Monday, September 8, 2003

fall break




"it's a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. it gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet, and what is sand."
madeleine l'engle (1918 - ) u.s. novelist

speaking of beaches (and carpets tugged, for that matter): although my plans for a much-anticipated weekend out and about - groningen? domburg? - at the end of the month suddenly disintegrated, i have decided to lose myself to a couple of days of much-needed r&r. i've booked a room in a charming little hotel in noordwijk, on the coast, with breakfast and dinner included; i will pack a very good book (any suggestions?) and my camera, and not a lot else. den haag is a stone's throw away. i've never spent more than three consecutive hours there (picking up my passport at the canadian embassy!) and i understand it's lovely.
all in all: things are looking, finally, a bit forward. i am, as one says, getting my act together.


6 comments:

  1. I'm reading Almost French now. It's good so far, as long as you haven't read other "woman visits europe and falls in love" books. Then this one will probably be slightly repetitive.

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  2. Read "Geluk" (happiness), by William Ferguson...

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  3. Enjoy your time off. Savor it. And take pictures. Ever read "Who will Run the Frog Hospital?" by Lorrie Moore? Or how about "City in Love" by Alex Shakar?

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  4. Try 'The Snow Geese' by William Fiennes. It's a journey of recuperation after he had" the props pulled out" from under him ...

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  5. Why not try "Ladder of Years" by Anne Tyler or "Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks. Accompanied by Brahms' Complete Trios together with a fruity Cabernet/Merlot blend and a smelly ripe Brie.
    Yes, I think Den Haag is a very beautiful city with a wonderful ambience. Quite different from Amsterdam. Slower and more cerebral.
    Enjoy ...

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  6. it's not for a couple of weeks, my retreat, but thanks for the well-wishes...and for the recommendations!

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