Why I gave up on War and Peace

I tried to read War and Peace, I really did try. I got through 208 pages of the 696, which is not a bad effort. If anyone reading this has gotten further along, I'd love to hear how you managed it. Anna Karenina was not hard to read, so why have I conceded defeat in W&P? Surely classics are classics for some enduring reason.... the thing is I fail to see the point in this case. Maybe I didn't get to the "good part" yet - but if I have to work this hard at it, I prefer to move on.

Before giving up, I read the wiki article about W&P, searching for a reason to keep going. Apparently Tolstoy broke numerous conventions when he wrote it, making it significant due to style rather than content. I am no literary critic - I read for pleasure, to widen my horizons, to gain insight into other ways of being in the world. W&P certainly does manage to paint a picture of a culture and time I know next to nothing about. The thing is, I am simply not interested enough to wade through this one any longer... and the characters are so darn irritating! I admit this book has me beat - and that's a rare confession on my part.

Paul Smith

No doubt you've had numerous "inspirational" emails over the years, many of which I admit to sending merrily into my email trash. A recent one caught my eye (thanks LGG) and I decided to check if the story was true... skeptic that I am.
After all, how could anyone create artwork using a typewriter? Not just any artwork, mind you, but stunning pictures. Even more amazing - the artist in question had cerebral palsy. To see more of his beautiful work and read about his life, click here. There are video clips as well, including one in which he jokes "I'm a self-made man, but I goofed". Truly inspiring.

Google Sites

Catherine and I sat side-by-side with our laptops and created a new Google site each. Still lots to be done, but the site interface is very intuitive and lots of fun to use. Have a peek at:

Tamara's

and

Catherine's

Home > School > Yoga?

This coming week we start homeschooling the kids again - grades 6 and 8 this year. Garry is taking on all of Christopher's schooling, while I will oversee Catherine. No more late nights or sleeping in around here, sadly. It has been lovely to have some time in the mornings for a leisurely start to the day....

I haven't made any goals or resolutions for this year. Just thinking about what needs to be achieved in 2009 makes me feel tired. But last year I did manage to keep two goals that I feel good about. So I am going to tempt fate and try something in the early mornings before the kids get up.

In addition to the usual routine of making bed, getting on the scales, getting dressed, wrapping my hands around a mug of coffee and turning on the laptop, I want to add: yoga. Nothing earth-shattering, mind you... just a very gentle and peaceful smidge of exercise to get myself ready for the day.



See? That wasn't so hard, was it?

Discover Switch again

This is hopefully some clearer footage of Christopher using his Discover software: