In A Perfect World...

I seem to be disappointing my mother by not posting anything to this blog as of late. Well, we can't have that...
...And so, a quick word squeezed in at the end of the day. A beautiful fall day actually, even if it does feel like October in September. But I do like October quite a considerable amount. Even if it does come in September.
It's very difficult to explain CFIDS to someone who isn't very (VERY) familiar with it. The only ones who really are, are those who have been afflicted. Which is why I don't bother to try. And there are far worse situations to find yourself in life. After all, it's not fatal, even if it doesn't have a cure. 
There are three things that have managed to keep me going, and made my life not just bearable, but worth living. Exercise is one, mainly my morning 6 mile jogs, which I would like to say I do every day, but some days I'm just not up to it. As they say (that damn they, again), some days you get the bear, other days the bear gets you. 
Another is my leading ESOL conversation groups for Literacy Volunteers. It keeps me connected to the world, and it is probably the best thing I have ever done. And in truth, I have never had a more wonderful time doing anything.
And finally, my books. Reading has always been a great pleasure for me since I was very young. I can still remember one of the first truly scary stories that I ever read, when I was 9 or 10 years old. On many days when I simply don't have it in me to face the world at large, books are, and always have been, there for me. 
Which is what brings me to the end of today. There are many writers that I admire, and I have a great appreciation for their work. But every once in awhile, a writer I have enjoyed, actually connects with me. I'm not sure exactly how to explain it. The story becomes more than a story. Within the framework of a fictional story (I don't read much nonfiction; unfortunately it mostly puts me into a coma) the Author is able to bring me to some core of truth, about life, about human beings, of which the story is just the medium that carries this hidden meaning of life and the world. Not sure I could explain that any better.  
Today I really connected with a British writer, Kim Newman, best known for his Anno Dracula novels, and stories of the Diogenes Club. I finally got around to reading an earlier novel of his that I had wanted to read for a long time. It was just reissued recently. Jago. That's the title. Anyroad, it's a monster, over 643 pages. I started it on the weekend and finshed it tonight. As I said, I always enjoyed his work, but now, well...I'm not sure words could express my appreciation of what this book did for me. And, no. I'm not saying it would do the same thing for you. But he definitely reached into my unconscious, and reached me on a deeper level. Besides, the book was worth readin just for the story and his wonderful characters. 'Nough said. 
On that note. I am keeping my bird, Eddie, up with pounding on this keyboard. He doesn't complain much, he really is a marvelous companion, when he's not driving me crazy, which really isn't as often as you'd think. So, pleasant dreams...hope life is treating you well...