C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

I am on page 247, in chapter 21 and love this one: meeting Miss Lavendar. I loved "Anne Of Avonlea" for a long while but a couple of chapters remove a star.

There are sounds or words that have us wincing. You know it is not about preference but something mentally hurting eyes or ears? I won't say the word but loathe the word "LUNCH" not being employed for the middle meal. It doesn't matter what size, it is about the hour or middle meal. A few northeasterners and Europeans make me uncomfortable saying it.

In the chapter about Priscilla's author Aunt coming over, it was said something like 40 times. Maud wouldn't shut up. I couldn't be over with that chapter fast enough. I didn't impress me better than a life-loving personal like Anne, despite living on a farm, would volunteer to kill two pet hens!!!! Marilla mentioned killing a bird a couple of chapters later too and it lost my respect.

I know about farms but it isn't for pleasant books, any more than talking of someone going to the washroom. This is a girl who loves all nature, so leave that out. Choosing to kill favourite roosters disturbed me. She would accept the way of life but not volunteer. She would put off their demise as much as possible. I don't believe that or selling the cow without sentiment suited her character. Matthew gave her to Anne.

On a much smaller note, I dislike the addition of Davy. Another kid in the household? I agree with Leeanne about Dory. She isn't like the emotionless Hans in "A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth". Picking peas with Marilla and being proud to shell them shows her delight and sweet personality. Fearing the ghost of an Uncle a 10 year-old school girl mentioned also shows that Dora lacks no normal thoughts and behaviour. She is simply mannered and loves doing different things than Davy. I do agree that Anne and Marilla ought not like her less and that she needs them as much as Davy. But I regard her as a normal child who is serene.

I don't see enough about the twins' Mom. I am missing and grieving my Mom at 47 and 6 year-olds should surely be pining for theirs. Mine prepared me well too. Comments about being unsure they are interested in Heaven strike a false note. Any time a cat or anyone else I love ascended to Heaven, I felt like I couldn't wait to meet them there someday. It is the only way I get over it.

I love everything else about the novel; what Leeanne and Kerri shared and more. Paul is wonderful, the clean-up committee, and most of the kids. Paul's and Lavendar's storytelling is grand. I like Matthew getting mentioned and Anne's parents a little bit. I realized I am getting no sense that this is an island. The word "island" and "ocean" or "shore" have been mentioned a little bit but I don't get a marine feeling from these two novels. I hope we do, or it feels like any other beautifully treed province.

Leeanne, happy birthday to you for Wednesday! Happy Thanksgiving day too!

Please don't make work for yourself or rehash posts. It wouldn't produce your own impressions. It would mean answering questions we went over when you joined in. Just share anything that pops into your head now that you have recently read "Anne Of Green Gables", like you did with "Anne Of Avonlea" here.

Yes indeed, a combination of country pride, seeing Eugene and Dan on the Kelly Clarkson show, and your enthusiasm made me sure to watch and after disliking a few stories, I became a fan. Unsurprisingly, the one about a cat deceased on the road, turkey hunting, and getting no money back for excess milk were unpleasant.

I recently saw Annie on the Kelly Clarkson show, with an awesome duet of "A Little Bit Alexis / A Little Bit Texas"! I watch "Schitt's Creek" when it is on a few satellite dish channels, which air various years. I saw the finale recently and a new show or two.

Leeanne, since you finished "Anne Of Green Gables" for the second time in years, I imagine, how about giving your impressions of it? Use this new, shorter folder here. The subjects are never closed. We just needed organized places to put the wonderful varied conversations we are having about animals, film, television, music....

I hope you and Kerri both read my hope at the beginning of the new folders that you introduce aspects of books for discussion. I believe I have great ideas but nothing is more fun for me than ideas proposed for me as well. So far, making friendships with formerly cranky people, like Aunt Josephine in Charlottetown and the comedy are my favourite parts of this second book. I'll continue musing aloud with you after Leeanne has had the floor on the first Anne novel, if she would like it.

I must say a word of excitement and congratulations about the much-loved show, "Schitt's Creek"! It won all 9 Emmy awards last month, which no other comedy show has achieved! Justin Trudeau's congratulations to them were very funny. He threw shade on the last governments paltry budget for the arts on CBC Canada, joking that an extra .5c he is giving their mason jar, is a huge increase!

I had heard of it and seen its actors as guests on "The Kelly Clarkson Show". After Kerri spoke more about it to me, I kept watching shows that came up on the satellite dish and became a fan. I think it was as soon as I knew they weren't snobby; only fashionable and witty. They were naturally missing their prior life and stressed out about rebuilding it.

I am near the end of chapter 6, on page 60.

A lot of people love only the first film, book, or album of an artist's work. I find that a defeatist idea, as if artists couldn't do better and also biased, as if it some people mistake "the best one" for what is new. I love my introduction to "Anne Of Green Gables" but I am one who is relieved to get past the necessary premise- and character-building and any unpleasant occurrences that might go with it.

For example, do you feel like it is safer to read along with Anne now? She is not frightened about receiving the home she likes because she is not the boy who was the intended adoptee. She is not the child who is going to be scolded for anything; not age 16 in 1909 anyway. She is not the new family member changing Matthew's perspective and hoping to win Marilla's external affection. Right from page one, Anne Shirley is a valued, respected, confident, equal family member to Marilla. Gosh, that is a relief! I hated the episodes of blaming the child for lies she had not told and Diana's Mother disliking her.

Anne still has concerns, things she dreads, like her first day of school, and still has confrontations with neighbours and townspeople. However, instead of Marilla demanding that she speak to the new man as if teaching her a lesson, Anne declines Marilla's offer to go. Indeed, it is my favourite part when she makes another friend with a person who was supposedly impossible. I love the swearing parrot and the comedy of the man being thrown under the bus by him! Do you think it was because she told him off, or because it is a virtue to give people a chance to make friends?

I love Maud speaking-up against the wrongness and ineffectiveness of corporal punishment. I think it was impressive to do so way back in 1909. It was banned after I was in grade 3. I wonder if I need to be firm or sweet in confrontations, with neighbours about their intrusive dogs, for instance. Would they respond better to me if I calmly say "This has to stop", or if I use a smiling, heart to heart tone?

I love the improvement committee the teenagers made together. I love that Anne, Diana, and everyone who are starting jobs, can hang out in a positive way. It will allow them to freely be 16 year-olds on the youngster side, don't you think? I smile about the fundraising and parties to go with it. Canvassing and selling are not for me. However, it is a wonderful way for the authoress to introduce townspeople and future friends.

I started "Anne Of Avonlea" and love it already, of course. The writing and reunion of loveable and funny people is all positive. I will move the "Anne Of Green Gables" conversation here as well so they are in the same place, in the same year.

Instead of hesitating to propose conversations or journal our thoughts, wondering which chapter our buddies are on, I have an idea. How about we start by identifying our chapter as a heading, then writing afterwards? If we aren't at that chapter, we won't read it yet. This way we feel comfortable journaling along, at any pace, and we don't end up trying to make mini conversations out of a whole book.

If you peruse my old discussions of "My Cousin Rachel" and "Light A Penny Candle", the anticipation of major book parts and guessing where the story would go were fun. It is like watching a movie together and going "Oh no you didn't!" at exciting parts, haha.

Conversations so far have built on what I wrote. Share your ideas and what you ponder. I need and value my friends' insight and invite you to lead and shape discussions.

I am glad to know the timeframe and am glad you got started on "Anne Of Avonlea". I am too and am making a conversation folder for our book now. "The Night Circus" was wonderful and I am excited about "The Starless Sea", which I shall treat myself to in my birth month!

In honour of my birthday and to pamper me, I read things I love entirely, starting on November 1! :) It is usually the fun, magical, enthralling, atmospheric paranormal mystery that folks read this month. Some Sylvia Browne and other non-religious spiritual encouragement is due to soothe my heart and mind too, in a hard year.

Here is my new list of books to read, in 2020.

Series: Sue Grafton 1, Nevada Barr 1, J.K. Rowling 1 (yes, I am last to indulge), Frances Fyfied 1, 1st solo novel in her name Frances Hegarty, "Half Light", David Handler 4, P.D. James 1, "The Wizard Of Oz".

Various: "Pride And Prejudice", "The House Next Door" Anne River Siddons, "The Land Of Stories" Chris Colfer, "Midnight In The Garden Of Good & Evil", "All Creatures Great And Small", "Anne Frank, Diary Of A Young Girl", "Wuthering Heights", "Behind The Scenes At The Museum", "A Dry Spell" Susie Moloney (from Winnipeg!), "The Winter People" Jennifer McMahon would be fun. I'll save that Phyllis A. Whitney hardcover for later. Haha. "The Starless Sea", "The Witch Elm", "The Dreaming" Barbara Wood.

Biographies: Margaret Laurence, wildlife activist Biruté M.F. Galdikas "Reflections Of Eden", Anne Murray, Kirk Douglas "My Stroke Of Luck", John Candy, Melissa Gilbert, Goldie Hawn, Jeanne Cooper, Amy Poehler, Elton John.

I made the folder "A Place For Buddy Reading" and the topic "Future Joint Adventures" in 2014. This is an updated place, fresh at the top of discussion posts and easier to reference. I think new folders from time to time trims the number of book titles with conversations. I want a current one this time at least.

I am carrying over my happily dwindling proposal list. Please feel welcome adding to it. It is true that I read from my own books at home. There is a good chance I might have what other members propose but it is okay if I am not in some buddy reads. This is your own forum too. Sincerely, Carolyn.

I hope my suggestion made sense, to finish the six Kirk and Spot films. The different, readjusted story with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto can lend a comparison or change, instead of confusion. Their second film is a partial reimagining of "The Wrath Of Khan". It switches what happens to whom. This original Star Trek film is my least favourite but not because it lacks action. I don't like the mean and gross aspects of it, which most people expect in movies. ;> I do believe you will be a fan by the third film and can't wait to see.

Then, after your foray with Chris Pine's two films, "The Next Generation" awaits! This is a must before you think of peeking at the newest series, "Picard". It will be fun for me to find out if you pick & choose which series you are in the mood to see next, or if you will follow in order: "The Next Generation", "Deep Space 9", "Voyager", "Enterprise".

I am making good progress on 30 reviews and am gathering thoughts on what I will say about "A Journey To The Centre Of The Earth". One thought will tie-in with relict populations and hidden crevasses of that life. It is inspiring that Jules Verne imagined with such originality, possabilities about Earth that has had many of us, I am certain, mulling over its plausability.

As for science: I would like to learn the difference between "relict population" and animals native to specific places, since this is new to me. New Zealand and Australia have birds and mammals no one else does. But countries are large, ample homes.

Maybe it means "rare and managing not to be extinct". Or an unusual combination of elements and landscape, like Carberry Sandhills working out that certain animals can live and reproduce there. Some definitions are "continue to live in smaller numbers than they used to have". Ideal weather and place work out for them in a narrow location.

I just heard a purple finch singing, who have been doing that a lot and they are beautiful, real songbirds! Earlier today, the gander turkey was stationed on the other side of a bush, where Marigold was going to the washroom! He was monitoring and squawking at her, until I crouched down to eye level and said "She is just taking a poo. Birds are faster at that than mammels. As soon as she is done, I will bring her inside". He walked back to the family and was satisfied, haha!

Wonderful. There are other conversations to enjoy. I hope an e-mail soon contains "my present arrived". I have hardly made any headway lately in "The Night Circus" but am well past the 250 point, where you have to know what is going on next.

While we are in the topic of our second reading collaboration, I should add that fresh subject I wanted to share. I am getting through my pile of reviews and one that is very special, a really important find, is called "The Sandhills Of Carberry". It introduced me to a word that describes the rarity of what Jules' characters found at the Earth's core. Leeanne said there is no such thing as suitable temperatures there but I had asked if she thought a crevasse could safely be hidden in between hot layers, which we haven't discovered. I am curious about your answer. :)

Whether or not it is possible, there is such a thing as a: "relict population" and Manitoba has one! The Carberry Sandhills are such a place! This means a place where plants, insects, animals considered extinct elsewhere, or which no longer appear in abundance elsewhere, continue life in this miraculously ideal spot. Somehow parameters work out in such a way that these species of animals and plants thrive or at least decent numbers keep being renewed here. I think the Galapagos Islands are a famous example, where climate and environment support specific life forms like no other place. Isn't it neat that the phenomenon of is real? Do you know of other real places, with "relict populations"?

See my review of "I Wonder Why Trees Have Leaves". I gave it to my niece & nephew when they were in town for my Mom's service this winter. I loved seeing them despite circumstances. My Mom would love me getting to enjoy them. I was impressed by how informative and advanced that book was despite being made for students and it is beautifully, whimsically illustrated.

Leeanne, many folks are cold because they are thin or have vericose veins. Of course there is a point at which everyone is cold and we just dress for the weather. :) There was a TV commercial a couple of years ago, I don't recall if it was for beer or Olympic games of some kind. The message was "Canadians don't wait for a nicer day before going outside"! Yes, certainly the +28 C lately has been beautiful.

Kerri, if all you thought of was the temperature: you would miss a special experience. Snow is magical, the whole world is a fairy land. There is a silence and stillness as if the world is at rest. Suddenly, you behold an uplifting demonstration of all the life that still scurries about in all seaons and in all weather. It feels good that not only people but numerous animals are here to witness the resting landscape and are busy in it.

New birds, after others have gone south with those Monarchs of ourse. Whitetailed deer and several all-season birds don't go anywhere, nor do these wild turkeys. Those guys walk about less, near someone down the road who feeds them as well. Believe it or not, we are "the south", a winter vacation, for northern birds from colder climes! It is wonderful to see the Pine Grosbeaks and Redpoles again, after the Rosebreasted Grosbeaks are gone; they have already left. Evening Grosbeaks can handle light winter and sometimes stay. Pine Siskens, Juncos, and Blackbirds are mid-season birds: they can handle the cold of spring, take off in hot summer, and return for a little of winter.

I love living in a place where the feeling and look of nature changes and we live in a whole other way. If you put the cold aside, it is something to appreciate and contemplate. It makes us grateful for the warmth and growing seasons, which aren't just always there. I know Leeanne appreciates these things too. Four full seasons are special about Canada, with different things to do. And if I read more when it is dark sooner and too cold, that is a good thing! :)

Kerri, I suggested Leeanne start because she wanted longer with our books previously and they are borrowed. Don't read too fast, now! ;> Leeanne, how long do loans last? I like "The Night Circus" very much. I usually only read at bedtime and might take another night or two to finish.

I was just thinking of you ladies watching "The Motion Picture" soon! I knew it would be a gradual introduction but it is briefer and more immersive than 3 seasons of goofy 1960s sound and visual effects. It shows the start of machine sentience. I hypothesized with friends that it depicts the beginning of the Borg. I imagine those beauty shots of the ship were out of sentiment. The film opened in 1980 and fans waited 15 years to see the franchise continue.

The second film has more action and a major event continues. I think you will be hooked by the third. Two famous lines come from the end of film two I think: "You have and ever shall be my friend" and "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few".

There are emotional events that grab anyone and you have befriend the cast in a couple of films. Then, everyone loves the fourth, "The Voyage Home". You recall is modern Earth and more relatable than any other show or film has been. Stop after film 6, the last before Patrick Stewart's crew takes over and choose what you would like to do next.

Chris Pine's world switches so much, it is nuts. It is great but the director phoned-in a parallel universe, to avoid staying true to details. It is not a remake with new actors. If you are eager to see it, finish the 6 original films and go for it! You will be equipped to appreciate the changes and they are doozies. Also, Chris jokes "Enough with the metaphors, Bones", a character trait we have had decades to laugh about.

Go ahead and start! I will be finished my intriguing hardcover of "The Night Circus" soon.

Leeanne and I haven't discussed the cold yet! But I think you are well-rounded enough to pick-up on that: 0 C is not cold. It is a dip in weather that can still belong to autumn, or herald a slight beginning of winter. Last winter was -20 C to -32 C. The day of my dear Mom's service at the beginning of this year was about - 35 C. There is a way to thaw and prepare a plot, the day a service is scheduled at resting grounds. On a happy note, it is my Mom's birthday today and I am remembering her positive date with a glad, light heart.

All our trees have only recently turned back to their multicolours. I read recently that this is leaves' true colour and look. Green is the temporary change for spring and summer watering and blooming. Leaves, trees, and forests don't change to multicolours: they are coming back to what they are under the green, after there has been a low temperature or frost.

I covered sensitive garden plants thrice: once, it only touched -0.5 C but twice last week, it was -3 C. Yesterday, it was +28.5 C! After writing to you all here, I sped outside and spent a nice time outside in my swimsuit! Because it has only frozen a couple of times and is warm - a nice rain is even forecast on my Mom's birthday - the leaves are at their fullest in multicolour, not falling yet. It is the best time to get photos, so Ron & I had better catch-up with anniversary and cat photo views today.

I wanted to reiterate that I have "Around The World In 80 Days" and even "Paris In The 20th Century". I am eager to have a copy of "The Mysterious Island" with "10,000 Leagues Under The Sea" and am open to the rest.

Ah, you waited to finish. I would love your thoughts along the way, so this isn't a reply to me, or overall summary. If you can think of things that stood out for you, please do have your turn in proposing them. I am all ears and eyes. :)

I wonder if you would mind re-reading entry #16, about the toddler drowning. I'm not debating that accidents occur fast, or how people think in retrospect. I critique the individual decisions before it: "They would not have done that". Especially the grown girl not raising an alarm as soon as the kid started walking. Any number needed to see where the toddler wanted to stroll and say: "No way". The Dad before catching a fish, the 14 year-old, the Mom was doing nothing but weigh down the blanket. I grew-up with a worrier Mom. Many mini decisions do not ring true.

I have been there, at half of that protagonist's age! My middle brother was maybe 3 and me 5. We drove to the United States for a short trip and were at a motel with a second floor. An outdoor, concrete balcony comprised the hallway. There was a good solid railing nearly our height all the way around. My parents were inside the door beside us but still wisely asked me to watch this daredevil. Still, I was suprised by the stupidity of what he wanted to do: climb to the tiny edge outside the balcony and hang on!

I just knew there was no way he would hang on and that he was more likely to stumble his grip or stance. I didn't know if he would try to walk around or bounce and only saw useless danger. I also knew he was stupid enough to argue with me that he should do this pointless, perilous thing. I didn't wait to see how it would go. I screamed for my parents to come so they would settle it right away, instead of leaving me in a situation that might be terrible. MIGHT.

Any 14 year-old would have said, "Ma" or "Pa", look at what he is trying to do" and any of them would have stopped that nonsense immediately. They would not begin to let the toddler walk there. They wouldn't wait to see if he could do it safely. Or they would have said "Pa, watch, he is coming to you". Even when the kid first fell, the girl didn't exclaim and seemed to take ages to announce where he was!

I wasn't referring to Rich not knowing Chinese customs. The point of the book is that there are offspring who don't get it. I found Rich a smart mouth overall. I can't tell if he thought he was being funny or if he is so presumptuous. Most cultural manners don't call elders by first names unless invited, nor are grabby with food. His conversation approach was neither attentive nor gracious.

Modern couples share expenses. Ron & I did. There is pride in bringing your half, without counting who makes what, nor who eats what. The grocery bill was whatever it was. There came a time when he proposed smaller increments because our salaries differed greatly. Early contributions came in handy: now he lets me work on writing! Of course artistic goals pay nada, while you slowly work on the process.

For the fictional couple, the stringy food bill for icecream she never ate, was the last straw of other things that I agree were unfair. No credit for dreaming-up his businses? Sure, there is a difference between an idea and the person trained to do it and establishing it financially. I sure do disagree with the reasoning of the story that she couldn't move up because she was the owner's spouse. She was trained and talented in her own expertise.

This reminds me of Rob Lowe being kept out arbitrarily of all the raises on "The West Wing". I know they originally wanted to avoid a big name actor but that excuse was belatedly stretched thin; the only reason I can figure out for being ostracized. They did select a compelling, big name actor; who is probably the initial reason people watched, until they loved the show.

Yes, I was jubilant for a cheated on spouse keeping the house she loved in. The creep thought she was settle for anything he asked in divorce. She could cite being cheated on if she had to but speaking-up firmly was enough to halt him.

There is a lesson in wanting your child to know she can be great at the piano, versus being pushy. There is a diffference between wanting any of one's children to succeed but you shouldn't use them as bragging rights against friends. There is the whole topic of wisdom and profundity in the Chinese way. But there was inequality of gender or class, abuse, and hardship that no race should ever see. I think we saw clearly, without using life experience, that there are wise and shallow people on either side of the oceans. It isn't about being Chinese or North American. That is what it is called, not leaving Canada out by saying "America" or "American".

I gleaned that we should have alive, wakeful, attentive spirits in any life we lead; paying attention to teachings, intuition, or wise customs that can serve us. Ditch practices that are unfair or harmful. We want comfort, safety, some ease but appreciate everything and look beyond the external eyes. What are your take-aways, Kerri?

I loved the end but wanted to spend time with the girls. Amy Tan milked the emotional wave of the outcome and got me to tear-up; something you rarely see with me and novels because I choose happy ones! However, I would have savoured that happy-cry wave better, had we spent time with the three girls and Jing-Mei's Dad. I like winding down and closure details.

A big question I looked forward to asking you to help me answer please, is: Now that we have the outcome of Jing-Mei's family, did we need the stories of all 4 families? I am unsurprised that you remembered this one thread but am thrilled that this was new reading for you, as it certainly is with me, my friend!