Beauty of Nature
blissful beauty only found in nature
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sky Rise Chicago 2011
For the last three years I have climbed the 103 floors to the observation deck of the Sears Tower. This is challenging, tiring, fun and most of all rewarding. The Climb is set up by Rehab Insitute of Chicago (RIC). Each climber raises money that benefits RIC and the patients at RIC. The most rewarding part about the climb is coming out of the staircase and to have patient's in wheelchairs that are unable to walk up the stairs, greet you with big smiles of appreciation. I know that the exhausting and amazing climb is well worth it.
I am still seeking donations for my climb and this year my cute little son is joining me. If you can please donate. Thanks so much. Please go to the website and see the great stories from other climbers and patients. It is amazing.
There are several climbs in most of the large towers around the world including the Hancock building in Chicago and the Empire State Building in New York.
All these great climbs benefit great organizations. If you can't donate check out these climbs and try to participate.
http://ric.convio.net/site/TR/SkyRise/General?px=1132147&pg=personal&fr_id=1050
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Book Review: Shutter Island
Shutter Island by Dennis LehaneMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
*******************************SPOILERS********************************
A great book. Quick read. I saw the movie a year ago, picked this up at the rack at the track and started reading. Couldn't put it down. Lehane has a way of sucking you into the story so you don't want to put the book down.
Many slight differences from the book to the movie. The movie was a bit more suspenseful. However, I liked the book. Twisted. Made me think what is really going on and left me at the end in deep thought about what really happened. The book made it seem more like the Island was a place you would never return from dark with human experiments.
Teddy is a character you love. Chuck a bit lacking in personality. The book has more clues in it and builds up the puzzle of missing patient Rachel, in a more intent way.
I would highly recommend this book for a quick read if you are in the mood for mind twisting.
View all my reviews
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Enlightenment from the Dalai Lama
"All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives." ~Dalai Lama
Monday, January 31, 2011
Italy Challenge January 2011; Hemingway in Love and War........
********************************SPOILERS*******************************
This biography takes place in Italy during World War I. This particular portion of Ernest Hemingway's life from 1917-1918 when he was in Italy as an American Red Cross Ambulance Driver.
During his short time as an ambulance driver he was in Piave at the front. He was five days into handing out cigerettes, chocolates and coffee to the Italian soldiers in the trenches when one evening a trench morter shell killed the Italian private in front of him wounding him and wounding another soldier. Hemingway carried the other soldier to the first aid station in the process sustaining machine gun wounds to his right knee and foot.
This biography is written by Henry Serrano Villard an American Red Cross Ambulance driver and friend of Hemingways and also James Nagel a Hemingway Historian.
The main contents of the book are the letters that Agnes Von Kurowsky wrote to Ernest Hemingway when she was going from hospital to hospital in Italy to Hemingway whom was in the American Red Cross Hospital in Milan. Then the letters from Hemingway home to his parents.
I read this book in conjunction with "A Farewell to Arms". Which was a great way to read both books. As the love affair between Agnes and Ernie is the basis for the love in "A Farewll to Arms".
First, I have to start with how romantic the Italian countryside sounds. Even in the mist of war, I want to visit. Both Agnes, Ernie and Henry present a beautiful description of Italy. Most especially in Milan.
Secondly, this is a wonderful book to get historical facts about Italy and World War I. Very descriptive about the retreat from the Austrians. The relief when the American troops arrived and help the Italians win the war and gain back their country.
Agnes' letters toward the end of the war show how scary it was for the civilians. Many children and women where near several bombs that had not gone off and were innocent victims of curiousity. Agnes describes the wounds suffered by the civilians, and soldiers. Many whom suffered from jundice and maleria.
Hemingway's letters are descriptive about the front and his wounds he suffered. He also describes his wounds he received. Enough that as a Mum myself I would have wanted to go to Italy to be by my son's sides.
Most importantly, the romance between Agnes and Ernie. The Romance that later became "A Farewell to Arms", Hemingway's greatest Novel. The novel that would be banned in Italy because it accurately described the Italian retreat from Austrian soldiers. More importantly, the love that blossomed in a hospital in Milan. In the romantic countryside of Italy between a nurse and a patient.
Villard, whom kept in touch with Agnes and talked to her before her death, said that Agnes denied that Ernie and her were in love. However, Hemingway's letters home and Agnes' letters to Hemingway, and Henry's memory of watching the love begin to grow show us the truth.
Hemingway kept all of Agnes' letters. Letters in which she expressed her love to Ernie. Letters in which she discussed marriage. How she missed Ernie when she was transferred from Milan to different hospitals to the front. Ernie's letters home, in which he briefly tells his family he is in love.
Finally, the heartbreaking dear john letter, that broke Ernie's heart. The letter that forever stayed with Ernie and shaped his future love life. It is clear that Agnes and Ernie were in love. Was it the romantic Italian countryside? Was it two scared and lonely American's in Italy far from home, seeking comfort in another? Was it true love that was split apart by war?
It is clear the Ernie was deeply in love with Agnes. The love and the heartbreak brought both joy and pain to Ernie. It gave us "A Farewell to Arms". A must read as there is so much more to Ernie Hemingway and after reading this book I felt I understood more the pain of Ernie's heartbreak and his need to share his love and pain in Farewell. Beautiful biography on the great American Writer.
This biography takes place in Italy during World War I. This particular portion of Ernest Hemingway's life from 1917-1918 when he was in Italy as an American Red Cross Ambulance Driver.
During his short time as an ambulance driver he was in Piave at the front. He was five days into handing out cigerettes, chocolates and coffee to the Italian soldiers in the trenches when one evening a trench morter shell killed the Italian private in front of him wounding him and wounding another soldier. Hemingway carried the other soldier to the first aid station in the process sustaining machine gun wounds to his right knee and foot.
This biography is written by Henry Serrano Villard an American Red Cross Ambulance driver and friend of Hemingways and also James Nagel a Hemingway Historian.
The main contents of the book are the letters that Agnes Von Kurowsky wrote to Ernest Hemingway when she was going from hospital to hospital in Italy to Hemingway whom was in the American Red Cross Hospital in Milan. Then the letters from Hemingway home to his parents.
I read this book in conjunction with "A Farewell to Arms". Which was a great way to read both books. As the love affair between Agnes and Ernie is the basis for the love in "A Farewll to Arms".
First, I have to start with how romantic the Italian countryside sounds. Even in the mist of war, I want to visit. Both Agnes, Ernie and Henry present a beautiful description of Italy. Most especially in Milan.
Secondly, this is a wonderful book to get historical facts about Italy and World War I. Very descriptive about the retreat from the Austrians. The relief when the American troops arrived and help the Italians win the war and gain back their country.
Agnes' letters toward the end of the war show how scary it was for the civilians. Many children and women where near several bombs that had not gone off and were innocent victims of curiousity. Agnes describes the wounds suffered by the civilians, and soldiers. Many whom suffered from jundice and maleria.
Hemingway's letters are descriptive about the front and his wounds he suffered. He also describes his wounds he received. Enough that as a Mum myself I would have wanted to go to Italy to be by my son's sides.
Most importantly, the romance between Agnes and Ernie. The Romance that later became "A Farewell to Arms", Hemingway's greatest Novel. The novel that would be banned in Italy because it accurately described the Italian retreat from Austrian soldiers. More importantly, the love that blossomed in a hospital in Milan. In the romantic countryside of Italy between a nurse and a patient.
Villard, whom kept in touch with Agnes and talked to her before her death, said that Agnes denied that Ernie and her were in love. However, Hemingway's letters home and Agnes' letters to Hemingway, and Henry's memory of watching the love begin to grow show us the truth.
Hemingway kept all of Agnes' letters. Letters in which she expressed her love to Ernie. Letters in which she discussed marriage. How she missed Ernie when she was transferred from Milan to different hospitals to the front. Ernie's letters home, in which he briefly tells his family he is in love.
Finally, the heartbreaking dear john letter, that broke Ernie's heart. The letter that forever stayed with Ernie and shaped his future love life. It is clear that Agnes and Ernie were in love. Was it the romantic Italian countryside? Was it two scared and lonely American's in Italy far from home, seeking comfort in another? Was it true love that was split apart by war?
It is clear the Ernie was deeply in love with Agnes. The love and the heartbreak brought both joy and pain to Ernie. It gave us "A Farewell to Arms". A must read as there is so much more to Ernie Hemingway and after reading this book I felt I understood more the pain of Ernie's heartbreak and his need to share his love and pain in Farewell. Beautiful biography on the great American Writer.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sweet Enduring Memories
The dark cumulus clouds crept through the concrete jungle like a cat ready to pounce it's prey. I watched as the train rolled into the station. My thoughts wandered as a fond memory of a cold winter day sprung into my head putting a huge smile on my face.
My father's comforting voice, reading to me the words from Joel Chandler Harris' collection of Uncle Remus stories.
Daddy making Brer rabbit come to life not only in my head but in the living room. I could vividly see him antagonising Brer fox. Making me giggle, and keeping my poor mother somewhat sane. Hard having a new baby around and a hyperactive seven year old, full of energy, creativity and apt to cause mischief.
My mind wanting to help Brer Rabbit as he dresses tar baby. And oh the laughter from Brer Fox getting entangled in the tar. I still want to make my own tar baby.
How I long to reenter the lovely tale of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear. I shall have to read to my son.
My father's comforting voice, reading to me the words from Joel Chandler Harris' collection of Uncle Remus stories.
Daddy making Brer rabbit come to life not only in my head but in the living room. I could vividly see him antagonising Brer fox. Making me giggle, and keeping my poor mother somewhat sane. Hard having a new baby around and a hyperactive seven year old, full of energy, creativity and apt to cause mischief.
My mind wanting to help Brer Rabbit as he dresses tar baby. And oh the laughter from Brer Fox getting entangled in the tar. I still want to make my own tar baby.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
After the Storm Mumford and Sons
And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.
Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.
And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.
I will die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and mine so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair
I run and run as the rains come
And I look up, I look up,
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.
Night has always pushed up day
You must know life to see decay
But I won't rot, I won't rot
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.
And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And remembered our own land,
What we lived for.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And now I cling to what I knew
I saw exactly what was true
But oh no more.
That's why I hold,
That's why I hold with all I have.
That's why I hold.
I will die alone and be left there.
Well I guess I'll just go home,
Oh God knows where.
Because death is just so full and mine so small.
Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair
Fiction meets true life
My first book for the Italy Challenge this year is "A Farewell to Arms" by the lovely Ernie Hemingway, whom happens to be my favorite American Prose writer (With Mark Twain being a very close second). How I love this book. I am on my sixth reread of Farewell. What I find interesting is what I am learning this time around and what I missed in my other reads. I am also laughing at myself, as I have post it notes with my notes and comments all over in the book, as I don't write in my books.
In conjunction with Farewell, I am also reading the biography which was done on Ernie's time in Italy during WWI in which he and Agnes fell in love and their love was lost. This is the love the haunted Ernie his entire life and the love that Farewell is based upon. The book is called "Hemingway In Love And War; The Lost Diary of Agnes Von Kurowsky, Her Letters, and Correspondence of Ernest Hemingway" by Henry Serrano Villard and James Nagel.
The significance of the writers, Henry Serrano Villard is and was Ernie's friend and comrade during WWI. Henry was there when the love of Ernie and Agnes developed and grew into this undying and enduring love that would haunt both of them. James Nagel is the lead historian on Ernie's history and literature. Thus this is a wonderful book and it has been a joyful book to read with Farewell.
In Farewell, Ernie has changed the real story, actually a quite a bit from what did truly happen, however, many of the facts are within Farewell. I find the development of Tenente and Catherine's relationship rather amusing. It is the male perspective of I am falling in love with this wonderful woman however I am scared to death to admit this love. It also takes into consideration the fact that Agnes accepted then rejected then admitted that she shouldn't have rejected Ernie's love and tried to make a go at it only to get rejected. Ernie makes his character more hesitant in the novel.
One thing we can learn, is that when you have love, you must do everything to hang onto the love. If you don't you will be miserable. The loss of love will haunt you forever............................Oddly enough I am listening to After the Storm by Mumford and Sons right now as I am writing this last paragraph. Bliss, there will always come a time when "love will not break your heart".
In conjunction with Farewell, I am also reading the biography which was done on Ernie's time in Italy during WWI in which he and Agnes fell in love and their love was lost. This is the love the haunted Ernie his entire life and the love that Farewell is based upon. The book is called "Hemingway In Love And War; The Lost Diary of Agnes Von Kurowsky, Her Letters, and Correspondence of Ernest Hemingway" by Henry Serrano Villard and James Nagel.
The significance of the writers, Henry Serrano Villard is and was Ernie's friend and comrade during WWI. Henry was there when the love of Ernie and Agnes developed and grew into this undying and enduring love that would haunt both of them. James Nagel is the lead historian on Ernie's history and literature. Thus this is a wonderful book and it has been a joyful book to read with Farewell.
In Farewell, Ernie has changed the real story, actually a quite a bit from what did truly happen, however, many of the facts are within Farewell. I find the development of Tenente and Catherine's relationship rather amusing. It is the male perspective of I am falling in love with this wonderful woman however I am scared to death to admit this love. It also takes into consideration the fact that Agnes accepted then rejected then admitted that she shouldn't have rejected Ernie's love and tried to make a go at it only to get rejected. Ernie makes his character more hesitant in the novel.
One thing we can learn, is that when you have love, you must do everything to hang onto the love. If you don't you will be miserable. The loss of love will haunt you forever............................Oddly enough I am listening to After the Storm by Mumford and Sons right now as I am writing this last paragraph. Bliss, there will always come a time when "love will not break your heart".
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