Summertime is here for me as school wrapped up a week or so ago. It's really strange though living in a moderate climate where its not going to feel like summer; hot, sticky, with moments of misery and profound evening drives to cool down and reflect - that's the wide open world of ye olde midwest that I spent most of my summer's in. It so strange how weather can shape our lives....I am geek for reflecting upon it.
Anyway, no lack of heat is going to stop me from doing summer stuff including growing basil, drinking margaritas, hanging out with friends and family, and watching sunsets. The bonus' on the left coast are camping trips to the ocean and to mountains and berries a plenty. Including the ever gorgeous cherries which are around every corner.
Being in academia almost all of my life has promoted the notion of summer goals which I am working on. Especially my book list. I am starting out with short books hoping to build momentum to larger ones. Here's what I have so far.
Troutfishing in America - Richard Brautigan
The Old Man and the Sea - E. Hemingway
The Violent Bear it Away - Flannery O'Connor
A Good Man is Hard to Find - Flannery O'Connor
Th Family Cloister - David Robinson
and if momentum builds (but it probably won't) The Brother's Karamazov - Dostoevsky
I also want to take in some media - meaning films and tv. I think I am officially giving up on watching difficult classic movies like French new wave films that sit on my coffee table and put me to sleep. I want to watch them, I need to watch them...but it just doesn't happen. Its as pointless as trying to start my read spree off with Dostoevesky. Its pure suicide. So my last ditch effort at difficult films is Best of Youth - a 6hr Italian film that was a bit of mini-series slammed into one (My buddy Matt E. loved it...but then again he has an ability to watch/stay awake for super difficult films). The mini-series angle makes it feel promising me, but if it puts me to sleep I am back to tv; Northern Exposure, Freaks & Geeks, and re-watching Lost seasons. Okay next blog...summer music.
Anyway, no lack of heat is going to stop me from doing summer stuff including growing basil, drinking margaritas, hanging out with friends and family, and watching sunsets. The bonus' on the left coast are camping trips to the ocean and to mountains and berries a plenty. Including the ever gorgeous cherries which are around every corner.
Being in academia almost all of my life has promoted the notion of summer goals which I am working on. Especially my book list. I am starting out with short books hoping to build momentum to larger ones. Here's what I have so far.
Troutfishing in America - Richard Brautigan
The Old Man and the Sea - E. Hemingway
The Violent Bear it Away - Flannery O'Connor
A Good Man is Hard to Find - Flannery O'Connor
Th Family Cloister - David Robinson
and if momentum builds (but it probably won't) The Brother's Karamazov - Dostoevsky
I also want to take in some media - meaning films and tv. I think I am officially giving up on watching difficult classic movies like French new wave films that sit on my coffee table and put me to sleep. I want to watch them, I need to watch them...but it just doesn't happen. Its as pointless as trying to start my read spree off with Dostoevesky. Its pure suicide. So my last ditch effort at difficult films is Best of Youth - a 6hr Italian film that was a bit of mini-series slammed into one (My buddy Matt E. loved it...but then again he has an ability to watch/stay awake for super difficult films). The mini-series angle makes it feel promising me, but if it puts me to sleep I am back to tv; Northern Exposure, Freaks & Geeks, and re-watching Lost seasons. Okay next blog...summer music.
ah, the left coast summer plan, I love it!
Wish we could share in some of those plans!
I was reminded of Matt E. watching Rubleiv until 3 in the morning!
Me too...Greg!
Seriously where did Matt get his penchant for keeping his eyes opening at those hrs for snail's pace films?