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I just finished reading Twilight, which I enjoyed quite a bit. But it made me realize how precarious the role of the modern damsel is. We still want those classic, (possibly) archetypal stories where the devoted, strong man saves the endangered woman, but certain ancient tropes won't fly in the modern world. Sometimes authors try to elude this trap by giving the woman a "mind of her own" which unfortunately consists solely of a certain crabbiness: Edward is giving Bella a birthday party, but she doesn't want a party! She shows her independence of him by sulking and being uncooperative. This is both annoying and insufficient. But I sympathize with the difficulties involved.

If you think of some successful examples of the modern damsel, post them in the comments section.
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Finding four other people who were excited to play Risk: Lord of the Rings edition on Thanksgiving Friday.
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Do not go see this movie.

I'm not kidding.
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"Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in a lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith."
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I paid $1.49 for gas this morning.
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I've been loath to update my blog because I love that picture of Obama so much, and it represents such a perfect moment of hope for me and so many others.

But . . . move on we must. A friend questioned my use of the term "Evil Empire" to describe the United States under Bush, and I have to clarify that the term refers not to the United States at all but to the Bush administration. That may seem extreme to some, but I believe it's justified. Maybe in a later entry I'll delve into that question more deeply.

For now, I'm working at home today and looking out at this tree that still has it's orangy-pale leaves and is set off against the rest of the bare trees beautifully. Is it a beech tree? I must find out. These trees hold their pale leaves all winter long, little bursts of beauty in dark woods.

For those who care about such things (meaning: people of good sense everywhere), please be aware that His Hotliness Daniel Craig will be on your multiplex screens this Friday in Quantum of Solace. I'm going to have to endure until Sunday when my book club is going to see it together.
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My hopes:

1. A repudiation of torture

2. A return to real democracy, with less lying, more oversight, more accountability

3. The appointment of leaders based on ability rather than cronyism

4. A leader with both intelligence and integrity

Thank you to every single person who voted for change.

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O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain.
America America
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness.
America America
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life.
America America
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.
America America
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.

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I had been wondering what I would name my blog entry on the day after the election, assuming a favorable outcome. And this morning as I pressed "Barack Obama" on the voting machine, I was flooded with emotion and the phrase that came to mind was that from the old spiritual:

Oh Happy Day

The day is not over yet, but I am hoping that the polls will be accurate. If so, this will be a very, very proud day. I will be so proud of my country not only for choosing well but also for where we are as a nation, that an African American man---with a crazy-sounding name, no less---is elected president.

I've been emailing with my buddies today:

Lynn: Excellent for election jitters: Mozart.
Debbie: Also excellent: malt liquor.

Lynda: I'm planning on making a spinach/pepperoni pizza tonight with the toppings layered like the Obama/Biden logo. It bet it will taste like freedom!

Deb's sister: not sure i want to call this an omen just yet, but my dog voted obama at doggie day care. completely unbiased voting process---i held a donkey shaped treat in one hand and an elephant in the other and he chose the donkey. turns out the majority of dogs in the doggie day care did too! same treats!
Lynn: See? Dogs embody all that is best in humanity. The dogs KNOW.

Jerf: Our office is very P.C.--most people do not openly discuss their political allegiance, but I have noticed several instances of a secret phrase that the Obamaniacs are using here--

"It's an exciting day."

"It IS an exciting day."

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Seneca Creek State Park

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Lovely outing with Mary and Eve this weekend:

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