Inside Ellie's Head

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Cormac McCarthy's The Road might be one of the most powerful books I've read in a while. It takes place in a world where an (never explained) apocalyptic event has left our planet uninhabitable with a constant cloud of ash and the skeletal remains for humans and beasts overtaking the landscape. 

In this lawless world, morality and human kindness is hard to come by. Everyone is constantly on the move and in hiding. Those who can't defend themselves are killed for food or taken hostage as slaves. Every possession while essential for survival is also a burden.

The Road takes us along on the journey of a man and his son, born into this new world with no memories of the old and now about 10 or 11 years of age. A father's struggle to provide shelter, safety and food where none is readily available. In the face of complete despair what keeps us going forward? To place one foot in front of the other. Where does the will to survive come from when survival can mean nothing but more pain, fear and devastation? How can there be room for hope, faith, and decency when there is no room left for life? 

I was moved deeply as I found myself lost in this world of nothingness. Years ago I wrote that our planet's immune system will reject us. Spit us out. Let us all die. And in due time it will start over. After all, what we have little of and the planet has in abundance is time. 

In The Road, it seems our time on this planet has come to an end. And in the twilight of human existence, we are faced with the worst and also the best of what make us human and humane.  The weight of The Road lingers. 

They may break my bones... but my spirit.. they cannot touch..

via www.indecisionforever.com

Maziar Bahari has moved me to tears through his eloquent and elaborate telling of his story.

Here we can meet the real man behind the story... It's amazing that he still has such a great sense of humor.

"Conditioning for Dance"

Everybody knows that dancers are particularly good at strengthening their bodies. Not only is a dancer's body strong, but it's also beautifully lean and flexible. Dancers have a talent for making even the most difficult physical activities, positions, and movements look effortless and graceful.

But how do they work out? How does a dancer train? Chances are, unless you dance, you have no idea where to begin.

There is a fantastic book on the market by Eric Franklin that provides some wonderful insights into the dancer's workout. It also outlines all sorts of stretches and resistance exercises that any one can do and follow. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or someone just starting out, this book is a great addition to your dance library!