My almost-reads

I read this article in Slate today about famous writers and all the phantom books they're constantly chasing and well-intending to read.

I am NOTORIOUS for this. While I can't say that I experience guilt about it, I do walk by my dresser and see books here and there, spines half-bent, stories halted until I pull the covers back...and sigh. For some reason, I'm stuck with these few gems:

The Idiot - by Doestoevsky. I am paused, probably 170 pages into this sucker, and now I think I'll have to start back at the beginning if I get back around to reading it. His writing is poignant, beautiful and I loved every bit of it, but my mind struggles with remembering the names of 100 characters with very Russian names. I also started this when the weather was beautiful and my mind was distracted. He's an author you cozy through the winter with...in a blizzard...when you're in bed with a 2-week flu...and you can't sleep.

The Bible. My feeling on reading the Bible is rather similar to my life approach. I sort of take what I like and hang out there, and forget about the rest. I do feel like I SHOULD know what all is in THE book I base my faith on, I just don't know that God wants me feeling all guilty for not reading Judges when he can speak so prophetically to me through the Psalms. And I also know that I won't be doing a 365 day Bible reading program anytime soon...so this one is probably a life's goal.

The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. Willard is brilliant, but I needed a break after each section to process it since there's so much there. I'll get through it in about 4 years and will feel like I've attended college - my brain will be more enriched, but damn...did it have to be that long?

Other books that I am convinced no one should feel guilty for not reading:
Beowulf (single-handly responsible for my abandoning and English major)

Gaiwan and the Green Knight

Anything by Milton,

Authors who think they're brilliant when they're just abstract (ahem, Dave Eggers).

I see no need to elaborate here. I just think that life's too full of fantastic literature for you to suffer through something you hate.

Dear readers, leave your thoughts in the comments, won't you? It might give me something else to feel guilty about.

Hakuna matata

Well, hello and happy Wednesday, friends. Life is mzuri sana (very fine) as they say in Kenya.

Oh, and speaking of Kenya, did you know that my good buddies with Soulfari Kenya are leading another trip there this July 8-25? Well they are! And you know what? You could go! Yes, YOU!

Some of you saw me make the journey in 2006 (see old posts for my stories) and in all seriousness, it'll change your life. And sometimes, that's a really good thing.

But even though you know me, see what other people say about it. Check out their blog for traveler stories, watch the NBC interview with stories from last year's travelers and get trip info on their website, or holla at me in the comments if you have questions. I really hope you'll all consider it.

Kwaheri (later),

A-gator

The BEST

I often joke that I'm KC's unofficial welcome wagon. I was reminded of this yesterday as we welcomed in a new co-worker from Texas into our department. "Oh, you've GOT to go to Lulu's - awesome lunches - even better saki." "La Bodega. Great Happy Hour." "Every BBQ fan must do the gas station BBQ at Oklahoma Joes."

I've got a million of 'em. I mean, I'm from a family of wagoners.

My brother could tell you the BEST anything - restaurants, bars, movie theatres, ways to get somewhere. We joke that he knows "a little bit about a lot."

My Dad loves to seek out the smallest, dive-y-ist places in town. He's a special conneisseur of greasy spoon breakfast joints. I attribute this to years spent in Village Inn kitchens.

My Mom tends to seek out shops and places she can get rare beauty items. She knows people everywhere and will drive a few hours to grab something she needs.

Bits of them have bled into me. I recognize that the important part of my wagonerring isn't solely the recommendations - it's the time spent with the newbie. When I met Cass, our first day together was an unofficial tour of KC down 39th street exploring the local vintage spots and restaurants. Sure, I could have told her where everything was, but we did it together, and got to be amazing friends as a result of it.

It reminds me that while we extoll the virtues of quality time with our families, and though we surely have so little of it to spare, it's important to share it with strangers too.

"Resting in the grace of the world"

Today something is just well with my soul. I feel like a tiny little drum band is playing inside my heart. I can't trace exactly why it's happening, but it's such a nice little surprise.

It's making me think of all the little things that we take joy in, and how good God is to give us such tiny blessings. For me I can feel all the pleasures of green tea in my cup, a peanut butter english muffin this morning, beautiful girlfriends, an amazing love and the crisp fall weather that caused me to put on tights today.

This world is a good one - contrary to what we hear in the news, from our griping inner monologues or our unsatisfied hearts. True, there is always more to want, strive and hope for, but today, I find inexplicable joy in the now-ness of today.

Or as Wendell Berry says:
"I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief... For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. "

I am where I am. No more, no less. And the view is beautiful.

Listening to: 7/4 (Shoreline) - Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene

Mondayness

It's Monday and my brain's been all sorts of swirly and to and fro lately. If I cock my head...here's what falls out.

- Fall's coming, and I'm pretty excited about that. It's creeping up, but I'm still holding out for more 60-70 degree days before we slide right into drizzly sludge. This is KC after all, and fall seems to last for about a minute and a half around here. I just can't wait to wear sweaters and coats and cozy up with my manfriend on a couch watching movies. Fall is fantastic.

- I need to consume something new and mentally stimulating. It's been awhile since I've finished a book and my attention span is a little short, so articles and music will have to do for now. Anyone checking out anything interesting? I've been spinning the new Jill Scott and it's sorta meh. Her last album really grew on me, but this is a slower starter.

- I had a great weekend in Lincoln - my Husker's pulled out a nice win and my family was wonderful. We went to mass in the a.m. and the choir was angelic and lovely...surprising for a Catholic service. The priest talked quite a bit about generosity, charity and caring for the poor, so as it finds a home in my heart, maybe we'll talk a bit about what that means for us.

- Lastly, for a bit of Monday hearting, one of my best girls sent this my way this morning, and I had to pass it along -

“It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.”
– Paul the Apostle (msg)

Thanks to all of you who've journeyed with me through mine. It's a bountiful season of life that I'm in right now, and I owe it to you all who've nurtured and cared for me in the leaner seasons. Grace, peace and love be with you all today. Show someone love that needs it. The world is a better place with you in it.