Sometimes I just can't stick with reading just one book at a time. It's sort of like trying to work on just one sewing/quilting project at a time. I'll start one book, then another one catches my attention, and I think to myself that I'll just read the intro or the first page or the blurbs on the back. But then I get pulled in and really start to read that second book--and sometimes a third. That's what has happened recently.
I started reading Caitlin R. Kiernan's new book, The Red Tree, which may well be her best book yet. It reminds me just a little The Physic Book of Deliverance Dane in that both books deal with New England legends and spookiness, dusty old houses, deadly flora, and whatnot. Excellent read for those who like spooky stuff.
But before I was halfway finished with The Red Tree, my neighbor Jennifer brought me a copy of The Shape of Illusion by William Barrett. This book's theme centers around a 17th century painting depicting Jesus outside the court of Pontius Pilate after Pilate has sentenced Jesus to death. Each person who looks at the painting sees himself somewhere in the faces there. I've read only the first chapter of this one, but I'm tightly hooked.
And then, this morning, what did the mailman deliver but a copy of What the Bleep Do We Know, a book that deals with two of my favorite subjects: quantum physics and the soul. I tore the wrapper off the package, read the notes on the back and then the introduction. And that's how The Bleep Book became the third book in my "reading now" stack.
As I finish these books, I'll post them in the books-read list in the left sidebar with a brief review of each.
I hemmed a pair of Vann's new pajama pants this morning (yes, they're 100% cotton). I've also been trying to get Vann to eat. His appetite has slipped to almost nothing, plus the chemo has him nauseated this time. We talked to Dr. L's assistant this morning and were told to cut back on some of the meds, add more of some of the others, and try eating tiny amounts of soft food and drinking Gatorade. And if that doesn't work, I'm going to play the airplane game that I used to do with my children to get them to eat.
Thanks for all the comments, the well wishes, and the prayers. We love you all.
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On 08/21/2009, Niki said ...
You are an inspiration. With all the troubles you're going through you still take time to remember us. Your avid blog followers.
Thank you for the synopsis of the Red book. I will make a point of getting a copy.
On 08/21/2009, KBeau said ...
I love to read, but one book at a time is about all I can keep up with. I do usually have a book going, however.
On 08/21/2009, Gayle said ...
You've probably already tried this, but have you tried vanilla ice cream for Vann? Keeping your family in my prayers, Gayle
I'm going to have to read the book you just received. It looks fascinating.
On 08/21/2009, Michelle said ...
HI. I am your pinkeep swap partner. Tell me what kind of Halloween decorations you like. Email me anytime.
Michelle
On 08/21/2009, Bobbi Hudson said ...
Dear Vann and Susie,
I have just returned after a week in Mi. I went to visit with my brother. I read your latest blogs. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. I hope Vann's pain has subsided and his appetite has returned.
His pictures have always spoken to me--just pure beauty in nature, which he captures so very well.
Take care-may God be with you both.
Bobbi
On 08/21/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Ah, the joy of sequestered nooks and sweet serenity of books (or something like that!)... even less than serene books of the spooky kind!
Yes, I love to read. Am working my way thru the old Madeline L'Engle books I missed as a child and am amazed at her imagination and love the themes of love and harmony in the universe.
Glad you found 100% cotton pjs.
When my dad was undergoing chemo, he ate lots of Pancho's cheese dip and Tostitos. It's a bit of a hot dip with the Rotel, but my father said it kept it's correct flavor and he loved Rotel.
Pancho's Cheese Dip
Combine in microwave dish:
1 lb American cheese, sliced or block, grated
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 can Rotel (puree)
1/2c. boiling water - optional
Heat until melted, then stir like crazy. Keeps well in the refrigerator for a week.
Hope this sounds and tastes appetizing to Vann and the rest of you.
Prayers continue ...
Hugs - Barbara
On 08/22/2009, Kai said ...
I hope you know you have me HOOKED. LOL! I will be buying THE RED TREE! Looks awesome! I'm well into THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE and I LOVE it! I'm such a 'student' of things like the Salem witchcraft trials, the Holocaust, Jim Jones and the mass suicides, and the Waco insanity. It fascinates me how people can be SHEEP & just blindly follow a person or an idea. I think my obsession began with Orwell's ANIMAL FARM way back in 6th grade. (Yes, I read it way before it was required reading in high school. I was always an odd one. LOL!) Anyway, thank you for the heads up re: THE RED TREE. How is Vann feeling today? I HOPE something begins to turn around for him VERY soon! He's gone through ENOUGH and THEN some! If I could think of ANYTHING to send him that would appeal to his appetite, I'd send it. 'Course in this heat, it may be just as well if I DON'T. Give him gentle hugs from me. And you KNOW I'm going to say it - TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Sometimes when we are worried about someone else, we forget to take care of US. YOU ARE VALUABLE and we all love you so much, Susan! Keep us posted!
On 08/22/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...
I'll put these on my list, too! Thank you! And God bless you both!
On 08/22/2009, Nicole said ...
My father is a professor emeritus at Stanford University. One of his departmental colleagues is a man named William Tiller. Professor Tiller had a role in the movie What the Bleep Do We Know--he was the scientific consultant. He has a long history and good reputation as an expert in Auralian photography (he sees auras by use of a special photographic technique). He has written a number of books--one is Science and Human Transformation: Subtle Energies, Intentionality and Consciousness. He truly believes that our universe has a strong spiritual component and undertakes to prove this scientifically. I grew up with "Bill" as a frequent guest at my parents home, and feel privileged to have been close to him and his family.
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