Thursday, February 11, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Why Re-read "The Catcher in the Rye"
We all recently bid a sad, final farewell to one of our great writers. Here's my small tribute to Mr. Salinger:
I devoured J.D. Salinger’s first-person narrative “The Catcher in the Rye” when I was about my granddaughter’s age. My daughter read it when she too was around 15 or 16. A great age to be introduced to that icon of teenage rebellion, Holden Caulfield, while also experiencing a master writer’s creative style.
My granddaughter's reading of the 1951 novel inspired her mother to give it re-read. My daughter told me how she not only gained a new appreciation for the book, but it also created an opportunity to discuss its topics with her teenager.
So nothing would do but that I trek to the library and check out one of the worn copies lining the shelf, the one with the least amount of tape holding it together.
What a treat! How wonderfully the book has aged. It is truly timeless. The characters, the dialogue, the issues as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.
And the joy didn’t stop there. Re-reading that book at this point in life has manifested benefits in other ways:
• I appreciate that my granddaughter, my daughter and I shared the experience.
• I know I am still basically that same girl who first read those pages.
• I am grateful to authors who write books worth reading again and again.
• I am reminded that as we mature, we gain new insight and perspective.
Perhaps some books should be re-read every decade. Interestingly enough, I read that a number of people feel guilty reading a book a second time. A waste time. They believe one should always be reading something new. Exploring the unknown!
I would argue I explored the unknown. I’d never read “The Catcher in the Rye” with +2.50 readers. I’d never read the classic after becoming a mother or being divorced or losing both of my parents.
And a waste of time? Did I mention the discussion with my “girls”?
So, if anyone thinks re-reading a book is frittering away precious hours, well, perhaps they should give me back my hunting hat.
My granddaughter's reading of the 1951 novel inspired her mother to give it re-read. My daughter told me how she not only gained a new appreciation for the book, but it also created an opportunity to discuss its topics with her teenager.
So nothing would do but that I trek to the library and check out one of the worn copies lining the shelf, the one with the least amount of tape holding it together.
What a treat! How wonderfully the book has aged. It is truly timeless. The characters, the dialogue, the issues as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.
And the joy didn’t stop there. Re-reading that book at this point in life has manifested benefits in other ways:
• I appreciate that my granddaughter, my daughter and I shared the experience.
• I know I am still basically that same girl who first read those pages.
• I am grateful to authors who write books worth reading again and again.
• I am reminded that as we mature, we gain new insight and perspective.
Perhaps some books should be re-read every decade. Interestingly enough, I read that a number of people feel guilty reading a book a second time. A waste time. They believe one should always be reading something new. Exploring the unknown!
I would argue I explored the unknown. I’d never read “The Catcher in the Rye” with +2.50 readers. I’d never read the classic after becoming a mother or being divorced or losing both of my parents.
And a waste of time? Did I mention the discussion with my “girls”?
So, if anyone thinks re-reading a book is frittering away precious hours, well, perhaps they should give me back my hunting hat.
--Diana
Monday, January 18, 2010
Why You Can't Take Me Anywhere!
So, I’m at my book club meeting. Discussion begins in the living room after we’ve all enjoyed a sampling of wonderful food. A couple of us head to the dessert table near the sofa. I linger trying to make the best decision considering I’ve already splurged with two pieces of bread.
I quietly eye the choices. Hmmm, what’s this over here in the corner? I love those little candies, Boston Baked Beans. Maybe I’ll just scoop up a few. Wonder why there isn’t a spoon to dish them out? Oh, well, I’ll be very careful to not contaminate the ones I don’t take.
ACK! POO! SPIT! UGH!!!! What the hell is this?!?!? I say, hand to mouth, trying to run discreetly to the kitchen for the garbage can. And then my taste buds sound the alarm. Oh, my god, it’s… potpourri!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll understand if the members need to discuss whether or not I’m still allowed in the club!
I quietly eye the choices. Hmmm, what’s this over here in the corner? I love those little candies, Boston Baked Beans. Maybe I’ll just scoop up a few. Wonder why there isn’t a spoon to dish them out? Oh, well, I’ll be very careful to not contaminate the ones I don’t take.
ACK! POO! SPIT! UGH!!!! What the hell is this?!?!? I say, hand to mouth, trying to run discreetly to the kitchen for the garbage can. And then my taste buds sound the alarm. Oh, my god, it’s… potpourri!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll understand if the members need to discuss whether or not I’m still allowed in the club!
--Diana
www.DianaBlack.net
Buy the new WOOF companion
Accentuate The Pawsitive!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Take WHY? for an answer?
So tell me, do you get upset when someone answers your question with a question?
What do I mean? you ask.
See, right there! So was that second question asked because clarification is warranted? Or rather to ignore the first question?
The first question asked for a simple yes or no response. Or at least a declarative sentence!
Well, I guess if you've read this far, it's no secret how I feel about questions answered with questions.
But then, I just asked myself, do I do that?
The answer came at lightning speed.
Why, would it upset me if I did?
-- Diana "WhY me?" Black
www.DianaBlack.net
What do I mean? you ask.
See, right there! So was that second question asked because clarification is warranted? Or rather to ignore the first question?
The first question asked for a simple yes or no response. Or at least a declarative sentence!
Well, I guess if you've read this far, it's no secret how I feel about questions answered with questions.
But then, I just asked myself, do I do that?
The answer came at lightning speed.
Why, would it upset me if I did?
-- Diana "WhY me?" Black
www.DianaBlack.net
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Why Follow This Blog Tour?
Cuz you might could get some FREE stuff!
As two WOOFers (Women Only Over Fifty), Mary Cunningham and I are on a blog tour for the next couple of weeks. We're celebrating the release of "Accentuate The Pawsitive," a guide to realigning your body, mind and soul.
"Mind spinning? Mood Swinging? Middle sagging? Get used to it! When you reach 50, shift happens. But, you're not alone. WOOFers to the rescue!"
Follow us on tour, make a comment on the various blog stops to enter a contest for a free download of "Accentuate The Pawsitive!"
DEC 24 - Dames of Dialogue Interview - Woofers who Accentuate the Pawsitive
"Mind spinning? Mood Swinging? Middle sagging? Get used to it! When you reach 50, shift happens. But, you're not alone. WOOFers to the rescue!"
Follow us on tour, make a comment on the various blog stops to enter a contest for a free download of "Accentuate The Pawsitive!"
DEC 24 - Dames of Dialogue Interview - Woofers who Accentuate the Pawsitive
DEC 30 - Dames of Dialogue Interview - WOOFer, Mary answers the Dames Dozen
JAN 4 - Doing It With Grace Blog - Chocolate - 'Nuff Said!
JAN 5 - A Woman's Life In Stages - Downward Facing Dog
JAN 6 - Mysteries & Chitchat - Fashion Fits or Flops
JAN 5 - A Woman's Life In Stages - Downward Facing Dog
JAN 6 - Mysteries & Chitchat - Fashion Fits or Flops
JAN 8 - The Stiletto Gang - Boning Up On Books
JAN 11 - Blog: A Working Writer - Animal Rescue: Mission For Mutts
JAN 12 - Virtual Wordsmith - Myths About Menopaws
Jan 13 - Blog Talk Radio - Mary Eileen Williams, Feisty Side of Fifty
Join us! and find out how to get your copy of "Accentuate The Pawsitive!"
Join us! and find out how to get your copy of "Accentuate The Pawsitive!"
Like to laugh? You'll discover more funny women stories,
limericks and poems when you...
BUY WOOF!
BUY WOOF!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The DaY After Christmas!
The Day After Christmas
(Black/Sager/del Verle)
On the 26th I’ll surprise them all
This year I won’t go to the mall
Instead I’ll build a man of snow
Hug and kiss under mistletoe
Then I’ll call old friends
That I haven’t seen
Since I can’t remember when
And I won’t worry about a thing
I’ll just keep on caroling
And make the day after Christmas
The best day of the year
And the day after that even better
No matter what season it may be
Christmas cheer will follow me
Day after day after day after day after Christmas
I'll make cookies for the whole neighborhood
Because I want to, not cause I should
See angel's wings in silver-gray
In every tree that's along my way
And I’ll be just like good old Santa Claus
Listen close when children talk
I’ll give and give till my heart is full
And rejoice in miracles
And make the day after Christmas
The best day of the year
And the day after that even better
No matter what season it may be
Christmas cheer will follow me
Day after day after day after day after Christmas
(Black/Sager/del Verle)
On the 26th I’ll surprise them all
This year I won’t go to the mall
Instead I’ll build a man of snow
Hug and kiss under mistletoe
Then I’ll call old friends
That I haven’t seen
Since I can’t remember when
And I won’t worry about a thing
I’ll just keep on caroling
And make the day after Christmas
The best day of the year
And the day after that even better
No matter what season it may be
Christmas cheer will follow me
Day after day after day after day after Christmas
I'll make cookies for the whole neighborhood
Because I want to, not cause I should
See angel's wings in silver-gray
In every tree that's along my way
And I’ll be just like good old Santa Claus
Listen close when children talk
I’ll give and give till my heart is full
And rejoice in miracles
And make the day after Christmas
The best day of the year
And the day after that even better
No matter what season it may be
Christmas cheer will follow me
Day after day after day after day after Christmas
-- Diana Black
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Happy HolidaY!
Hope you enjoy this holiday song written by Joyce Trammell and yours truly several years ago. Tim Buppert singing... All the best to your and yours this holiday season!
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