Friday, November 1, 2013

Reading, Writing, and Wretched Halloween

I thought I might update you on a few goings-on 'round here on the Isle. First off, tomorrow (Saturday) I am guest writing for the amazing Neighborlies, an online magazine curated by 10 women--one of whom is Jeane Miller from The Coffee Cottage who is hysterical and prolific and ever-so-honest and whom I knew from way back when the massive wall of Aqua-Netted bangs was in style (so circa 1986?). This is a magazine I follow and love and was insanely honored to be asked to make a guest appearance. My article is one that I've actually previously posted on The Silent Isle (bailing bucket, anyone?), but I'd still LOVE to see your smiling faces over there tomorrow!


I always have several books that I'm reading at a time, but I placed on "hold" all books when I started Everything In This Country Must because it was one that I heard so much about while in Ireland and finally got my hands on a copy. It was one I wanted to give my full attention to. And I did. And it was worth it . . . initially. The edition I purchased was comprised of 2 short stories (one of which was entitled "Everything In This Country Must") and 1 novella entitled "Hunger Strike." The short stories I LOVED, especially the one that titled the whole collection. The imagery was vivid and haunting. The prose and dialogue oh-so-tasty, I savored and savored. But when it came to the novella, I was stymied. The language was still just as beautiful and there were so many poignant moments between mother and son. But I don't understand the plot. There doesn't seem to be a distinguishable arc. There are scenes in the novella that I'm still wondering why they were included. Part of me feels like my confusion is simply a result of my own ignorance, that I'm missing something I should be understanding and recognizing. (I felt the same way when reading The Known World. Am I not getting something I should be?!) But then there is another part of me that says, "This book is written to expose the complexity (and the angst) of Ireland to the world. So if I (as part of the world) am not getting it, maybe the story took a few missteps." Still, I'm no expert. McCann is a phenomenal writer and I highly recommend his work if you are interested at all in Irish writing. It's stunning.

Speaking of hunger strike, this brings us (indirectly) to our final point of discussion: Halloween. I hate it. I hated it as a kid when my mom dressed me up as a Pampers box. (Which is exactly as it sounds. She cut holes in the diaper box for arms, head, torso, threw on some tights and away I went until I fell off my aunt's porch and, like a turtle, couldn't roll myself back onto my feet.) I hate it now. I have no moral objection as some have. I have a personal objection: it's creepy. Illuminated fruit (or are pumpkins vegetables?) with scary faces, witches, goblins, spiders (blech!), nighttime walkabouts knocking on stranger's doors asking for something I'm not necessarily entitled to but asking nonetheless. Yeah, it's not me.

I have so far circumvented my children from participating, generally speaking. They dress up every day of the year as princesses and ballerinas and cheetahs (their favorite animal of the moment.) I give them candy often enough. So why do we need a special day to do what we do nearly every day anyway? There. Hate me if you want, those of you who festoon your kids in Star Wars and  Disney regalia. My mind will remain unchanged. If my kids push hard enough I may bribe them with Chuck E Cheese or some other nonsense, like a shopping spree down the Walmart candy aisle. But I will not apologize for my loathing of this day. Besides, my 4 year old said that Halloween is scary because of the stink bugs and spiderwebs that people put on their houses. If that's the case then, apart from maybe December and January, the rest of the year is Halloween around our house nonstop.

So I know this post is random and I'm mildly sorry about that. I couldn't figure out a better way to smoothly segue from the Irish hunger strike to Halloween, unless I referred to Halloween as a hunger non-strike, or maybe hunger assuagement (although spell check assures me this is not a word). So maybe it's best if I just stop talking now, except to say:

It's Friday, everyone! Have a happy weekend!

11 comments:

  1. 1. I am indelibly honored that you used my name and "prolific" in the same sentence. Flattering, albiet a stretch.

    2. We are deeply honored to have you in included in this week's issue of Neighborlies. Thank you ever so much for pinning your name to our board.

    3. You may hate Halloween. I hate rhubarb. We all have our sources of hatred and as long as its not people-centered, I think we're ok.

    Happy Friday to you! I have a butt crack that needs wiping.

    Jeane`

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jeane. I do try to avoid people hating, takes too much energy....kind of like Halloween. And a very happy Friday to you! Good luck with the butt crack wiping.

      Delete
  2. Haha! You 2 are hilarious! Anna, always love your posts. And totally forgot about the "Pampers Box" year!! But of course I wouldn't remember, because I always had my costume nailed...I went as Queen Esther EVERY YEAR!! At least you were a little more creative...but sorry it was scarring :)

    Love you and love reading what's on your mind...

    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I remember Queen Esther. You always were so regal and refined. Queen Esther was so fitting :) And I don't think it was me who was creative so much as mom who was desperate and threw whatever was on hand on me as a costume. And I wouldn't say I was scarred so much as humiliated with that one. Love seeing you here, Sarah. Thanks. Love you too!

      Delete
  3. I think I'll just call you Scout because your Halloween story. It parallels on so many levels. ;) And I don't abhor Halloween as much as you do, but you know that...GLAD, though, that you do not judge those who do participate as I was subjected to last night on FB. Will have to update you later on that front...and I'm placing the book you referenced on my "to read" list, but I'll read it, of course, after I read a certain novella by a certain BFF I know.....<3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...oops....I mean because OF your Halloween story....

      Delete
    2. I'm so sorry that happened to you, Hannah. I cannot fathom why people get so judgey over halloween. It's ridiculous. But always glad to add to your reading list, dear friend!

      Delete
  4. In the middle of town there is one of those inflatable yard decorations--a large skull with a mouth that opens and shuts. Every time I drive by I think about sticking something large and equally tacky in its mouth.
    Other than that, I try, as much as possible, to keep my gaze averted from yards and houses featuring decor that is unsuitable for polite company the rest of the year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm seeing more and more Halloween yard decor and it drives me crazy. Some people up the street thought it would be cool to put a decapitated head in their hedge. No cool, people. Not cool. I would fully support you in your mouth-stuffing endeavor :) Thanks, Lisa!

      Delete
  5. I'll have to add McCann to my giant pile of books waiting on me. The segue from Ireland's angst to Halloween angst was brilliant. (And I'm with you, btw) Heading to Neighborlies now. :)

    ReplyDelete

Please, say hi and tell me your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you!