Perspectives

I don’t know if my thoughts are being influenced by this strange, cloudy, rainy weather we’ve been having lately, or if I’m still tiptoeing through the pages of the novel The Plague—which I’ve just finished. Sitting here I find myself thinking of perspectives and how they color and direct ones life—and one’s beliefs.

The Plague by Albert Camus is about suffering, death, and extreme isolation. It’s pretty deep for summer reading. So, when I began the book—to keep myself out of the critical reading mode—I set all metaphors aside. I’ll just read it. I told myself. Well I couldn’t stop myself from underlining and scratching out a few notes. But other than that, I let my mind wander…

And… strangely enough, I found myself remembering an essay one of my favorite professors wrote about his experiences when he moved to Utah from the east coast –upstate New York—I think. I was floored by his perspective of Utah’s sky. In the essay he talks about the clear, blue, skies of Utah. I love a clear blue sky. For me a cloudless day—when the sky is bright—signifies cheeriness, fun, optimism, a feeling of freedom. This perspective seems almost intrinsic to me. Without thinking a blue sky influences my mood, my thoughts and my feelings.

Interestingly, this professor does not feel the same way I do about clear blue skies – In his essay he talks about how a sky without clouds makes him feel claustrophobic. He grew up and probably had some of his greatest experiences in nature under an overcast sky. If I remember right, and I wish I had the essay right here---To him a gray sky is peaceful, comforting, inspiring, and beautiful. When he is cradled by gray clouds, he feels how I do under an azure umbrella.

Now as a disclaimer, I am not quoting his essay, but remembering my impressions and feelings when I read his essay. His thoughts on Utah and the reasons why he didn’t feel at home here or like it here really stayed with me. Perspectives matter. Ones point of view on something is defined by experiences both good and bad. One great thing is that we can all step out of our perspectives for a moment and look another view. Novels, or in this case an essay, are a great way to open our minds to other perspectives.

My First Post

I had my first POST today !!!! From Colleen my work buddy - her comments were so nice. They made my day. This blogging thing is fun! Thanks again Colleen for your kind words - You are awesome

My baby Ally

Today I realized that I in all my pictures - I've posted lately - I didn't have one of my youngest daughter Ally - So here she is. This picture is recent - but since this picture was taken, her braces have been taken OFF! Watch for an upcoming picture of her without the braces. Ally is my baby but she is 14 and taller than me! In fact she is the tallest of my three girls. Someday this blog will seem more organized.

Hi all -

So I've added some pictures, but I am still not sure how to arrange them. HELP! I am trying to make this blog more interesting. SO, I'll keep trying...later. I have to go and be a mom now

Latest Read

I forgot to mention about fifteen minutes after I finished The Host I started The Plague. This novel was written by Albert Camus - a French writer- who won in the Nobel prize in literature in 1957. To read more about Albert Camus click on the link below. I find that his picture resembles my visualization of Dr. Rieux.




http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1957/camus-bio.html

Depth

Okay so far my blog is quite boring—visually anyway. Sorry for that. I wish I had the time to add pictures etc. But at least I’m posting right people !?! Along with my movie posts I am going to start writing about the books I am reading. Lately, I have been reading more books – instead of visiting the theater. The reason – there is nothing exciting out there –in the theaters. I need depth, and Indiana Jones – while I’m sure it’s exciting and all – just does not have the DEPTH I crave. Hence, I’ve turned to books. And… I have found exhilaration, tension, action, and depth in my latest read….

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

I enjoyed every minute of The Host. As in the Twilight series, Meyer creates unique and believable characters—that have in-Depth and complex relationships Yeah! And the book does not fall short when it comes to dialogue or action. I’d say the action in the book could rival that of Indiana Jones. But, I’ll have to get back to you on that. After I see the movie. So my final thoughts…(I’m trying not to be wordy)… I love to get caught up in a book to the point where I am speeding along—voraciously. It was pretty much like eating Indian food. I could not get enough and I didn’t want to stop.

Author Diony George

Diony George is my cousin Daryl's wife. She is also a great friend and a fellow writer.

Movie Reviews - Ironman * * *

Last night I went and saw the movie "Ironman" with my husband, daughter - Ally, and my two brothers - let me rephrase - my two gorgeous Bulgarian brothers. They are stepbrothers - technically - but I think of them as my real and true brothers and love them TONS. Just being with them - made the movie spectacular.

The youngest of the two, Valentine, lives here in Utah - while the oldest - Stefan - is an Olympic skier and lives in Bulgaria, Austria - and various other countries - while he is training for the Olympic games. I haven't seen Stefan for two years - so last night was really special for me. I guess I need to dedicate an entire post to them - and will do that later. I just had to give you all an idea of my mood and the environment for last nights movie.

Typically I like the comic book genre. Its not my favorite, but I enjoyed the Spiderman and Superman movies. I loved the last Batman movie. Ironman stands next to Batman in my opinion. Robert Downey Jr. is a great actor and was very believable in this role. He is an excellent comedic actor and has great timing. My final say on this movie is that, while it is a predictable comic book film, the movie is very entertaining. Because of that I am generously giving Ironman three stars - or a "B" I say go and see it!!!