I could give you many excuses for why I didn’t do a Sunday Salon post last Sunday. We’re busy getting ready for our upcoming trip, and things have generally been hectic around here - yesterday we spent the entire day doing our version of spring cleaning (fall cleaning?) But really, the reason I didn’t check in last week is because I didn’t even turn on the computer. I turned off the computer Friday evening and didn’t turn it back on until Monday, and I relished it. Even this weekend, this is the first time since Friday I’m turning on the computer. It’s so nice to shut out the constant stimulation of Twitter and Facebook and just enjoy living life.
Yesterday evening, we took a trip to the National Mall to see the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which has had its share of controversy and criticism since opening to the public. I didn’t really know what to expect, but in the end I thought it was thoughtfully done (though I do understand the criticisms about the lack of a unifying theme). There is a large back wall filled with quotes of King’s about peace and equality. In the middle of the wall are large stone structures you walk through to get to the highlight of the monument, the huge statue of Dr. King. (Sorry my descriptions aren’t very good, but it’s really hard to put into words). The statue was definitely the most powerful part of the memorial. It brought tears to my eyes when I saw it. I have to say, though, I don’t know what was more moving - the statue itself, or the reactions of older black men and women who were so affected by what they saw. It was a great experience. (Funny - and adorable - story. While we were walking around, a tiny black woman asked my husband who is 6’4’’ to take a good picture of the statue for her with her camera because she just wasn’t tall enough!)
I had a good reading week this week. I’ve been doing a good job getting ahead in my reviews and re-filling my buffer that had been so drained earlier this year. I’m also running a giveaway of the audio version of Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan, which runs through Tuesday. Earlier this week, I posted some Little Tidbits of information that I wanted to share with you all. My Out Now! column for the week over at inReads discusses some of the books that were released last week.
Reviews posted this week:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 comments:
Oh, what a powerful trip to the memorial that must have been! I am sad there is no unifying theme, but that statue looks pretty powerful. I am going to feature MLK in one of my Sunday Salon interlude posts. I think he was so much more complex than people really remember.
The memorial sounds rather interesting, and that statue just takes my breath away! Like Aarti, I am a little saddened that it was not really pulled together with a unifying theme, but I would still love to see it one day for myself. And kudos to you for going offline for the weekend. I am convinced that we all need to do that sometimes. Have a great week ahead, Swapna!
I would imagine the wall with his quotes and his message are supposed to be the unifying theme of the memorial. It's too bad there's controversy around it - the statue looks fabulous.
Kathy - That was supposed to be the theme, but it doesn't quite work as well as the FDR or the World War II memorials. Still, I think it's pretty impressive!
I know what you mean about relishing having the computer turned off. I hardly ever get to do that because I have so much that I have to do for school, which often times requires a computer. I feel like I'm always on it.
Your trip to the memorial sounds fantastic, I would love to go one day!
Post a Comment
I welcome comments and read each one I receive. If your comment needs a response, I will provide it in a timely manner, as I read every comment I receive.
Please keep your comments civil and polite! I reserve the right to delete any comments that are rude or inappropriate.
Because of spam, I have to moderate comments on old posts. Please be patient - I will approve your comment quickly.