Tom always listens to NPR in the mornings. Today, Coventry (the real one in England, not the one I invented in Texas) was indirectly referenced twice. Campbell’s Soup currently owns Godiva Chocolates and is looking to sell (Anyone have a billion dollars?) because it doesn’t go with their health-conscious image. The chocolate company is named after Lady Godiva, one of Coventry’s more famous residents. My next Coventry novel (the one I’m trying desperately to finish–and the irony of that statement will one day be clear) references the candy manufacturer.
Coventry is also the birthplace of the late British poet Philip Larkin, who was in the news because his birthday is today. I don’t think Larkin and I would have been big friends based on his view of life as deduced from his poetry. (There’s been a lot said about Larkin personally since his death, but that doesn’t color my opinion of his work. I never expect writers to be flawless; they are human, after all.) Sad though his poetry may be, I think it’s stunning in its construction and imagery.
A couple of quotes:
if I have any–after all, most people are unhappy, don’t you think?”
Philip Larkin
“It’s unthinkable not to love–you’d have a severe nervous breakdown.
Or you’d have to be Philip Larkin.”
Lawrence Durrell
Margot, who thinks a good nap in the sun is the best poetry.
I actually saw something about that on Google News. I wish I had a billion dollars.
I think that I might try getting in the baby pool with Rutlie today. Margot has the right idea, but in this heat, water is key.
Hope The Compound is well.
Do you have a favorite image of Lady Godiva, a painting or a statue or whatever, that you could post, if you wanted to? : )
I loved this photo
While there is one painting of the Lady that seems to be dominant, I still think the real life photos are amazing. Look at the faces of the people behind her. Too Funny!
Re: I loved this photo
I assume that the girl seen over her thigh is laughing because she can tell that she is not a “real” redhead. That fact has shocked the bald guy -either that or she didn’t wipe well. LOL.
(sorry- I am in a weird mood-it must be this triple digit heat.)
Re: I loved this photo
Well, thank y’all for keeping the discussion so literary and high-minded and all! 😉
Re: I loved this photo
When/what is that from? Was it before computerization? because I CAN SEE HER UNDERWEAR.
I’d have a better chance finishing the Godiva chocolate than finishing writing a book.
At the moment, I feel exactly the same way. Pass the chocolate!
Wasn’t Lady Godiva where the whole “peeping Tom ” thing originated .
I have favorite picture of Lady Godiva … but I don’t know how to post it in a comment
I am sad
http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/images1/godiva_lady_by_corbould.jpg&usg=AFQjCNGKJi1adtPlEF7JVfx2ML5oWn7OCg
I didn’t know they had implants back then. Lord, those are perky.
What a lovely co-incidence! I’m dying to get started on Coventry Christmas (just need a little more time, like 27 hours per day!!) so it’s interesting to hear there’s a second one on the way!
*joins Margot in her thinking*
DAMN DAMN DAMN
http://news.aol.com/entertainment/movies/story/_a/mr-big-wants-to-be-with-you-sex-fans/20070810095909990001
Re: DAMN DAMN DAMN
Oh, stop whining; it’s not your birthday yet. I love me some Mr. Big. I also got 10 out of 10 right on the quiz. Ha.