We've had a lot of rain this week, so I've had some extra reading time, which I just adore. I'm currently reading book three of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, and I've added it to the list of my all-time favorite epic fantasy series. Which made me think, hey, have I ever shared my list? Well, then, here they are, for your reading pleasure. I've sorted them into categories, just for organization's sake.
Founding Authors
To me, there are three founding authors who jump-started the epic fantasy genre. The most obvious one is J.R.R. Tolkien, whose The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have inspired countless authors over the years. For those who love magic and wizardry, Ursula K. Leguin's The Earthsea Cycle is another set of books upon which so many fantasy series rest. And The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is the third series I would include in this category. He gets kudos for developing such amazing alternate worlds for his stories.
Current Classics
The books I'm reading now, in the series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, are key to the epic fantasy genre, though I've only recently discovered them (thanks, Curt!). The classic hero's quest, intriguing characters of varying ethics, and the display of the true costs (and horrors) of war make the series fascinating. Perhaps my favorite epic fantasy author, though, is Tad Williams. I loved his saga Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, and I'm still reading his latest series, Shadowmarch, which is just as good (on a side note, check out his series Otherland, too, which is more on the sci-fi side but is outstanding). He too has the hero's quest thing down, and his flavors of magic and dream versus reality are incredibly creative. And then there's Katharine Kerr, whose Deverry series is delicious, heart-breaking, and thought-provoking. Oooh, and then there's Robin Hobb. I started with the Farseer trilogy, but I love everything she's written (I think there might be a couple I haven't read yet, but she has a huge list, and I've devoured most of them). She's top-notch when it comes to complex characterization. Roger Zelazny's Amber Chronicles are on the list of favorites, too, though they cross over a bit into sci-fi (not a problem, for me). The implications of the world system of Amber is mind-boggling sometimes.
Definite Maybes
I recently read the first three books in Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series, and while they were very entertaining, I hesitate to put them up there with what I'd call the classics. I didn't feel the writing was as of high a quality as the others. I feel the same way about The Sword of Shannara series by Terry Brooks. Entertaining, but not ultimately fulfilling. I haven't read the Wheel of Time books by Robert Jordan (et al) yet, though I've heard good things. The only drawback I've heard is that the series is just too darn long. But I'm a fast reader, and sheer number of pages has never bothered me. I do plan to delve into them at some point. I've also never read the Anne McCaffrey series Dragonriders of Pern, but Quester tells me it belongs on this list, so I had to put it somewhere.
Not Just for Kids
Despite all the commercialism, I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling has written a fine and well thought-out epic series, and the use of magic is unique and fun. I think there are several authors in the "young adult fantasy" niche whose works are interesting to adults as well. Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness series is a fabulous, fun, and well-designed one, especially if you're a fan of strong female protagonists - and I am. I've enjoyed what I've read so far of Christopher Paolini's The Inheritance Cycle, and his writing has improved over the series. Another favorite in this category is the Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke (and her other books are great reads, too). She's got a lot of fresh and creative ideas, and I love how she's combined storytelling with magic.
Rising Stars
There are a couple of writers who are either new or not quite as well known (yet) who I also wanted to mention. Lynn Flewelling, who I heard about because she was my neighbor when I lived in central Maine, is an excellent fantasy author who's not afraid to tackle controversial subjects. Her Nightrunner series is on par with my other favorites. And I just discovered Patrick Rothfuss about a year ago, and gave the first book in his Kingkiller Chronicles to all the fantasy-loving readers on my Christmas list based purely on his excellent writing. I haven't read the second book yet, which just came out this spring, but I look forward to it.
Well, that's the list as it stands now. I haven't included links to all of the authors, because I'm sure you can Google them for yourself. Please add your comments if I've forgotten any series or if you can recommend some I haven't heard of yet!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Cake of the Month: May
We wanted to use my new stand mixer, so ElvenTiger and I offered to make dessert for Monday night. Every Monday (well, most every Monday) we go over to my parents' house for dinner and dessert, and then watch Dancing with the Stars together (or a movie, if the show's not on). It's a lot of fun, and we try to come up with delicious and interesting foods to share with each other - which can be a creative challenge because my immediate family is vegetarian, my parents are not, and Dad has to eat a special diet.
So anyway, ElvenTiger and I decided to come up with the May Cake of the Month, and we did! We started with the premise of using cinnamon. It developed into this, the Cinnamon Bundt Cake! It's not a very original name, I realize. Let me know if you have any better ideas.
I wrote down the cake recipe if you want it (on paper this time, so it won't be lost in the electronic wasteland). For the icing, we used the leftover ganache that we still had in the fridge from the giant cupcake, and topped that with a mixture of cinnamon and powdered sugar. It came out good, and apparently it was yummy, because two days later, it's all gone! Here's ElvenTiger, my co-chef, with our creation.
So anyway, ElvenTiger and I decided to come up with the May Cake of the Month, and we did! We started with the premise of using cinnamon. It developed into this, the Cinnamon Bundt Cake! It's not a very original name, I realize. Let me know if you have any better ideas.
I wrote down the cake recipe if you want it (on paper this time, so it won't be lost in the electronic wasteland). For the icing, we used the leftover ganache that we still had in the fridge from the giant cupcake, and topped that with a mixture of cinnamon and powdered sugar. It came out good, and apparently it was yummy, because two days later, it's all gone! Here's ElvenTiger, my co-chef, with our creation.
Stormy Weather
Where was I yesterday? Why didn't I post a blog entry? What about the blog challenge? Here's a clue.
Today is feeling brighter. The blog challenge is still on. I wish you bright and sunny skies!
Today is feeling brighter. The blog challenge is still on. I wish you bright and sunny skies!
Monday, May 16, 2011
My Ego is Whiny
I recently finished reading "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle. It's an excellent book, and comes highly recommended. The basic idea of the book is that we are not our egos. The ego is a collection of thoughts, feelings, preferences, and aversions that we've built up over our lifetimes. It is often unhappy, and seeks nourishment by either playing the victim or acting superior to others. We might see this appearing in ourselves and others in drastic ways, like the spoiled rebellious young celebrity, or the power-grabbing politician, but it can also be very subtle. The ego wants to be special.
Beyond the ego is our true self, which is our soul - pure energy and consciousness. Just by being aware of when our ego is up to its tricks, Tolle says, we are beginning to awaken and to dissipate the negativity that the ego holds on to. Sounds pretty simple, right? Just be aware. As with many valuable practices, it is both simple and amazingly challenging. Sort of like a Zen koan.
Over the past few days I've been noticing where my ego shows up and the reactions it has. It might feel annoyed or put out when someone else is upset, even when it has nothing to do with me ("man, I was having fun and now these guys' bickering is bringing me down"). It feels slighted when it thinks someone isn't paying attention to me ("she must not really like me, she hardly said a word to me last night"). It wants others to go out of their way to feed its wants and needs, even though they have no idea what those desires might be! I've come to the conclusion that my ego is whiny.
Luckily for me, it seems that being present (which is a practice Tolle recommends, and is akin to mindfuless meditation) does work. Just by having the mental observation that "wow, the ego is really caught up in that feeling, huh?" I can let it go, notice what's going on around me, and enjoy the moment, instead. I can see that what others are doing is about them, not me. At times it feels magickal, like a wand to wave which then dissipates grumpiness. Other times it's harder to get in that space, and I need to use other tools for getting back to my center. Overall, though, it's a good feeling to be able to connect with the eternal nature of consciousness, especially when I'm feeling slighted in some way. I can use presence to enjoy the reality of a rainy day, rather than being too busy wishing it was sunny.
Beyond the ego is our true self, which is our soul - pure energy and consciousness. Just by being aware of when our ego is up to its tricks, Tolle says, we are beginning to awaken and to dissipate the negativity that the ego holds on to. Sounds pretty simple, right? Just be aware. As with many valuable practices, it is both simple and amazingly challenging. Sort of like a Zen koan.
Over the past few days I've been noticing where my ego shows up and the reactions it has. It might feel annoyed or put out when someone else is upset, even when it has nothing to do with me ("man, I was having fun and now these guys' bickering is bringing me down"). It feels slighted when it thinks someone isn't paying attention to me ("she must not really like me, she hardly said a word to me last night"). It wants others to go out of their way to feed its wants and needs, even though they have no idea what those desires might be! I've come to the conclusion that my ego is whiny.
Luckily for me, it seems that being present (which is a practice Tolle recommends, and is akin to mindfuless meditation) does work. Just by having the mental observation that "wow, the ego is really caught up in that feeling, huh?" I can let it go, notice what's going on around me, and enjoy the moment, instead. I can see that what others are doing is about them, not me. At times it feels magickal, like a wand to wave which then dissipates grumpiness. Other times it's harder to get in that space, and I need to use other tools for getting back to my center. Overall, though, it's a good feeling to be able to connect with the eternal nature of consciousness, especially when I'm feeling slighted in some way. I can use presence to enjoy the reality of a rainy day, rather than being too busy wishing it was sunny.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Getting Out of My Head
“Oh, man, you’re just way too cerebral!!!” my friend exclaimed as I offered the word “incline” as a clue during a board game (the word I wanted her to guess was “uphill”). The thing is, she’s right. Much of the time I can be up here in my mind, thoughts churning along, not noticing my surroundings. Sometimes this can be a useful thing, like when I’m coming up with ideas for a project or weaving together an article. But it can also bring up needless worries and stresses.
I’ve learned several techniques over the years that I use to counteract this tendency. One is mindfulness meditation, and another is my yoga practice. Recently I read Eckhart Tolle’s wonderful book The New Earth, and have incorporated his teachings into my practice. Just by becoming aware that we are listening to the voice of the ego, he says, we begin to dispel it immediately. Simply being fully present in the moment, as in mindfulness meditation, allows us to further our awakening.
Today, as I sat down to do my yoga asanas, I began observing my mental chatter in action. I’d been thinking about how I wanted to lose weight and was wondering what I’d done differently when I had done so before. I don’t mean the practical things like exercise and lower caloric intake, I mean the energies behind my behavior. What did I do for comfort instead of turning to food? Why does it seem so challenging to be aware of my patterns at all times? How can I avoid getting caught up in snacking while watching a movie with the kids? What healthier habits can I develop in order to cope when I feel stressed? As part of this quick series of thoughts, I decided I’d look to my old journals for clues. Then I realized that living in the past was part of the ego and instead decided to focus on simply being present as much as possible.
In an instant of intention, I found myself sitting on my yoga mat, enjoying some delicious stretches. I let go of my chattering monkey mind and dove into the moment, feeling the delight of the practice, my expansive breathing, and the sensations in my body. And you know what? Just then, getting out of my head was easy.
I’ve learned several techniques over the years that I use to counteract this tendency. One is mindfulness meditation, and another is my yoga practice. Recently I read Eckhart Tolle’s wonderful book The New Earth, and have incorporated his teachings into my practice. Just by becoming aware that we are listening to the voice of the ego, he says, we begin to dispel it immediately. Simply being fully present in the moment, as in mindfulness meditation, allows us to further our awakening.
Today, as I sat down to do my yoga asanas, I began observing my mental chatter in action. I’d been thinking about how I wanted to lose weight and was wondering what I’d done differently when I had done so before. I don’t mean the practical things like exercise and lower caloric intake, I mean the energies behind my behavior. What did I do for comfort instead of turning to food? Why does it seem so challenging to be aware of my patterns at all times? How can I avoid getting caught up in snacking while watching a movie with the kids? What healthier habits can I develop in order to cope when I feel stressed? As part of this quick series of thoughts, I decided I’d look to my old journals for clues. Then I realized that living in the past was part of the ego and instead decided to focus on simply being present as much as possible.
In an instant of intention, I found myself sitting on my yoga mat, enjoying some delicious stretches. I let go of my chattering monkey mind and dove into the moment, feeling the delight of the practice, my expansive breathing, and the sensations in my body. And you know what? Just then, getting out of my head was easy.
Busy Weekend
I haven't done one of those "glimpse into the life of an unschool family" posts for a while, so I thought I'd share what we did on our busy weekend. Unfortunately I don't have any photos to go with the post, since I still haven't picked up a new battery for my camera. But hopefully you'll read it anyway...
Friday night Dryst took Quester and BlackLion to the movies (well, he made them drive, but he bought the tickets). He'd wanted to see the new racing movie, Fast Five. While they were out, ElvenTiger and I had some relaxed girl time. We played Skip-Bo, our favorite card game of late, and then watched a couple of episodes of Cake Boss on Netflix. Then we just hung out and read for a while.
On Saturday, after running some errands in the morning, we dropped ElvenTiger off with my Mom, who is the most wonderful Grammy ever. Then we went to Dryst's first lacrosse game. We brought along a friend of ours, since we (the adults) were all going out that evening. Dryst had a game, then an hour off, then another game, and we'd planned for my Mom to come and be there for the second game (we didn't want to just have her pick him up at the end, because, as Quester pointed out, of the risk of injury that lacrosse brings). Little did we know that during the break, while he was hanging out with the other kids on his team, he'd get hit with a lacrosse ball while practicing, and get a bloody nose! Murphy's Law, I guess, that it happened while none of his family was there! But the coach was helpful, and Dryst is 14, so he handled it just fine. He's got some bruising and his nose is sore, but not broken or anything. That's why they have helmets during official practices and games! But he was just passing the ball around with some teammates, and didn't expect to get bonked right in the face. Mom was shocked to see blood on his face when she arrived at the field! She stayed for the game and then both kids had dinner with she and Dad, and hung out with them for the evening.
So the adults of our tribe went out on Saturday night to a fun concert! We had given one our our friends a ticket for her birthday back in February, to go and see Dark Star Orchestra at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. It was an awesome show! DSO is a Grateful Dead tribute band who replicates (most splendidly!) particular Grateful Dead concerts from their many years of touring. I think it's a really creative way to be a cover band, because the 'Dead were known for their musical improvisation and a huge repertoire of songs. For those of you who are Deadheads or are curious, here's a link to the show we saw. There were seven of us who went together, and we had a fabulous time dancing to two long sets of music. Fun fun fun! Ocean Mouse had us all over for cocktails and pizza before the show. She has such a wonderfully adorable house and gardens! We got home at 3am.
Today we went to the monthly family potluck, which was to be a cookout. It was raining, so we ate inside, but the host still ventured out to cook on the grill. We had veggie burgers (or meat for those who eat it), potato salad, and bean salad (that was what I made), plus appetizers and yummy desserts. ElvenTiger brought an umbrella and played outside in the rain, enjoying the gardens and the resident poultry: chickens and a peacock. It was fun to see the chickens just wandering through the yard, despite the downpour.
We came home and have been just relaxing this evening. BlackLion went off to hang out with Sash for some "Taco Time." The rest of us had Mexican food for dinner. The kids are both playing a car racing game with Quester in the living room, and I'm catching up on my online reading and writing, since I hadn't had much time for computer-ing for a couple of days. This looks like it'll be a busy spring and summer! But filled with fun stuff. Life is good!
Friday night Dryst took Quester and BlackLion to the movies (well, he made them drive, but he bought the tickets). He'd wanted to see the new racing movie, Fast Five. While they were out, ElvenTiger and I had some relaxed girl time. We played Skip-Bo, our favorite card game of late, and then watched a couple of episodes of Cake Boss on Netflix. Then we just hung out and read for a while.
On Saturday, after running some errands in the morning, we dropped ElvenTiger off with my Mom, who is the most wonderful Grammy ever. Then we went to Dryst's first lacrosse game. We brought along a friend of ours, since we (the adults) were all going out that evening. Dryst had a game, then an hour off, then another game, and we'd planned for my Mom to come and be there for the second game (we didn't want to just have her pick him up at the end, because, as Quester pointed out, of the risk of injury that lacrosse brings). Little did we know that during the break, while he was hanging out with the other kids on his team, he'd get hit with a lacrosse ball while practicing, and get a bloody nose! Murphy's Law, I guess, that it happened while none of his family was there! But the coach was helpful, and Dryst is 14, so he handled it just fine. He's got some bruising and his nose is sore, but not broken or anything. That's why they have helmets during official practices and games! But he was just passing the ball around with some teammates, and didn't expect to get bonked right in the face. Mom was shocked to see blood on his face when she arrived at the field! She stayed for the game and then both kids had dinner with she and Dad, and hung out with them for the evening.
So the adults of our tribe went out on Saturday night to a fun concert! We had given one our our friends a ticket for her birthday back in February, to go and see Dark Star Orchestra at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. It was an awesome show! DSO is a Grateful Dead tribute band who replicates (most splendidly!) particular Grateful Dead concerts from their many years of touring. I think it's a really creative way to be a cover band, because the 'Dead were known for their musical improvisation and a huge repertoire of songs. For those of you who are Deadheads or are curious, here's a link to the show we saw. There were seven of us who went together, and we had a fabulous time dancing to two long sets of music. Fun fun fun! Ocean Mouse had us all over for cocktails and pizza before the show. She has such a wonderfully adorable house and gardens! We got home at 3am.
Today we went to the monthly family potluck, which was to be a cookout. It was raining, so we ate inside, but the host still ventured out to cook on the grill. We had veggie burgers (or meat for those who eat it), potato salad, and bean salad (that was what I made), plus appetizers and yummy desserts. ElvenTiger brought an umbrella and played outside in the rain, enjoying the gardens and the resident poultry: chickens and a peacock. It was fun to see the chickens just wandering through the yard, despite the downpour.
We came home and have been just relaxing this evening. BlackLion went off to hang out with Sash for some "Taco Time." The rest of us had Mexican food for dinner. The kids are both playing a car racing game with Quester in the living room, and I'm catching up on my online reading and writing, since I hadn't had much time for computer-ing for a couple of days. This looks like it'll be a busy spring and summer! But filled with fun stuff. Life is good!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Home Sweet Home
My Dad has a saying, "When you can't pee in your front yard anymore, it's time to move." He and Mom have lived in the woods on a dirt road for years. Well, this morning I came up with the female equivalent of his saying - because I (and the women I know) have no desire to pee outside.
However, when I got dressed this morning, I realized that the pants I wanted to wear were still out on the clothesline. So I put on my underwear and bra and t-shirt, and walked out the back door to retrieve the rest of my wardrobe.
When I came back in, I told Quester that I loved living where a woman can go out to the clothesline in her underwear. After he pointed out that I *could* do that anywhere, I added the caveat, "safely and unobserved." So, thus the addition to Dad's axiom: "When you can't go to the clothesline in your underwear, it's time to move."
I love it here in the country.
However, when I got dressed this morning, I realized that the pants I wanted to wear were still out on the clothesline. So I put on my underwear and bra and t-shirt, and walked out the back door to retrieve the rest of my wardrobe.
When I came back in, I told Quester that I loved living where a woman can go out to the clothesline in her underwear. After he pointed out that I *could* do that anywhere, I added the caveat, "safely and unobserved." So, thus the addition to Dad's axiom: "When you can't go to the clothesline in your underwear, it's time to move."
I love it here in the country.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A New Blog Challenge!
BlackLion and I have created a new blog challenge for ourselves! Why? Well, because we're like that, I guess. The last time we did one was back in late 2009, and it was fun. So why not?
Our goal is to each blog at least five times per week on our personal blogs (here's a link to his), and to write three blog posts per week on our Feline Dreamers blog (we've been doing two per week for the last few months). So that means a combined total of 13 blog entries per week! A lucky number for a couple of witchy types, eh? Well, plus I've always liked the number 13 because I was born on the 13th (of September).
This is in addition to our daily journal writing, and other writing that we do for our business. I think it'll be a challenge, but in a good way. The more writing I do, the better I feel about the quality of my articles. And as I pointed out at the end of the last blog challenge, we seem to have no shortage of ideas on what to write about! I'll try to include more pictures, too, because they're fun - though I have to go pick up a new battery for my camera, first.
Please feel free to leave comments, questions, feedback, and ideas. And sign up as a follower if you like this blog! If you have a blog and I don't follow it yet, link to it and I'll check it out. I love to read even more than I love to write!
Our goal is to each blog at least five times per week on our personal blogs (here's a link to his), and to write three blog posts per week on our Feline Dreamers blog (we've been doing two per week for the last few months). So that means a combined total of 13 blog entries per week! A lucky number for a couple of witchy types, eh? Well, plus I've always liked the number 13 because I was born on the 13th (of September).
This is in addition to our daily journal writing, and other writing that we do for our business. I think it'll be a challenge, but in a good way. The more writing I do, the better I feel about the quality of my articles. And as I pointed out at the end of the last blog challenge, we seem to have no shortage of ideas on what to write about! I'll try to include more pictures, too, because they're fun - though I have to go pick up a new battery for my camera, first.
Please feel free to leave comments, questions, feedback, and ideas. And sign up as a follower if you like this blog! If you have a blog and I don't follow it yet, link to it and I'll check it out. I love to read even more than I love to write!
Monday, May 09, 2011
Cake of the Month: April, Part 2
Yes, I know it's May now. But the April cake got delayed by a week. The Giant Cupcake was a huge hit! Ocean Mouse loved it, as did all the other folks who tried it. The cake itself was a yellow cake, which I'm calling Starcat's Yellow Cream Cake. I made four layers, two 8-inch rounds, a 9-inch round, and an 8-inch square, shaping and carving the square cake to form the top of the cupcake. Mom told me a wonderful hint, which is to freeze the cake for 30 minutes after you carve it, to prevent the crumbs from getting in the frosting when you decorate it. It worked wonderfully!
The vanilla frosting was from a basic recipe, with food coloring added to some of it for decorating purposes. ElvenTiger and BlackLion also helped me make a variation on a chocolate ganache from the Cake Boss himself. Our variation was that we used whipping cream, which was what we had on hand, so in order to get the texture the way we wanted it, we whipped the ganache. We used it between the cake's bottom two layers, but Quester thought we could use even more next time, carving out the cake and filling it with the ganache. We had extra ganache on hand, so we served it up alongside the cake, for those who love chocolate.
BlackLion had the last-minute inspiration to put one candle on top, larger than a regular birthday candle. So cute! I think the only issue with the Giant Cupcake is that it's a bit too giant. The party was Friday night, and we still have some cake left on Monday, after sharing pieces with Mom and Aunt Peg and a friend who came for dinner on Saturday night. I think Ocean Mouse forgot to take some home with her. Anyway, here's the final product. Stop drooling!
In other cake-related news, one of my Mother's Day gifts was a Hamilton Beach Power Deluxe 6-speed stand mixer! Given that the hand mixer I'm using is almost as old as I am (as seen in the above picture), it's a wonderful upgrade. I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon, no doubt. I'm still pondering what my first use should be. The mixer has a dough hook, as well, so it might be bread of some sort. Yum!
The vanilla frosting was from a basic recipe, with food coloring added to some of it for decorating purposes. ElvenTiger and BlackLion also helped me make a variation on a chocolate ganache from the Cake Boss himself. Our variation was that we used whipping cream, which was what we had on hand, so in order to get the texture the way we wanted it, we whipped the ganache. We used it between the cake's bottom two layers, but Quester thought we could use even more next time, carving out the cake and filling it with the ganache. We had extra ganache on hand, so we served it up alongside the cake, for those who love chocolate.
BlackLion had the last-minute inspiration to put one candle on top, larger than a regular birthday candle. So cute! I think the only issue with the Giant Cupcake is that it's a bit too giant. The party was Friday night, and we still have some cake left on Monday, after sharing pieces with Mom and Aunt Peg and a friend who came for dinner on Saturday night. I think Ocean Mouse forgot to take some home with her. Anyway, here's the final product. Stop drooling!
In other cake-related news, one of my Mother's Day gifts was a Hamilton Beach Power Deluxe 6-speed stand mixer! Given that the hand mixer I'm using is almost as old as I am (as seen in the above picture), it's a wonderful upgrade. I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon, no doubt. I'm still pondering what my first use should be. The mixer has a dough hook, as well, so it might be bread of some sort. Yum!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)