Hi! More apologies follow more posting sloth, that manifestation of laziness that either inspires dull minds or minds dull inspiration; though I'm afraid this case is the former, me having been wholly enveloped by spring break and its reveries. I really hope to start a post without these apologies -- a lofty goal for such an idle scribe -- but habit is strong, indeed!
You mentioned The Grapes of Wrath (by John Steinbeck). My English class has also been studying him, with his Of Mice and Men. His novels seem to capture the essence and feeling of the American Dream, while maintaining reality, and they're quite compelling, often leading to minds full of rumination, as well (hooray for awkward phrasing!) The Lost Horizon has been added to my mental queue of books to read -- thank you! Utopian satires also seem to provoke many new thoughts.
"And now for something completely different." I think that today I had one of the best runs (thus far) of my life! Many factors may have contributed to it: the general feeling of optimism inspired by the siesta from school, the almost ideal weather, my adequate hydration... However, I set out to run further than I had in some time -- three miles more, in fact, than I'm accustomed to. And then, deep into the route (about 3/4 the distance, I think), I encountered a road block, which, to circumnavigate, added at least another 1.5 - 2 miles to the intended distance. So, I came to run more than more than I've been accustomed to, and yet I felt great the whole time. All considered, I think it was primarily my mind's optimism that led to such optimal results. How incredible the human mind is!
With well-wishes,
Vergil.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Ah! If only one could remember to write...
It seems you and I have similar problems in the posting department.
In response (belatedly) to your last post, I believe I got all three of you HP trivia correct, although I was a bit iffy on Lockhart's favorite color. I keep attempting to think of a question for you, but they all seem to have slipped my mind....
As to your reading, I completely understand the sort of book you are talking about. Not directly connected, but also thought provoking, I've been reading The Grapes of Wrath (I don't remember the author). You most likely have read this also. It is a miserable story, yet for some reason incredibly engaging. I find it frustrating to know that it will end badly. In case you are not familiar with it, it is the story of a family in Oklahoma who originally were squatters on the land they farm. Naturally, eventually they are kicked off with the invention of tractors and must move elsewhere. And so begins their doomed journey to California. It really is an intriguing book. I also just read The Lost Horizon by James Hilton. You are most likely privy to this one as well, but I will explain just in case. It is the story of a man in the 1930's who was a brilliant officer in the war but who has been entirely used up. Glad to finally be escaping his life in the army, he boards a plane with three others. Unfortunately, they're plane is highjacked and they are taken to a hidden valley in the Tibetan mountains. There they discover a monastery where they believe in peace and moderation. That is what I found most interesting. Their entire way of life is built around this idea of moderation. Everyone is moderately honest, moderately obedient, moderately kind, and they have created a valley of peace. The catch is in order to keep their valley unspoiled, once discovered, they won't let anyone leave. Their whole purpose is to keep one small pocket of the world free of war, deceit, and hate. Interesting thoughts, all in all.
Now I must leave. I have places to go, and school to do and all that.
Your friend,
Megan
In response (belatedly) to your last post, I believe I got all three of you HP trivia correct, although I was a bit iffy on Lockhart's favorite color. I keep attempting to think of a question for you, but they all seem to have slipped my mind....
As to your reading, I completely understand the sort of book you are talking about. Not directly connected, but also thought provoking, I've been reading The Grapes of Wrath (I don't remember the author). You most likely have read this also. It is a miserable story, yet for some reason incredibly engaging. I find it frustrating to know that it will end badly. In case you are not familiar with it, it is the story of a family in Oklahoma who originally were squatters on the land they farm. Naturally, eventually they are kicked off with the invention of tractors and must move elsewhere. And so begins their doomed journey to California. It really is an intriguing book. I also just read The Lost Horizon by James Hilton. You are most likely privy to this one as well, but I will explain just in case. It is the story of a man in the 1930's who was a brilliant officer in the war but who has been entirely used up. Glad to finally be escaping his life in the army, he boards a plane with three others. Unfortunately, they're plane is highjacked and they are taken to a hidden valley in the Tibetan mountains. There they discover a monastery where they believe in peace and moderation. That is what I found most interesting. Their entire way of life is built around this idea of moderation. Everyone is moderately honest, moderately obedient, moderately kind, and they have created a valley of peace. The catch is in order to keep their valley unspoiled, once discovered, they won't let anyone leave. Their whole purpose is to keep one small pocket of the world free of war, deceit, and hate. Interesting thoughts, all in all.
Now I must leave. I have places to go, and school to do and all that.
Your friend,
Megan
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Oh no! I broke the blog!
Or surely came close to it after that void. A school year, in its third semester, always seems to present the most work, and this year makes no exception. But I must apologize, as a fair portion of the hiatus should be attributed to my utter laziness...
Trivia! My Harry Potter repository has sprung a leak, but thank the faithful dregs! How high are the standard Quidditch goal posts? Why were muggles' lawns so dry at the beginning of OotP? What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite color? (That last may be less obscure than I believe it to be.) Have you any trivia?
My psychology class recently studied the book American Psycho. It easily ranks among the most creepy and perverted things I have read, but perhaps the most meaningful. Essentially it concerns a man who, outwardly, appears to idealize the Wall Street businessman, but whose fissured mind causes him to kill others, out of insanity. It is not a happy or clean book, and I should suggest you not to read it, unless you find your life devoid of meaning (after which you would definately be able to find some.) I just find it incredible that sometimes one must venture through the darkest of places to return with the realization of light.
I must be off, and hope you (and your local weather) are well!
Vergil.
P.S. The consecutive trivia answers: 50 feet, because a restriction was placed on water usage, lilac
Trivia! My Harry Potter repository has sprung a leak, but thank the faithful dregs! How high are the standard Quidditch goal posts? Why were muggles' lawns so dry at the beginning of OotP? What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite color? (That last may be less obscure than I believe it to be.) Have you any trivia?
My psychology class recently studied the book American Psycho. It easily ranks among the most creepy and perverted things I have read, but perhaps the most meaningful. Essentially it concerns a man who, outwardly, appears to idealize the Wall Street businessman, but whose fissured mind causes him to kill others, out of insanity. It is not a happy or clean book, and I should suggest you not to read it, unless you find your life devoid of meaning (after which you would definately be able to find some.) I just find it incredible that sometimes one must venture through the darkest of places to return with the realization of light.
I must be off, and hope you (and your local weather) are well!
Vergil.
P.S. The consecutive trivia answers: 50 feet, because a restriction was placed on water usage, lilac
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"And what of a title? Surely the title does not make the song, but the song the title."
I just made that up.... It sounded nice.
As to what provides happiness, I must agree, I believe. Friends, as you said, are the natural first choice, but I think your citing of hobbies is extremely important as well. Not simply in enjoying ones self, but I have discovered how much clearer my thinking, and how much better my attitude when I spend my excess time reading rather than youtube-ing. Or even one step further, reading something stimulating, such as LOTR, rather than, say, Twilight. (I assume you have heard of all the swooning teenage girls have done over that particular story). I can't deny that I do enjoy Twilight, but the mind is nurtured so much better by a deeper thought behind the words on the page. Not only reading opposed to computer, however. How much better to immerse yourself in the arts rather than media! There is so much joy to be found in so many different things. I believe I rather understand why you enjoy cross country.
Thank you for your assessment of the otter! I really feel quite flattered. I hope you don't mind the re-naming of this blog. I'm afraid I didn't particularly like the first, although I did pick it. Please feel free to change it at any time.
A snow day, eh? I'm afraid I'm rather jealous. We've been having 30 degree weather down here and it's RAINED TWICE this week. I'm a bit disgusted with the weather.
I really need to go. My parents are telling me to go to bed, but I thought I'd mention that I'm rereading the HP series and am locked in a serious battle of trivia with a friend. Have any good HP trivia questions up your sleeve?
Your friend, as always,
Megan
As to what provides happiness, I must agree, I believe. Friends, as you said, are the natural first choice, but I think your citing of hobbies is extremely important as well. Not simply in enjoying ones self, but I have discovered how much clearer my thinking, and how much better my attitude when I spend my excess time reading rather than youtube-ing. Or even one step further, reading something stimulating, such as LOTR, rather than, say, Twilight. (I assume you have heard of all the swooning teenage girls have done over that particular story). I can't deny that I do enjoy Twilight, but the mind is nurtured so much better by a deeper thought behind the words on the page. Not only reading opposed to computer, however. How much better to immerse yourself in the arts rather than media! There is so much joy to be found in so many different things. I believe I rather understand why you enjoy cross country.
Thank you for your assessment of the otter! I really feel quite flattered. I hope you don't mind the re-naming of this blog. I'm afraid I didn't particularly like the first, although I did pick it. Please feel free to change it at any time.
A snow day, eh? I'm afraid I'm rather jealous. We've been having 30 degree weather down here and it's RAINED TWICE this week. I'm a bit disgusted with the weather.
I really need to go. My parents are telling me to go to bed, but I thought I'd mention that I'm rereading the HP series and am locked in a serious battle of trivia with a friend. Have any good HP trivia questions up your sleeve?
Your friend, as always,
Megan
Monday, January 19, 2009
A. H.E.L.L.O.
Another 'Hi' Enduring Laborious Longevity, and Otters.
I now, out of hypocrisy, perhaps, make my own amends at not posting. It must be said that I simply lacked the motivation (until now) to squeeze from my mind something worthy to be read. We'll see how that turns out, though. (*facetious chuckle*)
Reading the above, it seems quite nasty in character. More amends! Anyway, to respond... Perhaps my happiness flows from good friends, as cliche as it seems. Or from engaging hobbies. Probably from a bit of both. Although, I seem to have abandoned the very emotion associated with one's first Christmases, replaced by new flavors of joy.
An otter seems ideal for you - both being resourceful, clever, courageous, and well-balanced, amongst other traits! Although no name comes to mind that epitomizes an otter manifestation of you.
Congratulations for your Pre-cal homework (I hope these aren't too belated.) Speaking of school, mine took a snow day last Friday, incredible because this hasn't happened since the early elementary years, despite worse snows since then. How is Georgia's weather? And how are you? And how is your reading of late (so oft the sealing question...)?
Abruptly,
Vergil.
I now, out of hypocrisy, perhaps, make my own amends at not posting. It must be said that I simply lacked the motivation (until now) to squeeze from my mind something worthy to be read. We'll see how that turns out, though. (*facetious chuckle*)
Reading the above, it seems quite nasty in character. More amends! Anyway, to respond... Perhaps my happiness flows from good friends, as cliche as it seems. Or from engaging hobbies. Probably from a bit of both. Although, I seem to have abandoned the very emotion associated with one's first Christmases, replaced by new flavors of joy.
An otter seems ideal for you - both being resourceful, clever, courageous, and well-balanced, amongst other traits! Although no name comes to mind that epitomizes an otter manifestation of you.
Congratulations for your Pre-cal homework (I hope these aren't too belated.) Speaking of school, mine took a snow day last Friday, incredible because this hasn't happened since the early elementary years, despite worse snows since then. How is Georgia's weather? And how are you? And how is your reading of late (so oft the sealing question...)?
Abruptly,
Vergil.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
What does one put in a title?
Ah Christmas! The grand event of the past no more! I can definitely say that I understand your lackluster experience. I can't say that I can totally empathize, but I do understand. Every year a little bit more of the excitement wanes. I suppose that it is not as dramatic a change for me simply because I still have three close siblings to keep alive the spirit of childhood. Not only that but the happy occasion of their arrival home makes up where Christmas lacks. Although Christmas is different I suppose... Money tight, definitely, and life transitions in full swing. I do hope that I do not compare our respective Christmases unfairly. I wish you all the happiness of next years holiday, new year, and hopefully the excitement of Christmas will show up belatedly at some undisclosed point. In fact, I am certain that one must always find something to take as much joy in as a child does in Christmas. One simply can't live without some kind of happiness to spur imagination. I wonder what you have found as a replacement to the childhood joys.... I wonder what I have found. I shall think on it.
As for your reading, it seems to have done you good. Bayil Ringtail is a superb name. And a vole I believe fairly fitting for one such as yourself. Never having actually seen one however, I cannot vouch for the resemblance, but one would hope it is not too close. I suppose a hedgehog doesn't exactly fit my description. I can't say I've ever been called 'prickly' or even 'cute and cuddly', but then again, perhaps those are not descriptions to be sought after. In fact, I think I'll stay away from the prickly bit. I believe I had thought I'd be an otter. Unfortunately, being the incredibly creative and imaginative person I am, I cannot remember my previous name nor come up with a new one. Suggestions most welcome. In the mean time, I shall think on it.
I seem to have run on. I suppose I'm a bit on the slap-happy side of things. I just discovered that the massive amount of Pre-cal homework I thought all due this week is, in fact, not due until next week, some of which will be done in class. *whew* Needless to say, I'm a tad relieved.
Best wishes as always, and thank you sincerly your offer of unburdening minds and such- it's good to know,
Megan
As for your reading, it seems to have done you good. Bayil Ringtail is a superb name. And a vole I believe fairly fitting for one such as yourself. Never having actually seen one however, I cannot vouch for the resemblance, but one would hope it is not too close. I suppose a hedgehog doesn't exactly fit my description. I can't say I've ever been called 'prickly' or even 'cute and cuddly', but then again, perhaps those are not descriptions to be sought after. In fact, I think I'll stay away from the prickly bit. I believe I had thought I'd be an otter. Unfortunately, being the incredibly creative and imaginative person I am, I cannot remember my previous name nor come up with a new one. Suggestions most welcome. In the mean time, I shall think on it.
I seem to have run on. I suppose I'm a bit on the slap-happy side of things. I just discovered that the massive amount of Pre-cal homework I thought all due this week is, in fact, not due until next week, some of which will be done in class. *whew* Needless to say, I'm a tad relieved.
Best wishes as always, and thank you sincerly your offer of unburdening minds and such- it's good to know,
Megan
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