Pages

Sunday, January 27, 2019

January Updates

Hello, mi amici. I apologize for my sudden disappearance - I wish I had an excuse. Unfortunately, as you all know me well, you know that I am very prone to be absent-minded, and often poor old bloggie suffers for it. So... I apologize. And I figure, since it's been a while, I'll attempt to re-start the blogging train with what I've been up to lately.
Life
I'm not even sure why this is a section of my life updates, because, obviously, my life is not a big part of my life. Anywho. Primarily, I went to a swing dance, babysat a ton, and failed to make enough time for homework.
Books
Now we're into the more interesting part. I am in the midst of reading C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy (I'm almost finished with the last book), but not quite done, so I'll probably write a review of it as soon as I finish, but so far, I can tell you that these books are seriously worth reading - I would say that they're easily better by far than The Chronicles of Narnia, and Narnia's pretty awesome, so that should say something. I also am reading the Sacred Heart Press's Imitation of Christ, which is also quite commendable.
Writing
I finished TPoaM, as you all know, of course, and am currently on a bit of a break before my next big writing project. I am working on a short story which I intend to make known soon enough, but just haven't written a Meet the Books! for yet - but I am trying a new genre. Also, the story that will get finished this year has been decided, I believe - The Second Brother will hopefully not see the end of the year incomplete. I have been reading a lot of other people's writing as well, though, and come across some serious gems, some honorable mentions being Catherine Hawthorn's The White Rose and Megan Chappie's Barnstormers.
Music
Well. It seems that I'm in over my head... as usual. Not only am I performing in a musical (thankfully in the chorus), but I agreed to do a piano duet for a talent show, and sing solo for a Mass at my music teacher's parish. Help. Not only that, but I am on the road to getting a song I composed published, which is both exciting and simultaneously terrifying. If it is without kinks, then it should be out probably before the summer, but even with kinks, I shall probably announce its arrival within the year. As for the rest of my music... I'm taking it easy for a while. I realize that my music is still pretty amateur, so I'm putting my opera on hold for a time when I can do it more justice, and working strictly on more simple things right now. Hopefully this will allow for more devotion to choir and more attention to other people's compositions.
In Conclusion...
Well, all in all, it's not been a terribly busy month due to sickness (thankfully my siblings are all better now), but blogging will be better soon, I hope, and I will definitely try not to lose the thread again. I suppose I shall try and get that Meet the Books! post up soon and another snippet of TPoaM, as well as (perhaps) a new tag. For now, though, I believe that's all!
What have you been up to this month? Have you ever been swing-dancing? Do you know Lewis' Space Trilogy? Can you ever forgive me for forgetting the blog?!

12 comments:

  1. I love swing dancing! And I've been wanting to read those books for so long! I've been into audio books lately and just listened to "The Pilgrim's Regress" and "Miracles" both by Lewis, and they were seriously so amazing.

    keturahskorner.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay - a fellow swinger! If there is anything so fun as a traditional art like swing-dancing, I know it not...
      Ooh, yes, you do need to read the trilogy! And I need to read those books - I still am quite heartily under-read when it comes to Lewis (which goes to show that you cannot judge an author by one book or book series - I didn't read much of him because i found the Narnia books slightly shallow, but then found to my surprise that Lewis' other books were quite insightful and profound).

      Delete
  2. A few years ago swing dancing was all the rage with some of the young folks I knew, and even one of my brothers joined in. But dancing isn't really my thing (although I can be coaxed into trying a metis jig).
    I think it was also around the time of the swing dancing craze that I read Lewis' space series. While not my favourite of his works, I did like them.
    Congratulations on your upcoming song publication!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, well, it is a blast! But I can understand not liking it, too, I suppose.
      I'm so unversed in Lewis' works, that's why the Space Trilogy was so new to me - there are so many Lewis works out there, and I loved just those! I'd bet they're only the tip of the iceberg of amazing Lewis works I don't know. Which would you say is the best?
      Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Lewis was a prolific author, and I've only read a fraction-- but I liked 'The Screwtape Letters' and 'A Grief Observed'. I also found it interesting to read his old 'Boxen' stories, which were the stories he and his brother wrote when they were children.

      Delete
    3. Ooh, yes, I'm immensely looking forward to The Screwtape Letters - everyone I know who's read them says they're splendid, every fragment I've ever read of them was delightful, and everything I hear about them is promising. I have not heard of those other two, though I shall definitely have to look them up if they are good Lewis works.

      Delete
  3. best of luck for your solo and for you duet!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, yes, I can forgive you for forgetting your gorgeous blog if you can forgive me for commenting late! :)

    Wow. Sounds like you're up to some exciting and prestigious things!! Good luck with all your performing arts endeavors and that song publication! And I can't wait to hear more about these new writing projects. :)

    And aw, shucks, you mentioned Barnstormers....*blushes*

    The Space Trilogy is pretty durn awesome. I still can't decide if I like Perelandra or That Hideous Strength better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, snap - on that count, I need forgiveness again! I just remembered that I still haven't read that last post you put up!

      Si, certo! Thanks, Megs!

      Of course! And why not? It was splendid...

      Methinks Perelandra is my favorite, but I still have a handful of chapters left for That Hideous Strength, so I guess I'm not fully allowed to decide yet.

      Delete
  5. Please do not worry, dear Belle. I have been very remiss in commenting like Megan so it all evens out....LOL.

    Ahh! Swing dancing always looked fun to me. Pity I haven't learned really (I got taught the rock step when I was last out in OH....)

    That is commendable!! I haven't been able to finish Imitation of Christ yet (or the Bible for that matter...I'm now slogging through Ecclasiates.....)

    Rgh! I hope you do another Meet the Books! soon - when you do, I plan on giving you at least 3 to make up for the ones that I've missed....*giggles*

    MEEEP - gosh I got waaaaaaayyyyy too excited when I saw you mention The White Rose. I must learn to contain myself.....

    You'll climb to the top of your music mountain, don't worry. Good luck with the musical and the solo! And I so can't wait to see this song that you're publishing!!!

    Glad your siblings are better!!!

    Catherine <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well. On that count, I must apologize again - I have neglected commenting on your posts as well, I'm afraid... Which, again, I apologize for.

      Well, if you know the rock-step, then you know all that is absolutely necessary to swing dance - the basic step is just swaying once to either side and then rock-stepping back over and over again.

      I have a feeling that Imitation of Christ is just one of those books best taken slowly. (Ach, you're ahead of me on that one - I still haven't started to read the Bible cover to cover....)

      Ooh, goodie!

      Haha, and why not? It's a good book!

      Thanks - I'll need it!

      Grazie!

      Delete

For my lovely readers who wish to comment... I enjoy the comments you all put up, and your feedback and critique are always welcome! My requirements for commenters are fairly simple and easy: I will delete any and all comments of a derogatory, spam, trolling, or obscene nature. All other comments, as long as they are civil, are quite welcome. If you want my specific guidelines, feel free to ask. :)