Hannah Wolf Bowen appreciates Kij Johnson’s "At the Mouth of the River of Bees" over at The ED SF Project — a story that has been much on my mind the past few days and which has never failed to make me cry. It’s a beautiful story and Hannah’s appreciation does it justice.
* Yes, some of us realize we still have appreciations to write.
If Christopher and I were to write a book about the grieving process, at least as we practice it, it would be called Gwenda and Christopher’s Old School Guide to Wallowing and its five sections would be:
WATCHING TOO MUCH TELEVISION
SLEEPING TOO MUCH
EATING TOO MUCH
DRINKING TOO MUCH
EXPENDING VAST AMOUNTS OF KLEENEX
Practiced simultaneously, more or less. This approach yields to the dysphoric disconnectedness that threatens to overtake you anyway. Healthy, productive approaches are to be distrusted. Thank god for Top Chef mini-marathons. &tc.
All by way of saying, we are now digging out of the rubble, slowly, and giant mountains of Stuff That Must Be Done have mountained around us. Deadlines abound. If I owe you email, or anything else, it’ll come soonish. Posting may be sparse for the next couple of days (or it may not be). Again, thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and indulgence. The only way to go on is to go on.
The Old School Guide to Read More »
I almost read John Hodgman’s The Areas of My Expertise awhile back, but then it strolled back down to the library without even asking if I’d had a chance to read it yet. Thus, I re-entered the long line of library patrons too cheap to actually shell out for the book and was finally allowed to check it out again a few days ago. I realize that I am perhaps poised on the cutting edge of September 2005 (AT LEAST) talking about it now, but them’s the breaks out in here in the sticks with our begging cup. And I’m a sucker for a miscellany, especially one so concerned with the Loup-Garou.
I thought y’all might be amused by this little section of "HOW TO WRITE A BOOK: THE FIFTY-FIVE DRAMATIC SITUATIONS," on what is the best kind of book to write:
I was asked this many times when I was a professional literary agent. The answer at that time was obvious: The most marketable kind of book to write was one in which vampires fight serial killers. But the best kind of book was one in which the vampires fight large weather systems and perfect storms.
Of course, that answer isn’t correct in today’s publishing environment, as neither sort of those examples includes a worldwide conspiracy overseen by a centuries-old religious secret society. While my initial response dates me hopelessly, literature — bless it — ever grows and matures.
There’s also these two entries from the table OTHER MARKETS FOR YOUR SHORT STORIES:
Where to Market Your Short Stories Featuring Lots of Footnotes, Comic Book References, and Lists – The Journal for Extra Smart Boys
Where to Market Your Charles Bukowski/Raymond Carver Slash Fiction – Penthouse, circa 1981 and What We Talk About When We Talk About Raymond Carver Having Sex With Charles Bukowski Monthly.
Ah, sweet mockery.
Because Portents Rule Read More »
Four pieces to write today, a little bit of procrastination beforehand.
Have to start again sometime, so why not? The wikipedia birthday meme that everyone is doing. (3 events, 2 birthdays and 1 death)
July 12 (and I’m a bit distressed to find that the Rollerdome I want to rent out for my 30th birthday party has no information about said rentals on its Web site…)
Events
1812 – War of 1812: The United States invades Canada at Windsor, Ontario.
1892 – A hidden lake bursts out of a glacier on the side of Mont Blanc, flooding the valley below and killing around 200 villagers and holidaymakers in Saint Gervais.
1973 – The 1973 National Archives Fire destroys the entire 6th floor of the National Personnel Records Center.
Births
100 BC – Gaius Julius Caesar, Roman soldier and politician (d. 44 BC)
1880 – Tod Browning, American film director (d. 1962) (and in Ky., natch)
Death
1926 – Gertrude Bell, English archaeologist, writer, spy, and administrator (b. 1868)
I’m taking a few days off, likely back next week. I just didn’t want to leave the sweet boy’s entry at the top of the queue. Thanks to all who have called and written to us. It’s a tremendous comfort in a time when we need tremendous comfort. Back later.
There were a lot of things George Rowe the Dog, Poster Boy for American Values, My Attorney, did that made him different than most dogs. Things that made him extra-special. Here’s ten:
1. Became world-famous. One of George’s most often-used nicknames is "The World Famous George Rowe the Dog" (always followed by a cheer of some sort, usually "Yay!"). There’s a reason.
2. Started a political movement.
3. Was used by CNN as the Poster Boy for American Values in cut-aways from the Supreme Court building during the deliberations on the 2000 election.
4. Was an honorary member of the U.S. Capital security force. George likely had top secret clearance.
5. Pioneered the world-famous passive-passive defense against things he didn’t like, such as baths.
6. Could fly laying flat on the floor. And shake hands with the best. He almost never barked. He had a huge heart and spirit. And everyone loved him instantly.
7. Ate only Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes. (It was in his contract rider.)
8. Did everything Christopher Rowe ever told him to do and meant.
9. Was always a good boy.
10. Made us happy when we were sad.
The Truth About George Read More »
This sounds great:
"Plan B" Veronica and Weevil work together to bring Felix’s murderer to justice.
That is all.
The verdict is out:
I’m OK, You’re OK. Rory (Alexis Bledel) forgives Logan (Matt Czuchry) for his indiscretions, then needs some time for herself, so she pays a visit to Lorelai (Lauren Graham) in Stars Hollow. Although Lorelai (Lauren Graham) refuses to admit that she is upset, Rory can tell that she is bothered by the news that Luke (Scott Patterson) will be gone for a few days on a field trip with his daughter, April (Vanessa Marano, who does not appear in the episode). Against Lorelai’s wishes, Rory pays a visit to the store owned by April’s mother, Ana (guest star Sherilyn Fenn), to spy on her. Meanwhile, when Zack (Todd Lowe) finally works up the courage to ask Mrs. Kim (Emily Kuroda) for permission to marry Lane (Keiko Agena), he is surprised at the deal she makes with him. Melissa McCarthy, Edward Herrmann, Kelly Bishop, Yani Truesdale, Liza Weil and Sean Gunn also stars. The episode was written by Keith Eisner and directed by Lee Shallot Chemel.
Wow, they’ve been going a really long time without new episodes this season. (Not as bad as VM, but close!) Anyway, at least there’s promise of Lane-y goodness.
GilmoreGossipCircle Read More »