In Like a LION

So far 2012 has proved to be exciting and we’re only three days into the New Year.

I have a confession to make. Since New Year’s Eve, I have been distracted, spending gleeful hours being amazed, amused and abstracted. You might guess it’s about a man. A talented smooth-talking-very-tall-man—talking very tall, that is. I’m tickled that I’ve had him all to myself for the past three days (but who’s counting). True, I’ve ignored everything else around me but it’s not often I find such entertaining company. This is one pleasure that I’ve given myself as a first gift of 2012.

You can find me curled up on the couch. Gas fireplace on. Soft background music and a glass of wine. Alas I didn’t go for the lights turned down low bit. I like to see what I’m doing. I guess that started when I was approaching fifty or so. Even in restaurants I like to at least be able to read the menu. Then when the food comes, it might be all pretty and smell delicious but I want to be sure I’m getting exactly what I ordered not somebody’s else’s dinner. Guess it’s obvious I’m not twenty anymore.

In the course of our new relationship this weekend, I’ve learned a new word: obdurate. It has come up more than a half-dozen times already, maybe more, but I like learning new words; new things. I had to look it up, though, because I had no idea what it meant. It means pig-headed or stubborn. No, of course it has nothing to do with ME. It appears my friend likes this word to pieces, however.

I like a man who uses language well, who has the talent for that turn of phrase, a certain beguiling way of getting my attention with his words. If you haven’t guessed yet of whom I speak, his name is Stephen King. Yes, that’s the one–the famed author of horror and deliciously stimulating mind games. A friend got King’s latest book (11/22/63) for Christmas and lent it to me just in time for a scrumptious weekend of reading. I find the idea behind the story intriguing.

Mr. King is responsible for my naughty mood. It’s just been such a good time reading his latest book. Some parts I found laugh-out-loud-funny. With approximately 250 pages to go I’m not sure I want it to end. I am intrigued how he will pull all the pieces together, however, before I crash to earth again.

Here’s a review of the book:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/books/112263-by-stephen-king/article2233600/