Bleak House + Halloween

I wish that time didn't scare me so much these days. Lately, I feel myself caught in a zero gravity field. No forward motion despite my anxious kicking. Try as I may, I have not found that good position I had hoped to procure. I knew it would be tough in this economy, but I have had several leads (made through networking) that have all sort of halted just shy of coming through.  I cannot help but retain glimmers of hope because that's who my eternally optimistic mother raised me to be. But it still feels Bleak House right now.  Not unlike the overcast scene above, which is a salt marsh about a five minute bike ride from my parent's house.  On this particular late October day, I find the scene to be emblematic of my mood - cool, deep hues of dark colors that bespeak a certain wonder at the fate of it all.

However, doom and gloom is not all that we have on the menu today. Thank goodness for that ghoulish holiday, Halloween, where I allowed myself a respite from my woes to dress up in costume, bake up a storm in the form of these delicious chocolate carmel apples, and delight in the warm glow of orange lights amidst bronze leaves. Hope that you and yours enjoyed this delightful autumn holiday!

The Weekly Marginalian (Ep V: Less Movies, More Moving and Reading!)

I just watched the film version of the Tennessee William's play The Glass Menagerie. And it sparked in me the idea of how sick I am of watching television. Sitting with a vacant stare in front of the telly. So, I have been reading up a storm this week and just finished One Day b



Image found here.

Simple Views

I sat at my little desk this morning to think of ideas for The Weekly Marginalian and could not conjure topics worthy of discussion. So, instead I offer a picture taken (and edited using the iPhone TiltShift application) during a drive through New Hampshire last weekend, seeing the pretty fall colors and the cascading valleys and mountain passes near Mount Washington. See how the billowing clouds cling to the mountain tops? The landscape felt so fresh, pure, and sparse in its makeup. I loved it.

This week, though short, feels worn like an ancient leather satchel passed down through generations. That elusive next step is still hiding in the wings. The new leaf yet to be turned. But, I am blessed and I intend to enjoy this cozy fall weekend. I hope you all do, as well!

The Weekly Marginalian (Episode IV: Jon + Emily)

What do Jon Stewart and Emily Dickinson have in common? Well, they are the two topics for this episode of The Weekly Marginalian! I recently listened to Stewart's interview with NPR Fresh Air host Terry Gross and it was stunning. The interview. He's so articulate and so smart-seeming. And he gets it right each time. But he doesn't want all the responsibility that comes with getting it right. And I get that. But he's in a great position to shed some light on the terrible journalism that is happening right now. And that's good enough for me. And then, we have a lovely little poem by my namesake, Ms. Emily D. Have a splendid day!

     The Weekly Marginalian (Ep. IV Journalism Watchdog + A Poetic Recluse) by embow


Images found here and here.

The Weekly Marginalian (Ep. III: A Public Health Princess + the Detroit Art Movement)

This episode of The Weekly Marginalian features an interview with one of my very good friends, Susie, who is currently abroad in Cambodia for a public health internship. She's an incredible person in an incredible place. I also discuss a recent New York Times article about the burgeoning Detroit Art movement. Enjoy!

  The Weekly Marginalian (Ep. III A Public Health Princess and the Detriot Art Movement)

The Weekly Marginalian (Ep. II: Madeline Albright + L.M. Montgomery)

Hello! I have here the second episode of the Weekly Marginalian. I had some sound trouble with this episode, so I apologize in advance! I discuss the modern woman in the context of former Secretary of State Madeline Albright in the first part and then highlight Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery's incomparable ability to describe a natural setting and bring the reader to her beloved, enchanted Prince Edward Island. There is truly nothing like her writing.  Thanks for listening and have a glorious weekend!

 The Weekly Marginalian (Ep. 2 Madeleine Albright and LMM) 

Image found here.

The Weekly Marginalian (Ep. I: Journalism Meets Katharine Hepburn)

Friends! I bring you the first episode of "The Weekly Marginalian." After a few takes, I offer you the final product. It is still a tad rougher than I would like, but a honest attempt to provide my thinking through a new medium. I will also qualify the podcast by begging your pardon for using a clip from Saturday Night Live's most recent parody of NPR - it's not for the squeamish!

This first episode introduces the premise of the podcast and then divulges my feelings for public radio journalism. And believe me, I have very strong feelings! I end the podcast with a tribute to my favorite actress, Katharine Hepburn. I hope enjoy my first attempt at podcasting! Also, please give me any feedback about the program as I am always looking for ways to make it better!

Image found here.