Good Help is Hard to Find
Am I really getting back to writing on my blog? It has been awhile since I have posted anything. I have been reading several political blogs - I guess that's what keeps me busy when I have computer time. More about the ones I find interesting sometime!
Lately I've been getting some work done in my yard. Sometimes it seems that it's hard to find the painter or carpenter or home handyman or mechanic who can be trusted to do a good job at a fair price. And did I ever find a gem of a gardener! What can you say about someone who takes pride in a job well done? who is personable and knowledgeable? who goes above and beyond expectations in completing a project? Why, I guess you hire him (or her) back another time. I'm already thinking about the hedge he is going to put in for me next spring!
My book discussion group met and we're reading our first book of the "new year" (the new year always starts in September for me) - The Other Side of the Bridge by Canadian author Mary Lawson. I really enjoyed Lawson's first book, Crow Lake, and in fact reading this one was my suggestion. From what I remember of Crow Lake it was about two brothers; so is this new book. Both are set in Northern Ontario, Crow River features prominently in the new book. Themes? Well, again similar: if I had to pick one of Lawson's themes I guess it would be "what is the measure of a man?" and, as she works out in her books - all the brainpower and education in the world cannot make up for integrity, responsibility, dependability and hard work in whatever field one chooses or that one finds oneself in due to circumstances.
There is a tenseness to both books. Although Lawson writes in this easy to read style, there is something gripping about her narration: as you read on and on, through minute details of everyday life, you are suddenly hit with the dramatic moment, the twist of fate, the coincidental happening that you know will lead on inevitably and inexorably to a conclusion that is almost fore-ordained.
Two books about brothers and Lawson dedicates this last book to her two brothers. Hmmm -- it will be interesting to see if the book discussion group makes anything of that!
Lately I've been getting some work done in my yard. Sometimes it seems that it's hard to find the painter or carpenter or home handyman or mechanic who can be trusted to do a good job at a fair price. And did I ever find a gem of a gardener! What can you say about someone who takes pride in a job well done? who is personable and knowledgeable? who goes above and beyond expectations in completing a project? Why, I guess you hire him (or her) back another time. I'm already thinking about the hedge he is going to put in for me next spring!
My book discussion group met and we're reading our first book of the "new year" (the new year always starts in September for me) - The Other Side of the Bridge by Canadian author Mary Lawson. I really enjoyed Lawson's first book, Crow Lake, and in fact reading this one was my suggestion. From what I remember of Crow Lake it was about two brothers; so is this new book. Both are set in Northern Ontario, Crow River features prominently in the new book. Themes? Well, again similar: if I had to pick one of Lawson's themes I guess it would be "what is the measure of a man?" and, as she works out in her books - all the brainpower and education in the world cannot make up for integrity, responsibility, dependability and hard work in whatever field one chooses or that one finds oneself in due to circumstances.
There is a tenseness to both books. Although Lawson writes in this easy to read style, there is something gripping about her narration: as you read on and on, through minute details of everyday life, you are suddenly hit with the dramatic moment, the twist of fate, the coincidental happening that you know will lead on inevitably and inexorably to a conclusion that is almost fore-ordained.
Two books about brothers and Lawson dedicates this last book to her two brothers. Hmmm -- it will be interesting to see if the book discussion group makes anything of that!
posted by mamie @ 4:10 PM
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