Monthly Archives: December 2005

REALITY: Another Problem Solved

Posted on December 27, 2005 by Susan

Well I think I found affordable health insurance today.  Sadly, one of us is going to have to die. Continue reading →

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LITERATURE: Reading Group

Posted on December 27, 2005 by Susan

Oh poop.  I’m always a day late and a dollar short.  Haven’t gotten but halfway through Cannery Row, and I’m using that as an excuse not to go join a reading group tonight.  If I’m a reluctant writer (not in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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REALITY: Morning Sights & Sounds

Posted on December 27, 2005 by Susan

Audio of wind overrides the visuals.  Of sliver of moon behind waving black branches and a dark blue grey sponge of cloud wiping the pale white grey sky. Continue reading →

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WRITING: Space

Posted on December 27, 2005 by Susan

Two things learned this morning, by listening.  The dark garage morning reminding me of the sound of the wind.  The removal of the unaccustomed in memory to show up in a different space of time. Just a couple of months … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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LITERATURE: Cannery Row – Narrative Structure through Setting

Posted on December 27, 2005 by susan

While there seems to be a narrative structure introduced by “In the evening, just at dusk, a curious thing happened on Cannery Row.” (p. 24) for example, the chapters appear more to be unrelated episodes from the overall lives of … Continue reading →

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LITERATURE: Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

Posted on December 26, 2005 by Susan

Wow, I’d forgotten how good Steinbeck really is; sixteen pages into the book, concise yet descriptive grounding through setting and character, and bada-boom, bada-bing–we’re into this story. No overwhelming of words, either in understanding or needless excess: Cannery Row in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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REALITY: Aftermath

Posted on December 26, 2005 by Susan

Semi-closed but open for the money; those that needed framing done by Christmas past.  And inventory-taking for the IRS, counting sheets of matboard, nails and measuring lengths of wood.  Clean-up after months of not; piles and piles of cardboard to … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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LITERATURE: A Perfect Stranger – Wrap Up

Posted on December 25, 2005 by susan

Robinson’s writing is flowing without flowery, descriptive and intimate.  Experience of observation and a keen understanding of human nature and relationships is woven into each story of this collection.  Shame:  Friends gather at the New Mexico ranch of a rather … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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REALITY: Cheer through the Rain

Posted on December 25, 2005 by Susan

So this Christmas was unusually quiet; just the two of us and a prime rib roast ($20 for a five-pound roast that will last us three meals) that came out perfect, Yorkshire Pudding that rose to its elegant best, baby … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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REALITY: Happy Holidays!

Posted on December 25, 2005 by Susan

May you enjoy the peace and understanding of the true meaning of Christmas and all holidays celebrated this season now and in all the time ahead. Susan Continue reading →

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LITERATURE: A Perfect Stranger

Posted on December 24, 2005 by susan

Catching up with Roxana Robinson’s A Perfect Stranger: Blind Man:  We are along for a rough traffic drive on a highway, with a man who has someplace to go, and worries to think about on the way.  Backstory gives us … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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REALITY: Christmas Eve

Posted on December 24, 2005 by Susan

Last minute Christmas Eve doings going on.  Climb up on the roof and lay a board atop the chimney.  Fifteen years now Jim still won’t do it; won’t believe me that if Santa sees it open he’ll come down and … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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LITERATURE & WRITING: A Battle

Posted on December 24, 2005 by Susan

There’s been a noticeable lack of posting on the readings, but that mystery is easily cleared up: I’ve been taken hostage by a story I’m working on. I should know better, but it just seems so much clearer now, it … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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REALITY: Reality?

Posted on December 23, 2005 by Susan

Two quotes for medical insurance:  $1392 or $1877 for the two of us, per month.  Nice, huh? Continue reading →

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WRITING: Reality

Posted on December 23, 2005 by Susan

Well, nothing is more telling to a writer than a lukewarm reception, or this: "Your story is very descriptive akin to the popular and enjoyable stories I read when I was younger. Very melancholy—keep on writing." And that’s from a … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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