I wish I were...

[callmemadam]

An Indian batsman. Can you imagine anything more glorious than being at the Oval in weather like today's, standing at the crease making hundreds of runs?

One of the people who got a free Penguin Classic (though not the poor soul who has the Bible to review). I was out this morning at just the wrong time, so missed the posts which led to every book being snapped up by friends of friends of friends of my Flist.

The kingfisher I saw skim along the river this morning. Wow!

Less tired.

Comments

[minniemoll.livejournal.com]

Would you like my Collected Dorothy Parker? I did some research in bookshops at lunchtime, and it looks as though it's exactly the same as my much-loved copy, just with newer and uglier covers. I'm feeling mildly guilty that I acquired three books, the other two being Antony and Cleopatra, which didn't excite me, and Tono-Bungay, by HG Wells, which is more the sort of thing I was hoping for - something I've never even heard of, never mind read, by an author I've vaguely felt I ought to read for years, with an interesting-sounding story. So if I can pass one on, it will make me feel less guilty. And I love Dorothy Parker.

But I'm very glad I didn't get the Bible. Or indeed any of the Greek type books I saw mentioned in various places. Although either may have been Good For Me.

And just the very thought of running about at the Oval brings me over all faint. Nicola Marlow would have had no time at all for me.

I'd love to have seen the kingfisher, I don't think I've ever seen one in Real Life.

The chicken is the nearest thing I have to a bird icon.

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to get a book. Would you like mine when I've finished?

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Gosh, that's an offer I can't refuse. I don't have a copy of Dorothy Parker. I do have at least three copies of Anthony & Cleopatra, which is possibly my favourite Shakespeare play.

The kingfisher was one of those wonderful, unforgettable moments, although so brief. I've only seen one once before, same river and rigt outside what was then Safeway. Today I ws just plodding along past a little cut which runs between buildings and saw this incredible turquoise streak catch the light just over the water.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Ooh, more kindness! Thank you so much but I have Nicholas Nickleby. Not my favourite but worth reading.

[minniemoll.livejournal.com]

I'll redirect it to you when it arrives. I loved DP years ago, when I first read her, but I've not read anything except some of the poems and the book reviews for a long time. I hope I enjoy her as much this time round.

I've only seen A&C once, years ago when I worked at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle and the RSC brought their Stratford season Up North for a few weeks before heading off to the Barbican. I think I enjoyed it, but it didn't leave any lasting impression on me, so I'm not sure about reading it. I'll have a go though.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much. Which one will you review? And what would Penguin do to you if you didn't bother? Questions, questions.

I did A&C for A-Level which shows that work can be fun.

[minniemoll.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm going to try and review all three, assuming I can remember the usernames I made up! Not sure what Penguin will do if you don't bother, it doesn't say. There isn't a big notice saying that you'll be charged if you don't though, so presumably they're just leaving it to people's good nature.

I did Macbeth for O-Level, I didn't dislike it, but it wasn't until I saw As You Like It in the sixth form that I really had my eyes opened to Shakespeare. I think it's still my favourite, although Much Ado runs it fairly close, largely due to Kenneth Branagh's wonderful film.