the berksires
I saw my first lightning bugs of the season and this amazing creature in the Berkshires last week, photographed by my lovely friend and hostess, Elissa.

oh, and...
I started a twitter. It's a little much, I know, but it's cool to send updates from the phone. If you're the type to follow such things, then, by all means, follow: http://twitter.com/1thegreatleslie
the Francos
I set-up a new Web site for my father, who is working on a second book about Franco-Americans in Maine. It's still being developed, but check it out: www.francoamericans.org.
books.
I just started reading Sputnick Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami. I've talked about this book, and about its author (perhaps more about its author) with many people over the years and even in the last week. As my eyes scanned the first sentences, I thought of all my friends and co-workers and even enemies who have read those same words and how, suddenly, I was in the same place they'd all been. This book, and all books, will have its own meaning for me and will affect my thoughts in a unique way, but it will be a shared experience, like visiting a landmark or going to a party. Each page is like a step taken on a well-traveled path.
