Summer Daze

Still in existence, here. I had planned on doing a little more reading this summer, but I ultimately decided to go with more of an "as the mood strikes me" approach. And the mood didn't strike too often. I guess that happens sometimes. On the other hand, I had the chance to enjoy the amazing scenery of Banff and Jasper (hiking, visiting waterfalls, seeing bears, etc.), with a quick, gnat-filled/tourist-filled see-and-pee stop at Lake Louise, so I can't say I wasn't doing anything.

Additionally, I've been reading books about which I've been disinclined to blog. They're more along the lines of books for personal growth, so I didn't feel like there would be too many blog readers who wanted to know about these. Among these books include the following:

Ultimate Things: An Orthodox Christian Perspective on the End Times (well, I was curious)
Faith: Understanding Orthodox Christianity (excellent catechism)
Ways of Russian Theology (no, really -- I challenge anyone to understand Russia outside of this context; I'm also still working on this book)

And among non-theological tomes:

Living Beauty Detox Program (organized seasonally; reviewed in preparation for the fall)

I may, or may not, include some further blogged comments about one or more of these books, but that will depend on my mood. Which tends to be mercurial :)

I do plan to participate in Katrina's Fall Into Reading challenge, which is rapidly approaching. I'm organizing a list of books for the fall, and this list is likely to be heavy on the classics. Assuming I can get through these books, there should be plenty of blog posts. Also assuming I haven't lost my modest readership altogether.

I love the fall. The summer tends to be slow for me, but I suddenly feel energized once September rolls around. For anyone who cares, September 1st is also considered the first day of the Orthodox New Year. I love this; it's like a fresh start and a great reason to get focused at exactly the time I need a fresh start and am ready to get focused. (I also love the the Orthodox year starts with the birthday of the Theotokos and ends with the Dormition. After all, she is the first among Christians and thus the beginning of the Church.)

So, that's where things stand for now. I'm excited about the fall and, as Katrina notes, falling back into reading, so I'll try to warm up my blogging muscles by posting my planned reading list soon.