Member: Marensr

Suge arrives on early on Friday morning. I shall be spending a very decadent night in a hotel at Heathrow airport on Thursday so I can be there to meet her soon after 6.30a.m.

I can't wait - I just hope it's everything she hopes it will be. I've taken a few days of work, which is exciting enough, without adding a suge to the mix! I do love you guys coming over, it's really special. We shall of course keep everyone updated with our shinannigans.

I'm hoping to focus harder on the acting career after my orangutan trip in October. We're also hoping to get a little residency for a comedy show at a theatre in Leicester Square, either at the end of this year or the beginning of next - depending on the waiting list. The venue are being a bit evasive, which they have the luxury of being able to do of course. ho hum! In the meantime we're working on what form we would like the show to take, as well as finding places to try it out before hand.

Onwards and upwards!

Big love
xx

posted by LadyN at 2:18 pm (EST) on May 9, 2009

Hi!

Congratulations on that great review of "The History Boys". I had been wondering how it was going, and was going to drop you an enquiring line. Awesome!

I'm depsarate to get back on stage in some "straight" theatre. The comedy is all very well, but I don't find it as challenging or satisfying as a good old drama somehow. Ho hum. I'll keep my ear to the ground.

Lots of love, hope you're well.

N
xx

posted by LadyN at 6:59 pm (EST) on May 8, 2009

No, no - that's great. I will see you at Intelligentsia at one!

posted by Eurydice at 12:36 pm (EST) on May 7, 2009

This is true: both when I put the note up, and when I just now read your reaction, I teared up. It was an unforgettable theater moment. (We share 42 books. I plan to look at our overlap and may get back in touch. Meanwhile thank you for this moment together.)

posted by Esta1923 at 5:18 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2009

Hi Maren! Just to let you know that it is 10.40pm here and I have just logged on, having returned home at 9.45pm and made dinner - phew! I will need to think about your questions or maybe ask others so as not to mislead you and the boys. I have a long day tomorrow but will get back asap! Love Julie

posted by juliette07 at 6:43 pm (EST) on Mar 17, 2009

Thanks for the tip on the groups and adding library. Speak soon- Patrick

posted by fish_city_boy at 6:23 pm (EST) on Feb 28, 2009

Hi lovely!!

I'm assuming I didn't get the job, as I've not heard anything. I'm sort of pleased about it, as it would mean compromising a great deal regarding the comedy, etc.

We have a gig on monday, which we're frantically trying to get up to scratch. It's all brand new, un-tested material, so we're a little anxious about this one!

Suge arrives on 15th May, and I can't wait! It's such a shame you guuys couldn't stay longer on your visit. Next time!!

How are things with you? Any more exciting projects on the go?

Lots of love,
Naomi
xx

posted by LadyN at 6:15 am (EST) on Feb 25, 2009

Hi, Maren!

I'm glad you got to see Coraline and that you enjoyed it so much. I've never seen a movie in 3-D. Did you wear those special glasses to see it? I haven't had a chance to see the movie yet but did try to on President's Day before work. They were sadly sold out of tickets.

So you have read Ella Minnow Pea? It did look very interesting to me! I haven't had a chance to read it yet but am hoping to read it soon.

Thanks. I'm well and hope you are, too. We miss you!

posted by Kerian at 6:30 pm (EST) on Feb 24, 2009

Hi Maren,

Thanks for adding me to your list of interesting libraries.

Your library contains many books I haven't read (or even heard of), but we do share 65 books. I guess it's because many of them are "world literature".

Two Norwegian books on your shelves I'll recommend:
'The Wild Duck' by Henrik Ibsen
'Kristin Lavransdatter' by Sigrid Undset

Kjell :)

posted by kjellika at 3:36 am (EST) on Feb 24, 2009

Hi, Mar!

I'm happy we got to see you in chat last night! It was great to get to talk to you after so long. I had been sad that I had missed you over the weekend when you were on LT. :)

I'm doing okay. My temporary promotion ended at the start of this month which was sad, but I enjoyed it greatly while it lasted. I'm typically quite well and have been sick, but am good now. Thanks about the profile photo. I put it up at a challenging time thinking how strong the plant was to grow where it is. Violets are one of my favorite flowers and I think of them as my comfort fragrance.

I hope you're doing okay health-wise and that your work eases in stress and demand so you may be healthier. Where have you been traveling? Is it related to your and your sister's website? Hopefully it was enjoyable. It sounds like you will get to have a good time being with family very soon. Has your niece read Coraline? I may go see the movie Sunday or later next week and hope the two of you have a good time seeing it. I only recently read the book and found that I loved it. I'm glad you're fond of it, too.

Wishing you better health and good luck to the website and new play,
K

posted by Kerian at 3:40 pm (EST) on Feb 11, 2009

Hi Mar, we are both fine thanks, nothing to worry about. We live in a metropolitan area of Sydney, so we are pretty safe from fires, floods, tornadoes etc. Sharks are another matter.

posted by MrAndrew at 11:27 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2009

Hi, Mar. I missed you! How have you been?

posted by Kerian at 2:47 pm (EST) on Feb 10, 2009

Thank you for your kind words about the GD. And welcome to the group!
:o)
Clare

posted by clamairy at 1:32 pm (EST) on Feb 8, 2009

Hi Maren --

Do you still want In this House of Brede? If so, could you leave me a note with your address and I'll send it out to you.

Thanks!
Liz

posted by aviddiva at 2:37 am (EST) on Jan 21, 2009

Hi Maren!
Welcome back to the threads! It's been a while.

I wanted to thank you for mentioning Slings and Arrows (sometime way back).
We just finished watching the third season and we enjoyed it immensely! My husband kept saying things like, "The stage manager reminds me of so many stage managers I've known!" It was a pleasure to bring him back to his theater days. :o)

My only regret was not previewing it before letting the kids watch with us. I guess I can count those toward sex education, right? *blushing* In my opinion, it was worth it for the excellent Shakespeare lessons!

~JP (Cristina)

posted by jugglingpaynes at 6:57 pm (EST) on Jan 7, 2009

did you get the book yet?

posted by Mandy2 at 10:38 am (EST) on Jan 5, 2009

you'll get the book soon! Now remember we had a spending limit so the book is used...just an FYI.

posted by Mandy2 at 12:43 pm (EST) on Dec 24, 2008

Shoot! The pictures didn't work. I'll post them on the party thread

posted by kirbyowns at 12:44 am (EST) on Dec 24, 2008

Here's the toys (I hope these pics work)
Kirby loves the football. I just happened upon this. Kirby will let Finnegan have any toy he is playing with, except this football. They both love the squeaky tennis ball. I didn't know they made such a thing.






And since I couldn't throw the football and tennis ball, and take video at the same time... Here's more of the killer fish video:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirbyjack/3...

posted by kirbyowns at 12:43 am (EST) on Dec 24, 2008

I'm glad you like your gifts. I figured you'd appreciate some gloves in Chicago! I'm glad you like the ornament, that's about the extent of my craftiness. I had word for the seller so you should get your book soon.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

posted by Mandy2 at 10:27 am (EST) on Dec 23, 2008

Hi Maren!
I'm glad you liked the prezzies! Sorry we missed each other when you visited England this year, maybe I'll make it to Chicago one of these days. ;) It's snowing here in Portland. Beautiful, but unusual I think. Everyone is panicking and chains are required for driving!
Merry Christmas!
heather

posted by hjelliot at 12:22 pm (EST) on Dec 20, 2008

Hi, mar! Just checking to see if all is okay. I hope everything is alright.

posted by Kerian at 5:26 pm (EST) on Dec 11, 2008

I'm glad you dropped a note, I was beginning to wonder because I hadn't heard from you! I'll get an email out to you in a few minutes!

posted by biblioholic29 at 6:36 pm (EST) on Nov 19, 2008

diaphanous.

posted by MrAndrew at 6:43 am (EST) on Nov 19, 2008

World Dance Party Today at 3:00 p.m. est. (Set your world clocks)
P.S. Party to Be repeated at 8:00 p.m est for those who can't make the 3:00 time

Maren, it's my birthday and I want to celebrate. I've already got an impromptu dance party going on at the Moss-Freestate maison right now. But why stop there? Let's get the world dancing, dancing for peace, for justice, for gentleness, for love and human kindness. So here's the deal. At exactly 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, I'm going to put on my current favorite dance song "Life in Technicolor" from the Vida la Vida cd by Coldplay. If you have a copy of this song, at exactly 3:00 p.m. est (whatever time that is by your clock), hit the play button and dance away. If you don't have this song, turn on your favorite dance song and dance. Even if you can't stand, dance. Dance in chair, in your bed, if all you can do is wiggle your fingers, dance with them. The song is 2:29 minutes so it won't take much time. At the end, shout YAY for everything that's good in the world. Pass the message on to friends if you like. They don't have to know me; I'd just like to think of millions of people all over the world dancing at the same time for all that is good. It would be the best birthday present ever!!!

posted by urania1 at 12:30 pm (EST) on Nov 15, 2008

I'll see you then.... :)

posted by Eurydice at 4:27 pm (EST) on Nov 5, 2008

This evening would be great, unless lunch or post-work Friday is better for you, at this point. I can meet you at 320 W. Plymouth at 5:30. Unless you'd prefer something else?

Looking forward to it, whatever the plan,

Julie

posted by Eurydice at 4:01 pm (EST) on Nov 5, 2008

Dear Maren:

Likewise. And thank you = I'm having a lovely visit, though purposely low-key. Oakes may or may not be free of work, but it sounds like a good time either way.

As for places, I am completely open to suggestion. Have you a thought?

(Natives get first dibs.)

Warmly, indeed...

Julie

posted by Eurydice at 6:06 pm (EST) on Oct 23, 2008

Maren,
I second Mary's recommendation of Lolly Willowes!
Rob

posted by rbhardy3rd at 11:26 am (EST) on Oct 2, 2008

Maren,

All Passion Spent arrived yesterday. Thank you so much. I'm nearly finished, and I love it. Have you read Lolly Willowes by Slyvia Townsend Warner? It's another book about an older woman kicking over the traces and moving out on her own. I really enjoyed it.

posted by urania1 at 7:05 pm (EST) on Sep 30, 2008

Thank you Maren. According to some, the passion will be spent not a moment too soon. "Some" people think I'm headed for trouble and will end being shot by some stranger who does not appreciate my passionate indignation about the issue of the moment.

posted by urania1 at 8:16 am (EST) on Sep 27, 2008

Thanks lovely!
Gig went really well - I had no idea the new material; would be so popular, but many of our regular crowd came up afterwards and said how much they loved it, which is great! I was particularly worried about the first skit, which I've never found very amusing and predominantly features me, so I was amazed when people started laughing right at the start. That definitely helped me to relax into it and feed off the response.

Thanks for the good back wishes. I don't think I've ever had back pain like it! Oh well, I'm better off than a lot of people in this world, so I shall grin and bear it.

Lots of love,
N
xx

posted by LadyN at 3:52 pm (EST) on Sep 26, 2008

Welcome back - I'm glad to hear you had a nice time in England as well :) May I ask what's your husband's collection, as I too have an interest in the Napoleonic wars?

posted by parelle at 6:01 pm (EST) on Sep 18, 2008

Oh I had a fabulous day with you!!! And not at all disappointed about the dungeon!

I will certainly hold you to the Chicago offer - as soon as I have any money at all, I'll be over there like a shot!

Glad you got home safely.

Lots of love to you both,
N
xxx

posted by LadyN at 4:14 pm (EST) on Sep 18, 2008

I look forward to it. Enjoy Wales!

posted by LadyN at 3:03 pm (EST) on Sep 7, 2008

Hi Maren,

Really looking forward to meeting you a week today!!

I've been having a think about how to maximise the short time you have here, so the following is a little thought;

Morning: I meet you at your hotel, and we walk across the thames and down the southbank to the Globe, and do a tour around there.

Lunch at the Globe

After lunch - Perhaps an open top bus tour? A nice way to at least see all the hotspots.

Late Afternoon- The London Dungeon. I can get us in free, and it's a fun way to learn about the history of the city.

I have to meet my comedy group in a pub at London Bridge at around 6.30pm - you're welcome to join us for a drink.

If there are other things you'd rather do, please let me know - I shaln't be at all offended.

All best,
N
xx

posted by LadyN at 12:53 pm (EST) on Sep 7, 2008

Dear Maren - Looking forward to meeting you both on Tuesday at Heathrow. As we may not recognise one another I will have a piece of paper with your names on!
I am of more mature years, short grey brown hair, brown eyes - but I will be smiling to welcome you dear friends to England. I wonder when you are leaving - I will give you a weather update when I know! Please would you also let me know which Heathrow terminal you will be flying into ? can't believe that these last few days have gone by so very quickly! Warm wishes Julie

posted by juliette07 at 4:47 pm (EST) on Sep 5, 2008

Excellent. I'm so looking forward to seeing you. We'll have agreat time. I so rarely get to be a tourist, and there are so many things I want to do. Hurrah!

posted by LadyN at 4:32 pm (EST) on Sep 3, 2008

We have a teeny problem. Tickets in the galleries are completely sold out, and they only have standing yard tickets left. So, I can either book those, or find something just as wonderful to do. MAybe we could take the tour of the globe, but go do something else? The choice is yours xx

posted by LadyN at 2:18 pm (EST) on Aug 30, 2008

Excellent, I shall book this week. I agree about the standing, so I was secretly hoping you'd say gallery!

If at any point I'm getting too overexcited and carried away, you must tell me to back off, and I won't be at all offended!

I'll find out if any other interesting things are happening that day too.

x

posted by LadyN at 1:32 pm (EST) on Aug 30, 2008

Yippee!!

I have researched. On Sundays there is a 1 o'clock performance at the globe. That day it is Merry Wives. NOw we have a choice. I'm very happy to book tickets, but would you like to sit in the galleries around the edge, or have the authentic historical groundling experience of standing in the yard around the stage like the peasants used to?

The choice is yours!

Thanks for the hotel number. My "cell phone" is 07929 000862 (that's from within the uk. If your phones do work over here, thenyou may need to replace the first 0 with the 0044 country code). Anyway, I will phone you since I am hosting. Or maybe I'll just lurk in your hotel lobby...!!

My only request from the states is you guys!

Huzzah
xx

posted by LadyN at 10:37 am (EST) on Aug 29, 2008

Do you know, I was thnking of a trip to the Globe! I'll sort that out for the 14th - I'm pretty sure it will eather be Merry Wives of Windsor or Midsummer Night's Dream that day. They also do wonderful tours. I'll check out what I can get. If it's all booked out, I'll arrange something else equally as marvellous!

Can't wait to see you!

N
xx

posted by LadyN at 8:10 pm (EST) on Aug 27, 2008

Wonderful!!!

I'm in Stratfird upon Avon on 13th, bu definitely around in London on 14th. Yippee!!!!

I'll think about lovely things we cn do - if there's anything specific you'd like, let me know nd I'll organise.

Whoop whoop!

N
xx

posted by LadyN at 9:32 am (EST) on Aug 25, 2008

Thanks Maren ... no problem about the cover. Christina had done the same for me with another book, which inspired me on my next "cover upload". Also, re: Laxness, this is my first time reading him but I've heard so many good things; I'm really looking forward to it!

Laura

posted by lindsacl at 4:38 pm (EST) on Aug 19, 2008

I just want to let you know that I have scanned and uploaded my cover for The Constant Nymph, and since you have the same edition (same ISBN) as mine, I thought you might want to know that a correct cover for the Dial Press edition is now available.

Enjoy
Laura

posted by lindsacl at 2:59 pm (EST) on Aug 14, 2008

Thanks, Mar! That sounds like a great idea! :)

posted by Kerian at 6:48 pm (EST) on Aug 6, 2008

You're welcome. I'm glad you're back and are getting your home internet connection tomorrow! Maybe I'm just crazy, but setting up books on shelves again always sounds fun to me. You see how much I wish I could help you! :)

Thanks for asking. The job hunting isn't going well, but I've also been trying to hold out for a bookstore after discovering the full time jobs are simply too far for someone without a car. I have another plan that I'm working on since I know they're more likely to hire for the holidays. It would involve working a part time now, and picking up a second one (bookstore, with luck) in November. I'm crossing my fingers.

posted by Kerian at 2:12 pm (EST) on Aug 6, 2008

Hi, Mar! Congrats on moving into your new home! I hope the cats adjust soon. :)

posted by Kerian at 1:43 pm (EST) on Aug 5, 2008

Thanks for the continued well-wishes. T's job search is going, but slow-going. I just keep telling myself: Patience, patience, patience. :)

Did you make it through the storms okay? Luckily I was one of few in the 'burbs that didn't lose power. I feel like we had this same conversation last year, but hope you're doing okay!

posted by elbakerone at 1:02 pm (EST) on Aug 5, 2008

I'm soooooooooooooo excited you're coming over here! YAY!!!!!!

I'd be glad o give any help and advice, and would of course love to meet you!!!!

N
xx

posted by LadyN at 7:56 am (EST) on Jun 26, 2008

Maren, answering Christina's kind offer of group spreadsheet assistance, I saw your comment on visiting Houston. While I've never met her in person, I'd be delighted to see either or both of you, any time you are traveling in this direction.

Among books about the inter-war period, do you have favorites to recommend?

Julie

posted by Eurydice at 3:18 pm (EST) on Jun 24, 2008

Maren, belated wishes for a happy birthday, and a fine year to come - one full of the best in tea-drinking, reading, discovery, and all vocations and avocations. (Christina is rather a give-away. :) )

Finally looking at your library earns it at once the 'interesting library' marker it deserves. My apologies about not doing so, more than glancingly, sooner.

posted by Eurydice at 9:31 pm (EST) on Jun 5, 2008

Maren,

Salem Chapel arrived today. Thank you so much for sending such a lovely copy. I am very keen to read it but I shall probably save it for my holiday in September when I have the time to savour it properly - I am planning a Virago-fest then!

Jane

posted by FleurFisher at 3:18 pm (EST) on Jun 3, 2008

Maren,

West with the Night has arrived--that was quite quick! (Perhaps her aviation experience helped speed her over to me?) That you so much. She does seem like a fascinating woman!

Christina

posted by christiguc at 8:49 pm (EST) on May 29, 2008

Thank you, Maren!

~Deborah

posted by Cariola at 7:28 pm (EST) on May 29, 2008

Yes--I know it isn't in the Virago edition. That's no problem at all--it's the book I'm interested in!

Thanks again!

posted by christiguc at 11:28 am (EST) on May 27, 2008

Hi Maren,

Just to let you know I posted the Virago anniversary booklet on Friday, via airmail so hopefully it won't take too long!

Dee (Soupdragon)

posted by Soupdragon at 10:40 am (EST) on May 20, 2008

Well I'm glad that you are getting a booklet now, I felt very guilty about your missing out. I'll go over to the Virago group and offer it to everyone again now.

The lemur was very sweet. I was wearing green boots because the ground was muddy and the zoo keepers also wear green boots. She thought I was bringing her dinner so she came rushing over and sat on my boots. When I bent forward to look at her she got hold of my hair and used it to pull herself up onto my arm and shoulder. She was very light so it didn't hurt at all and she sat on my shoulder for about five minutes before the real keeper arrived with her dinner.

My Virago interest is new but I have always loved good childrens books. Hope to chat soon.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 2:27 pm (EST) on May 14, 2008

Hi Maren, I've been back to Waterstones and managed to get another copy of the Virago Booklet so if you would still like it I will send it to you.

I put the others in the post yesterday and am hoping they won't take to long to get to everyone.

Let me know your address if you would like me to send you this booklet.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 1:25 pm (EST) on May 14, 2008

Sorry, my last message was meant to read, I'll pop it in the post!!

posted by Soupdragon at 12:24 pm (EST) on May 14, 2008

Hi,

I'm just about to post on the Virago message board, as I have two more of the promo booklets and thought I'd give you first refusal as I saw you've just missed out on one! Send me your details if you're still after one and I'll pop on the post.

Dee (Soupdragon)

posted by Soupdragon at 12:23 pm (EST) on May 14, 2008

Maren, I just wanted to let you know that [Dangerous Calm] has arrived. It's a lovely copy, almost like new!

You asked if I had any Taylor favorites. While I haven't read them all, I do love Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont and A View of the Harbor.

I am not too far from having 200 VMCs in my stacks--pretty good for someone who has been collecting less than a year! Now if only I had the time to read them all . . . I will probably still be working on that when I retire (which is still a ways off).

Again, many thanks,

Deborah

posted by Cariola at 7:35 pm (EST) on Apr 25, 2008

Hello Maren and thank you for your warm welcome to the Virago group - much appreciated. My lovely copy of Elizabeth and Her German Garden arrived today. Feels good and I am very much looking forward to making a start. Best wishes Julie

posted by juliette07 at 3:59 pm (EST) on Mar 27, 2008

I hope you enjoy the Viragos, Maren. Sorry not to reply sooner; my brother had surgery out of town, and I just got back from a week away from the computer.

Deborah

posted by Cariola at 5:33 pm (EST) on Mar 22, 2008

Post Script: I love your comment about a "broad humanist education". Hear, hear!

posted by CelesteM at 4:01 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2008

Thank you, Maren. I love the fact that you knit (as do I). I have not finished capturing my library and am currently debating the issue of cataloguing my hubby's library. We have some overlap, but I'm already squirming at the presence of the likes of Ken Follet on my shelves. I have an aversion to most sci-fi, and his shelves are lined with it! What to do about the "shared" gems however? Do we both lay claim to the classics and call it quits? I am sure this is what it must feel like when couples part and have to split their music collections. Well, a little like it, perhaps. In the meantime, I look forward to perusing your shelves with a sense of satisfactional envy. Cheers, Celeste

posted by CelesteM at 4:00 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2008

Thanks, fortunately my mother had excellent taste so I got started with the Tove Jansson books early. Now I force them on everyone I know (well, everyone interesting) and I have never known anyone yet who didn't fall in love.

(Re: an earlier comment: I like Little, Big too)

posted by moomin at 10:15 am (EST) on Feb 20, 2008

I just added it to my wishlist for now, so check back with me when you finish and if I have not ordered it in a moment of weakness, I'd love to borrow yours.

posted by KimberlyL at 4:10 pm (EST) on Jan 17, 2008

Little, Big. I admit it was the book cover that caught my eye, but then I read the write up on Amazon and few reviews I got very intrigued. Are you still reading for work or are you at a point you can go back to reading for fun again? What are you reading?

posted by KimberlyL at 3:01 pm (EST) on Jan 17, 2008

I should know better than to look at your library. Everytime I do, I end up adding at least one book to my wishlist. You're dangerous.

posted by KimberlyL at 12:05 pm (EST) on Jan 17, 2008

I am a little egotistical in my choosing of interesting libraries - they usually share a lot in common with mine. Thanks for adding me as well!

posted by ladygata at 12:42 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 2008

You're welcome. I hope you're able to find them and that you enjoy them.

Thank you! Nelson isn't really as haughty as he looks in that photo. It can be tricky reading around him, though, as he has a habit of trying to sit on whatever I'm reading! We also have another cat, Gus, but I haven't got a photo of them together (apart from when they were kittens) so I've plumped for this one for the mo.

Allie

posted by AllieW at 5:18 pm (EST) on Oct 1, 2007

Hi Maren,

Yes, I agree. That's pretty much my main criterion for designating someone's collection an interesting library! Thank you for returning the favour.

If you enjoyed what you read of Paul Gallico, then I recommend that you try the Snow Goose next, followed by 'Love of Seven Dolls' or 'Love, Let Me Not Hunger'. All of which are quite wonderful.

Looking forward to getting to know you!

Allie

posted by AllieW at 2:59 pm (EST) on Sep 28, 2007

Well drat! I didn't see Love's Labour Lost or Learned Ladies so I guess I missed seeing you after all. Here I was thinking that this was a 'small world/degree of connectedness' thing and find out it's a near miss, although it's wonderful to know there are other LT'ers also involved with MSIP. I hope MSIP was/is as much fun to do as it is to watch!

posted by streamsong at 11:59 am (EST) on Jul 20, 2007

As a fan of the Shakespeare in the Parks program, I'm thinking there's a good chance I've been at one of your performances--did you ever play in Hamilton? Or perhaps there is more than SITP company touring different areas of the state? It's a fun experience, and they are a treat to attend!

posted by streamsong at 1:13 am (EST) on Jul 19, 2007