The Moore I read, the more I like.

Tea: White Grapefruit

Music: Johnny Cash, "Hurt"

Time: Night.

A few weeks ago, someone asked me to name the best book I'd read this year. My answer: George MacDonald's Phantastes (a book I should have discovered long ago, by an author I should have discovered long ago.)

Had someone asked me to name the author whose work has given me the most pleasure this year, though, I'd have blurted out Christopher Moore's name in a heartbeat.

I hadn't heard of him until this year, either -- but that was before I was given several of his books (Bloodsucking Fiends, Lamb and The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove, followed later by Fluke) by someone far more generous than I deserve. Now, Moore is among my favorite writers -- and people are still giving me his work.

With members of the extended family in for a visit, we had early Christmas at the house last night. And in one of my parcels, I found a copy of Coyote Blue.

I suppose tonight's song should have been "Give Me Just a Little Moore Time" or "More, More, Moore" ...

Nahhhh. Can't go wrong with Johnny Cash, either.

"Break," Noun and Verb

Tea: Vanilla Lapsang

Music: King Crimson, "Sleepless" (Tony Levin Remix)

Time: Night.

Verb first.

The weirdest thing happened today. (Okay, not the weirdest thing. That would require pistachio pudding, a piano-playing gibbon and a hibachi.)

Still, it was weird.

It's as though my right leg -- and only my right leg -- broke a fever today. Sweaty, clammy, drained, the whole nine yards. Guess the tendinitis had an infection behind it. Here's hoping it's going bye-bye, if not already gone.

I tried to get some work done, after finally getting out of bed after noon. I had a tiny bit of success, but I've found focus and energy hard to maintain.

So I'm taking a noun-style break, for at least a few hours tonight. I'll read some of "Lilith" by George MacDonald (having thoroughly enjoyed "Phantastes," as you might recall), and try to get some sleep.

Then, tomorrow, I'll be back to trying to catch a different sort of break -- or, better yet, helping to make it happen.

With a Page Turn Here and a Page Turn There ...

Tea: Mandarin Orange with honey

Music: Various selections for college choir and orchestra

Time: Night.

I've taken a break from the Tolkien re-re-re-visiting to read someone I should have discovered long ago -- George MacDonald, whose works influenced Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and doubtless countless others.

Better late than never.

I started with "Phantastes," which has its precious (not in the best sense) moments but also can be stirring, thought-provoking and heartbreakingly sad. Next up is "Lilith."

A gift of a book can be a dicey proposition. But when it works, it's a gift that lasts well beyond the final page.

This works. More than.