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from here
Oh, hello.
Welcome to February, which I understand has been ongoing for quite some time now. Please forgive my absence here, but I do have good reasons--at least, I think I do--and I'll do my best to catch you up, chat you up, and otherwise engage you for a few minutes. Let's on, shall we?
1. My Part-Time Job: As you may remember, Jared, Jordan, and Theo moved last month. Jared had surgery on his broken foot and is not allowed to bear any weight on it at all. Theo is a Very Busy Toddler All The Time, so Rick and I have been going over to their house to help with child care/entertainment. Tomorrow, Jared sees the orthopedist again, and may be put in a walking boot. If so, we will be laid off or have our hours cut considerably. If not, our contract will be renewed.
2. My Streak: On 8 February my Wordle streak ended at 344 with the word EMBED. Am I still bitter? A little bit, yes. I guess it pales in comparison to other things that happened on that same day, however, which include a fatal Learjet crash in Philadelphia, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands, and a deadly bus crash in Mexico. Additionally, Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé won top Grammy honors, and the 49th Imam of Nizari Isma'ilism, Aga Khan IV, passed away. Still, though, kind of a big deal.
3. My Hypocrisy: I'm sure I have said this many times and in the Comments of so many of your blogs: I am not a puzzle person. I don't enjoy jigsaw puzzles. They feel too much like work to me. Sigh. Behold my latest lesson in Eating My Words:
4. My High Dudgeon: I just read a post over at maya's place in which she mentioned the latest film version of Wuthering Heights. Let me just say this: I WILL NOT BE SEEING THIS MOVIE. I've read several articles about it already, and no thank you. In this article from the NYT, the writer discusses the casting of Jacob Elordi, a white actor, as Heathcliff, who is described by author Emily Bronte as dark and gypsy, leading readers to believe he is not white. This casting is nothing new. Heathcliff has been played by white actors every time this novel has been committed to the big screen. Would it have been exciting had he been played by a man of colour? Absolutely. Is this why I'm eschewing this film? No. This review tells me all I need to know, and that is that the director has decided to Improve Upon Emily Bronte and, really, Tell Her Own Version Of Wuthering Heights, which she thinks is better somehow, yet still call it Wuthering Heights. Nope. I'm not going through THAT again. Been there, done that with the 1995 film version of The Scarlet Letter, a classic novel which I taught for decades. That movie, with Demi Moore as Hester Prynne, almost killed me. Not only did they change the ending--which changed the themes and Puritan ethos and criticism at the heart of the book--they added characters and scenes that were completely aside from the story. I almost walked out, but I felt compelled to stay so that I could one day give a lecture TO EVERYONE about exactly how horrible that movie was. Thankfully, someone else did it for me, but I'm still willing.
I was equally outraged once before, and that was at The Shaw Festival in Ontario, Canada. Rick and I had chosen to see a performance of The Crucible by Arthur Miller. I had taught this play for decades as well as part of my American Literature curriculum and was excited to see it live. It was a terrific production until Act III. You see, I had taught this play so many times, and remember, at least two or three times a day for years and years, that I had it memorized. Memorized so well, in fact, that I knew the very moment during the performance of Act III that the director added a line to the script. This man ADDED A LINE TO THE WORK OF AN AMERICAN DRAMA LEGEND LIKE ARTHUR MILLER. I was beyond aghast. I was personally affronted. How dare they? I could see why they may have added the line; it made a part of the scene a little clearer perhaps for people who were getting lost in all the chaos of the afflicted girls. Still, to me that's no excuse. As another great dramatist once said:
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5. My Musings: All this talk about The Classics has me thinking about them. About reading them again and wanting to talk about them. I do miss that about teaching. I recently met up with a former Creative Writing student and we talked about, oh, Everything, and we talked about poetry and contemporary poets and writing and it made me miss teaching that, too. I'm very committed to Retirement, however, and I'm not able to predict my energy/pain level enough to commit to anything else. Good heavens, I have a hard enough time committing to this blog on even a semi-regular basis, and that's nothing new. Still, I may have to add a few Old Timers to my Book Cellar* for comfort reads.
*I've decided to call my TBR pile my Book Cellar now. Like wines, my books are kept lovingly until the right time, the right occasion, or the right pairing for selection. I'd like to say I thought of this, but I read this term someplace else.
I think we're all caught up. As usual, I do so want to hear from you in Comments about All Of This and so many other things. Thank you for being here, and I also want to thank so many of you who have kindly sent me helpful and supportive emails containing research articles and links. I am so grateful and awed that you have taken time out of your lives to do this for me. It means the world. I have always said that my Readers are Exceptional People, and you continue to prove just that. Again, thank you.
Hiiiiii. I am of the opinion that no one should ever apologize for not blogging because it's not a job and we are friends not employers, BUT I always feel the urge to apologize when I have been blog-absent as well, so I will just say nice to see you. As someone who went the first few years of having children with no family around, and experienced my parents' move here as better than winning the lottery, it is wonderful of you to help with Theo this way, and I know you love him and are obviously great grandparents and probably happy to do it, but not all grandparents are and I think it should be said.
ReplyDeleteI love puzzles to a nearly unhealthy degree, by which I mean I set them out and think I will spend an hour soothing my nervous system by reassembling that which is fragmented, and I set an alarm so I don't lose myself, and then I look up at two in the morning and have turned off the alarm and think 'oops it happened again' (especially bad when husband is on another continent and there is no one to poke me).Despite this, your gorgeous puzzle has prompted me to go find one because I don't have one going right now and even if I go bonkers it will be a distraction from pain and winter depression and *gestures broadly at everything*.
My daughter is reading Wuthering Heights and not loving it. I love Margot Robbie, but nothing I have seen regarding this movie makes me think it is going to be faithful or worthwhile, and (the whole whitewashing thing aside, although of course it should not be aside) although I've only seen Jacob Elordi in Saltburn, where he was perfectly fine as an actor, WHY IS HE EVERYWHERE RIGHT NOW and just no thank-you.
Goodness I have not just joined the fray but word-sprayed all over it. Angus got to play catch with Big League Players in Big League Camp yesterday!
Allison--WH is by the same director as _Saltburn_!
DeleteBibliomama--You can hose down my Comments with your delightful patter any old time!
DeleteFirst off, I am so excited for Angus and you and your family about his job and this new coup of his! He's up in the Big Leagues! Cleveland sports here just reported that pitchers are under a ton of scrutiny in training camp right now for exactly the reason I told you. I'm sure that their coaches are, too, so tell your son THIS IS IT. (As if he doesn't already do his Very Best, duh.)
Wuthering Heights is not my favourite Bronte book, and I've never seen it as a love story, per se. I just want movie treatments to either stay reasonably true to the book, or DON'T USE THE TITLE. I will say that Scorsese's treatment of The Age of Innocence is magnificent. And Jacob Elordi is NOT in it.
I am so sorry that you have been suffering pain and SAD this winter. I hate that for you--for anyone, really. Your idea of setting an alarm for puzzling is smart. I am stealing it. 8PM is far too late for me to eat an actual dinner. I am not fashionable or cosmopolitan at all.
We love spending time with Theo, and he with us. This move was such a happy and beneficial thing for everyone concerned. I cannot imagine how his other grandparents handle being all the way out in the West. Theo changes from week to week. Thank you for the kudos.
I have a bad habit of turning a bunch of good blog ideas into one long post--like this one! If I were really smart, I'd jot them down and use them one at a time and post more often. Oh well. As you said, this is not a job, it's a hobby, and thank you; it's lovely to be seen.
I hope your son's foot is healing nicely, even though it means you'll be out of a job! I'm at the same stage of life, usually with my 4 YO granddaughter while her two older siblings are in school. But there were a number of days last month in which I had all three due to school never seeming to be in session because of extreme cold. I only go one day per week, as that's all I can handle by myself.
ReplyDeleteI love to do 1000–2000-piece puzzles in the winter. Yours turned out beautifully! My Middle Child (early 30's with autism and lives with us) does them with me. She's much better than I am, but it's a fun way for us to connect each day during the months we're stuck indoors.
I enjoyed your take on the classics, movies, etc. It's always disappointing to me to see a movie after I've read the book. I decided to read all of Jane Austen's oeuvre (besides the two I'd previously read years ago) this winter. I cannot stress how much I am loving these books!
Bijoux--Jared's foot seems to be healing, but his doctor's office called today and rescheduled for next week. Hopefully, it will be good news. This weather called out so many school districts. I remember the days of plans being completely trashed, units being pushed back, and whole months being in ruins when I was teaching. No recourse to online work back then, either.
DeleteOh god there are 2000-piece puzzles? Hard pass. Of course, I may live to eat those words as well. But right now, I am wary of even another 1000-piece. I kept accusing this one of having missing pieces when searching seemingly endlessly for That One Piece. I do like the picture on this one, though. Rick gets to choose the next one, we decided. I think doing a puzzle with your middle daughter is a great idea.
I've read a few Jane Austen, one of which was in a Victorian novels class in undergrad. The films and miniseries treatments I've seen have been faithful, from what I can tell/remember. I do like (but not love) Austen. She also has a very sly way of commenting on some of the more ridiculous and stuffy mores of society. I love the Victorians. They make me smarter as I read.
I had to snicker at your, "I'm not a puzzle person" and then you got sucked in. I think that's the way it works for everyone who puzzles. The one I'm currently working on is giving me fits; but I am determined to finish it.
ReplyDeleteGigi--I was thinking of you when I wrote that! And of your puzzle with the hints on the reverse sides of the pieces. HOW I WISHED I HAD THAT ASSISTANCE SO MANY TIMES! This puzzle had so many identical pieces, both in shape and pattern/colour, that we had to take things apart and move them several times. I think I have a Love/Hate relationship going.
DeleteIt can definitely be a love/hate relationship! The one I'm working on does NOT have the hints on the back unfortunately. But I will tell you this, no matter how tempting they may look, stay away from The New York Times puzzles because they are SOOO hard. This is the second one I've done and I'm about ready to bin this one (I won't, but I am tempted)
DeleteGigi--Point noted and advice taken! I will continue to buy the cheapo puzzles at my funny grocery store.
DeleteHello! When our children were young we did not have any family living nearby. It is marvelous of you to be caring for The Very Busy Toddler. That's a great gift to the parents.
ReplyDeleteI used to really enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles. But the problem for me now is that I need three different pairs of glasses to adequately see the pieces. That makes it Not Fun.
"Wuthering Heights" - what a fascinating and hard-to-love book! I don't know how the movie portrays it, but it is NOT a love story! I read it for book club several years ago, and found it deep but baffling. It is one of those books that I did not love reading but I think about often. I ended up concluding that it is an allegory for human existence, and can be interpreted multiple ways. I'll put a link in a separate comment to my analysis of it (not that my analysis is worth a lot). I never read it in school, so didn't have the benefit of a teacher to guide me through it.
We read "The Return of the Native" by Thomas Hardy in 11th grade. I don't know why, but I absolutely loved it. I would like to re-read it.
One of my two book clubs tries to pick a classic to read each year. This year we read "An Enemy of the People" - a play by Henrik Ibsen. It seems quite relevant to today. The club is going next week to the theater to see a modern adaptation of it. So, lines will be probably changed from the original! (Except if it's in translation to English, what is the original?)
CHM--If you are wearing three different pairs of glasses, you are probably like me--trying to avoid bi- or trifocals. I know they have progressive lenses, but I'm just not doing that. I can see perfectly fine up close, unaided. I wear glasses for anything that is not reading distance or about two feet. It's almost criminal how expensive a pair of single-vision glasses is. Anything more is prohibitive.
DeleteI agree with you about Wuthering Heights. I don't much care for it, especially when it's touted as a love story/romance. I maintain that it's not, or if it is, it's a really screwed-up and unhealthy one. I've read it twice, at least, which is a low number for me when it comes to a Victorian novel. I think I've read Jane Eyre a dozen times and written on it several. I'll give your analysis a look.
Oh, I adore Thomas Hardy! So grim, so gloomy, so unrelentingly Victorian! He really dishes out the tragedy and sorrow and retribution, especially in Tess of the d'Urbervilles. I frequently reread The Woodlanders and The Mayor of Casterbridge whenever I need a good dose of Victorianism. Another great one is The Odd Women by George Gissing.
Ibsen wrote in Dano-Norwegian, a sort of dialectical language that evolved among the upper crust city folk during his time; a blend of Danish and Norwegian. Modern adaptation, hm? I'm not that familiar with Ibsen's work overall (I only took a survey course of drama ages ago). I'll be interested in whether they adapted it to modern times via setting and costume, or updated the language, too (always a big NO from me).
We know that Jared and Jordan appreciate our help, and we're so glad to be able to spend time with Theo. He's growing and changing so fast!
My analysis of "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte. My credentials: I hung out with a lot of English majors in college, 40+ years ago. In other words, no credentials. https://commonhousehold.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-heights-they-are-wuthering.html
ReplyDeleteCHM--I read with great interest your analysis and found it compelling. I almost want to read WH again, just to review the character of Joseph in your context of anti-Christianity. I agree with so much of what you write, and I suggest you read any one of several excellent bios of the Bronte sisters. Even the Wikipedia entry about them is rather decent although, of course, bare bones.
DeleteI love the Book Cellar; just like you say, it is just like keeping wines for the right time or occasion! Also if said aloud, you may not know for sure if it is book seller or book cellar, so it is a little play on words. Maybe you should sell them when you are done with them and it would be even funnier.
ReplyDeleteI am hit and miss on the classics. I like learning about different time periods, but sometimes I just can't get into them! Sometimes it is the way of the day, like Jane Austin always makes me kind of despise the women, but to be fair, that was how it was and they are just talking about it. However, others have language that is hard to get through, and sometimes they are not even that old. I tried to read Eyes Watching God, but the vernacular was difficult and my mind kept wandering.
Are you reading Age of Innocence? I did not partake and from the comments from some of the people I often get book reviews from, I feel that I may not enjoy it... TBD of course!
Kyria--LOL on Cellar v. Seller. I honestly never thought about that.
DeleteI understand that the language of the classics is a barrier to many people, as well as the style. That, however, is a large part of what I love about them. The language is thoughtful, deliberate, and artful. It makes you slow down and appreciate what you're reading, and it describes in great detail not only physical setting, but emotional setting as well. Remember that this was in the age before television, radio, telephones, and immediate amusements. People, when they could afford them or get their hands on them, read books for entertainment if they were not sketching, painting, learning an instrument (usually a piano of some sort), or doing some sort of domestic handcraft (usually needlework).
I am reading The Age of Innocence (again); it's one of my favourites. I do understand that many of the CBBC are not gliding through it and enjoying it with the same gusto as previous selections. Remember, however, that the previous selections were books for younger readers mostly, and therefore were simpler. They were also more modern.
Addendum: I know that The Age of Innocence is set later than the Victorian Era, and that my description of amusements is not entirely accurate for that time period in its scope.
DeleteNance, I do sometimes enjoy them. Like Les Miserables, which is a wonderful book and one of my favorites! I grew up in a place with no TV or phone and I, like the Victorians could not wait to get my hands on a book. I read it all, as long as it was in English, and even was known to read a few trashy paperbacks if that's all that was available! I guess I don't always like the books that specifically are about "a woman seeking a husband," although I do understand why it was so. And I don't have the same annoyance at movies or shows about the same thing, usually. I don't know why that's so. I just remember finishing Jane Eyre (book) and thinking that I was pretty much over the Bronte sisters for the moment!
DeleteKyria--I forgot about your childhood experience, so unique when compared to your contemporaries. We had TV and phone, but I was like you, a voracious reader who preferred books to pretty much everything else. I read a few trashy paperbacks myself when on a month-long BORING trip out West with the parents; I'd grab them off the racks at rest stops, restaurants, and anyplace that sold them when we made a stop.
DeleteOne of the best things about books is that you can find so many that fulfill and suit you, eschewing the rest. And they're always there should you want to try them again.
I have never heard the term Book Cellar. It is such a delightful phrase! You pull from it when the time is right and there can be pride in having a well-stocked cellar. I once had a moving company employee tell me that my book collection was something they’d expect from a hoarder! I have since gotten rid of a lot of books due to space and lack of storage. But we still have so many books!
ReplyDeleteBook to screen adaptations rarely work. I almost always avoid them unless someone I know vets it and tells me it’s worth seeing.
What an awful time for your son to be recovering from a foot injury! He must be so relieved to have your help! And the extra bonding time with Theo must be so uplifting during these challenging times.
Lisa--That mover's comment was a bit rude and personal. Their job is to move your stuff, not remark upon it. Lots of people don't understand keeping books once they've been read. I think it was Jerry Seinfeld's character on his show who said something like, "I don't get why people keep books around that they've already read, like they're trophies or something: Look! I read all these books!" People like that just do not get it.
DeleteIt really has been awful for Jared, what with this hurried move in the middle of the lousiest winter weather and all this snow. He can't get out, Theo and he are stir-crazy, and there is still so much to do in the new house that he cannot help with. I'm glad we can be of help, and extra glad that we get this time with Theo while he's changing so quickly.
Oh yes, that mover's comment was horrendous. It happened when I was moving in my my apartment in Charlotte after a sort of forced relocation. So I was mad to be moving there and then was insulted by the movers. Sigh.
DeleteI hope Jared is on the mend soon. This winter just won't quit. We did not get snow this weekend but we got 8" last week and now it's bitterly cold. It was 3F this morning when I left for my exercise class. Gah. I need some sunshine and warmth!!
Lisa--Jared did not get the news he was hoping for at the doctor. Another month of no weight-bearing on the foot. He is just devastated. Getting more snow did NOT help, either. Sigh. Talk about "the winter of our discontent"!
DeleteThis has been such a hard time, and I know Minnesota has had it so much worse. We all need something positive very soon!
How fun that you’re now a puzzle person! I’m not a puzzle person yet, but apparently I’ve become a Solitaire person - and I can’t even believe it! I love your term Book Cellar. I have never read Wuthering Heights. Book to screen adaptations can be tricky. Sometimes reading the book helps me understand a movie better.
ReplyDeleteMG--Your last sentence is so novel to me (no pun intended). Usually, watching a film adaptation helps people further understand a book.
DeleteOh, gosh, Solitaire! I used to be obsessed with that and Klondike on my laptop. I'd play for so long, especially if Rick was watching a show I didn't care about. And I'd actually brag about what level I'd attained!
Beware of the Puzzle Trap. If I can fall into it, anyone can.
I almost always loathe screen adaptations of favourite books. There are a few exceptions, but generally they make me mad. And while Wuthering Heights is very far from one of my favourite books - I don't like it really - I won't see that movie. My friend, and Maya, told me that it ends halfway through the book, which, what? Why?
ReplyDeleteI love puzzles but I prefer easy, vignette-style ones. My husband likes harder ones!
Nicole--You know, I am no big fan of WH, either. Still, I am always annoyed whenever someone makes a film version of a book, uses the title and characters, and then does whatever the hell they want from there. Imagine how you'd feel if a director did that with your book!
DeleteWH, like many Victorian novels, was split into two volumes upon original publication. This film represents Vol I of the original book. And I use the term Represents quite loosely. QUITE.
Rick gets to choose the next puzzle, but I will plead with him for a 500-piece one. This one almost killed me.
I often love adaptations of beloved books, it feels like time spent together again. Like I spent this wonderful time with the book, and now I get to revisit it. I have, for example, loved every version of Romeo and Juliet that I have seen, including the one that so many people hate, with Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio. When they get a vital detail wrong, however, it makes me ANGRY. I was so angry at The Black Stallion, because Alec’s father DID NOT DIE in the book, there was no need for that. I got over it eventually and can now watch it and marvel of the beauty of that film. I am NOT over A Little Princess however, and never will be. Sara’s father died, and to have the story be about her search for him rather than her forgiving the Indian Gentleman is some serious bullshit. Also, no, not every girl is a princess, THAT WAS THE ENTIRE POINT.
ReplyDeleteWuthering Heights. There is nothing in the previews that makes me want to see this movie. The corset scene…(the only preview I have seen) seems vaguely S&M to me. Was that in the book? Somehow I doubt it. I haven’t read it in decades though, so I would not swear to it. I’ll be skipping it for sure, especially since I now know it is a two parter. Dumb.
I’m so sorry about your Wordle streak. That is a sorrow. My longest streak was 435 I think, and I was horrified the day I broke that streak. I don’t remember the word though, so I guess I’m over it. In my case I’m pretty sure it was one of those with just too many options.
I hope Sam’s foot is healed enough for a boot, he must be so frustrated to not be able to put any weight on it. Taking care of Theo though, what an excellent job!
J, I loved that Baz Luhrman R+J with Claire Danes and Leo Di C! Such a good reminder that something like that *can* be done well! Love how well _Hamnet_ was translated onto the screen as well...
Delete
DeleteOf course I meant *Jared’s* foot, not Sams. You people with more than one kid. ;)
Maya, yes, I loved Hamnet!
J--I loved the DiCaprio version of Romeo and Juliet! I thought the casting was superb, and I loved the whole atmosphere of it. It was true to the play, yet it made it so modern and accessible. The emotions were beautifully interpreted, too. A real tour de force, imo, and I am a huge fan of the Zeffirelli film (pretty much the standard for Shakespeare on film in the modern era). I also loved Luhrmann's treatment of The Great Gatsby (also with DiCaprio in the lead), though I still like the Robert Redford/Mia Farrow/Sam Waterston version the best.
DeleteLike you, it sets me on fire when a movie completely destroys the whole point of the book. Or rewrites history. Or becomes the standard, like so many Disney cult films. Do NOT get me started on how Disney has polluted our culture, especially our female culture. I remain appalled and dismayed by its pervasive and overarching influence.
The corset scene--NOT IN THERE. Along with SO MANY OTHER SCENES, each one a product of this director's apparent addiction to steamy romance fiction. It's patently absurd. And criminal. And damned disrespectful.
Jared--poor man!--has yet another week to wait for his doctor appointment. They called to reschedule today. I feel just terrible for him. We are absolutely loving all this extra time with Theo, though, and each time he amazes us with more and more new talents and words.
Oh, I also loved the more modern version of The Great Gatsby! It was great. Do we own it on DVD? Perhaps… I am not such a huge fan of the Redford/Farrow/Waterston version though.
DeleteI’m so sorry that Jared’s appointment was postponed! SO FRUSTRATING FOR HIM. Humbug.
"What now" had me chuckling. Poor Sam.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Jared has a broken foot at such a busy time of life... That sounds painful (I'm imagining multiplying my broken toe). I hope it's healing well and that the ortho has good news even if it means you, my dear friend, will have reduced work hours with the adorable Theo.
Absolutely *love* "book cellar." It alleviates all my guilt about not getting to books right away. I like the Japanese term "tsundoku" too. https://lithub.com/the-pleasures-of-tsundoku-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-book-piles/ But "book cellar" just sounds more lux!
maya--Sam is quite witty and taciturn in his texts. I know I'll feel his pain if/when we get another puzzle and send him that news.
DeleteJared's broken foot was a lisfranc injury that required that specific surgery. It is, indeed, very painful and has a lengthy recovery with time off the foot. As you can imagine, this is not ideal for a Stay At Home Dad, and certainly not one who is still trying to get things in order in a new house with a pregnant, working wife. I'm so glad we can help as much as we do.
Thanks for the link and the new word tsundoku. Luckily, I don't have big piles of books all about, but I do like to be able to get books that I know I'll want to read eventually and place them on my bookshelves in a special pile. Books are my one real indulgence. My father, who used to buy steaks for us every weekend regardless of the cost, always said, "I don't smoke, drink, or chase women" to excuse his extravagance (for his family!). That became all of us kids' mantras for anything we ever bought, even now, although I have one sister who smokes occasionally, I drink occasionally, and the two elders, as far as I know, don't do any of the three with any regularity at all.
Enjoy your Book Cellar guilt-free, my dear friend. As my late friend Ann, the romance writer, used to say, "It's not like you're out buying $10,000 diamond necklaces!" XO
Chuckling as the "$10,000 diamond necklace" comment was already in my head before I got to it :)! Wishing Jared all the best with his ortho appt. today.
DeleteStarting out, A and I decided that we wouldn't skimp on food or books if we could afford it (yet another place where I coincide with your amazing dad!). A remembers being hungry growing up when his divorced mom was in grad school and the family was on food stamps, so it's kind of personal.
maya--Childhood experiences really imprint us, don't they? I'm glad that A can not only feed that child now, but make sure his kids have full stomachs, too. I'm sure my father's insistence on splurging on good food for us came from a similar place, but he rarely shared childhood memories with us. That alone was very telling.
DeleteAh, that word, “embed”. I finally got it on 6, but my streak wasn’t particularly high, anyway. My online buddies and I had quite a discussion about the word. I thought it was a made up word, which maybe all words are. I knew exactly what it was but thought it wasn’t “kosher”, as it were. My longest streak 103.
ReplyDeleteG-jill--That damned word. My final guess was EBBED. If I had used KEMPT as my starter word instead of KNELT, I'd not have fallen for it. But, alas! I tried to be too tricky, and I was sure they'd sneak a double letter in there.
DeleteGlad to hear that Jared is on the mend. I am sure you are treasuring these days with the grandboy, even if exhaustion sets in frequently. You will have them to hold in your heart when he is six foot something and launched into a scary world. As I hold on to 'Little Stuff' even as the adult granddaughter approaches her second degree.
ReplyDeleteAbout the horror movies. I once disgraced myself in a theatre washroom ranting about an historically inaccurate portrayal of Elizabeth1. Loudly, to my daughter in the stalls as I stood at the washbasin. She said she was reluctant to leave her shelter and acknowledge me. But adding lines to classic plays. Should be a capital offence. Um.
I blow Wordle regularly. My Son In Law, a biologist, usually solves in one or two tries. This is Truly Annoying.
I have a really scary puzzle that the YD gave me for Christmas. I am going to save it until we are enjoying our cottage week so that she can do the hardest bits. And if that doesn't work, I will put it out here and tempt the husband, who saved me from a wooden one that had me muttering for a solid week.
Just in passing ... I got great enjoyment out of hauling a bunch of newly arrived adults into useable English. Both the students and the other teachers were rewarding to know and work with.
Mary G, I’m a history jock and read and review books and movies for Amazon and Goodreads. Not much makes me madder than to have movies give wrong plot or characterizations. For instance, the movie “Manhunt” featured Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton.
DeleteStanton was known for being heavily bearded. And I mean “heavily”. But the movie showed him as totally clean shaven. It was difficult to watch the movie, which was actually quite good.
That was just one of many movies which distort common facts. Books tend to be much more factual.
Mary--Theo is already halfway to being a six-footer. It won't be long before he is as tall as I am! If, like dogs, you could judge adult size by the size of a juvenile foot, he is going to be huge. His feet are so big! I am in a constant state of heady joy when I am with him. The thought of him going to school one day, sharing him with the outside world, makes me unreasonably upset.
DeleteI have been That Person ranting about the historical inaccuracies in front of others. It's not a habit I am proud of, and I have not done so in a very long time. Do I still talk back to the television or complain/speechify to Rick? Oh, to be sure I do. We are currently watching Death by Lightning on Netflix, a series about President Garfield and his assassin Charles Guiteau. I am astonished by the dialogue and the portrayal of Chester A Arthur. Still, the acting overall is good and the casting is also.
I am so pleased about your work with immigrants and the language. Your dedication, kindness, and patience are apparent and such assets. I'm so proud to know you.
G-jill--Stanton's beard is so distinctive! And he always wore it, a shaggy two-toned affair that was quite striking. I did a little research, and I found an article in which the showrunner explained the choice to portray Stanton beardless. Here it is; it's ridiculous and stupid.
DeleteWell, Nance, that Town and Country article on The Beard really is BS. For what it was worth, it sounded like Karoline Leavitt trying to explain nuclear physics.
DeleteG-jill--LOL! Or at least like KL pretending she is a nuclear physicist.
DeleteWhew. Blogger kept blocking me. Note, I was supposed to sign in, not come here from my email. Now I know.
ReplyDeleteI'm very committed to Retirement made me laugh. I am committed to your Retirement, too. It sounds like it's perfect for you!
ReplyDeleteSo, I do not watch movies of books because I get so angsty about it. The Half-Blood Prince movie of Harry Potter when they set the Burrow on fire and then IN THE NEXT MOVIE had a wedding at the Burrow was INFURIATING. So I just don't. Also, I should know better than to read classics because I am not smart enough for them. I imagine being just so confused by a MOVIE of them.
NGS--Thank you for your firm support for my Retirement. I would love to share it with you if only I could. The best I can do is to suggest that you keep it in mind when you retire. It's really okay to actually Retire, not simply move on to something else, which seems to be what so many people expect one to do.
DeleteYour resolve about movies of books may be what I have to consider. Or, failing that, find someone who I trust, like J, to watch it first and vet it for me.
I don't think your frustration with the classics is a product of your intelligence. Like so many things, it's a matter of taste/preference. I was trained/educated in the classics AFTER I found that I was very interested in them. That interest came from reading the texts my older sister brought home from high school and college. You simply don't have the initial interest, and that can make all the difference as well as the training/education. I went to school for English and Literature. Then I taught a classics-based curriculum for 30+ years. You are plenty smart.
I got "embed" (not bragging - my highest streak was 79 & it was years ago). I was ASTONISHED that I got it. That happens to me often - I'll think, "surely this can't be the word," and lo & behold, it IS the word.
ReplyDeleteThat puzzle is glorious! My dad will now only do 500 piece puzzles - he doesn't want to work that hard anymore (although we finish them so quickly that we're working the same ones over & over). We love the ones with letters on the back, but even if they don't have letters, Dad will put quadrants in baggies to make it easier next time. And in case it matters, the Ravensburger puzzles are really excellent quality.
Bug--Good for you, getting EMBED. I overthought it and paid dearly.
DeleteI do like the picture on this puzzle. Sam asked if we were going to get puzzle glue and preserve it. I admit I thought about it very briefly, but where on earth would I put it? So, no.
Putting quadrants in baggies feels like cheating to me. Doubtless I'll feel differently if we haul this one out and do it again.
I totally agree about the cheating - I even go to great lengths to make sure that all the pieces are disconnected when I put a puzzle away. But dad is definitely into his "I want this to be Zen instead of challenging" phase of life.
DeleteI can also hold a mean grudge at movies that change things from the book! I am still bitter that the Harry Potter movies (RIP a time when I didn't have to add that I in no way support the author and her ravings lately) changed the Forbidden Forest to the Dark Forest. Boring, and why? And don't get me started on what the latest movie did to The Importance of Being Earnest: overall it was actually good, but there were at least three moments when I was aghast. Now that I've enjoyed the first season of Heated Rivalry on TV, I am actually intentionally not going to read the books, because I just want to enjoy season two on screen without feeling this way about any changes they make.
ReplyDeleteccr--I do hold grudges against certain directors if they take liberties with books. I'll forever take the name of the director of WH in vain now. Fie on her!
DeleteHeated Rivalry is getting loads of publicity. I had no idea it was actually based on books, and I don't blame you in the least for eschewing them. Let the show exist wholly outside the written version since you are enjoying it so much.
You may be downgraded from part-time to part-time? What about your benefits? Did your employer explain how your benefits would be affected by this?
ReplyDeleteI am glad to know Jared is healing and I pray he continues on. How lovely that you and Rick have been able to step up and serve Mr. Theo. (I'm sure it's been FUN!)
WORDLE. I am always so disappointed when the word starts with a vowel. Don't ask me why, but it makes me frown terribly because I never start with a vowel.
It's bad enough when movie writers/directors/producers change new fictional stories for their movies, but they have a lot of nerve to mess with the classics!
That is one fantastic puzzle, my friend. I love it when people fall into the Puzzle Trap...almost makes me giddy and want to say: I TOLD YOU SO! That being said, I've had one on my dining room table for months (four? Five?). That is collecting dust. I need to stop being so busy and get back to enjoying my days.
I hope you are having more days of feeling well than not.
You'll be enraged to know I saw bananas at the store the other day for seventy-five cents a pound. I thought of you, as I still purchased four of them. 🤣 XOXO
meant to say you're being downgraded from part time to part-part time. AUTOCORRECT, leave me alone!
DeleteBB Suz--I am outraged at that banana price gouging. Ours here are still at 57 cents a pound, a reasonable sum that I am now willing to pay even though they used to be 49. Alas, so many things used to be so much more reasonable, but those days are far in the past.
DeleteYou'd better tuck that puzzle away for more leisurely days. It will start to feel like an accusation, an undone task, a reminder of simpler times. Who needs that?
Theo is always fun and a revelation. He talks so much more and is using words like "because" and phrases like "I wonder" and "really, really bad", the latter to express how much he needs/wants something. Time with him *is* the job benefit, as I know you understand.
I'm not sure if I'm having more days of feeling better or if I'm just getting more used to living with this. The weather being less lousy is helpful, for sure. Either way, thank you for your kind words.
I love your part time side hustle job thing. Laughing at your contract possibly being renewed. I hope his foot is healing, but I do love that you're on the grandson duty. I bet having you over is such a treat to Theo.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a puzzle person either. I got a puzzle before Christmas, intending for it to be a bonding thing - like a think I'd do with the girls in down time. And they did it and I never touched a single piece. I suspect it was the time of year that interfered. That puzzle is so pretty. I laughed at the text from your son. Well said.
I have no interest in seeing WH but probably not for the same reasons as you. I've not read the book. Will I? Um, probably not. Is this the wrong place to admit that? I do love how outraged you are when someone adds a line to a famous play, etc. You are one in a million. And I am reminded that I really need to carve out some time to drive up and visit my fav creative writing/speech teacher in high school.
Always delighted to see a post pop up from you. xo
Ernie--Any time with Theo is a treat. For both of us, yes. I am an indulgent nana without erring on the side of spoiling him, and he knows how much joy he brings me.
DeleteYour idea about the puzzle with the girls was a good one; too bad that it was a situation of poor timing. You can always try again, saying that you had Good Intentions, but your life is so hectic. As a Retired Lady, I have the luxury of more time and time unspoken for. True, PiperCat does make unreasonable demands from time to time, but nothing very time consuming.
Listen, you can safely admit pretty much anything here. Not having read WH is no big deal. There are thousands of classics. I can make a pretty shocking list of the classics I've never read. Do I know something about some of them? A few. I've never read Rebecca, The Little Prince, The Stranger, or Ulysses, to name only a very, very few.
Please do go and see your former teacher or write her a nice note. We live on those for days and days. I cannot tell you how joyful and energizing my visit with Kali was. It's so nice to be remembered fondly and in such a meaningful way.
Thank you for your loyalty here. I know how difficult it is for you to eke out time to read and comment. And I appreciate your kind words. xo
PART-TIME JOB
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to hear that you have had extra “Theo Time,” albeit due to poor Jared’s broken foot. (Yikes! How did that happen?) If your contract isn’t renewed… maybe you could establish a Grandparents Visit Day each week?
STREAK
My current Wordle streak is only 208. I don’t pay much attention to that stat, though, because Wordle wiped out my entire history when I got a new computer a while back and is currently at only 1000 games played. My goal is to have more 3/6 scores than 4/6 scores. Right now I am at 362 for 3/6 and 339 for 4/6. Took me a while to get there, but things improved a lot when I started using WordFinder and looking up past answers to narrow the field of choices. Some may consider that cheating, but it still takes a lot of critical thinking to figure out which choice is The One. Lately, Wordle answers have been rather bereft of vowels. The worst days are the rhyme-y ones.
HYPOCRISY
I always love reading about what you find in your grocery store’s closeout section, often at insanely cheap prices. That’s a beautiful puzzle! I have never been into jigsaw puzzles, but when things calm down a bit in Casa Ortiz, maybe Mr. O. and I should take a stab at it. The inevitable question for me has always been: what do you do with it when it’s finished? Leave it on the table for a few days to bask in the glory of completion? Was that was what Sam meant by What now? Lol.
YOUR HIGH DUNGEON
Wuthering Heights … I read that so many decades ago that I cannot remember it in any great detail. I just remember that it was dark, depressing, and I would not want to read it again. I am a much bigger fan of the other Bronte sister: I loved Jane Eyre and did read that more than once. As for Hollywood’s version of practically everything: they take poetic license to unimaginable heights because… Hollywood. There should be an entire film genre called “We Hope You Like Our Version Better Than the Book.”
YOUR MUSINGS
Ah, The Book Cellar. Where one may dip into whichever of our favourites that fits into the Currently Cozy Corner of our minds.
Sidebar I miss teaching, too. My early retirement days were spent basking in the absence of all the bureaucratic bullshit. Lately I am nostalgic for the fun part. In my case, educating students, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, on the cultural heritage of the Spanish language. And while grammar and spelling were important, every class I taught, even for complete beginners (or maybe especially because of them) had a nugget of Hispanic culture that most of them were not aware of. It crushes my soul that my original alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin, just decided that the Department of Mexican American and Latino Studies will no longer stand as an independent department. Instead, it will be dumped into a newly created (B.S.) department of “Social and Cultural Analysis” in the College of Liberal Arts. This. In a state that is over 40% Hispanic. Thank you, Gov. Voldemort. I am so delighted that you have to run for re-election this year. I will be voting for Gina Hinojosa, who has less than a million dollars cash on hand as compared to Voldemort who has 105 million dollars in his campaign pocket. If enough of us get out to the polls, I hope we can beat the odds.
Speaking of which: Today, Mr. O. and I are off to the polls to early vote. For serious candidates who think it’s maybe a waste of time for the Texas legislature to consider a bill, the FURRIES act, that bans schools from providing litter boxes in classrooms to accommodate students dressing up like cats. Because that is such a real thing that is causing the collapse of modern society and poisoning the souls of Future Christian Nationalist Zombies.
***Apologies for all the politics at the end.***
Ortizzle--So nice to see you here, my dear friend. And you never have to apologize for Politicking here. I don't censor in Comments as a rule, and we are like-minded. There's a great deal of buzz about TX in the Red v Blue News these days, and I'm here for it. If TX turns Blue in any meaningful way, it might just restore my hopes for OH (aka Texas-on-Erie). GO SHERROD!
DeleteLike you, I vastly prefer Jane Eyre to WH any old day. I found (and still do) WH to be irritating and not a romance at all. It's ugly to me, and so are the characters who populate it. Still, I may have to read it again sometime to see if I can get a different sense of it. I have a beautiful old illustrated version of it that will make the experience more worthwhile.
Right now, the completed puzzle is, indeed, still on display on the dining room table as proof of our Perseverance, Triumph, and largely Indecision as to what in the hell to do with it. Once we find another, we'll likely take it apart and put it in a closet to perhaps put together again. We went to my grocery store today, hoping to find more puzzles, but alas! they did not have a single one. Did they have a staggering amount of incomprehensible items instead? Yes, of course. Sam was definitely wondering what will take up our time now, as well as his when he stops by for carryout dinners from Mom's Homemade.
I hear you about the NYT/Wordle app wiping out your streak. It recently did that with two other games that I play. I was crestfallen, but I decided that I would likely live in spite of it all. (That's been my baseline attitude for most things in the current state of the world. I know you understand.)
We're so happy to be able to spend so much more time with Theo as well as Jared and Jordan and to be able to provide help. Jared's fractured foot was the result of a fall. It was just a freak occurrence, and the type of break, a lisfranc fracture, is very serious. He'll hopefully be in a walking boot/cast next week, and then will be looking at weeks of physical therapy. The timing, of course, was just terrible. But things will be evening out soon, and time with Theo is a joy always.
Even though the wordle streak has ended, can you feel my envy across the miles? I don't know which I hate most -- not getting it because I don't get it or missing a day for a very good reason and boom! Streak ended. At least with Waffle you can go back into the archives. I'm finally back to 85 after that last missed day. I question whether I'll ever see 344!
ReplyDeleteLovely about being able to help with Theo but yes, it is a new part time job! I hope by the next post we'll get an update on everyone's recovery! Those things happen so quickly and throw us all into a tailspin.
Musing on "Wuthering Heights" and "The Crucible." I'll be giving "Wuthering Heights" a pass. Just not up for it and I'm OK with that. I don't like it when they change things. I might have cut "The Crucible" change some slack (if it was only one line). Truthfully, it's been so long since I was in it, I probably wouldn't even notice it! I'm getting ready to tackle Austen's "Persuasion" before taking a class related to our upcoming U Theatre's production of it. She usually rolls along fairly quickly but it's been a long time since I've read her, too!
Liking the puzzle but probably wouldn't be one I'd do. Just finished one based on Louise Penny's "Three Pines" locale. It wasn't bad till I got to the flowers surrounding the center! Oh, and another question -- I'm not quite sure where you are in the Cleveland region, but are you familiar with Loganberry Books in Shaker Heights on Larchmere? Just posted about having a book (family recipes from great grandfather) rebound in the bindery in the back of the store. Just wanted to make sure it is still there! (Both Loganberry and the bindery!)
Jeanie--I'm not familiar with Loganberry Books, sorry. I'm on the West Side. Your project sounds fun, though, and like a terrific family heirloom.
DeleteLike you, it's been a while since I've read any Austen, but that's not an intentional slight. I read Persuasion as part of my Victorian Novels class in undergrad and liked it just fine. She has a very big fan base, and as far as I know, has not had any of her novels massacred to the extent of this treatment of WH.
I'm intrigued by your mention of the word game Waffle. I'd not heard of it. Word games are my go-to, being a word nerd from way back. I agree that missing a day on Wordle and having the streak end seems punitive and unreasonable. So much for games being FUN, right?
Jared's appointment got rescheduled for the 23rd. He's been feeling much better and is hopeful that he'll be put in a walking cast/boot. Physical therapy will likely be scheduled as well, so we will probably be called on to cover for those sessions. More Theo is not a bad thing at all.
I hope by now Jared's had his appointment and is in a boot. Yikes. I don't know if you can do waffle on the computer but it's a phone app. And you can go back into the archive to do the past puzzles. Also, if you haven't already, check out Blossom. (google Blossom game). It's like Spelling Bee, except a little harder -- in addition to using the center letter, the hive highlights one letter for each turn and you have to include that in your word to get more points. If you get over to the East Side, stop at Loganberry. Bring a big totebag!
DeleteJeanie--Jared had his appointment and after some back and forth afterwards, he is now in a shoe with a special insert. He can walk a little bit each day.
DeleteThanks for the info on Waffle and Blossom. I often do word games on my phone throughout the day to stay sharp.
And I may ask Rick to take me on an outing to Loganberry. I have lots of big totebags.
Hello Nance
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if I could get your opinion on AOI discussion here? Especially on Ellen. (It's been a query for years).
Codex--I normally discourage comments that are off-topic of the post at hand, but I'll make an exception here for you. Ask away.
DeleteI'm assuming that's a yes. I read it when I was young but have discussed it from time to time. I felt that Archer wanted others to make decisions for him, and in the end blamed both women for his unhappiness. If Ellen turns around at the beach. If Ellen comes to the window...letting fate/destiny make the decisions. Your or literary analysis take?
ReplyDeleteI also thought that his audacity at thinking Ellen would wait for him had nothing to do with his society but him. Would it have been inappropriate to walk up those stairs and say hello as an old friend? She was a fantasy he wanted to live in rather than a person.
Sorry. Thought you moderated.
ReplyDeleteCodex--I think you've made some very salient points. Archer was living stolidly in New York Society. He was doing all the things a man of his age and status was expected to do. The most he ever did to Get Out of his rut was to read a great many books of a wide variety which introduced him to philosophies and histories and thoughts that were not wholly his own. He dreamed of embracing New Things, but he was unwilling to forego the safety and security of his present station to do so, as is evidenced by his interaction with Ned Winsett. He is even irritated by Ellen Olenska's untimely arrival that forces him to (gasp!) announce his engagement at a ball--how gauche. But he does it out of a sense of family duty.
ReplyDeleteYour theory of Blame is a good one, and it's borne out in the scene at the little inn in Boston when Ellen and Newland lunch together privately. She reminds him that he has made her different, more honourable; she says that May's happiness is a priority. He responds petulantly, "You gave me my first glimpse of a real life, and at the same moment you asked me to go on with a sham one. It's beyond human enduring--..." And she has to remind him then, very quietly, that she, too, is enduring it. He is a spoiled, fretful child, unable to accept Reality and lashing out at her, the closest target.
I also believe he blames May for the situation he created himself by hurrying the engagement and marriage. She gave him escape routes; she was quite frank about it. Why *did* he marry her, anyway? He saw someone he thought he could model and mold into his Ideal Mate. Not the case after all, especially after he became infatuated with Ellen. So, he merely settled and settled in to the expected life, and blamed her for its stifling nature, opening windows symbolically to get glimpses of what life was like beyond.
And yes, Archer waffled at pivotal moments, choosing instead to leave things to chance. You almost can't blame him since the larger decisions he made in this book turned out pretty awful. Still, he's a largely ineffectual man until the overarching structures of Old New York dissolve and he finds his footing in useful things rather than pretending to be a lawyer and attending operas and dinner parties.
One may have a hard time associating the word Audacity with Newland Archer, but I do think it's appropriate. He treats the women in his life shamefully overall. He is pompous and chauvinistic and while not misogynistic, he is definitely the poster child for the double standard. Yes, he could have gone to see Ellen in France with his son, greeted her as a cousin, and exchanged pleasantries and family news/memories. For who he is, however, it was nearly impossible for exactly the reason you state.
Thank you. There were very happy marriages (Darwin eg.) so it was possible even for that time. I think Wharton showed realism and did not gear it toward what the reader might want the plot to be. I think that none of the characters always said what they meant, including olenska. But I still think of Archer as a "mild" misogynist. I'm genuinely curious why you disagree.
DeleteI think misogyny requires a genuine contempt and deep-seated hatred for women. Misogynists are actively hostile to women, openly display disgust for any female characteristics or traits, and have no regard whatsoever for women's rights in any arena.
DeleteArcher doesn't fit this model. He is not openly and actively hateful or contemptuous of any of the women in the novel. At one point he even talks about May being free, as free as he is. Like chauvinists, he does believe himself intellectually superior to women. He feels that it is his duty to protect not only her, but Ellen as well because as a man, that is his role, a traditional one. He is incredibly solicitous to his mother and Janey, his sister, and while he may view some of their behaviours as silly or foolish, he sees those actions as expected of their sex. He doesn't ever remark upon them with disgust or revulsion, as a misogynist would.
Is Archer immature and selfish, like many chauvinists? Absolutely. Is he hateful and mean? No, I don't think so.
Codex: I think Archer is a complex character. Wanting to protect women is neither traditional nor chauvinistic. Maybe in his case, but misogyny is a sliding scale, doesn't have to be open to still hate them or devalue them. Seeing women as "less then" is misogyny. Thank you again. Is Wharton reflected in Ellen?
ReplyDeleteI too am happily retired but sometimes miss teaching French grammar so much that I bore my boyfriend with it. "Really, Margaret, I'm not interested in the use of subjunctive!" I can understand the difficulty of translating books onto the screen, but endings should NOT be changed. And plays should be kept as they're written!
ReplyDelete