Time Traveling... Would you want to?

I'm halfway through The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. At this point, the book hasn't 'wowed' me, but it's been interesting enough to read. Who knows? The ending might knock my socks off. I'll reserve final opinions until then.

After 269 pages I still think there is some mysterious element that I'm not fully getting and that will be revealed by the book's end. So far the book has been completely about these characters, there is no real plot other than their love story. Given that, I'm wondering how things will wrap up. Something tragic perhaps? Something metaphorical? Something philosophical? Something mundane? I personally think they're headed for tragedy at the moment, but they may not end there. After all, the book jacket boasts it as an "original love story" (I would agreed) and "dizzyingly romantic" (umm? define 'dizzyingly').

 I do think it's well-written, but I'm not absorbed.

I've read a couple of other stories where characters have time traveled and I can't help thinking that Niffenegger's vision of time travel makes it seems like a burden, where you're unwillingly pulled from the present to seemingly random moments along your life continuum. While the other stories/visions I've read or seen also have an element of randomness (discounting Back to the Future ;) they also seemed a tad more romantic. Characters were pulled into the past to discover something or redeem a character flaw or it's where they find love. There was some stasis in the travel. They would be in the past for weeks at a time, but were only gone for moments in the present. I guess in both visions there is some heartbreak. You can't stay where you don't truly belong forever.

I like this song. Socratic rapping? Nice!

If today you could snap your fingers and be instantly transported anywhere...

...where would you go? What would you do?

Today I'm thinking a nice trip to some European museum, then strolling the streets in a good pair of running shoes, camera in hand (hello tourist!). I also want an ice cream cone. Is there anywhere in the world that's currently warm enough to justify eating an ice cream cone outside? If so, then I'd go there - at least temporarily.

Oh happy Monday :)

I dream of...

I've always thought it would be cool to find answers in my dreams. Sound dumb? Maybe, but even so, sometimes when I pray about things on my mind I think that maybe God will speak to me through my dreams. You know, give me a clear direction and answer about something.

But how do you know when your dream is telling you something and when it's merely a manifestation of things you're thinking about?

Distinguishing between the two would be key.

 

So, I don't know about you, but I don't take dreams as an answer...

(as much as I'd like to sometimes) 

Therefore I suppose it doesn't really matter.

Sky on fire

Photo taken on March 6, 2011

Sometimes a short thought packs a lot of punch. Today, David Benioff provides some food for thought

Talent must be a fanatical mistress. She's beautiful; when you're with her, people watch you, they notice. But she bangs on your door at odd hours, and she disappears for long stretches, and she has no patience for the rest of your existence; your wife, your children, your friends. She is the most thrilling evening of your week, but some day she will leave you for good. One night, after she's been gone for years, you will see her on the arm of a younger man, and she will pretend not to recognize you.

(From City of Thieves) 

***

There are a few moments in your life when you are truly and completely happy, and you remember to give thanks. Even as it happens you are nostalgic for the moment, you are tucking it away in your scrapbook.

(From When the Nines Roll Over: And Other Stories) 

***

The fire was silent, the little houses collapsing into the flames without complaint, flocks of sparks rising to the sky. At a distance it seemed beautiful, and I thought it was strange that powerful violence is often so pleasing to the eye... 

(From City of Thieves) 

It's amazing: the effect sunshine has on me

I feel so happy in this moment. Nothing spectacular has happened. Nothing out of the ordinary has interrupted my standard day. I just feel so... happy! Light. Lifted. Optimistic.

These types of moments are gifts. They tend to come on fast and are fleeting. It's like when you hear a song you love on the radio -a nice upbeat tune, and you start to bop along and your chest feels so full and you feel invincible for the length of that song. You see beyond prior obstacles and feel like you can do anything: life is full of possibility and you are both excited and content.

Do you ever have these moments?

I do... and usually the sun is shining. Coincidence?

We are the Beast that eclipses our own Beauty

What makes someone beautiful?

If you look closely enough, can you find beauty in any face?

I've been thinking about how much effort individuals pour into their appearances. I was thinking about how we fool ourselves into thinking that we need all of these things/products to be beautiful, and if someone else finds us beautiful, we will be happy.

I'm using "we" here as a general inclusive term. You may not agree with these sentiments.

I don't find anything wrong with wanting to be beautiful. I feel it myself. Some days I am happy with my appearance, other days... not so much. I think all this is natural.

I just dislike when I see people discount their unique God-given beauty because it doesn't conform to cultural standards. I dislike when people fight aging with drastic measures. When young women go through surgery to change their bodies. I dislike when 'how someone looks' determines how they're treated, how they feel about themselves, how they treat others, how they treat themselves.

I understand the feelings, but I just wish we didn't get so caught up in chasing beauty. I don't know if I'm even articulating my feelings properly. It's a big issue that ties into larger, cultural processes. I'm just trying to work it out. At the risk of sounding cheesy, I truly believe that everyone has beauty in them. I just think that we have a warped way of understanding and recognizing beauty. Of seeing and valuing beauty --in others, in ourselves.

It's that time of year

I have a bad track record winning anything from this contest, but last night the odds were in my favour. I won a free coffee. Yup. Funny how a small thing like that makes me so happy.

It's the little things in life, right? :)

Yay books

Libraries are awesome. I have always loved libraries- I love books! This love doesn't always translate into me reading said books, but I love them just the same :)

It is sort of funny that I have a whole stack of books coming into the library for me when I still have so many unread books on my bookshelf and a pile of books still untouched from my last visit to the library... Hmm. I may have a problem- haha. New books are just so exciting! I can't resist.

Happy reading to me :)

Do you ever look at a photo and wish you could jump back into that captured moment?

I was looking at photos tonight. I spent close to an hour scrolling through digital albums, previewing ones that stood out. The smiles, the wacky faces, the scowls,  both candid and posed... I was overcome with happiness and a hint of longing. I wanted to recapture a few of those memories. I wanted to retake those trips. I wanted to laugh at those jokes again.

But you can't relive the moments, only the memories. You can't recapture what's depicted in photographs, only make new memories.

Bummer.

I guess I need a new adventure! :)

Realism in films: Winter's Bone

I watched this movie last night and I have to say, it was really good. It's a character-driven movie. It's a story that builds. The acting is phenomenal. Their eyes are unflinching. You truly believe that you're peering into someone's life.  It is not a happy tale. It is rough watching, in many ways because your heart breaks for these people and the situation.

I just requested the book that the film was based on from the library. I can't wait to read it.

The voice propelling the song

I'm started to really appreciate distinctive voices. One thing you notice after watching too many seasons of American Idol is how valuable it is to have a recognizable voice. There are a lot of pretty voices and talented singers, but outside of a hit song, you wouldn't necessarily know who is singing. Now pair a unique voice with the right personality and you just might have a star.

Below are just some of the voices I instantly know when I hear them. Who would you add to the list?

Left to right, top to bottom: Natalie Merchant, Rod Stewart, Bono, Tracy Chapman, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Alanis Morissette, Stevie Wonder, Natasha Bedingfield, Barry White, Norah Jones, Sting, Johnny Cash, Kelly Clarkson, Eminem, Elvis, Avril Lavigne, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Nicks, Aaron Neville, Louis Armstrong, Barry Gibb, and Taylor Swift.

*Sans photo: I was just reminded of Phil Collins and Elton John -- add them to my list!

Cold toes, nose, and fingers

I'm shivering here at my computer. I should go find my slippers and a sweater, but I don't want to move. It's stupid really. I know what I have to do to fix the situation, but I don't want to do it.

Funny how little reflections like this so often mirror other battles in our lives.

Why do we put so much energy into fighting what we know we should do rather than just doing it?

Are you an open book?

"I'm an open book

Oh darling, don't you know I mean it?"

These lyrics floated into my ears as I listened to Elizabeth and the Catapult's song, aptly titled, "Open Book". My first thought was "I'm not an open book" but then I thought, I like the idea that someday I might be with someone.

A collage of pictures in colours that match my mood

I didn't get enough sleep last night so it's making me feel introspective. My favourite thing to do when I'm feeling this way is to listen to pretty, soft music and write in my journal.

For a laugh

This group is really... awesome!

Thanks to my friend for introducing these videos to me. I've watched them a few times each and they never lose their punch. So funny!!!



 How did I not realize that all those songs sound eerily similar? Hmm...

The Axis of Awesome: How to Write a Love Song - watch more funny videos
 
Hilarious!

When I find myself in times of struggles

It can be overwhelming to look for a job. It can be tiring to write applications and cover letters. It can be difficult to maintain interest in the process, and only too easy to doubt yourself and your abilities. I am not immune to these feelings. As it were, I was frustrated one afternoon and I started complaining. In response, my dad said to me: be thankful that there are at least jobs that you can apply for.

His challenge that I change my attitude was humbling.

Now when I start slipping into self-pity I try and catch it early on and remind myself that it could be worse. I have been blessed in my life and I am grateful.

Attitude may not be everything, but it is something - and something important at that...

On the Cusp of Spring

 I can't believe it's already March!  The sun is shining and I find that I'm a tad impatient for spring to reveal itself in all its glory. I'm an all-seasons gal through-and-through; I love the changing weather, but when it hits that in-between winter and spring time, my heart feels lifted by the burgeoning promise of spring.

I'm excited for the views of green grass and pavement, flowers and light coats... in other words, I'm starting to mentally rush the seasons!

This year is a big one for my family. There are a lot of big events and landmarks coming up in the next few months. As much as I want to jump right to them, I'm making an effort to slow down. Life is so much more than the big events that mark the weeks of common living. Life is everything in between, leading up to and including those moments.

I was told that based on how we experience time, we experience half of our life by the time we're 20. Remember how long the school year felt as a child? Remember the summer days that dragged on? Now consider how you blink and it's 2 p.m., you sneeze and it's next week.... where did the time go? Our perception of time shifts as we age. Next month isn't a lifetime away anymore. In reflecting on this, I've decided to make a conscious effort to slow down and enjoy the time I have. I'm trying not to jump ahead in my mind, but to instead enjoy the everyday moments that make up my days: a cup of tea, stopping to listen to a song, taking my dog for a walk, having a good talk with my mom, writing this blog entry...

So here's to spring and the time leading up to it!