Comparison makes the world a worse place

I like this book. 'As weekends go'

It touches on universal truths which is something I find really valuable and which definitely places this read among one of my favourite so far. Definitely makes the top 3 in the so called chic lit category.
(By the way, I feel like there is a lot of misconception about literature for women. Almost similar to the ones in the sci-fi movies. We need good and decent plot lines. We need interesting dialogues that bring the stories forward. Any action is something extra, an add-on that spices things up rather then works as a replacement for enchanting tales...)

There is a 21st century version of Babette, a 31-year old Rebecca and a famous athlete, 2 years her junior. Unlike in Balzac's story though, she is married. There is her 'in a relationship' friend. Her ruthless husband with overly ambitious female 'friend'. And a loving and caring family. 
So there are questions around fidelity, loyalty, care and love. How much we need all of that. And how much we fiddle around that. And what price we pay when we do. And finally, what price we pay when we don't...

Thinking about the title I think it doesn't reflect the story at its best. Wold rather go for something in the lines of 'It's (not) all about the score'. 

I just wish the ending wasn't so 'rushed-through'.

At the same time, I wish there was more in the to be continued department. Looking forward to a sequel / 'threequel', and so on:)))

I was given the opportunity to read the ARC of this book, courtesy of NetGalley.

Not a shriek to me

The title intrigued me.
The Whistler...

Since I am a fan of crime and mystery in general (so much of that is happening in everyday life, on a various scale obviously... that it's fascinating, really:), this book by the John Grisham made me think 'Hmmm, I'd like that."

Yet, the sample I had a chance to read, disappointed me.
Apparently, borrowing a title from radio crime drama, broadcasted in the US in the 40s, doesn't guarantee a gasp of delight. Not with me, at least.


The plot was interesting but for me there were too many distracting details, and too long in-between periods before the next sudden turn in the main storyline was revealed to the reader.

While I don't recommend the book, appreciate the fact it deals with grey area where law, security, and lust for wealth come together.

I was given the opportunity to read a sample of ARC of John Grisham's new book, The Whistler.

Assumptions...

- My life is ruined - she said, cupping her face in her hands. Then she looked at the ceiling, almost as if expecting it to nod in approval. I looked up, too.
It didn't.

- All my life - continued my LMSP - I have been waiting for the perfect day. And it never came... - she sighed deeply, completing her announcement, looking at her little brother. Apparently he was a suspect in the case.
But then I noticed her half smile. And then she winked at me.
...



- I'm finished! - said the little one.
Smiling and showing me his empty bowl.
- Can I have more, please? - he said.
...



You see, we were fast breaking. Sitting together at the table, and actually talking; something that didn't occur for, well, some time.
And if there were only words, no situational context, all that transcript from our morning feast would be some kind of a pre-crime scene: you might expect daggers in our eyes, anger, and unhappiness.


But there was love instead. Sort of:)

Remember Me

It is a title of a movie. A great one. No, not because that Twilight guy is there (never saw these movies, had a chance to read first book of the series, and a pleasure to attend writers' evening with Stephenie Meyer, a reserved extrovert, combination I sometimes wish I possessed. While I don't necessarily follow the fans trail there, definitely admire her style...).

Not because that Twilight guy is there. Because the plot is there.

One could expect I little or no resemblance between a life of 18-year old male and me. Yet, the feelings he has, the mixture of doubt, perseverance and hunger for warmth: that's universal. Can get anyone.

Marathon?Me???:)

Running long distances was never my 'thing'. I was getting tired very quickly (still am, actually, but that's not the point:), heart was pumping at a pace beyond belief, any other activity sounded so much funnier... I thought that's the way things were, and gave up. Read a lot of articles praising walking, to proof my point.
Until one day, at the 37 years of age, I had to chase my toddler. Who casually jogged away to the other side of the park. And I almost failed.
That was my wake up point.

And so now, I am taking part in the MyMarathon Initiative from the British Heart Foundation. Which is a laid-back (serious!:) approach to 26.2 miles as all you need to do is make sure you make it over the month of September. 4 hours (I wish!), 4 days, or 4 weeks.

If anyone out there reading wishes to contribute, a huge thank you already:)
And a link to my fundraising page.

:)

The Girl In Between

An interesting story of a girl who sleeps.
A lot.
Like, 4 weeks non-stop, for example.
And in between these unexpectedly long naps she rediscovers herself.


While there is a mysterious story behind, driving the plot forward, I am actually more interested in what is happening inside her mind when she wakes up and doesn't really know how she'd look like. So image and appearance are no longer important. It's her that matters.
Being strong enough to understand that is another story.

Another aspect is confidence.
How much trust you need to put yourself into hands of people around you. While you have no idea and no awareness whether they are your closest ones, or completely random strangers you've never met in your life before.

And finally, control.
You cannot control others. Fortunately, I discovered that although only recently. The way over-controlling others can limit you is striking. When you finally get to the point where you know that you are the only one responsible for your own behaviour, good or bad, it is then that you open yourself to the world. And see how beautiful it is...

Back to the book though:) There's a story of her dad who left when she was 7... That gave me shivers. And then, there's her mother. She is worried like most mums are. Considering her daughter's unusual condition one could say she is actually carefree. Not in her daughter's eyes, obviously. Which puts an interesting universal view and can make all the mums who read the story feeling very much related...

And finally, there's her uncle, her dad's twin brother. I wonder what it must be like for her to see his face every now and again, so similar to the face of her father. Who left.
Her uncle's attitude is all about a glass half full, which is adorable and lovely:
“So what if you live life on a different schedule?” he says. “You’re still living it.”

She is obviously quite grumpy. Again, that gave me shivers.

She has that interesting ability to analyse things and see them at a different angle. Something I respect, not always understand but respect nonetheless, and sometimes disagree with.
Like this, for example:
'That was one of the worst things about being sick. Someone was always waiting on you, which meant disappointing people was inevitable.'

No it isn't. It's not the worst part.
Having someone you could potentially disappoint is actually one of the greatest things that can happen to you.


Having no one to disappoint. That's the worst that can happen to you...

Single = lonely?

It has been on my mind for some time now. An interesting theory that language, being a mean of communication, aiming at revealing someone's intention, belief, or opinion, can actually influence these intentions, beliefs, and opinions more that we think.

Take single parent for example. While the definition is pretty universal (OK, there might be nothing pretty about it, in general), the actual wording differs significantly from one language to another. 
In English, it simply means someone who is taking care of their children on their own.
And is back from a 'in relationship' status to the one from beforehand. One step back for some, huge step forward for most.

In Polish, however, this is totally different. The notion could be translated into English as 'lonely parent'. 'Lonely mother' or 'lonely father'. Incredible how much negative reference is there.


How come? Because of social life patterns? Because of mainstream acceptance? Because of zero, or little tolerance to life choices people make?

I don't know. But it makes me kind of sad.

Keeping Up Appearances 21 years later

- She can't help the way she looks. It's not her fault - she says when we are watching the replay of gymnasts twisting, tumbling, doing anything I could do if there was no gravity. And no chocolate.
- Yes, but I what I meant to say was ... - I try to explain
- Let me finish first - she raises her hand and continues - it's life's fault. You should blame life for the way you look.

And I wanted to say that what I meant was one of the gymnasts had daggers in her eyes and that unpleasant look on her face. Like if she hated all. Or ate something which made her tummy hurt.
And I wanted to say that I agree it is not about the looks.
I wanted to say I meant the way you are as a human (or sometimes as not human at all), that behaviour finds its way to end up on your face.

But then I stopped.

And thought once again about what she told me.

And said nothing.

Because that little philosopher of mine was completely right. If there is anyone to blame for the way you look, it is indeed your life.

...

Control, command, and rule... in leopard heels

Insightful, clarifying, and informative. One could say that about that book. But I can refer these words to the main character as well: Theresa May.
 
While her portrait here remains professional, some details about her private life were cleverly sneaked into. Which makes this non-fiction a true page-turner.

Like her personal situation. Like her passion for outstanding quality footwear. Like her health issues.

Highly recommended to anybody living in the UK, or interested in recent history.

I just wish the book ended in a less cut-through, no-summary way. 
Then again, this is a life story of a woman who recently became UK's Prime Minister. Life story. With events being written in history right now. So it's life that is part of this book. And that's what makes it even more interesting to read.

(I read ARC of this book)

Auto

It was one of those days when Facebook said to me I should complete a sophisticated test, one in the lines of 'if you think you are funny, this is the most laughs-provoking quote you could post in 20 years' time...'. Or something equally silly. As all you need to do is click. Once. In the rare case of a particularly multi-level analysis you do it twice. And you are presented with a result. Bang! This is what you will say to your so called friends in 2036. Your welcome.


I don't like the word 'should'. It plays tricks with my mind which instantly, instantly produces that voice in my head that says: 'No'. 'Don't do it.' 'It is you who decide, no should-teller has a right to tell you what to do.' And only now, when I look at my no longer-aspiring philosopher, the 7-year old mirror of my stubbornness, only now I can feel the pain my grandma must have felt when she was finding the ways to get around all the 'shoulds' in the world to make me do things.

But that day, it was different. I obeyed. Clearly, clicking on the link Facebook suggests you and letting an online application rule your mood means you are in trouble, or something is not quite working on some levels in your life. Or both.

So I did it. I let this blue time-consuming tool tell me what would be the first sentence of my autobiography book. Which only proves the point. I wasn't myself that day. Otherwise I wouldn't let anyone and anything write words for me.


If you ever come across a biography written by me and by popular free social networking website, you might expect it will start like this: 'In life, I've often found myself standing in front of locked doors. Thank God for sledgehammers.'

Seriously?:)))

And now... something completely different

Kazimierz Wierzynski
Zielono mam w głowie

my very inaccurate English version ...;)


I'm carefree and lightsome
My head full of violets
Grown in the flower-beds of thoughts
Under the never-setting sun
That gave me my bright blue soul
I spread smiles around
I give them away in bunches
I'm this joyful wind-storm of awe and happiness
That poets sometimes feel
When they know they shouldn't be human
They should be Spring itself...

Weather conditions explained - the Rio way

If anyone is wondering what is the weather like in the Americas today (perfect timing, considering the Olympic Games are just about to start:), just read on...

'It is really hot in America', she said, in one of those 'come on, you know I'm right, just admit it' kind of voices. 'Everyone should be using their sun cream. If you are in America, and you're not sweating, something is wrong with you.'
:)))

So, now you know. Enjoy the Games:)

Pulling out a rabbit

'Sometimes, if you expect nothing, you get something, right?', she said, casually, eating her fancy breakfast (biscotti and water... I know. Fancy;) and reading a book, which probably triggered the question she sort of asked.
All I could do was nod. And sit there, in awe of capacities a young brain reveals sometimes.