Happy Halloween!

Today we're watching Fear Fest on AMC, cooking chili, carving a pumpkin, handing out treats... all in all a pretty perfect Halloween and a nice Saturday. Hope you enjoy your day as much as I plan too.

And before I forget a very happy birthday to my bff, Jane Marie.

Just, Margaret

October Book Review

Excitedly most of the books on the list this month were bought at Shakespeare and Company in Paris though I'm sure you could find any of them in your local bookstore.

MY SISTER'S KEEPER by JODI PICOULT

I actually finished this book in September but traveling prevented a review until now. First to say I enjoyed this book doesn't feel right at all. How can one enjoy a story this depressing! I did find the ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering and organ donation intriguing. When I finally reached the ending- a task that at times felt like a journey toward inevitability- I found the author's conclusion predictable and lamentably tidy for an otherwise challenging/frustrating text. Read one if you want to know what all the fuss is about, but don't expect to find a classic wrapped in a summer read. [read]

THE READER by BERNHARD SCHLICK

I devoured this book in little over 24 hours. Remarkably easy to read for an English translation of a foreign text. The story is excellent and made me really appreciate the movie's interpretation. Still make sure to read the book because brilliant passages need to be verbally consumed. Next time I pick it up I plan to read it aloud. [read, re-read, recommend]

THE WOMAN IN BLACK by SUSAN HILL

A well written, short ghost story. This is definitely a classic read for October when if you are at all like me you enjoy thinking of ghost and ghouls. Not overly frightening, it reads like a conclusion to a night of ghost stories around a fire as it is intended. [read, re-read]

MOSTLY HARMLESS by DOUGLAS ADAMS

The final installment to THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY diverts little from the trajectory set forth by the four books previous. Still humorous, the story plays with the idea of linear time measurements which made the timeline of the first few chapter more than a bit complicated. Overall a great conclusion to a very fun series. [read, re-read, recommend]

Just, Margaret

Rediscovering a beloved classic

I loved the Anne books when I was a child. I wept as I finished the final chapter Rilla of Ingleside simply because I felt like I was saying goodbye to a friend. I decided just before I left the UK that I would re-read these favorite books of my childhood. I'm kinda hoping to rediscover what it is that attracted me to the books and what about Anne I so admired... probably that after all her silliness and flights of independence she ended up with Gilbert [smile]. He was my first literary love.

Just, Margaret

Art in Paris

Okay just one more post about Paris. While walking through the city I encountered street art, galleries displaying their wares, and even full blown art exhibits.

Too cool... and begs the question "Why wouldn't something like that work in the United States?" Quick answer, we don't walk anywhere, but I don't really want to get started on that. Too early in my new life in the US to complain about some of the ways we could learn from the rest of the world. Just something to think about.

Just, Margaret

Paris

Just a few pictures from the almost 200 that I took over three days in Paris. The fall palate made taking photos like a tourist too hard to resist. I had so much fun despite the rain. Really felt like a birthday present to myself. And I have to say that it never occurred to me when I was younger that this kinda of trip might coincide with my 26th birthday. I used a day-by-day guide to the city and crammed my days with the sights I missed on my first visit to Paris... La Marais, Montmartra and Sacra Coeur, Musee d'Orsay, Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company, and a boat tour down the Seine. I feel like I've now experienced the city in full... at least until the next time I find myself passing through. If anyone was wondering my high school French was barely passable. Could read some signs, but not speak a word. So apart from breakfast in the hostel, most of my day was spent in silence. [smile]

Just, Margaret

Today's my birthday.

Not sure what else to say other than I've enjoyed celebrating with the family. Hope you've had a good day too.

Just, Margaret

I'm home

Arrived safely on US soil Thursday afternoon. It feels so great! Really I practically knocked over my dad hugging him at the airport. I've already checked three things off my "American foods I'm craving" list. Thin Mint Blizzard on the way home from the airport, Waffle House breakfast yesterday morning, and for dinner last night... can you say PIZZA from Mellow Mushroom! I've also started working on sorting out my life here. Already picked up a new cell phone and reactivated my old number. Text or phone if you have the number... as I'm trying to update my old contact info. Picked up a few applications for some part time work and will start looking for a car next week.

But this weekend, I'm celebrating. Tonight several of my best friends are headed my way for dinner. Tomorrow grandparents, uncle, and a sister or two will make the journey for church and lunch afterward. In the midst of it all I'm still trying to get on the right schedule. Going to bed at what is an appropriate EST time 10 to 10:30 both nights, but waking up so so early. Yesterday exactly at 6AM and this morning at 5:30. At least I have a sweet dog, Tootie, who is cool with keeping me company until my parents who can sleep to a decent hour are up.

Lots of updates to come... of my time at Taize and in Paris. Stay tuned.

Just, Margaret

D-Day

Got on a plane early this morning bound for the United States. Sad to say goodbye to Bristol, but so excited to be going home. I'll give you an update in a few days when I've had a chance to recover from jet lag and celebrate a little.

Just, Margaret