Member: michaelbartley

Michael
Took me a while to reply :>0 End of summer busyness. Sounds like you are busy as well.

For me, this is a really bittersweet time of the year. Feels like fall already.....I am already feeling the need to count the days till May 2010. We only had a few "summer" type days this year. For the most part it has been really cool. I am half human half lizard, it wasn't much of a summer for lizards.

I've been reading my usual....a lot of fiction. All in all, most of the books I've read this year have been good. I imposed a "book buying" moratorium on myself, at least until I make some headway on the stacks I already have.

Some of the best books I've read this year, would be.."Let The Great World Spin" by, Column McCann, "The Sheep Queen" by, Thomas Savage, and "Wanting" by, Richard Flanagan.

Take care Michael, I hope your festival goes well. Tomorrow I believe ? I am wishing you sunshine and warm temps :>)

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 8:31 am (EST) on Aug 27, 2009

Michael,
It was good to hear from you. I am sorry but not surprised to hear about the budget cuts you are having to deal with. It seems to me that it is always the weakest (children, those who are ill or abused, the elderly) who feel the brunt of a bad economy, first. Certainly not the military or our illustrious leaders.

I had to smile when I read your apology for spelling errors. My gosh, I am the worlds worst speller. It used to drive my mom crazy. When she had to have a conference with a teacher, she would always tell them she could not understand WHY I couldn't spell since I always had my nose stuck in a book. It wasn't until I was an adult and was working for a former teacher that we learned that reading and spelling are done with different parts of the brain. One could possibly be a great speller but not such a good reader and vice a versa.

Don't worry about spelling......I keep a dictionary next to my computer but often have the same problem with it that I did when I was a child and told "If you can't spell it look it up"......How does one look up a word if they don't know how to spell it ? Some words are easy to look up but if one isn't sure of the first couple of letters..........well......I sound it out and hope for the best :>)

We still are experiancing cool temps. It was nice yesterday and I spent the day in my flowerbeds. I wear my hair VERY short, and last night the back of my neck was riddled with mosquito bites. I didn't notice them as I was working but they were busy.

Not sure what today will bring. I have a new puppy and she is keeping me pretty busy. I always forget how much work they are. When we lost our dog last year, we decided that we needed to have two of them. We found one last September and we picked up this one a couple of weeks ago. They have the same parents. It's nice to have the two but I feel as if I've been training puppies for a long time (perhaps because I have ?)

I am reading a book titled "People of The Book" by Geraldine Brooks. Very good read ! The story is about an old Jewish book and a woman who restores old books. She finds several things on her first examination of the book, part of a butterfly wing, a hair, a wine stain and salt water stain. The story is told in parts and each item the woman found is a story in and of itself, a story as to how it came to be in the book. A very very good book.
Geraldine Brooks won the Pulitzer Prize a few years back for a novel titled "March".

Hope you are having a relaxing weekend ! I am also hoping that your negotiations (spelling ?) go well.
A big "Thank You" for being concerned about those who are abused and neglected !!! You have a kind soul Michael !

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 8:00 am (EST) on May 25, 2009

Michael,

Thanks for the response and update. Sorry the book hasn't really buzzed you yet. I think I'll be interested in consulting it if the remarks on Death of a Salesman and Moby Dick are worth treasuring. The topic interests me, but I often turn to books with similar titles that don't really "do it" for me. At any rate, thanks for the response.

posted by DMTripp at 3:02 pm (EST) on Apr 10, 2009

Hi,

Was wondering if you'd be interested in reviewing my new novel and posting your comments here as well as a few other book-related sites. Saw you liked Paris Trout, and I thought you might like my novel since it's also southern and a bit dark. I could e-mail you the novel in an e-book format if you'd like. Let me know if you're interested. Here's a link to a summary in case you're interested:

http://christophertusa.com/blog/?page_id...

Thanks,

Chris

posted by cmtusa at 9:13 am (EST) on Mar 23, 2009

Michael,
It was so good to get your post :>))) The story of your student was wonderful. I so enjoy watching young people "grow". I used to teach Sunday school and I was also a councelor at various summer camps. I liked to do this with the "middle school" age kids. A tough age to be sure but a fun age as well. They are just starting to become the adults they will be.
I used to have foster kids when my children were young...I liked working with children but I fear that the older I got, the less patience I have. I enjoy my grandkids ..... it is wonderful to hear how much patience you have and how you recognize the young girls acomplishment !

Still waiting for the "Never Ending Winter" to go away. VERY cold and windy today. I was at my place upnorth (about a hundred and fifty miles north of my home) this weekend and was blessed/cursed with about 10 inches of new snow. I often wonder why I stay in Wisconsin.

These are troubled times for so many....I see changes coming and I believe strongly that these changes will be for the good but it is difficult to watch those around me struggle....perhaps they all ought to volunteer some time as you do. Help those who are ill and it would put things in perspective a bit !

Take care Michael....it was very good to hear from you !

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 8:41 am (EST) on Mar 11, 2009

Michael, I always treasure your stories that you share with me. My husband's father is currently dying of cancer and as of now hospice visits him twice a week. I find your current story encouraging and inspirational. You are indeed a beautiful soul.

posted by TheresaWilliams at 9:58 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2009

I know! It is exciting about spring training isn't it? A breath of fresh baseball news air amidste all the steroid news of the past week. Though honestly, right now I am deep in the throws of hockey season and the NHL's March 4th trade deadline, lol.

But back to baseball. . .I must admit to liking the youth/building up the team angle that my White Sox took in the off-season as opposed to signing some band-aid solution and expensive UFA veterans. I have friends that will be seeing the Wh.Sox and Cubs play each other in their spring training matchup in Las Vegas and am deeply envious and generally covetous, heh.

posted by bookjones at 1:34 pm (EST) on Feb 9, 2009

Happy New Year to you, too, Michael. Those Christmas season snowstorms were something else! We survived, though, and are looking forward to a brighter 2009! I just got back from Key West, where I attended the Key West Literary Seminar which was dedicated to historical fiction this year. Had a wonderful time!

posted by margad at 1:49 pm (EST) on Jan 19, 2009

Michael,
Christmas is over and a new year is just beginning. I've felt a bit old lately. I've felt a little bit down. I tend to get a little blue about how our society lives these days but then..........I remembered that there are those out there who make a difference. Those who volunteer their time and efforts in hopes that they can make life the tinest bit easier for their fellow man. I count you among one of the few bright spots in a sometimes dismal horizon.

Winter is NOT my favorite time of year. Been a bit snow bound and lately it has been so icy that walking the dog is dangerous. I am already looking through my seed catalogs and imagining the plethera of color that will replace the yards and yards of white that now covers my yard.

I hope you had a peaceful holiday. I spent mine with my children and my grandsons. We has a very simple Christmas this year, it was nice :>)

I'm reading my third book since the beginning of 2009. Sounds like a lot but our weather is such that it has allowed me lots of reading time.

Hope this finds you well. Hope you have a peaceful and healthy new year !

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 8:23 pm (EST) on Jan 9, 2009

Hello Michael,
Hope this post finds you well...and warm !

Winter has arrived. We are buried in snow and we have also had some cold temps as well. It always seems to me that once winter comes, it feels as if it has never left !
White Christmas indeed :>0

The economic turmoil and political mish mash we are experiancing aren't doing much for the holiday spirit. Came to the conclusion that what is really important are those individual's whose lives have enriched mine. When I look at things from this stand point, I have to say, I've been blessed.

Planning a simple Christmas this year and I am looking forward to visiting with my family.

I am reading William Least Heat-Moon's newest book. Don't know if you are familiar with Mr. Heat-Moon ? In the late 70's he wrote a book titled "Blue Highways" which has been on my favorites shelf ever since then. Heat-Moon has written a couple of books since then but Blue Highways remains my favorite.....this new one "The Road to Quoz" is certainly almost as good. If one enjoys travel books.....Heat-Moon is one of the best travel writers out there !

Are you reading anything exciting ? Any exciting holiday plans ?

Just wanted to touch base Michael......appreciating all those individuals who've touched my life in such wonderful ways :>)))

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 6:52 pm (EST) on Dec 11, 2008

Hi Michael, how nice to meet you here as well!
And like you I am not racing any more (minor health issues), but I have not stopped running completely. On 27 December I am running a half marathon with a friend who has never raced more than 10 K. I am going to help him to finish in just under 2 hours, which should be easy.
The reading on the other hand is going very well :-) I buy and read more books than ever.
Cheers,
Anna

posted by AnnavanGelderen at 2:01 pm (EST) on Dec 8, 2008

Michael,
You did not cry alone ! I remember the sixties....the race riots....I remember Dr Martin Luther's speech....a speech in which he said that he had a dream...a dream that America would come to a time when a man would be judged "not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character"
I think perhaps Dr Martin Luther King would have been a VERY happy man on Tuesday :>))

It is good to know that sometimes.....efforts do pay off. Many people worked SO hard to make this happen......I only did a small fraction of the work many others committed themselves to.

It is good to hear that 8th graders are interested in our country and how it works....if they will now hold on to that through adulthood :>0 I believe for a Democracy to work, the people have to stay involved.

We are experiancing some very warm days. I will be working a bit more (at my job) for the next couple of weeks. I work from early afternoon till 7 pm so I have been taking my new puppy outside for every available minute I have. We are predicted to have snow flurries by Sunday so I am "making hay while the sunshines"

Take care Michael and thanks so much for the note ! Love to hear from you !

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 10:44 am (EST) on Nov 6, 2008

Michael :>) Hi,

Good to get your note. It is almost over....and I am thinking that this time, all of the work will be well worth it !

It has been very cold here for the past couple of days. Yesterday we saw our first snow squalls. Very windy as well......I have a new puppy, Herbie, and he finds the wind to be very confusing. He somehow thinks that if he snaps at it enough, he will capture all that bluster. I had a bit of ankle surgery a while ago and Herbie has been my rehab incentive :>)

Hope you are well.....I've been busy working on the campaign and things are really cranked up right now. One more week ! I too have moments of "high hopes" and then "paralizing fear", we need something different. Whoever gets the job next has a very big clean up ahead of himself. W has left a big mess.....hopefully he doesn't start a world war before Jan.. I'm thinking that it may be a good idea for the new President to start work on Nov 5th.

It is always so good to see a post from you in my "inbox" Thanks !

Take care....talk soon.

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 5:31 pm (EST) on Oct 28, 2008

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your message! Sounds like the weather in Portland will allow you some more precious time to read your books. Brisbane is plunging into spring (31 degrees Celsius today), so it's lots of sun from now on. It means that indoors is often a good place to be, because the summer months are so hot, you would be burnt to the proverbial crisp if you spent too much time outdoors.

Another good place to go in the heat is our newish Gallery of Modern Art (where we've had terrific Andy Warhol and Picasso and his collection exhibitions lately). They are showing some films of German Expressionism for a couple of months, including Nosferatu and Mephisto, Blue Angel and so forth. Also a 1926 Hitchcock silent, and Pandora's Box with Louise Brooks. I'm not actually a knowledgeable film-goer, but realise that this is quite an opportunity to see some classic old films, and they're all free to everyone.

Cheers

Sue

posted by thewordygecko at 11:37 pm (EST) on Oct 4, 2008

Nice to hear from you, Michael. It's hard to believe the summer is almost over! Sounds like you had a great time and achieved some worthwhile goals.

posted by margad at 3:59 pm (EST) on Aug 28, 2008

Hello Michael,
Here we are, almost at the end of summer. Where did it go ? I have been so busy this year. I started a part time job, I am working on the Obama Campaign and I am watching my grandsons on and off. Seems like the time slipped away without me noticing. I see that I posted in July, seems like ages ago and yet it went so dang quickly.

Hope you had a good summer. Just wanted to say "Hi"

Read anything "earth shattering" lately ?

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 6:09 pm (EST) on Aug 20, 2008

Hey! I have a hat just like that!

posted by Makifat at 2:45 pm (EST) on Aug 7, 2008

Hello Michael!
Thanks for adding my library to your list of interesting ones, I am flattered indeed.
I was in Portland less than a month ago and literally fell in love with the city and the coast of Oregon. What a wonderful place!
Not to mention Powell's, of course....;-)
I will browse through your library too, it is always very interesting to see what other LThingers are reading.

Paola :-))

posted by aluvalibri at 5:15 pm (EST) on Aug 1, 2008

Hi Michael:

I just got your message after just getting an news alert about the Griffey trade! Didn't see that deal coming in any way, shape, or form possible. The White Sox seeminglty didn't have to give up much to get him either as the Reds were so desparate to shrug off the weight of his contract. I think Kenny Williams made a good call---sure, Junior is in the twilight years of his sterling career but I think he could still contribute and maybe being with a new franchise will even energize him a bit. I'm a tried and true Sox fan as well as a born an bred Chicagoan so of course, I would relish the opportunity to experience the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of a Subway Series!

posted by bookjones at 5:28 pm (EST) on Jul 31, 2008

Hey Michael -

I got your message. I think you might be right about Sartre. I don't feel like he was really the best person for Simone to associate with. From what I've read about him (in his own writing and in Simone's), I get the impression that he was manipulative (possibly even abusive to girls and women in general, as you said) and held her back more than anything. Such as when he told her that 'She Came to Stay' was a good little book or something equally condescending (and then some of the philosophical messages in her book found their way into Sartre's writing).

Even after Sartre was gone, Simone continued to assert that she was not a philosopher, Sartre was. Why do such smart women associate with such awful men?! And why do the abused continue to love and forgive their abuser? I'm a psychologist, so I can understand the mechanisms at work here; I certainly understand why women find it difficult to leave the people who hurt them, but it still makes me sad. It's difficult to love Simone's work without at least having to accept Sartre as part of her life and work. But that doesn't mean you have to like it.

Sara

posted by sweetmarie9 at 11:24 am (EST) on Jul 22, 2008

Thanks, Michael. It's nice to know someone is reading the reviews I write. I envy you Portland---and Powell's. I have heard of it from friends and relatives, but haven't had the pleasure myself.

posted by laytonwoman3rd at 3:35 pm (EST) on Jul 18, 2008

Hey, Michael! Thanks for putting me on your list. I skimmed the bio on Stegner but ultimately decided to sell it to Powell's. (Aren't we lucky to live in the same town as this fantastic institution?!) Stegner is a treasure - "Crossing to Safety" makes my "Desert Island" list every year.

Right now I'm finishing up "Books: A Memoir" by Larry McMurtry. I agree with the critics who say it's a bit uneven in places but I never could resist a book about books. Not sure what I will tackle next.

From some other posts, it appears that you may be a teacher? or involved in some way with school kids. Our daughter is going into her second full year of teaching third grade in South Carolina. Each year her goal is to get her kids to read and take "advanced reading" or "AR" tests to eventually receive 100 points. My husband and I vowed to send each child who achieved that goal a $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble. We were touched by how grateful all of them were.

Best, Ellison

posted by BookBully at 1:17 pm (EST) on Jul 18, 2008

Hi Michael, thank you for stopping by my library. I'm glad that you enjoyed your time in England.

I have enjoyed my Per Pettersen book and Out Stealing Horses is now on my wishlist as I have heard great things about it.

Spelling is not my strongest thing either .

You sound like you have a very busy time with all the places you volunteer, and I think it is great that you give the children in your school books as gifts and prizes. I like to give books as gifts to the children of my friends and family and try to encourage them to read as much as possible. My eldest nephew is my biggest success, he loves to read. Some of it is achieved by bribery though, I will tell him something, either true or false or ask him a question and then offer a reward if he can look up the answer and tell me about the subject. It usually costs me a pound but if he has to put a lot of effort into it he gets a new book.

I am just about to take a look at your library now but please feel free to stop by and chat again.

posted by Jodyreadseverything at 7:37 pm (EST) on Jul 17, 2008

Michael,
Having a very busy summer. I just entered a new book on LibraryThing and thought I send a post. I hope you are having a good summer.
I just started working for the Obama campaign and they have kept me pretty busy. I am a volunter and it seems like there are never enough workers to get everything done. I like it though. I especially like seeing all of the young people who work so hard. They offer their time and really hustle. It is good to see young adults doing something constructive with their time.

Hope you are reading something enjoyable and that the weather has been kind in your corner of the world.

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 9:39 pm (EST) on Jul 11, 2008

Michael,

So far Down and Out is pretty grimey. Perfect for a hot summer in the city though, especially when enjoyed in the shade. You're right, Orwell led a fascinating, if short, life. Between this and Homage to Catalonia, he's clearly had many enriching experiences. Thompson's not a bad comparison.

Best,
Sara

posted by SaraBat86 at 7:19 pm (EST) on Jul 7, 2008

Michael,
You must have sent some of your sunny weather in my direction :>) It has been beautiful the past couple of days.

I almost finished reading "The Book of Joby". I have really enjoyed this novel !

Not much to say but as I was enjoying the nice weather, I thought of you. You posted a couple of days ago and foretold of things to come !

Take care.

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 6:24 pm (EST) on Jun 20, 2008

Michael,

Introductions to stoicism are a little bit of a problem. They pretty much have to be done by academics. The originals are lost and attested to here and there in other writers. The notions have to be pried out and interpreted in numerous contexts. That said, I have been happiest with Richard Sorabji's Emotion and peace of mind : from Stoic agitation to Christian temptation, a book which I expect to reread within a couple of years, and The Cambridge Companion to the Stoics.

From there you can pick among other commentators and surviving stoics themselves. I just had a slog through Stoicism and Emotion without being sure it was worth it; I did get out of it the emphasis on the propositional nature of emotions. The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, in any of a dozen editions, is an accessible entree to the practice. I have not read him straight through, but I have looked closely at parts and engaged in a multi-week discussion at church about them. He is not the last word on stoicism; he is a stoic and more saliently he is Marcus Aurelius.

Most of my downstairs books on stoicism are in my Librarything library tagged stoicism.

Have fun,

Robert

posted by Mr.Durick at 6:48 pm (EST) on Jun 16, 2008

Michael,
Putting one's pet to sleep is too much like playing God for me, yet, they do count on us to keep them comfortable and safe. Suffering is not a thing that is easy to watch and they certainly don't understand what is going on. We will get another dog...but we need a little time. I don't want to be without a dog. I have a cat who is trying to make up for the loss of the dog, he is being a royal pest. I am sure he is lonely as well. The dog was already here when my cat came home with me.

My brother is very active in the Gay Pride Festival in Austin TX. He has also taken care of some of his friends through the last stages of Aides.....there is no greater saddness than that !

I started reading an interesting book titled "The Book of Joby" The book is tagged as Fantasy. The back cover blurb kind of compares it to Harry Potter meets King Arthur. I am only on page 40 but so far it is really a good book.

Thanks for you note :>) Good to hear from you !

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 1:36 pm (EST) on Jun 16, 2008

Hi, Michael,

My only expertise in existentialism comes from looking into philosophy to explain and improve my life.

So I was an existentialist without knowing it. Damn near killed myself with despair. I switched to stoicism and transcendentalism and cry now when I read something existentialist because it seems so true to things, and I can't have it.

I have read some Sartre but not [Being and Nothingness] or [l'Etre et le neant]. But yes, we are desparately free and must lead the authentic life. The universe doesn't care.

Well, among the stoics, the gods don't care; nevertheless, one doesn't indulge one's passions at all, contrary to the pose of the existentialist. The stoic wants not to be unhappy; the existentialist wants not to be inauthentic and doesn't care about happiness or unhappiness for that matter.

In an uncaring universe I was not able to follow my passions. I despaired. Unlike the stoics and contrary to some existentialists (but not say Buber or Kierkegaard), I made God a part of my reality. My reality does not depend on existence (except in some obvious physical ways, I think).

I'll never stop reading Nietzsche even if I have to be circumspect about it.

Sartre was kind of a ____,but so many important people have been that we can't hold it against him.

Have I made sense?

Robert

posted by Mr.Durick at 1:37 am (EST) on Jun 16, 2008

Hi Michael -

thanks for your note. glad you enjoyed my library - though its not nearly as extensive as yours! I started doing my reviews becuase I'd hate looking at a book on my shelf and know I read it, but have no idea what I thought of it -- kinda sad, really.

Anyway, I just finished drying my tears after finishing The Brothers K. Loved it.

Jen

posted by jhowell at 4:42 pm (EST) on Jun 14, 2008

Michael,
What a nice surprise it was to get your note. I haven't been keeping up with my posts lately. Had a pretty hectic winter and a very sad spring. Lost my little dog a while back. I don't know if you are an animal person but I have always had pets and it never gets any easier to let them go. The Creator designed our pets to be such good companions.

I just finished reading a book titled "The Art of Racing In The Rain" by Garth Stein. The story is told from the point of view of the family dog. This was purely coincidental....we are reading the book for one of my face2face groups. A wonderful book !

We have had a pretty disappointing spring. Wet and cold seems to be the order this year. Next week will be the beginning of summer and we haven't had one full week of nice weather yet. Pretty harsh, since we had one of the most awful winters I can recall.

Two of the best books I've read so far this year are, "The Flea Palace" by, Elik Shakra and "A Fraction of The Whole" by, Steve Toltz.

One of the funniest books I've read in a long time, I read a couple of weeks ago. The book is titled "The Pig Did It" by Joseph Caldwell. It was a short novel, not very complicated but VERY amuzing....Caldwell is planning three "Pig" books.....I am eagerly awaiting the second :>)

Any books that stand out for you so far this year ?

Thanks again for your note.....I know I am remiss when it comes to sending notes, I sure like opening my mail and getting something from a fellow LibraryThinger !

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 10:00 pm (EST) on Jun 13, 2008

I think you've hit on it regarding Plato and religion. Also, he talked a lot about civic duty, I think, and there is a good bit about ethics in that.

If we are serious skeptics, I think the attitudes with which we lead our lives are picked by judgment that may not be linearly proven. As those attitudes may be called religious, arriving at them might be called religious (it is past time to reread Life of the Mind).

So (I speak as someone who has read much more about Spinoza than of him) he found causation always to be applicable, and further so he was a determinist. Strict determinism constrains our thoughts and attitudes. I am a stoic, and it is in thoughts and attitudes that I am most free; I must disagree with Spinoza.

Reading Kauffman and Penrose I have come to believe that science leaves open the possibility of independent thought.

You are to be congratulated on your reading of Ethics; I still, perhaps irrationally, expect to read it one day.

Robert

posted by Mr.Durick at 6:11 pm (EST) on Jun 12, 2008

Second best because he was wrong about determinism, I think, and because he was not as good a writer. I have a complete Spinoza volume, but I find myself drawn much more to reading about him than to reading him. I find Plato a pleasure to read as I do Nietzsche.

Robert

posted by Mr.Durick at 1:55 am (EST) on Jun 9, 2008

The link to my website didn't come out right. I'll try again: www.Pathlights-Astrology.com

posted by margad at 5:48 pm (EST) on May 29, 2008

I do hospice training for our local hospice, so I am very familiar with their work. Good work. I used to work with Jr. Highs in a church, but not so much any more.

posted by Arctic-Stranger at 11:56 pm (EST) on May 2, 2008

Thanks for your note! It’s nice to “meet” someone who has even heard of Murdoch & Davies, but that’s what’s great about Librarything!

posted by hvhay at 11:49 am (EST) on Apr 26, 2008

I'm just getting around to replying to all my librarything mail! Yes, that photo of Beauvoir is just sublime. When I saw the original at the Chicago Historical museum I was spellbound!

posted by susiebright at 7:09 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2008

Welcome to Books Compared. I know you'll have interesting things to add to the discussion.

posted by margad at 11:18 am (EST) on Mar 2, 2008

Thanks for the compliment on my post about Life and Death - I can't even remember where I posted it anymore! (Though I do remember posting it.) I enjoyed your post, too, about the comradeship in the conscientious objectors camp and among soliders being similar. I think you'd enjoy Books Compared, so I'm inviting you.

posted by margad at 9:28 pm (EST) on Mar 1, 2008

Yeah - same "Olive" - I think she's a therapist (or used to be)
I'm an LPN at Providence - acute physical rehab - you know, strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord inj. etc. I've been there 25 years - we probably do know some of the same people. Maybe i've even met you!
All these years in Ashland - so many people have come in and out of my life. That's one thing I love about reading. A book is always there.
OK. gonna go do some reading!
Summer

posted by Summ at 11:26 pm (EST) on Feb 7, 2008

Hey Michael - I did work for Helpline in, I think about 1980 or 81. A woman name "Olive" was the one who did the training. Did you work there? I've been working at Providence hospital in Medford since 1983 - I did move to Arcata, Ca. for a year and came back to Ashland for a visit - sat in the sun at an outdoor resturant and knew I had to move back - so I did!
Take care - Summer

posted by Summ at 7:54 pm (EST) on Feb 6, 2008

Hey Michael - I hope you don't mind a suggestion - I don't see "When Nietzsche Wept" in your collection - if you like philosophy you'll probably love this book - a fictional account about a friendship between Nietzsche, Breuer and Freud - The author is Irvin Yalom. He also wrote "The Schopenhauer Cure" (not nearly as good)

Summer

posted by Summ at 11:47 am (EST) on Feb 4, 2008

Hi Michael - we have some books in common - also we have Southern Oregon College in common - I lived in the Greensprings dorm in the early 70's - (still live in Ashland!) When were you there?

It sounds like we share some interests - hospice - working with Aids patients...just interesting to click on something (I clicked on HALO to see who else had read it!) and there you were!

Take care and happy reading! Summer

posted by Summ at 11:22 am (EST) on Feb 4, 2008

Well, hello, yours truly in the profile! Glad to see you!

posted by TheresaWilliams at 5:01 pm (EST) on Feb 2, 2008

Is that you in the profile picture, Michael?

posted by TheresaWilliams at 10:58 pm (EST) on Feb 1, 2008

I wish I could have been in that classroom when you were telling that story. I wish I could have seen the children's faces.

posted by TheresaWilliams at 10:55 pm (EST) on Feb 1, 2008

Thanks for the note, Michael. Do you know about the group read for War and Peace that's just getting underway? The group name is Group Reads - Literature. I think it'll be good fun and a nice support for the read.

I too love Portland, can't imagine living anywhere else on the planet (except I'd love a good snowstorm once in awhile!).

Good on you for all your good volunteer work!

See you on the message boards.

Terri

posted by teelgee at 12:12 pm (EST) on Feb 1, 2008

Michael,

Funny you should ask me about Simone DB, and getting older. I thought you would appreciate this wonderful photo of her, in Chicago, when she was lovers with Nelson ALgren. It was taken by their mutual friend, Art Shay:

http://susiebright.blogs.com/susie_brigh...

posted by susiebright at 9:06 am (EST) on Jan 27, 2008

I am so soory to hear about your cold. Several members of my family and a few of my friends are all down with what I am calling "The Cold of The Year". I have a little internet group and there are members from all over the states and one from Germany. According to the members of this group, the virus has wandered on down south and even made it's way across the pond. Our member in Germany has been ill for at least a week. So far I have been lucky.
I do hope you are feeling better soon.

Sounds like you start the New Year in a good way :>)) I didn't do much....it is too cold here to do all that much. Supposed to be below zero tonight, it was windy and nasty today. Winter blues time.
Thank goodness for books !

Take care of yourself.

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 5:47 pm (EST) on Jan 2, 2008

Michael,
Just posting to wish you a peaceful New Year. Another year of reading done.....a new one begun. I do hope you had a nice Holiday. Mine was busy as per usual and I am looking forward to things getting back to normal.
I am reading a great mystery (I don't read a whole lot of mystery books, as you can tell from my library, but occasionally I like to read something that is just for entertainment. The title I am reading is "The Tenderness of Wolves" by, Stef Penney. Penney lives in England and it took a while for her book to make it over the pond but it is worth the wait.

Do you keep any kind of list of books you've read throughout the year ? I belong to several face2face groups so keeping a list is helpful when trying to come up with suggestions. It also helps picking my top ten of the year.

Again....I am mainly sending this to wish you a happy new year. Many good books and more than many great friends.....for you in the coming year !

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 6:58 pm (EST) on Jan 1, 2008

Michael
I thought the Peter Gay biography of Freud was fabulous and also liked his books on the Victorian Era and Vienna culture at the turn of the last century. I attended the University of Utah and received a B.A. in Philosophy and Math and did some graduate work in philosophy and then (because the philosophy firms were not hiring) went to law school. I have practiced law for almost 35 years, most of the time in Salt Lake City but early on (for a short time) I was in Portland.

I love Ashland and the Shakespeare festival (and a few wineries in the Rogue River valley, but more in the Willamette area).

My primary interests other than reading are theatre, opera, wine, Italy (particularly Rome and its church architecture and art) and London. I don't get to Portland much in recent years but have a son in Seattle (rock band and artist) and get there several times a year.

Great hearing from you.
David.

posted by degee at 7:32 pm (EST) on Dec 29, 2007

Michael:
Thanks for adding me to your friends and interesting library lists. And I am sorry to be slow in responding due to a vacation and the holidays. I noticed that you are in the Nabokov group (my favorite author), but equally important from some of your messages to others than you are a fan of Angle of Repose, which is one of my four or five favorite novels of all time. I live in Salt Lake (where Stegner spent part of his childhood) and thought you might be interested in something that I discovered a few years ago-in the late forties/or early fifties Stegner and (then obscure) Nabokov jointly conducted a writers' conference at the University of Utah and played some mean sets of tennis against each other. I will fish the picture of them in tennis togs out of my library in the next week or so and try to email it. I like Angle of Repose not only because it is beautifully constructed novel but also because it almost perfectly captures both the exploitation of the western united states in the 19th century and the strength of the people who inhabited it.
David Gee

posted by degee at 3:32 pm (EST) on Dec 29, 2007

Hello, Michael. Nice to meet you. I hope that you are having a lovely holiday season. I've only had a moment to glance at your library, but I think I'll find much of interest there, from what I've seen so far. I look forward to talking to you a bit more soon. Namaste.

posted by citygirl at 10:05 am (EST) on Dec 27, 2007

Thank you for explaining. You are, indeed, a person I can be friends with since we both are interested in how books enter our lives. Many books are interesting to read, but sort of fade away after a while, yet others almost haunt us! I feel strongly about some favorite books (and authors), and am delighted to talk about them with you this way.

posted by Esta1923 at 12:44 am (EST) on Dec 26, 2007

What is involved in "being a friend" in this case? I am interested in interacting, of course, as already demonstrated, and one cannot have too many real friends! But I ask because some time ago I was approached by a person who intended to add my info to hers on "My space" or whatever public thing she used, and I did NOT agree to that! ~~~~ keep in touch.

posted by Esta1923 at 1:28 pm (EST) on Dec 25, 2007

Hi! I think (elsewhere) you meant "Rules for Old Men Waiting" by Peter Poncey. This is such a good book that we ought to be sure others read it too! (And did you mean "Old Filth" by Jane Gardam? This seemed to me to be for fewer readers, whereas the Poncey is so beautiful, and rich, it wants to be in more hands. )

posted by Esta1923 at 5:14 pm (EST) on Dec 24, 2007

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the comment; fellow Portlanders must unite! In a further coincidence, my parents met at your alma mater, in a SOC Shakespeare class. Small world.

You guessed wrong; the Laura Bush story is actually the lie (it's an anecdote co-opted from my partner's father). I like to think I've become less tone-deaf as time has gone by, though. ;-)

Best,
Emily

posted by emily_morine at 2:04 am (EST) on Dec 17, 2007

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the comment; fellow Portlanders must unite! In a further coincidence, my parents met at your alma mater, in a Shakespeare class. Small world!

Not sure what you mean about not being tone deaf...although if saying so proves I actually am, I will kick myself.

Best,
Emily

posted by emily_morine at 2:00 am (EST) on Dec 17, 2007

Michael,

Thanks for the note. Yes Proust does have some amazing sentences. Check out the proust groups and post some comments. There are a few interesting people that i have come across in that group.

also Nabokov seems to be popular amoung Proust fans.

Currently my reading is taking all over the historical timeline.

David

posted by dperrings at 1:03 pm (EST) on Dec 16, 2007

A little distraction at work is never a bad thing!

Happy running!

posted by SeriousGrace at 6:44 pm (EST) on Nov 10, 2007

thanks Michael, I'm glad you enjoyed browsing my library. I have to admit though that I have not read the book you mentioned. It is one of my husband's books and I am sure he has read it.

B Howell

posted by bhowell at 12:53 pm (EST) on Nov 10, 2007

Michael:

If you are an avowed Cubs fan then I guess we are fated to be sworn mortal enemies. . .or at the very least, archnemeses seeing as I am a life-long Black Sox fan ALL the way. :-) Thank the baseball gods I have my 2005 WS memories to get me through these darker days/seasons.

Thanks for your comments. I have enjoyed reading Lawrence since I was a teen. That title you saw on my Profile was slender litle thing and also a tad less polished than a full-length DHL novel as to be expected with the much of the fiction titles in the Hesperus Classics Series. It is a well-designed, well-produced and lovely series of forgotten titles by typically "Classic" authors but of course the down-side is that they often reflect the authors at earlier stages of their writing development. Still, I think it's good to read them and mentally note any progress one might think the authors made.

posted by bookjones at 2:19 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2007

Michael.
Thanks for the post....it is so good to hear from other LibraryThingers :>) I found a very interesting article about Chris McCandless in Men's Journal. I was poking around on line and came up with quite a few articles but this one seemed the most credible. The article is titled "The Cult of Chris McCandless" address is http://www.mensjournal.com/feature/M162/....
There are two schools of thought regarding this young man, he was either a martyr or a fool. As a mother, I am somewhat dismayed that a child would do such a thing, on the other hand, some parents could drive a child into all kinds of strange behaviors. I guess when I take the whole story of Chris into account, I feel most for his sister.

I just finished reading a book titled "Strange As This Weather Has Been" by Ann Pancake......(might change my last name ?) Pancake grew up in West Virginia and this novel is about the strip mining that is taking place in that region of the country. The book was not a "happy" read by any means but it was well written and I learned a lot I didn't know about what it means to live in an area where the land is being "reshaped". Good Book !!

Thanks again for posting......I love getting mail. (perhaps I should send some once in a while)

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 7:45 am (EST) on Nov 6, 2007

It was so good to hear from you again. That is a beautiful story about the hospice patient. We do have much to learn from the dying, for, in a sense, we are all dying. And we are all living. The trick is to really feel what it means to be alive. I agree that it is hard for many of us to be "in the now." I always want to jump to the future. Or live deep inside my imagination. The "now" frequently eludes me. I believe when I am most in the "now" is when I am experiencing a good poem.

posted by TheresaWilliams at 12:45 am (EST) on Nov 6, 2007

Michael, it's a pleasure to meet you, although your profile makes me feel unworthy! I have not yet read Angle of Repose, but it is on the top of my tbr pile. My life is a bit of a quagmire right now and some books I hold back on until I know I can give them the attention they deserve. I belong to a book club that keeps me reading more trifles than I have a taste for, and I've begun to rebel by showing up not having read the lit-lite of the month; sadly no one really minds. I'm beginning to feel a bit frantic to read the right books next, the ones that matter, the ones I've missed, the ones I don't even know about yet, the ones that resonate. I'm reading Didion's Year of Magical Thinking now, it's very hard for me emotionally, but I love how she can write. I'm also reading Anne Dillards The Writing Life, much to savor there. I'm halfway through Patricia Hample's I Could Tell you Stories: Soujourns in the Land of Memory. I've just finished every Annie Lamott I could get my hands on. And so it goes.
I'll let you know how I like Stegner. I have discovered so many exceptional authors lately, how could I have missed them? Happy Reading, Mel

posted by readaholic12 at 10:50 am (EST) on Nov 5, 2007

Michael, it's a pleasure to meet you, although your profile makes me feel unworthy! I have not yet read Angle of Repose, but it is on the top of my tbr pile. My life is a bit of a quagmire right now and some books I hold back on until I know I can give them the attention they deserve. I belong to a book club that keeps me reading more trifles than I have the taste for, and I've begun to rebel by showing up not having read the lit-lite of the month, sadly no one really minds. I'm beginning to feel a bit frantic to read the right books next, the ones that matter, the ones I've missed, the ones I don't even know about yet, the ones that matter. I'm reading Didion's Year of Magical Thinking now, it's very hard for me emotionally, but I love how she can write. I'm also reading Anne Dillards The Writing Life, much to savor there. I'm halfway through Patricia Hample's I Could Tell you Stories: Soujourns in the Land of Memory. I've just finished every Annie Lamott I could get my hands on. And so it goes.
I'll let you know how I like Stegner. I have discovered so many exceptional authors lately, how could I have missed them? Happy reading, Mel

posted by readaholic12 at 10:47 am (EST) on Nov 5, 2007

Hi, Michael.

I'm flattered that you've added my library to your "Interesting Libraries List." Hope you don't mind that I've added yours to mine.

Looking over your library I was reminded that I need to add Barry Lopez's "Arctic Dreams." I read the book years ago and loved it. Somehow it became lost during my last move.

Oh, and by the way, I'm a runner too.

Good reading!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 11:04 am (EST) on Nov 4, 2007

Hi Michael, it's a strange thing about Middlemarch, I am already tempted to reread it. I enjoyed it a lot the first time, with some disappointments I suppose, ie it wasn't quite as good as I expected as you hear so many people calling it 'a masterpiece', but the writing itself and tone are drawing me back. Good luck with the Proust, I bought a set a few years ago and I stroke them from time to time!

I have several books on the go at the moment, the one I am really enjoying, but having to read slowly as it is a tome and more difficult to cart about, is Rebecca West's 'Black Lamb and Grey Falcon' - I am already imagining myself re-reading it!! I will have to, and more than once as there is so much in it!

posted by Caroline_McElwee at 5:52 am (EST) on Oct 27, 2007

Hi Michael, and thanks so much for the kind words. Right now I'm finishing up The Best American Short Stories 2007 which I've enjoyed quite a bit, and getting ready to start Tim Jeal's much-anticipated biography Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa's Greatest Explorer. Happy reading!!

Louis

posted by LouisBranning at 3:29 am (EST) on Oct 10, 2007

Thanks so much for your recommendation of Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman. i'll have to add it to my TBR list.

posted by NativeRoses at 12:45 pm (EST) on Sep 24, 2007

Thanks for saying hello, Michael, and hello yourself! Civil War Times published an article of mine awhile back on the Confederate regiment one of my Texas ancestors served in. You might enjoy it. It's called "The Third Texas Itch" and appeared in the February 2003 issue of Civil War Times. I'm pretty sure you can find it at the Multnomah County Central Library. Thanks for the good wishes on my book. The research process is fun but could easily become never-ending! In some areas, I'm just going to have to hope someone else comes along someday to fill in the parts I couldn't get to.

posted by margad at 7:21 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2007

Michael,
Jeannie again...I should have checked your library before I emailed you. I discovered that we share a wonderfully eclectic mix of literature. I see you read a lot of history and nonfiction. I do read some but my passion is fiction and we share a really interesting mix.

Have a great weekend.

posted by faceinbook at 4:28 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2007

Hello Michael,
Thanks so much for the post. We seem to have a bit in common (age included) as I was very much alive and protesting during the Vietnam war era. I lost a very dear friend in Vietnam !! Vietnam Vets have a very special place in my heart !
I worked for many years as a Unit Secretary in an Intensive Care Unit. I loved my job. I had not put together the similarities between Radar (of Mash fame) and my job but now that you mention it........yes.....it was a lot like that :>))
I miss the excitement of being part of a team but the medical field has changes so much since I was involved.......it is just not the same.
I REALLY miss the bookstore job. I would have stayed forever.
When I think of the afterlife, I remember the movie "City of Angels" with Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan......all of the angels lived in the library. I love just the IDEA of that!
Kudos to you. It sounds like you keep yourself very busy and most of what you do is so very helpful to others. It is amazing how much one can contribute if they have a mind to.
Again, thanks for the post. Please stay in touch. I will add your name to my friends list. I will puruse through your book shelves (I love looking at other peoples libraries) I find that what people read tells a lot about who they are.

Jeannie

posted by faceinbook at 4:18 pm (EST) on Sep 21, 2007

i hope you enjoy the Art is Life group as much as i am. i look forward to your contributions.

posted by NativeRoses at 9:08 pm (EST) on Sep 19, 2007

thanks for stopping by. you are exactly right about after reading something powerful it is difficult to read something not so powerful. :) i fear i have set my standards way too high and i will continue to be disappointed.

i love that you give books to your students. i usually force my favorites upon my friends and relatives! happy reading!

posted by amanaceerdh at 9:15 am (EST) on Sep 18, 2007

Hi again Michael,

Thanks for the reply. I like reading reviews - use Bookmarks, New York Times Book Review, TLS, London Review of Books and the Guardian website you mentioned. (not all of these ALL the time!)

Also get alot of good suggestions from other Library Thingers - some of the groups have very good discussions.

Cheers,

KAren

posted by kiwidoc at 2:57 am (EST) on Sep 15, 2007

Hi Michael, I have been away for a week or so, teaching workshops in California. I am pleased to accept your friends invitation, and I hope we can get to know each other better. How about joining my group, Art is Life? I will send you an invitation.

posted by TheresaWilliams at 12:16 am (EST) on Sep 15, 2007

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your comments and also for adding me to your interesting libraries. I'm flattered.

I read Birdsong a while ago - absolutely excellent. Subsequently read his other books, all have been very good. His non-fiction debut about three Englishmen was good but not his forte. Human Traces was interesting to me as it was medically based, but not his most engaging. I have not yet got to Engelby - his latest.

I also like Michael Frayn, Julian Barnes, Michael Chabon..............to name a few of many.

'Life and Fate' has been recommended to me by many good readers and is high on my very deep TBR pile.

Thanks for making contact. Always like to hear about good reads.

Karen

posted by kiwidoc at 11:51 pm (EST) on Sep 12, 2007

You are a beautiful life, mirrored by your books!

posted by ourit at 8:13 pm (EST) on Sep 8, 2007