Recently, I’ve noticed that my body hasn’t been recovering as well as I’d like. Over the past few days, I’ve been pushing myself hard, not just with running but also with yard work, and it’s starting to show. One of the more challenging aspects of managing my kidney condition is how it impacts muscle repair. My body doesn’t bounce back as quickly, and the restrictions on my diet certainly play a role. I’m limited in what I can eat, affecting my body’s healing ability. Surprisingly, I’ve adapted pretty well to the dietary limitations—they don’t frustrate me much anymore. But when I push my physical limits, I feel the consequences.
This year, I’ve consciously tried to improve my running pace. I’ve been running for several years, and until last year, I focused on completing 10 km runs. I enjoyed the challenge of reaching that distance, but now I’m shifting my focus. It’s not just about running far anymore; I want to run faster. Since we live in a hilly area, my runs always begin with a significant challenge—a 17-meter elevation gain immediately. I know some runners actively seek out hills for training, but for me, it’s just the reality of running in my neighborhood. There’s no way around it. In a way, I guess we’re fortunate. Others come here specifically to train on hills, but it’s simply part of the landscape for us. Every run starts with a climb, whether I like it or not.
This morning, I was disappointed with my pace. I’ve developed a habit of analyzing my runs and trying to figure out what factors might be impacting my performance. Was it the terrain? Was I more fatigued than I realized? There’s always something to consider. My runner wife often reminds me that discipline is more important than constantly worrying about numbers. She says running is unpredictable, and there can be many factors—weather, how well I’ve slept, stress levels, and even the amount of yard work I’ve done the day before. What matters most is that I don’t give up.
And she’s right. The important thing is that I keep running. No matter what, I’m putting in the effort, ultimately leading to improvement. While it’s easy to get fixated on pace, I know I’ve worked hard, and that’s where the real value lies. The numbers will eventually catch up to the effort. Improvement might come slower than I’d like, and it might not always be smooth. There will be setbacks, and some days will feel like I’m running through mud. But I know I’ll see progress as long as I keep putting one foot before the other.
The pace won’t improve as quickly as I’d hoped, and I may have more days where recovery feels frustratingly slow. But I’m learning that it’s okay. It’s part of the journey. And with consistency, I’ll get there—step by step, day by day.
Yesterday’s work still made me feel stiff this morning. I’m not precisely sore, but I am definitely drained. My wife and I are in the middle of a big home improvement project: repairing and staining our deck. We’ve been clearing out the weeds and debris around it for the past few days to prepare for the work ahead. Yesterday was the big task of power washing everything, and while we managed to get a lot done, it definitely took a toll on both of us.
We woke up early because my wife had rented the power washer and wanted to get started as soon as possible. She was worried about fitting everything into the car, but I wasn’t too concerned. We’ve got an 18-year-old Toyota Corolla that my wife absolutely loves. It’s needed a few repairs over the years, but it’s been surprisingly reliable. Despite its age, it’s still going strong. That said, my wife gets frustrated with its small size when carrying renovation supplies.
Yesterday was no exception. We had a list of things to buy before we could get started. In addition to renting the power washer, we needed a few jugs of deck cleaner and a new scrubbing brush. Our old one had broken, and we wanted to ensure we had everything on hand before starting. So, we headed over to Home Depot to grab the supplies. It was a bit of a tight fit, but we managed to cram the rented power washer and all the supplies into our little coupe.
Once we got home, the real work began. My wife rented the power washer for nearly the entire day and was determined to make the most of it. Not only did we clean the deck, but we also tackled the siding and the driveway. It was a long day, made even more challenging by the weather. The temperature hit over 100°F, and even though we managed to finish before the full heat of the afternoon set in, it was still scorching and humid.
The chemicals in the deck cleaner didn’t help either. My wife felt sick from the fumes, becoming dizzy and queasy as we worked. We powered through it, though, and managed to get everything done. By the end of the day, the deck, siding, and driveway were all sparkling clean. Despite the exhaustion and discomfort, seeing the progress we had made was satisfying.
Our next project will be repairing the deck stairs, which were damaged a while back when we had a tree removed. We didn’t get as early of a start as we had hoped, thanks to my alarm being set later than planned, but we still accomplished our main goal of cleaning everything. The deck is now prepped and ready for the next phase: staining. However, we’ll need to wait until the temperatures drop before we tackle that. In this heat, staining the deck wouldn’t be ideal.
We’re relieved to have completed the hardest part of the job. There’s still more work to be done, but at least we’ve made a solid start. Home improvement projects can be tiring, but they’re always worth it.
As autumn slowly arrives in Nashville, I can feel the subtle shift in the air and see signs of the season’s change. The once rapidly growing grass has largely ceased its energetic push toward the sky, and the cooler weather has made everything feel a bit more relaxed. With the recent lack of rainfall, the trees have already started shedding their leaves earlier than expected. It’s a sight that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the landscape, with dried leaves decorating the ground and the lawn no longer demanding as much attention.
The lack of rain and the cooler temperatures have significantly prevented the lawn from its usual growth spurt. That’s why I decided to skip mowing for the first time in months. The grass didn’t look eager to grow, and with the season transitioning, it felt like a good time to pause. However, if you know Nashville’s weather, you know it’s unpredictable. While it might feel like the mowing season is over, there’s always the chance that a warm front will come through, pushing the grass into a final burst of growth before winter sets in. I’ll have to keep monitoring it over the next few weeks, reassessing as I go to see if the lawn needs one last cut or if we can officially retire the mower for the year.
Mowing the lawn has been a key part of my summer routine, but other outdoor chores take center stage as the season changes. The fallen leaves are already creating a patchwork carpet across the yard. As they pile up, they’ll need to be dealt with before they get wet and decompose, making them even more challenging to clear away. Leaf removal is a task that only intensifies as autumn progresses, and I’ll have my hands full before long.
Meanwhile, my wife has taken the initiative to tidy up around the house by tackling the wedding on the weekends. Weeding is another job that tends to escalate this time of year, so I’ll likely join her efforts this week to help ensure everything stays in shape.
We’re bracing for temperatures to spike again, with forecasts predicting highs over 100°F (38°C) on Thursday and Friday. My wife isn’t thrilled about the heatwave. Still, she’s already set on tackling another big project—power washing the siding, deck, and driveway. It’s a daunting task in such extreme weather, but it will be rewarding to have everything looking fresh and clean as we move into fall.
With the changing season comes new challenges and responsibilities, but it’s all part of maintaining our home as we welcome autumn in Nashville.
From Reading The Kingdom of Little Wounds, Susann Cokal
The Kingdom of Little Wounds by Susann Cokal is the 10th book I’ve read as part of my project on banned books. Set in a Scandinavian court, the novel immediately recalls Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Throughout the story, the author’s admiration for Shakespeare is evident, and knowing that her ancestors were from Denmark adds a personal touch to this connection.
The book struck me as a dark fairy tale when I began reading. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, with some chapters beginning like brief fables, adding to its eerie charm. What truly captivated me was the depth of research Cokal put into Medieval Europe, bringing the historical setting to life.
As for my background, I studied just one course on Medieval Europe during my undergraduate years, in addition to the general Western history taught in high school. While I’ve always been fascinated by history and supplemented my learning with additional reading, I want to be clear that my understanding is self-taught, and I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject.
At first, I struggled to understand the author’s purpose, so I explored the historical context further. After delving into the history, I reached key conclusions about the story’s underlying themes.
Plot Summary of “The Kingdom of Little Wound”
In the royal court of Skyggehavn, Princess Sophia, a king’s favorite daughter, dies mysteriously on her wedding night after screaming in pain. Poison is suspected, and the royal household is thrown into chaos. Elinor, the countess who oversees the nursery and serves as lady-in-waiting to the queen, is implicated. She is also the queen’s confidante, and it is revealed that Elinor has a secret lover and may have poisoned the princess.
Ava, a seamstress imprisoned for accidentally injuring the queen with her needlework, becomes entangled in the court’s dark intrigue. Used by Nicolas, a power-hungry court official, as both a spy and his sexual plaything, Ava falsely reports that Elinor is having an affair with Sir George, the Secretary of State. As a result, Elinor and Sir George are imprisoned, and Nicolas strengthens his influence over the court. Meanwhile, Elinor confesses that she and the queen have poisoned royal infants in the past.
Midi, a servant in Elinor’s employ, reveals to Nicolas that Ava lied about Elinor’s affair. Meanwhile, Ava is courted by a scholar named Author. Still, she grows suspicious of his intentions, realizing he uses her for his ends. She begins to miss her former lover, who disappeared shortly before their wedding.
As more princesses fall victim to mysterious deaths, Nicolas and his Polish physician manipulate events to frame Queen Isabella for the murders, consolidating their power by getting closer to the king. When the prince dies, only an unborn child remains as the queen’s last hope. Queen Isabella is placed under house arrest and cannot be near her remaining children.
After the king’s death, Nicolas hopes to be appointed regent for the unborn heir, but the queen takes control instead, forcing Nicolas out of the court. Ava and her father, who sold a telescope to the court and supposedly “upset the stars,” are imprisoned. Ava receives a letter from the Author, further complicating her situation.
Nicolas then sets his sights on Queen Isabella’s daughter, hoping to marry her and secure his power. However, his betrothed stabs him with a dagger that he had once gifted her. As Nicolas lies dying, Midi and Ava enter his room, finish him off, and remove the jewels sewn into his genitals to protect him from disease. They flee to Copenhagen, where they live off the wealth they obtained from Nicolas’s body.
Historical Context of the Book
Women’s Role in Medieval Society
In medieval society, dominated by the feudal system, power was concentrated in the hands of men, often tied to land ownership. Women were confined mainly to the private sphere, with their roles restricted to being mothers, widows, or virgins. While Catholicism influenced societal norms and limited women’s opportunities, as seen in The Kingdom of Little Wounds. For instance, Ava, after her public miscarriage, had no choice but to become a needle servant—a reflection of the limited paths available to women in her position. Ava remained chaste until her affair with the scholar Athor, highlighting the few options for women’s autonomy.
While enjoying more visibility in the public sphere, Royal women were still bound by their roles as mothers and wives. As Stoss (2013) notes, even in positions of influence, royal women’s activities largely maintained the power of their husbands and sons. Masculinity in medieval society was measured by strength, political success, and dominance over women (p. 4). This context helps explain the actions of Queen Isabella, Lady Elinor, Ava, and Midi. For example, after King Christian’s death, Queen Isabella’s need for a male heir was about personal power and securing her family’s future.
Social Hierarchies
Feudalism also created rigid social hierarchies. Land and social status were inherited, making upward mobility nearly impossible. A farmer’s son was destined to be a farmer, and a craftsman’s son would inherit the trade. Load Nicholas’s rise in status was a rare exception, as his father, originally from a lower social rank, advanced through marriage. This ambition and social mobility eventually shaped Nicholas’s desire to seize control of the throne despite his low-born origins.
Medical Practices
Medical knowledge in the medieval period was limited, and treatments were often based on the belief that “like cures like.” In the book, royal children suffering from syphilis, or “Italian Fire,” were treated with quicksilver (mercury). Princess Sophia exhibited symptoms of congenital syphilis, such as rashes, likely transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Queen Isabella’s repeated miscarriages and mental instability were consistent with the effects of syphilis, a disease that, while now treatable with penicillin, was then often managed with mercury—a dangerous and ineffective treatment.
Syphilis was long thought to have originated in the New World, but discoveries of pre-Columbian skeletons showing signs of the disease suggest it existed in Europe before Columbus (Timeline—World History Documentaries, Aug 7, 2017).
Well-Used Multi-Point-Of-View Narrative
I was drawn to the novel’s multi-point-of-view narrative, where the Author develops multiple main characters, each with equal importance. In The Kingdom of Little Wounds, there are four central female characters from different social strata: Queen Isabella from the royal family, Elinor from the nobility, Ava, a peasant, and Midi, an enslaved person.
The Author’s decision to present the story through these diverse perspectives is intentional. As mentioned earlier, medieval European women had far fewer rights than men, regardless of their social standing. Even queens and princesses were often used as political pawns by men, reduced to mother, widow, or virgin roles. In the novel, Elinor, Ava, and Midi fall outside these expected roles. At the same time, the queen, on the verge of losing her status as the mother of an heir, faces the threat of losing her political power. All four women are trapped in a world where their survival depends on manipulating male power or leveraging their sons.
Their morally complex actions starkly reflect the desperate choices they are forced to make. What options do they have if they want to survive in their situation? When faced with extreme circumstances, many people are driven to immoral behavior to protect themselves or their loved ones. Why does Ava continue sleeping with Arthur despite suspecting he may be Midi’s lover? Why does she suggest swapping the dead prince for her baby brother? And why does the queen agree to this, knowing it could be considered treason? In harsh realities, people often have no choices.
This brings us to one of my questions: why did the author use this narrative style? Through the multi-character narrative, the Author underscores the various forms of oppression these women face. Despite their diverse social backgrounds, they all fall victim to the same system that restricts their choices and autonomy. This narrative Technique powerfully conveys the plight of women in that period, emphasizing their choice to live in such a patriarchal society.
A Fairly Tale Like Story
Another aspect of the book that intrigued me was its fairytale-like quality. Some chapters begin almost like a traditional folk tale. Suppose you’ve read the original versions of stories like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. In that case, you’ll know those tales are much darker than the versions we’re familiar with today. Modern fairy tales are often softened to suit young audiences. Still, in reality, there’s no “happily ever after” for most protagonists. This sense of realism is reflected in the novel’s ambiguous ending.
I found myself wishing for more hopeful resolutions—that Arthur would return to help Midi raise her child, Jacob would return for Ava, or the queen would protect the kingdom forever. Yet, deep down, I knew these outcomes were unlikely. The novel’s ending mirrors the harsh realities the characters face, leaving us to grapple with the uncertainty of their futures, much like the original, darker fairy tales.
Conclusion
This book is definitely not for young readers, but beautifully written. Despite its dark themes, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The meticulous research was evident, and what stood out most to me was the author’s deep love for the Medieval era, her ancestral homeland, and Shakespeare.
The novel’s multi-point-of-view narrative was carefully crafted, and I pondered why Cokal chose this style. I understood her message after researching the historical context and analyzing the characters. It took me over two weeks, but I finally realized that life in the Medieval era was incredibly harsh, especially for women. This understanding also highlights why many original fairy tales are so dark. The novel profoundly captures that difficult reality.
References
Stoss, L. R. (2013). An Exploration of Conformity to Medieval Male and Female Roles in the Chronicle of Alfonso X. http://hdl.handle.net/10342/1701Timeline – World History
Documentaries (Director). (2017, August 7). 1495 Syphilis Outbreak: The Deadly Disease That Swept Across Europe | The Syphilis Enigma | Timeline [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bWNF_eNwvI
Today is my official rest day. While there are always daily chores, I avoid running or tackling yard work on Sundays unless something urgent arises. This week has been incredibly taxing, with extra home maintenance tasks leaving my legs sore. I hope a day of rest and some much-needed stretching will help me recover and feel refreshed for the coming week.
My wife, meanwhile, uses Sundays to organize her upcoming week. She has her to-do list workbooks and plans everything down to the smallest detail. I’m not quite as meticulous, but I like to lay out my tasks and schedule for the week. Everything goes into my Google Calendar, so I can easily access it on my phone. It’s my way of staying organized without feeling too bogged down by every minor task.
We have some exciting plans for next weekend. We’ll head to my mother’s house to celebrate our niece’s birthday. It’s been a while since we’ve seen her, as the last few weekends have been packed with obligations, and we haven’t visited since July. My wife is especially eager to see everyone again. In addition to the celebration, we’re also preparing to begin a much-needed deck repair. This project will take several days to complete.
The deck stairs need significant work. They were built into a tree we recently cut down, which had grown so tall and close to the house that we were worried the roots would damage our foundation. Unfortunately, the roots have already affected the brick pathway leading to the stairs before cutting the tree. I’ve put off this repair for the year, but now it can’t be delayed any longer. My wife insists we do the repairs correctly this time. I’m still puzzled by why anyone would build a brick path over a root system, but it must have been done when the house was built over 30 years ago. We’re still debating whether to handle the deck repairs ourselves or hire professionals since we don’t have the proper tools.
This year, we’re at least committed to sanding and staining the deck and cleaning, sanding, and repainting our deck furniture. I’m looking forward to having the space functional again. Once the deck is ready, we can use the grill and maybe even expand the garden around it—a healing garden, as my wife envisions. While maintaining a house can be a lot of work, the effort always feels rewarding.
As I look ahead to this week, I’m adjusting my schedule to account for two big maintenance days on Thursday and Friday. Then we have the birthday party on Saturday. My wife, ever the planner, will also review our August expenses and tweak the budget for the rest of the year. At least this will be the long weekend. For now, I’m just hoping this leg soreness goes away soon!
I woke up to a familiar but unwelcome sensation—muscle pain. My glutes were exceptionally sore, and I quickly connected the discomfort to yesterday’s yard work. Squatting down repeatedly to pull weeds around the front yard was more of a workout than anticipated. While yard work isn’t typically considered exercise, it was enough to challenge my muscles, and the soreness is a clear sign. However, I like to think of it as a two-for-one deal—I got rid of the weeds and gained some strength along the way.
One of the challenges I face due to my kidney condition is managing my protein intake. Unlike the average healthy male, who can consume about 10% of their weight in protein, I’m restricted to a much lower amount. Protein plays a crucial role in muscle repair, and this limitation can make my recovery slower than I’d prefer. Given my active lifestyle, I know my muscles won’t heal as quickly as they would. Still, I try to strike a balance between staying fit and managing my health restrictions.
Saturdays are typically my day for a 10k run. It’s become a personal ritual I look forward to each week. I especially enjoy seeing my neighbors working on their lawns in the early hours, trying to beat the summer heat. Something is calming about watching them tend to their yards while I’m out for a run. However, today’s run was far from relaxing. The soreness in my muscles made running more difficult. After a few kilometers, I decided to cut the run short. Instead of my usual 10k, I settled for 5k. While it’s not my ideal distance, I felt it was the right decision given the circumstances.
My wife, who also runs, takes a more flexible approach to her training. She adjusts her pace and distance based on how she feels but ensures she gets at least 20 minutes of running, even when she feels off. Her struggles are the opposite of mine—she deals with low heart rate and blood pressure, which can leave her feeling sluggish if she doesn’t get her morning exercise. Though she doesn’t have the same dietary restrictions I do, she’s diligent about counting her calories. I guess everyone has their health challenges to manage.
I’m reasonably satisfied as long as I can get one solid 10k run each month. These runs are essential for building my speed, and I don’t want to miss too many. With some rest, I hope my muscles will heal soon to return to my usual routine.
About two months ago, my wife proposed a few yard projects we need to do this year. Some projects can depend on temperature or seasons so that they can be tricky. For example, she insisted that we do deck staining this year. My wife planned to do this sometime this summer.
My wife usually plans projects for at least several months to eliminate any obstacles to completing a project ahead of time. Her problem is that she needs more time since she is busy.
Deck staining demands many external conditions, which we need to watch for. She told me the deck must be stained when the temperature is 50F to 90F without rain for at least 24 hours. That eliminated substantial summer days. The ideal temperature would be Spring. However, we got a lot of rain in Nashville in the spring, so she did not want to do this project in the spring. So, we have between September and October to do this project.
There is something we can do ahead of time. For example, we can clean our deck beforehand so that the deck will be easy to sand and stain.
My wife combined two projects at once. One was to clean the siding of our house and the deck. She wanted to rent a power washer from a nearby Home Depot so we could do both simultaneously. She took a day off this Friday, Thursday, and Friday of the upcoming week. The following week is a long weekend, so it would be the perfect time for a project like cleaning and washing.
After my run, we did some yard work to prepare for winter and the upcoming projects we have been forming. Today, we wanted to remove any weeds or extra trees that may interrupt our side or deck washing.
Afterward, we got some delicious gyro plates from a nearby restaurant. I also completed my daily chores: bottled kombucha, did laundry, and put it away. So I called, and today was our successful day.
While my husband and I were cleaning the siding of our house, I found a Daddy-long-legs spider. That small moment reminded me of one of my favorite childhood books, Daddy-Long-Legs, by Jean Webster. I loved this book so much that I spent countless hours reading it repeatedly. Revisiting books I cherished in my youth allowed me to see them in a new light as an adult, and I was curious how I would perceive Daddy-Long-Legs this time.
Initially published in 1912, Jean Webster’s novel was quite popular when I was growing up, especially among children. This book had an immense impact and introduced me to many other books. When I found the spider, I took it as a sign to revisit this book.
Plot Summary:
Jerusha “Judy” Abbott is a 17-year-old orphan who has spent her entire life in the John Grier Home, an orphanage. She is optimistic despite her unfortunate circumstances and grim future as an orphan. Judy is skilled at writing – which prompted an anonymous benefactor, one of the orphanage’s trustees, to offer to send her to college on the condition that she write him letters regularly to update him on her progress. Mrs. Lippert, the orphanage administrator, told her that Judy was not to expect any replies or attempt to discover his identity. She never met her benefactor. Her only glimpse of him is a shadow on the wall in the orphanage hallway, which reminds her of a long-legged spider, so she whimsically nicknames him “Daddy-Long-Legs.”
Judy is surrounded by girls from affluent backgrounds at college and quickly realizes how different her upbringing was. For example, she seemed ignorant of certain books every girl read, such as “Little Women.” Undeterred, she sets out to bridge this gap, immersing herself in books, studying diligently, and working to improve her education. Her unwavering determination, despite the odds, is truly inspiring as she begins to blossom intellectually and socially, learning about life beyond the orphanage.
Judy becomes close friends with her roommates, including Julia Pendleton, who comes from a wealthy family. Julia asks Judy to meet her uncle, Mr. Jervis Pendleton, who is 14 years older than them. Over time, Judy grows fond of Mr. Jervis. However, she initially keeps her feelings to herself, fearful of how to navigate her growing emotions.
As Judy’s education progresses, she gains confidence and sees her potential as a writer. She earns a scholarship (her sponsor told her to decline). She even sells her first piece of writing for $50, a testament to her emerging talent as a writer. Her growth, from a young orphan to a confident and talented individual is something to be proud of. At one point, her mysterious benefactor, Daddy-Long-Legs, suggests she spend a summer in Europe to broaden her horizons, but Judy declines, wanting to remain grounded in her studies. Mr. Jervis tries to persuade her to go, but she stays firm in her decision.
Judy’s feelings for Mr. Jervis deepen, but she is afraid to confess everything about her past to him, worrying about how it might affect their relationship. She is also worried that her upbringing may negatively impact him. A misunderstanding arises when Mr. Jervis believes Judy has feelings for Jimmy McBride, the brother of her close friend Sally. He misunderstands that Judy would like to marry Jimmy. Hurt and confused, he distances himself from her.
Missing Mr. Jervis, Judy writes to Daddy-Long-Legs about her feelings toward him and how she messed up her relationship entirely due to fear. Later, she is summoned by her benefactor’s secretary, who informs her that her mysterious sponsor is ill. When Judy visits him, she is stunned to discover that Mr. Jervis Pendleton has been her benefactor, Daddy-Long-Legs all along. Their mutual feelings are finally revealed, and the novel ends with Judy and Jervis coming together in love.
Historical and Social Context
Daddy-Long-Legs is a romantic novel with an exciting twist. It was written when few people, especially women and orphans, could attend university. In the early 20th century, like the book’s protagonist, Judy, total orphans often faced grim futures. Many were destined for lives of servitude or were sent West to work on farms. Unlike Judy’s fairy-tale-like experience, most real-life orphans were not so fortunate.
Orphanages have existed in the United States since the mid-19th century, and charitable organizations often found them. The need for them grew between 1830 and 1850 due to health epidemics such as Cholera and Tuberculosis. Many children in these institutions were housed temporarily until their parents could recover financially. Only about 30% of orphans were “total orphans,” with no family to return to. Life after the orphanage was often bleak for these children, with few opportunities. The U.S., like other countries, usually sent these orphans to far-flung areas for labor, much like Anne of Green Gables depicts. Judy’s story in Daddy-Long-Legs, where she receives an education and support from a benefactor, is closer to a fairy tale.
Regarding female education, the U.S. held relatively progressive views from the early 19th century onward. The first women’s college was established in 1836; by 1875, around 50 colleges opened their doors to women. Many scholars trace this educational progress back to the influence of New England Puritan beliefs, emphasizing that boys and girls should be able to read. Primary schooling became more accessible, and by 1750, nearly 90% of women in New England were literate, with some advancing to secondary education. However, formal schooling was still limited to those with means, which is why many young women, like Judy, needed a benefactor to attend college.
Judy’s benefactor, Mr. Jervis, is mentioned as a socialist in her letters, adding a unique dimension to his role. In the context of early 20th-century America, his support for Judy’s education reflects a progressive outlook that was not common for his time.
Impression of the Book
Daddy-Long-Legs is written epistolary, where the narrative unfolds through letters. Through Judy’s correspondence, we witness her journey from a young girl to an independent young woman. As I read the book, I was pleasantly surprised by how clearly her letters convey her growth. While there is a romantic element to the story, I believe the author’s primary focus is on the importance of education for all, regardless of gender or social status.
Despite the progressive strides in education, gender expectations remained robust in early 20th-century America. These can also be explored in other works, such as The Awakening. At the time, it was still uncommon for a girl of Judy’s background to receive such an education, let alone attend university.
Personal Impact
Reading Daddy-Long-Legs brought back memories of other works I encountered at an early age, such as Little Women, Vanity Fair, David Copperfield, and Hamlet. I had already read these books by the time I graduated elementary school.
As a child, I remember being surprised by the revelation that Mr. Jervis was Judy’s benefactor. However, in hindsight, the clues were evident throughout the story. For example, his interest in literature, like taking the girls to see Macbeth, hinted at his identity. His actions, preventing Judy from spending the summer at Sally’s house, may have been motivated by a hint of jealousy towards Jimmy. Reading the book now, with full knowledge of the ending, I see all the signs I missed in my younger years. That plot twist left a lasting impression on me as a child.
As a young reader, the more English Literature I read, the more I want to learn English to read all this literature in English. I also thought about the possibilities that Education could open future options later in my life. Nothing is 100%; however, introducing a book like “Daddy-Long-Legs” can impact a young child.
Knee pain is something I never thought I’d be dealing with again—yet here I am. Over the past few days, my right knee has been aching, bringing back memories of a time when this pain was all too familiar. Back in elementary school, I experienced similar discomfort, which was casually dismissed as growing pains. At the time, I didn’t question it much. The pain was mild and sporadic, nothing that seemed worth worrying about. It was just a minor nuisance in the grand scheme of childhood.
Fast forward almost two decades, and I’ve uncovered the real reason behind that persistent pain. This discovery came about most unexpectedly. Ten years ago, I had a stroke, a life-altering event that sent me on a journey through the healthcare system, meeting specialists of all kinds. The stroke itself was a shocking and challenging experience, but what followed was a deep dive into understanding how interconnected our bodies indeed are.
In the months following the stroke, I worked closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including a physiatrist—a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. During these sessions, the issue with my knee came back into focus. My physiotherapist noticed something peculiar about the way I walk. With each step, I tend to extend my right leg more than my left, creating an asymmetrical gait. The source of this pain wasn’t just a harmless quirk but a clue to a deeper issue.
The physiatrist explained that the source of my knee pain was an imbalance in my muscle strength. Specifically, my quadriceps—the muscles on the front of my thigh—are significantly more potent than my gluteal muscles in the buttocks. This disproportionate strength pulls on my femur and the thigh bone, leading to undue stress on the knee joint. Over time, this stress caused a small bony nodule to form on the front of my knee, the very thing that had been causing me pain all those years ago.
This revelation was both enlightening and frustrating. On one hand, it was a relief to understand the root cause of my pain finally. On the other hand, realizing that this issue had likely been present for most of my life—and had gone unaddressed—was disheartening. The knowledge that the pain was linked to something as fundamental as muscle balance made me realize how important it is to maintain a well-rounded approach to physical health.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this kind of problem. The damage is done, and I can do little to reverse it entirely. However, I’m not powerless. By incorporating specific exercises into my routine, I can manage the pain and prevent it from worsening. Stretching my quadriceps and strengthening my glutes have become priorities in my workout regimen. These changes won’t just alleviate the pain in my knee; they’ll also contribute to my overall physical well-being.
Adjusting my exercise routine is a small price to pay for long-term health. The experience has reminded me of the importance of paying attention to our bodies’ signals, no matter how subtle they may seem. As I move forward, I’m committed to staying vigilant about my physical health, making the necessary adjustments to keep my body balanced and strong.
I’ve Started Taking Brandon Sanderson’s Writing Lecture Series!
Written August 19, 2024
Hello Dear Readers,
My wife and I are avid fans of Brandon Sanderson, so when I discovered a BYU lecture series on YouTube focused on writing, I knew it was something I wanted to explore. Initially, my intention was to watch the series to enhance my writing skills. Still, I used it as a convenient excuse to postpone starting my writing projects. You know how it goes—there’s always one more thing to learn before you feel “ready.”
Today, however, I finally took the plunge and began the lecture series. While it’s just the first step, it’s an essential one. The series includes 14 videos: an introductory short video followed by 13 in-depth lectures, most of which are over an hour long. These lectures are designed to guide you through writing your first novella, which is exciting and daunting. I’ve already scheduled dedicated time to watch each lecture, understanding that this commitment is critical to progress.
Starting today marks my first real day of action. Although I still have many more lectures to watch, I’m already thinking ahead to the true challenge: beginning and finishing my own story. Starting with a blank page can be intimidating. Still, luckily, I already have a seed of an idea and a few themes I’m eager to explore. This gives me a bit of a head start, so I won’t be starting from nothing.
So far, Brandon Sanderson’s advice resonates with the common wisdom I’ve encountered across various disciplines: you only get better through practice. There’s no shortcut, no magical advice that will instantly make you a skilled writer. Consistent effort and the willingness to learn through doing are the only feasible paths to reaching my goals. While this isn’t groundbreaking news, it’s a reminder that all great achievements start with small, consistent actions.
Interestingly, my wife is also keen on watching Sanderson’s lecture series. She’s currently engrossed in another lecture series about book criticism. Still, once she finishes that, she also plans to dive into Sanderson’s series. She asked me for my thoughts, and although I’d just begun, I shared my excitement with her. Her interest was piqued, and it’s nice to know we’ll likely be learning from Sanderson together soon.
In the meantime, I’ll keep moving forward, one lecture at a time, hoping that by the end of this journey, I’ll have gained knowledge and completed my first novella. It’s a daunting goal, but as Sanderson himself would likely agree, the only way to get there is to keep writing.
