reading, writing, what does it mean?
From Memory to Written Record: England 1066-1307 by M T Clanchy. 
I read the first edition of this book as the second edition is out from the Uni library and I didn’t know if I really cared enough to wait for the second edition. Wow. Wow. Wow. I wish I could use better words to talk about it. It is fascinating, covering the rise of writing as historical record, the technology of writing (so so fascinating). I will be looking for the second edition as it is apparently almost a complete rewrite of the text and includes (according to Amazon) such fascinating topics as “writing materials, the art of memory, ways of reading (particularly for women), the writing of French, and the relationship of script, imagery and seals”. Wow!! THIS is what I find fascinating. Along with how different this article would be and the difference in impression and conveyance of meaning if I had written it by hand as opposed to typing (perhaps the whole thing would have been clearer, who knows?). This fascination stems from my musical background and the depth and breath of meaning and emotion that one attempts to portray by the written note. (Much is missing from the page, trust me on that). I am fascinated by the cantilation marks in Hebrew as well, much for the same reason.
Simple Crochet by Erika Knight.
I KNEW that crochet could do all of that. This inspired me to take out some suede lacing (as I said yesterday) and attempt to crochet a kippah for E. I’m currently waiting on him to see what he thinks so far. Such fun. A little expensive, but I like the effect. I’ve used wire, but I hadn’t thought about lacing. Such fun! Anyway, I do have a confession. I don’t really read (or follow) crochet patterns. I think I could read one if I really really had to, but perhaps because I grew up crocheting I can more easily just create what I want to create. But I also can’t (yet) quite write up what I did to help someone else create (or recreate) what I made. Life is kinda fun this way. Anyway, I don’t know if I should recommend it if you’ve never crocheted before, but if you have and are looking for fresh and modern patterns, please go check this out. :)
The Weaving, Spinning, and Dyeing Book by Rachel Brown 
I still have this wacky idea that I’ll get a wheel at MDSWF. HAH!!! Anyway, someone has taken out ALL of the spinning books from my most local library branch. Frankly, I find that mean. I try to leave a copy of a similar topic for someone else. Or at least return them as quickly as possible. I’m going to attempt to get to BPL tomorrow as I think they have a reference copy. Which hopefully means I’ll be able to see it. I don’t know though, I’ve had bad luck with BPL lately. It doesn’t help that it’s far away. Ok ok. I’m just being selfish. Shouldn’t library books be there for ME?! For all I know all the books are taken out by numerous individuals, many of whom may have placed holds on the books which could have traveled to staten island or the bronx to get to their current borrower. I’m really not being fair at all. Plus, why should I go to MDSWF? I’ve totally bought a ton of stash despite claiming not to (though it is all earmarked for projects, even if I’m slow on working them). I haven’t attempted to spin in months. What the heck would I do with a wheel? Even one of these really affordable (I’m not a traditionalist, I like the industrial look) Babe Wheels (I really really like the Pinkie) too. But it says “bulky”. Hmm..) But let’s be real. I am clueless about how to spin and what I would want to look for. Most of the stuff I knit is sport weight or lighter. Oh right. You wanted to read about this book? Hmm.. It’s great for someone who wants to be a weaver. I think that sums it up. I’m trying not to think too hard about that aspect of this book as that is the last thing I need and I’m not even going to justify a small loom.
I haven’t yet gotten on the bike tonight. When I got home today my legs fell over. I just want to mention that I try hard to walk at least 3 miles a day. Yesterday I had walked 4 before I even started running. I get a mile just to/from the subway. Today I’ve walked about 3 miles. I hope to get on the bike though walking doesn’t do it for my heart like biking and running do.