BLAZE

Yikes! The last three weeks have been relentlessly busy. School is back in session, and the world's heart is beating faster.

Life at the College is great. I have six courses this semester, including a lovely group of English 111s. I am having trouble staying on top of the photocopying, though: there is no central duplicating facility at our campus, so everything has to be sent downtown, requiring at least three days of lead time. I'm just not that organized! But I am loving having a music library just steps away from my office and have borrowed numerous CDs already. It's going to be a fabulous year!

I'm currently reading No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod. Just finished The Fourth Hand by John Irving, which I found disappointing. Instead of his usual absurd realism, Irving took on post-modernism — pastiche, intertextuality, etc. — and the experiment failed. Glad I borrowed it from the library. Next up: White Oleander by Janet Fitch (recommended by several readers — thanks!) and Black Tights: Women, Sport and Sexuality by Laura Robinson (serious feminist non-fiction [no that's NOT an oxymoron!] — must keep the brain in good form). Again, if you have suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them.

Spent several hours yesterday climbing the walls — that is, rock climbing. I really enjoy climbing — who could have predicted that? — but must gain strength in my hands and forearms. After a couple of hours I couldn't get more than half-way up because my arms were too tired. Meanwhile, Zak is a fabulous climber, as is Bruce (although climbing is very hard on his fingers). Another trip is in our near future, I predict.

Sorry this post is rather pedestrian — just a quick update. I'll be back to my more usual puzzlement of words soon. Love to all, near and far.

L
(who insists she saw Pirates of the Caribbean for more than just Johnny Depp ... although she can't currently remember what that more was ...)

PS: For those who may be wondering ... MY pirate personality profile says I am "The Cap'n" (hmm...): "You never met a man you couldn't eviscerate." Wonder how I can work that into my CV?