Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom The Bell Tolls

This is actually the first novel of the great writer’s that I have read. I have only read his essays before. I am still not finished with the book to be honest, but I felt I needed to comment on it anyway.

I don’t usually read books about war, but this was about so much more than just war. This was a slice of life that was happening in the midst of the war and shown from the side of those not in service. These were Spanish peasants who were fighting a revolution, and the American who was a part of that fight.

The words Hemingway uses are so wonderful and so descriptive. I don’t know if they actually spoke the way he portrays them, but I’m amused by how he leaves out the cursing by using the word “obscenity” are variations thereof. It lends a bit of levity in an otherwise very emotional and/or dramatic scene.

The characters are fleshed out so well you would swear you knew someone just like them some time in your life. He doesn’t go into detail about how they look, it’s how they act and how others treat them, that shows you who they are.

If you can’t already tell, I’m enjoying this story more than I thought I would. I’m about halfway through it and just started it this morning. I have read many others, and I will tell you about them, from my point of view, later.

On a personal note: I didn’t pass my training with a high enough grade so, I am back to looking for work again. I am also back on the boat I was on before, in a cramped space, feeling sorry for myself and being utterly miserable. However, I am making the best of it I can, and I will continue on as best I can looking for work and trying not to be too miserable.

Cheers, and I’ll see you on the flipside. Don’t forget your towel and your sonic screwdriver. Oh yes, and don’t feed the cat. He tends to bite.

It’s Me Again, Margaret

I’m posting a day early this week because I’m going to be getting dental implants tomorrow starting at 1:30 pm. I don’t know how long the procedure is going to take, but I can tell you I’ll most likely be awake during the entire thing. My dentist will be using topical anesthetics and laughing gas so I should be okay. Still, once the fun stuff does wear off, I might be ready for some oral painkillers. Then again, maybe not. I’m getting micro implants – 6 in all – because my jaw isn’t that big or thick. So, the dentist won’t have to make any big incisions in my gums to get to the bone of my jaw. Just have to see how it goes.

Other than that, things are okay. I’m still training for my job, and I have to complete this week’s training with some high marks, or I can’t go on to the next stage. I’m working my tail off to get those high marks!

I’ve become interested in Pinterest again – not sure if I told you that in my last post or not. I’m having fun looking at things and adding things to my boards. I’ve even added a couple of new boards to reflect my current interests. One of the main ones I’ve been adding to is my Travel board. I’m planning a trip to Scotland that I hope to make this year. Pinterest has been a great source of ideas for not just travel to Scotland but to other places as well. 🙂

Well Friends, it’s that time again. I’ll see you on the flipside and please, don’t forget your towel and your sonic screwdriver. You never know who you might get a ride from!

Jan. 16 – Update

Yes, I know it’s a boring title for a blog post, but it’s the best I can come up with at 11pm(CMT) so, it’s there.

I haven’t done any writing of late. I’ve had to put it on hold while I concentrate on my training to be a virtual assistant. I almost screwed up and got fired before I even started because I let my anxiety get the best of me; I rushed through some of the important training and messed up on it. I’m being given a final chance to prove the job is a good fit for me, which it is. So, I’m going to slow down and do a great deal more studying on the procedures and protocols of the job.

On a better note, I’ve been using Duolingo and Tiny Cards to help me learn French – actually to refresh my memory of the French I learned in high school so many years ago. According to Duolingo, I’m now 24% fluent in French. 🙂 This makes me feel good.

I started a Goals journal at the beginning of the year, and I’ve been setting goals for each week of the month, one week at a time. I’m only writing down three goals for the week, but they involve every day of the week in some fashion. So far, I’ve been keeping to the goals I’ve been setting. In February, I’ll add another goal to the list and keep going from there, escalating as I continue to reach goals. I think this will make me more productive.

I’ve also become more active on Pinterest again though I’m not finding as much to add to my boards as I used to. I did create some new boards as I’m developing new interests, including travel. My travel goal for this year is to visit Scotland for a week. If I can swing it financially, I’d also like to visit Thailand this year for a one week visit. That would be nice though Scotland is the goal I’m shooting for.

I hope everyone is doing well so far this year. Feel free to leave comments or ask questions, I’ll be happy to respond to anything.

Well folks, the time has come again for us to part. See you on the flipside and don’t forget your towels and sonic screwdrivers!! Winter has been tricky so far this year so you need to be prepared for anything!

Happy New Year!!

I know, I know. I haven’t been blogging like I should. It’s not a good thing when you’re trying to build up a readership like I am, but I will do better in the new year! No excuses either. 🙂

That said, I hope this new year will be absolutely fantastic in every way for every one.

Catch you on the flipside and don’t forget your towel and sonic screwdriver – we’re going to be in for a wild ride.