Not Timely, but Thought-Provoking

We've been watching Veronica Mars recently, and I must say, I'm impressed. I won't go into the usual analysis of plots and so forth, but I do want to touch on the show's approach to change. Over the years, I've watched many shows with interesting premises and hopeful plotlines become stale. I think it's what my college roomie and I dubbed "The Remington Steele Effect". This effect comes into play when a previously interesting show cannot move on from its original source of tension - in this case the tension between Laura and Steele. When they finally hooked up, it was too late - you cannot jump back over the proverbial shark. In the case of Veronica Mars (we are just beginning season 2), it appears that the writers and producers are willing to change and develop alliances, begin and end relationships, and to develop varied and conflicting (but still believable) characters.In particular, the development of Logan is fascinating. He can be a loyal friend, completely appealing, but also selfish and narrow-minded - and entirely human. In fact, our real disappointment is Veronica's move to Duncan as main squeeze; he's not nearly so interesting. Of course, our interest is still high because anything can happen. The writers have shown that they are willing to take risks.

On another note, I am also impressed by their willingness to explore the issues that arise when one searches for truth while never wavering from the basic premise: if someone does something wrong, the person who exposes it is not at fault for the fallout (although he or she may feel badly) - the person who did it is to blame. Of course, we have more than a season and a half to go!

Nalbinding, Sprang, and Embroidery, Oh My ...

I seem to have abandoned my discussions under pressure of school - you know how it is for teachers! Finally, I have come up for air, probably because I just completed report cards and need a stiff dose of sanity.

In the months since my last post, I have gone fiber-happy. I have been reading Elizabeth Barber's fascinating Mummies of Urumchi, which explores the implications of mummied remains from a prehistoric civilization up on the steppes between Russia and China. Her emphasis on the fiber arts makes this a fascinating and accessible read.

I was brought to this book by my current course load which includes ancient and medieval history. In particular, Viking textiles and the Oseberg ship burial remains have become an obsessive interest. I am currently beginning nalbinding and thinking with longing about sprang and table weaving. So far, I am keeping a firm - or at least SOME - grip on myself by refusing to engage in textile activities that are not knitting/embroidery based. In other words, weaving is OUT! But those tablet-woven pieces are so enthralling ....

Vis-a-vis nalbinding, I have looked at some great u tube videos and bought a few books. So far, I have successfully nalbound(?) a few chains and a couple of ovals. Hopefully, one of the books I ordered will have a pattern or two. Currently, my nalbinding activities look as if I'm creating a model of a worm farm complete with little lakes for the worms. Photos to come...

As for sprang, it requires a frame which doesn't look too hard to make. I'll probably save it until some project or other looks to be approaching completion. Generally, that is my time for a new enthusiasm!

Fortunately, embroidery does not fall under the "no new craft areas" rule (nor is it an outlier I must justify like sprang - is it woven or netted, early knitting or early weaving ...), or I might actually complete something I have begun. I am currently looking for a reproduction piece from the Bayeux Tapestry. I thought i had found a piece of a coronation scene; unfortunately, however, it is no longer in stock. Drats! However, the ongoing search is bringing forward new and interesting information...