A Good Cause and A Couple of Books

I know there are a lot of worthy causes right now, especially with the economy as problematic as it is. Here, however, is D'argo's case, and if you are an animal lover, please help if you can.

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As you can see from the currently reading graphic, I'm enjoying Pure Heart, Enlightened Mind, the zen journal of Maureen O'Halloran. It reminds me to be patient, which as we all know is my biggest struggle. Solid reading for creative and spiritual types alike.

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Last night, the book group discussed Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Are any of you familiar with it? Romance isn't usually a read for our group, and we wondered about the conventions of writing this kind of romance. Our thoughts seemed to be that this book had a plot that existed mostly to knit sexual threats together. Is this the case with your usual "bodice ripper?" (Is that term even used anymore?)

Another question we had is whether or not, among romance writers, what something like Outlander might be labeled. I understand there are different terms, and we weren't aware of the conventions.

Diana Gabaldon seems to be doing very well. What is the reputation of the Outlander series? Why is it so popular?

I thought I'd ask the people who knew.

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I have the gift of time this morning. I'm going to check on some classes and write a couple of recommendation letters before disappearing to write. Stay safe out there!

Catherine

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.

Mahabharata: The End of the Pandavas

The Mahabharata ends with the Hindu focus on impermanence and continuity. After the battle, the Pandavas are a little shell-shocked by all the pointless destruction, and they and Draupadi decide they have to leave the world.

Ghandari, whose sons have been destroyed in the battle, curses Krishna to endure her fate of being unable to stop a battle in spite of his power. Krishna accepts this fate as fair, given that he instigated most of the martial activity, and it comes to fruition in 36 years.

The Pandavas climb Himalaya. A dog follows them. One by one, everyone but Yudhisthira falls on the mountain. The dog turns out to be the god Yama in disguise. He takes Yudhisthira to the underworld. The Pandavas will be reunited in heaven once they have done penance for their vices.

And that's pretty much the end of the epic. It's a much darker poem than its counterpart, the Ramayana, and focuses on the darker side of human nature.

Catherine

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.