Now there's Dark Fantasy and Science-Fiction for you, people! Good one, Aislin! ( ::CJ tries to picture Billy Gates as an Uruk-Hai or Windows as Colossus:: )
Love,
CJ
What are you currently reading?
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Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
Hello Girls:
I read rather often myself.
I am currently re-reading for the 25th time, [seems like a good number since I have lost count],
University of Success. Og Mandino. Bantam Books. New York. 1982.
ISBN 0-553-34535-4 (pbk.)
Collection of 50 essays-lectures-etc., divided into 10 semesters.
The best of the best in creative success material by noted authors and writers over the past 100 years.
Everytime I read this book, I find something that I missed before or perhaps I am ready to now implement. It has taken a lifetime to put into practice just a handful of the ideas presented in this book.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
I read rather often myself.
I am currently re-reading for the 25th time, [seems like a good number since I have lost count],
University of Success. Og Mandino. Bantam Books. New York. 1982.
ISBN 0-553-34535-4 (pbk.)
Collection of 50 essays-lectures-etc., divided into 10 semesters.
The best of the best in creative success material by noted authors and writers over the past 100 years.
Everytime I read this book, I find something that I missed before or perhaps I am ready to now implement. It has taken a lifetime to put into practice just a handful of the ideas presented in this book.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Make the most of every day!
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Jassmine(SO)
- Miss Golden Goddess
- Posts: 626
- Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2004 10:13 am
- Location: Irving
Hi Aislin,
I am currently reading Pat Conroy's "Lords Of Dicsiplin". I'll read pretty much any genre except Romance. One of these days I will finish reading "The Complete Works of Shakespeare". That Old English sure is difficult to make heads or tails out of sometimes
*Hugs & Love*
Ahzz and I are fellow LINUX buffs, too. Well Ahzz more so than I. I am still learning the basics.Aislin wrote:Hi CJ,
Current reads are technical periodicals and textbooks. Strange but true I read text books to relax. As I look around I realize most are LINUX or Programming books.
Every once in a while if I'm in the mood for fiction, I'll pickup a Microsoft Text.
I am currently reading Pat Conroy's "Lords Of Dicsiplin". I'll read pretty much any genre except Romance. One of these days I will finish reading "The Complete Works of Shakespeare". That Old English sure is difficult to make heads or tails out of sometimes
*Hugs & Love*
Blessings Eternal, Jassmine
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
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Kersten Lee
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 386
- Joined: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:05 am
- Location: Central Nebraska
Hi All,
Like many of you, I love science fiction at it's best, when societal norms are challenged in an intelligent manner. I used to read more and then read so much technical stuff I gave up fiction. Watch movies more now, even though they most times don't approach the depth of the books.
I currently have read three chapters of Mel White's biography, Stranger At The Gate, To Be Gay and Christian in America. It was recommended by my therapist as she saw parallels in my life. I am not Gay but the similarities in the struggles we have to integrate and be accepted in society I feel are similar to gay issues.
I believe anyone who has guilt tied to Christian ideals would find this a very enlightening story of one man's denial of who he was and the growth he went through to proclaim to his wife, Farwell, Robertson, and Oliver North that he was gay and Christian. He wrote right wing speaches for these people and was in big demand. Even if you disagree with his beliefs, he seems very sincere to me and delves deeply into his own mind.
I just finished Ann Rice's Servant of The Bones. I found and bought it on a wim from a used book store. I was shocked how much I loved that book.
It is a story of a man becoming an immortal spirit and how he deals with and grows and survives as this spirit. In this venue Rice questions moral decisions, the basis of what really defines spirituallity, what is real happiness, what is true evil and true good. In the end the spirit has to define who he is and what he will be, independent of all those who tried to control him for centuries. Anyone who has a psychological bent and have these questions will be very engaged and could grow beyond conventional narrow wisdoms.
Thanks for the chance to talk about these.
Kersten
Like many of you, I love science fiction at it's best, when societal norms are challenged in an intelligent manner. I used to read more and then read so much technical stuff I gave up fiction. Watch movies more now, even though they most times don't approach the depth of the books.
I currently have read three chapters of Mel White's biography, Stranger At The Gate, To Be Gay and Christian in America. It was recommended by my therapist as she saw parallels in my life. I am not Gay but the similarities in the struggles we have to integrate and be accepted in society I feel are similar to gay issues.
I believe anyone who has guilt tied to Christian ideals would find this a very enlightening story of one man's denial of who he was and the growth he went through to proclaim to his wife, Farwell, Robertson, and Oliver North that he was gay and Christian. He wrote right wing speaches for these people and was in big demand. Even if you disagree with his beliefs, he seems very sincere to me and delves deeply into his own mind.
I just finished Ann Rice's Servant of The Bones. I found and bought it on a wim from a used book store. I was shocked how much I loved that book.
It is a story of a man becoming an immortal spirit and how he deals with and grows and survives as this spirit. In this venue Rice questions moral decisions, the basis of what really defines spirituallity, what is real happiness, what is true evil and true good. In the end the spirit has to define who he is and what he will be, independent of all those who tried to control him for centuries. Anyone who has a psychological bent and have these questions will be very engaged and could grow beyond conventional narrow wisdoms.
Thanks for the chance to talk about these.
Kersten
Last edited by Kersten Lee on Wed Aug 04, 2004 9:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Rebecca
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2004 5:16 am
- Location: North-East England
Hi folks,
I can't sleep tonight (3.10) my time, but am very tired, so if I ramble a bit, please excuse me, my head is working out all sorts of things.
Anyway, as I can't get to sleep, Iv'e spent the last 6 hrs alternating from reading posts here and reading a Dean Koontz book, I quite like them, but they do get repetitive after a while, (the books that is). (helpful for getting to sleep usually) This one's ok though, it has an intelligent dog in it, quite humorous and warm, doubt the dog will survive though, maybe I should move to a different book while the going's good. Nah, wer'e just not built that way, are we.
If I was marooned on a desert island, I don't think I'd have a need for any books that explained the meaning of life etc as they tend to deal with interacting with other people a lot of the time, and about a person's place in the world. I suppose the island would become the world. Come to think of it I probably wouldn't have a need for any book other than an exercise book and a pen.
Right, back to my browsing and then back to the book.
Oh yeah, just remembered, I tend to read Lord of the rings once a year for the last 25 or so yrs, this year I read it out loud to ~D~.
I also once read a book called insomnia front to back day and night, didn't eat neither,
that was at end of my marraige.
I would love to write a book, mind
Anyway, see ya's all later
Love
Rebecca xxx
I can't sleep tonight (3.10) my time, but am very tired, so if I ramble a bit, please excuse me, my head is working out all sorts of things.
Anyway, as I can't get to sleep, Iv'e spent the last 6 hrs alternating from reading posts here and reading a Dean Koontz book, I quite like them, but they do get repetitive after a while, (the books that is). (helpful for getting to sleep usually) This one's ok though, it has an intelligent dog in it, quite humorous and warm, doubt the dog will survive though, maybe I should move to a different book while the going's good. Nah, wer'e just not built that way, are we.
If I was marooned on a desert island, I don't think I'd have a need for any books that explained the meaning of life etc as they tend to deal with interacting with other people a lot of the time, and about a person's place in the world. I suppose the island would become the world. Come to think of it I probably wouldn't have a need for any book other than an exercise book and a pen.
Right, back to my browsing and then back to the book.
Oh yeah, just remembered, I tend to read Lord of the rings once a year for the last 25 or so yrs, this year I read it out loud to ~D~.
I also once read a book called insomnia front to back day and night, didn't eat neither,
that was at end of my marraige.I would love to write a book, mind
Anyway, see ya's all later
Love
Rebecca xxx
Be good, Be safe, Be happy.
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Kersten Lee
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 386
- Joined: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:05 am
- Location: Central Nebraska
Rebecca,
Your funny! Yes, I know I am twisted.
I think the first time ever, I disagree with you. I would want a huge library
on that island. I believe I would go insane if left with only my own mind to entertain myself. My mind is slightly manic? What you mentioned about not being totally coherant in the middle of the night is a constant fact of life for me. My mind is almost always constantly racing. I need stimulation to take my mind outside of my self occupation. I have been on an antidepressant, Serzone, for three years. It really helps me to focus even though I still have the same tendencies.
This is another reason you and all the rest are so important to me. Even though many of us aren't close friends by conventional pre-internet definitions, I feel all of you are the closest thing to family and friends that I have or will experience. I know this sounds slightly negative but it is currently true for me. Sadly, I also recognize some of this not having friends in the flesh is my inability yet to be a real friend for others.
Your great Rebecca,
Kersten
Your funny! Yes, I know I am twisted.
I think the first time ever, I disagree with you. I would want a huge library
on that island. I believe I would go insane if left with only my own mind to entertain myself. My mind is slightly manic? What you mentioned about not being totally coherant in the middle of the night is a constant fact of life for me. My mind is almost always constantly racing. I need stimulation to take my mind outside of my self occupation. I have been on an antidepressant, Serzone, for three years. It really helps me to focus even though I still have the same tendencies.
This is another reason you and all the rest are so important to me. Even though many of us aren't close friends by conventional pre-internet definitions, I feel all of you are the closest thing to family and friends that I have or will experience. I know this sounds slightly negative but it is currently true for me. Sadly, I also recognize some of this not having friends in the flesh is my inability yet to be a real friend for others.
Your great Rebecca,
Kersten
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Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
Kersten Lee:
It is a matter of fact that some people are influenced by a wide variety of different social conditions. So, it is no wonderment that you would appear here on the forum and find us as friends. I think that you are a great person from what I have read and seen of your "web" personality.
I for one am not judging you or your personality. It takes "everyone" to make up a society that is both different and interesting. Everyone plays a part, and provides something of value.
This concept has been a long time coming for me, one that in the many many years past, would be critical of others for being different. It has been a great education for me, this thing we call "living."
You can email me anytime and I will respond in kind. Rest assured, I will be both open minded and sensible. No one should ever feel left out of the game. There is plenty of room in this forum for everyone!
Hugs
Danielle Marie
It is a matter of fact that some people are influenced by a wide variety of different social conditions. So, it is no wonderment that you would appear here on the forum and find us as friends. I think that you are a great person from what I have read and seen of your "web" personality.
I for one am not judging you or your personality. It takes "everyone" to make up a society that is both different and interesting. Everyone plays a part, and provides something of value.
This concept has been a long time coming for me, one that in the many many years past, would be critical of others for being different. It has been a great education for me, this thing we call "living."
You can email me anytime and I will respond in kind. Rest assured, I will be both open minded and sensible. No one should ever feel left out of the game. There is plenty of room in this forum for everyone!
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Make the most of every day!
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Rebecca
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2004 5:16 am
- Location: North-East England
Hi Kersten,
Why thankyou, your pretty cool yourself you know
I'm on sertroline, though I don't know if it helps, I suppose only by stopping them would I find that out, which I wouldn't do.
I personally find this forum one of the best things ever for me, it gives me a chance to learn to talk and discuss without panicking myself which often happens in 'real life' This way I can learn to communicate sensitive feelings and then take my new found skills out into the wide world.
Please don't be hard on yourself, you may feel as though you sound negative, it certainly doesn't come over that way, and if it did, then it's just part of the learning process. The variety of our thoughts and feelings are what helps us to understand one another. You don't have anything to live up to, just be yourself and as long as your not hurting others, chances are that things will turn out pretty good.
I know what you mean by taking a big stash of books to the desert island, though if I was marooned it might make me homesick. So I'd choose all books or no books. Either way I would probably leave lord of the rings behind. I am also getting tired of books that follow the same path as though they are being written with a blockbuster film in mind. I feel like something either heartwarming, uplifting or mind blowing, but still a book I can cruise along with at 2 in the morning.
My record collection ? Wouldn't leave that behind, not on your nellie !!!
Love
Rebecca xxx
Why thankyou, your pretty cool yourself you know
I'm on sertroline, though I don't know if it helps, I suppose only by stopping them would I find that out, which I wouldn't do.
I personally find this forum one of the best things ever for me, it gives me a chance to learn to talk and discuss without panicking myself which often happens in 'real life' This way I can learn to communicate sensitive feelings and then take my new found skills out into the wide world.
Please don't be hard on yourself, you may feel as though you sound negative, it certainly doesn't come over that way, and if it did, then it's just part of the learning process. The variety of our thoughts and feelings are what helps us to understand one another. You don't have anything to live up to, just be yourself and as long as your not hurting others, chances are that things will turn out pretty good.
I know what you mean by taking a big stash of books to the desert island, though if I was marooned it might make me homesick. So I'd choose all books or no books. Either way I would probably leave lord of the rings behind. I am also getting tired of books that follow the same path as though they are being written with a blockbuster film in mind. I feel like something either heartwarming, uplifting or mind blowing, but still a book I can cruise along with at 2 in the morning.
My record collection ? Wouldn't leave that behind, not on your nellie !!!
Love
Rebecca xxx
Be good, Be safe, Be happy.
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CJ
- Miss Diamond Goddess
- Posts: 3562
- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 11:12 pm
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Hi all,
Okay, here's another thought.
In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, the rogue fireman, Montague (whose job previously consisted in burning books), eventually joins a harmless cabal of literate types; these folks are trying to preserve the best of what human science, literature, and art have to offer, by each devoting their lives to the task of memorizing a single great work of literature, philosophy, etc.
My question is this: Which great piece of writing would you volunteer to memorize if you joined this underground group?
I think I'd tackle the fairy tales of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Plus, I'd "volunteer" Rebecca to memorize Tolkien's magnum opus (Lord knows, as she's read it two dozen times already, chances are she has the whole thing hardwired into her brain by now!
).
Love,
CJ
Okay, here's another thought.
In Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, the rogue fireman, Montague (whose job previously consisted in burning books), eventually joins a harmless cabal of literate types; these folks are trying to preserve the best of what human science, literature, and art have to offer, by each devoting their lives to the task of memorizing a single great work of literature, philosophy, etc.
My question is this: Which great piece of writing would you volunteer to memorize if you joined this underground group?
I think I'd tackle the fairy tales of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Plus, I'd "volunteer" Rebecca to memorize Tolkien's magnum opus (Lord knows, as she's read it two dozen times already, chances are she has the whole thing hardwired into her brain by now!
).Love,
CJ
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Rebecca
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 336
- Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2004 5:16 am
- Location: North-East England
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Kersten Lee
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 386
- Joined: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:05 am
- Location: Central Nebraska
Thank you so much, Danielle and Rebecca.
CJ your question made me focus to, what is really important? I don't have an answer now. You constantly surprise me! I saw Grimm's Fairy Tales on "The Big Screen" when I was 11 or 12. I was taken in. I had an emotional response when I saw you mention this. I am having fun imagining why you would pick this over all the great books you have read.
I loved it, but would not choose it. I love fantasy, but it seems interesting that in my 51 year long history the circumstances that have molded me, cause me to thing how rediculous is that. Fairy tales don't add anything to the advancement of civilization.
This is just a simple reminder to me of what I have been battling this past two years to save my soul. A wall was built around my true nature. This is what you too CJ have helped me to discover. One more brick for me to knock down. For me too, to value the importance in our whole beings and the part that fantasy can play. That my mind could offer to memorize this book and believe in it's importance is a worthy goal for my growth.
Don't anyone let me side track the thread that is going here. CJ, if you have a feeling or understanding why you chose this book I would love to know. You do have a beautiful mind. I would also like to know the basic reason others choose a book also. Maybe I will see a book or two that sounds like it would be interesting for me. I'm not as widely read as many of you.
Love you all,
Kersten
CJ your question made me focus to, what is really important? I don't have an answer now. You constantly surprise me! I saw Grimm's Fairy Tales on "The Big Screen" when I was 11 or 12. I was taken in. I had an emotional response when I saw you mention this. I am having fun imagining why you would pick this over all the great books you have read.
I loved it, but would not choose it. I love fantasy, but it seems interesting that in my 51 year long history the circumstances that have molded me, cause me to thing how rediculous is that. Fairy tales don't add anything to the advancement of civilization.
This is just a simple reminder to me of what I have been battling this past two years to save my soul. A wall was built around my true nature. This is what you too CJ have helped me to discover. One more brick for me to knock down. For me too, to value the importance in our whole beings and the part that fantasy can play. That my mind could offer to memorize this book and believe in it's importance is a worthy goal for my growth.
Don't anyone let me side track the thread that is going here. CJ, if you have a feeling or understanding why you chose this book I would love to know. You do have a beautiful mind. I would also like to know the basic reason others choose a book also. Maybe I will see a book or two that sounds like it would be interesting for me. I'm not as widely read as many of you.
Love you all,
Kersten
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Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
"Fairy tales don't add anything to the advancement of civilization."
Kersten, without the "fairy tales" which represent the best of human nature, where on earth would we all be? Great people among us have read "fairy Tales" or had them read to them as children.
They are the energy that propels our immagination to set wings on a bicycle, to create an energy responce from a water fall or the wind in solar powered turbines. "Fairy Tales" give us hope and free us in our dreams to propel ourselves off a cliff and make a soft landing below without the aid of a parachute.
"Fairy Tales" are rooted in Greek culture to the extent that from this, great civilizations have sprouted and still are with us today.
Hugs
Dr. Danielle Marie La Belle, Ph.D.
Kersten, without the "fairy tales" which represent the best of human nature, where on earth would we all be? Great people among us have read "fairy Tales" or had them read to them as children.
They are the energy that propels our immagination to set wings on a bicycle, to create an energy responce from a water fall or the wind in solar powered turbines. "Fairy Tales" give us hope and free us in our dreams to propel ourselves off a cliff and make a soft landing below without the aid of a parachute.
"Fairy Tales" are rooted in Greek culture to the extent that from this, great civilizations have sprouted and still are with us today.
Hugs
Dr. Danielle Marie La Belle, Ph.D.
Make the most of every day!
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CJ
- Miss Diamond Goddess
- Posts: 3562
- Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 11:12 pm
- Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Hi all,
Kersten,
I think I couldn't say it any better than Danielle. Fairy tales are our buried dreams--our longing to soar, our fear of darkness. They are the stories we tell ourselves in our attempts to uncover a little patch of our own minds and souls. Stephen King, a lover of fairy tales himself, once said that fiction is the best way to reveal the truth. Well, fairy tales are one of the most ancient and universal forms of fiction.
Anyone who's ever felt her heart rise up in her throat the moment the front wheel of Eliot's bicycle leaves the ground, as he carries E.T. in a basket on the handlebars, knows the power of fairy tales.
What I especially like about the tales of the Brothers Grimm is that, well, they're grim, I guess. They don't sugar-coat unpleasant aspects about the world we live in. Their outlook is both hard and yet playful. I'm a sucker for that kind of nuance.
Love,
CJ
Kersten,
I think I couldn't say it any better than Danielle. Fairy tales are our buried dreams--our longing to soar, our fear of darkness. They are the stories we tell ourselves in our attempts to uncover a little patch of our own minds and souls. Stephen King, a lover of fairy tales himself, once said that fiction is the best way to reveal the truth. Well, fairy tales are one of the most ancient and universal forms of fiction.
Anyone who's ever felt her heart rise up in her throat the moment the front wheel of Eliot's bicycle leaves the ground, as he carries E.T. in a basket on the handlebars, knows the power of fairy tales.
What I especially like about the tales of the Brothers Grimm is that, well, they're grim, I guess. They don't sugar-coat unpleasant aspects about the world we live in. Their outlook is both hard and yet playful. I'm a sucker for that kind of nuance.
Love,
CJ
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Kersten Lee
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 386
- Joined: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:05 am
- Location: Central Nebraska
Thanks Danielle La Belle and CJ. What you both said makes sense to me. I have always loved science fiction, but was usually told it is only escapism and a waste of time that could other wise be productive.
I loved science fiction, but kept it to myself because of the rejection I got from others. I believe you are both right. Literature has added value to my life even when it wasn't tech or study books. My wife from day one said I was hatched 40 years old. My therapist has said to me on numerous occasions, that what I had to cope with, and the responsibilities I had, and my imagined responsibilities, plus the abuse, caused me to never develop normally as a child. I was required to view life as an adult when I was not equipped at such a young age to be adult. It helped me to view life as utillitarian, and position and money were the measures of success by fourth grade.
I even suffered guilt for the time I spend here with you girls. I viewed our discussions as a non productive activity. This spring my therapist convinced me that the help and friendship I get here, IS DEFINITELY VALUE ADDED.
To Rebecca, I too have learned to communicate better in the outside world from being with all of you.
Thanks again everyone! I would like to hear about more books, please!
Kersten
I loved science fiction, but kept it to myself because of the rejection I got from others. I believe you are both right. Literature has added value to my life even when it wasn't tech or study books. My wife from day one said I was hatched 40 years old. My therapist has said to me on numerous occasions, that what I had to cope with, and the responsibilities I had, and my imagined responsibilities, plus the abuse, caused me to never develop normally as a child. I was required to view life as an adult when I was not equipped at such a young age to be adult. It helped me to view life as utillitarian, and position and money were the measures of success by fourth grade.
I even suffered guilt for the time I spend here with you girls. I viewed our discussions as a non productive activity. This spring my therapist convinced me that the help and friendship I get here, IS DEFINITELY VALUE ADDED.
To Rebecca, I too have learned to communicate better in the outside world from being with all of you.
Thanks again everyone! I would like to hear about more books, please!
Kersten
-
Danielle La Belle
- Account Deactivated at Member's Request
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Sat Aug 09, 2003 9:49 am
- Location: SC
How often have we read a book only to put it away on a shelf for another time. How often have we read a book and could not remember the concepts of that book. How often have we read a book and went back to it at a later time to re-read the book only to put it back on a shelf.
Observation: We may read to learn, comfort ourselves in a multitude of ways, seek joy or happiness, expand our minds to new heights of understanding. But how often do we read a book and then carefully document the concepts so that we may put them into use to benefit ourselves and others around us. To actually make a change in how we function or commit ourselves to family and work. The libraries of the world are full of such books, well read, with dogeared pages, yet, we read them and put them back on the shelf, the ideas and concepts expressed in them.
Seek and you shall find, read and you shall have read what it is that you seek. Only we seem bent on reading and not implementing what we read. We continue to read self help books as we search for help. We never know exactly what it is that we seek, only that if we contiunue with the quest, we need not ask ourselves the hard questions.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Observation: We may read to learn, comfort ourselves in a multitude of ways, seek joy or happiness, expand our minds to new heights of understanding. But how often do we read a book and then carefully document the concepts so that we may put them into use to benefit ourselves and others around us. To actually make a change in how we function or commit ourselves to family and work. The libraries of the world are full of such books, well read, with dogeared pages, yet, we read them and put them back on the shelf, the ideas and concepts expressed in them.
Seek and you shall find, read and you shall have read what it is that you seek. Only we seem bent on reading and not implementing what we read. We continue to read self help books as we search for help. We never know exactly what it is that we seek, only that if we contiunue with the quest, we need not ask ourselves the hard questions.
Hugs
Danielle Marie
Make the most of every day!