Month: May 2018

Fountains Keep Nothing for Themselves

James HoganLeave a comment

Last night, even though I *should* have been going to bed and getting a good night’s sleep…I was silly and insisted on finishing my book instead:

12.  Cordelia’s Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold.  Technically I could probably count this as two books – Shards of Honor and Barrayar, but I have the omnibus edition and both individual books are rather short and I did only read it in four days so…I think I will only count it as one.  Anyways!  This book was magnificent.  I’ve always heard good things about Bujold and even tried reading one of her books back in my Aberdeen days – Cryoburn.  For some reason, I struggled with that book and didn’t really enjoy it?  I even remember being bored by it, for some reason.  Hm.  Maybe it was not the best of hers to start with.  Anyway – this book – Cordelia’s Honor – was absolutely magnificent.  I’ve read some reviews online stating that the first book(Shards of Honor) is not very well written and must be suffered through to get to the good stuff…I absolutely disagree as I simply loved all of it.  It may be that the terse and slightly clunky prose reminds me of my classic golden age sci-fi favorites, but nonetheless, so many fantastic moments throughout.  And I realize I am not explaining why I like this at all.  Well, it’s a grand sci-fi adventure with amazingly real characters in a fascinatingly drawn universe.  Cordelia is magnificent and she is my favourite and I simply need to read more about her!  And Aral Vorkosagin isn’t so bad himself, a warrior, a man of integrity and a man of deep-felt love.  And the story of them meeting each other on a random newly discovered planet amidst confusion and conflict and their growing admiration and then love for each other…wonderful.  There are some harrowing moments in this book too – it is most certainly not for the faint of heart.  But the moments of hair-raising terror were made up for by the sheer wonder of discovering a new world and new favorite characters…and the high political(and martial!) drama was beautifully portrayed.  And while some books can glorify or make war seem grand and desirable(especially pulp sci-fi!), this one most certainly does not.  The stupidity and ironic valour of war are highlighted…and individuals are prized.  Even the low and insignificant, the feeble and disabled…all are worthy of life and honor.  I was most impressed by the the themes in this book.  And once again – Cordelia is just plain awesome.  An epic moment near the end of the book left me grinning and slightly open-mouthed in awe.  I shan’t spoil it here, but let’s just say it involves Cordelia on a shopping trip to the capital…and it has a most satisfying denouement.  (this book would make a great movie by the way – why has it not been done!?!)  One more thing – often times science fiction books are all about the action and fancy new tech and exotic worlds, etc, etc and the characters are given rather short shrift.  Other books are marvelous character studies, but the book’s setting and plot is just a bit blah.  This book was a most lovely blend of my very favorite sci-fi elements with delightfully raw and relatable characters living their lives.  Well done, Bujold, well done, indeed.  Next book – omnibus Young Miles – has already been ordered.  One last thing – would I recommend this unreservedly?  Probably not, because it does have a few very scary moments that are not for the faint of heart, and while not overly graphic, is also probably not for the squeamish either.  As you can tell though…I loved it and glad I finally have discovered why Bujold is so strongly praised.  One last thing – this book did indeed have some perfectly beautiful lines in it.  While a lot of the prose is merely…serviceable, there are a couple lines that made me near weep for their beauty.  And that is not a bad thing.

That was a very long review.  Sorry?  Guess you can tell I enjoyed the book!  Now…time to sip on my coffee and begin work this day.  Peace and love.

Amaranth

James HoganLeave a comment

Did I mean to write something more creative and fun this morning?  Yes.  Did I get distracted reading about the Rockets’ win yesterday to put them up 3-1 on the Jazz and the Lightning’s series win over the Bruins?  Also yes.  Ah well – I cannot complain as I have a peppermint mocha in front of me and a three day week before me.  Want to share some of my very favourite words that I happened to read today…thus always my heart:

I cried to you; save me and I shall keep Your testimonies.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I wait for Your words.
My eyes anticipate the night watches,
that I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
revive me, O Lord, according to Your ordinances.

-Psalm 119:147-149

Shards of Honor

James HoganLeave a comment

Good afternoon friends!!  It is a most fine Sunday afternoon here.  And I have not long to write, as soon I will be off to Julien and Kelsey’s for a fine roast dinner.  Most looking forward to that, as delightful conversation and encouraging times await.  But for now, I can only sit and thank the Lord for the beautiful day He has granted me.  A wonderful morning at church with my dear brothers and sisters.  A relaxing few hours at home in which to eat lunch and do other various domestic chores.  And then…a lovely walk down to EQ and a few hours on the porch there, soaking up the sunlight and reading a lovely book.  Oh what a gift was granted me by my Lord, that few hours of reading in the glorious sunshine.  Few things are better than that.  But…one of those things better came soon after…as I walked home, called home and talked to mom and dad…enjoying sweet chat with them…of Lightning victorious and other sundry things.  Again.  Few things are bettter than that.

And now…I really don’t think I can say much else without resorting to poetic anthem, and I feel it is not time for that this day.  Some other day, perhaps.  For now, I will sign off and think of the gratitude and love that fills my heart this day.  I still feel the touch of the sun on my skin and the touch of that song on my soul.

Peace and love, one and all.

Wishmaster

James HoganLeave a comment

So finished another book last night.  Read:

11.  The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan.  I’m not going to overly detail my thoughts on this book, other than it’s another fantastic Wheel of Time book…full of high drama and delicious fantastical elements.  This is the book where Rand is barely ever in it, but he does show up at the end in time to defeat Ishamael and claim the Stone of Tear, prompting both Aiel and Defenders of the Stone alike to shout out in acclamation.  And this book also contains the beginnings of Mat being awesome…as well as Perrin meeting Faile.  For somer reason, the more I read these books, the more I like reading Perrin & Faile’s story…and this is where Perrin first discovers his falcon and their love story is beautiful, as messy as it later becomes!  In this book it ends with her wiping his blood off his face, the blood he shed to save her life.  Romantic to the core.  Now I apologize – for any of you who have not read this book, it sounds most confusing…and trust me, even reading it can sometimes be confusing.  But wonderful all the same.

What else shall I discuss today?  I suppose I could mention that myself and John are planning to go see newest Avengers movie – Infinity War – later tonight.  It should be epic, as it has approximately 23 superheroes in it.  And…I believe that’s not that much of an exxageration.  Excited for that!!

Also been for some reason in a Nightwish mood lately…listening to it both at work and in my drives to and from.  I forgot how much I love them and just how gorgeous their music is!!  And thankfully, I have Laura who I can call and we can go into great detail discussing our fav albums and singers (obviously Tarja is amazing….but I do like both Annette and Floor in their own way, as well!!)  Been remembering the times I saw them live(first with Jackie, second with Laura!) and it has renewed my desire to one day soon chronicle my all-time favorite concert experiences, of which surely Nightwish show will be near the top.

Now it is about time for me to take my leave, but firstly (note, I should really probably leave off that last stanza…but can’t help it – love it even though poem would probably be better ending stanza sooner…)…

The morning warm and dark breaks
like the darkened sea upon the shattered shore,
and though I think there is no beauty left to find,
and no more dawn song tripping through my mind,
I turn the key and turn my head and turn and see
her entering,
and the gate swings open, open
and the streetlamps’ light descends upon her
faintly.

Faintly yes
but enough for me
to see

Chocolate curls cascading,
Snow white dress shimmering,
Her eyes liquidly
Dark and full of magic,

and though I approach but softly
her lips quirk up in sheepish smile,
our eyes brush past each other
and touch oh so gently
and lips murmur
courteous nothings
in the wind.

And lo her eyes smile and dip and dance away
and so I bow and take my leave
and so
and so
the dawn song breaks upon my heart once more
as the foamy sea cast its waves
upon that golden shore.