Member: Windy

By the way, I wonder if you've read "Independent People" by Haldor Laxness. It's a novel about a sheep rancher in the inhospitable wastes of Iceland, written (I think) in the late 1940's. I have a review posted if you are interested.

Where does the interest in Yugoslavia come from?

posted by Makifat at 3:55 pm (EST) on May 15, 2008

Hey, I'd like to trade you something for Sense and Sensibility if you're interested. I tagged everything I have with "for trade."

nicholasfbennett@aol.com is my e-mail

posted by nicholasfbennett at 6:22 pm (EST) on Oct 7, 2007

Hi, Windy, thanks for answering.

I had a little different reaction, although I certainly agree about the writing. It was so affectless, so matter-of-fact, and yet, somehow you could feel the emotions behind it. But I felt so sad at the end that, even though I was waiting for the subway, the tears just rolled down my face. (Luckily, no one was nearby.) That diminshed family huddled up there in the cold, hoping that things will get better and we, the readers, know that it won't. So abandoned. I think of it in relation to our position today with climate change. You must know that I'm a dark pessimist.

Whatever the conclusion, I think it's a real master work and I'm glad you agree.

posted by marysargent at 4:39 pm (EST) on Aug 10, 2007

I just came upon a comment you wrote in January under the thread about books that changed your life. You said Greenlanders by Jane Smiley. I'd love to hear more about what you thought of it. I'm still thinking about it.

posted by marysargent at 4:13 pm (EST) on Aug 5, 2007

Where in Illinois? I ask because the connections between strangers astounds me. That was my primary 'growing up' place until I moved to Houghton, MI at 18. (born in GA) Mostly we lived in Bloomingdale, but also Roselle, Elgin and Addison. Grandmother lived in a tiny town named Roodhouse, between Jacksonville and East St. Louis.

Sounds like you are also adaptable to place. My two sons are in their 30's, so I have the freedom to move, but am feeling that I'll stay in St. Paul after 43 moves - possibly move back to Door County under the right circumstances.

I look at my weaving and fibre work as a season that's waiting for me to enjoy it again...I haven't even picked up crewel for a few years.

One nice thing about this past weekend, I was able to start and finish a book (After Long Silence by Helen Fremont)that had nothing to do with workshops, work, politics or my book club. It really did feel like a vacation!

posted by walkonmyearth at 2:26 pm (EST) on May 30, 2007

Hi, again.
Thinking about Char and her baskets brighten my day - thanks! I always liked visiting Char, finding oversized pails of fragrant willow all over her living room. She taught me and my son and I enjoyed making baskets for friends....a beautiful remembrance.

Do you still make baskets? Willow? For art shows/fairs? Each spring I think of gathering some willow, but keep putting it off...just like my drawing and weaving. Working with my hands in that way is what I need right now.

A month or so ago, a friend and I heard Alison McGhee (local author and faculty where I work) speak on creating and making space and time for it in our lives. I did get some needed material for a new weaving project - now to take it to the next step....

Your note about Char was a little prod I needed. Thank you!

posted by walkonmyearth at 3:25 pm (EST) on May 21, 2007

Hi, Windy,
I knew Char when she was teaching basketry on Washington Island, WI (I was teaching weaving). I last saw her when she did an art show (purses, no baskets) at St. Cate's here in St. Paul. She is a delightful, lovely person.

I can't remember where I heard of 'Sensual Orthodoxy'. It was either on MPR (it's a local publisher) or on a book list, I think.

From other messages I see you are from (still?) Milwaukee. I lived in several towns in Wisconsin; the longest being Green Bay/DePere for 12 years and then 10 years in Sturgeon Bay (Door County). In fact, I'm driving over for Memorial Day weekend to visit a number of friends.

posted by walkonmyearth at 3:14 pm (EST) on May 21, 2007

Hi Windy,

I did enjoy A Thatched Roof and the other books in the Allways Trilogy. I got 'Down the Garden Path' because I'm a gardener, and stumbled into the others as a result. Good stuff.

posted by noramunro at 1:30 pm (EST) on Dec 8, 2006

Thanks for the groups suggestions, Windy -- I'll have to check them out as soon as I get all my books entered. (I keep finding a shelf here and another box there, kwim?)

Carolyn

posted by WalnutSpinney at 4:21 pm (EST) on Nov 10, 2006

Windy, thanks for joining the Gardening group. We're all trying to read The Essential Earthman by Henry Mitchell this month.

posted by ColdClimateGardening at 7:31 am (EST) on Nov 8, 2006

I too was born in Milwaukee. I lived there until I was 16. My parents moved us about 25 miles north of Milwaukee to a town called Richfield. When we moved out here it was all farms and woods. It is now primarly subdivisions. I have stayed in this area since then. I bought a little place up in Shawano Wi. a couple of years ago. About 2 hours north of my home, I'm starting to feel too crowded here. My Mom and Dad retired up in Hayward and lived there until they passed away. I like it up north..........I like open spaces and quiet. My husband and I have been looking at land in western Wisconsin........around Soldiers Grove. There is some beautiful and very isolated spots out that way.

Where did you live in Milw. ? I lived out on Hampton and Appleton. I went to Custer High school. The city was different then :>( It was a long time ago.

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 4:28 pm (EST) on Nov 7, 2006

Hi Windy,
I enjoy his books :>) I like "nature/geographical" writing. He certainly captures Wisconsin. Unfortunatly I have never heard the radio show.
Where do you live now ? Is it similar to Wisconsin ? I always think that I want to leave and head for a warmer climite and then the seasons change and I realize how beautiful this state is. I'm sure I'll be changing my tune come mid Feb.

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 2:34 pm (EST) on Nov 7, 2006

Hey, Windy
I’m not sure that she ever read it, my mom bought them with us kids in mind. Geography is a favorite subject, I make maps for a living. “Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica” by Sara Wheeler is one of my favorite books about the poles. I expect there is still lots to see there—one of these days!

posted by Coelacanth at 6:52 pm (EST) on Oct 11, 2006

Hi, Windy
Mine was my mother’s. She was addicted to book-of-the-month type clubs and “Kabloona” was part of a ‘Time Reading Program’ that brought back into print neglected books. I’ve always had a weakness for polar exploration books, so I devoured that one right away. I’ve several books from the series in my library (“Eastern Approaches” by Fitzroy MacLean is another favorite) but, since they don’t have ISBNs, I’ve not seen the same editions.

posted by Coelacanth at 6:58 pm (EST) on Oct 9, 2006

Hi! I also heard about Sensual Orthodoxy through Paste Magazine (which is the best music magazine available). I really liked Debbie's humble, insightful style. She was actually quoted several times in another book I read, called Emerging Churches, by Ryan Bolger and Eddie Gibbs.

posted by bensternke at 11:25 pm (EST) on Oct 2, 2006

Thanks for joining The Gene Pool. I look forward to reading your post. Welcome. JC

posted by Jaysee at 8:54 am (EST) on Sep 30, 2006

Hi! I heard about Sensual Orthodoxy in Paste Magazine. In 2005 they did an issue with the "best of" lists. That book was listed as one of the best of the year. I was really intrigued by the description so I ordered it. I really like it. She seems like a very cool lady. I like her perspective.
~Jennifer

posted by jenniferb at 9:02 pm (EST) on Sep 24, 2006

Hello,
Well I must admit that even though I own those 3 books, I haven't read any of them yet! I have read Moby Dick, A River Runs Through It,To Kill a Mockingbird, The Shipping News, and the Annie Lamont books and enjoyed all of those.
I buy most of my books used from thrift shops and library shops so my book collection is a bit haphazard.
The Black Lamb and Grey Falcon I bought because I read about it in "The Common Reader" catlog.( www.commonreader.com )I have read Rebecca West's [The New Meaning of Treason] and found it very well written and thought provoking so maybe I'll start The Black Lamb. Have you read it?
Thanks for the note,
Kathy

posted by katbook at 5:21 pm (EST) on Sep 24, 2006