhere. Unfortunately, I am like a puzzle piece that looks like it should fit in a spot and it does, almost. Maybe one of the arms is too thick, or the angle of the spoke isn't steep enough. Minor things. So it gets tried this way and that, and occasionally pounded, in an effort to make it fit. And stubbornly the piece will not go. Thus it is left on the edge of the table while all the other pieces fit together forming their picture. At least I don't have to worry about being knocked off the table and eaten by the dog.
Ordinarily feeling different isn't such a bad thing, provided you can find a few other people who feel the same as you do, or who can at least relate. Fortunately I do have some friends who fit that bill. But spending your life feeling like you don't ever fully belong anywhere is not comforting. If I was radically different, with no common ground to speak of, maybe it would be easier to deal with because then it could just be chalked up to being in the wrong place. Rather like a puzzle piece from one box that had found it's way into another puzzle altogether. You'd know that the correct puzzle existed somewhere. Unfortunately, I am like a puzzle piece that looks like it should fit in a spot and it does, almost. Maybe one of the arms is too thick, or the angle of the spoke isn't steep enough. Minor things. So it gets tried this way and that, and occasionally pounded, in an effort to make it fit. And stubbornly the piece will not go. Thus it is left on the edge of the table while all the other pieces fit together forming their picture. At least I don't have to worry about being knocked off the table and eaten by the dog.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Wonders of wonders
When I took my dog out for his morning walk something was different. It took me a moment to figure out what had changed when I suddenly realized it was cool! No really! And now, four hours later it is still cool! I suppose mother nature could be teasing me with this turn of events but, dare I say it? I think fall is finally here!
I love fall. It is far and away my favorite season, and sadly you don't really get fall here in the South. You get a few days at a time when it feels like fall, but summer generally rears its flaming head and tries to reinstate itself, succeeding for weeks at a time, even as late as November. Then winter comes along and strangles summer and fall and we are left with months of dreariness and no snow. The South doesn't really do winter very well either. Nine times out of ten the only "winter weather" we get is freezing rain or ice. Mostly it is just gray and windy and drab. For that matter spring only lasts about three weeks down here too. Blink and you will miss it.
But this isn't a post to kevetch about the weather. No, it is to celebrate all the wonderful things about fall. As a child, though I would never had admitted it then, I enjoyed the "back to school season." This wasn't because I was all that anxious to go back to school, but because it meant new clothes, and school supplies. I know this classifies me as a major nerd but picking out the new notebooks and things was always something I enjoyed, and I rather miss. Also the return to school did mean getting to see friends that I didn't typically see during the summer months and at least the prospect of something fun and exciting happening.
Furthermore, fall means football. I adore football! It is the vastly superior professional sport in this country, where almost every game means something and it is perfectly acceptable to yell "hit him!!" at the television. Not only that, but you have all the different levels to watch. High school on Friday (if you are so inclined), college on Saturday, and the NFL on Sunday. Plus, there are tailgating parties, marching bands, cheerleaders (hey, I was one, I enjoy the routines), and funny beer commercials.
Fall also is the domain of one of the more outlandish holidays, Halloween. Most people think of Halloween as children's territory, but as recently as 1900 it was a holiday for adults, with bonfires, courtship rituals, homemade treats, mischief that resulted in property damage and very macabre decor and costumes. Not gory costumes but creepy. It was really only with the advent of mass produced candy that the holiday became geared more towards children. Too many adults think it is beneath them to wear a costume on Halloween. This is ridiculous since we all wear masks every day (albeit not physical ones)and play different roles depending on who we are around. Why not embrace that fact and go for it? Sure you might look goofy or out of place, but if more people did it then you wouldn't now would you?
Other things I love about fall:
1. The turning of the leaves. I love seeing leaves are they really are, instead of as they hide themselves thanks to photosynthesis.
2. The smell of woodsmoke from a fire.
3. That brisk bite in the air that makes you crave hot chocolate or apple cider after you've been out walking the dog or raking leaves.
4. Fall foods: soups, ciders, apple desserts, pumpkin bread. You haven't had chicken noodle soup until you've tried my mother's. Bliss. Hmm.... I wonder how soon I can get her to make some.
5. Thanksgiving. I know that for most people this is a holiday of obligation, but for me it is one of my favorite holidays. I'm very fortunate in the fact that my family gets along and actually enjoys each others company. I come from a large family though, and Thanksgiving is really the only holiday of the year that virtually everyone gets together. Plus there is all of the outstanding food. And unlike on sitcoms we never have weeks of leftovers at my house. By Friday night all of the turkey, stuffing and gravy is gone, if not sooner. Gluttony, thy acolytes await you.
6. Christmas is just around the corner and there is that wonderful flurry of activity to look forward to.
There are more things that I love about fall of course, but I think I have prattled on long enough. Besides, I may wake up tomorrow to a 90 degree morning (God forbid).
I love fall. It is far and away my favorite season, and sadly you don't really get fall here in the South. You get a few days at a time when it feels like fall, but summer generally rears its flaming head and tries to reinstate itself, succeeding for weeks at a time, even as late as November. Then winter comes along and strangles summer and fall and we are left with months of dreariness and no snow. The South doesn't really do winter very well either. Nine times out of ten the only "winter weather" we get is freezing rain or ice. Mostly it is just gray and windy and drab. For that matter spring only lasts about three weeks down here too. Blink and you will miss it.
But this isn't a post to kevetch about the weather. No, it is to celebrate all the wonderful things about fall. As a child, though I would never had admitted it then, I enjoyed the "back to school season." This wasn't because I was all that anxious to go back to school, but because it meant new clothes, and school supplies. I know this classifies me as a major nerd but picking out the new notebooks and things was always something I enjoyed, and I rather miss. Also the return to school did mean getting to see friends that I didn't typically see during the summer months and at least the prospect of something fun and exciting happening.
Furthermore, fall means football. I adore football! It is the vastly superior professional sport in this country, where almost every game means something and it is perfectly acceptable to yell "hit him!!" at the television. Not only that, but you have all the different levels to watch. High school on Friday (if you are so inclined), college on Saturday, and the NFL on Sunday. Plus, there are tailgating parties, marching bands, cheerleaders (hey, I was one, I enjoy the routines), and funny beer commercials.
Fall also is the domain of one of the more outlandish holidays, Halloween. Most people think of Halloween as children's territory, but as recently as 1900 it was a holiday for adults, with bonfires, courtship rituals, homemade treats, mischief that resulted in property damage and very macabre decor and costumes. Not gory costumes but creepy. It was really only with the advent of mass produced candy that the holiday became geared more towards children. Too many adults think it is beneath them to wear a costume on Halloween. This is ridiculous since we all wear masks every day (albeit not physical ones)and play different roles depending on who we are around. Why not embrace that fact and go for it? Sure you might look goofy or out of place, but if more people did it then you wouldn't now would you?
Other things I love about fall:
1. The turning of the leaves. I love seeing leaves are they really are, instead of as they hide themselves thanks to photosynthesis.
2. The smell of woodsmoke from a fire.
3. That brisk bite in the air that makes you crave hot chocolate or apple cider after you've been out walking the dog or raking leaves.
4. Fall foods: soups, ciders, apple desserts, pumpkin bread. You haven't had chicken noodle soup until you've tried my mother's. Bliss. Hmm.... I wonder how soon I can get her to make some.
5. Thanksgiving. I know that for most people this is a holiday of obligation, but for me it is one of my favorite holidays. I'm very fortunate in the fact that my family gets along and actually enjoys each others company. I come from a large family though, and Thanksgiving is really the only holiday of the year that virtually everyone gets together. Plus there is all of the outstanding food. And unlike on sitcoms we never have weeks of leftovers at my house. By Friday night all of the turkey, stuffing and gravy is gone, if not sooner. Gluttony, thy acolytes await you.
6. Christmas is just around the corner and there is that wonderful flurry of activity to look forward to.
There are more things that I love about fall of course, but I think I have prattled on long enough. Besides, I may wake up tomorrow to a 90 degree morning (God forbid).
Saturday, September 8, 2007
From the Shelves 5
Hello loyal readers! It's that time again, albeit a bit later than I had hoped, but then again when a flake runs a red light and hits your car you have other things on your mind besides posting. But I digress.
This month's book is Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer by Warren St. John. I chose this book in honor of the start of football season (pre-season doesn't count). RJYH chronicles the author's experience of participating in a full season of RV subculture while following his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide football team. While the book does recount plays from the games it is really more about the fans and thus does not require the reader to have a ridiculous amount of pre-existing knowledge about the team. However, some passing knowledge of college football is recommended. Of course, if you don't have that I can't for the life of me imagine why you would read this book. Unless of course you simply enjoy a well written, humorous book. (But then again, people do an awful lot of things that I can't fathom the reasons behind).
RJYH is a quick and entertaining read. It has also garnered a high "dad" rating from my father which speaks to a high level of appeal as he prefers books that are more snack like in nature, as opposed to three course meals. If nothing else, the level of obsession that is displayed by the fans St. John encounters will make you feel a great deal better about your own obsessions.
This month's book is Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer by Warren St. John. I chose this book in honor of the start of football season (pre-season doesn't count). RJYH chronicles the author's experience of participating in a full season of RV subculture while following his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide football team. While the book does recount plays from the games it is really more about the fans and thus does not require the reader to have a ridiculous amount of pre-existing knowledge about the team. However, some passing knowledge of college football is recommended. Of course, if you don't have that I can't for the life of me imagine why you would read this book. Unless of course you simply enjoy a well written, humorous book. (But then again, people do an awful lot of things that I can't fathom the reasons behind).
RJYH is a quick and entertaining read. It has also garnered a high "dad" rating from my father which speaks to a high level of appeal as he prefers books that are more snack like in nature, as opposed to three course meals. If nothing else, the level of obsession that is displayed by the fans St. John encounters will make you feel a great deal better about your own obsessions.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Addendum to "what I've learned"
Looking back on the last blog I feel that a couple of the items need some clarification.
In regards to #6, while I firmly believe that this is true, I have to say that just because it can backfire on you that doesn't absolve you from doing good deeds.
For #16, if I offer to cook for you, and not just in a party situation, but actually cook for you personally, then you are a special person to me and should consider yourself lucky. Not to be smug or anything, but I do have a knack for it and it is an expression of affection. Just as if I tell you that you smell good it is like the ultimate compliment from me. But that's something else altogether.
For #17, the thrill of it is that I can keep it on a short lease. Chocolate has no power over me! Well, actually it does, especially if it is combined with peanut butter, but I can resist the siren song of temptation.
In regards to #6, while I firmly believe that this is true, I have to say that just because it can backfire on you that doesn't absolve you from doing good deeds.
For #16, if I offer to cook for you, and not just in a party situation, but actually cook for you personally, then you are a special person to me and should consider yourself lucky. Not to be smug or anything, but I do have a knack for it and it is an expression of affection. Just as if I tell you that you smell good it is like the ultimate compliment from me. But that's something else altogether.
For #17, the thrill of it is that I can keep it on a short lease. Chocolate has no power over me! Well, actually it does, especially if it is combined with peanut butter, but I can resist the siren song of temptation.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
What I've Learned
August 17th was the one year anniversary of my becoming a homeowner. I had planned on doing this post closer to that date, but it also happens to be my mother's birthday and festivities took precedence. At any rate, these are some of the things that I have learned over this past year.
1. Houses are WAY more expensive than apartments. I know a lot of you just went "well duh SL," but really and truly even though I knew that they were more expensive, I didn't realize how much more until I was left in charge of everything.
2. I'm actually a pretty good cook and have a knack for picking tasty recipes.
3. Yoga is a lot harder than I thought it would be.
4. My dog is very spoiled, but a sweet creature that I love fiercely. (I sort of already knew that last part, but what the hell.)
5. Additionally, he is not to be trusted outside without a leash. That lesson almost came at a very steep price.
6. Good deeds frequently get you punished.
7. I have horrible taste in men.
8. Being pleasant and cheerful all day long is very tiring for an introvert. Think of it as a marathon performance for an actor. (My natural at rest state appears to be serious). Constantly being around people for 8 hours wears me out. Again, I sort of already knew this but it has recently been driven home. Repeatedly.
9. I should never underestimate the general public's ability to annoy me, or any administration's ability to mess up a free meal.
10. My reading material reflects a certain level of fracture in my personality. I don't actually think I'm fractured, just that the wide variety of books I chose to read could be interpreted that way. Does it really seem possible for the same woman to read books on football, vampires, the sexual escapades of long dead monarchs, Ghengis Khan, wizards, fictional murders including one that revolves around an anthropomorphized egg, and children being trained as military leaders in a dystopian future and enjoy them all? Well, that's me.
11. For someone who reads as much as I do my spelling stinks. This isn't really a new concept either, just painfully pointed out to me every time I blog. My vocabulary has always outstripped my spelling capacity. It made writing AP essays a bitch.
12. I care about most people way more than they care about me.
13. Way too many people find the concept of a print card to be mind boggling. Clearly it is an advanced concept that needs to be taught in school.
14. Your wit is like a muscle, it must be exercised daily or else it will atrophy.
15. Syrion and I apparently look enough alike that we are thought to be related.
16. Cooking for other people, especially if they are appreciative, is way more rewarding than cooking for just yourself.
17. My sweet tooth must be kept on a short leash or I will lose control of it.
18. I can hold a grudge for a very, very long time.
19. Chickpeas are actually quite tasty.
20. I never look as nice in photographs as I do in the mirror.
1. Houses are WAY more expensive than apartments. I know a lot of you just went "well duh SL," but really and truly even though I knew that they were more expensive, I didn't realize how much more until I was left in charge of everything.
2. I'm actually a pretty good cook and have a knack for picking tasty recipes.
3. Yoga is a lot harder than I thought it would be.
4. My dog is very spoiled, but a sweet creature that I love fiercely. (I sort of already knew that last part, but what the hell.)
5. Additionally, he is not to be trusted outside without a leash. That lesson almost came at a very steep price.
6. Good deeds frequently get you punished.
7. I have horrible taste in men.
8. Being pleasant and cheerful all day long is very tiring for an introvert. Think of it as a marathon performance for an actor. (My natural at rest state appears to be serious). Constantly being around people for 8 hours wears me out. Again, I sort of already knew this but it has recently been driven home. Repeatedly.
9. I should never underestimate the general public's ability to annoy me, or any administration's ability to mess up a free meal.
10. My reading material reflects a certain level of fracture in my personality. I don't actually think I'm fractured, just that the wide variety of books I chose to read could be interpreted that way. Does it really seem possible for the same woman to read books on football, vampires, the sexual escapades of long dead monarchs, Ghengis Khan, wizards, fictional murders including one that revolves around an anthropomorphized egg, and children being trained as military leaders in a dystopian future and enjoy them all? Well, that's me.
11. For someone who reads as much as I do my spelling stinks. This isn't really a new concept either, just painfully pointed out to me every time I blog. My vocabulary has always outstripped my spelling capacity. It made writing AP essays a bitch.
12. I care about most people way more than they care about me.
13. Way too many people find the concept of a print card to be mind boggling. Clearly it is an advanced concept that needs to be taught in school.
14. Your wit is like a muscle, it must be exercised daily or else it will atrophy.
15. Syrion and I apparently look enough alike that we are thought to be related.
16. Cooking for other people, especially if they are appreciative, is way more rewarding than cooking for just yourself.
17. My sweet tooth must be kept on a short leash or I will lose control of it.
18. I can hold a grudge for a very, very long time.
19. Chickpeas are actually quite tasty.
20. I never look as nice in photographs as I do in the mirror.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
From Hell
So tomorrow it starts. "Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!" Yes, my friends, tomorrow is the first day of fall semester at my place of employment. If I could carry a taser, a bullhorn, and a flask of a sweet alcoholic beverage around with me all day perhaps I could enjoy myself. Alas, and alack, but for some reason they will not allow these accessories. I have also not been able to find that perfect outfit that screams both "don't give me any shit" as well as "I will be happy to help you" while simultaneously looking professional. If anyone has any suggestions for that combo please let me know. I must steel myself for my trip into one of the circles of hell. I think this calls for ice cream and cards with friends.
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