Discussion with John Tallmadge

I thought that the discussion on Thursday went very well. John seemed comfortable discussing a book that he's never read, and I thought that he aided and had great input for the discussion. I thought it was interesting when we were talking about the characters balancing each other out, I had never really thought about that, besides realizing that each of them were total opposites. It only makes sense that they were able to balance out and fulfil each other's needs. The saying opposites attract holds true, and provides an amusing act for outsiders to watch. Also, when we were talking about love in the story. It did seem like the two couples were leaning in that direction, but like I said, I still think that Laura and Michael decided to love each other for the purpose of creating a pleasant memory, for something positive to hold onto, and keep their minds in tact. Our discussion of Campos made me think more about this, and the reason that they so loved him singing to them, and singing along. They wanted to learn, remember, and create fond memories to look back on of their time spent dead. Their memories when they were alive are hazy, and that might be because they didn't appreciate their lives nearly as much as they do now that they are alive. The notion that we as living people need to really stop and smell the roses, notice what is going on around us, and most importantly - hold on to the little things that make you happy.

I also was interesting in hearing John talk about his life story. Cincinnati seems to have grown on him, and it got me thinking about what one of my art teachers from high school told me. He said that he wanted us to make sure we don't live and die in Cincinnati. His intentions for telling us this were slightly different than Johns. My teacher wanted us to see the world, and get out of the Nati. I think of his words from time to time, and listening to John implying that he just got used to the city makes me feel like it really is hard to get out when you are so rooted in. I'm sure this only gets harder when you are at the age of raising children, so I still have some time left. But back to John, I thought he was very intersting to listen to. His adventures made me want to get out and see more. I was a little disappointed in myself that I haven't truely seen the Milky Way, I haven't been to a desert, or really been anywhere out East.

I enjoyed the time we spent talking on Thursday and was happy to hear what other people thought of the book, and John's views on cemeteries themselves.