I visited a woman today whose death is eminent. I had a chance to take a look at her trim and neat home. I saw the plaque she received upon her retirement from decades of employment; the many needlepoint items that she obviously lovingly made (we share a love for needle arts); the New Orleans streetcar apron (the streetcar was just like the one I was riding earlier in the day) that had her name sewn at the top; family photographs; medicines; booze atop her refrigerator; sticky notes of numbers near her phone. All the things that come together to form the interests of a lifetime.

Death is a part of life, we all know. But it doesn't make it any less sad.

I hope whomever gets her handmade pillows and family photographs cherish them as she did. And that her personalized apron does not end up in a trash heap along with her old cold creams and powders.

I finished "The Glass Castle" in no time as a result of being sick. That woman endured some horrendous childhood! It would never have worked as fiction--it's hard to believe what she and her siblings survived and overcame to succeed.

Now I am onto "Suite Francaise." It's moving slowly. Lots of characters. I think I will certainly enjoy it; it just may take a while to complete.

Maria0305 reminded me that I've been (for years) wanting to read "In Cold Blood." So thanks, Maria! I am sure I will like it -- I LOVE LOVE LOVE "Breakfast at Tiffany's." There is not one comma, one word, one letter of that book that I would change. It is the most perfectly written book I've ever read. I am sure his later work will equally impress.

Do you have a good book you think I'd like to read? I am always looking for something good to read!

Happy Reading, Y'all!

I just finished Nicole Krauss' "The History of Love." This was a fine novel with many nice writing techniques. I find more and more that I like one's writing as much as I like the story. Bad writing can kill a good story. Whereas strong writing can make a good story great.

And for me, I like a good character study. Not so much on the action or fantasy or sci-fi. So for me, I can really sink my teeth into a story like "The History of Love," a book that analyzes not less than three characters and spans 75 years. Its topic is love (obviously) but it isn't sappy or melodramatic. It felt real.

Next up, "The Glass Castle." Hope it's as good!

This is THE weekend for Mardi Gras. Parades all day and night. We endeavor to be at many of them. So that means I won't be here.

Have a wonderful weekend and I'll be back soon.

OY MY VAY! My website is driving me crazy. Damn technology!