E. Reading Update (Shakespeare)

Age: 9.3 years old.

She's read children's versions and the graphic novel of Macbeth, but now she's reading the full unabridged versions.

She finished Merchant of Venice, and just started Midsummer's Night Dream.

Yes to Shoulder Rides

E. is nine and she's still not too big where I can still give her rides on my shoulder. But she doesn't ask any more. G., her sister is five, and asks and when I'm tired or my neck is sore, I say no.

Yesterday, she asked and I said, Yes. I'm going to keep saying Yes until she stops asking. I don't know how much longer she's going to ask, so I'm going to keep giving her shoulder rides until I am no longer able.

And I also told E. she could have a ride any time she wants.

Going to have to add this to the Daddy manual.

Random notes on M. Chabon and Art of Writing

Back on a Michael Chabon kick. Read Summerland, and his short stories, Model World. Just re-read Mysteries of Pittsburgh.

Some of his descriptions, back stories of place and character are so rich, and deeply imagined or researched, I think to myself, that I could never do that and then realize that he's been writing for a while now and perhaps, when I get my 10,000 hours of writing in, perhaps then I could.

He likes to transpose his adjectives and phrases.

Currently reading his essays, Manhood for Amateurs. Next up, his stories, Werewolves in their Youth. 

Importance of place: Summerland, Pittsburgh. Of time: Summer.

What's the difference between nostalgia and sentimentality?

Are all novels an exercise in nostalgia? Not a yearning for the past, but just to remember it. Mark it.