Speaking of books -- I'm listening to Barack Obama reading his own book, "Dreams From My Father," on my IPod.
Now this is an experience!
There are six CDs to this book.
I listen to each one 2-3 times -- then I let it shuffle right along with my music.
I'll hear Fred Hammond, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys -- then a couple of pages from Barack.
How cool is this!
Did you see your President on TV last night?
He's a ROCK STAR!!!!
He can't get INTO the Chamber for people trying to shake his hand, hug him, touch him.
He can't begin SPEAKING for the prolonged standing OVATIONS he cannot put an end to.
He can't get OUT of the Chamber for people wanting his AUTOGRAPH on their programs!
A Rock Star!!!
And yet and still, he is our President -- our leader in so many, MANY senses of the word.
He is so admired, idolized and appreciated not for the hype -- but because he has actually given himself over -- and is determined to be -- the Real Deal.
I didn't follow the election that closely -- I knew that I would be voting for Barack Obama and that was that.
I didn't go to the Inauguration -- too many people -- and I was going to see/hear his speech on TV or computer anyway.
But now I plan my evening around televised Presidential addresses -- and pore over my weekly newspaper accounts of Presidential actions and activities.
THIS is the part that's exciting for me!
YYYYOOOOUUUU GGGGOOOO BBBBOOOOYYYYY!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Books, Books, Books
I joined two local book clubs this year. They're not exciting but they ARE pretty interesting. I have read books that I wouldn't have glanced at otherwise. I get to take part in an 'intellectual' exchange (much more personal than one would think). I get to observe human beings interacting in a social context without necessarily being involved. Interesting.
"Where Did I Leave My Glasses?" is a witty, comprehensive, accessible discussion about normal memory loss. I've had an extremely poor memory my entire life so I hadn't realized how upsetting memory loss is for my 50+ contemporaries. This actually is a book I would recommend for anyone who has questions or interest in the subject. I found myself referring to the book a lot while I was reading it because the author's examples were so right on that many of my everyday conversations were mirror images of her written accounts.
"Go Tell It On The Mountain" by James Baldwin. Sigh. In the many, many years that have passed since I read Mr. Baldwin, I have developed a much finer appreciation for the artful use of the English language. What a beautifully written book! I did, however, find the discussion somewhat lacking -- mostly because the subject matters of Pentecostal Christianity, spirituality and their effect on flawed human beings are so close to me. But I took advantage of the public library book sale to score another Baldwin book for future enjoyment.
"The Reader." I wasn't bowled over when I read it the first time some years ago. As a matter of fact, I passed on the movie because the book was so underwhelming for me. But I read it again for the sake of the book discussion. There was much I hadn't remembered (normal memory loss), but my overall impression remained the same. I'm as prepared as I'm going to be for this discussion.
"Fortunate Son" by Walter Mosley. I generally find Mr. Mosley's books entertaining -- kind of the same way that guys find chick flicks amusing. For me, his character development leaves something to be desired. However, this one is as enjoyable as any of his others. Stay tuned -- this promises to be a curious discussion in this group.
"Where Did I Leave My Glasses?" is a witty, comprehensive, accessible discussion about normal memory loss. I've had an extremely poor memory my entire life so I hadn't realized how upsetting memory loss is for my 50+ contemporaries. This actually is a book I would recommend for anyone who has questions or interest in the subject. I found myself referring to the book a lot while I was reading it because the author's examples were so right on that many of my everyday conversations were mirror images of her written accounts.
"Go Tell It On The Mountain" by James Baldwin. Sigh. In the many, many years that have passed since I read Mr. Baldwin, I have developed a much finer appreciation for the artful use of the English language. What a beautifully written book! I did, however, find the discussion somewhat lacking -- mostly because the subject matters of Pentecostal Christianity, spirituality and their effect on flawed human beings are so close to me. But I took advantage of the public library book sale to score another Baldwin book for future enjoyment.
"The Reader." I wasn't bowled over when I read it the first time some years ago. As a matter of fact, I passed on the movie because the book was so underwhelming for me. But I read it again for the sake of the book discussion. There was much I hadn't remembered (normal memory loss), but my overall impression remained the same. I'm as prepared as I'm going to be for this discussion.
"Fortunate Son" by Walter Mosley. I generally find Mr. Mosley's books entertaining -- kind of the same way that guys find chick flicks amusing. For me, his character development leaves something to be desired. However, this one is as enjoyable as any of his others. Stay tuned -- this promises to be a curious discussion in this group.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Just You
There is only one way.
“The road may be narrow,”
“The obstacles may be great,”
“The disciplines are crucial and critical,” but
“You must come this way.”
All of THIS has almost nothing to do with anyone else
And everything to do with YOU.
True, you can’t actually DO it, or live it, alone,
But it IS All About You –
The questions, the answers, the Way –
All about you -- all between you, you, and your God.
You will surely meet guides –
You will certainly have fellow travelers,
You’ll know teachers, preachers, healers, helpers and friends.
And all will be but part of the GPS systems
That leads you to You.
There really is no other way
Nor much of another point.
“The road may be narrow,”
“The obstacles may be great,”
“The disciplines are crucial and critical,” but
“You must come this way.”
All of THIS has almost nothing to do with anyone else
And everything to do with YOU.
True, you can’t actually DO it, or live it, alone,
But it IS All About You –
The questions, the answers, the Way –
All about you -- all between you, you, and your God.
You will surely meet guides –
You will certainly have fellow travelers,
You’ll know teachers, preachers, healers, helpers and friends.
And all will be but part of the GPS systems
That leads you to You.
There really is no other way
Nor much of another point.
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