February 24, 2017 AS TIME GOES BY

Best week ever. Seriously. The weather has been spectacular--I've actually been running SO much that my legs are exhausted--NOT complaining though. I have also had 3--YES COUNT THEM--3 days-- ALL TO MYSELF. What a dream come true. I can't remember the last time it was--ALL ABOUT ME. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it too. I totally unplugged -- and believe me--you can really hear a lot more when it's quiet. I was able to concentrate and fully be in the moment whether I was running, reading or trying my hand at watercolor painting. It's funny how life works--it's all about us when we are young--AND--then it is snatched away after we have kids. It somehow becomes all about them--in my family anyways. Believe it or not-- it does come back around. You just have to open yourself up to it. Remember who you used to be--way back when. One good thing too--the older version of yourself will be more forgiving.  It's okay if my times are slower, I don't get to read as many pages as I want or even that my paintings and drawings aren't perfect. Time makes us more accepting of ourselves and of others and that's a good thing. Life is precious--time is precious and it should be enjoyed for the most part. Everyone  needs  to take the time-- don't forget who you are. One day your kids WILL be grown and you don't want to find yourself looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person staring back.

This happens in some degree to Catherine Ravenscroft in Renee Knight's psychological thriller from 2015 called Disclaimer.  Catherine is a  happily married, highly successful documentary film maker who seems to have the perfect life. Catherine, however, is haunted by a long buried secret that has come back to haunt her--in the form of a book that appears on her nightstand. Someone has written a book detailing her life and the secret she is hiding. How could that be-- the only other person who knows the secret is dead?? This secret, if exposed, could ruin the carefully tailored life that Catherine has created for her family. This is the story of revenge and the price we pay for hiding the truth. Catherine's finally crafted world is falling apart and the only way she can fix it is to confront the past but in doing so--will every illusion crumble?? Read this fantastic book to find out what happens to Catherine and her family when she finally confronts her past.  It's a quick read--almost impossible to put down--and did I mention the shocking twist at the end??? Anyways, it's about 300 pages or a 4 mile run that  you will find IMPOSSIBLE to put down. Guaranteed!

February 20, 2017 MORE THAN A WOMAN

The last three days have been incredible--like springtime in February. It's been great for running--actually PERFECT as far as I'm concerned. My comrades and I have been trying to sneak in longer runs to get ready for our half marathon, and this weather is making that possible. So THANKFUL. It's funny, the older I get the more I realize that it's the little things that really make me happy. Enjoying the sunshine, running, hanging around the house--reading, writing and trying to paint again-- are enough for me. I've probably never mentioned it before but--I really love art--painting, drawing, pottery--and have started dabbling in it again. It's another passion of mine that I SOMEHOW misplaced over the years --I guess I was overwhelmed with life. Luckily, I started teaching art a few years ago and my passion was rekindled. I'm not very good but it's not about that-- in order to be good I'd have to practice all the time--I just really enjoy it. I  love painting and playing with color-- it's fun to let go--make mistakes--and try again. I'm not worried about perfection-- I'm NO Artemisia Gentileschi, the first female painter who made a major contribution to the history of art--THAT'S FOR SURE.

 I read about Artemisia a few years ago in Susan Vreeland's  The Passion of Artemisia. It's a work of historical fiction that is both accurate and well-written, although I've read that her real life was even more interesting and exciting than even this book suggests. Artemisia was a wonderful painter who lived in Rome around the Renaissance. At the age of eighteen, Artemisia was  raped by her art teacher and publicly humiliated by the papal court for even accusing him of such a crime. It  didn't help matters much that her own father refused to stand up for her--an event that tormented and affected their relationship for the rest of her life. Artemisia was then forced into an arranged marriage to Pietro Stiatessi, another painter, and sent to live in Florence. There, she excelled as a painter and was eventually elected into the Accademia dell'Arte, a major achievement for a woman. This book is part history lesson too as Artemisia was acquainted with several historically significant people of the time period including Galileo and the Medici Family--who were almost as powerful as the pope. Find out about this interesting period in history, and what ultimately happened to this celebrated painter who ignored social conventions and instead followed her heart. It's about 350 pages--or a 6 mile run--that is important on many different levels. It's a must read for anyone interested in art or how the Renaissance essentially shaped our world. Enjoy!

February 17, 2017 ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

Made it to February vacation. What a relief.  NINE whole days to run, read and relax. YIPPIE. I know that sounds pathetic but to me it's a dream come true. For NINE days, I don't have to hurry up and wait.  I get to recharge my battery for the next round. I know we get more  time off  than the average bear, but teaching really is an exhausting, NONSTOP job. It's like being on stage--performing--all day--everyday.  Okay, I might get 15 minutes to shovel down a banana and once in a great while sneak in a potty break, but that's it. We are ruled by the bell--like Pavlov's dog. Through the course of a day, over 100 kids schlep in and out of my room. I'm charged--as scary as that my seem--with managing, entertaining, and trying to teach them--it's like juggling fire.  Sometimes I wonder......if they're really listening to what's important. Yes, there are many things kids need to learn according to the curriculum--to prepare for college blah, blah, blah--but there are so many other things I hope I'm teaching them too.  Responsibility, perseverance, kindness and the BIGGY-- thinking outside the box. Kids are always in a hurry today with far too many commitments--so they GOOGLE everything.  Technology is great when used appropriately, but when it's used in place of critical thinking than it is being misused. We are not robots and GOOGLE can't answer and shouldn't answer every question. If we let that happen than we might as well be machines. Creative thinkers, responsible, kind citizens who persevere in the face of adversity are what this world needs.  I guess that's what makes teaching such a challenge and why I need time to rest and recharge. Whenever I start to think about technology my mind wonders to a dystopian novel--remember I went through my dystopian reading period--and what better one to review than Aldous Huxley's classic from 1931 Brave New World.   
After a visit to the United States, Huxley decided to write this novel as a warning because he believed Americans were losing their individual identity and it would only worsen in the fast paced future. He was outraged at American materialism, and the "me" nature of its citizens. Interesting. Anyways, Brave New World is set in London in the year 2540--a world where human cloning is the norm. Bernard Marx, however, is a short ALPHA who is a psychologist at the hatchery. He is ridiculed because of his size and "individual thinking." The other main character is Lenina Crowne a perfect BETA who works at the hatchery. They live in a world without a past as it has all been destroyed-NO ART, HISTORY, LITERATURE and the clones don't care because they have all been brainwashed and given an addictive drug that prevents them from forming emotional attachments. They are devoid of all intellectual curiosity and critical thinking as it is frowned upon by the World Controllers as this is how they retain power over the MASSES. Find out what happens to Lenina and Bernard after they spend a week at a Savage Reservation and return with two outcasts--Linda and her son John-- when you read this excellent novel that appears on the 100 best novels of all times list. This book is particularly relevant since the presidential election and all the crazy things that have been happening since Trump took over the throne. It's more important than ever to THINK--as we have more than enough sheep in the herd. Hope you enjoy this book--it's about 310 pages or a 5 mile run worth every second.

February 15, 2017 BE MY LITTLE BABY

Had a great run on Valentine's Day. It was cold and windy but the sun was out so it was bearable. Went alone though so I got to thinking about Valentine's Day.  It's a tricky day-- depending on your age. The little ones have it made--every kid gets a card--no one feels left out--everyone is happy. By the time we become teens-- things change. We fantasize about the most ridiculous things--I blame it on television. I can still remember praying I would get a special valentine from my latest CRUSH in high school--which made NO sense at all--considering the crush probably didn't even know I existed. I'm pretty sure I was a silent stalker TOO--but that's just an aside.  I also remember BEING disappointed too--  I can laugh about it now but at the time I was really sad. SO CRAZY--there is no logic involved here--so just go with it. Teens are not very realistic though. Why does everyone get  the perfect gift-- look perfect too-- and seem so DAMN happy on television? Isn't that how it works in real life?   What a joke! The problem is that  society in general is really influenced by this nonsense.   I feel sorry for people today because Valentine's Day is really competitive. With all those happy people on social media displaying their  perfect flowers, jewelry and sweethearts --it's a jungle out there. I'm just glad I don't have to worry about all that hoopla anymore. I'm very low maintenance--just give me one hour to go for a run and I'm happy--oh did I mention--a quick trip to Italy would be nice too?? Just Kidding?? Anyways,  I just finished reading a great classic written by Mary Shelley whose main character killed several people because his creator wouldn't make him a Valentine.

 Yes, I'm talking about Frankenstein.  First of all, just to avoid confusion, Victor Frankenstein is actually the doctor who created the creature who really has NO name and the book is actually quite different from any version of Frankenstein that you might have seen on television. The creature isn't really green and he doesn't have bolts sticking out of his neck. He is ginormous and has super human strength but that's as far as the similarities go. Victor Frankenstein, having seen a lightening bolt spark a tree, grows up to become a scientist who collects body parts from graves to bring his inanimate human to life. Unfortunately for the creature, he is so hideous looking that he is not accepted by Victor and is shunned by society. The creature is actually quite kind, but loneliness and isolation cause him to eventually turn to murder as revenge for his pathetic life. All the creature wants is for Victor to create a mate for him so that he can feel loved, but  Victor refuses and the creature turns his rage on everyone that Victor loves.  The interesting thing is that Victor and the creature end up the same---lonely, isolated, enraged, desperate. Mary Shelley was quite a writer at a time when women were seen and not heard too. She wrote the first version of Frankenstein in 1818 when she was all of twenty and rewrote the version most people know in 1831. It is a beautifully crafted book with writing that really captures the imagination. If you get a chance, pick up a copy of Frankenstein--the 1831 version--it's only about 120 pages or a 5 mile run--that will stick with you forever. Enjoy!

February 12, 2017 PAPERBACK WRITER

The most important card in my wallet is my library card. Bet you thought I'd say credit card, gym membership card-- AAA card--right? Not sure how many people would say library card-- but I'd be lost without it. It's cracked, worn and covered in renewal stickers as I use it more than any other card.  80% of the books I read come from the library--I go online-- order them from LION--then pick them up when I get the email. It's great-- I can't possibly buy every book I want to read or I'd go bankrupt. I actually ONLY buy books I've read--can't live without-- and want to keep in my library. Yes, I do have a library in my house. It's my favorite room. It's where I go to hide from my family--read and relax--surrounded by my favorite books.  These are the books I've read more than once and will read again--they bring me comfort for one reason or another. Sometimes it's the characters because they feel  like old friends. Some have just made me laugh out loud while others have taught me  life lessons or helped me to understand human nature and accept things that might otherwise be hard. I wish I could get more of my students to turn off their phones and open a book. They don't know what they're missing because no school can teach all I've learned from books. Anyways,  in my next life I'll either be a librarian or own a bookshop like The Strand in New York City--now that would be a dream come true. Clay Jannon, a laid off web designer from San Francisco, lands what I think would be the best job in the world when he is hired at Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore in Robin Sloan's fun read of 2012.
This quirky novel won several awards a few years ago including NPR book of the year, 100 best books of 2012 and was a finalist for the LA Times book award.  I have a weakness I must confess--as soon as I see the words book or bookstore in the title of a book, I feel obligated to read the book and in this case, I'm glad I did. Clay, the protagonist in the story,  takes the job at Mr. Penumbra's bookstore  because there is a recession going on--there are too many "techs" out there and he can't find another job. Little does he know, it will change his whole life. Mr. Penumbra's bookstore is an odd place. It is an  old, dusty store with out-of-date books and few customers. No one really buys anything. The only customers that come in are old and  dusty too. They seem to only go into the store to "borrow" copies of very old books from the back shelves. This book is part fantasy, mystery and adventure as Clay enlists his CEO friend and GOOGLE girlfriend to help him figure out what is really going on in this bookstore that doesn't sell books.  Their search leads them to the real Mr. Penumbra and a 500 year old secret society dedicated to the preservation of books. This is a great read with interesting characters. There is also a kind of tension in the novel too--- between modernity and antiquity or the printed book vs. the ebook that Sloan seems interested in exploring. Find out what happens to Clay, Mr. Penumbra and the secret society when you read this novel of about 288 pages. It's an easy read--equivalent to a 4 mile run--that will leave you wanting to at least check out this bookstore in person. enjoy.

February 9, 2017 HAZY SHADE OF WINTER

SNOW DAY. It's one of the best things about being a teacher--every so often we get an extra day off. IT'S A TRUE GIFT at a time of year when everyone is sick or has been sick and needs a break.  It's really coming down out there too.  Between the wind and the snow, I can barely see my back yard. Thankfully, I squeezed in a run yesterday so I can just relax and enjoy the day. The weather has truly gone mad though. Yesterday, I ran in capris and a short sleeve shirt--it was at least 55 degrees and today we are in the midst of a blizzard complete with growls of  thunder and 25 mph winds??  It's bizarre, but I'll take it. As much as I appreciate the beauty of newly fallen snow, I am really not a huge fan of snow. It really is only pretty for a short time. Between the plows and human traffic, it turns into a sloppy mess that can be treacherous for the runner who prefers to run outside. That's where YAKTRAX come in though--no we are NOT super heroes we wear YAKTRAX.  They really give the added traction necessary to run during those difficult times. So, if you don't have a pair and you really want to run or walk outside--GET SOME. Lev Beniov and Kolya the main characters of David Benioff's great novel City of Thieves would have really benefitted from a pair as the trekked through the besieged city of Leningrad during World War II searching for a dozen eggs. Before I go any further, let me tell you a little about Benioff.

 He is a novelist, screenwriter, director and co-creator of the ever popular HBO series Game of Thrones. He has also written screenplays for several well-known movies  and I would not be surprised to see this book on the big screen too. Anyways, seventeen year old Lev Beniov is the narrator of this unforgettable story. Lev has been arrested and thrown in jail for pilfering the corpse of a German paratrooper--the punishment is execution. His cell mate is Kolya, a handsome, Russian deserter--the punishment for his crime is also execution. They have one alternative--A powerful soviet colonel has agreed to spare them if they can find a dozen eggs for his daughter's wedding cake. The two embark on a journey behind enemy lines to the Russian countryside--a lawless place suffering from deprivation, death and starvation--to secure a dozen eggs and their lives.  This is a story about courage and friendship during a harrowing time in history. Will the twosome find twelve eggs for the colonel, or meet death who lurks in every shadow another way?  Read this terrifying, yet darkly humorous coming of age story to find out what ultimately happens to this unlikely pair.  I really loved this book and you will too.  It's about 250 pages or  a 5 mile run that you will never forget and find impossible to put down.

February 7, 2017 SOUTHERN CROSS

The dreaded flu taught me an important lesson. BE THANKFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS. I can't begin to describe the SIMPLE PLEASURE I felt at being well enough to go for a run again. YIPPIE!!! IT HAD BEEN OVER A WEEK and I was really itching to get back on the road. There is nothing quite like pounding the pavement on FRESH legs on a sunny day in February.  It doesn't get much better than that. This may sound strange--but I felt lost without it.  My life-- to a large degree-- really revolves around running. When I get that run in, all is right with the world. So being sick messes me up on every level--my routine fall by the wayside and everything else falls apart. I need to run-- it helps me focus and keep everything in perspective. It also helps me stay positive in a world filled with negativity AND gives me the energy I need to face it. IT IS MY COMPASS.  Every so often, I need to be reminded that I shouldn't take it for granted. It is really a gift and I'm lucky to have it. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a compass to help guide their life-- this is especially evident in Oscar Wilde's classic of 1891 The Picture of Dorian Gray.  

Set in Victorian Era England, Dorian is a well-cultured, handsome man who takes up residence with his aunt in London. He is introduced to English society including Lord Henry Wotton and a well-known artist named Basil Hallward. Upon meeting Dorian, Basil is captured by his good looks and asks Dorian to sit for a portrait. The painting is wonderful because it truly captures the essence of Dorian AND his strapping good looks.  Dorian falls in love with the image and decides to "make a deal with the devil." Dorian wishes that the painted image of himself would age and that he himself would remain forever young and beautiful. Sounds simple enough right-- Be careful what you wish for. This novel reminds me of a twist on Faust--If you make a deal with the devil??  Eighteen years go by and everyone ages except Dorian. His vanity grows insatiable, as does his cruelty and selfish behavior. His moral sensibilities are such that they offend British society and he is shunned by his so called friends. Maybe staying young and beautiful forever isn't all it's cracked up to be. Find out what ultimately happens to Dorian, Basil and Lord Henry when you read this fine example of Gothic literature. It's about 250 pages--or a 5 mile run--with a timeless moral we should all heed. Happy reading.

February 4, 2017 CAT SCRATCH FEVER

 Exhausted, Lethargic, Feverish = NO Running, Reading, Writing. Pretty sure I've had a touch of the flu--chills, headache that feels like a helmet around the head,  achy from head to toe too. WHY ME? I don't get sick often-- I'm too stubborn and impatient-- but when I do-- it tends to linger--MY OWN FAULT. First,  I try the DENIAL thing--nah, it's just a cold--and then I try--THE SUPER WOMAN THING--I  keep running and working--followed by the -- I CAN BEAT THIS THING--UNTL-- I hit THE brick wall. Needless to say, I haven't been able to do a thing since Wednesday except sleep, couch surf and wonder--WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO RUN AGAIN, READ AGAIN, WRITE MY BLOG AGAIN?? Yes, I am an IMPATIENT PATIENT.  Still not feeling great--but hey-- I can at least look at a computer screen without getting dizzy--albeit --for only short periods of time--don't worry--Super Woman's gonna get this blog done.  Gotta get up--get movin' too-- I have this 1000 mile challenge thing and my waistline isn't shrinking with my butt  ATTACHED to the couch--I LITERALLY HAVE NO TIME OR PATIENCE FOR THIS SICK THING. I'M NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE-- I'm just CRAZY enough to try to go for a run tomorrow too-- even though a more reasonable and PATIENT person would wait a few more days. I'm sure I'll pay for trying.....BUT THAT'S JUST WHO I AM. One thing is for certain, I would make a horrible detective. I am unreasonable and impatient, the complete opposite of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache from Louise Penny's award winning detective series.
Penny's mysteries are great reads for several reasons. First off, she is a great writer and her stories are filled with unique, interesting characters who appear in every story---13 novels to date. She also writes a great mystery--I've read two so far and have not figured out "who done it" until the last page. She also has several interesting subplots going on to keep the reader off balance--each story is a mystery within a mystery. Fun reading. Winter is tough for me, but I figure I'll get through it quite easily binge reading these hard to put down stories. I recommend reading the first in the series called Still Life even though they can be read in any order--I actually read the newest novel first because it was recommended in my bookclub.  Still Life is set in a quaintly township called Three Pines near Montreal as Chief Inspector Gamache works for the Surete du Quebec. An elderly woman named Jane Neal has been found dead in an apparent "accident" in the woods on Thanksgiving morning. Gamache and his team of investigators head out to the town where the reader is treated to meeting a host of quirky characters--lifers in a town that can't even be located on a map. Was it a tragic hunting accident or could one of the townspeople really be a murderer?  Don't worry, Gamache and his team will solve this mystery. Gamache might even fall in love with this strange town and it's inhabitants by the end too. Penny's novel is about 300 pages--easy to read but hard to put down--about a 4-5 mile run--that will leave you wanting to read the next one. Guaranteed.