walk

"Frodo reaches Rivendell carried by the Elves (est. 4 p.m.). Others arrive in evening."

On the 10th I passed the 458 mile mark, which means I reached Rivendell! I've now started the next phase of the journey from Rivendell to Lothlorien (462 miles). It took me a lot longer than it took the hobbits, but I wasn't being chased by Ring Wraiths. I hope to be able to finish the current leg before the end of the year.

reading

I've never read any O. Henry previously, not even The Gift of the Magi. I enjoyed this collection, although I think the order of the stories detracted from the experience. The stories were grouped thematically (The City, Con Men, West, South). The stories in each group tended to feel more sameish than they would have if they were spread around a bit. That said, the stories had an extensive vocabulary and many had the quintisential short story kicker at the end. I like the fact that even the hick and con man characters are allowed to have brain and heart. O. Henry's work wasn't literature. It was written to sell to newpapers and to sell newspapers. But the quality of the language in what were basic stories of the early 1900's makes one believe the entire English speaking population is now suffering from advance stage Alzheimer's.

5. O. Henry 41 Stories

reading

I finshed the first two volumes in the Locke & Key series by Joe Hill today. I like the way the characters are developed in the graphic novels better than the first episode of the video production (I haven't seen later episodes yet). Bode seems chronoligically younger and more savvy. In the video I found him too gullible and immature, so both younger and more savvy is more believable for me. I like how both Ty and Kinsey are affected by their demons and groping for control in their own ways when they are in fact like kites with cut strings in a fast changing wind. The plot is more gory than I seek out. Even though the town's name is a nod to a master of creepy in which you almost never see the actual blood, in this series there is plenty of blood.

7. Joe Hill Locke & Key: Head Games
6. Joe Hill Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft