Teacup Café XLIII

[katya]

That was kind of my issue before was that I had a very specific list of books that I wanted to read and didn't want to read anything else. Lately I have been just reading whatever the monthly selection is. It is kind of fun to even read books you don't necessarily like if you are doing it from the standpoint of critiquing it. Same with like, watching Hallmark channel movies. I had fun for a while really analyzing the plot structures, the settings, looking for patterns, thinking about what they say about our culture. That said though, I have liked my recent book club selections and I'm glad I am reading them, even though they are not things I would have picked our for myself.

[Earniel]

I think that's part of the appeal of book clubs: you will read books you never thought of reading before joining them. And as long as there are books you actually like among them, it's a win.

But it can also be the downfall of book clubs as they're trying to find something that will appeal to most of their members and usually pick a bestseller. So you won't actually discover that many new books you wouldn't otherwise.

Years of book analysis in school has personally soured me off looking critically at books I didn't like. For me to be able to want to spend time looking at the structure or the bones of a book, I need to like it.

[katya]

Oooh that brings up an image of a bookclub that only reads stuff like Eat Pray Love, super "basic" stuff. There have been a few classics that I never thought about reading that I have been reading for book club though. Like I'm reading Age of Innocence right now, and I didn't actually get into it for the first couple chapters, but now I'm hooked.

I just wish I had people to talk about books with. None of my work friends are big readers, at least not that I know of, we are too busy. And I don't have much of a social life outside of work anymore.

[Earniel]

Heh, I remember thinking in January: "Okay, Eärniel, your social life officially sucks. 2020 has got to be where you go out and make new friends! This will be my year!"

Oh, to have my past-me's optimism...

Heh. You gotta laugh about it. The alternative is just to darn sad.

But I agree. Having people to talk about books with would be nice. Very nice indeed.

[katya]

Yeah this is the absolute worst time to want to be going out and meeting people. I'd like to join some clubs or something, maybe volunteer somewhere, even just go out to the bar. I literally have no friends outside of work anymore. Maybe it would help if I finally had some kids and had mom friends. I'm sure moms meet each other right?

[Earniel]

I dunno, I imagine having kids comes with other demands of one's time.

And one is perhaps even more limited by the social ties of one's kid, because you're going to know their friends' parents better than parents whose kid yours doesn't like or interacts with.

But I'm going to have to find something, because I can sort of feel my social skills atrophying the longer this pandemic endures. And I didn't have an amazing set before either.

[Earniel]

I just noticed we currently have 13,333 threads on Entmoot. Fun!

[Andúril]

Greetings, fellow travellers.

[Earniel]

Hallo there, long time no see.

[Andúril]

Hey Eärniel! Yup, long time. Happy to see the place has survived.

[Amael]

Glad to see the lights are still on! We're all doing alright here, can't complain too much, considering. Hope you're all doing well. It's nice to drop by once in a while, at least, time permitting. And time has been a bit more permitting of late.

[Earniel]

Well, as long as Ben sees fit to keep the lights on, I'll be sure to stock the Cafés bar, although I have to admit it is mostly chocolate and teas these days.

Hi Amael, how are Ingwe and the kids?

[katya]

Hey guys, I totally forgot to check in for the past month. Work has been busy, etc. etc. Could sure use some mulled apple cider!

[Earniel]

I use the email notifications, it helps remind me to drop in regularly.

Hope you guys over the pond had a nice and safe Halloween.

[The last sane person]

So, the candle still burns here, if dim compared to what it once was. Hello.

[katya]

Hello! Seems it's been a while since you posted here too. What have you been up to all these long years?

I got home from work on Halloween in time for trick or treaters in my neighborhood and I got to pass out candy for the first time in probably ten years and I'm super happy about that. I also watched three different movie adaptations of Dracula which might have been a little much.

[Earniel]

Originally Posted by The last sane person

So, the candle still burns here, if dim compared to what it once was. Hello.

Heh. "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

I've been thinking a lot on that quote lately.

Hello there, Sane.

[katya]

So I completely forgot to check in here for several weeks. Oh well. It's my birthday today and I would like to have a few no-calorie ok-to-drink-while-on-the-clock internet beers.

[Earniel]

Ah, I missed this post.

Happy belated birthday! I hope you had a splendid day.

[Valandil]

Merry Christmas everyone!