Light in August (1932) by William Faulkner is my latest reading material. I thought I had better read some of the classics. No wonder it is called a classic! Faulkner wrote most of his works while in his 30's. This one has racial issues, bootlegging, the poor, life in the South-definitely a portrait of the times.

I don't recall reading other works by Faulkner. Perhaps I read something in high school or during my college career, but I can't remember.

At any rate, this book has definitely developed characters and a plot that twists and turns with some real surprises. I had trouble putting it down. The hardest part is the long repeating sentences and the southern voice. It is a very troubling book with characters that would fit right in with today's bizarre world. As one blip said, the book explores the nature of evil. This will be considered my "heavyduty" reading for the month.

"All Songs Considered" from NPR has been a great gift. AS gave BF two CDs this last year and two the year before. I love the variety of music and never tire of it.

Because of these CDs, I found Moby. So, Moby has become my new favorite to listen to. I especially like "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?" from Moby Play. Don't really know what to say about Moby except that he is one exceptional guy. More about his life-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby

If you get a chance, have a listen to this music.

The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean is an interesting combination of dealing with memory. The main character, Marina, a tour guide, has created a "memory palace" to contain the Hermitage Museum's priceless masterpieces as the German army sets siege to Leningrad in 1941. Young Marina uses her mind and memory to endure terror, horror, hunger, and death as she deals with the war.

In contemporary America, Marina, an elderly grandmother, is dealing with Alzhimer's. Her daughter has little inkling of her mother's past, as is so often the case. How many of us really understand our mother's youth and past?

This was an absorbing reading subject. I found the descriptions of the artwork delightful. Dean has a gift for this. She also gives the State Hermitage Museum website which I couldn't wait to view. How beautiful! The website:http://hermitagemuseum.org/ gives history, digital reproductions of the collections, and a walk through various rooms of the museum.

Yes, the subject of war is always difficult, but it is a reminder that war creates the tragic loss of culture, art, and history.

Handmade cards are my newest old thing. I got a big box of fabulous cards from Lady J and I think I'm inspired. They're the kind of card with little three-dimensional cutouts, glitz, and remarkable designs.

What I mean is that I want to get back into making my own cards. I have made invitations to my teas and maybe a once-in-a-while birthday card. I don't have much equipment-stamps, paper, ink, etc. I guess I will have to be creative, because I'm really not up for a big investment hobby.

So, this may be my new/old thing besides eating, drinking, and reading, of course working ,which I try not to mention. One may be coming your way.