stunning, just stunning.
I just finished the most beautiful, magical book.
I know this because when I read the first two pages while waiting for a friend to show up for dinner, I was cracking up at the random quirkiness and thought to myself, “I am going to devour this book.” (I really did think that, because then I thought about how it was strange that I chose the word “devour” to describe my feelings.)
I know this because on Monday, I read 141 pages and was captivated the entire time.
I know this because it is Tuesday, well really Wednesday at 1:52am, and I just finished it.
I know this because I’m writing this entry in a similar fashion as to how the author writes the novel.
I know this because I was so touched that I cried the entire last hour of reading it.
I know this because my first thought when I put the book down was, “That was incredible.”
I know this because I’m breaking my rule of not writing more than one blog postings in a day.
I know this because I know I am going to run out to Border’s tomorrow and pick up this author’s freshman effort, “Everything Is Illuminated.”
I know this because I can’t wait to tell the world how brilliant this book is, but I must wait because it’s 1:52am and no one is awake except my friend in Japan (and yes, I did tell him).
I know this because I am online, googling its title, in an effort to extend the story and allow myself to continue reading it – the book, about the book, whatever is available.
I know this because I think the joy of reading has finally been returned to me.
I know this because I’m incredibly sad that I’m done.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. You must check it out.
band-aid
I love many things, but one of the things I love the most is a clever sentence that illustrates a point in a poetic/memorable manner. Really.
Anyway…I stand in awe of Hillary Clinton’s caustic attack against the Bush administration, particularly since it was extemporaneous, in tonight’s Democratic debate:
“We’ve got to turn the page on George Bush and Dick Cheney. In fact, we have to throw the whole book away. This has been a disastrous period in American history, and we hope it will be aberration.”
Ouch. Turn the page, sure. But throw the book away? That’s new. Regardless of your political beliefs, you must concede that’s a pretty powerful statement. If that were my uncouth self on the debate floor, I’d probably say something like, “And, um, George Bush and Dick Cheney, like, suck. Yea.”
food for thought
Now that I’m back to reading my beloved Dining In section of the Times, I have these tidbits to share with you:
- Raw olives contain high levels of oleuropein, an acidic compound that makes olives unpalatable unless it is removed. To leech the oleuropein out, commercial olive makers artificially ripen the olive through a nice soak in…lye. Lye…the same ingredient of soap, drain decloggers, laundry detergent, and metal polishers. Oh yummy.
- Baby carrots are actually adult carrots cut down into smaller pieces! I’ve been eating a lie.
ridiculous
You may already be aware of the following, but I was appalled when I learned of this today.
When the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was unveiled to the public, officials “hid” Maya Lin, winner of the memorial design competition. Relegated to the background, she wasn’t permitted to show her presence. Officials feared rejection of the piece if it became widely known that the designer of a memorial to the fallen of a highly controversial Asian war, was an Asian herself.
Had the designer been a white male, he undoubtedly would have been trumpeted in with great fanfare, and asked to give a public speech in commemoration.
I also didn’t realize Well-Known White Male Frederick Hart was commissioned to sculpt a traditional monument of three soldiers nearby, to appease critics of Lin’s work.
What ignorance.
shenanigans and tomfoolery
Justification for my blog hiatus through pictures.
Trip with the bro to visit the sis in SD. Hopped, skipped, and jumped over TJ – here’s a street vendor preparing our delectable churros. She looks a little grumpy mcgrumpy.
Adventures in NY with Benita. We accomplished our three goals by the end of the night (to some degree): make new international friends, hitch a ride in a limo, and crash a party. Proof below.
Back in time for a threesome birthday party. Given my impressive “graceful” and “timely” exit for the third time in well, three years, I ought to earn some sort of accolade. Elain probably should too. Here we are, in a rare moment of lucidity.
The sibs also flew in and surprised me! Here we are at my favorite brunch spot, Absinthe, the morning after:
And this past weekend – all the relatives went back home to celebrate my grandfather’s 100th birthday! High consumption of soybeans and white rice will get you very far.
It’s been a fun month. Looking forward to another.
yipee
I am so thrilled. The Edward Hopper exhibit is showing at the National Gallery of Art and I get another chance to see it! I already saw it at the MFA in Boston but was under great pressure to rush through, as I arrived 45 minutes before closing. I merely glanced at Nighthawks, which is so terribly tragic.
Oh good fortune, it is here. But wait, the Jasper Johns exhibit is still running! I didn’t even walk in when I was at the NGA in the summer because I didn’t care (flags? stenciled numbers?). Thanks to good ‘ol art class though, I’m quite taken by Johns now. Some of these artists really follow the most bizarre philosophies, but Johns actually preached one that I understand, and agree with.
So yes, good timing. And…Morris Louis is at the Hirschorn! All in all, it is going to be a fabulous day of fabulousness.
paradigm shift?
Blog as my baby to blog as my tabula rasa. Literally.
Please forgive me. I’m trying to think of what I could have been doing this past month that made me of those people. And all I could think of was…frolicking through five cities within the span of seven days (one being Tijuana), celebrating my birthday (“un”memorable, if you know what I mean), attempting to haul in some business Chinese (continuing challenge), frantically studying for my midterm (six weeks of reading folded into 2 days).
In that time, I have now come to a disturbing realization: I was so preoccupied with life that I didn’t buy or really read the food section of the NYTimes for the past two weeks!! Can I even forgive myself for such a slip? Not to fear. Now that I’ve gained awareness of my lack of awareness, I will continue my quest to learn more yesterday.
Stay tuned, dear reader, stay tuned.
