Summer Reading

I have been looking forward to summer this year for many reasons. For one, it means I'm done with another year of school. In fact, as I looked over my last week of classes a few minutes ago, I realized that all I have left for the semester is one short paper. Then a few finals and I'm set free until another year kicks up in August. I will of course be working this summer, but nothing extreme. Hopefully I will have time for some bike rides, maybe a few nights of camping, some tennis, some summer fun in the city, lots of Ravinia, and of course, nights of relaxation on our patio in Country Glen. Also, I always look forward to summers so that I can finally read some books that have caught my interest but just have not had time for during the school year. So in anticipation of lots of reading, here is my list of ten books that I will start, and hopefully finish, in these next few months...

1. The Chronicles of Narnia--Every summer should probably have some C.S. Lewis, and I have been meaning to re-read these books for several years now. I am determined to at least get through a few of the set this summer in my return to the adventures of those crazy British kids. I love these books.
2. The World is Flat--I rarely read something on the current bestseller lists, but this one has provoked my interest. I'm actually quite looking forward to exploring the way technology is shrinking our world.
3. A Generous Orthodoxy--I am compelled to read this book simply because of the vastly different reviews I read and hear. I have thoroughly enjoyed the New Kind of Christian books by Brian McLaren (I am currently reading the third one) so am excited to see how he continues to challenge and provoke my understanding of Christianity.
4. No Man is an Island--It's true, this is the book that inspired the name of my blog, but I have never actually finished reading the book. I truly enjoy Thomas Merton and have loved what I've read so far so figure it's high time I get down to finishing the book.
5. Traveling Mercies--Many people have recommended this book to me and I have owned it since I bought it at Powell's in Portland a year ago. It's time to experience the writing of Anne Lamott because some people say I will just love her. We'll see.
6. Will in the World--This is a highly acclaimed book by Stephen Greenblatt, and quite frankly, I've had too little of Shakespeare in my life in recent times for my liking. I am going to dive into this acclaimed study of the man and his work, and who knows, maybe even read some of the chapters in my best British accent that I can muster.
7. The Brothers Karamazov--Last year I began a long-desired adventure into the Russian classics by reading Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. Well, that book did not satisfy the desire, but in fact added more fuel to the flame. These books with their thousand pages and thousand characters are certainly intimidating, but I want to make myself up for the challenge. And let's face it--this book is a literary classic on all the lists...Let's go Dostoevsky!
8. Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls--This book was required reading for a class I had this semester. Yet although it was required, it didn't quite get read. I did get to read the first few chapters and wanted to read the rest, but alas, papers and projects and Curb Your Enthusiasm called my name louder. So hopefully this summer I will be able to finish reading about various traditions and faiths as they explore and experience spiritual direction and the disciplines.
9. Becoming Mona Lisa: The Making of a Global Icon--I was first intrigued by this book by Donald Sassoon many months ago while wandering the clearance section of Barnes and Noble. I am intrigued to look at the painting that really has become a cultural icon. Who knows, maybe a little contemporary society with art and DaVinci...sounds pretty interesting to me.
10. Still Open--You see, I realized I had several titles I wanted to put in this #10 slot. But I know that I am not the type of reader that can really formalize my reading agenda. I know there will be some book that I stumble across or find on my shelves that will grab my attention and become my primary literary focus for the time being. And you know what, that's part of the joy in reading for me, so I'm not too eager to remove that and become all mechanical and what not. So if you have a specific recommendation, that's allowed too. I do want to read some more sociology, always love international journalism, and also want to find a good book that addresses the issue of First Peoples here in America. Plus there are many authors that I love and know I can always pick up something new or old of theirs to sink my mind into. Oh, I love books!

Needless to say, I'm excited about this list. My goal is to read the entire list, but let's face it, I'll be delighted if I finish five or so of these titles. There are indeed more pages than there is time.

Bed Fights

A weird thing happened last week. You see, I went to Boston, as you already know, and Joy came too, but Joy didn't get there until a day after I did and came home two days before me. So she had three nights alone in our apartment while I was gone. Well, when I came back I realized something had happened: Joy's glasses, alarm clock, and book were all on MY side of the bed. Hmm. Now, I am a creature of habit like everyone else, and I've grown quite accustomed to my side of the bed. When I gently confronted Joy about what I saw, she plainly tod me that she liked to sleep on my side of the bed because it reminded her of me. Fair enough I suppose. But the odd thing was that even when I was home, she still wanted to sleep on my side of the bed. For the first night I allowed it, but on the next night, I put up a fight. And yep, she fought back. She kept saying that she wanted to sleep on my side because it reminded her of me, and then I would remind her that I was here so I could sleep on my side of the bed and that could be a good reminder of me. She didn't like that idea. In essence, she didn't want my actual being to remind her of me, she'd rather just sleep on my side of the bed. I know, it makes no sense. Finally the fights have ceased and her alarm clock is back to her nightstand. I just don't get how I'm not a good enough reminder for myself. Some things are beyond me.

Boston Recap

I thought I should probably write a little something about my time in Boston. I was there for almost an entire week, and as I like to remind people, Boston is in fact one of my favourite cities. Not just in the United States even--Boston is one of those cities in the U.S. for me that leaves national standards and enters into my list of favourite cities in the world. Yeah, I know.

Well, the trip was amazing. There were a ton of people there, and one might think it would be overwhelming, but it was actually perfect, a good blend of old college wingmates, old music majors, new Boston friends of Tay-Tay, and of course, the ever-growing Horner family. It was really a beautiful blending joyfully lacking in any tension or anxiety.

On Wednesday I didn't get in till kinda late, and when I got to Taylor's apartment, he should have been sleeping since his recital was the next day, but instead he was working (of course) on his program notes. We all talked for a while, and then had a HORRIBLE night of sleep. Here are the words you need to know in order to understand my night of no slumber: no blankets, dirty futon, constant cold, snoring futon-sharer, ticking clock. But I didn't let it get me down, and Thursday turned out to be wonderful. We lounged around for a while, and then went to the conservatory to make copies and such. Then Preston, Kevie-Kev-Kev, Loralee, and myself headed off the Shaw's where we did in fact save more than we spent. What were we buying you ask? Cereal and milk of course. Taylor, you see, was having a cereal-themed recital reception, because we all know that cereal is one of the greatest foods ever created and sorely misunderstood. Then it was time for a late lunch, where I had some great sub, and then off to shower and get ready for the recital.

The recital was nothing short of fantastic. Joy got there soon after it started, and it's a good thing, because it was not something to be missed. You see, Taylor is a great singer. Loads of natural ability that he is just pruning and developing like a madman. It's kinda remarkable the amount of growth and progress he's made in two short years. In essence, I'm extremely proud of him and certainly was that evening when he sang. It doesn't get much better than Poulenc and cereal within five minutes of each other, that's the truth.

Friday was our educational day and we all decided to conquer the Freedom Trail. It was a roudy and wild time as we walked our way to many of the sites relevant to those early revolutionary days. A stop at Mike's for cannolis in the North End was especially necessary. We of course tired ourselves silly walking the Freedom Trail, so on Friday night we just played it pretty cool. On Saturday I woke up and wasn't feeling my best, but certainly wasn't down enough to take it easy, and off we went for a day of great seafood (I love mussels!) and shopping (I bought a tent!). I even threw a dance party at the opening of H&M.

It was on Saturday night that I realized I wasn't feeling better, but in fact was getting much worse. In a few hours time, I had a bad fever, horrible aches, had chills, and wanted to do nothing but lay down and fall asleep. We even went to this piano bar where people would sing Broadway...a place that I would normally love and find my element....but I was too sick to really enjoy it and left early. I was a mess, and was no better come Easter morning, so did not get out of bed for about 15 straight hours, much to my sadness. So those next two days weren't the greatest, but I made the best of them and Taylor and Kevin and I still had a good time, and now I'm home still trying to get my throat and cough under control.

So there you have it...a brief version of my time in Boston. It will go down in my memory as one of the finest weeks in recent memory. I was reminded again at just how cool different places can be, and of course, just how cool friendships are. I laughed so much all week, and that is just about the best thing on a beautiful spring weekend. And hey, a dance party in H&M is pretty cool too.

Finally

So Ace and Bucky are finally both off of American Idol. Thank goodness.

Baciami, Part 2

Remember in February when I wrote about how I want the kiss on the cheek greeting/farewell to come into my life more? Well, I apparently am ahead of the news. Today Katie Courie and sweet Al did a special on how popular the cheek-kissing is getting.

This evening I am flying to one of my absolute favourite cities--Boston, Massachusetts. Of course, Boston is where Joy and I got engaged, and actually, it was in Boston during that visit that I started this blog. It seems we've come full circle. Tomorrow night I will be celebrating with many a Taylor grad as we go to the graduate recital of Mr. Taylor Horner, bass. Yeah, it will be fantastic. And you better believe that when I see all of these friends, a friendly kiss will be in order.

John Wesley Prayer

One of the classes I am in this semester involves the integration of psychology and theology. I have a big paper for the class due on Wednesday (rough draft finished today baby!) and in my reading on spiritual direction, I came across this prayer by John Wesley:

O Lord Jesus,
I give thee my body,
my soul,
my substance,
my fame,
my friends,
my liberty, and my life:
dispose of me and all that is mine
as it seems best to thee.
I am now not mine, but thine:
therefore claim me as thy right,
keep me as thy charge, and love me as thy child.
Fight for me when I am assaulted,
heal me when I am wounded,
and revive me when I am destroyed.
Amen.

I don’t know about you, but I find that strikingly beautiful. I have been continually reminded that Christ calls us to transformation and that transformation involves the whole person. This journey of surrender to the will of God (to borrow from Thomas Merton) continually reminds me that God desires and demands my all, and so often, I barely give Him anything.

Mandisa

There is indeed injustice in the world. Tonight Mandisa left American Idol and people such as Bucky stayed. I almost cannot take it in. I guess it helps when I remember that most voters are probably a decade younger than me, but still, there is no excuse. There are several contestants I still like, but Mandisa reguarly ranked at the top of the list for me. Because quite frankly, when it came down to pure vocals, I don't think she could really be beat. And heck, she had a pretty poised stage presence too. Alas, she is now off of the show and I regularly wait to see just how far Bucky can go as he leads our nation further and further into disgrace. Am I upset and biased? Absolutely. But hey, that's part of the show.