Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I'm finding it harder and harder to post. Maybe it's the weather or I have finally run out of things to say. So I'm just going to plow forward and try to kick start the postings again.

I'm finishing up Anne Frank's diary- I don't think I had ever read it before; I saw the movie version with Melissa Gilbert but never actually sat down to read the book. It's amazing. He father censored the originally published book. He felt, and it's true, that it was very critical of Anne's mother but I suspect that all early teen girls have battles with their mothers. He was also uncomfortable with her discussion of sex. The latest edition has the entire diary. I highly recommend this book- I was absolutely blown away. It does bother me that this 13-year-old girl is smarter than I am but I'll get over it.

I began reading her journal because I'm off to Amsterdam this weekend. A friend is in Geneva and we are meeting there. Apparently, there is more to do in Amsterdam then smoke dope in cafes- who knew? So I'm reading up on my history and hunting down the bookstores on-line. Any suggestions once I'm there?

Last night I went to a friend’s apartment for dinner and afterwards sat in a cafe until 12:30 with the New Zealander talking. We agreed that it's good to be in Paris on a cool July evening. I just barely caught the last train home and stayed awake until 3:00 AM re-thinking the late night espressos. I made the terrible mistake of buying a pack of cigarettes and smoking- hmm 3 years of abstinence. Oh well- life goes on, just maybe not as long as one would hope.

9 comments:

amy said...

little known fact: amsterdam has great food. It's all pretty junky -- mostly of the small and fried variety -- but oh so tasty. Have the pannekoeken.

Anne said...

Don't give up posting. I enjoy your blog for many reasons, one being that you don't gush about life in Paris

~Michelle~ said...

You are refreshing and creative. I find what you have to say interesting. :)

Karyn said...

J'adore votre blog.

Anne Frank was smarter than most people, I think. One of those incredibly enlightened old souls; hers is such an important piece of work. Will you visit the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam? I want so badly to see it.

Pictures please! :)

Starman said...

I read the watered-down version, many years ago.

Anonymous said...

I had no idea about the diary being somewhat censored. I have read it, but that version, many times. It looks like I am due for another...

Anonymous said...

What? Corn hole isn't good enough for you?

LDP said...

Hope you're having fun in Amsterdam. We have a mutual friend who says it's his favorite European city - and he doesn't even smoke hash or go to whorehouses.

Anonymous said...

maybe this is the inevitable crossroads...for so long you had as a goal living in Paris, and now that you are living in Paris, what?! life goes on, places change, perspective grows, and the challenge remains the same: to reflect your experience as honestly and intelligently and uniquely as possible. the road goes steeply uphill....darn it!