A Day of Thanks, Or a Day of Mourning?

I'm reading a book right now called Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice. 

I think it's a timely novel since, to me, it feels relevant to our current situation: apocalyptic, a slow burn to the end.

But it's also timely because Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and the novel centers on the Anishinaabe community, a group of indigenous people that includes various tribes from the U.S. and Canada. 

Starting in elementary school, we only learn about that first Thanksgiving Day; where pilgrims and Indians came together for a friendly meal. But the origin story of America is largely a myth, and one we only began to question in recent years, and then, only once we reach high school and college.

In reality, the coming of the white people was an apocalypse for the Native Americans. As Aileen, the oldest community member in the novel says; “Yes, apocalypse. We've had that over and over. But we always survived. We're still here. And we'll still be here, even if the power and the radios don't come back on and we never see any white people again.”

For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving Day is a reminder of the slaughter, and displacement of millions of their descendants. Some celebrate the day not as one of thanks, but instead have declared it National Day of Mourning.

Now that my eyes have been opened to what this day represents for so many others, I will celebrate with this in mind. The day has been turned upside down by the pandemic, with no outside family or friends coming, but we will make it a holiday. The change gives us an opportunity to create some new, "woke" traditions, and to take our time together. 

I can remind my family of the people that lived on the land right under our feet (click here to find what tribes were on the land you live on). For my particular area of Ohio that would be the Hopewell, Adena, Shawnee, and Wyandot. I can discuss with my family the Native Americans' struggles as a people, and also the enriching culture that continues on. 

So is this a day of thanks, or a day of mourning? I think it can be both. 

Let's be thankful for all we have, especially during these uncertain, scary times. Let's be thankful for those closest to us, probably the ones right at our dinner table, who we may get irritated and bored by with all this forced togetherness.

Let's not celebrate this holiday only as the anniversary of the Mayflower landing at Plymouth. We should also celebrate by remembering the indigenous people that lived here before. Let's think of them as we give thanks for all we have.

For an interesting article or broadcast on this topic, go to Here & Now on NPR.

Have a wonderful day of thanks and reflection!

The Curse of Quon Gwon

 I like silent films. 

They are kind of like those beautifully illustrated picture books without words. 

There is a story there, but you have to look at all the details to see it. 

I came across one the other day that was beautiful and unique in many ways:  

I was so impressed with this movie. It is beautifully restored (though some scenes and all dialogue tags are missing) with very fitting piano music created to accompany it. The lighting, the costumes and the cinematography are to be admired as much as any movie today (or more so).

It's a family melodrama about a young, Westernized Chinese girl who marries a more traditional man, and doesn't respect the household gods, and the in-laws, as much as she should. 

Unfortunately, it was never released, and it was thought lost for decades, until the reels were discovered in 2004, in the possession of the daughters of Violet Wong, the lead actress in the film.  

What is most astonishing about this movie is that:

1. It was written, produced, and directed by a woman, Marion Wong (click here for a great article on her)

2. That woman was a Chinese-American, as were all the actors, and crew

3. It presented the Chinese culture to Americans, and showed images of Chinese people in ways they weren't normally portrayed which, back then, was as exotic villains and opium users  

    

Most people don't watch silent movies. But you should really give them a try. Right now you can watch The Curse and a handful of others on Netflix in the Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers series. Click on the box below for a guide that will teach you how to enjoy silent films*:

ARTICLE, SILENT MOVIES 101 by MOVIES SILENTLYSEPTEMBER 22, 2015

Watching a comedy is a good way to start. 

Try one with Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, or Buster Keaton. 

*mobile version may not show text in the box--don't ask me why

State of Mind for November

November is NaNoWriMo. For those who haven't heard of it, National Novel Writing Month is a movement created to inspire anyone who dreams of writing a book to write 50,000 words in one month. 

That's a lot. About 1,667 words a day.                        

I have never "won" NaNo, and I don't know if I will this year either, but for the last few weeks, I have been paving the way to do so. 

I have been outlining, character sketching and researching. Everything but the actual writing. 

I have nightmares about not having anything to write, about quitting because it's too hard.

What if I just like the research?

What if I don't have the skill? What if I don't have the stamina, the persistence, or the focus?

I don't think I have any of those things in abundance. What I do have is a passion for writing, and for reading. I have a love of character and story. I feel closer to my writing than I ever have before. I feel like I'm about to take a big leap where I'll either fail, or succeed, both of which are frightening.

So, if you don't hear from me in November, it might mean that I'm busy writing, or that I'm hiding under my blankets in shame. 

OR, I may just be hiding because...

I'm a worrier. And it's overwhelming lately. There's so much to worry about right now:

Covid-19: going into lockdown again

                 "living with it" through winter 

                 getting it

                                                                                                     spreading it

                                    The election: Trump winning

                                                           Trump not winning

                                                           four more years of this surreality

                                    The environment:fires

                                                                  floods

                                                                  hurricanes

                                                                  melting polar ice

                                                                  climate change

Never mind the everyday things that certainly haven't gone anywhere. 

But, I take solace in my friends, and family who I commiserate, and complain with. I can take solace in my dog, whose innocence/ignorance is sometimes enviable. 

Obligatory cute puppy photo:)

And, I have my reading and my writing, which is the best blanket to hide under. 

                                    

            

Crisp, Autumn Fiction

Halloween is right around the corner. Can you believe it??
As quickly as the time is passing, this year, it may be a blessing-hoping that things are better in the next anyway. They can't be worse, can they? The sad things is, I think they can.

But each day is a new day to change our mindset, to try again, to work for something better, to make a difference in the world. If you are like me, and feeling despondent and demoralized, escape into a book now and then. It's good for the soul.

 Here are some newly released and upcoming titles that I'm looking forward to (click on the book to take you to the goodreads.com description):

I'm really looking forward to reading this literary suspense novel. It's getting a lot of buzz since it has been long-listed for the National Book Award.

 I'm not sure what to expect from this novel about Imperial Russia. Reviews suggest to be prepared for Game of Thrones-like sex and violence.

This is going to be a long read--over 700 pages! But I'll read anything this man writes.

This is one of the highest rated books I've ever come across on goodreads.com. I'm not surprised, since Schwab has a handful of highly rated titles. She skirts the edge of adult and YA fantasy.

Though his books have gotten somewhat formulaic, I LOVE the formula! Follett takes us to the Dark Ages this time.

I'm not adding this to my list, but I know a lot of people would really enjoy this upcoming title. It's considered a Grey's Anatomy meets Scrubs read.  

This seems very different from Picoult's other books. It's an alternate worlds story about the choices we make.

I'm currently reading another of Turton's books (see below) and it's so beautifully, and cleverly written that I have to put his new one on my list too.

My current line up:

 I'm not sure how this is going to end, but so far it's a compelling mystery/magical realism that I can't put down. 

Next:

This is not what I typically read, but it's about two writers and it sounds so fun.

I'm so excited to read this, that I bought it! Historical literary fiction, set in the 20's--right up my alley!

And, coming to the big screen (or maybe just Netflix:)

 I'm excited to see this movie starring Tom Hanks.

For your younger readers:

A new middle school read by the author of The War That Saved My Life. Watch for this to be on the Newberry lists!

This is a survival tale told in verse. Think Hatchet for girls.

Coming YA:

I liked Lacour's We Are Okay. This sounds even more intriguing (and no, it's not historical fiction but I adore this cover).

This looks like it will be the perfect YA thriller!

Happy Autumn and happy reading!

What's on your to-read list?

Count Alexandre Dumas

 Do you remember The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas fils*? 

It's the story of Edmond Dantés, who is wrongfully accused of being a traitor to Napoleon, and put into prison where he languishes, whilst his life on the outside is also destroyed.

I read it in high school because it was French, it was an adventure story, and written by the author of The Three Musketeers. Full of adventure, drama, and the the human plight of the wrongly accused. But, it was also a morality tale warning how the need for vengeance can warp our own integrity, and endanger one's own soul.  

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   The Black Count is the story of the author Dumas' father who was the son of a black slave and a French aristocrat. He was the inspiration behind all his son's novels, but especially The Count of Monte Cristo. For a biography, it was like a swashbuckling adventure, though at times, it was heartbreakingly sad. There were some boring military logistics and background info that I skimmed over. And at the same time, so many tidbits that piqued my curiosity (like the medical practices of the day-enemas were a daily treatment for some and sperm conservation was crucial matter). 

Here is a concise biography of General Alexandre Dumas: 

Alex Dumas was highly educated in the Paris of the late ancien regime before the Revolution and was a great equestrian and swordsman. He was also a beloved husband and father. 

                                                             Marie-Louise Labouret, his devoted wife                                                             

He started in the lowest ranks of the military, and quickly rose to general, then military governor, then a general leading 50,000 men. His heroics are near-unbelievable. But there are multiple contemporary sources describing his exploits-as well as his humanity. In fact, he was mockingly called “Mr. Humanity” (which sounds much cooler in French), due to his compassion toward his soldiers, prisoners and the people of the towns he "liberated."

Napoleon had an unusual hatred of him, the repercussions of which led to Dumas fils' impoverished childhood.

Why did Napoleon dislike him so much, when he was such an accomplished, celebrated, daring, intrepid soldier?

Well, those are some good reasons right there. But also because of Napoleon's famed hang-ups regarding his height (after all, General Dumas was over 6-feet tall), and the typical penchant dictators have for not tolerating their motives being questioned (Dumas could not help but speak up against injustice and speak up for the values of the revolution that Napoleon was flouting more and more). And, we think Bonaparte was a little racist. 

Dumas was taken prisoner after Napoleon up and left his men and generals overseas. In a

prison in Taranto, Naples, Dumas was treated cruelly for two years, slowly being poisoned,

and with no word to his family in all that time. 

When he was finally released and returned back to France, Napoleon went to great lengths to insure General Dumas' military feats were forgotten and ignored those who pled on his behalf to give him his backpay.

His death a few years later was cruelly slow (stomach cancer) and painful to read about as

he prepared his family for it and watched as Napoleon imposed cruel race laws in France, reinstituted slavery in the colonies, and made sure any black who wore an officer’s uniform was killed, or captured.

His family was shunned and penniless,

Alexandre, the author, only four years old.

Alexandre Dumas fils wrote: “You see, Father, I haven’t forgotten any of the memories

that you told me to keep. From the time I could think, your memory has lived in me like

a sacred lamp, illuminating everything and everyone you ever touched, even though

death has taken it away.”

               *fils, after a French name, differentiates son from father

3 Ways Getting a Puppy Messed Up My Routine-In Some Ways for the Better

 We got a puppy! She's cute as can be. And a bundle of trouble, and joy.

                                

She's getting easier though. 

She's stopped chewing up everything in sight, we don't have to watch her every single moment, and she actually plays by herself sometimes.

Still, she has totally messed up my routine. 

However, I'm recognizing that it might not be a bad thing.

1. Exercise: I cannot do cardio with a puppy around. She thinks it's playtime when she sees me doing  burpees and jumping jacks. She jumps on and around me, and runs between my legs. But I discovered she's okay with me standing still as I do weights. I used to avoid strength training; cardio always felt it like I was accomplishing more in a shorter amount of time. I'm still devoted to Yvette Bachman and her step and cardio-kickboxing at least once a week, but I've also found Caroline Girvan, and can exercise without getting my hair ties pulled out or my pants pulled down. And, the best part is, the gushiness on my inner thighs is disappearing and my biceps are toning up!   

                           

2. Writing: I used to get up between 4:45 and 5:15am to write. Since getting Gigi, I get up and take her out to the bathroom and play tug-o-war and fetch until it's time to get ready for the day/work.                      

       

Now, I write in the afternoons, after work and while the kids are doing school and Gigi naps. Or, just as often, I write in the evenings after dinner when the kids are fully in charge of the dog and husband is watching his home design show. 

It's made me realize that I wasn't all that productive in the a.m; I mostly ended up checking emails and Instagram. Now that I have to snatch moments, and those moments are after my other obligations for the day, I can more fully concentrate.

3. Social Life: There's not much positive I can spin out of this. The few times we've left her I've been preoccupied with worry at how she's faring. The last time we left her, we watched on the nanny cam as she jumped out of her pen to run free through the house until the neighbors could get over. 

The lack of social life has kept my cupboards, closets and drawers neater, as I have had more time for those little projects. I suppose it has also helped our family to bond in a different way. We laugh, and play with Gigi together. We bond over dog training videos and work on how best to train her.  

And when we do get the opportunity to see our friends, we have a whole lot to catch up on, and it's that much sweeter.  

It's good to shake things up. Sometimes, we find the routine we were in, maybe wasn't the right one. Sometimes, we find out it was but we just have to adjust. 

As we used to remind ourselves when our kids were little, this is a phase, and it will end...so don't get used to it!        

                                                                            

The Farmer in the Dell

 Do you remember that singing game/nursery rhyme The Farmer in the Dell?

We  played it in elementary school, sometimes in music class, but more often, to fill time in the classroom.

We never played it at recess, it was one of those games that was forced upon us. 

I'm not sure anyone liked it. I hated it.   

I hated holding hands with my classmates; cold and clammy, warm and sweaty. I truly appreciated those hands that were tepid and dry. 

More than that, I hated the anxiety of being chosen, and the anxiety of not being chosen.

It was my greatest anxiety to be the farmer, in that circle alone, while my classmates spun around me, waiting to judge me for who I chose to be "the wife". No matter what, I was miserable after the choice. I either eschewed my friends to pick a more popular choice that would garner joy and laughter, or I risked shrugs and eye rolls when I chose my friends or someone who I felt deserved a turn.   

Why did I care so much what others thought? Why did I so readily look for signs of disapproval? 

I'm still good at that. It's one of my greatest talents. I'm so good at it that I can find it even if it's years-old disapproval, or if you didn't even know it was there.

No one wanted to be the cheese. The cheese stands alone, after all. Alone in a circle with classmates jeering at you.

And no one really wanted to be the rat, either. Poor rats.

It seems nowadays, they've changed those lyrics from rat to mouse.                                          

A heartening lesson I should take from this is that, once the game was over, it was forgotten. No one remembered who chose who, no one remembered who was the cheese.

But I did.

How about you? Did you like playing The Farmer in the Dell? What about Red Rover, Red Rover?