Him Dryhten sylf, heofona heáhcyning

I've been reading A History of the English Language lately, originally inspired by a deep curiosity about Norsemen and their influence on our language. As a side note, let me just say that Celestial Seasonings has really outdone themselves in making their Perfectly Pear White Tea! It's slightly sweet in a way similar to white chocolate, and it's caffeinated, which enables me to lie awake late at night, lost in tales of Teutonic conquest and the strange words of a people long dead. I must admit that I am slightly infatuated with the English that was spoken before William the Conqueror succeeded in claiming the English throne. It's rougher, less pretentious, and steeped in the flavor of heroism. When I move my lips to form the sounds that they spoke, it calls to everything that remains yet unconquered in me. I find myself bristling at the mention of Normandy and find that I hale Christmas day, 1066, as somewhat of a tragedy. Many English words that existed before the people were subjected by the French are much more beautiful than those of any romance language. Inherent in them are the strength and character of northern people, the distant footfalls of an era never again to be revisited.

Notes from the library...I picked up D.H. Lawrence for the first time the other day and just as quickly put him back down again. The characters he creates feel so artificial, their situations contrived and self-serving. What I wouldn't give for more of the warm, intimate psychological narrative of Tolstoy's novels. Any recommendations? I've hit upon Edith Wharton and will soon finish her House of Mirth, which I plan to follow up with Age of Innocence. At the library today I picked up Salinger's Franny and Zooey to read together with my compañero favorito, a volume of Rumi's love poems, Beowulf, and Memoirs of a Geisha. Because I have a great deal of blessedly free time on my hands, I would appreciate recommendations in the same vein as the above mentioned. I like books that are best read in fuzzy slippers with a cup of tea after everyone has already gone to sleep. My little sister is a notorious bookworm, and if she doesn't post me a list of satisfying reads, somebody's gonna catch a beat down. Hehe, just kiddin. Kind of.

WANTED: Teutonic Warrior Man. Must be fond of hats. :o)

When you say you love me
The world goes still, so still inside and
When you say you love me
In that moment I know why I'm alive