Wednesday, August 27, 2008

on finishing short novels whilst sitting under a tree

Today marked the official end of summer for me.

I know, I know. The semester offically began on Monday, and I have been working at least full-time hours for the last three or four weeks, but I didn't actually have a seminar until today. Granted, that seminar is with one of my favorite people here, but you know--it means that I have to officially set aside my own reading--most of which has been fun, some of which has been challenging.

I was able to take a brief moment today, before said seminar, and finish one of those books under a tree in the middle of our busy quad. Frisbees were being tossed, shirtless dudes were tightrope walking across their little tree-tied strap, sun shined, ants crawled (on my arm) and it was a moment. What a pretty place and what a pretty time to be in this place. Oh, and the book was Steinbeck's Tortilla Flat which is simply hilarious (and a bit tragic).

Without really realizing it, to conclude my first full summer in Champaign, along with reading a book about Monterey, CA (one of my favorite locals), I also happened to listen to the Beach Boys's Sounds of Summer: thirty songs of unadulterated, reverby, 3-part-harmonied, beachiness. (Which was followed, incidentally, with the Beatles White album, which is quite the lovely opposite.)

Despite the busyness, it has been a good summer. It had some amazing moments--but I hope to actually make it out of Illinois next summer.

3 comments:

  1. I had a great summer reading my brains out! I can't even tell you everything I read but it was glorious! I even stayed up one night until 3:30 and finally made myself turn off the light! I was still wide awake mind you! I can relate reading as opposed to frisbee tossing and tightrope walking! I need to elevate my choices though... Mom B.

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  2. For those keeping score, the tightrope walking is called 'slacklining'. They stretch climbing webbing between trees and walk across it, sometimes doing cool tricks (like backflips! whoa!)

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  3. Blah, blah, blah..! slb thinks he knows everything! Slacklining, huh? I had no idea.
    -DB

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