Away for a bit

It's been a couple weeks since I've been here. There's simply been too much on my plate to spend time with this blog. My dad was back in hospital again. It really sux getting old. He's a tough old codger, though. And, I started at a new position at work last week. New stuff to learn and not a lot of time to learn it. Ah, yes! I love it when they move the cheese.
Anyway, I've spent the better share of the last month ruminating on how the Euro-American worldview is simply NOT the best way to live a full and abundant life. I've read a couple books from a Zen point of view. One of them by a Jesuit priest who uses Zen practices to deepen his spiritual life with Yahweh. Interesting stuff that I will comment on later. I've also been studying material written from a First Inhabitant point of view. I have been encouraged to look at this by Randy Woodley. He is an American Cherokee with a Ph.D from Asbury Seminary. Having been following his online works and blogs, as well as working through his newest tome, Shalom and the Community of Creation: An Indigenous Vision, has given me much to meditate on. This, too, I'll comment on later. All of this to say, I am in the process of trying to reconcile the Euro-American culture with the Very Good Creation that Yahweh has provided for all living things to dwell in. It's difficult. Actually, it's impossible. We who are of European descent have much to bring to the discussion, but we are not the answer or telos of that discussion.

Over this past weekend, between taxes and chores, I read Suzanne Collins'  "The Hunger Games." With all of the recent hype over the movie, I thought I'd check it out.
It was a very easy read. The plot moved along nicely for the most part. There were spots where the action trudged along, but overall, I was pleased with the pace. 
I can see why it's a hit among young folks. Each generation has its version of Big Brother. This one is 'The Capitol.' The term refers to place and people. A pampered and indulgent culture that feeds off of 12 districts that vary in degree of exploitation based on whatever each produces. One is agriculture, another produces gems and baubles and such. The star of the story, Katniss, is from the least of the districts, which produces coal. From this lowly place we are introduced to characters with character. They have desires and goals. They hurt and they love. As the story unfolded, Katniss' difficulties with being a teenage girl came out clearly. The emotional rollercoaster; no longer a girl, but not quite a woman. Her need for relationship was refreshing to me. She was a strong and capable personality, but Collins didn't paint her as a young, female Rambo. Katniss was vulnerable in her strength. She was selfless in an extremely selfish world. 
There were other characters that also showed real humanity. Rue, the young girl from District 11, was one. Even the old drunk, Haymitch Abernathy, the lone Games survivor from District 12 and mentor to Katniss and her male counterpart, Peeta, was someone that one could admire.
Yes, there's violence...lots of it. But, I don't think that it was inappropriate. Culture is violent. Bad culture, more so. Overall, I was happy with the story and am looking forward to getting the second part, "Catching Fire." While it is geared for a younger audience, geezer like me can still be entertained and provoked.