I know I've been so terrible about posting, but I've been really busy trying to finish my semester up at school, and now we're almost done. It's the last week before exams, and I just wanted to drop a quick line. I'll definitely be posting more over the summer (that's a threat and a promise :P)
I haven't been reading too much lately. I did read "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" for my Anthropology class, and honestly, I wasn't a huge fan of it. Everyone always talks about how much they loved it, but I thought there was a lot of pointless rambling and information to bias the reader into feeling sorry for and sympathetic towards the Lacks family. Bond Girl was not impressed.
On the sports front, the Yanks are winning, but Derek's playing terribly. He's got to start hitting. Real Madrid won the Copa Del Rey for the first time that I can remember. They won it 17 seasons ago (I think) but I was too young to remember that. But, they return to Madrid triumphant, and what does Sergio do? He drops the fucking trophy and it gets run over by the bus. I suppose the game wouldn't have been complete if Sergio hadn't done something entirely idiotic and Oh-So-Sergio, but I'd bet my last dollar that Iker beat the shit out of him for that! (Just kidding, but not really!) The Canes didn't make it into the playoffs for the NHL, and it was such a let down. So, instead, I'm pulling for the Flyers in the East (the only thing I love more than Danny Briere is how domestic and adorable he is with Claude Giroux) and the Blackhawks in the West (I have a soft spot for Brent Seabrook aka Seabsie. He's puppy dog cute and the 'hawks as a team are really young and likable.)
I promise that I'll update more regularly after exams
xoxo
Vesper
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Immortal Beloved
So, I'm sure many of you have seen this letter, but I read it for the first time tonight, and it really touched me. It's referred to as "Immortal Beloved," and it was written by Beethoven to an unknown woman. I find it incredibly romantic, I cried when I read it!
Good morning, on July 7
Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never- Oh, God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
Ever thine
Ever mine
Ever ours
If/when this Bond Girl ever gets married, I am working this into my vows. Especially "Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever ours." I am completely in love with this letter, and the level of emotion in it rivals anything I have ever read. A tip of the cap to Beethoven, for writing the vowels for a Bond Girl wedding.
I hope this means something to you all as well.
xoxo
Vesper
Good morning, on July 7
Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never- Oh, God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
Ever thine
Ever mine
Ever ours
If/when this Bond Girl ever gets married, I am working this into my vows. Especially "Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever ours." I am completely in love with this letter, and the level of emotion in it rivals anything I have ever read. A tip of the cap to Beethoven, for writing the vowels for a Bond Girl wedding.
I hope this means something to you all as well.
xoxo
Vesper
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Top Ten Tuesday: Authors Who Deserve More Attention
I'm going to be very up front about the fact that I struggled with this topic. I read a lot of popular literature, so it was hard for me to think of authors who I think need more attention or aren't well known. I could only come up with 7 for today, sorry guys!
1. Celia Rivenbark- This is a bit of a nod to my home state, North Carolina, of which Celia is a native. But, this Bond Girl would like her regardless. She writes about living in the South, and about being Southern, so if you're from the South, she's hilarious because you can relate to what she writes about, and if you're not from the South, then you'll laugh at what a bunch of "redneck hicks" we are. It's a win-win.
2. Ian Fleming- Ok, before you brush this off as Bond Girl promoting Bond, think about it. Have you ever actually read a Bond novel, or have you just watched the movies (which are awesome.) Fleming's works have created a film empire, and they're really really amazing, but I think that most people don't realize that the novels are based on books. Take if from a Bond Girl THEY ROCK!
3. Federico García Lorca - He's super talented, but I don't think a lot of English speakers are into his poems. I'm a Spanish/Psych double major, so I've done a lot of reading in Spanish, and he's one of my favorite Spanish poets. He was also a playwright, and La casa de Bernarda Alba is amazing if you're into drama. I think English speakers stick to more mainstream Spanish poetry like Pablo Neruda (who is amazingly talented and awesome), and I feel like you guys are missing out!!
4. Samuel Beckett- I feel like most of us have made it through "Waiting for Godot" at some point during our literary careers, but I think that's all most people read of Beckett. I just read "Krapp's Last Tape" in my Drama class, and it was one of the best plays It's a one act play so it's a quick read, but the things that Beckett accomplishes with only one character in one act are amazing. I wasn't a huge fan of "Waiting for Godot," so to read Beckett and enjoy it was a nice change.
5. Susan Cooper- The Dark is Rising sequence was a huge part of my childhood, and I feel like Cooper isn't mentioned along with the names of kid's literature greats. The books are wicked interesting and captivating, even now as an almost adult.
6. Mark Mills- I don't know if he's a bigger deal in the UK, but I'm surprised Mills isn't hugely popular in the US. I've only read "The Savage Garden," but I loved it, and I want to read "Amagansett" when I have a chance.
7. Mal Peet- I've only read "Keeper" and "Tamar" of his works, but I've read them multiple times, and they are just as captivating each time. He's so talented, and his books are really fascinating. "Keeper" has a football (and by football I mean soccer) theme, and "Tamar" focuses on World War II Holland.
Next week I'll hopefully make it back up to the full 10.
Until then,
xoxo
Vesper
1. Celia Rivenbark- This is a bit of a nod to my home state, North Carolina, of which Celia is a native. But, this Bond Girl would like her regardless. She writes about living in the South, and about being Southern, so if you're from the South, she's hilarious because you can relate to what she writes about, and if you're not from the South, then you'll laugh at what a bunch of "redneck hicks" we are. It's a win-win.
2. Ian Fleming- Ok, before you brush this off as Bond Girl promoting Bond, think about it. Have you ever actually read a Bond novel, or have you just watched the movies (which are awesome.) Fleming's works have created a film empire, and they're really really amazing, but I think that most people don't realize that the novels are based on books. Take if from a Bond Girl THEY ROCK!
3. Federico García Lorca - He's super talented, but I don't think a lot of English speakers are into his poems. I'm a Spanish/Psych double major, so I've done a lot of reading in Spanish, and he's one of my favorite Spanish poets. He was also a playwright, and La casa de Bernarda Alba is amazing if you're into drama. I think English speakers stick to more mainstream Spanish poetry like Pablo Neruda (who is amazingly talented and awesome), and I feel like you guys are missing out!!
4. Samuel Beckett- I feel like most of us have made it through "Waiting for Godot" at some point during our literary careers, but I think that's all most people read of Beckett. I just read "Krapp's Last Tape" in my Drama class, and it was one of the best plays It's a one act play so it's a quick read, but the things that Beckett accomplishes with only one character in one act are amazing. I wasn't a huge fan of "Waiting for Godot," so to read Beckett and enjoy it was a nice change.
5. Susan Cooper- The Dark is Rising sequence was a huge part of my childhood, and I feel like Cooper isn't mentioned along with the names of kid's literature greats. The books are wicked interesting and captivating, even now as an almost adult.
6. Mark Mills- I don't know if he's a bigger deal in the UK, but I'm surprised Mills isn't hugely popular in the US. I've only read "The Savage Garden," but I loved it, and I want to read "Amagansett" when I have a chance.
7. Mal Peet- I've only read "Keeper" and "Tamar" of his works, but I've read them multiple times, and they are just as captivating each time. He's so talented, and his books are really fascinating. "Keeper" has a football (and by football I mean soccer) theme, and "Tamar" focuses on World War II Holland.
Next week I'll hopefully make it back up to the full 10.
Until then,
xoxo
Vesper
Monday, March 28, 2011
Bond Girl Gets Ambitious
Bond Girl gets ambitious, as I go for my second post in 10 minutes. I'm going to do a bit of reviewing of the things I've been reading lately. It's been mostly for class, so don't get too excited, it's not going to be super fun.
La casa de Bernarda Alba- I read this in my Spanish literature class, in the original Spanish version, but I'm sure it's available in English. It was a good read, a bit suspenseful, and ultimately very sad. It takes an intimate look at one dysfunctional family, and how fear of public opinion tears them apart. Lorca was a talented writer, and Bernarda Alba is one of the stars in his crown.
Bergdorf Blondes- This was a quick, light read. And, although, there were points during the plot when the narrator was so self absorbed and oblivious that I could literally feel my IQ dropping, it was a good Spring Break book to read while I was more or less tipsy.
Krapp's Last Tape- This was brilliant. I read it for my Drama class, and was seriously impressed by Beckett's skill. From my Goodreads review, This play focuses on an old man, who on his birthday listens to a tape he had made on a previous birthday, in this case his 39th birthday. I've read a lot of drama this semester for different classes, but this is one of the best plays I've ever read. It's fascinating to read the scene, with only one character present, and Beckett's talent really shines through. If you're not a fan of Beckett or of drama in general, I can understand that this might seem confusing, or you may not like it, but if you've read a lot of drama, you should definitely pick this up. It's a one act play, but Beckett manages to completely captivate and amaze you in that short time. It's truly a masterpiece.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- I had to reward myself for all of the reading I've been doing in class. So, I decided to go with the standby classic, Harry Potter. I love Harry Potter, no matter how often I read these stories. They're just as "magical" every time (Bond Girl makes band pun.) But, in reality, I'll never grow tired of these books, and they will always be just as captivating as they were when I read them for the first time as a child. As a college student, these books make me remember the childlike fear I had for Harry, and also the faith that if anyone could fix the problems of the world it would be Harry. I find myself feeling sentimental as the last movie is set for release, because I feel a bit like I'm finally letting go of my childhood. I was 6 when the first book was released in 1997, and I can still remember my Mom reading it to me before bedtime. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I grew up with Harry, and fought my own, (more trivial) battles alongside his fight to defeat Voldemort (and as a Bond Girl, you know I'm all about defeating evil!) If you haven't read Harry Potter, you haven't lived.
La casa de Bernarda Alba- I read this in my Spanish literature class, in the original Spanish version, but I'm sure it's available in English. It was a good read, a bit suspenseful, and ultimately very sad. It takes an intimate look at one dysfunctional family, and how fear of public opinion tears them apart. Lorca was a talented writer, and Bernarda Alba is one of the stars in his crown.
Bergdorf Blondes- This was a quick, light read. And, although, there were points during the plot when the narrator was so self absorbed and oblivious that I could literally feel my IQ dropping, it was a good Spring Break book to read while I was more or less tipsy.
Krapp's Last Tape- This was brilliant. I read it for my Drama class, and was seriously impressed by Beckett's skill. From my Goodreads review, This play focuses on an old man, who on his birthday listens to a tape he had made on a previous birthday, in this case his 39th birthday. I've read a lot of drama this semester for different classes, but this is one of the best plays I've ever read. It's fascinating to read the scene, with only one character present, and Beckett's talent really shines through. If you're not a fan of Beckett or of drama in general, I can understand that this might seem confusing, or you may not like it, but if you've read a lot of drama, you should definitely pick this up. It's a one act play, but Beckett manages to completely captivate and amaze you in that short time. It's truly a masterpiece.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- I had to reward myself for all of the reading I've been doing in class. So, I decided to go with the standby classic, Harry Potter. I love Harry Potter, no matter how often I read these stories. They're just as "magical" every time (Bond Girl makes band pun.) But, in reality, I'll never grow tired of these books, and they will always be just as captivating as they were when I read them for the first time as a child. As a college student, these books make me remember the childlike fear I had for Harry, and also the faith that if anyone could fix the problems of the world it would be Harry. I find myself feeling sentimental as the last movie is set for release, because I feel a bit like I'm finally letting go of my childhood. I was 6 when the first book was released in 1997, and I can still remember my Mom reading it to me before bedtime. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I grew up with Harry, and fought my own, (more trivial) battles alongside his fight to defeat Voldemort (and as a Bond Girl, you know I'm all about defeating evil!) If you haven't read Harry Potter, you haven't lived.
Bond Girl Fails at Blogging
This Bond Girl has got to get better at blogging. It's just that I've never done this before, and I'm having trouble not being lazy.
On the home front, Carolina lost out of the NCAA yesterday, and it sucked. I underestimated the level of disappointment that I would feel upon our departure. Plus, my bracket is shot to hell, I didn't pick any of the teams that are in the Final Four, and I had a really terrible showing this year. There's no excuse for the level of suckage that I put forth.
Baseball starts on Thursday, and this Bond Girl is a Yankees fan (duh, they serve justice like it's their job. They're out there protecting the world from the evil of the Red Sox winning the World Series.) I'm glad that Derek is back for another year (he's my favorite), and I'm hoping that our pitching won't destroy us this season, but it's looking a bit doubtful. It's been incredibly odd to watch the Yanks play with palm trees blowing in the background, and I'm longing for the comforting sights of New York.
On the home front, Carolina lost out of the NCAA yesterday, and it sucked. I underestimated the level of disappointment that I would feel upon our departure. Plus, my bracket is shot to hell, I didn't pick any of the teams that are in the Final Four, and I had a really terrible showing this year. There's no excuse for the level of suckage that I put forth.
Baseball starts on Thursday, and this Bond Girl is a Yankees fan (duh, they serve justice like it's their job. They're out there protecting the world from the evil of the Red Sox winning the World Series.) I'm glad that Derek is back for another year (he's my favorite), and I'm hoping that our pitching won't destroy us this season, but it's looking a bit doubtful. It's been incredibly odd to watch the Yanks play with palm trees blowing in the background, and I'm longing for the comforting sights of New York.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I Would Want As Family Members
1. Harry Potter from the Harry Potter Series- Let's go ahead and acknowledge that Harry Potter will probably make his way onto every list I do, because Harry Potter was my childhood. But, I'd love to have Harry as a brother. It would have been me and Harry against the world, serving justice and defeating Voldemort.
2. Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale- James Bond will probably be on every list as well, this is Bond Girl Blogs, after all. Yes, I know that Vesper is an unusual choice, if you've read the book or seen the movie, you know there's a plot twist at the end, but I'd love for her to be my older sister. She's so chic and beautiful, and she completely holds her own with Bond. She's one of my literary heroines, deadly and fragile all at once.
3. Oskar Schell from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- When I have kids, I want them to be just like Oskar. He's incredibly curious, he's intelligent, and he's a bit of an oddball. He's honestly the most lovable child character I've ever read, and I would definitely create scavenger hunts for him to follow, and play the tambourine with him when he had on his heavy boots.
4. Vicky Austin from A Ring of Endless Light- I don't have any sisters, but I think if I did I'd want them to be just like Vicky. She's creative and a bit of a tortured soul, but she's the sister you could tell anything. She's so empathetic, and I'd want her around for sure.
5. Reverend Eaton aka Vicky Austin's Grandfather also from A Ring of Endless Light- I'm a bit obsessed with the Austin family. I'd honestly love to be related to all of them, but I really love Vicky's Grandfather. In ARoEL he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but even as his life nears its end, he doles out incredible wisdom to Vicky and her other family members. He's the grandfather that you would know when something was bothering you, and know exactly how to make it better. Plus, he has a sick library that I'd love to check out.
6. Sam Halpern aka Dad from Shit My Dad Says- Sam Halpern is a character. He's a source of nonstop humor and wit, and at the same time, when it comes down to it, he instills meaningful life lessons in his sons. I'd love for Sam to be my dad. Yes, he'd drive me completely up the wall, but his never ending advice is also a sign of his deep love for his children.
7. Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series- I'd want Percy to be my annoying, hyperactive, ADD kid brother. He's well meaning, but terribly unlucky at times, and he's a genuine guy who always stands up for his friends. I'd like to sit by the ocean with him, and eat blue chocolate chip cookies and drink blue Cherry Coke. He'd be such a pain to keep out of trouble, but at the end of the day I wouldn't trade him for anybody.
8. John Keating from the Dead Poets Society- I think I'd like to have John as my uncle. He would be the one crazy uncle that every family has, that all the kids love and secretly wish was their own dad. Every family occasion would be accompanied by standing on the chairs at the dining room table when he came in and greeting him as "O Captain, My Captain." What would be cooler than that? Plus he genuinely cares about learning and would give you the best books to read.
9. Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice- Jane would be the sister that would always have something nice to say. Her closet would be your closet. If you needed help she would be there. She'd basically be the most sympathetic big sister in history. She would cuddle you when you needed it, but I think she'd also give you a kick in the pants when you really deserved it.
10. Cecelia Tallis from Atonement- Cecelia would be the poshest big sister ever. She'd be so glamorous, and while I think she would probably be a bit patronizing at times, she'd also be the one who would give you advice on how to dress, how to find a boy, and how to be an independent woman. She's so cool, and I want that cool factor. She and Vesper would have gotten on famously, I think.
Until next Tuesday,
xoxo
Vesper
2. Vesper Lynd from Casino Royale- James Bond will probably be on every list as well, this is Bond Girl Blogs, after all. Yes, I know that Vesper is an unusual choice, if you've read the book or seen the movie, you know there's a plot twist at the end, but I'd love for her to be my older sister. She's so chic and beautiful, and she completely holds her own with Bond. She's one of my literary heroines, deadly and fragile all at once.
3. Oskar Schell from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- When I have kids, I want them to be just like Oskar. He's incredibly curious, he's intelligent, and he's a bit of an oddball. He's honestly the most lovable child character I've ever read, and I would definitely create scavenger hunts for him to follow, and play the tambourine with him when he had on his heavy boots.
4. Vicky Austin from A Ring of Endless Light- I don't have any sisters, but I think if I did I'd want them to be just like Vicky. She's creative and a bit of a tortured soul, but she's the sister you could tell anything. She's so empathetic, and I'd want her around for sure.
5. Reverend Eaton aka Vicky Austin's Grandfather also from A Ring of Endless Light- I'm a bit obsessed with the Austin family. I'd honestly love to be related to all of them, but I really love Vicky's Grandfather. In ARoEL he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, but even as his life nears its end, he doles out incredible wisdom to Vicky and her other family members. He's the grandfather that you would know when something was bothering you, and know exactly how to make it better. Plus, he has a sick library that I'd love to check out.
6. Sam Halpern aka Dad from Shit My Dad Says- Sam Halpern is a character. He's a source of nonstop humor and wit, and at the same time, when it comes down to it, he instills meaningful life lessons in his sons. I'd love for Sam to be my dad. Yes, he'd drive me completely up the wall, but his never ending advice is also a sign of his deep love for his children.
7. Percy Jackson from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series- I'd want Percy to be my annoying, hyperactive, ADD kid brother. He's well meaning, but terribly unlucky at times, and he's a genuine guy who always stands up for his friends. I'd like to sit by the ocean with him, and eat blue chocolate chip cookies and drink blue Cherry Coke. He'd be such a pain to keep out of trouble, but at the end of the day I wouldn't trade him for anybody.
8. John Keating from the Dead Poets Society- I think I'd like to have John as my uncle. He would be the one crazy uncle that every family has, that all the kids love and secretly wish was their own dad. Every family occasion would be accompanied by standing on the chairs at the dining room table when he came in and greeting him as "O Captain, My Captain." What would be cooler than that? Plus he genuinely cares about learning and would give you the best books to read.
9. Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice- Jane would be the sister that would always have something nice to say. Her closet would be your closet. If you needed help she would be there. She'd basically be the most sympathetic big sister in history. She would cuddle you when you needed it, but I think she'd also give you a kick in the pants when you really deserved it.
10. Cecelia Tallis from Atonement- Cecelia would be the poshest big sister ever. She'd be so glamorous, and while I think she would probably be a bit patronizing at times, she'd also be the one who would give you advice on how to dress, how to find a boy, and how to be an independent woman. She's so cool, and I want that cool factor. She and Vesper would have gotten on famously, I think.
Until next Tuesday,
xoxo
Vesper
Bond Girl Blogs Picks the NCAA Tournament
March Madness is upon us! This Bond Girl is an avid sports fan when she isn't busy saving the world from evil, or canoodling with her leading man. And so, I give you the first annual BGB NCAA picks.
I've filled out two brackets, one "dream" bracket with the ideal outcome that will probably never happen, but who doesn't fill out a bracket with their college winning the tourney?? In my real bracket I've picked Kansas to win it all. I have Duke vs. Carolina in my Final Four, which would basically mean the cities of Chapel Hill and Durham would explode. Tobacco Road would be lined with hecklers (of course in my dream bracket I have UNC winning this, but in reality we'll probably concede to Dook). My only real hopes for this edition of March Madness is that Carolina doesn't lose out before the Elite Eight, the ACC as a whole has a strong showing (especially after Virginia Tech got shafted), and that Dook (aka Duke for those who are new to the UNC-Dook rivalry) doesn't win it all. Durham would be even more unbearable than usual if Dook won two years in a row.
In other sports news, the Yankees lost to the Red Sox last night, and even during Spring Training this is not acceptable. If they don't step it up, I'm going to be on them like book Bond is on SMERSH and film Bond is on SPECTRE.
I hope you all have great luck in filling out your bracket. May you win your pools and beat your friends into oblivion (unless you picked Duke to win, in which case I hope you win nothing.)
xoxo
Vesper
I've filled out two brackets, one "dream" bracket with the ideal outcome that will probably never happen, but who doesn't fill out a bracket with their college winning the tourney?? In my real bracket I've picked Kansas to win it all. I have Duke vs. Carolina in my Final Four, which would basically mean the cities of Chapel Hill and Durham would explode. Tobacco Road would be lined with hecklers (of course in my dream bracket I have UNC winning this, but in reality we'll probably concede to Dook). My only real hopes for this edition of March Madness is that Carolina doesn't lose out before the Elite Eight, the ACC as a whole has a strong showing (especially after Virginia Tech got shafted), and that Dook (aka Duke for those who are new to the UNC-Dook rivalry) doesn't win it all. Durham would be even more unbearable than usual if Dook won two years in a row.
In other sports news, the Yankees lost to the Red Sox last night, and even during Spring Training this is not acceptable. If they don't step it up, I'm going to be on them like book Bond is on SMERSH and film Bond is on SPECTRE.
I hope you all have great luck in filling out your bracket. May you win your pools and beat your friends into oblivion (unless you picked Duke to win, in which case I hope you win nothing.)
xoxo
Vesper
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