The Host

A secondary note to my previous post: Stephenie Meyer has also written an adult fiction novel called The Host, a science fiction romance novel. (I promise, it's not your typical romance novel at all. Meyer has got the market cornered on innovative love stories that don't feel cliched.) Opinions about this novel are also welcome. I am really curious to see what people think about this story, to see if you think that this narrative had as much fire and intensity as the Twilight series. Science fiction is new territory for me, so I don't have much to compare it to, but it was really imaginative without feeling over the top. At times, the plot felt a little unnecessarily convoluted but, that aside, Meyer's treatment of internal dialogue is quite genius. Brilliant, actually. Sometimes, she would use a combination of phrases or words that would just blow my mind with its emotional accuracy. She is able to articulate complex psychological situations with incredible ease. Despite that, it did feel a little predictable, but it didn't feel like a big problem in the overall scheme of the story. The reader is just happy that the characters have made a journey that feels significantly relevant to modern life, and completely worth it, despite the incredible misery it inspires throughout the novel.

Twilight Debate Anyone???

I devoured all four of the Twilight books in a little under a week. Although the lead female character is a little too self-depracating for my usual taste, I still loved the chemistry and the language of these novels by Meyer. The dialogue is fantastic. If you read these books for any reason, it should be the witty, flirty banter between Bella and Edward. It draws you in, grabs you by the lapel and will not let go. I have stayed up until the wee hours of the morning far too many times just to finish a chapter. I kept telling myself "Just one more chapter" and I would do that until three am. Curiosity gets the better of me every time.
However, after completing the final and fourth book a couple of weeks ago, I am a little unsure how I feel about the last few pages of this love story. I promise not to spoil it for everyone if you haven't read them yet, but I would really like to hear how other readers feel about the conclusion. I am also eagerly awaiting the film adaptation of the first book, and any opinions on the actors/actresses are totally welcome.
Warning: The second book is kind of depressing -still good, but depressing- so I don't suggest you read this volume until you are in the mood for a heart wrenching read. The reader is constantly dragged through the muck along with the narrator and Meyer is very vivid in her descriptions of a broken heart.
It is not your typical Vampire story. The writing is quite mature for a teen/adolescent series, as is the subject matter. It's a plain out-and-out love story. Now, I am not normally into super duper romance but I guarantee that this series will melt even the most cynical heart. If it doesn't, you will at least be thoroughly entertained by the sexual tension and imaginative plot line that Meyer creates so well.

Super Cute Mini Schnauzer

Puppies Rock! I have a miniature schnauzer as well, only it was all black as a puppy. This one in the video is cuddly too. Mine is 18 months now. I would put videos of my own puppy if I knew how... I am completely inept when it comes to technology. I've just managed to figure out how to imbed YouTube videos let alone my own photographs. I'm working on it... it's only a matter of time and a little practice.

Authentic Self

"Distinguishing authenticity from deception- at any stage of life- requires the ability to access and understand your emotions, desires, and values. But the more advanced practice of choosing authenticity over social acceptance requires something more: you must tell yourself and your intimate others the truth, all of it, as deep as you can, especially when it's difficult. What you express is from the heart and intended to serve both yourself and others. You must adopt the practice of making all your actions align with what you know to be emotionally and spiritually true."

-An excerpt from Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche by Bill Plotkin

The following video is an interview with Plotkin. It's quite interesting and he presents some really significant ideas about developing an authentic self.

Here are some fun and colourful ideas from a YouTuber. I haven't had a chance to try some of these techniques just yet but they are very versatile.

The Art of Peace

I've always wanted to learn how to meditate. I've done Yoga and Pilates, which helps. The closest I've come to finding that bridge to mental silence is when I run. But, I think that reading comes in at a very close second. For the past week, I have been submerged in language, reading incessantly. (The books were highly addictive and virtually impossible to put down.) When I read, my thoughts rest, stop wishing, wanting and complaining. Instead, I was in the moment of each word as I read them, soaking in the narrative and emotions that they conveyed. Time slipped by when I wasn't looking and before I knew it, half the night had passed without a moment of frustration. I went to sleep, physically and mentally tired, but not leaping forward to the next morning. Focusing on my breathing and the weight of my head on the pillow was all I needed to do before I could feel myself drifting off. Considering I have a bad habit of putting the cart before the horse on many occasions, I was happy that I'd made this step.

Learning to empty one's mind of thoughts is a tough task. My mind often produces more thoughts and anxiety than I need or want. Those moments of lightness are what I hope to understand and, ultimately, learn how to control. Right now, it is not easy. It takes a great deal of concentration but it's worth the peace it gives me, if only momentarily.

Speechless: In Memoriam

I simply can't understand an act of such violence. I am utterly speechless as to what to say or write about this horrific event. What can one say when something like this happens? Please take a moment to watch the videos...