A few weeks ago, we were joined by two wonderful new publicity assistants, Nick and Bobby. Now that they’re settled in, I decided it was time to harass properly introduce them to you. Hopefully this (incredibly interesting) Q&A will show how lucky we are to have them on board.
Do you speak (or pretend to speak) any other languages?
Nick: Yes, Farsi. My parents were born and raised in Iran. They came to the US to continue their studies at college. They met here in the States and a few years later I entered the picture. My first language was, in fact, Farsi. I grew up in a house where my parents and grandparents both spoke to me in Farsi. I did not learn English until I was in early elementary school. Looking back, this now explains so much…
Bobby: I studied Spanish up until sophomore year of college, but I can’t really call what I do with the language “speaking” it. I also studied some Japanese when I studied abroad, and I can now ask where the train station is, I think.
What is your favorite book that was not originally published in English?
Nick: War and Peace. I read it for the first time a few years back after my brother continuously insisted on my commitment to finishing the behemoth of a book. Finally, I gave in and I am now forever indebted to him. This book is my bible and is undoubtedly this best piece of literature ever created. It is both a beautiful story as well as a deep philosophical piece that proves to be a perpetually modern novel that will never lose its relevance in society. This is the only intellectual answer I will provide, promise.
Bobby: Labyrinths by Borges, which might not count since it’s a collection of short stories. No other author has inspired so many moments of disturbed awe and wonder for me. I like when a book freaks me out enough that I have to leave the room.
Fill in the blank: Don’t stop _____________.
a) believing
b) ’til you get enough
c) the music
Nick: ’til you get enough.
Bobby: Believing, duh.
What’s your favorite viral video?
Nick: Does Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video count?
Bobby: Stalking cat.
Which is more awesome: a Jesus Christ lizard, or a 0 Comments on Meet the New Assistants! as of 1/1/1900
I love Goethe more and more as time goes by, I really do. Any fool can get into the ocean, though -- that I got a kick out of. Here's to Goddess-ness!
That labyrinth in the sand is beautiful! I'm curious -- where you walked your labyrinth, Sara?
In a church courtyard, Julie. They had brought in a large one painted on canvas for anyone who wished to walk and meditate or pray. At the time, I was attempting to write a book with a labyrinth in it and wanted to experience the walk.
I also used a picture of a labyrinth like this one in a presentation about writing a novel. I talked about how you think the experience is going to be point A to point B, and winds up instead being this beautiful, twisting path that takes you nearer and then farther and then nearer to the center of the story as you steadily walk/write.
I think this post might be a sign that I need to get back to that long abandoned novel idea.
Oh, what a superb poem!
I've been to the site of the supposed labyrinth of King Minos in Greece, also muddled my way out of the big maze at Hampton Court Palace.
Jama, I've done the Hampton Court maze with my kids. Lots of fun. Guess I should add Greece to my list, too!
Based on the library funding news this week, I need a labyrinth to walk. What a great photo and the poem...a perfect place to be.
Ah Sara, you Goddess you! I was clicking away and forgot what blog I was reading. As soon as I started this poem I thought of you and wondered if you'd read it already. Hee Hee.
I've always wanted to walk a labyrinth. Done it with my fingers but not my feet.
Oh! Here's another beautiful ocean/labyrinth image.
Love the quote which I had forgotten about and was glad for the reminder. It's going in my memory book.
And the poem is wonderful! Thank you for introducing me to it.
"... is true of course
Of love and memory. When you start remembering."
The closing is what impresses me most. Of course I enjoyed the whole poem but the closing held me most of all.
This is what I am doing this morning:
"swimming
Through riptide of rhythms and the metaphor's seaweed"
It remains to be seen how I will emerge when it's time to get up from the computer and join the world for the day, but I'm pretty sure I'll be dripping wet and gasping for air! But the otters will have been worth it all...
I love that poem, and love the Goethe quote, too.
And, I'm just muddling through the labyrinth of life.
Wow, amAzing picture to go along with this poem.
Riptide of rhythms....
Who wouldn't try to swim with the otters?!
Ok, this is just a generality, but I'm not that fond of Beat poets. But I love this. I guess I think of Beat poetry as long, rambling, and (to me) not that interesting. This is focused and fabulous!
I've only walked in "entertainment" labyrinths--hay mazes, Halloween haunted mazes, etc. Would love to try a meditative one. I think there's one here in the Twin Cities somewhere that I read about. Will have to go check!