The "Twilight" Books

First, I admit to being very skeptical about any book featuring vampires being acceptable reading. But, since Shannon, who is just as persnickety as I, virtually insisted (she bought me the book as a gift), I gave in and read. I was surprised. Now that the series is completed, I will do a book review on the set:
These are the modern equivalent of the gothic novel, the "Wuthering Heights" of our time, if you will. The heroine is likable, flawed, and develops through the book into strength, beauty and maturity. The hero is dangerous, mysterious, and handsome beyond the value of our mousy narrator. But somehow, he loves her. He "saves" her, from all threats and from her own insecurities. There is a moral theme. Like the Bronte books, or Daphne du Maurier, Victoria Holt, etc., girls eat it up. Guys tolerate it at best.
That said, what about the other stuff? I categorize it as fantasy, rather than occult. It never offended me. However, I did find the violence a bit graphic. This is not appropriate reading for the young. The sensuality is intoxicating to the romantic female, but, again, stops short of being offensive because it never crosses the line--sex doesn't happen till after the wedding, and the details are carefully controlled.
Personally, I liked the story. I'm a first class Romantic. But it doesn't thrall me like the younger women I know. Much like the still younger girl obsesses over Disney princesses, their hearts are still vulnerable to the "dream come true" story. And this one is well done. I would not go so far as to "recommend" it; but I allow it in my home library. Frankly, I like Harry Potter better.

Yard sale mania

I would be stupid not to recognize a good opportunity. People love to "Yard Sale." It's a popular sport. But usually, the participants are not the same group as those who buy fine art. I'm hoping to create a cross-breed this weekend. I'm having a yard sale for fine art. Yup, putting paintings and prints out in the front yard with sale stickers meant to entice the bargain shopper. We're also selling some books--duplicate titles and lesser greats.

I used to do this once a year in Rock Springs. Certain "collectors" came every time. I knew if I painted up some ornaments with snowmen, they would all sell. Here, I've only done something like that in a group, with the Artist Guild. So... you ought to tell your neighbors. Come on over yourselves (relatives get treats and free books). I'm getting rid of older stuff--truly fabulous deals--up to 75% off wholesale prices. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Plucking a Primeval Chord?

There's something about the arts that draws people in, like moths to light. I finally identified this yesterday when our Artist Guild went on a painting expedition in Rock Canyon together. This place gets loads of hikers, climbers and families looking for outdoor fun. So when we set up a half-dozen easels and started to paint beside the traffic path, the traffic took detours to view and talk about our art. Even before I had put one stroke of paint onto the canvas, there were 6-8 young BYU types eagerly chatting and milling about my table. And there was nothing to see! In fact, the chatting really slowed me down. Took me forever to get started on the painting, since I'm not as good at doing 2 things at once, any more.

I think people are fascinated by creative process. Deep down people respond to beauty, and there is a pull towards anything that celebrates Heavenly Father's glory. At least that's my interpretation. It can't just be curiosity. That causes a pause, but not a full stop. These passersby were ENGAGED in our art. They wanted to be part of the story.

Second Childhood

I love toy castles and stuffed animals, dolls and tiny furniture. I prefer children's literature. I like swings and sidewalk art. I take out my wand and do "magic." I dress up--even when grandkids aren't around. I went out in the front yard last Sunday evening and invited the little neighbor boy to come over and toss ladybug-beanbags at the painted sunflower board with me. (Pretty soon his 3 other brothers had joined us). When we travel, I like to visit toy stores. In Portland, I bought a stuffed bush baby and a hedgehog. I spend hours every few weeks changing the outfits on all my dolls. The only thing that worries me about this is that I have apparently passed on this eternal childhood syndrome to certain of my kids. I'm not sure their spouses completely appreciate it. But one thing for sure, I know how to have fun with nothing more than a big box (I just need a bigger box than I used to). Surely that's not all bad?

Summertime Stuff

I love Summer. I love the sounds of lawnmowers and kids squealing while they run through the sprinklers. I love summer sunsets and sunrises and twilights. I love all the holidays and picnics and hikings and vacations. But most of all, I love to be warm. Yes, even hot. It's what says "summer" loudest of all. I love to feel dangerously close to being sunburned. I love to be so hot that my scalp itches. I love to take off my shoes and and all but the barest layer to nearly nude and still be warm enough. It IS summer!
Steve says, this is what will tell people that I am crazy. Now they only suspect it. Now they'll know. Am I?

Parallels

I read about a man who professes to be "gay" but celibate, therefore maintaining his status in the Church. Lately, because the Church has come out more directly against legislation on same sex marriage, he has become defensive. He has asked that when a letter from Pres. Monson is read in Sac. mtg., that his extended family members will all walk out in protest. Meanwhile, he's asked for his name to be removed from the Church records. So, people are making noises about Mormons who ought to be compassionate rather than obedient to leaders, and about the Church nosing into political issues.
Isn't it interesting? If I choose to obey, I'm told that I'm not thinking for myself. If I worry about the corruption of society's basic cultural unit, I'm told that I'm unkind and prejudiced. Just like Amulek in the B of M, the prophet's words are twisted and misrepresented by "witnesses" with a private agenda. Well, bottom line: I hope I have the courage to be tossed "into the fire" and stay true...

Portland Ponderings and Profundities

Well, I learned a thing or two on the trip to Portland:
1. It's easy to have fun when you don't have to cook.
2. My favorite "shops/boutiques/stores" sell toys.
3. Any town or city with public transportation rates high on my list. Portland has free streetcars, buses and light rail.
4. Anyplace with major bodies of water (ocean, river, big lake) are generally more romantic than other places.
5. If you eat out every day, walking 10 miles still won't be enough to maintain status quo weight. Pity.
6. I'm not the only one out there with a camera.
7. I might actually be a decent artist! Evidence: I showed some photos of my work to 2 different employees at a fancy gallery there and they each strongly encouraged me to submit to their jury process, not knowing the other person already had told me the same thing. One of these persons was an exhibiting artist in the gallery as well as an employee there and had his doctorate; had been teaching in Nebraska and Spain. It was swell.