This is blog.

[ethereal-one]

Memo #5

Memo #5—A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones

Date:  May 11, 2015

To:  Ongoing Readers of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game     of Thrones

From:  Noah Johnson, Current Reader of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones

Subject:  Carnivorous Marvelous Monsters Reside Within My Book

______________________________________________________________________

To all ongoing readers of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones, Memo #5 is meant to serve as a marveling of dragons.

Details of my current state of reading follow:  Page 632. Day 42 of reading this first book in A Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire.  As I am fully involved now, no turning back, no putting this book down, a whopping 632 pages in, and the stories keep coming. Since my last entry, just over ten days ago, numerous pages have been whipped backward with a single motion of a hand, again and again.  I’m rapidly moving through this book, hoping to reach the second soon, anticipation is huge now.  Only free time and the existence of other obligations I like to call “daily life at CCS” will dictate whether or not I will finish soon.  

For the focus of Memo #5, Daenerys will be key, so all future readers of A Song of Ice and Fire, as well as my blog notes, please pay attention.  In the last large chunk of my reading, I experienced a very important chapter on Daenerys, and some of the best imagery of the book is described throughout.  So, please stop and digest it all well in your future reading; please pay attention to the intensity; and please find yourself in a time of dragons.  As you will know by this time, Daenerys has the blood of dragons in her, so she naturally possesses this all the time.  However, now dragons begin to appear in her dreams.  Drawing specific attention to Page 627, Daenerys dreams about her life and her dragons.  

For Memo #5, there is one smaller passage in this section that I will focus on:  “You don’t want to wake the dragon, do you?  Ser Jorah’s face was drawn and sorrowful.  Rhaegar was the last dragon, he told her.  He warmed translucent hands over a glowing brazier where stone eggs smoldered red as coals.  One moment he was there and the next he was fading, his flesh colorless, less substantial than the wind.  The last dragon, he whispered, thin as a wisp, and he was gone.  She felt the dark behind her, and the red door seemed farther away than ever.  You don’t want to wake the dragon, do you?”

At this point in Daenerys’s journey with her dragon eggs, it is clear that she is constantly contemplating the idea of hatching the eggs and raising her dragons.  This passage is intriguing for many reasons.  For one, the imagery is undeniably spectacular, as readers can see, smell, and feel the heat from the smoldering coals, shield their eyes from the shining brazier, and imagine the wisp of a last dragon. Another reason this passage is so intriguing is the connection made between Daenerys and herself as a dragon.

As I end this Memo #5, please understand and immerse deeply into this connection—that Daenerys, indeed, wants to wake the dragon.  Yes, she wants to awaken the actual dragons, but Daenerys Stormbourne also desires to awaken the dragon within herself...The one that lives within her blood and flies within her silver hair.  

Read on, and find yourself in a time of dragons.  Memo #6 to follow at some point in time, perhaps.  Graduation Day approaches... 

—Noah J.

[ethereal-one]

“Oh, my sweet summer child, what do you know about fear?”— Bran’s Story Becomes Intriguing...

All right folks, it is yet another week and yet again, George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones is my weapon of choice for a Tumblr post.  As of now, I have made it to page 412, so I am right on track with my reading goal for the week.  Even though I barely hit that goal for this week, it’s been one of those weeks with Art Shows, Great Journeys Project, and more, so I’m okay with that.

Now, on to more interesting tidbits about my reading in A Game of Thrones—beyond my current page number and the state of my busier than usual week.  But before I do, I feel I must say that even though this book is not as difficult to read and comprehend as my last read, The Divine Comedy, I still feel like it is taking me much longer to read than I had expected.  Maybe it’s because I am really getting into the characters and G.O.T. happens to be my favorite thing in the world right now (even over League of Legends gaming, so that’s saying something!).   Or, maybe it’s because I am just getting tired as my senior year is winding down and the pile of college forms to fill out are ramping up.  

So, if you have been following my Game of Thrones saga (novel AND TV series), I recently began a mission to re-watch all of G.O.T. Seasons 1-4 before I could begin watching Season 5.  With this in mind, I set out to find those subtle and often not so subtle variations between novel and TV.  Martin’s novel has brought me to love some of the very different storylines and given me an appreciation of details, characters, and plot twists that I otherwise had less interest.  For example, when watching the TV show, I never really liked Bran’s storylines and always thought his portions and character as odd.  Truly, until the final episode of Season 4, not much happened with him other than his crippling fall.  Yet, now that I am reading the book, I have a newfound respect and interest in Bran’s chapters and in his story.  

Recently, as I read on, Bran has woken up and is paralyzed from the legs down, so he has to stay in bed and rest.  However, there is an old woman named Nan that stays with him almost all the time and just watches over him.  When Nan tells stories to Bran that she believes he would like, he always shuts her down.   In this type of moment, Bran asks to hear a story about fear, and Nan honestly replies, “Oh, my sweet summer child, what do you know of fear?  Fear is for the winter, my little lord, when the snows fall a hundred feet deep and the ice wind comes howling out of the north. Fear is for the long night, when the sun hides its face for years at a time, and little children are born and live and die all in darkness while the dire wolves grow gaunt and hungry, and the white walkers move through the woods”  

LOVE that quote!  The imagery, intensity, and honesty in Nan’s words really stuck out to me, especially since it gave much more significance to Bran and his journey North of the Wall.  It is in this type of language, depth of description, and well-developed characters and details that I am beginning to appreciate Bran’s story, and I have a feeling that his role is going to end up being the most significant.  

Also, on this rainy Saturday, I took the opportunity to sway back and forth between reading A Song of Ice and Fire and watching the final episodes through Season 4 of the TV series.  At the very moment that I found myself finally able to begin Season 5 and catch up, I also find myself a bit confused as to why I haven’t seen Bran or his storyline yet.   However, I have heard that the storylines found in A Song of Ice and Fire and those in the TV version of Season 5 are quite different.  So, I will look forward to seeing more of Bran on screen soon, and reading the depth and detail of what actually happens in the book as I continue on with both.  

[ethereal-one]

The Agony and Ecstasy of Reading of “A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones”... While Missing Season Five

For those of you who are following my journey through, yet again, another ginormous series that looks daunting to complete, I am continuing my read of A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, and I have come to the conclusion that Martin had many fantastic ideas and way too much time on his hands.  Only sort of kidding!  The amount of detail and intricate and engaging story lines that he weaves together is stunning, and feels like it must have taken a lifetime of writing to accomplish.  I have to say—this book beats all other books I have read this year.  Well, wait, I take that back.  I’d say it’s probably tied with The Hobbit.  

In this past week, my journey through A Game of Thrones has taken me 142 pages, and I am on page 335 currently.  I am constantly finding time to read, even when I don’t really have the time, and I think that says something about the writing, the drawing in that takes place, and the immersion into many other peoples, kingdoms, and personal lives.  And, with this, I am always meeting my weekly reading goals for the week, because there really isn’t even a reason not to.  Well, maybe upon second thought there is a damn good reason:  I sort of promised myself that I would not begin watching the last season of the G.O.T TV series until I finished this book.  It is killing me!

This week, most of my passages in A Song of Ice and Fire revolved around Jon Snow and his time at the wall.  Jon is by far my favorite character, other than Arya, and I always enjoy reading his stories the most.  One interesting detail that I read about this week and that I was not aware of from the TV show, is the relationship between the Night’s Watch and the Realm.  I wasn’t really understanding that you could be any type of criminal or king slayer or murderer, and when you reach the wall and “take the black,” you are washed of all those past wrongs and became a brother of the Night’s Watch, as long as you take the vows.  I guess I thought it was mostly rapists, thieves, and such—naturally all horrible crimes, but somehow I didn’t think murder and betrayal of the throne were tolerated and allowed in the Night’s Watch.  Learning of this through Jon’s perspective was really fascinating because his entire life he has been classified as “only a bastard,” which is a huge mark in most of the realm, and it was interesting to see him deal with the fact that he would be living with these people for the rest of his life—those with many stains and those who would now become a lifelong family without the stain of being a SNOW.  

By the way, thinking of Jon Snow and experiencing so much of his life this week in my reading, I can’t help but think about how frustrated I am with my situation between reading this book and my desire to turn on HBO.  I know I mentioned it a bit earlier in this post, and I know I refer to the connection between A Song of Ice and Fire and the TV series called Game of Thrones!!  Yet, I don’t think I mentioned the timing that is increasing my frustration.  It just so happens that at the start of last week’s reading (last Sunday), the first episode of the fifth and final season of the TV series aired on HBO, but somehow I felt restrained from watching it. So, to alleviate some of my frustration and when I want some down time watching television, I have chosen to watch through some old episodes, just as I finish reading up on them in the book. I know; I know.  It does sound like I am obsessed a bit right now.  

Still, as I travel through this obsession, I find that the book provides so much more that I can sink my teeth into, so much more character development (and my gosh, the TV show certainly does a great job, so that’s really saying something huge), and just so much depth.  I just love that about books.  For example, the relationship between Catelyn Stark and Jon Snow, who is the bastard son of Eddard Stark, Catelyn’s husband, is much more intense and strained. Catelyn definitely hates Jon in the TV series, but in the book, we don’t just see it on her face and hear about it as an ongoing issue.  Instead, her hatred and opinion of Jon Snow is much more fierce.  She does not accept any part of him as a family member, and does not even allow him to see Bran after his fall and crippling injury. Basically, the book hardens (or softens) characters that are too soft (or hard) in the show and broadens characters at times that come off as one-dimensional on the screen.  

Enough writing about reading...now back to more reading and my journey through A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones.  After all, I did skip church for this!  And after all, it is another Sunday night with another frustrating pass on the new episodes!  

[ethereal-one]

George R.R. Martin’s “Big Question” from A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones — Is honor or power & money more important in life?

The Iron Throne

As I make my way through George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire Series: A Game of Thrones, I find myself coming across countless characters and different storylines, and at times, it feels as if I need to stop, take a breath, and maybe even take notes to study!  Yet, with the myriad of characters, locations, kingdoms, and storylines, it seems that the questions that Martin is trying to pose create a much shorter list.  

There are obvious themes from love, hatred, strength, and power, to the not so obvious—like the ongoing struggles in life between honor and power.  With a long list of themes to consider, I definitely feel that Martin is asking the reader to consider and explore more of the underlying and more complex themes.  Although Martin has made an unimaginable amount of income from the Game of Thrones book series, particularly with the success of the TV adaptation, it becomes obvious in the reading of A Song of Ice and Fire that Martin is driving home a point, that Martin is not in it for the money, and that Martin has something to say and expects us to fully consider.  With this, Martin is asking:  Who or what really runs and controls a society?  And as a complementary question, Martin is requiring readers to consider:  What is more important in a  life—honor or power (money!)?  

Martin goes to great lengths to detail the backstories of characters, to fully describe in a sensory manner the smells and sights and feel of living in squalor, just as much as the taste of wine found at every “high-born” table.  The distinct class differences that Martin lays out in the story, which also distinctly helps to portray the power that money and birthright brings, are a strong component of Martin’s storytelling.  It is also an essential component of the entire Game of Thrones story realm.  Martin draws the reader in with infinite amounts of detail, and then he works to enlighten the reader, all the way setting the goal to make them think.  In this moment, the reader can’t help but think about the bigger questions.  The reader can’t help but wonder about the role of money and power in a society weighed against the value of honor and good in a life.  

Currently, as I continue on with A Song of Ice and Fire, I am only about 200 pages in.  This fact can make me gasp when I consider that I have about 2,000 pages to go in the full series.  Yet, it is Martin’s bigger questions that keep me going, that keep me wanting to pick the book up at every free moment, and that make me wonder about important parts of life.  I find myself connecting so much with a variety of characters that it is hard not to question and hard not to envision myself in similar situation.  The transport to another time, place, and moral dilemma is an amazing experience, to say the least.  

At this point of my reading, it seems that Martin wants me to experience and think mostly about the role of money, power, and corruption, as it is compared to honor, integrity, and character in a life.  For example, Eddard “Ned” Stark is the most honorable man there is in all of Winterfell, and his honorable reputation precedes him even throughout the realm. Yet, when Ned arrives in King’s Landing to be the Hand of the King, he gets thrown into a situation that is challenging and works to test this honor.  Kings Landing is a place that is reliant and structured around bloodlines, money, and the use of games and lying to run things.  As I find myself fully residing now in King’s Landing, Martin is forcing me to consider honor, to consider the choices made in a life, to consider the lack of choice that many others never receive in a life, and to consider that while King’s Landing is in another time and place unknown to me, it is very much my world, very much your world, very much the present.

[ethereal-one]

Bastards, Imps, Whores, Lords, Ladies, and Kings... And Winter Is Coming

GOALS:  The word goals is ringing in my ears, naturally, as I consider my weekly reading goal against my overall long-term reading goals, all while starting an adventure in A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones by George Martin.  The TRUTH:  My “in-your-dreams” goal would be to have some superhero reading powers and finish the entire book series, right up to the point of the upcoming HBO Season Five start up in a couple of weeks.  Dream on, ethereal one!

Another truth:  Boring, but true... I had a goal of reading 96 pages a week, and since I am just beginning this book, that would mean I had to reach Page 96, duh.  So, I blasted through and made it to Page104 by the end of this past week. Why does easily surpassing my goal with this book/series not surprise me?  And why was it so easy to meet this goal?  I would say that I have been completely taken with the Game of Thrones TV series, and so the reading has far surpassed my expectations and keeps me moving through.  Well, not just moving through, but really reading and reading and reading on and on and on to find out any and all of the tiny and vast details found in Martin’s writing.  It is like watching the TV series all over again in my head, only this time watching with clear and vivid description and perspective and clarification.  My increased reading time and surpassing my reading goal also shows up in my down time—instead of going out driving or golfing, gaming or watching TV more often, I pick up my iPad and read a bit or read much more than a bit.    

In order to keep up this routine, it is like most activities—I just need to make it a habit, find the satisfaction in the outcome, and then stick with it.  Sticking with it is always easier for me if I have a bedtime routine of reading too, which I plan to do.  Golf will threaten this routine, and I will battle late night returns from matches and keeping my reading goal.  Yet, my reading chair on Saturday morning might be a welcome event too.  Still, on more peaceful nights without tiring from the course, reading A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones each night will not only help me to meet my weekly reading goal, but also a fantastic way to tone it down a bit from the constant bright screen shining in my face from Microsoft Word for hours on end.  

Now, let me get to the heart of the matter and dive into the actual writing, story, characters, etc.  So far, plenty of characters have been introduced, which makes it necessary to really catalog and keep track of them all.  Also, the formatting of the chapters is pleasing to me.  Every chapter is written through the view of a different character, and so far, Arya and Jon Snow are my favorites.  Arya, the youngest daughter in the Stark family, is really entertaining to read about because she is basically the rebel that doesn’t want to do girly things with her sister and questions most everything.  Jon Snow is Eddard Stark’s bastard son, and he is, in some regards, the outcast of the family but gets along with Arya the best.  Jon is going up to “The Wall” to join the Night’s Watch, and I am really looking forward to seeing how that plays out in the book.  

Since Game of Thrones is one of my favorite TV series to watch, I certainly have a good idea of what’s to come, but reading the book never fails to provide infinite amounts of color, detail, and life to an already fascinating storyline and wealth of characters.  For example, while the show portrays the characters quite well, reading the descriptions in the book really provides depth.  We learn early on that Jon is different, soon to become known as “the bastard,” and this is clear in the following passage:  “He was of an age with Robb, but they did not look alike.  Jon was slender where Robb was muscular, dark where Robb was fair, graceful and quick where his half brother was strong and fast.”   And while my mind (and hopefully yours too) is focused on differences, I found it intriguing that the “White Walkers” in the TV show are known as “The Others” in the books.  I guess the directors thought the former would be a bit catchier, but I have to admit that my simpler and subtler taste prefers the latter.  

Speaking of differences, at this point, Martin seems to be exploring the idea and realities of differences in people, asking the question:  Who is often valued more in society and why?  Martin encourages readers to take note of the hidden heroes and to see the value that exists in those that are often devalued—Tyron Lanister, the imp; Jon Snow, the bastard; the countless whores who bore all of the “Snow” children in a society that clearly places little value on most women; and also the highborn who have servants and luxuries simply by birthright.   Martin, I can only assume, will push these issues throughout A Song of Ice and Fire, also pushing the reader to consider the bigger questions in society, in human nature, and especially with class and power struggles abounding.  

[ethereal-one]

Insert Creative SSR Goals Title Here:

When considering SSR goals for MP4, I would like to focus my efforts around a newfound love and interest in one book in particular--another very long book.  I have downloaded A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin.  

I am starting the first book now, and even after just a couple of chapters, I am captivated and all in.  Though, on one level, this is a sad turn of events, since this change means that I will not be continuing further into the world of Dante and The Divine Comedy for now.  Yet, I have every intention of picking up in Dante again in college, maybe even find myself in a philosophy course and immersed in “Purgatorio” once again.  All in all, I think it is a good idea to separate the sections of The Divine Comedy with some breaks in between—at least for me, it is.  

In trying to learn from my experience with Dante, one goal for my SSR MP4 experience might be to guard against becoming overwhelmed or tired of A Song of Ice and Fire.  While I can’t imagine that happening, especially since I have wanted to read this series for a long time now, I will keep it in mind as a goal.  Yet, from what I have read so far in this new book, I am going to be perfectly fine with my newfound love.  

However, given that there are five books in the series, with each book consisting of about 500 pages, it could go a few directions—sink, float, or swim.  My hope is to swim through the entire series with a sort of enthrallment.  If I tire, I will set a goal to accept a period of needing to float a while, perhaps continuing my love of Tolkien and moving back into The Lord of the Rings series.  

Finally, I do hope to finish at least the first book, The Game of Thrones, by the end of the marking period.  However, I have to also be realistic and remember it is Varsity golf season, so I cannot guarantee this accomplishment.  Yet, I do have motivation:  I am genuinely excited about reading this series along with the final season of Game of Thrones TV series, based on A Song of Ice and Fire series.  

[ethereal-one]

In the spirit of “Elvis has left the building”... Noah has left Purgatory... And changed travel partners—from Dante to Dumbledore.

Yes, it is true—Noah has left Purgatory...for now.   My departure and time away will be fleeting, and I will return to The Divine Comedy, along with Dante in “Purgatorio.”  Just for now, I found my time with Dante to need a short break, with a definite reunion to follow after Spring Break.  

A very brief update for those who may be following my journey with Dante—in this past week, Purgatory has continued and in Canto (Chapter) XVI Dante and Virgil have reached new terraces that wait for them with fog and smoke that can easily separate the two, so they are having to be extremely careful as to how they get through.  In this section and terraces of Purgatory, Dante meets other souls who know him, and they speak of Florence and the arrogance that has taken over there.   It is when Virgil throws Dante’s belt into a ravine below and ghastly creatures rise up from the ravine that my decision is made.  At this point, when “Purgatorio” is dim and murky, with the end seemingly nowhere in sight, and with “Paridiso” seemingly even further in the distance, I decide to depart to brighter and warmer explorations.  

Now, for those of you who may be doubting why I am departing from Purgatory at this point, it has nothing to do with “oh my, that is such a ginormous book” or “wow, why are you reading THAT book if it’s not required reading?”  It has everything to do with another philosopher of sorts, Dumbledore.  Oh, and I guess it has to do with snow days, and while I’m at it, I might as well put a little blame on my mom, since that’s always good for a few laughs in my blogs.  

Basically, on Snow Day #1, my mom and I shoveled and pushed way too much snow and after, we arrived inside to a warm house, my homework all done, hot chocolate, and my brilliant idea of watching the very first Harry Potter movie again.  Seems kind of crazy since most people my age (and even my mom’s age) have read all the books, seen all the movies, etc., etc., etc.  However, since my mom turned 50 last year, she has this awesome new feature:  She has forgotten most every movie that we watched in my childhood!  So, yahoo...the agreement to watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was cemented, and the Snow Day #1 developed into Harry Potter night.  In addition, it is pretty cool to witness firsthand this fine new detail of Mom’s memory.  For example, how does one actually forget that Dumbledore dies?  How does that even happen? Really??

So, on Snow Day #2 and #3 and so on, we continued the journey through Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade, and we ended up making our way through every single Harry Potter movie except the last.  At that moment, I realized that I never read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. When I had this revelation, it was pretty cool to be surprised by this.  Also, knowing that Spring Break is upon us, I decided to break up with Dante for just a couple of weeks and make Dumbledore and Harry my new guides through warmer weather, long drives, travels to new destinations and golf courses, likely a stop in Florida to see my grandparents, and the ultimate decision...a detour to Universal Studios to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Yes, I know I am an eighteen-year-old heading to college, but perhaps it is this date with full-on adulthood and destiny that have pushed me into this unexpected excitement over shops with frog candy, wands, and broomsticks.  

From this day until the end of my Senior Year Spring Break, a book that has been on my shelf since I was a kid will be cracked open, thoroughly enjoyed, and appreciated as a lighter read in the warm days by a pool.  Upon my return, my journey with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be complete, with a final movie night to follow, and joined by “the absentminded one.”  

So, stay tuned for more as Dumbledore replaces Dante—if only for a brief moment.   And since I don’t have any interesting “big picture” question to leave you with from Purgatory, let’s try one from my upcoming finale to the Harry Potter journey, my time at Hogwarts, and the never ending wisdom of Dumbledore: When thinking about the politics of the Harry Potter series, ranging from the racism found in “mudbloods” to the anti-government views, isn’t it interesting that Harry can leave the muggle society only to find the exact same problems in the wizarding world?

[ethereal-one]

The Terraces of Purgatory

For those of you who have been following my journey with Dante Alighieri through The Divine Comedy, welcome back.  For those who have just discovered my journey, welcome to the current travels from my past week’s reading.  This week, I have been roaming with Dante and Virgil through the “Terraces of Purgatory,” and just as I was intrigued and captivated when moving through “Inferno,” I find the story grabbing my full attention once again. 

Currently on Page 450 of the journey, I realize that many of you may be wondering what is taking me so long to get through “Purgatorio.”  Yet, I promise you that my reading and movement through the journey is a success.  While I might have found some bumps that slow me down—causing me to stop, re-read, ponder, and then move on—the book still brings a sensation of victory in this very challenging read.  This past week, I found myself venturing through the terraces of Antepurgatory. Until now, I hadn’t realized that the first two terraces of Purgatory are named this, and essentially, Antepurgatory is where I am currently located.  After going through the first terrace of “Prideful,” where the excommunicated reside, I wondered what would come next.  Yet, I soon find out.  The second terrace is reserved for those that have lost their faith.  Both terraces are the entrance into the higher levels of Purgatory, once reaching the gate at the end.  

It is in the third terrace that I would reach a peak of interest in “Purgatorio” with the introduction of Peter’s Gate.  What is Peter’s Gate, you ask?  Well, it’s a gate, which is pretty obvious, I’m sure.  Yet, it is a gate that is guarded by angels.  I found it interesting that angels would reside in Purgatory, instead of some other beast-like nasty creature like “Inferno” had.  Anyway, to get through Peter’s Gate, one must be tested by the angels.  While I am not sure the reason for this test, perhaps it’s because what lies past the gate is treacherous and intriguing all at the same time.  

 The upper seven terraces of Purgatory lie past the gate.  This is also where the souls that lie beyond the gate have committed one of the seven deadly sins.  Cool, right?  Well, sadly that’s about all I can share for now on the terraces beyond the gate, since I am just beginning this part of my journey with Dante through Purgatory.  One reason for this as a stopping place—the end of a chapter arrived and a good stopping place.  Another reason—snow days are also filled with lots and lots of shoveling, snow chores, and the mandatory snowball fights, but also meant for watching Harry Potter movies.  More thoughts on Purgatory to come in my next post, as I am venturing through the final seven terraces...

Also, I was so wrapped up in reflecting on terraces (and snow days) that I almost forgot to leave you with a “big picture” question that has come up in this past week of reading. So, this was pretty clear for me this week, and without further adieu, I wondered about losing one’s faith.  I wonder what it takes to lose faith in a belief that one is raised with and practiced throughout a life?  The journey through “Purgatorio” seems to be making me wonder most about questioning—questioning one’s faith, searching for answers, and considering what may not have ever been considered before.  Perhaps this is happening only to me, but it also seems to be a process and journey that I notice in a lot of lives right now. Maybe it is the nature of being a teenager, since it seems to be most common in my age group.  Either way, other than it being a "normal" stage in life, I find myself wondering about the root and causes of this type of questioning?

[ethereal-one]

Stuck in Purgatory

Dante and his guide, Virgil

So, it seems I am stuck in Purgatory.  I’ve heard this phrase before—being stuck in Purgatory—and while it never sounded completely dreadful, I am starting to realize the angst now that comes with the experience.  Still with Dante; still with The Divine Comedy; and yes, still in “Purgatorio.”  Don’t think I’m not reading...I am keeping up with my reading goal and even going beyond it at times.  Yet, the surprised reactions to this read of mine, as well as the overall SIZE of the book itself are coming more into view.  I am about 400 pages into the entire book, have completely made my way through “Inferno” (or Hell), about 100 pages into “Purgatorio,” but it still feels like a long road to go.  

Don’t get me wrong.  I am still right in the moment with this book, enjoying it, and even finding my way through Purgatory as a steady endeavor.  Yet, perhaps it is the winter doldrums, or perhaps it is the desire to make my way into “Paradisio” and find my own sense of gratification, my own paradise, but I am ready to fly into it and sail right to the end.  In fact, if I am completely honest, there are portions of “Purgatorio” that I am finding dull, but it is improving with this week’s read, and I can see the light at the end of the Purgatory Tunnel.  As Dante and his guide have finally gotten through the gates on the top of the mountain and are in Purgatory, the light for me as a reader is becoming stronger.  

Since it has been abundantly clear that I am still reading the same book, still with Dante, and still in Purgatory, I want to also make it clear that the book is luring me in.  It is constantly leading me to the next place, the next page, and even when I have moment in which I find myself ready to give up on this epic poem, it keeps pulling me back and asking me to stay.  It may be that I am being lured by the imagery and poetic approach.  Also, just as I think I am losing interest, the journey changes.  For example, Dante is now crossing over the terraces in Purgatory, and each one resembles a different daily sin.  So far, I have gotten through the first terrace of “Prideful,” and it brings my mind to a new place, while knowing the next terrace is soon to come.

As always, I must end these ramblings about my reading with a question, a pondering, and a bigger thought process.  In this past week of reading, I wondered why the guard at the gate to Purgatory carved eight ‘P’s into Dante’s head?  Is there some significance to the eight P’s?  I do assume that the P’s stand for Purgatory, but I find myself obsessing on the number eight and what it all means.  

[ethereal-one]

Traveling Through Inferno and into Purgatory: Thoughts on Reading Dante’s “The Divine Comedy”

So, I posted some thoughts a while ago on my reading of Dante’s The Divine Comedy, and it mostly had to do with the reactions that I get when someone notices that I am reading it. You can look back for that post, if interested, but as an intro to this post—the surprised reactions do continue.

For now, I will stick to an update on how my reading is going in this book that so many seem to think I should not (or perhaps, could not) actually be reading! Currently, I am on Page 360, which is off a bit from what I would usually have accomplished in my reading goals for this past week or so, but it has been an unusually busy week with many other details in life and school kicking in hard. Note: For those of you that might have missed it, check out one of my “busy reasons” in the Auto Show post. Anyway, I am looking forward to a quiet weekend with this epic book in hand, hoping for a rainy Sunday and my favorite reading chair. It’s my birthday on Sunday, but Dante and my birthday might find a way to be compatible.

If I haven’t said it already—this book is definitely like nothing I have read before. First, this is mainly a work of philosophy, which until this year in my Honors History Seminar, I had never really paid much attention. Second, I have only completed one of the three books within The Divine Comedy, so I don’t have much to say about Purgatory yet, but I can certainly comment on Inferno. The style of writing and the topic at hand (Hell) is something I have never come across much in my reading, and so it challenges me...in a good way though. Also, since I mentioned the style of writing, it is important to note that it is written as a poem—an epic poem!

At this point, I am really enjoying the amount of detail and thought that went into creating this book. Even though the descriptions are a bit disturbing in some regards, even alarming, it is worth sticking with it. An example of this disturbing description would be people boiling in a river of blood for their entire lives. Yep, I did say alarming, right? All in all, after completing the first book, Inferno, I immediately wanted to move into Purgatory because it drew me in! It was challenging, confusing at times, eye opening at others, but it definitely takes me to a place that I have not visited before. In fact, my experience with reading Dante has given me a better understanding of those surprised and unsettling reactions I have gotten from others. It is tricky reading in one sense, satisfying in another. Right now, satisfying is still winning out. For those of you considering it, it is a must read at some point in life, or maybe at many points in life.

Since it seems that I am pushing The Divine Comedy just a bit, I should offer a disclaimer of sorts at this point. This book is not for everyone. When I told my grandmother about it, who by the way is very well read, she has less than zero interest. Give her a good biography or some political viewpoint piece, and she is good to go. Philosophy is not her cup of tea, and certainly not this particular book.

So, who among you might enjoy The Divine Comedy? Someone who enjoys reading philosophy would definitely love this book, but that someone also has to be able to take Dante’s thoughts and appreciate the complexities. The reader has to be willing to stop, think, go back, re-read, think on it more, and then return. I find that it is a “work in progress” to be reading this book, or at least it is for me it is, and that’s okay with me. For example, in Hell, Dante comes across many people in history—philosophers and/or leaders—and they are in a different part of Hell. One might simply think that Caesar is in Hell half buried, able to do nothing, and is just a character, but this has also been interpreted differently. In fact, some assert that Dante is putting people in hell that he believes were wrong or acted badly. 

To end, I will offer a question that I have developed over this past week of reading, which is based on my journey into and through Purgatory. I wonder why, in Purgatory, the guide and Dante have to climb over a mountain to actually enter? It seems odd to me, given that Hell seemed pretty simple to enter. Dante and his guide didn’t have to work to get into Hell, and I found it an interesting difference. I would think that one would have to work hard to get into Hell, kind of like a punishment. Yet, I guess this makes sense though. In terms of life, I guess it is often that actions equal no so heavenly, instead leading to Hell, rather than that of heavenly good actions.

[ethereal-one]

The 2015 Washington D.C. Auto Show: Seeking the Subversive Blog is the Blog

I skipped school last Friday, heading out on an annual trip to the Washington D.C. Auto Show.

In search of the perfect car, which likely would not be found at this auto show, but still worth trying, I also agreed to set out in search of the perfectly rebellious and not-so-typical blog about the experience. This was the deal, a swap, a bargain: A blog post in exchange for a day off from Honors English, hanging out in the city with local coffee shops, ethnic food trucks, walks through streets lined with vintage and modern architecture, a mini blizzard lasting 30 minutes and then poof it’s gone, and all leading into Auto Heaven. 

Searching for the blog, ideas are endless—good and bad, appropriate and not so much, and some hilarious moments realizing the infinite potential. If you’re expecting a detailed post about every make and model, tires, rims, trim, exhaust—that would be easy, but all too predictable. So, here’s the journey and the brainstorm to reach the destination...

The aforementioned rapid blizzard, which was a treat for a starving snow boy, arriving and departing like a dream, and since I’m not sure it actually happened, that’s all I can say about it.  It’s not so easy to write a blog about a dream you’re barely sure took place.

Arriving at the parking garage that assured us that our vehicle would be fine and dandy in a 6’ 7” clearance, yet, a lie of sorts when too many portions were suddenly not fine, not dandy, and very capable of ripping off the roof racks with a 5’ 11” clearance. I assure you that this blog in itself would be entertaining, but probably rated “R” with a strong language warning, so we will leave that idea behind.

Coffee blog. Arrive. Cappuccino. Repeat. Arrive. White Flat (new variety). Repeat. Depart. Enough said.

How about this? A blog about attending a major event at a huge convention center in a large, metropolitan city with people everywhere. Pretty ordinary, right? Yet, imagine that same scenario during flu season with a germ-o-phobe along. I can promise you that this would be the comedy show, the blog of all blogs, the one to read, the one to absolutely not miss, and certainly the one that would win me some sort of blogging award. However, I will spare my mom the mountains of moments revealed and share but one. Arrive. Security checkpoint. Mom has a folded up canvas tote bag along with one item inside. Security doesn’t notice the bag. Mom offers it up, knowing she does not want to suffer the terrorist treatment that might otherwise follow. The security guy says, “It’s okay, you can go around this way, there’s nothing in the bag, right?” Mom opens the bag, revealing the wipes, and announces to the guy, “I’m a germ-o-phobe, so.....” The security guy laughs, nods, and gives her the go ahead. This is my life.

Perhaps a blog about customer service experiences? After all, one of the reasons this trip away from life and school is happening is due to a very frustrating week of subpar customer service experienced by my mom. A getaway, a release, an attempt to leave it all behind. An example: Arriving at the Ford dealer for service, being told there is only one loaner available, getting into the loaner that looks as old as dirt and caked with grime inside and out—remember, germ-o-phobe—and finding that the “check engine” light is on, but being told that “it’s nothing to worry about.” Anyway, a getaway to the city was in order. 

As promised, a customer service experience of my own from the show: Making my way through the imports, and incidentally, I’m dressed in a white sweater, as a man holding tickets approaches me with what is definitely the best auto show bag I’ve ever seen. By the way, if you don’t know, each make of vehicle also gives out informative brochures and oftentimes cloth bags to carry the collection. Yes, a very good marketing ploy.

Anyway, the guy with tickets and an awesome Jeep bag tells me I look like an angel walking with my white sweater on, hands me two tickets, and points me toward the “Ride and Drive” Jeep event. Here, you can drive many makes of Jeep vehicles over a rugged track, and at the end, you get one of the best bags ever. I’m game, so we walk quite a bit out of our way, get in line, answer surveys on iPad screens about our current auto ownership and desires, and then after going through the maze of events, we arrive at the end—the ultimate bag collection point!

Two tickets in hand, one for me and another for my mom, we are ready for the loot! The beyond stoic Jeep guy looks at me, looks at my mom, asks for our licenses to put into their system for more marketing, and hands us one bag. ONE BAG! When letting him know that the deal we signed on for included TWO bags, he murmured, “You have to be eighteen.” After much begging, telling him it was the start of my 18th birthday week, annual trip to the show, and on and on, his beyond indifferent customer service was beyond apparent and beyond infuriating. There was no budging him; we left with one awesome bag and a vow to never buy a Jeep. No, not a good marketing tool. The moral of the blog story: Customer and service both matter in the equation.

Naturally, I got over the *$&#(@*@ Jeep guy and set my sights on engines, tires, rims, new colors, leather interior, Recaro seats, sport-tuned suspensions, Brembo racing brakes, and the sad aluminum Ford F-150, not to mention the pink unicorn-topped cars and show visitors willing to keep a body part on a vehicle for days in order to win the car.

Still, I thought about my passion for exhaust systems, and while I will only post one pic, there is a photo album to be had. I will spare you the exhausting details, pun intended.

And naturally, the only blog to write is this one—the blog about the never-ending details of automobiles, the shiny, the sleek, and the new, as well as the “Top Five” list for this year. In search of this year’s personal list, the blog is infinite, but how many really want to read my ramblings about cars and auto shows? Still, I can’t help myself, and I will share my top car of this year’s show: Nissan 370Z NISMO Edition. Just fantastic. Enough said.

Finally, moving on to people-watching blog ideas—and a sad story. Walking, observing cars and people, I pass a man on his cell pacing back and forth. In today’s world, this is not an oddity. Instead, not having a phone pasted to your ear is the odd sight. Yet, this man was living life’s pain, in the open, at the auto show, next to a public bathroom, for all to see and hear. It’s a simple story told in one line: “It’s just sad because it was the start of something really beautiful.” Life. Enough said.

And life at the Washington D.C. Auto Show. And finding the perfect blog becomes the perfect blog. Enough said.

[mellowtimemachinewhispers]

Bruh

Bruh

[mellowtimemachinewhispers]

Bruh

[ethereal-one]

Bruh

[mellowtimemachinewhispers]

Bruh

[mellowtimemachinewhispers]

Bruuuuhhhhhhhhh

[ethereal-one]

Bruh

[ethereal-one]

Bruh

[ethereal-one]

Wow...You’re reading THAT?!?

I began reading Dante over my Christmas break from school, and since then, there is one thing that strikes me the most as I continue to make my way through The Divine Comedy.  That one thing is the reaction this book elicits from others.  With this, a question keeps presenting itself as I read on in this epic poem.  The question, which sounds much like a statement, but I promise you, it is always presented as a question:  Wow, you’re reading that?  So, that question creates a BIGGER question in my mind:  Why does this book—a giant book with lots of pages, a title that most people seem to know or, at least, are somewhat familiar, and authored by a well-known philosopher—why does this book draw up such a strong reaction, with so much variety in feedback?  These reactions come from onlookers, passersby, friends, family, and students that come from all walks of life, all education levels, and all types of personalities. 

Maybe I actually answered my own BIG question when describing the attributes of The Divine Comedy—big, long, philosopher author, infamous.  Maybe these descriptions are part of the answer.  Yet, perhaps my sharing some of the reactions would help to weed out a better answer.  The most common reaction:  “Why in the hell are you reading that?”  This reaction usually comes from those who have no intention of ever cracking the cover.  The next most common reaction:  “Oh my, I remember reading that.  It is a must read for all.”  This reaction usually comes from very avid readers, intense personalities, and even some artist-types. 

Some of the other reactions are just as interesting, but perhaps harder to explain.  My Theology teacher likes for me to describe portions of the book to the class as I continue my journey through the pages.  This seems obvious, since The Divine Comedy has such ties to theological searching.  Another teacher just said, “Whoa...Heavy Read.”  A fellow student asked me if I was trying to impress someone.  My mom indicated that I should definitely read this epic book now, but then read it again in later college years, and then maybe again in later life, hinting that my understanding would grow and change.  All in all, the reactions are rarely light or one of grey are.  It is almost the reaction that others have when finding out you are reading The Bible. 

So, with all those reactions (and more to come, I am sure), what’s the answer to my big question?  Perhaps the answer lies in our desire to read what is comfortable to us and shooing away most reads that make us feel confused, challenged, or bored even.  Perhaps the answer lies in the size of the book, knowing that huge encyclopedia-like books often provide a deterrent.  Yet, have any of you seen The Harry Potter books?  Likely the reactions have to do with a variety of many things—history, exposure, interest, and so much more.  However, the one answer that I have come up with that has definitely been enlightening is this:  Most people either fall in one of two categories—those that are proud of my desire and intent to take on this epic read, and those that must believe I am not smart enough to actually get it.  Perhaps, at times, both are correct.