Fall Contests

This week I've sent half a dozen poems to the ASPS Fall contests, and a couple to the Aesthetica Magazine contest. So maybe I'll get a prize or two.

The ASPS fall meeting will be held in Calera, Alabama. I think we've met there before. Anyway, I hope to feel like going to the luncheon/award meeting.
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I also entered a contest sponsored by Negative Capability Press.

Have Rocket, Will Travel

Last night I watched a Stooges movie. It was good until they returned to earth from Venus, even though Uni the unicorn came with them. Back on earth it became boring again. At least I learned the Stooges' names: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Joe DeRita who was the last in a long list of replacements for the original Schemp Howard as the third Stooge. Overall, a good show.

Now I can cook--If I can lift the thing!

I finally got around to cleaning and seasoning my old iron skillet. Did a pretty good job, but I'll probably bake it some more before using it, because it's still kinda sticky.

Feeling good today, and it's a good thing, because there's a lot to be done around the house. Hope everybody has a good sunshiny day!

Page 295*

Mr. Norrell has given Mr. Strange a book! It's only the biography of a Mr. Tott, an obscure non-practicing magician who never wrote his own book on the subject. Probably no mention of the Raven King.

*Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, by Susanna Clarke - I've been reading a few pages of this book, at random times, for two or three years now. Approximately 700 pages to go.
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This afternoon I bought groceries, and when I got home, I sat in my car thinking, "I don't think I can get myself up those stairs, let alone a bunch of grocery bags."

Then I said, "Come on, you did ten push-ups yesterday." Of course, they were knee-pushups instead of toe-pushups, but the thought gave me the push I needed to get me and most of the groceries up the stairs.

Great Sunday

Yesterday I went to the Presbyterian church with my sweet sisters, and there were Joan and Frank, Ellen, Doris, Spurgeon, several other people I knew, and a whole bunch of friendly strangers. They were having a farewell party for their young pastor, his wife and two adorable babies. There was so much food, I couldn't even sample all of it.

Now I've got the phone on speaker, waiting for UAB to answer, to clarify my prep instructions for the test tomorrow. I keep telling myself it will be over tomorrow afternoon, so I can wait a day or so to think about committing Harry Carey.

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George Romney is one of my favorite portrait painters, and "Miss Juliana Willoughby" is my favorite of his paintings. (This is listed in the National Gallery free images.)

Progress

Not quite 9 a.m., and I've already accomplished several things. I've decided to turn the story I've been working on into a novel, and spent some time this morning doing some research. Have one notebook for research, and will probably fill up that and another one with notes and stuff I've already done for the story. I've thought about calling it "Grendel's Children," but that's a joke. So I'm going to try to spend my time working on this. I think I've done enough reading my poems to a group, and reading stuff chosen by someone else and trying to find something polite to say about it. I'm not talking about the books Jed and I both read and share, but about the book club.

I've found some good friends through the book club, but as far as the group goes, they don't read the kind of writing that I read.


Yesterday after the meeting, Joan took me into the nave of the Presbyterian church. It is small, but very beautiful. She showed Nell and me their organ, and played a hymn that almost sent me into a trance. She also told us some of the history of the church. I value Joan and Frank, and somehow, especially, Carole, although she hardly ever says anything. Maybe that's one of the things I like about her. I think I gave her the Indian Hatchet quilt that I made ten years or so ago. I miss Jean M., Mable, and Betty W.

Although Betty called Muslims "Muslins," she at least chose and read good books, especially Shantaram. Mable and Jean also read a lot. Jean read classics and knew a whole lot of good stuff.

Anyway, I intend to "endeavor to persevere" with this novel business until I have something complete. Remaining time allowing.

Activities

Yesterday I watched "Dances with Wolves." As with a few other films, while I'm watching it, I think "this is the best movie I've ever seen in my life." And Kevin Costner is the "handsomest movie star ever."

Today I'm reading Miss Jane for the book club meeting tomorrow. Troublesome book, hard to read, but worthwhile.

Get Along, Little Doggies

On National Dog Day, I received a response to my adoption application. It said that the two dogs I was interested in were no longer available, so I've been sulking. I looked on the website again, and both dogs were still listed, with the note that nobody was yet interested in them. I guess I'm Nobody; so at least they acknowledged me with a note. To quote one of my favorite authors, "It just goes to show you."

I have to go to TKC next week for another humiliating test. They finally found one I haven't had before. I'm sure that took some effort.

We have book club meeting Thursday (Sept. 8) at the beautiful Presbyterian church. Pat's going to bring me the book today.