Mini Review: Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife

I had heard of this and found it among the books on cd at the library. I’m always been a little leery of audio books because they are abridged, but sometimes I get one when I don’t think I’ll have time to actually read the book. So, instead of curling up with it in bed, I listen as I drive to and from work. So, I usually look for floofy books that won’t get me so involved that I’ll steer off the road, and that won’t make me ashamed that I didn’t actually read the book.

Something about this book – I think (I’m embarrassed) it was the cover – made me think it was floofy. It turned out to be quite intelligent and beautiful. In fact, I had to take the last disk into work to finish it because I was so entranced I couldn’t wait for the drive home.

Henry is a time-traveler; Clare is his wife. They first meet when she is a child and he visits her from the future. They marry when the meet in the "present" and the story of their lives together is told, skillfully, in the scattered moments they share when he travels to her, and in the longer moments while he’s not travelling. It’s not science fiction; it’s an absorbing and poignant love story.

It’s a gorgeous story, and certainly worth reading (or listening to). The audio book has two voices, one for Henry and one for Clare. Easy and enjoyable listening. I think I might pick up the print version so I can actually read it next time . . .

And now a word . . .

If you haven’t discovered Il Divo yet, it’s time. I just got their new Christmas album, and it’s amazing. Their first (self-titled) cd is one of my favorites. They sing like angels. I don’t believe they’re human . . .

Mrs.

Last Monday, Steve and I made it to our one month anniversary – though Steve insists there is no such thing. I say it’s a "monthaversary", but he seems to think that if we have to make up a word for it, it’s not real. I don’t care. I’m just looking forward to our second monthaversary.

Married life is wonderful! While I don’t think either one of us felt any different at first (I remember muttering, as "Ode to Joy" surged for our recessional, "I don't feel any different. When will I feel different?), I think we are settling in and getting used to the idea that we are married! (Nothing brings it home like seeing the ring on his finger.) We have made a home for ourselves, and it is a true comfort to just be together there – to just be. We don’t even have to be doing anything in particular – just watching a movie or cooking dinner together – no matter what, we feel like we are home. But this isn’t a surprise. Steve told me before the wedding that we’ve had this strong a relationship for quite a while. We certainly felt married – united and committed – long before our wedding. It is a beautiful idea, and one I agree with wholeheartedly.

I am still wrestling with the reality of my new last name . . . I’m slowly getting it changed officially, but I still write and say my old name sometimes out of habit. It’s so hard to get used to the new one! I’ve changed it on a few things at work, ordered my new ssn card (two last names, sans hyphen), and made a surprisingly painless visit to the BMV for my new driver’s license. I imagine my new name written on a page with branches coming from it as the name spreads over my existence. Men are so lucky.

Before the wedding, the house was the victim of a flurry of planning activity. Now, it has quieted but has the remains of the wedding and reception lying about. The gifts are all unwrapped, sitting in our living room waiting to be put away. At least I was able to get rid of all the wrapping paper, much to George’s disappointment.

I know a few of you are wondering where all the pictures are. Stay tuned. I will soon have some posted, as well as more on the adventures and misadventures of Sir George. Every day is an adventure!

Come In

"If you are a dreamer, come in.
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer . . .
If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire,
For we have some flax golden tales to spin.
Come in!
Come in!"
~Shel Silverstein


Welcome to my One Little Room, an exploration of my everywhere, inhabited by my husband, my friends, my family, and a menagerie of pets. The walls are covered with pictures, and the bookshelves are stacked to overflowing. There are a couple unfinished crochet projects tucked into the corner, and if you look closely, you’re likely to find some orange cat hairs here and there. The fire will keep you warm, as we curl up in the big comfy chairs, listen to the mingling of voices, and watch the crossing of many paths and personalities, tastes and desires. I hope you enjoy exploring with me.

What does your everywhere look like?

Here is a website worthy of note: I stumbled upon this website in my search for the poem above, http://shelsilverstein.com. Mr. Silverstein has been one of my favorite poets ever since I was old enough to read, and possibly even before.