One Last Summer Reading List and Book Haul!

Back in Kansas City.... and I have two weeks until I have to be back in Beloit. :/

Therefore I have made myself an "end of summer" reading list; hopefully I'll get through it all?

....Pfft. Yeah, right.

Abarat is something I've been planning on reading for a long time now, since I got the second book in the series years and years ago for Christmas. I finally got the first book a year ago, and I've gotta say - Wow! It has super vivid imagery. I can definitely tell that the author (Clive Barker) is also an artist; his descriptions are lush and perfect and strange. I'll hopefully post my reaction soon!

The two poli-sci books were assigned reading for my International Politics class last year, but since I fell asleep while reading them repeatedly (I am a terrible IR major) I'm going to try to knock them out now before the new school year starts. I think it's really fascinating material that should be helpful to me as an IR major, so the fact that I fell asleep while reading them are eternally frustrating to me.

And as for my recent book haul:

I also went to the used bookstore and found the rest of Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker "trilogy" for less than $2.00 each! I loved the first book in the "trilogy," so naturally I have high hopes for the rest of the series. I also got Hemingway's Boat (because he fascinates me, and I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about him) and Parade's End by Ford Maddox Ford (because I watched the HBO/BBC series this past winter, and was left thinking "wtf?!" and kind of dissatisfied, so I'm hoping that the book will fill in more character development, etc.).

This short period before the end of summer is kind of weird for me because it isn't long enough to do anything substantial (like get a job), but still feels too short (because, hello, summer. School is school, and it always comes too soon and ruins my ~free days~). First world problem? Ugh, idk. I kind of feel awkward using that phrase, since people all over the world in "third world countries" or whatever can have trivial "first world" problems too, and as an IR major the concept of "first/third world countries" is just too... grounded in the Cold War to really be relevant or whatever, and the concept of ranking countries based off of their alignment with the US and USSR is just really biased and stupid. But "developed world problems" just isn't as catchy I guess.

...IR major moment aside...

Is anyone else rushing to finish their fun before summer ends?
-M

End of Summer

Ok, so maybe I'm jumping ship a little early, but tbh it feels like I don't have much more time for summer activities, since after I get back from Beloit I have exactly two weeks until I head up again. Most of that time will be spent visiting family and packing and working out and seeing mah frens and eating awesome food (seriously, Beloit, where is your culture? I know cheese curds are like the default delicacy, but I want something that isn't Applebees. kthanks.)

In memory of summer 2013 (RIP), here are some pretty images to get everyone by into the new (school) year. 

Via.

Via. 

Ugh Wayne Thiebaud. I love that man almost as much as I love Van Gogh and Klimt (aka: the beautiful talented monster of my heart). But I mean, look at that COLOR. Ugh. As an arteest (well, aspiring, occasionally practicing, etc.), he is someone to seriously look up to. His colors rely on reds and blues and yellows, and when you're painting people (who are made up of more natural colors than black and white) (just take an art class if you don't believe me) it is SO IMPORTANT to remember that. 

Also his paintings of food make me swoon and wish I had an ice cream parlor to run to. (again: come on, Beloit!!)

Via. 

Via.

Obligatory Bowie. Via. 

I've been on the lookout for Bowie records to own/listen to/hang in my room next year, but alas! I live by no record shops (thanks, Beloot). Obviously that puts a cramp in my non-existent record-buying lifestyle. I try too hard to be hip.   But omg, dat David Bowie sass. Reasons # 34 - 56 why I love that man.

My girl Helga G. Pataki. She knows what summer can feel like. Via.

Currently obsessed with this song. But ugh, so tired of this tiny video player. Why you gotta be like that, Blogspot??

Via. 

In other news, I'm like really freaking excited because the Nelson-Atkins Museum in KC is hosting an exhibit featuring Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and other contemporary Mexican artists, and my grandmother sent me a free pass to go see it. I can't remember if I've seen any of these artists in person before, and if I have I can't remember. I'm going to make a day at the museum, bringing my sketchbook and materials and I plan on sketching/studying everything. I mean, how often does a chance like this come around?? I'm so excited to see the paintings and pieces on exhibit, and will hopefully learn about some new artists. 

I hope y'all are doing well! Any plans for an end-of-summer hurrah?

-M