Review of Barbara Pym's "A Few Green Leaves"

From other critics, I understand that you seldom read Barbara Pym for an exciting plot. Pym's work sketches quaint scenes in provincial England or university life at Oxford. I haven't been disappointed yet in reading tales of the excellent women of the church, befuddled dons and vicars, nosy neighbors, and young bohemian anthropologists.

"A Few Green Leaves" takes place in a particularly small village in Oxfordshire. Throughout the book, the scenes rotate from the local rector, doctors, churchwomen, and young anthropologist hoping to complete a study on country life in their small town. Pym's writing style is humorous but compassionate. She perfectly illustrates the awkwardness of many social situations and conversations that don't always easily flow.

I found myself laughing out loud when some of the neighbors are taking a walk through the grounds of the empty manor of the village. Daphne, the rector's older sister, notices such a pretty spot of sweet violets only to be told that they are actually a discarded candy wrapper.

I love everything I've read by Pym so far and I would love to know if anyone else appreciates her. I'd say read one of her books, if it makes you smile or laugh out loud, then read on.

My review of "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan"

Another historical fiction book review! I've just finished Lisa See's "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan". I had read See's "Shanghai Girls" a few weeks ago and was very impressed. This is the story of lifelong friendship, arranged friendship at that! In rural China in the 18th century, two young girls are matched at age seven to be old sames, friends for life. The story follows the girls journeys into womanhood, marriage, and motherhood.
See gives women the foreground in her stories, rarely even revealing the names of male characters. This is a book of the many hearbreaks faced by women Puwei China, where their only value was found in their ability to bear sons. I greatly enjoyed the friendship as the primary relationship and basis for Lily's story instead of family or romantic relationships. I just remember talking about this in French class a long time ago how romantic relationships sometimes take precedence over good friendships and we rarely see big movies with just friendships as the main dynamic. If you're interested in seeing a good example of this, check out French movie "My Best Friend" starring Daniel Auteuil. It's pretty silly, but I really liked how it was simply about finding friendship.

Back to the book review. This book not only discussed some customs such as embroidery and footbinding, but also the lost art of the language of nu shu, a calligraphy made by women for their own secret use. The secret fan carries messages in nu shu between Lily and Snow Flower during the entirety of their friendship.

Pardon the scatterbrained reviews. I just know that it's always easier for me to remember a book I heard about or was recommended than to go to the library with no plan in mind.

Review of Emma Donoghue's "Slammerkin"

I had heard of Donoghue's new book, "Room" and that it's been getting good reviews. I looked for it at the library and when it was missing I decided to start with some of her other books.

Slammerkin is a the historical fiction of the life of Mary Saunders, a prostitute and maid in 18th century England. The book began with Mary's coming of age, and the bawdiness of her becoming a "Miss" was a guilty pleasure. Donoghue's descriptions of London's bustling nightlife made me feel as if I were actually there. Mary's life in London is a reference point for the rest of the book, taking place near present day Wales.

Mary's past is haunting, yet I kept hoping for her to be able to return to it. Saunders is not necessarily a pleasant character, but she breathes vigor and youth into the home of the family she works for.

I thought my review would be a lot longer, but this is all I've got. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction, descriptions of fine clothes, and household tensions.

Also, my favorite was the character Doll Higgins and her quips and quotes that appeared throughout the novel.

Wowie zowie!

I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I've posted. Wow, was I emo. I deleted some old stuff because I prefer not to remember it. It just goes to show how far I've come!

I recently visited MN and being back there made me realize how much I love Athens and how happy I am to have moved here! It just feels right. I don't even mind working these days since my grace period for student loans is up. I am just so happy to be doing almost exactly what I want every day. Work is work, but someday I'll figure out what else to do. It's not a race.

I think I would like to start reviewing tea again on here as well as books I read. So to my two faithful followers, things may get exciting again. Much love!

Tea Review: Snowflake and Cupid's Blend

As you all know, a couple of weeks ago I was delighted to discover Lady Elegant's Tea Room in St Anthony Park. Unfortunately at the time of visiting I was strapped for cash in all meanings of the phrase. I returned again with my mom this weekend and made a few purchases.

The store features over 80 varieties of loose leaf tea and not only tells what the top 10 best sellers are but also gives sample smelling jars so you can see and experience the scents, flavors, and textures. They also have a tea of the day sampling station available every day the gift shop is open. I decided to go with the seasonal and holiday appropriate teas. I bought "Snowflake", which is their #1 best seller. My second choice was "Cupid's Blend". You avid readers know how much I love heart day.

"Snowflake"

This tea lived up to its expectations as the best seller of the store. I was a little leery at first, wanting to go for a black tea with a more established flavor like Earl Grey or the Scottish Breakfast. Anyway, the ingredients are as follows:

-blend of black teas from Ceylon, South India, and China

-almonds

-cinnamon

-coconut flakes

I used a normal (not heaping) teaspoon of the tea and infused it in a regular sized coffee cup. This amount was more than enough, which I was happy to know. This way my tea will be lasting a while, as some loose blends require up to two teaspoons per cup. The tea steeped and was strong and dark. The blend of different black teas probably contributes to the full, black flavor. The almonds and coconuts added a touch of toasty sweetness without being overbearing. It was delicious. As the name suggests, the perfect blend to wake and warm you up on a midwinter's day.

"Cupid's Blend"

This tea was almost worth buying just because it LOOKS so beautiful! It's got the Valentine's feel down with the rosebuds included in the mix. Before I go on, here is a list of the ingredients in this decadent tea:

-black tea

-cocoa bits

-natural flavors

-strawberry bits

-yogurt bits

-rosebuds

-vanilla

YUMMMMM!! My best friend, Jessica, was over when I tried both of these. She is also an ardent tea drinker and was just as excited to sample these as I was. We both enjoyed looking in the tin of this one. The small dried rosebuds add such a romantic touch. The tea was not as strong as the Snowflake. This may be due to using only one kind of black tea. The more prominent flavor was the cocoa, which was noticeable in the aftertaste. The strawberry and vanilla added to the sweetness. This tea's flavors would be marvelously accented with some sugar and milk, or as I like to use, vanilla soymilk. This tea is absolutely delicious and appealing to the eyes and nose as well. If only my sweetheart were here to enjoy a cup of Valentine's tea with me. Actually, he doesn't drink it. I would set a cup in front of him and then drink his after I've finished mine.

I hope this was enjoyable. Again, those of you in the metro area, if either of these sound good there is a trove of flavors to be enjoyed. Stop by this place, seriously! Also, if there are any tea flavors you recommend, please pass them along and I'd be most happy to try them! Happy tea drinking!

Holiday Hearts

I love Holidays. I can't think of any reason why I wouldn't want to celebrate something and make a special occasion of it. Paired with holidays are traditional activities, colors, and FOODS! I have a hard time deciding my favorite but one of my dearest holidays approaches quickly. Can you think of what it could be?

That's right, VALENTINE'S DAY! Hold on, don't blow me off, give me a chance! Every time I try to bring this up with anyone, they say that it's just a made up holiday to make people feel bad about themselves if they don't get a valentine, date, etc. While it is true that Valentine's Day may be a mishmash of holidays combined into one, there is no reason to grump about it! Half of the time people get upset about not getting any valentines they don't send any in the first place. Am I making sense?

I love written word, I love messages, I love mail, and every year on February 14th we have the opportunity to write sweet words and deliver them to our friends, family, and sweethearts. I don't like that Valentine's Day is always emphasized in such romantic terms. I think of it as a fun day to give cards and candies to my friends and family members as well! If everyone thought of it this way, I'm sure it would be more enjoyable. I just love the lace, the paper hearts, the poems, it's just all right up my alley. Maybe I'm biased. A lot of times I have had a sweetheart on Valentine's Day but I can't think of anything that special that we had done in the past. I'm especially looking forward to trying to make this year's special since my sweetheart lives so far away.

So, as jumbled up as this post must sound, I have a parting message for all of you. Don't get hung up if you are single on Valentine's Day! Make Valentines for your friends and family or maybe send a secret admirer message to someone! Maybe even have a get together and make heart cookies? Spending time together and enjoying the company of friends and family is always the best part of any holiday, after all. I can't wait!!!

When are you free to take some tea with me?

Today was perfect in so many ways. It's exactly what the doctor ordered, if you read my last blog, you'll know what I mean. I had been really down in the DUMPS but the good old January thaw has brightened my spirits.
I slept in until nearly noon today, which was wonderful. I woke to see the sun shining and many people walking outside. I had heard talk of the 40 degree weather and was eager to take advantage of it. I cleaned up the apartment and made some lunch.

Aside:

Honey Mustard Tofu Salad

Brown some tofu

In a bowl mix
1TB mustard
2TB honey
1TB soy sauce
1/2 TSP minced garlic

Add sauce to tofu and mix well. Eat hot or chilled on a bed of lettuce and onions cut into rings and add roasted peanuts on top. DELICIOUS!

After lunch I decided it was time to get out and enjoy the rare treat that the winter had offered me. I went to the mail room and sent out some letters and then made my way down Snelling.

I LOVE St Anthony Park. I had been planning on chilling out at the Finnish Bistro and reading after my nice sunny walk. It felt so good to be out and enjoying the weather, I felt like I was on an adventure!

I noticed that in the St Anthony Park suites that a tea room and gift shop was open! It was called Lady Elegant's Tea Room and I immediately thought of Jessica. Just wait! Upon entry I decided it was my new favorite store! They had 80 varieties of tea! Peach, Cupid Blend, Cinnamon Raisin Sugar, Chocolate Mint, Jane Austen Blend, Lady Blue, etc etc. Tea themed stationary, Tea Room Mysteries, and MORE! I NEED to bring Jessica there sometime.

That was just the gift shop. They also serve high tea on weekends which I would love to go to sometime. They have upcoming Winter Wonderland, Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day, and Mystery Tea all coming up in the next few months. Oh for a time when I will have the funds to enjoy one of these special events.

www.ladyelegantstea.com

My mom met me at the tea shop and we went over to Finnish Bistro for drinks. Unfortunately, almost everywhere on the main strip closed at five.

It was a lovely day out! When the weather gets nicer I think it would be a lovely way to enjoy Saturday mornings, walking down to SAP and enjoying the library, post office, cafes, and gift shops. Let me know if you'd like to join me!

Seasonally Affected

I think I have always blogged at this time of year, or desperately have felt the urge to. Christmas and New Year’s celebrations have come and gone and what is left? Everything is left, it’s a whole new year after all! 2010 sounds promising. It is the year of my graduation and that’s supposed to be a good thing. We’ll see how everything actually turns out.
I had such wonderful holidays. I could not have even dreamed what a great time I wound up having in Kentucky and Georgia. I never wanted them to end. Change and excitement and the prospect of new friends and places to grow comfortable in are awfully appealing as I haul through my final months here at Hamline. It’s just the same as most of us felt at the end of high school. I am getting so tired of school and seeing the same people all the time doing the same things. I get a taste of a new social pattern over break and just as I grow accustomed to it, it’s time to go back.
I’m so ready for change. I’m ready to finally be in the same state as my wonderful sweetheart instead of miles away in frozen MN. I long for the spring and the romantic thrills it brings. Birthdays, commencement, Jim, Athens. I am trying to hang in there, it’s just difficult when I’m not really sure what I’m immediately looking forward to.