Into the mists.....

I finished the Mists of Avalon a few days ago. I have tried to write a post about three or four different times. Each time I end up deleting it. I can't seem to talk about what a great story this is without giving away too much. All I will say is that I have read Arthurian based novels in the past. Every single one of them pales in comparison. The first series I read based on this classic story was The Guenevere series by Rosalind Miles. I absolutely loved it. It portrays her as a wild queen dedicated to the old ways. I've also read the Arthurian Saga Series by Mary Stewart. It tells the story from the viewpoint of Merlin. Its very interesting but I didn't enjoy it as much as the Guenevere series. Both of these series are a fun read but they really don't deviate from that good ol' historic epic quest with some romance and magic thrown in to keep it interesting. Mists of Avalon is from the perspective of Morgaine, Arthur's sister. She is a bit of a mystery and often the villain in many Arthurian tales. In Mists of Avalon we meet a girl torn between desire and devotion to doing what she believes it right. Mists makes you wonder what the world would be like if women were not given the role that they were. It makes you want to believe that there really is a world out their among the mists that you can find if only you believe. In that world women are the lawmakers, the peace-keepers, the wise ones. What if our world was run by women. Would it be in the state that it is today? Mists is an epic story with lots of romance and magic, but it is a story that makes you wonder what could be.

Calgon Take Me Away!

Okay, so I don't feel like doing a single productive thing today. I'm completely engrossed in the poor saga of Morgaine, Lancelet, Arthur, and Gywenhwyfar. Okay, so you are totally smitten with a guy and he is smitten with you. Only you are a powerful priestess is training and have sworn a solemn vow to save yourself for the will of the goddess. So how are you rewarded? You are tricked into sleeping with your brother! Eeeek, gross! Then the man you truly love who you could of had falls instead for the women who is destined for your brother. And your brother? He's in love with you and has no clue that his wife is lusting after his best friend like a dog in heat. Wow! If thats the way the goddess rewards her faithful servants than I am glad to be a Christian in deed. hehehe. (couldn't help myself) So what about the pile of laundry, wait lets be honest the pile in the laundry room that needs to be done, the pile in the dryer that needs to be hung, the pile in the closet that needs to be hung, and the pile in the laundry basket outside the door of the closet that needs to be folded. Oh and the garden that needs to be weeded and the kitchen that needs to be mopped, and the dog that needs to be walked. Oh forget it- back to Avalon I go!

How can you sit and read a book in a day?

"And then she took a long breath and looked behind her up the long walk to see if any one was coming. No one was coming. No one ever did come, it seemed, and she took another long breath, because she could not help it, and she held back the swinging curtain of ivy and pushed back the door which opened slowly--slowly.
Then she slipped through it, and shut it behind her, and stood with her back against it, looking about her and breathing quite fast with excitement, and wonder, and delight."
from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Every time I crack open the cover of a new book I remember the feeling I got when I read the lines above when I was but eight years old. Starting a book makes me feel just like Mary holding back the ivy, pushing open the door, and wondering with excitement what new adventures, hidden paths and dangerous quests await. The Secret Garden was the first book I ever chose on my own. I remember that my twelve year-old brother needed a particular novel off his summer reading list. I was driving my Mother crazy whining about how bored I was. Mom looked at Dad with that look that meant, please take her with you! Dad looked at me and asked if I wanted to go to the book store. I remember walking along lines and lines and rows and rows of books. Dad helped my brother find the one he needed and then he asked me if I wanted to pick out a book too. Dad worked hard and Mom stayed at home and the four kids all attended private school so money was tight. This was a treat indeed. I remember Dad showing me the wall of chapter books for children and saying pick one. I took my time reading the backs and looking at the covers. Trying to decide which one to get. I remember feeling so grown up getting to choose my own book. I showed Dad a green book with flowers on it and a little girl. "The Secret Garden, that's a big one, you sure?" Dad said. I knew that I wanted to make the most of this chance and not only choose a book that sounded interesting but that would last. I remember sitting on the couch reading that book. I remember Mom telling Dad that I was reading it way too fast. I devoured that book. After that we began frequenting the book store and I remember Dad showing me where to look on the BookStop price tag to make sure the book was under the allowed limit. I remember gobbling up Sweet Valley High and Babysitter's Club and Choose-Your-Own Adventure novels. While my friends spent their babysitting money on clothes and make-up I spent mine on books. In high school I graduated to Stephen King. It wasn't until the summer before my junior year that I read my first fantasy novel. Of course given to me by Dad. That however, is another tale down memory lane and another post.