I invited people to come to an Open House on a December weekend. I did not go crazy with the guest list: I invited every neighbor in my Block Watch Association, some of whom I don’t know, my entire senior aerobics class, and my book club, as well as the usual suspects: The point was inclusion, rather than "yes to her, no to him."
Pastor Gretchen Mertes is responsible, along with many helpers, for the "Thanks Giving Dinner," a church tradition. Over 60 volunteers pitch in to offer this feast for 200 people. Anybody and everybody are welcome, from people without permanent homes to those who have no family to celebrate with. There are no buffet lines, all are seated at tables in order to create a family atmosphere.
The Global Reading Challenge is designed to include all fourth/fifth graders, not just the avid readers, though they are its biggest cheerleaders. Though it means more work, they love the excitement (as well as the safety) of competing in teams; the wild and crazy practice sessions; the recognition by everyone in school; the realization later that they will always and forever be Global Scholars.
Perhaps the most tortured mother in all literature is Sophie Zawistowska, whose life is forever frozen in time after the SS officer at Auschwitz demands: “You may keep one of your [two] children. The other one will have to go. Which one will you keep?”
Two weeks ago, our frequent contributor Toni Myers found herself so captivated by the lush beauty of Seattle in the spring that she sat down and wrote this “Ode to Demeter and Persephone.”
Our correspondent had avoided exercise all her life. A bad fall last year provoked a significant lifestyle change.
Morse-code messages in needlework . . . dispatches sewn into hoop skirts . . . a spy/coquette called both “an accomplished prostitute” and “the Secesh Cleopatra” . . . who knew? A review of a rousing new book about the daring and resourceful female spies—and soldiers—of the Civil War.
Niki de Saint Phalle was a tireless fighter for women’s issues through her art—indeed, she was the first artist to make women her focus in such a way. Unique in the art world, her uninhibited style has wowed people everywhere. She wanted to bring joy, humor, and color into everyone’s life, and she succeeded brilliantly.
Outdoors, over the water and through the often woodsy parks, to music and festivals, happy hours on the sidewalks, outdoor art, crafts, parades and celebrations citywide. It’s Summer in the City as you will not find it elsewhere. Who knew?
I learned that giving myself to a story for a few weeks was not only fun, but enlightening. Who needs to try memoir when a novel can serve the same purpose? Mine was all about me, in a way. I killed myself off and soon was resurrected in the twenty-something characters of my grandchildren. I loved traveling and escaping the forces of evil.
I loved Gilbert’s blockbuster "Eat, Pray. Love," a beautiful fantasy, in contrast to "The Signature," a realistic novel full of believable detail. It matters not if you hated "Eat, Pray, Love"; you will be in awe of Gilbert’s new novel. She writes convincingly and elegantly in a 19th-century style, with intelligent prose and characters you won’t soon forget.
Fluid writing, modesty about her accomplishments, and a light touch make this book a fun read. I have always admired Linda Ronstadt’s singing; now I admire her intelligence and style, in both the literary and the musical sense.