14 July 2006

The inner life

I've been living a quiet life for the last few days. (Oh, you say, as opposed to the vivid, adventurous life you usually write about?)

I've knitted some - the shawl is now a foot long. I've read some - nearly finished Passage to India, and did finish another Summer Reading Challenge book, Bobbed Hair and Bathtub Gin by Marion Meade. (Click to read my review on Tea Reads.)

I chose the book because I love Edna St. Vincent Millay, Dorothy Parker, and Zelda Fitzgerald. The whole post-WW1 era was stuffed with brilliant writers and brave politics. I hope I would have been on the picket line with Dorothy Parker, protesting the impending deaths of Sacco and Vanzetti. I would have haunted the magazines for new poems and writings by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Zelda's story touches my heart and spirit like almost no one else's.

Would I have thrived in those times? Probably not, not like these women. I don't drink gin (or bergin, for you Albee-lovers out there), and my hair (although I am 54) is nearly to my waist. Not only do I not crave the spotlight, I actively flee from any hint of it. The lives of Vincent, Dottie, and Zelda did not end well -- but they had LIVES then, and they made the most of their closeups.

Back to my knitting, and the next Summer Reading Challenge book.

7 comments:

Stephanie said...

Have you read nancy Mitford's bio of Zelda? I really liked it. I've also got the newer on eby Sally Cline but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

I'm a big fan of Zelda. :)

Jennifer said...

Interesting reads! I'm enjoying reading everyone's reports.

Becky said...

I envy your quiet days. Too many comings and goings at my house. I just want to knit and read. For a little while. Enjoy. :)

Maven said...

Currently living vicariously thru your knitting. When it gets hot like it's been, the last thing I do is pick up my crochet hook/s. Oh, that coupled up with my carpal tunnel syndrome... but mostly the heat.

Post more pics of your projects, woman!

You're more vivid than you give yourself credit for... there is such an earthy, loving, safe quality about your normal speaking tone... a joy. Vivid is a word, I'd use!

CygKnit said...

I am comforted to find so many parentheses here.

Do enjoy your quiet.

amandazen said...

Ah you and I had similar weekends. I love just hanging around and having quite weekends and week days. Hubby and I spend more time at home than anywhere else.

Have a wonderful quiet time.

Amanda :)

Amanda Roper said...

I'm reading Bobbed Hair and Bathtub Gin and I'm loving it. It is the perfect follow up to Save me the Waltz!