Life on Mars - End of Summer 2012

I am so sorry that I haven't been posting here so much this Summer. Believe me, it's not that Summer was without our usual events. As a matter of fact, it was so bizarre and eventful, I really didn't feel like sharing. Twisted relationships, police visits, arrests, fights, crying, wild kids, sad deaths in the family. Too many full moons, alcohol and Mercury retrograde. I must say that it was the most stressful Summer I can remember and I was literally a bystander to it all. Most of my stress was from the bounce effect.

That's all I have to say about this summer. One good thing was that before Summer hit, I had some of the best sales I've had in years. And I bought a used kindle and a few cheap and free books, so I started reading again. I really, really didn't care for the Hunger Games Trilogy. Hate me if you will, but I really didn't like the message it sent to the youth it was geared to. I can't even begin to point out how many flaws there were in that story, and leaving the heroine weak and depressed was not where I would have lead the reader. I've read more positive stories about survivors of Hiroshima.

I'm reading Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse 5 now. Started out so boring, but I'm really engrossed halfway through. I love the voice he writes in. Reminds me a bit of J. D. Salinger. I plan on catching up with a lot of classic literature I missed out on, because I had trouble reading in the past. I have 60 books waiting on my kindle now and I watch for deals. The next book is a semi fictional book about Pearl S. Buck. I really want to get The Good Earth, but have to wait until I get better sales to afford it. I'm fascinated with China and her people and want to read more about it's past.

There were good times too. Out of town visitors were fun. Time spent with family, visits to the zoo and Art Museum, and the weather, although hot, was pretty nice this year. We had a booming crop of tomatoes thanks to my intent work on the garden this year. Every penny put in was worth it.

One good thing I can say about this Summer is that things have been so crazy busy here that the woman next door didn't attack the little shed and pull everything out on the lawn like she has every summer before. I think she's been too busy chasing around her adult boys who keep getting in trouble. That and the fact that they finally have a car and she can just get away from the house when things get stressful. I've just been going for walks. Stress has been better for my health in the long run. Arms are stronger from lifting a heavy baby and cardiovascular health is better from the long uphill walks.