(The title is a link, by the way. This new format will take some getting used to.) Here are the results of the award Dana mentioned. It looks like they have a "Young People's" section; I've heard of that book--Godless--but I've not read it.

My trip to Red Cloud was made rather odd by my books-on-tape/CD choices. On the way there, I finished When My Name was Keoko by Linda Sue Park (it was excellent) and on the way home, I listened to Robert Bloch's Psycho which was creepy and dated and rather sensationalist. I've never seen the movie, but am familiar with the Shower Scene. I was surprised at how soon in the narrative that occurred - not drawn out at all. The tapes I had were abridged; I don't know if that accounts for a story I found lacking in detail (and substance, at times) or not. I've read that the movie is better, so that will be my next step. Hitchcock is incredible Still, it was good listening for a four-hour car ride!

Speaking of Hitchcock, his Rear Window is my favorite. Vertigo is supposed to be his masterpiece, but I don't like it as much. The creepy thing about Vertigo is the special effects with the falling scene. When I was at UP they re-released Vertigo in the theatres and some friends and I saw it downtown on the big screen. That was awesome. I wish Omaha had an indy that did such things. Cinema 21 in Portland always has something great showing. Susie and I saw Hard Day's Night; my parents and I saw Dial M for Murder, another Hitchcock, in 3D. What else... Next week they are showing End Of The Century: The Story Of The Ramones. Dana, if I was a rich and famous substitute teacher I'd fly us both out there.

I was struck by an idea. It hurt. But it could be a lotta fun.

Yes, time is a priority for some of you - not really for me, not yet - but would anyone out there, specifically former Children's Lit people and generally anyone else (Susie, Dana if she ever has time, etc.) who reads this, want to maybe try doing a children's lit book clubby thing? I'm thinking one book a month, something one can find at the library and easily read over the course of that month.

I won't even demand to choose the books because it was my idea first.

It would be extremely easy to set up a separate group blog where everyone can post their reactions, opinions, declamations, etc.

This would be a good activity for many reasons:

1. You love reading.
2. You need positive brain activity.
3. You need to interact with people who like you rather a lot but aren't afraid to give you honest feedback explaining why your opinion of the book is sick and wrong.
4. You need a New Year's Resolution you can actually keep.
5. You like Sarah to be a Happy Sarah.
6. Sarah might take it into her aggressively curly-haired head to make things related to the book to mail to you but only if you participate and that means making comments, not excuses.
7. There will be no essay or term papers but by the end you'll have earned your MFA.

Extra Bonus: You get points for making comments in the voice of fellow Simmons Child Lit'ers. For example: "This book made me think blue, feel blue, smell blue, and hear blue. Ahhhhh, blue. And then I cried for five hours. Delightful!"

If you have an opinion on this topic, or SUGGESTIONS for books, let me know! We need a kicky club title, for starters.

I spent most of yesterday either in or driving to/from Red Cloud, where Willa Cather did some of her growing up. Nebraska claims a handful of "famous" authors; she's the only one who is qualifies in my mind. Four hours there, four back. Ugh. But I'm really happy with how this photo turned out.

I have more to say about this trip, but not right now. My Red Cloud photos are in correct order in the NEBRASKA photoset, starting with the seventh row. I dreamt about the round barn last night.

More later - there's about 2 inches of snow on the ground.

I cannot wait until this comes to the US. Many of you know Diana Wynne Jones is mostly my favorite author and this movie has been years in the making. Miyazaki is the only person to be trusted with her work!

Today I changed the oil and filter in/on my car. I did this on my old car, but always had my dad's tools at hand. I ended up going to two different places trying to find a filter wrench that worked with Saturn's setup, so it took way longer than it should have. Also filled the washer fluid tank and vacuumed and washed the whole auto. It looks quite prosperous. I, on the other hand, look greasy and smell like oil. But I am ready to drive to Denver in a few weeks.

It was a nice surprise to find jumper cables in the trunk, snaked around the spare tire. I'd forgotten about them and now don't have to worry about buying any OR getting stuck.

I got my teaching certificate today! I'm official! Monday morning I shall zoom down to the school district office and let them know I'm available to sub. I hope I can start in December. And then I'll be making the big bucks.

Finished Dracula and am now reading Light by M. John Harrison. It's been a long time since I read any SF.

Sorry if I sound like I'm 12 in the following entry.
Amazon.com: DVD: Home Movies - Season One

AAACK! I can't believe this has been out for a week already and I just found out tonight when we went to Target and Bruce bought it without telling me and it is sooooo great!

Also, at Brendon Small.com he says that they are already working on Season Two.

I'm sure Dana will be getting all this info right from the horse's mouth (Will) and may even have some extra dirt.

This has totally made my month, I swear. I'm all hyper and everything.

I took this photo a while ago, but the color is a refreshing change to the cold drearyness outside. Odd though - I wouldn't mind some snow about now. Not lots; just enough to chance the scenery.

The Sound of Music is a very cheering soundtrack.

Okay, now I'm all depressed. But here's a site that posts found photos, most quite entertaining. I think Dana gave me this link a while ago; it is fun to check in on because new ones are posted daily.

I found a great photo at an antique shop this weekend - I swear the woman is a kindred spirit. Or, as Anne Shirley would say, a bosom friend. Once I get a scanner I will post her.

Still plowing through Dracula. Those stupid Victorian men! They shut Mina out to "protect" her and then dum dum da dum! Guess Who gets his claws on her!

Susie and I have talked about reading David Copperfield together. I'm not a big Dickens fan but happen to have a random copy floating around. I got 2/3 through Great Expectations a few years ago and did not finish it. Is DC a good idea? Dana?

Tea tea, must have tea.

I am so shocked - did anyone know she was fighting cancer? That makes me so sad.

Not like I knew her personally, but we saw her at Simmons and all. Wow.

Freecycle is the coolest idea. You have something you don't want? Post it. You want something? Post it. Here's the deal:

One rule: everything posted must be free. Whether it's a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door to be given away, it can be posted on the network. Or, maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself? Respond to the posting directly and you just might get it. After that it is up to the giver to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure.

And Portland, OR is the biggest group!

I joined the Omaha group and offered to take one of those plastic file carrier things. For free! Yay!

This is where I found out about the booksale in Plattsmouth. Looks like the Brattle is having a huge sale, dear Boston people.

I think this is the most darling grocery store I've ever seen. I wish I'd got a close-up of the Jack and Jill pictures on the left side.

Bruce and I drove down to Plattsmouth (so named because it is where the Platte and the Missouri rivers join - the CONFLUENCE) yesterday to check out their library's booksale. I found some excellent stuff:

• Best Loved Fairy Tales of Walter Crane with lots of illustrations.
  
• A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes with fabulous and funny illustrations by Charles Robinson.
  
• The Luck of the Bodkins by P.G. Wodehouse. I just can't get enough of this guy. His books are the only ones I can read on planes.
  
• One of the few mystery books I like, The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey. I got this copy for Bruce.
  
• The First Book of Paintings to cut up and use for collage.
  
• A battered paperback of Where the Wild Things Are to cut up.
  
• The Song of Roland to satisfy my frequent yearnings to read Old French Epics.
  
• A hardback copy of Metropolitan Life by Fran Lebowitz, which Dana has and in my quest to emulate, I must also have.
  

I also found something else, but it is for Susie's Christmas present. Not too shabby for $2.45. (The whole lot, I mean; Susie's present was $0.25)

Next stop was Mom's Diner where we feasted most deliciously before wandering around downtown for a while. I found a couple old postcards and an old photo at an antique store. Later on I picked up some frames at Michael's and they look great.

One of Bruce's old roommates, Theresa, came by for dinner last night; the first dinner guest since I left Boston. I like her lots because she has a good sense of humour and is just a fun person. Theresa is one of the few people here that I feel is a friend, even though we've only met twice now.

After dinner we had drinks (well, I had a drink while I was cooking because I get so anxious that things will suck) (I'm still loving gin and tonics, thanks to Dana) and talked for hours, often about embarrassing things from the past.

FYI: Dinner consisted of Sweet and Sour Spinach Salad; this has bacon and bacon grease in it and is soo good. Not as good as my mom's Wilted Lettuce Salad, but a nice dish nonetheless. The main meal was Penne and Ham Primavera. Both are horribly simple to make.

Bruce threw a watermelon off the back porch this morning and it splatted all over the back yard. Looks like roadkill.

Ah, my idol, Jinny. You just don't hear that name anymore.

Today started rough, got rougher at work but then smoothed out alright, thanks to Jinny. I was working the desk and a small girl, maybe 4 years old, came right round the counter and asked me where the bathroom was. I asked myself, "What would Jinny do?" and found The Way. I told the little girl the restroom was the door to the left of the drinking fountain. She didn't know her left, so I got down on the floor and explained how you can see the "L" in your left hand. I watched her through the window - she went to the drinking fountain, put both hands out in front of her, boldly traced the "L" with a finger on her right hand, as if reading a map, turned to the correct door, and went inside.

I need some hot chocolate.

Flickr: what's in your bag? To satisfy your nosy tendencies. Also a chance for people to brag, but interesting nonetheless.

I like to think that I don't hold grudges, but I think I do. Just until the feeling passes or I get used to the situation. I'm good at arguing. The frustrating thing is that people deal with anger in different ways. Frankly, I prefer yelling. Get it out, get it over with and move on. Can't do much with silence except pester.

I wish there was a running path around here. Concrete hurts my back. I used to do laps around Glendoveer Golf Course in PDX - they had a barkchip path that ran through the woods surrounding the course.

There's a deposit of squirrel pebbles on the porch railing.

Books sorted by color A bookstore in SF did this for a week for kicks. The link at the bottom has more info.

I'm up watching Conan, which reminds me of college, having just finished a round of artsyness that was rather successful. I'll see if I can take some photos tomorrow and post them. I've also been digging through discarded magazines from work looking for collage stuff. I shouldn't read Lucky; it makes me want want want by showing me things I can't afford at HIP sites like this: stevenalan.com. The emu oil is quite intriguing though not much of a bargain at $50. There's a ostrich farm down the road and I bet I could get a decent substitute oil for a few bucks.

I'm four chapters into Dracula. Sometimes it is funny/ridiculous and over-the-top but still creepy.

Someone rang the doorbell tonight but when Bruce opened the door, no one was there.

While she was in DC, Susie found out she's rather handy with .40 handguns. Most people learn about past presidential burial rites or see old paintings when they visit the Capital. Susie learns the ins and outs of firearms.

Personally, I've only fired a shotgun and a .22 (in 9th grade, we went down to the school's rifle range under the auditorium for a unit on shooting as part of PE. A whole class of hormonal young ladies lockin' and loadin' and shootin'. It was a blast - my year was the last they did that. Understandable, but I really enjoyed it. Segued right into Hunter's Safety (no, I didn't get mine))

Yes, my hometown has a rural background. Not so much anymore. I think the population is pushing 90,000 now?

I want glasses for Christmas.

Today was Good. That sounds simplistic, but having had so many bad days over the past two years, I like to acknowledge it when I have Good Days.

• went to the post office to mail a package and buy stamps (I like Getting Things Done & I love stamps)
  
• took some photos on my way home
  
• dumped Bruce at my Gretna coffee shop while I worked and he bought me coffee
  
• finished I Can't Tell You and it was quite good. The format (it's about a college guy who decides not to talk anymore and only writes notes - one ANYTHING handy) was awesome.
  
• I narrowed it down to two brow places to call tomorrow to wax my worries away
  
• I'm getting my money back on my tripod and using it for Something Else
  
• my Lemurgurl Art Prints came in the mail (check out her House Photos)
  
• a letter from Doris, my Swiss penfriend also came
  
• Susie's Christmas presents came in the mail today
  
• (it was a great mail day)
  
• I used my new teapot for the first time today - Lavender-Grey Black Tea
  
• I get to start a new book tonight
  
• I'm going to have hot chocolate momentarily
  

But I'm still worried about people. I found out one of my PDX coworkers had a miscarriage a few weeks ago. My friend Molly's mother is very ill. Ed, one of the guys who's attended UP soccer games with my dad for years (and is the only one of "the guys" who isn't an ass) is in a nursing home, hopefully temporarily. And I talked to a college friend yesterday and she's got some serious credit card debt.

Erg.

Here we see the pretty, oh so pretty flame. merrily burning away. Ah.

BUT NOT FOR LONG!

Poof! The flame is GONE! And for my next magic trick...

I'm sure there are people who think I am cruel to let my cat play with fire. I can understand this. But let me explain the situation

1) It is always supervised.
2) If he is not naturally afraid of fire, he needs to learn it can be uncomfortable if used incorrectly, because:
3) I enjoy burning candles.

He does not appear to injure himself - he darts in quickly, puts it out, and walks away. Maybe he was a firehouse cat before I got him; the shelter said he was a stray. Maybe Keaton is just living up to his true calling.

Danke, Dana!

getcrafty: This is an awesome site. I'm all over the Home Spa stuff.

Major entertainment - the foul words exchanged between Keaton and the three squirrels that skulk around the deck eating fallen bird food. He races from window to window following them. All business; don't get in his way.

Today I picked up a teapot at Goodwill for five bucks. Also found some decorative items I'm going to use for my own deviant artistic purposes.

Hope to do a photo outing this week - maybe on Omaha Signage.

OH - I finished Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell last night! How long have I been reading that brick? The 782 pages were worth it, though. A book that long better have excellent character development, and this one did not disappoint. I'm missing some of them - or at least I miss knowing what's going on in their lives. Good stuff.

In Oregon, good things come from, well, Oregon. Or Washington, for things that just can't be done in Oregon (Walla Walla Sweet Onions, for example). In Boston, good things come from Vermont or Maine. In Nebrasky, it looks like good things, at least those of the egg sort, come from The Land of Kansas.

Not much has happened in the way of Car Winterizing yet. I don't know where to go to buy chains. Bruce would say Wal-Mart, but I don't shop there. Today's been busy, but with little, non-ending tasks that make me feel ant-like, trudging here and there, placing items where they rightly belong, tidying up, moving paper piles. The kind of day where you feel tired but also like you've not done anything.

iTunes has an Internet radio feature and I've had WUMB, UMass's folk station, on all day, hoping they'll play some Jake Armerding (that goatee looks silly on him). Nevermind I could play it on my own.

Today brought an awesome envelope from Susie (yay! Thanks!) with a blue-tone print [cyanotype, says Susie] of Velcro, my last cat, and Jeffrey Foucault's new CD, Stripping Cane. Susie got to go to a concert in Portland where, for all of $12, she saw Jake, Jeffrey and someone else...can't remember the name. [Mark Erelli, says Susie] An amazing concert I wish I could have attended.

JoJo, you should go see him (and Lori McKenna, who is awesome) at Borders and tell me how wonderful Mr. Jeffrey looks and how lovely his raspy-velvet voice sounds live.

11/16/04 BOSTON, MA
IN STORE APPEARANCE BORDERS Books & Music

Downtown Crossing location
with Lori McKenna
FREE, 12:30pm

Sigh. I need to find good local music here.
Time to do more ant-like scurrying.


But while I'm recommending music, let me list others I can't get enough of:

Rachael Davis
Dan Bern
Erin McKeown
Hanneke Cassel

Most of the artists I've linked have free MP3s available on their sites.

This has to be a sign. I am not meant to own a tripod. Perhaps I should scrap it all and get a scanner instead. But I want one that will do medium-format negatives...

THE SAD TALE

I finally got the tripod I thought I wanted in the mail today. Yay! I'd previously purchased the selfsame tripod at one of Omaha's independent camera shops where I found they'd screwed me over and charged twice as much as I could get it online. So I returned it and bought another through the Magic of the Internet. Tonight, after messing around with it, I find the quick-release plate does not sit flush in the tripod and when it is in, the release lever does not close completely so the camera can fall out. And with me, if it can fall out, it will.

The company will take it back. But this means packaging and shipping and waiting and forms to fill out and do I really want another go with this tripod? I don't need anything fancy - just a stand to hold the camera still.

Tomorrow's main goal is to winterize my car. Chains! Flashlight w/batteries! Jumper cables! Change oil! Check fluids! Actually, I don't know if it is due for an oil change. Probably. I need to check that Bruce has oil changing tools, like that springy grippy thing to take the filter out.

I got Hillary Frank's new book today - I Can't Tell You, of Houghton's new GRAPHIA line! So far, so good.

Thanks for all the comments on Russian novels. Hm.

If I were to choose a Big Fat Russian Novel to read, which one should it be?

Ever since I left Mass I've mourned for the loss of the use of Dana's Tweezerman. Yes, I have my own tweezers, but it sucks. Last week I finally ordered my own and he came today. Isn't it exciting? He's red, he's sharp, he's ready to rip out those cumbersome and ornery brow hairs.

Lest you think me odd for going on about such things, please know this is a lifelong committment, not a petty fling. Free sharpening, free alignment, lifetime guarantee. He's the last tweezers I'll ever buy. Plus they advertise in Utne and I do adore that mag.

So that was pretty cool. I won't be losing anymore sleep, though I still have to find a trustworthy aethestician...the perils of moving.

Today was alright. The last few days have been up in the positive-positive quadrant; it's a nice change. I'm doing some creative artsy things. Oh crap - I have to buy plane tix tonight. --

Okay, people. Here's the situation.

It is 12.31pm. I am at my new coffee hangout in Gretna, close to work, and I am set to rip through the hype and get my essay in the finito stage. You will have the privilege of viewing my success. Because it will be a success. There may be setbacks, there may be some messiness, but I will prevail, triumph and reign supreme. Etc.

And away we go -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Timestamp: 1:23 PM
I've addressed the rest of the questions. My skeleton is complete. Now it is time to flesh out my answers and cut the fat. Sounds like I'm a surgeon.

Incidentally, if I was in the medical field, I'd be either a cardiologist or ophthalmologist.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Timestamp: 2:37 PM
There are some youthful hicks freaking out about the amaretto flavoring in their lattes, loudly exclaiming that it tastes just like di Saronno. How tough can you look drinking amaretto flavored lattes? Of course, they are doing this all to impress me.

Um, I got off target. I called home to discuss tripod issues and then did a bit of surfing. But I also emailed Susie asking if she'd look at my essay. She's good at finding the glaring mistakes I overlook. I've got time for a bit of polishing before I leave for work.

N-Vision Special Forces 14 Goggles.

If I get these for Christmas, I'm gonna dress all in black (tank top, F-Me boots, miniskirt) and drive up to the Air Force base and see if the guard will let me in. "I just wanna look around, darlin'." I'll accessorize the goggles with a beaded choker and vibrant red lipstick.

Good weekend.

Worked on essay.
Went for a walk.
Cleaned up.
Got some packages in the mail and prepped others to go out.
Saw The Incredibles. Was v. good.
Drank good coffee.
Watched Good Neighbors.

Crappy blog entry, though.

Duke at the Beach. I better see him before he grows ugly and boring, Eddie.

Salon Since You Asked Directory. A guilty pleasure. I spent a lot of time on this site when I worked in the comp lab. Lots of interesting people out there...some WAY out there.

Aside from a raging and still present headache, work was pretty good today. I did one of my kick-ass art lessons with the 3-4-5th graders (Abstract Art) and they didn't want to leave. It was a lot of fun to talk and pick their creative brains. I think they liked the story I read - a funny modern version of Red Riding Hood from Vivian Vande Velde's Tales from the Brothers Grimm and the Sisters Weird. Good stuff.

I feel like watching some Home Movies (click for video). Perry and Walter, may you live on in happiness despite lactose intolerance and spastic colons! Eat the cheese! Bruce has a tape with a few episodes...

My body is in a stage of revolt. We're talking multiple levels, here. The back is unhappy, which includes the neck area and influences the head. Face has some jawline eruptions, horror of horrors. Body wants more sleep but also feels antsy from a lack of exercise while the brainal cavity rattles on and on about Shoulds, Musts, Need Tos, Better-or-Elses, and Why I Oughtas, all screaming for attention while laziness runs rampant across the plains.

If JulieK was here, she'd tell me I'm being a perfectionist and trying to do everything at once, perfectly. This causes major stallage and widespread panic.

If my mom was here, she'd recommend I make a list and attack things one at a time. I love lists. I am idealistic and I have lots of them, most quite unrealistic in accomplishability.

If Susie was here, she'd tell me, "Relax, Spankypants--you'll be fine. Stop being an anal tightass spazz for five minutes and have a beer."

I'm gonna go read. And breathe. And finish with a quote from one of my goodly friends, which I will keep in mind for tomorrow:

“I think it is fitting that I act a rebel this morning.”
—Lori, Tue, 9 Nov 1999.

...

(Not taken by me) machete has some great architecture shots on Flickr. Check them out.

So cease and desist, you election commercials, radio spots, lawn signs, etc.! Enough!

From Dana, The Gallery of Stick-Figure Warning Signs, which can also be called Things Companies Have to Post Because People Are Stupid.

Keaton's in the doghouse (ha ha) for some glass-breaking action. He's a spazz.

I had strong yearnings to watch Help! today but ran out of time. "Look out -- it's a fiendish thingy!"

Detonographics Here's an art form you don't see every day.

Today I erased several items from (one of) my To Do list(s). Kristin kindly wrote one up for me, including such tasks as PLAN TRIP TO CALIFORNIA, COLORADO AND ENGLAND and RE-PICK UP THE CELLO. I managed to FIND SUNGLASSES and checked it as done. From my Whiteboard List, I opened a NEBRASKY BANK ACCOUNT (I got to choose my checks and am getting superhero ones), found a place that carries my HAIR GUNK and bought a TINY WALLET. And SOCKS.

I found the tiny wallet at a Super Target, something I've never encountered before. It's a regular Target that carries Groceries, which reminded me of Fred Meyer's back in Oregon. One stop shopping!

While looking for the hair gunk place I went into a Gordman's, a store similar to T.J. Maxx except it has better decor. I really need some new clothes because mine are wearing out. It was hard - I haven't bought new clothes in such a long time it took me a while to let myself think I was allowed to. Nevertheless, I didn't buy anything, or even try stuff on. There was a nice scarf that I carried around for a while but when it came to leave, I asked myself, "Sarah, would you rather spend $8.99 on a scarf when you have some at home or buy books?" When you put it like that... But it was nice to look. (I avoided the shoe department altogether because I never feel bad about buying them.)

And it's time to get ready to leave for work.