OK...I made myself some mint juleps on Sunday. I have to tell you, that is one really nice drink. The mint is refreshing, the bourban slightly sweetened, cold and puts on a nice buzz. I was thinking of addding a little drambui or grand marnier to it (you know me, not really traditional) and see how that goes. Maybe next weekend!
I have been reading more of Willa Cather. She is a writer from early last century, first published in about 1920. I think her work is overlooked for a few reasons. One, she was a woman. And at that time, she would have been overlooked and diminshed (has that changed? open question?). I think the emergence of Hemingway, Faulkner and a bit later, Steinbeck, also served to eclipse her work. But I think she is really wonderful. I have gone through about 8 of her works, including one of her biggest, "My Antonia." Her books have a simplicity of grace to them. And to those who have tried to write, that does not just happen, it takes a lot of work. And her simplicity belies her more universal themes. She has been pigeon-holed as the "Plains" writer, and while it is true, some of her books show life on the Nebraka plains she knew so well, they are also books about longing for something more.
"Rebecca Gayheart" is really reflective of this, as it takes place mostly in Chicago, the big city that brings out the title characters dreams and makes them live. Also "One of Ours" has this same recurring theme. The characters have trouble finding their fullfilment on the plains they were born to, but find that their souls open up in larger domains.
For those who have not read her work, I highly recommend her.
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