Two...more...weeks.

I'm tired of school. Can you tell?

Below is a pre-academic school year desk and a pre-finals desk.

I can't even think of anything to say right now. I have checked out, which isn't good because very few things on my list have been accomplished.

I*sob* can*scream of frustration* do*sigh* this.

But isn't my mustache mug the epitome of cool?!

Memory #356

He is tall. A good 6'2'' to her 4'11." His skin is dark and leathery; worn by the sun. He leads her hand-in-hand, dressed up in a light-weight, snap-botton shirt and wrangler jeans. When he gets close he bends down to me and pulls a Werther's Original from his pocket. He hands it to me with a wink. I can smell his Stenson cologne; the stuff from the brown-glass cowboy that sits on his dresser. As I take the caramel from his massive hands, stained with motor oil and iodine, and rock solid from work, I give him the smile that little girls save only for their grandfathers. Towering over me he continues to lead her. She is petite; short with dainty legs, so he keeps his long stride slow. As I run to catch up with my cousins, I hear him laughing; laughing and talking and talking... and talking.

He is old and sight is slipping. Not quite as tall as he once was- funny how age can do that. Familiar places remain so primarily by shape, sound and smell. However, Barney from The Andy Griffith Show is recognizable before he even speaks. She leads him through the pines and cabins as only she can; because it really isn't leading at all, just Grandpa and Grandma taking a stroll. His knees are sore, so she keeps her petite steps slow. As people pass by he talks and laughs and talks... and talks.

End of Semester To-Do List

One more week of classes, one week of finals and I am done. I have so many great plans for my first couple weeks of summer and I can't wait for it to get here! But this is everything I have to finish before any of the good stuff can start:

Much to Do Report- Report about a New York Times book review
Literary Analysis- Exploring family loyalties in Montana 1948
Finish reading We Are the Ship for Children's Literature
Read The Namesake for Modern Literature
Much Ado picnic!
Oral Spanish final- crap.
Philosophy of Service assignment
Clase de espanol fiesta!
Spanish final- crap.
Modern Literature final
Children's Literature final
Much Ado final

And that's it! It really isn't much. I know people who have TONS more to finish by the end of the semester. I'm not really the "planning" type, but it feels good to have everything I need to do laid out for me. Happy Semester's End to you all!

A. Casperson Books

A couple weeks ago I went to a old/used/rare book store in Niles, MI. GOLD MINE. It was amazing how many books were squeezed into such a small shop. There were cookbooks, history books, children's literature, modern literature... everything. I was seriously overwhelmed, I didn't even know where to start looking. The most exciting part was when I found a book that I have wanted to get in hardcover for so long: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I was so excited because not only was it in hardcover and excellent condition, but it only cost $6.50! The cheapest I could ever find in such condition was around $30. This bookstore is amazing; I can't wait to go back!

What I'm Reading

This post should really be titled "What I Have Read in the Past Three Weeks." I haven't been able to keep up with posting this series because school has been so crazy! It picked right back up the second I got back from spring break. At least the next two weeks will slow down a bit, at least until finals week...

Montana 1948

By: Larry Watson

I loved this book. It isn't easy to read. It deals with a lot of difficult issues such as family loyalty and justice. The events that take place in this book are disturbing but I was pleased with the resolution at the end. The ending isn't very happy, but it's real and it gives really good insight to underlying truths within families and communities.

Lord of the Flies

By: William Golding

The general themes and insight into human nature makes this book great; along with the writing and imagery used. However, it was really hard for me to get through. A group of boys stranded on an island is bound to end poorly. Much the same is an earth occupied by sinful human beings. This book is sad, but not surprising.

As I Lay Dying

By William Faulkner

This book came very close to being the death of me. One might notice all the pink sticky-notes sticking out of the book. This is because I just turned in a 10 page paper about the way Southern Gothic is portrayed in the novel. I handed the paper to my professor this morning and instantly a wave of relief washing over me and took with it the weight that has been suppressing my shoulders for the past week and a half (haha, dramatic much?).

Anyway, this book is pretty out there; the Southern Gothic genre as a whole is pretty out there. However, Faulkner is pretty genius. He makes the most grotesque and morbid characters and situations... funny. You can't deny it! Even though it is grossly humorous, it is not a feel-good read (surprise, surprise, it was assigned for Modern Literature). I think I would have liked Faulkner.

P.S. Excuse the bags under my eyes. This research paper raped me of precious sleeping hours.

My Dream House

My interest in renovated barn-houses is becoming more of an obsession. I love the mix of country and modern. Love. love. love.

I have had a bad case of the flu for about three days now. Fever. Coughing. Sore throat. Stuffy nose. Hot flashes. It's been pretty miserable, but I think I am finally getting over it. Friday night, amongst the sweat, coughing and trying to breathe, I had a dream. We were back on the farm and I was headed out of the house. As I walked out the door I had a quick conversation with my brother Rob, and continued towards the barn . I was wearing my favorite jeans and my rubber boots, and my hair was pulled back into a ponytail. I helped move some cows and I could smell the barn... and the hay. It was a really, really nice dream.