Saturday 14 January 2012

An Ordinary Saturday at Valley's End.



On this misty, frosty Saturday morning the sun finally came out at about eleven and the twigs on the laburnum and amelanchier were still clothed in their festive winter finery. I'd hate a garden without trees and shrubs, what would I have to look at in winter?

I've been trying to do my income tax return online this morning - late as usual - but also as usual, the HMRC website refused me entry, insisting that 'You Have Not Been Granted Access To This Site' when I typed in my own reference numbers. That means that I'll be sitting at the end of a telephone line on Monday, listening to some godawful canned music and waiting for one of their operatives to become free. I shall do my returns on paper again in future, if they let me.

I'm feeling a little merry. I have said it before, morning drinking doesn't agree with me. We had an invitation to a pre-lunch drinks party and, although I always go to these things with the firm intention to stick to orange juice, I rarely follow my own instructions. The host greeted me by saying he had a lovely Sancerre for me to try and I was lost. I did the Sancerre fully justice, with only a few bites to mop up the juices. Which meant, that for me at least, the party became very enjoyable. I'd hate you to think that I overdo my appreciation of the grape, but I can tell the difference between plonk and a drink worth having. And if it's worth having, I'll have it.

There were several writers of non-fiction present at the party, a historian and a biologist as well as a biographer; feeling uninhibited I button-holed them and asked their opinion on the best process to get the work of writing done. The consensus was "Concentration", "Discipline", "Ruthlessness vis-a-vis Distraction" and "A Quiet And Private Working Area". "Regular Working Hours, No Matter What", also came up. Considering, that between them, these people, all men and therefore free from  Cyril Connolly's "pram in the hall" being a sombre enemy of good art, have a couple of dozen books to their names, I rather trust their method. I may not have a pram in the hall but I do have a household to run. The only fiction writer present, who also writes poetry, is more like me: maybe there's time today or maybe there'll be time tomorrow. But then, the only books he's published were non-fiction English and poetry text books, his literary efforts languish in the drawers of his study.

Having had all this stimulation in the morning, I felt like a long sit-down after a very late lunch. To that end I treated myself to a couple of hours with the second part of the Larsson Millennium trilogy. I absolutely love what I've read so far. I've mentioned the books to people whose opinion I respect;  one said he disliked the violence, somebody else said they found the long, descriptive passages off-putting,  another fiction writer couldn't find an explanation for the runaway success the trilogy has had, because it is actually quite a demanding read, meticulously researched, needing concentration and an interest in journalism, big business and corruption in high places. Not the usual thriller fare, in other words. I love thrillers, solving the puzzle along with the writer is a relaxing exercise. Larsson doesn't give much away, his story unfolds in ever greater circles, drawing in more and more characters, increasing the suspense and making me afraid for the safety of threatened protagonists.

I'm reading this as if I were listening to the ominous sound of distant drum beats getting closer and closer.

The evening shall be rounded off with last week's episode of Sherlock Holmes, with Benedict Cumberbatch. An evening in front of the box. Everybody who has seen it says it's great. I am looking forward to another treat.

Absolutely my kind of an ordinary Saturday.




48 comments:

  1. Your Saturday sounds far from ordinary to me, in fact it sounds downright exciting. ;-)

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  2. My kind of day, entirely.
    So far I've shoveled the drive, salted and shoveled again. I hope to settle in on the sofa for a good long read. I wish I hadn't already read the Larsen trilogy so that I could look forward to it. I loved it - all of it. Have you read any Henning Mankell? I'm enjoying this Swede's mysteries as well.

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  3. Sounds like you have a veritable writers' community in your village Friko. I can't say that I would mind such a Saturday, at all. What fun!

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  4. Hello:
    Well, it all seems rather a splendid Saturday to us, especially the pre-lunch drinks party with such an engaging group of guests.

    We have read the Larsson trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed it. As you say, full of mind bending twists and turns but all the more satisfying because of it. The frozen landscape which accompanies the action all adds to the dramatic effect too in our view. Perhaps you might like to try, if you have not done so already, Jo Nesbo once you have read all three volumes. They are seriously scary reads!!

    Discipline, discipline and yet more discipline.....is that to be the order of the day in 2012? Happy writing!!

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  5. I don't know if I'm comforted or distressed by your description of doing income taxes. It sounds much too familiar. As for a morning drinks party, I'm afraid the rest of my day would be completely ruined. I think I will save such for after five.

    Do you think blogger is mischievous? The verification word is "revel!"

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  6. steig's books were ok...i think his passing added to the hysteria and propelled it further than it would have gone...it is a meticulous read...

    sounds like you had a fun day...smiles.

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  7. I have my taxes done for me. "Happydance"

    SL doesn't do anything for me(but my first therapist did look exactly like him)...I know I am in the minority with that.

    You have very full days...& I suspect you like them that way.
    ~Mary

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  8. Morning drinks with published non-fiction writers does not sound ordinary to me at all. There was a time when it might have, but no more.
    I'm having trouble with my eyes again, so the Larssen trilogy sounds daunting.
    However, I absolutely agree with you about looking outside to see the winter garden. The new window Dick had installed as my birthday gift is just wonderful.
    K

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  9. Even if the music were not godawful it would be difficult to enjoy with interruptions every 30 seconds to explain how sorry they are that you're having to wait - and all so that you can pay tax.

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  10. What an interesting day! It sounds wonderful! I haven't read the trilogy, but am sorely tempted.

    The ominous sound of distant drums beating is the sound of U.S. carriers moving towards the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf of Tonkin Redux.

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  11. I love you play of words, Friko, and such an ordinary day, indeed. With the exception of the pre-lunch bunch, which sounds quite stimulating, my day was similar. I did as little cleaning and household work as possible before settling into several chapters of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks", which is non-fiction, but, a reads so easily and is so interesting.

    Then I fell into a most delightful nap.

    I enjoyed Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock last season and look forward to the next episodes. Enjoy the rest of your wonderful, ordinary day.

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  12. friko, that's a lovely rich fun muzzy saturday!!! drinks in the morning - yes the only way to manage that is to continue drinking!!!! steven

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  13. Friko, you DO sound rather merry.
    I've never heard of a before lunch drinks party, but I rarely socialize. Who knew?
    I really enjoyed the first of the SL trilogy; my husband and I read simultaneously, me from my kindle and he from a borrowed paperback.
    Now we have to fight over who gets to read #2 first, as we borrowed that one too. I do not find it hard going at all - unlike A.S. Byatt who I need to read whilst in a reference library. Egad.
    You can run your household around your writing. If you keep interrupting your writing to do household things, then you must be avoiding something. Hmmmm?

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  14. Sancerre and Stieg Larsson -- a nice combo! I'm a Larsson fan as well -- good plotting and memorable characters. Didn't like the third one quite as much (too much explanation, not enough action) but all and all a magnificent work. Looking forward to the English film version of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" which I will see this coming week when B has her book club (she doesn't want to see it -- too violent).

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  15. I watched the English version of the trilogy, but haven't read the books. I know I'll watch the American version, too.

    I room full of writers!! Ahhh! What could be better than that. ;)

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  16. That would be a far from ordinary Saturday (or any day) for me. About the closest I've come is to read away many afternoons with the Larsson trilogy. I agree with all the critics you spoke to but still couldn't put them down! Love how you describe in it your second last para.

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  17. So nice to "meet" you, Friko - I see we have some things in common. I have Larsson's trilogy on my Kindle but haven't started reading yet. My husband enjoyed them. I hear the English-speaking movie version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is soon out. And now, you've reminded me that here in the mountains of CO it is time for a nice glass of red. Cheers to you!

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  18. Definitely not an ordinary Saturday for me, but I certainly enjoyed yours. I am just excited to once more get back to visiting Friko's World!

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  19. I read the first of the Larrson books and was totally unimpressed. The man character left me cold. I never figured out why all those women wanted to sleep with him and the actual plot was simple and so slow. I will not read the other two.

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  20. That is quite the Saturday (setting aside the "on hold" tax experience, which we could all do without--isn't it remarkable the ways folks find to waste our precious time?). Anyway, from there on, your Saturday sounds extraordinary to me. The writerly advice did appear sound, as, however, did your comment about having a house to run. Puts me in mind of V. Woolf's A Room of One's Own. Necessary, but hard to come by. As for drinks that early in the day, I would be down for the count in no time. You seem to have held up very well.

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  21. Your Saturday sounds truly extraordinary to me.
    An alcoholic drink at lunch virtually guarentees that I am going to need a nap. Reading (if any) will fall into the comfort reading category (books I have read before, non demanding gentle reads).
    I so love your trees and shrubs though - it doesn't matter what time of the year they are an essential.

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  22. When I read the trilogy, I couldn't put the book down! The second one ends oddly, but is taken up quickly and expertly in the third book. Enjoy!!!

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  23. Sounds like a great Saturday to me, Friko. I've read "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," which I liked, and I enjoyed all three of the Swedish films based upon the trilogy. Though brutal and difficult to watch, I found the message and the quality of the filmmaking compelling. Tomorrow, my wife and I are going to see the American version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," but I'm not expecting it to be as good as the Swedish version. American filmmakers seldom get it right when they are trying to interpret European works of art.

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  24. Sounds like a terrific day! The best way to enjoy a party, I'd say -- as long as you don't have to drive home.

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  25. Dear Friko,
    As Rita said, "A roomful of writers! What could be better than that." Years ago, I didn't know any writers but I was reading every book on writing I could check out from the library or buy. Finally, a friend said to me, "Dee, when are you going to stop reading and start writing." The next day I sat down and began.

    But like the novelist you met at the party today, I haven't been able to get published, although I have finished several manuscripts. That's two separate things: writing and getting published. I hope both happen for you.

    Peace.

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  26. Friko,I do like the sound of your morning get together, with its excellent mix of people and refreshments.

    Those other assembled authors do seem to agree about discipline and quiet and hard work. A good trinity.

    I raise my hand as another Larsson fan, having read all the books, getting drawn into the background theme of political corruption, a theme that's interested me for decades. So far I've resisted seeing any of the Scandanavian or Hollywood movie adaptations, preferring to keep my own mind's versions of all those characters intact.

    Keep writing, dear Friko! xo

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  27. What an interesting day, so special, not an ordinary Saturday at all to me. Pre-lunch drinking party is unheard of around me. If the photo represents your ordinary winter, sorry about that. Fortunately my winter has been sunny and reasonably cold.
    Thanks for reminding me of the filing tax return, which will start in the middle of Feb. in my world.

    Stay warm and joyful, Friko.
    Yoko

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  28. Hardly an "ordinary" Saturday, but definitely an enjoyable one! I listened to the first of Mr. Larsson' s books. Definitely an engrossing tale. The CS loved all three. Write on, Friko!

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  29. I finished the Larsson trilogy just before Christmas, and I can see why readers fall into two fairly distinct camps. On the whole, I enjoyed it, but then I'm hooked on Scandinavian productions just now. Both series of 'The Killing' added up to just about the best in the TV thriller genre I have ever seen. And now we have 'Borgen' to enjoy and, oh, 'The Snowman' by Jo Nesbo, is begging me to open it's pages.

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  30. HHHMMMmmm... the only way I'd cope with morning drinkies is to have either a large bowl of cereal or a stack of toast beforehand! Then you can break not only your own, but ANYONE'S rules with impunity.

    As for the Larssons - I LOVED the trilogy! I just read what I like the sound of these days - I'm yet to find a reviewer with whom I fully concur!!

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  31. Seems like you have wonderful 'ordinary Saturdays' Friko - mine are just, well, ordinary!


    Anna :o]

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  32. You definitely had a inspiring Saturday filled with lots of "meat"! I love those kinds of days myself!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  33. That may be an ordinary Saturday to you, Friko, but it sounds deeply enjoyable and rather out of the ordinary to me. Isn't it lovely to have some frost and cold at last, to remind us that it really is winter?

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  34. I was staring at The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo in the store the other day, wondering who it was who'd said she enjoyed it so much. I almost bought it, and I would have if I had remembered that it was you!

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  35. Stuff I love right beside you: Stieg Larsson's Trilogy; Benedict Cumberbatch (did his Mummy know he'd need that charming name?); Sherlock Holmes; icy branches in the sun; wine for lunch; buttonholing writers; writers who are as good or better than the buttonholed ones despite the pram in the hall.

    You have pleased me entirely.

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  36. 'That means that I'll be sitting at the end of a telephone line on Monday, listening to some godawful canned music and waiting for one of their operatives to become free.'

    This made me smile. Not at your expense, mind you! More with sympathy and identification.

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  37. Now and then, hubby and I go out for a champagne brunch. What's better than sipping champagne while nibbling strawberries and watching the sea come in rolls? What a wonderful day you had, Friko!

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  38. What a civilised village, though I'm like you, drinking during the day doesn't really suit me. But a good Saturday nonetheless - I hope your weekend has been peaceful and good.

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  39. This is a perfect Saturday. Do put the taxes off until Monday. I have the Larsson trilogy on my Kindle and haave been afraid to start reading owing to rumors of violence. I am not for the violent mysteries as much as those requiring thought.


    I like the new Sherlock Holmes. I see Bert is in the current "Soldier, Sailor" film. Oh so much to do and so little time.

    Dianne

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  40. I have read the three books and i absolutely love it.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  41. Settling down with a good book is a perfect way to spend a winter afternoon . Though I might not choose Larsson .

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  42. Your Saturday sounds full of stimulating people, food and a bit of good wine...how fun!

    Have not read any of the Larsson Trilogy books because of the violent nature in the content I read in reviews. Recently have been into trying to escape to a gentler world - But I may break down one day - perhaps during the upcoming US elections!

    Good luck with your tax phone call..do you also get the message that "your call is important to us."? I about choke when hearing that.

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  43. Other than the frustration with the tax system, your day sounds most satisfactory. A convivial gathering followed by engrossing reading and a good television drama.
    I've not yet read the Larsson trilogy but am working myself up to it.

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  44. whoever said "the purpose of civilization is so we may go home and relax in the evening" was deeply wise, Friko



    Aloha from Waikiki
    Comfort Spiral

    > < } } ( ° >

    ><}}(°>

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  45. i started the first book, but have pretty much ground to a halt and can't locate much interest in carrying on right now.

    To me i think its a translation issue - it seems to have lost some of its pace in the change between English and the original language and the pace of the writing feels rather stilted

    I'm told that it gets better as you go - but...

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  46. they say that everyone has a book in them but I'll be damned if I have the energy to find and dig out the one in me. but I have a ton of short stories.

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  47. I do so enjoy reading your blog. You stay so well above the ordinary! you have me looking up words and making me wonder if I have any intellect in me. You drive me to seek for more! thanks.

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  48. The Cumberbatch Holmes is GREAT! How did you like it??

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