--I am seeing/reading/hearing people paying tribute to Denis Johnson by talking about how much his work meant to them. I tried to read Jesus' Son after seeing the movie. I remember feeling puzzled, but not moved, the way so many people are. Perhaps I should try again. I used to feel the same way about Raymond Carver, and then a friend told me how much "A Small, Good Thing" had meant to her. I'd read it before and not been impressed, but I read it again--and was blown away.
--I am much sadder about the loss of Zbigniew Brzezinski--what an amazing analyst/creator of foreign policy.
--In terms of national news, I'm beginning to think that some folks are going to end up in jail for treason. Setting up a secret channel of communication--with the Russians????? What alternate world do these people live in? The news headlines are beyond anything I could imagine if I was trying to create a corrupt administration in a fictional world of my creating. It makes me feel like my imagination has shriveled up somewhere along the way.
--I heard a quote from someone in the intelligence sector--maybe former CIA director Brennan. The person talked about how often people find themselves on a path that leads to treason before they even realize they're headed towards treason. But setting up a secret communication channel--when is that ever a good idea?
--Happily, my work does not seem to have set me on a path to treason. This week was a tough one for faculty at my college--lots of people out, so I did some teaching for some classes (Humanities), while making arrangements for others (like Math). It was fun to be in a physical classroom again, not an online classroom. The students give me hope for the future, unlike our current political leaders.
--And now, a 3 day week-end! I haven't had a week day off since Jan. 2--and almost every week has had me working 45-60 hours in the office--not to mention the nights I wake up at 1:30 with my head full of stuff that won't let me sleep. I am very ready for a day off--and most week-end, I can sleep; it's the nights before I have to go to work in the morning where my brain seems overengaged.
--What will I do with a 3 day week-end? Why, chores, of course. The weeds have overtaken the yard, and we're still troubleshooting the pool. And the cordless lawnmower has finally stopped holding a charge. Sigh.
--But let me not get lost in chore woe. Let me remember that I will have time for delights too. There will be some wine and cheese. And there will be some brunch, I think.
--Hopefully there will also be some time to read. My friend and I have decided to read Drabble's The Radiant Way (which in my head I've been calling The Realms of Gold). Sure, I could read Denis Johnson--but I'd rather read Margaret Drabble.
Best Essay Collections of 2017 by Women Authors
7 years ago
No comments:
Post a Comment