Sunday, May 22, 2011

Time to read a book and see a movie

The computer whined and roared like a helicopter about to lift off. It was becoming so cantankerous and slow, we ended up having to get a new one. Modern technology is a curse for me. I have been trying to retrieve documents and replace my favorites for so long, my brain hurts. Hubby can have his turn with it now. All these gadgets appeal to him. "Honey," he calls excitedly, "come here and look at all these functions..."

This has been the first day that I have actually been able to relax all month and return to a wonderful book I have been reading. Anybody read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, bestselling author of Amy and Isabelle, and Abide With Me?

Back of the book blurb, published by Random House: "Olive Kitteridge provides insight into the human condition -its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires."

The main character is a salty, retired teacher in her early seventies. The story is told not just in chapters but in short stories revolving around her interactions with different characters in her town throughout the years. I feel as if I know this woman. Hope you are reading something fun or interesting, too.

I just completed an almost 2,000 word article that I will submit to Parent's Magazine. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they accept it, but if not, I will send it elsewhere. Now, it is time to go sit outdoors in this warm summer breeze and wait for the tornado warnings to sound. We are under another watch.

Hubby and I went to see Bridesmaids and laughed ourselves silly. Younger people won't understand the layered depth, but this movie, like the book I just finished is about the human condition.

14 comments:

Claudia Moser said...

I discovered Alice Munro! Did you hear of her? Lovely afternoon!

Linda O'Connell said...

Claudia,
Yes, I have read Alice Munro. Have a great week.

Claudia Moser said...

You did? OK! I am just discovering her works and it is fascinating!

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Good luck with your submission. And stay safe! We haven't had too many tornado watches or warnings yet this season, thank goodness.

Julia Williams said...

Stay safe and enjoy your book while you can. Good luck on your submish too.

Val said...

Yes, I have read Olive Kitteridge. It was captivating. I've also read Amy and Isabelle, but I missed Abide With Me. The last book I finished was Rob Lowe's memoir, Stories I Only Tell My Friends. How can you go wrong with insider stories about the making of The Outsiders?

Susan said...

Hi Linda...Congrats on the new computer, Linda. I know how frustrating adjusting the technology can be.

As for books, I usually just do not read fiction at all.

What is your story for Parents on? So glad you are submitting it. Good luck. Will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Take care. Susan

Sioux Roslawski said...

I will keep my fingers, my toes, and my eyes crossed for you...Good luck.

I read "The Help" this spring...a wonderful book.

One of the stars of the movie "Bridesmaids" was on a talk show---I think Conan---and they showed a car scene where the male character wanted his female companion to take a "lap nap." It was quite funny.

Will the tornado season ever end?

Susan Fobes said...

I hope your submission is accepted Linda. And you are the second person to gloat about The Bridesmaids-I've got to see this one!

Kim Lehnhoff said...

I've wanted to see Bridesmaids, too - but not until I finish reading Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. It's a wonderfully written biography about a Olympic runner/bombadier/POW from WWII (and I'm not even a person who likes to read about war).

I hope your article gets accepted and that you hear the news very soon!

Southhamsdarling said...

Good luck with your submission, and I do hope that the tornadoes don't come your way. I have never heard of Bridesmaids, although I go to the cinema a lot. I have just finished reading Girl With A Dragon Tatoo, but I am reading all the time. Just about to start Ghost for my Book Club Read (think it is by Robert Harris), so I don;'t know what that one will be like.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

We had a tornado watch here last week, which was really strange. This is not an area prone to such activity although it is occurring with greater frequency.

Have you ever read any of Jan Karon's books? She does a lot of interesting characters.

Unknown said...

Best of luck on your submission and do hope you stay safe with all the powerful storms about. I don't usually get to the movies much unless it is an action movie like the Borne series or Angelina Joli.

Beth M. Wood said...

Hi Linda! Yes...I did read Olive Kittridge and thought it was wonderful! Elizabeth Strout is fantastic - loved the format; showing us this character from other peoples' perspective. Very clever.