The economy, and literature!

How bout that economy? Do you think this crisis will show up in future literature? What about other, previous economic crisis... what sort of literature croped up from those earlier crisis'?

And, what is the appropriate plural for crisis?

Thoughts to Leave With

I couldn't help stop thinking about the discussion well after we left.

There were some comments that really struck me as insightful and honest, but one theme that seemed to reoccur was how small steps can lead you to places you never intended to go. We know that to achieve any goal, we need to break that goal into small steps. But how often do we wonder, in our own lives, 'How did I get to this place?' and then, and only then, look back at the decisions that led us to that place, that at the time, seemed minor.

It's very easy to look back and see how all the smaller decisions we make in the end are more powerful than any one big decision. I.e. the road to hell is paved with good intentions... How often do we really stop and weigh some of the seemingly innocent decisions we make?

Another comment related to how, 'in the moment' things may seem fine, and it won't be until after, years later, looking back, you could say, 'oh I was so blind' or 'why didn't I see what was right in front of me?"

So what is the difference? Is it willfully looking the other way, or ignorance, a sense of helplessness and powerlessness, or an inability to look around and see the shadows in our lives?

whole lot'a shakin' goin' on

What do you say to two groups with a cap of 16 each - whoever gets in, gets in. It would take some 3rdSats out of their comfort zone,but it would make for smaller groups, maybe have each group read a different book. Now that would shake things up a bit! Would it shake things up that no one would come anymore - is it worth taking the chance and finding out? I think maybe it's something to think about. I get back to you on this one...

Weird August!

August was one of those weird months. This year it had five Saturdays. This was confusing for my book club brain as I kept thinking it was about time for a meeting but then again I knew it wasn't September yet. One way I knew this was because I have a late August birthday which I milked through Labor Day and was aware of every last day of August as I made it my birthday every single day. But the real reason I mention any of this is because I want to thank everyone for their support through emails and the like. Several of you wondered how the 1stSat meeting went, it's still new and everyone hopes, growing, but the meeting hadn't happened yet because it was still August! That fifth Saturday! So I hope to see people there on the 6th, the 1st Saturday of September, and I'll report back that it was a great meeting!

too many choices

I believe I'll post a bit about my three Cesarean sections and the hours of labour I went through before the birth of my children. That's always a subject that makes people run for cover! But that's okay because this forum has become like a private diary. Well maybe on the chance it's not that private I won't post on that. No, in all actuality I do have a subject in mind that does have to do with the book club. Now I know I'm obsessing. We've chosen our books for October and November so the year is complete. I'm just not satisfied with the way we're going to go about choosing them next year. I'd like something a little different but I don't know what.... There! It's out there! Now if anyone reads this they can comment on the fact that I said it.

Our Fabulous Blog Queen, My Blunders & Nicknames

Lisa wrote such a beautiful blog July 31 I've hated to write over it. This post probably won't garner any conversation but until it's being read on a habitual basis it doesn't matter too much what I say it seems. One reason I've asked Lisa to be our Blog Queen is her way of stringing together a sentence. Just go back and read one. Isn't it wonderful? Whether she's speaking in book club or writing it down she does have a way with words.




One point I did want to mention is the new meeting and the old meeting and who is expected to attend. Well, I love it when anybody shows up but it seems I might have made it appear that I wanted 3rdSats (nickname for original group) to maybe change your day and come to 1stSats (new nickname for new group) if at all possible in order to even out the numbers. NO! 3rdSats stay where you are! My email asking for rsvp's was really a, I hate to admit it but I guess, poor attempt to rustle up some undecideds - new members and the like - for that September 6th meeting! I get nervous! And this time I'm driving down the mountain in order to be there so I'd like a turnout. Wah, poor me! But good news - it's up to 6 and its still early! See what a little begging can do and I haven't even gotten serious yet.




Okay people I'm going to say it here and say it at the meeting. Even though the third Saturday of the month group came first they will now be referred to as the second meeting and the first Saturday of the month will be known as the first meeting - it just makes sense. AND our new nicknames are 1stSats and 3rdSats unless somebody comes up with a better one. This is way too long to be an email and may not be read here, but it just might be by someone and the idea is to get people wondering if there is something new here. Today it won't garner conversation - maybe a comment?

Animals in Books

This is my first post, and I'm going to attempt to write posts that garner some conversation. I'm also going to make it short since it's a test.

So, portrayals of animals in books. Particularly this one.

In Like Water for Elephants, the animals are mistreated and starving. But, life is no picnic for the circus folk, either. But what would the book be, or changed into if the animals were happy and magical? In children's books, that is how animals are.

I think when you have a book that portrays animals, the animals tend to reflect the tone and circumstances of characters in the book. In Seabiscuit, which is also a true story, the horse and his jockey seemed to be in equal, matching states of despair. In Life of Pi, the tiger and Pi go through the entire journey together. (Go Tiger.)

What do you think?

Feel free to comment, or not. And take it in another direction if you want.

This time a poll to ponder...

Take a gander to the right and make a choice just for fun. The same or similar one will be up for another vote since this page is viewed by few. Remember, things are in constant change whether you are aware of it or not and that change is a good thing. (I hate change too).

Meet my daughter...

She tends to be a little long winded, like I am... but the bossy part comes from her Dad's side of the family - ya gotta love her though. Looking out for her Mamma like that!

bursting at the seams!

Well I had hoped this day would come and now that it's here..... We have so many members we can't fit them all into a meeting. If you don't RSVP the day of a meeting for the next one you are SOL as they say. I have increased the cap and that seems to be an unpopular decision. Leaving it at 20 means new members never get in, what is the answer? I have thought about having two meetings going at the same time..., not a bad idea..., would the existing group want to stay put? Would new members form their own alliance? Does it matter? Should I add a second meeting on the first Saturday of the month? Can I stand to do that ? Would I go crazy? Maybe.

a little something that will change your life...

Go here. You will love it.

"email drama"

I know this site would be a good thing if we would only use it! There are members who are sick of all the email drama that goes on and then don't read any email and don't get any information about the book club. One member I know had at last count 140 emails that she hasn't even opened yet because it's just too much. I know I'm an offender. But I'm not the only one. Please, when wanting to "chat" try inviting members to this site and using the chat box. It works! Members mostly just want to read books and discuss them at the meetings, I have learned this the hard way. They don't want to have it all on display and in their face. If they do they will wander over to this website and listen in and comment themselves. Where are the members I used to hear from each month? I believe they don't want to be part of the email dumping ground. Give it a go round and I think you'll find a place that could be almost habit forming and fun. And just for fun here is a good site for looking up those books we have on the list...
ReadingGroupGuides.com

Your Profile

Well, silly me, I didn't think filling out a profile about yourself would be a big deal but apparently it is. I guess it's either an invasion of privacy, a waste of time, getting too personal, letting it all hang out in cyberspace, nobody's business, not an appropriate request, too time consuming, and my favorite they all sound the same anyway. I apologize for asking. As I keep saying "I am always learning" and I am learning that we read books and show up the third Saturday of the month and if that happens then things are going pretty well I guess. Thank you for continuing to show up that third Saturday!

The Book Poll

The book poll should be up on the Meetup website sometime today and you'll be able to see the 12 choices you have to vote on. Thanks to all who contributed suggestions - and to those who thought about it and didn't have time to get them it - life is busy. Also at some point today I will have a message for you on the message board and will email it to bookclub-775 as well as post it here (I think). I am still deciding how to use this as only about three of us are using this but I love the three or four that are! So watch out for this very important life changing bit of info!
I'm afraid the Maltese series was voted off the book poll and we have to choose from more important books although I'm not sure what that is, 3 cups of tea?, Peace? Whatever... to each their own, I'm just trying to be fair and because it's just the kind of person I am I put others wishes ahead of my own. I can write whatever I want here because no one is reading it yet. Have a great day full of good mail, a visit from someone you like, a phone you've been waiting on, well behaved people, time to read, air conditioning, a great bargain, and a book on the poll you want to read!

"Dare I turn loose the Dragon?"

Today, let's just give it a go, shall we? Try staying on topic. Why does everyone have such a love/hate relationship with "The Road"? We will have to move on once July has trotted along as we have many books ahead of us and I know without question that everyone puts their best effort into choosing each one or perhaps in the days to come nominating each one. "The Road" will become history in a few weeks. Will it darken the soul forever? Was it life changing? Maybe just a story about two people bumping along in the dark? This will all be discussed at the meeting but frankly I don't know if there is time to hear everything that you want to say. SO, feel free to chatbox or leave a comment and check the comments that are left (I think you can do that....) On the other hand, always leave a helpful suggestion and I loved hearing about Anne's garden.

Silent Nights,comments,posts & " "

It's been quiet last night and tonight. I didn't know if everyone is taking a night off, watching reruns of "Law and Order", tired of "talking" about "The Road", or emailing each other privately. I hope in time the blog site takes on a more interesting look and becomes something we all like to use from time to time. I'll figure out the difference between a post and a comment and chatting with a little luck. Please email me or leave me a comment, those are emailed to me as well, with suggestions (well, the kind I have a chance at ). We have a couple of new members, Valerie and soon Pat so email them if you want to and fill them in on what they've missed, or just say "Hi"! I like these things " " have you noticed?

Welcome!

You have found the Longmont Book Club Blog! While we are a friendly group, this blog is intended for the members of this group who have found their way from the Meetup.com page here. In the coming days, this blog is going to be filled with much information, and good will. For now, please feel free to use the chat box below for conversation, leave comments with ideas, and get to know each other here.
Let's try to make things a little easier, cut-down on emails, and read some great books!!

Today I will be posting some basic rules (don't be mean) and regulations (don't be annoying) in the side bars. Later you will find polls for voting on which books we may read, links for books or interesting things, and a member list. For now, this will be mainly used for chatting and any thoughts you may have. Please leave those in the comment section. Also, you will need to register an ID if you don't already have a Google address, but it's really, really easy. I know because I did it.