books and magazines

1. bitch has a fantastic article about knitting and feminism. a lot of the articles focus is on one of my favourite interests, the notion of irony in contemporary crafting. i am not an ironic crafter. i knit because i love knitting. if there is a kitchy element to it, it's not ironic. the question of whether irony negates the 'statement' of crafting in relation to feminism is curious.

2. am reading 'the bridegroom was a dog,' because they are short stories, which eases me into this month of reading nonstop. the title story was interesting, beautifully written, though i have read some criticism of the translation, but the representation of women and sexual desire is... problematic. the rape motif that appears in a lot of japanese contemporary literature bothers, but intrigues me. it's equally as prevalent in shunga and animation. but the woman as servile, sluggish, and receptical is a re-occuring theme, and is so clear in the title story that i feel... that it's... hm. questionable. i am going to start a Book Journal next month to properly reflect on what i read. i need to think about it more. but the second story is wonderful wonderful wonderful, about a mail order bride.

i mean, maybe she is commenting on the 'passive' woman image, i guess through the surreality detaching the reader... 'inside and other short fiction' contained stronger stories. but, i think, it returns to the issue of translation. still. thoughts unformed. i only finished it an hour or so ago.
back on track for learning my kana.

3. lachlan cooked a beautiful dinner. i am heading back to his place to work on jumper more.

4. found some fabulous feminist websites today.

5. i feel so rich right now. i am utterly, utterly, utterly content.

utterly.