Monday, August 25, 2008

Monday Musings

Current Reading: The Doomsday Book, by Connie Willis

Inspirational Quote: "Sometimes I think it is a great mistake to have matter that can think and feel. It complains so. By the same token, though, I suppose that boulders and mountains and moons could be accused of being a little too phlegmatic." -- Kurt Vonnegut

Stuff that's been on my mind lately:

For some reason, I've been obsessing over the Lord of the Rings. I've re-watched the Peter Jackson movies and I've been playing Battle For Middle Earth II instead of... well, everything else. I'm even thinking of digging out and re-reading my vintage 1980 Unwin editions of the books. Unfortunately, that would involve digging into the recesses of my shed, a prospect that would cause Indiana Jones to hang up his whip and stomp on his hat.

I have a black thumb. I figure the only way I could kill all the dandelions in my yard would be to decide to take care of them. However, I seem to have no problem growing grass and a small bush in my eaves troughs.

Recent economic trends have made it apparent that my retirement plan has become Freedom 95.

My daughter has grown out of her toddler bed. My youngest son wears shoes only a size smaller than mine. My oldest son is developing a non-abstract interest in girls and a disturbing habit of thinking his own thoughts (teenagers... sheesh!). They're growing up and I do not recall them asking permission to do so.

This September 2nd, I'll have been married 19 years. Some people take such a long marriage as evidence that we've figured everything out. Nope. We're just fascinated by things we don't understand (eg: each other).

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hello!

I found your blog through a comment you left on Nathan Bransford's and I was wondering if you would mind me quoting your comment in my blog. I think it's hilarious! And also a perfect example of everything you shouldn't do in a query letter! If you're amenable, just leave a comment on my blog or e-mail me at phyn.sera@gmail.com

Thanks!
Sera

slcard said...

Dear Ulysses:

I too have come to your blog by way of Thursday's comment at Nathan Bransford's site. It was very entertaining. Admittedly, I've also viewed your profile in the past, as your comments are always intelligent and well written. A personal fondness for the Greek hero Odysseus played a small part as well.

I write today, however, regarding your earlier post on classics. I was very interested in your list -- surprised none were underlined -- and thought it unfortunate no one had suggested classics for a SF/F list.

I would be very interested in such a list and would like to suggest:

Frank Herbert's Dune
Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451
Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game
John Wyndham's Trouble with Lichen

And perhaps (I would be very interested in your opinion here):

Homer's Iliad and Odyssey
The Epic of Gilgamesh
As well as numerous other myths, legends and fairy tales

Of course, some already on your top 100 list would cross over. I would include:

1984
The Hobbit
The Lord of the Rings
His Dark Materials

If you get a top 100 list for SF/F classics I would love to see it. I can be reached at sl_card@ns.sympatico.ca

Thanks for the humour and insight.

Sincerely,

S.L. Card