tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41195092024-03-12T21:10:22.597-07:00Mental SchmutzUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1355125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-89383366683928743722023-12-02T15:19:00.002-07:002023-12-02T15:34:17.927-07:00The Ballad of Speedball Baby by Ali Smith is a winner! OMG such a winner....<p> y'all.... SO ... I have waited almost a month to write about this book. Maybe because I loved it so much, I had to actually read it twice. Yep. Truth. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB9zZzBsShh6SN2IOwzogtliva30NigSMSk9bth4Ex5V5drl0xSuvIc0y5rDoXPORkvGnjSEZtp4eeBD2S-DMEiT7-l5TaI1GnAcw3xvN7ozueFwgvQlUte8imjY4WlR7RM9il5CYnYUbjiajH6yzHsv1JysEv2J4wQo-3nVAIbwNtsCRTYH5kcQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB9zZzBsShh6SN2IOwzogtliva30NigSMSk9bth4Ex5V5drl0xSuvIc0y5rDoXPORkvGnjSEZtp4eeBD2S-DMEiT7-l5TaI1GnAcw3xvN7ozueFwgvQlUte8imjY4WlR7RM9il5CYnYUbjiajH6yzHsv1JysEv2J4wQo-3nVAIbwNtsCRTYH5kcQ" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-ballad-of-speedball-baby-a-memoir-ali-smith/20298049?ean=9798212337250lad-Speedball-Baby-Memoir/dp/B0CCW81WHP" target="_blank">BUY THIS BOOK!</a> (no affiliate link... just an endorsement)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the 90s I was a producer for a music TV show of some notoriety. That sounds super pretentious. It is not. I had just returned from filmschool, and an attempt at getting into the biz and came back "home". My best friend was the Executive Producer on the show and I first started out as a camera person and then started to produce segments. It was a BLAST. From programming to segment production to interview segments with some really amazing rock stars... it was a blast. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Imagine my complete surprise when this book came up in a search of available books to read in advance of publication. <a href="https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tLP1TcwLLSsKjQ2YPTiKy5ITU1JSszJUUhKTKoEAHkfCPw&q=speedball+baby&oq=speedball+baby&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBEC4YgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyBwgBEC4YgAQyBggCEEUYQDIICAMQABgWGB4yCAgEEAAYFhgeMgoIBRBFGBYYHhg7MggIBhAAGBYYHjIGCAcQRRg80gEINDgwOGowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Speedball Baby</a> wasn't a band I had ever heard of. Ever. And totally would have been a band we would have programmed. I am absolutely gobsmacked that this band, on a major label that we worked with, never pushed them more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the saying goes "they could have been contenders".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ali Smith, the bassist wrote a phenomenal book. I read it entranced in maybe two sittings but defiantly in one weekend. I was transfixed with the tales of being on the road. Being in a band that should have gotten better shrift by their label. This is not a bitter story... but really one of redemption and guts. There are some things that aren't glamour-filled and some that are. There are somethings that aren't gritty but a lot that are. But girl .... this is a story of a time that bands were scooped up and promised a road out of obscurity but not really given proper due and how that effects the people involved. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I loved the honesty. That takes guts. This book is gutty. That is my quote... this book is gutty. Shimmies with guts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Speedball Baby is just odd enough to be awesome. I have added them as a favorite to my Spotify. I listen to them when I am looking to have a moment to dance around my kitchen and clean. I would have LOVED to have seen them live and program them on our show. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a book about the road, rock and roll and the power of art. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The book comes out in January 2024 and it's already on my "to buy" list because the book promises to be peppered with the photography of the author. I have snuck into her instagram and peeked at her portraiture and I am smitten, just like her writing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the book she writes about taking a photo at a dumpster. I COULD picture it in my head, just like the rest of what she wrote about. That is the best sign. I want to see that actual photos. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing is spared to the reader's eye. That is such a good sign to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have reread this book twice since I got it a month or so ago. I wanted to make sure that I didn't miss anything. Yep... it was that great to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wanted to wait until the book was closer to publication date to post this because I didn't want it to get lost in the ether of the internet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So here is my suggestion -</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And here are the steps - trust me on this. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1) find a cozy spot with a cup of coffee, tea with whisky or whatever you want to warm you up when you set aside the time to read this book</div><div style="text-align: left;">2) open to the forward - it's by Exene Cervenka of X - if you know you know - and play a couple songs off Los Angeles. THEN... dance around where ever you are for a couple of songs... get your energy up because you are going for a ride.</div><div style="text-align: left;">3) open up your music player of choice and que up Speedball baby. </div><div style="text-align: left;">4) read the first couple of chapters in silence and then get ready to rock at chapter three. Crank it up because the energy of the music matches and is a great soundtrack to the rest of the book. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS this is what I did on round two and it kicked ass just like this book does. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-68758225028059203762023-09-03T11:23:00.001-07:002023-09-03T11:50:02.345-07:00I have been reading, just not posting. I really wanted to start reading again but for pleasure and not for posting. There was so much pressure I think to read a book and just post up my thoughts about what I read that I honestly didn't enjoy it anymore. Where was the fun? It was lost on me to be honest.
I disengaged with Goodreads, this (what has become a bookie blog) and following writers and reviewers on the social media circut (expect my beloved Jenny Lawson and Chuck Palahniuk if I am going to be completely honest).
But I have been reading a few galleys over the last couple of weeks that have really knocked my socks off and for different reasons.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194849923-anne-frank-on-tour-and-other-stories" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Anne Frank on Tour and Other Stories" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1690738994l/194849923._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194849923-anne-frank-on-tour-and-other-stories">Anne Frank on Tour and Other Stories</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1261017.George_Thomas_Clark">George Thomas Clark</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5816753509">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Enjoyed this creative collection of short (some very short) stories. I requested via netgalley as a jumping off point to start reading again this summer after a short respite from reading to review. <br />What a nice way to get back in the saddle.<br /><br />The author really captured the voices of each of his characters which was a delight and unexpected. The titular character had the same voice as I recall reading from her diaries back many long years ago. The other characters from Putin to Dolly Parton to Elvis are all covered here and with seemingly great care to not disrupt their professional spirit. <br /><br />This is an easy read and a fun journey into what could be, could have been and what a character can be in a short story. <br /><br />I really enjoyed it and it was a great reminder that a terrifically told story doesn't have to be a huge diatribe. It can be a few paragraphs for the point of the story to be made. What a treat.
<br /><br />What I really loved about this collection of short stories is each chapter/story was really completely different than the previous or next story. Each character 100% had their own voice. I know that it's hard to do. I didn't imagine that I would have liked this small collection as much as I did.
I usually read a chapter a night before I go to bed and since many of the stories were very short (with no losss to the story itself mind you... another achievement) this made for a nice pre-sleep ritual. I raced through this book and enjoyed each character that I encountered.
</div><div><br /></div><div>The second review copy I received approval for this summer was - </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBO_0-7Mstz5cpZZr71BZuIOQle4gHEuztT1OkxgUt_l__lUpmW4q-62t5Ek1pIIQGwXF5MAWqoeBmdd31LBhgTIdpKJuE5o04uJPd0gJvhvrkA8ceBPYQ7Y9SYWQUv80hU_xpr6M6bUqmMEFmBhWHNYnPj2Bro17PGhGpbq4lQtzra4C8fNs77Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="313" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBO_0-7Mstz5cpZZr71BZuIOQle4gHEuztT1OkxgUt_l__lUpmW4q-62t5Ek1pIIQGwXF5MAWqoeBmdd31LBhgTIdpKJuE5o04uJPd0gJvhvrkA8ceBPYQ7Y9SYWQUv80hU_xpr6M6bUqmMEFmBhWHNYnPj2Bro17PGhGpbq4lQtzra4C8fNs77Q" width="151" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am currently reading this and will remove the cover art and post up with the link like above when I am done. BUT ... I had never heard of the band <a href="https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tLP1TcwLLSsKjQ2YPTiKy5ITU1JSszJUUhKTKoEAHkfCPw&q=speedball+baby&oq=speedball+baby&aqs=chrome.1.0i355i512j46i512j0i22i30l3j69i60l2j69i61.8876j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Speedball Baby</a> (and only today even googled them and listened to a song or two). I have never heard of this author.. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> BUT the prologue was written by <a href="https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1Tcwyq7KNjVg9OJLrUjNS1VITi0qS83LTgQAcUkI0w&q=exene+cervenka&oq=exene+c&aqs=chrome.1.0i131i355i433i512j46i131i433i512j69i57j0i512l7.2968j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Exene</a> who I do know and do love... so I didn't think she would leave me stranded. And whoa so far (I am about 1/2 way through) I am not disappointed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Road diaries can be a slog but this book doesn't read like that in the least. It is a joy ride. Now I have to qualify that this is not a fun story but it reads like a novel, is really well written and I believe really does capture that moment in time where bands were signed and sent out on the road to make it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am truly impressed and very very much engaged in this story. When I go outside during office breaks during the week I sneak in a couple of pages to live vicariously and keep the action going on the author's adventures. That is saying something. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am about halfway in. Part of the holiday weekend goals is to finish so I can post up the remainder of the "review". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PS the music is fun a.f. and the book in it's way is too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More to come on that bb's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Additionally - I do post up my thoughts and comments on Goodreads because that is the place that Netgalley directs you to. I am super duper grateful to each publisher that provides me with a galley to read in advance of publishing. I am not going to deny that every time I get a book in that way (and when I buy on my own...) I am more than gitty to share my opinions. But with galley books the publishers want to see it somewhere... and the Goodreads platform is sadly the option of choice I suppose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was listening to a podcast this week while walking my dog in the morning and heard in passing something about Elizabeth Gilbert, book reviewers and 1 star reviews cancelling a book before it even published. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went back and gave it a second listen because it's really important. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the pod if you are so inclined (PS this book sounds freaking great, I am adding it to my want to read list by the way: <a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/the-late-americans-brandon-taylor-book-criticism.html" target="_blank">Into It with Sam Sanders: Brandon Taylor Wants to Bring Gatekeeping Back to Book Criticism</a> and a link to the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/07/01/amazon-goodreads-elizabeth-gilbert/" target="_blank">Washington Post article</a> (at this time there is no paywall but popup for subscription) that they are talking about in this podcast. I am personally not a fan of Goodreads anymore, or was I really ever. But it's how publishers in alot of cases find reviews of value I suppose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I only post up my commentary on books that I actually read, but honey, bb, kiddos I am more than a book reader. I would love someplace to post thoughts, commentary, ideas other than a single threaded outdated platform. So I think (and right now it's just a thought...) about starting a substack because that seems to be the platform of the moment. It certainly isn't here (talking about outdated platforms) for much longer I don't think. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will have the same amount of subscribers there as here I am sure ... lol it's like 1 person maybe... but change is afoot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h1 class="headline-primary" data-editable="overrideHeadline" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Miller Text", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 36px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.01em; line-height: 37px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; position: relative; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><br /></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.vulture.com/article/the-late-americans-brandon-taylor-book-criticism.html" target="_blank"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-2955358139987165222022-07-19T06:37:00.001-07:002022-07-19T06:37:17.295-07:00The Naked Way by Chris Henry<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18249780-the-naked-way" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="The Naked Way" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1375055250l/18249780._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18249780-the-naked-way">The Naked Way</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7192795.Chris_Henry">Chris Henry</a><br/>
<br /><br />
Not really going to "star" this.... my mid - book thoughts stand. Good idea, rambling and frustrating. Glad I finished it because it's done. I totally can not remember where and how I got this book and realized as the characters stopped being a bit interesting that I did start it before and put it "away" way back then. <br /><br />I appreciate the effort but the realization was less than interesting. To Me. <br /><br />Sorry to the author, but this wasn't for me. The title of the book refers to a band... but really this isn't about that, it's about the insufferability of 20 year olds in the late 90's. Glad I am not there anymore, this book nailed that for me.
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/360152-zoe">View all my reviews</a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-89202989781619159822022-06-05T08:56:00.000-07:002022-06-05T08:56:17.144-07:00Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60048960-sweet-soft-plenty-rhythm" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646321590l/60048960._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60048960-sweet-soft-plenty-rhythm">Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22157586.Laura_Warrell">Laura Warrell</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4765271917">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Received this novel as a preview copy. I am not sure if I would have picked this up off a bookshelf at a book store. Not sure why, but I wanted to be honest about that.<br /><br />The first chapter was a fraught with wanting to give the book up versus moving on more. I stopped reading it for a week. I then skipped the second chapter and went to the third. That helped for me.<br /><br />Dense with characters and situations it was while reading was too much for me. The main character is a musician named Circus. His love life is one for sure. I felt badly for each and everyone one of his relationships. This was what made the difficult decision for me to not really like this book. These were strong women taken by Circus. It made me really sad. <br /><br />The author’s lyrical and musical writing was beautiful. So there is that. <br /><br />This was a complicated read and not easy for me, but I did finish it. Complex relationships (some very messy) and a complicated list of characters to follow made this a read that I had to force myself to read and complete. <br /><br />I am grateful for the opportunity I had to read this book. I am always very interested to see what creative authors who have completed writing programs like Ms Wardell have put out as debut novels (I think this is just that?) But I hesitate to say this, this book was too much. This is not a breezy easy read, not because it’s subject matter is hard, just a lot to keep track of. The book will ruffle some readers because the characters are not particularly likeable… but they are in a way because they are so complicated and complicit in their enabling behaviors. This enablement is difficult to read and have empathetic feelings for them because as a reader nothing is more frustrating (at least to me) than not having a single nugget of “something” to hold onto to root for the characters. It serves the story but not the reader.<br /><br />Would I suggest it? I say maybe. If you are looking for a book dense with characters and lovely lyrical writing that are taken of and that take advantage of one another with the guise of love, than this is for you.
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/360152-zoe">View all my reviews</a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-64890059378484972232022-03-12T10:54:00.001-07:002022-03-12T10:54:38.686-07:00Guy Branum's My Life as a Goddess<p> </p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38887475-my-life-as-a-goddess" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="My Life as a Goddess: A Memoir through (Un) Popular Culture" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519869675l/38887475._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38887475-my-life-as-a-goddess">My Life as a Goddess: A Memoir through (Un) Popular Culture</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16549573.Guy_Branum">Guy Branum</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4568043054">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Guy Branum is very very smart. Let me just say that. Plus he has a biting humor that I really do love. I am only truly sorry that he saved most of that humor for footnotes. BUT I love footnotes so I am sorry for my previous sentence. <br /><br />I really appreciate what the book is about, overcoming shit in the entertainment business and making your best self eventually fall forward. <br /><br />I wanted to read this book when it first came out. I am glad that I didn't. A few years ago, I don't think I would have enjoyed it quite as much. I wasn't ready for it. I wasn't in a place that I had fallen forward enough yet. This book reminded me by reading essays on Mr. Branum's working forward how well I have done. So for that I thank you sir for the gentle reminder of that. <br /><br />Some of the essays read like legal briefs to me. Which reminded me of my legal secretarial days but I snapped out of it when I realized I was reading a brief about two TV comedy's. Insert MY footnote : Holy crap how far have I come, this chapter was a full circle moment for me big time.<br /><br />Thanks for the great read, if you are looking for comedy - read the footnotes, if you are looking for an inspirational drive through some challenging things - read the book without the footnotes. <br /><br />
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/360152-zoe">View all my reviews</a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-58141600843195556892022-02-22T18:30:00.004-07:002022-02-22T18:30:55.291-07:00Life at the Dakota by Stephen Birmingham <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27843318-life-at-the-dakota" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Life at the Dakota: New York's Most Unusual Address" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1447720149l/27843318._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27843318-life-at-the-dakota">Life at the Dakota: New York's Most Unusual Address</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/62523.Stephen_Birmingham">Stephen Birmingham</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1862786186">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This book published in the 1980s, so there is little dish on the 1980s more famous (cough cough resident. RIP Mr. Lennon) resident for my generation. BUT there is certainly enough historical information that will open up alot of things that I didn't know about this building that I have only walked by once.<br /><br />I really enjoyed the history over the dish. <br /><br />It's really well thought out, presented and researched.<br /><br />Note I read a kindle version of the book so if there are historical photos in the physical copy of book I am sure that helps alot to place the place visually. <br /><br />That aside, I can't wait to reread and take the time to pull up my own pictures and do some of my own research based on what Mr. Birmingham presents. <br /><br />I am sorry that he has since died, because his book was terrific. I look forward to read other books that he wrote about places and things.
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/360152-zoe">View all my reviews</a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-55249135423980667872022-02-22T18:16:00.000-07:002022-02-22T18:16:19.219-07:00This Woman's Work: Essays on Music <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41xd1cJYW1L._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="385" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41xd1cJYW1L._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Two things first: <div><br /><div>1) I didn't read this book in order. Why? Because that is the pure joy of collections of essays. Thank you College Lit 101 for teaching me that (sorry I can't remember my professors name... but hey lady... I appreciate the thing you taught me). </div><div>2) I love collections. It's easily digestible. Easy to take up and read at my leisure and ease. </div><div><br /></div><div>The cover has a photo of Kim Gordon. She is a contributor and one of the editors. That is not solely why I read the book, sure it didn't hurt but the idea of reading essays by women (possibly for and about women) was the attraction. It was not a disappointment, this book was lovely and a great way to kick off the literary year for me. I was introduced to so many different women writers and musicians that I didn't know about, my brain was opened up in a way that I didn't anticipate reacting to these essays. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first essay that I read was which also kicks of the book- "Fan Girl" by <a href="https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1TfIMEyuzDBg9OJJzMtLVUjNK8pMzygBAGHeCCY&q=anne+enright&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS598US598&oq=anne+enright&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46i512l4j0i512l5.4058j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">Anne Enright</a>. As I read this story I laughed out loud at points... the author meets one of her favorite musical artists (no spoilers) and reading about it was so wonderful. I can relate to her experience as I had the same reaction she did with her icon with several people that I have been fortunate enough to be able to meet some of my favorite artists. If you read the story you will laugh too because honestly... this is what happens. The essay continues with some additional information about further thoughts into the interaction. It made me really think deeply about my interactions and the sillieness but the reason why it was so silly and wonderful. I thank Anne Enright for taking me to a place that brought me such joy from my memory bank. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another highlight was "Double-Digit Jukebox: An Essay in Eight Mixes" by <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=leslie+jamison&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS598US598&sxsrf=APq-WBtMzX98_X4bKwghsU5pmNHFLfRn5g%3A1645578028820&ei=LIcVYr7GMaSPlwTCpoT4Ag&gs_ssp=eJzj4tLP1TdITzepTCk2YPTiy0ktzslMVchKzM0szs8DAIBdCXo&oq=leslie+&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYADIFCC4QkQIyBQguEJECMggILhDUAhCRAjIECAAQQzIFCC4QkQIyCwguEIAEELEDEIMBMgQILhBDMgQIABBDMggILhCABBCxAzIICC4QgAQQsQM6BAgjECc6EQguEIAEELEDEIMBEMcBENEDOg4ILhCABBCxAxDHARCjAjoRCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQowIQ1AI6BQgAEIAEOggILhCxAxCDAToLCC4QgAQQxwEQowI6CAguELEDEMkDOgUIABCSAzoICAAQgAQQsQNKBAhBGABKBAhGGABQAFjfC2D0H2gAcAF4AIAB_AGIAZsIkgEFMS41LjGYAQCgAQHAAQE&sclient=gws-wiz" target="_blank">Leslie Jamison</a>. This essay is about various times in her life and how the mix tape plays a role. It was a delight. This sentence totally blew me away "sunlit salt breeze world of the west". She talks to her brother's influence on her musical taste, which is a truth for so many. I was the older sibling so I hope that my brother feels as warmly as the author does for her brother. Reading this essay made me remember something that is less than caring (a boyfriend back in the day, made a mixtape for another girlfriend that I didn't really know about... and yes, when I found that mixtape he made for the other girl... I walked. It is something that is breakupable... don't be fooled) but was a funny memory nonetheless. Music is such a trigger for memories and this essay brought some great things (and less than great). A miss from the author is that her playlists (today's mixtape are not up anymore... I would have LOVED to have listened to them. By the way I read this while I was at a bar listening to a live band. I had two folks come up and ask me what I was reading and I believe in my heart of hearts sharing the joy of what I reading had them add it to their wish list. Fingers Crossed. </div><div><br /></div><div>I read a couple more treats of essays in order and was introduced to musicans that I had never heard of. Some that I couldn't find the music of and others that have entire playlists dedicated to them. I suggest when you read these stories, find a playlist about the subject and have it in the background. Seriously ... It makes such a difference and it is a nice accessory to the experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>I read the remembrances of a friend of author <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=maggie+nelson&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS598US598&sxsrf=APq-WBvNa0o5OOWFZhCrvDZysCh-8DoJ9Q%3A1645578078929&ei=XocVYpeSOODO0PEPt4-uiAw&gs_ssp=eJzj4tLP1TcwLUsryS03YPTizU1MT89MVchLzSnOzwMAd64JGg&oq=maggie+n&gs_lcp=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&sclient=gws-wiz" target="_blank">Maggie Nelson</a> who recalls "My Brilliant Friend". It is a remembrance of her childhood friend musician, Lhasa. I hadn't ever heard of this artist and the story and essay ended up being a loving memorial to her friend. It was really wonderful. And I got introduced to a new musician. I appreciated the genuine discussion of and memory of the time they had together. Don't forget your friends- this is one of the messages and love these memories. </div><div><br /></div><div>One other highlight was "Hearing Voices" by <a href="https://www.zakiasewell.co.uk/about" target="_blank">Zakia Sewell.</a> To say that my heart broke while reading would not be a lie. It made me appreciate my Mom, the music that she brought into my life growing up and I want to thank the author for reminding me of my love for my childhood with all the music my parents and mom truly brought into my life. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a GREAT read by some amazing authors, writers, musicians and artists. I took a while to get through the whole book because I wanted to make sure that I absorbed all the different styles and stories. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Hachette Books for providing me with an advanced copy. I look forward to sending this to a few friends for birthday presents. There are such treasures to hold onto in this book </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/This-Womans-Work-Essays-Music/dp/0306829002/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IEI2IZ8JKICK&keywords=this+woman%27s+work&qid=1645577694&s=books&sprefix=this+woman%27s+work%2Cstripbooks%2C124&sr=1-1">This Woman's Work: Essays on Music </a>is releasing on May 3, 2022 (link to Amazon- for ease not for any affiliation link, I don't do that). </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-76604725828333655652021-11-27T17:58:00.005-07:002021-11-27T18:05:34.275-07:00This weekend is free channel viewing on Comcast... Xfinity.... there was ONLY one thing that I wanted to watch... <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftdTZ07yCSMKEs-IP11FHN7w12fnL6suZqiAEeHPPhtxyCObgkNbR7dySn-P9_DWuLmACL7wz6vadUv8qdL44knozTpTOCalDpiNJLsxzfvhp3IAVAkUjlplvacA-rr4TA4WIDw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftdTZ07yCSMKEs-IP11FHN7w12fnL6suZqiAEeHPPhtxyCObgkNbR7dySn-P9_DWuLmACL7wz6vadUv8qdL44knozTpTOCalDpiNJLsxzfvhp3IAVAkUjlplvacA-rr4TA4WIDw/" width="160" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.epix.com/series/punk?trailer=true" target="_blank">PUNK</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">When it first came out I thought that we had Epix. We didn't. I found out when I set the dvr and nothing came up. To say I have been waiting for a couple of years to watch this would be a total understatement. </p><p style="text-align: left;">There are a couple of highlights... I actually wanted to give John Lydon a hug, hearing Joan Jett say "Pussy to the Wood" may be my new favorite thing ever, seeing Harley from the CroMags playing drums at 12 is amazing... that guy gave us all hope back in the day..., early Blondie footage, BAD BRAINS, a lovely interview with Dave Vanian, and the whole thing. I suppose honestly that is what I was hoping the book I just reviewed would be, this mini series has been what I wished it would be. Thank you John Varvatos, Iggy Pop your executive production backing and to the director Jesse James Miller, I tip my review to you and your amazing trip down memory lane for me. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I went to the show page on my app and the recording was still set. Awwwww. daymn. But today has been the day and it's been amazing. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The first three episodes are mostly the NY and London scenes which of course I love. But the fourth episode is where my experience most closely resembles... LA and DC punk rock. The scene that I knew here was magic but honestly my heart was with the LA bands. I love my parents for letting both me and my brother listen to whatever we wanted with NO questions and let us go to whatever shows we wanted to at The Rainbow Music Hall. Don't get me wrong, this girl loved (and still does) her showtunes and Jazz. BUT where I found my heart and the door opened to being accepted unconditionally was with Punk Rock. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I love Keith Morris so listening to him talk about Black Flag and The Circle Jerks just makes me happy. The last time I was in LA we saw him on Sunset and I almost yelled out to him... I so wanted to. I have a picture of him walking down the street, somewhere, I will always respect those that I admire as much as I can. I didn't a couple of times and don't regret that either...(:: cough cough:: I am talking about hugging you Jello) BUT I will never forget Keith Morris walking off from me screaming at him in my head. Oh I also interrupted Henry Rollins in a food court while he was eating lunch. He was kind and let me sit with him. While I fawned at him for like 10 minutes. </p><p style="text-align: left;">This summer I promise right here in writing, we will do a backyard screening of Decline in Western Civilization. I said last year I was going to but we had the fucking pandemic. This summer. Bring your own stubbies and ... </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is your own little parting knowledge and if you win pub trivia you owe me a beer... Joan Jett produced What We Do In Secret by The Germs. You are welcome. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-15328680828589909922021-11-24T10:02:00.003-07:002021-11-24T10:20:25.818-07:00NOT a book with any substance which Punk Rock really is: Crime and Punkishment <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NmDCP7FZ_N7_5eOrx1X2l996wxyrwfVu1lCvKaPUUlT3mIkHwpIc8QPc6fAKbRw1p81LivdXusbxUVGuIGfFHUnxq9mkP2DpDdsK1I5xZYCmdakCZlnfdvNGAWTNPadCldf_0g/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NmDCP7FZ_N7_5eOrx1X2l996wxyrwfVu1lCvKaPUUlT3mIkHwpIc8QPc6fAKbRw1p81LivdXusbxUVGuIGfFHUnxq9mkP2DpDdsK1I5xZYCmdakCZlnfdvNGAWTNPadCldf_0g/" width="160" /></a></div><br />Whoa… this book was just 100% shite. Sorry but it’s true. My review on Goodreads was a little kinder, but here is where I am putting it all out there. Shite. I do NOT want to read about people that I don’t know writing a 150 word essay on the drugs that they did in the 80s. Drugs have NOTHING to do with punk rock. Sorry but no. I was hardcore serious punk rock and barely drank in my most hardcore years. So in my humble opinion this book missed the mark for sure.<p></p><p>Want to know about the essay from Rodney at the Roq? Yeah it’s the opening essay and maybe perhaps less than a page. SUPER bummed and misled. Which I suppose is punk rock in a Sex Pistols in San Francisco kind of way. There is a picture of some lady who ran a video show with John Lydon smiling -ish so I think that is why I post that. </p><p>I read about half the book, and just now, thought … wow this book sucks, why am I hoping that it will get better? So I shut ‘er down. </p><p>There are much better books about punk rock in LA out there… </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8F49_A9gV0gNcHU_ZEQ3I_OszCFj9TFLJZX2GAEcILmGI6agYZLBLGUi479wZ4XD-aKFGq5bqkwBP1E8AqRFxY26McHP_XsCd_iNiKga4Yj3NAH6cjFvTQ-Hn5NeZNpHJPKXGw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8F49_A9gV0gNcHU_ZEQ3I_OszCFj9TFLJZX2GAEcILmGI6agYZLBLGUi479wZ4XD-aKFGq5bqkwBP1E8AqRFxY26McHP_XsCd_iNiKga4Yj3NAH6cjFvTQ-Hn5NeZNpHJPKXGw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeSSFS3KdjRSOvS307x1zCP1aaOhcPAkbab0FQPxT-hpcnAPyePD67qeOsR3BHlhjybDlKSxpAQtQbknPqVn3XvrB6lEep_dSjprPnIj9uAkPkNOEE1oC3cjajzDpzUHw8fHIew/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeSSFS3KdjRSOvS307x1zCP1aaOhcPAkbab0FQPxT-hpcnAPyePD67qeOsR3BHlhjybDlKSxpAQtQbknPqVn3XvrB6lEep_dSjprPnIj9uAkPkNOEE1oC3cjajzDpzUHw8fHIew/" width="159" /></a></div><br /><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8F49_A9gV0gNcHU_ZEQ3I_OszCFj9TFLJZX2GAEcILmGI6agYZLBLGUi479wZ4XD-aKFGq5bqkwBP1E8AqRFxY26McHP_XsCd_iNiKga4Yj3NAH6cjFvTQ-Hn5NeZNpHJPKXGw/" width="159" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are two for instance.</div><br />If you want to read my kinder / gentler review: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51206757-crime-and-punkishment">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51206757-crime-and-punkishment</a>. <p></p><div><br /></div><div>For additional great Punk Rock memory media: I direct you to the I Turned out a Punk Podcast. It is really great conversations about current and past punk rockers. This weeks episode: <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=70OumgUbSxA" target="_blank">Episode 377</a> is shared here. It’s with Jeff Tweedy (who I really like and admire - his autobiography is great, also watch <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G8-MVADtPio" target="_blank">I am Trying to Break Your Heart</a>… it’s what made me realize he wasn’t just the on Tour With Billy Bragg guy). </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways… the book referenced above at that top… not worth the two bucks or whatever I spent. But two stars for the effort the “author” put into putting it together. I guess. </div><div><br /></div><div>Go listen to a pod or find a better movie out there… but don’t spend your hard earned cash on crap. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-53462426552322410552021-11-20T10:51:00.001-07:002021-11-20T10:59:07.802-07:00Jesse Dayton is cooler than me... and has a book to prove it. Beaumonster.. Out now. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtBUyIVN5Ec-B1CBHp73TynNMWyInca45C7S_Te4GWjqErAXKveQ1H7FNvRw0hLpnw1bBNwdvwlxvAMu2zj-SMwpOcyFliVeyismiK6lXKFqX_76K4VgZ3ST74G9u4sBgKaqHVg/s1327/IMG_0194+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtBUyIVN5Ec-B1CBHp73TynNMWyInca45C7S_Te4GWjqErAXKveQ1H7FNvRw0hLpnw1bBNwdvwlxvAMu2zj-SMwpOcyFliVeyismiK6lXKFqX_76K4VgZ3ST74G9u4sBgKaqHVg/s320/IMG_0194+%25281%2529.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jessie Dayton, 3 Kings Feb 10 2015 (c) </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>
I have been so lucky to have seen Jesse Dayton play here locally many many times, and will again soon. The last time we saw him at our beloved *but now gone* 3 Kings, he complimented my coat (like a gentleman from the South does) and called me ma'am. I think I may have gotten a little gigglie if I can be quite honest. <p>The shot above that I took and shared to Instagram in 2015 may be one of my favorites. I was standing behind the speakers and for a split moment I raised my camera and clicked. I didn't look down to see if the shot worked because I knew if it didn't, I wouldn't get the chance again. The original is somewhere, and to be honest I have spent the last two weeks trying to find it. So instagram photo you get.</p><p>Through out his book Jesse shares ALOT. He shares his tragedies and his triumphs. It is a great ride. Also when he takes you into the backrooms and homes of folks he meets it's not to brag, it's just the lord's truth he is JUST THAT COOL.</p><p>I would subtitle this book Beaumonster (the Road Monster) because the book really is a primer for those young rock road scholars to pick up and learn some very valuable lessons. Prime being, don't be afraid if someone says "I think you may want to meet" so and so. Because Jesse Dayton says yes to that and a lot more and has the chops to back it up.</p><p>We first saw Jesse Dayton open for John Doe at the Lion's Lair here in Denver and I remember saying, that guy is legit. This book just proves how so. Reading his experiences that brought him to that level and status when we saw him for the first time was really great. I had no idea and I am so glad to have gone on that journey through this book. </p><p>Someone wrote that he felt like the book was just one long brag about how famous he is. I beg to disagree. Sir, you obviously didn't get through the book. It's not that at all. He says clearly in the book "All we truly have is the hang, and then the memories". And I have to say thank you Jesse Dayton for your book and your memories and bring us into the hang.</p><p>He writes about his film making experience, which I have to say was a wild ride, his love for his wife, his road stories and it's incredibly infectious. </p><p>I appreciate his music so much more now and look forward to maybe complimenting HIM when he is here in Denver next opening for the Railbenders at <a href="https://www.bandsintown.com/e/102861075?affil_code=js_www.jessedayton.com&app_id=js_www.jessedayton.com&came_from=242&utm_campaign=event&utm_medium=web&utm_source=widget" target="_blank">Globe Hall</a> or headlining at the <a href="https://www.bandsintown.com/e/102861091?affil_code=js_www.jessedayton.com&app_id=js_www.jessedayton.com&came_from=242&utm_campaign=event&utm_medium=web&utm_source=widget" target="_blank">Soiled Dove</a> (links to tickets), I will probably get a little gigglie when I say it, but it's heartfelt. Anyone that falls in love with Exene's art too is someone that I will admire for a lifetime. If you do go, know that you are in for a treat seeing him play live. Read the book before you go... it will seriously make what he does that much better for you. </p><p>Thanks at Jesse Dayton for the great book and the great hang. </p><p>If you want a great hang you too can get in on this by visiting your local bookseller and looking for this amazing cover....</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3A4Q6KUBoAOTOs-CMu9eKPk7f-CgZBnVP5IKHfxHpHRSS01uq1oz9NZaV1ZVHgRggpSoSACaeDFEYVglvd-kDhP7_Q5Qvs9SZo9is1GnsK12SJj4VDn4OScrjdjJM8c3r55rsw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="265" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3A4Q6KUBoAOTOs-CMu9eKPk7f-CgZBnVP5IKHfxHpHRSS01uq1oz9NZaV1ZVHgRggpSoSACaeDFEYVglvd-kDhP7_Q5Qvs9SZo9is1GnsK12SJj4VDn4OScrjdjJM8c3r55rsw/" width="159" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-7671479630621788862021-10-06T21:51:00.000-07:002021-10-06T21:52:30.586-07:00<div dir="ltr"><div style="text-align:center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKritvEL3UYlD09vS7_yHELddagd7yczOXaXZuak8r5ukIiTlaZgCcfql0QZPvL0gkpLkEgKqs1vn63vWPDQbq4AwSjyawaE57waH-6X-Vmvv5tLZqB5kniFmEjAkXAQrT4NqYA/s1600/image-750607.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKritvEL3UYlD09vS7_yHELddagd7yczOXaXZuak8r5ukIiTlaZgCcfql0QZPvL0gkpLkEgKqs1vn63vWPDQbq4AwSjyawaE57waH-6X-Vmvv5tLZqB5kniFmEjAkXAQrT4NqYA/s320/image-750607.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7016182775820882210" /></a></div><div style="text-align:left"><br></div><div style="text-align:left"><br></div><div style="text-align:left"><span id="gmail-freeTextreview4182959203" style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Lato,"Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px">Read this after rewatching for the smfrhth time, Happy Endings. We really do just love that show. I love Casey Wilson. Not gunna lie. My girl is complicated. She likes her baths, misses her mom, is kind, would fight to the death for you and honestly is someone I wanted to know more about.<br><br>Complicated.. yes.<br>Endearing... hell yes.<br>Funny... omg yes.<br><br>I heard her talk about her book on a few podcasts and honestly couldn't wait to pick it up... then I promptly forgot to acutally do it, which is VERY Casey Wilson'ish thing to do. But that made me realize, she truthfully is 100% her very own person and it made me really love this book.<br><br>She was honest about it all and I appreciated that she was so open.<br><br>Note this is NOT linear. This is a collection of short essays, some longer than other but each one so funny and sad and delightful all at once. I mean I know the part about it being a collection of essays is right there really in the title, but some folks have missed that. Just know... it is what it is and she is who she is. </span></div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-63008716802999005542021-10-06T20:03:00.000-07:002021-10-06T20:04:34.862-07:00A hot cup of coffee opens up a world<div dir="ltr"><b>Tales from the Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi</b><div><b><br></b><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaMBPj6qz0IAt2c1WOhBfz_AcRrzlbCrpAf4WugzYIW5mMvoLloWFjCgwA-Kg2sSM-y5SRXo5_xVmRkr8k38q239ouwB3x7h5fqk5Kp7_zmVY9jRSYhSmoWR46JiQStBBT3QfXw/s1600/image-774890.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaMBPj6qz0IAt2c1WOhBfz_AcRrzlbCrpAf4WugzYIW5mMvoLloWFjCgwA-Kg2sSM-y5SRXo5_xVmRkr8k38q239ouwB3x7h5fqk5Kp7_zmVY9jRSYhSmoWR46JiQStBBT3QfXw/s320/image-774890.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7016154959537603458" /></a></div><div><font size="1">Image from Amazon ... I thank you Amazon... <br></font><div><br></div><div>Revisiting the fantastical cafe in a Japanese metropolis was like revisiting a long lost friend. I was very deeply touched by the first book <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Before-Coffee-Gets-Toshikazu-Kawaguchi-ebook/dp/B084B6VFHG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2RR8WA43QI141&dchild=1&keywords=tales+from+the+cafe+by+toshikazu+kawaguchi&qid=1633573825&sprefix=tales+from+the+cafe%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-4">Before the Coffee Gets Cold</a> </u>when I read it last year. I apparently didn't ever actually post up about it here, but I did on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3890627090">Goodreads</a> only, which seems really odd. </div></div></div><div><br></div><div>That being said, and this may be the point of this story... is... I am righting wrongs.</div><div><br></div><div>So consider this, you have an opportunity to sit down with your own cup of hot coffee and you get to enter a lovely space and learn a little bit more about the people that are surrounding you and behind the counter of the beloved cafe.</div><div><br></div><div>The first book introduced us to the customers of the cafe but this book is more about the people of the cafe. What their tales are, how they traverse this amazing space and what they do and how they got there. This book was something I didn't know I was missing to be honest. I didn't know that I needed these stories and mysteries as well. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to give absolutely nothing away, but it was great. We get a visit from a previous guest of the cafe and his travel back in time is so charming. I nearly forgot about his story from the first book, to be honest. Our detective from the first story brings us into his world and lets us revisit the other patrons from the first book again. </div><div><br></div><div>We learn and come full circle with the woman who has to vacate her chair for others to visit the past (or future). What a tale that is. </div><div><br></div><div>The warmth of the story is reflected in the sepia tone you get from the description of the location and it's like watching an old film, or looking at an old photograph. But with new eyes. </div><div><br></div><div>The book is going to be released on October 12, 2021 and has already, and rightfully so, been chosen as a November 2021 Indie Next Pick. </div><div><br></div><div>This story is so deeply touching and lovely to read. I was so unbelievably struck by the last 10 pages, I honestly was sad when the story ended. </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I am all the better for reading this book. I look at this book and story as a way to revisit MY past in the present by making sure that I tell everyone their value now in my life. It is a quick read from a slim but packed with resonant emotions. Don't hesitate to pick it up. </div><div><br></div><div>I am going to go back and read both volumes again, because I still think there are lessons I can learn from our cafe'. While visiting the past (or future) you can make your amends but the present doesn't change in our cafe' but it makes the current time that much more valuable and these stories provide us with that lesson. These stories are beautiful proof of that. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-21980265051574380362021-08-17T19:32:00.004-07:002021-08-17T20:20:01.939-07:00The History of Bones by John Lurie<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwQUgzSaHvZH6thMsFMGVNQOex8PfT20kBkHANU3ibbDe7mUff18EEptb-8qT-1hC2bTQMM8PMG10fJVqOTFYLyX7TwrDP7daMsUKyBHM16p0OxoN9sZ-UIiMELvD4VDXDe1_LA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="143" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwQUgzSaHvZH6thMsFMGVNQOex8PfT20kBkHANU3ibbDe7mUff18EEptb-8qT-1hC2bTQMM8PMG10fJVqOTFYLyX7TwrDP7daMsUKyBHM16p0OxoN9sZ-UIiMELvD4VDXDe1_LA/" width="157" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/History-Bones-Memoir-John-Lurie/dp/0399592970/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HBLVIFNUJBXS&dchild=1&keywords=history+of+bones+john+lurie&qid=1629253480&sprefix=history+of+bones%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1" target="_blank">History of Bones by John Lurie</a></div><p></p><p>"<span face="arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">I don’t want to visit cheap". This is a quote from John Lurie's latest book: <a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_History_of_Bones/pyk5EAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover" target="_blank">The History of Bones</a> (this link will take you to a google preview of the book, it's a pretty random view of the book, but a good idea of the book).</span></p><p><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Amen. </span></p><p><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">He doesn’t sell himself (or his story) out on what YOU think is important. I am glad that he didn't cowtow to writing about what people want to hear and it’s glorious. </span></p><p><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">There are a bunch of random reviews out there that will entice you by saying things like: a great book about the grit of NY in the late 70s. Sure, I guess. But really and this is what I got out of it... it's all about the value and desire of a musician to make a difference in the world and what he has to do to get there. </span></p><p><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">It's gritty as things get with no apologies, but it's really self reflection and not hot goss about Studio 54 and the East Village which is what some of the preliminary reviews were and I couldn't have wished for anything more different. </span></p><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The first five chapters are so important to the rest of the story do not skip them. Truly. It’s a side I certainly did not know. I mean I read the book so I could know more but this was very important reading to understand who Mr. Lurie is and why he pursues everything in the way that he writes about. To me, this was wildly brave.</div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It’s a semi-linear story told in fits and starts which while reading it’s like listening to John Lurie tell you the story directly… and yes there is an audio book that will be just be that exact piece of art. If you have watched "Painting with John" (and I suggest that you do), there is a familiarity in the narrative. If you have seen "Fishing with John" then you definitely are in familiar narrative territory. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">About halfway through is where the book fine tunes (no pun I promise) so there are some of the more juicer tales. The pace is the same but things get busier and more prolific for John Lurie. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lots of drug use without apology so it can be triggering and honestly hard to read. But he puts it out there and it’s brave. Lots of memoirs talk of drug use and this is so matter of fact that you have to wonder... how can this be, but knowing that there are no other punches pulled, welp, it can and it was. He doesn't glorify it at all. It's pretty heavy to read. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There is an interlude (one of many) that was so touching and seriously kind an observation about Andy Warhol when I read it my idea of both of them are actually changed. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">86 % in the book (at least according to my reader counter thingie) we get this quote- "making a record is a very artificial thing to do. You are trying to encapsulate , in sound, this thing that is a little moment of soul." I sucked in a huge gasp of air when I read that. It was like "boom" this is what this book is about.... little moments of soul , further peppered with moments of struggle, love and other creative gestures. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">That is what this book really is about in my opinion, John Lurie... the musician. Every bit of the book always comes back to the music for Lurie. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was a great read. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There are some great pictures shared too of his life which if you read all the way through the book, then go and look at them and then they will make more sense. So read the book, then look at the pictures. I am glad that I waited to look at what photos he did share. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I honestly will be ordering the audio book too so I can hear him tell me the stories and tales of the road again. It was that good to me. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-71480268738181569882021-06-30T14:05:00.005-07:002021-06-30T14:23:54.432-07:00The Vixen by Francine Prose<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vixen-Novel-Francine-Prose/dp/0063012146/ref=asc_df_0063012146/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=521104755025&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10062221280501676435&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028794&hvtargid=pla-1328169026157&psc=1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEkMGgJtuwxZ-AA7mx97hs9D1civ0wMipsh0nWR3p14f7ey4ISuzvqhndu68YD-p-7W3ynDkFLVWRI8xh2z_pSmVN48FTvQw1em9RhnyOOlWzvSnuvTeiP4v1DiZSRkRxyxF0BA/" width="159" /></a></div><br />I have four different Francine Prose books on my bookshelves. I am going to be 100% transparent... I have mostly only read the first three or four chapters of each. I don't have a clue why I am never able to get past maybe the first third of any of those books.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>When I was starting The Vixen, something clicked with me this time. Maybe I resonated with the character's returning home from Harvard after graduation (I didn't go to Harvard, but I did move back in with my parents after college) and how the news of the day (in this case it was the Rosenbergs incarceration and execution - particularly Ethel in this case) effects those around us so closely. In my day the big trial was OJ Simpson. Anyways.... the book caught me. </p><p>As I was reading it, I wondered... is this a book about literary license, publishing, a mystery wrapped in a story about publishing, a mystery wrapped in a torrid but albiet short love affair that is one sided, what the heck is this book about? </p><p>Do not get me wrong here... I really did enjoy the twisty nature of the way the story unfolds and not giving too much away, I was a little surprised by some of the fun and deluted backstory that happens as we merrily go along. It was a fun ride (like the Cyclone). </p><p>The main character is a young editor who gets handed an assignment that absolutely hands him alot of complications and opportunities. What he learns along the way is super twisty and was really great. The author leaves a lot of breadcrumbs through out the story which was alot of fun to track and see how these things worked out. </p><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/29/books/review/the-vixen-by-francine-prose-an-excerpt.html" target="_blank">Chapter 1 of the Vixen is up on the NYT</a> (and for the time being not behind a paywall). It's a great introduction into the story and how it unfolds before the reader. It was a fun read, worth sticking with (said by someone, again, who up until this book, has never finished a book by Francine Prose.... and now is going to go back and try and reread for the fourth time Mr. Monkey... maybe I get it now...)</p><p>I never star any kind of book but because this is the first time I have finished one by this author... I am giving this the random full star point system on my other blogs like giant star colored in the full way. It was a complete ride and a super fun read. Here I am able to give a five star treatment. Maybe if I was to be cheeky a little peach emoji being it's all vixeny? But I know there are other people that rate with emojis... can't steal their thunder. Just use your imagination that I did use it. </p><p>It was a quick and easy enough read and fun for a "summer beach book". Do we even do that anymore? Do we say that it is a beach book? I dunno. I read it on my back porch after work so it was my post work decompression book. Beach Read sounds better and less stressy. Call it what you will... this was a fun romp and read.</p><p> Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy... I promise I will get back to the other books by the author now! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-7444239095652074642021-05-23T14:36:00.000-07:002021-05-23T14:36:01.964-07:00Fridge Love by Kristen Hong <p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6roekHJn_w5eMZBw0CKvHQP9aBS3izYV6mW6gFNvnTbQ9zq4sP_TeBBymxjLpncfobKoegZgISs782zlfrnTvwkRZMRCNWDa39oNLnWJrMFs3lyySxLJ6iVqSllfjJME8J-0Qqw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="389" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6roekHJn_w5eMZBw0CKvHQP9aBS3izYV6mW6gFNvnTbQ9zq4sP_TeBBymxjLpncfobKoegZgISs782zlfrnTvwkRZMRCNWDa39oNLnWJrMFs3lyySxLJ6iVqSllfjJME8J-0Qqw/" width="187" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fridge-Love-Refrigerator-Healthier-Life_with/dp/0358434726" target="_blank">Fridge Love by Kristen Hong</a></div><br />So this book just came up at the perfect time for me... I am in the middle of a bit of a lifestyle change (meaning I have less time to fart around in the kitchen) and I thought that I would consider meal prep as a way to get around that fussy time every day that is pre-making dinner to eating dinner. I have been a fan of Tracy Benjamin for a gabillion eons (and she seems to have mastered the process). I am not that organized.<p></p><p>So when this book came up as a "maybe you will like this book" option I thought... wow, from the cover it sure looks like it will be a meal prep book. Weeeeeellllllllll kinda sorta. Not saying I didn't gleen anything from this book. I mean I guess I did. I learned a little bit about where my fridge fan is, why not to block it when filling my fridge with food and condiments etc. I also learned how the air moves thorugh my fridge design to keep my food cold. That was absolutely 100% incredibly fascinating.</p><p>I didn't honestly prior to reading this book give this much of thought whatsoever. So it was really a very cool thing to learn.</p><p>The first 1/3rd of the book I guess is how a fridge (and probably your model design) operates, how to maximize it so that there is less waste of energy and resources. It was interesting for sure. The next third has a great breakdown of how to store your produce. Valuable information for sure. But not really what I was looking for. It's good information for sure, but not what I was looking for.</p><p>The pictures are very insta-pretty. Lots of rainbow set ups, not how I would fill my fridge, but pretty as hell to look at for sure.</p><p>The last part of the book is all recipes. It wasn't particularly any thing that I would actually make for us. Not that they didn't look good, but not something I would make that is for sure. I am not looking for a diet of vegan foods, which all these are. So while thumbing through it I just quickly moved through. </p><p>The author has a blog and the book is friendly and written like a blog which was not surprising at all. Her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hellonutritarian/" target="_blank">instagram</a> is from what I can tell the source for this book. As it should be.</p><p>Did I like this book? Yes. Was it interesting? Yes. Would I suggest it... maybe. If you are looking for a recipe book with a little information about how your fridge works. Was it what I was looking for? Not at all. </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-28170503174843676192021-04-26T07:47:00.000-07:002021-04-26T07:47:31.472-07:00Last Chance Texaco by Rickie Lee Jones <p> I finished Rickie Lee Jones' autobiography last weekend, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rickie-Lee-Jones/dp/0802127126" target="_blank">Last Chance Texaco</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51MiTnJ3S9L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51MiTnJ3S9L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div>I wasn't all that familiar with her personal life outside of some real generalities so this was so very insightful and interesting. Some of the writing was so poetic I felt like I was reading song lyrics in the making. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to say as someone that grew up when I did (which was much later than Ms. Jones' formative years) reading about her youth made me very uncomfortable. The narrative takes up about half the real estate of the book. I am not saying that her choices were bad, I mean really I think that they were her choices and I am in a way grateful for her openess and seeming giving nature to write about them. But... and here is my big but... reading about how basically she was a teenage runaway at 14 made me really sad for her childhood. She writes very openly about it. So many risks, so many chances and so many drugs. I don't want to dismiss that. It was really difficult to read for me at times. I had to set the book aside more than once. </div><div><br /></div><div>The bulk of the book does to me read like a teenage road memoir and in that way it's interesting but for others it may not be. It wasn't triggering for me like it could be for others. I want to say this one more thing about that... her parents must have been so completely exasperated by that behavior and it really shows their deep love for their daughter to come and get her from where she landed as many times as they did. She was very fortunate. I don't want to say that she seemed ungrateful but she never outright says "wow was I glad my Dad drove from Arizona to California to get me when I called". That was sad to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Her career and musical highlights crammed to the end and her later life really was what I think I was more familiar with. But of course only small elements of it so it was interesting to her side of the industry. The last part of her life (say the last 15 to 20 years) was jammed into the last chapter. No fault of the author, life sometimes just happens that way. </div><div><br /></div><div>A few years back we were fortunate enough to see Rickie Lee Jones on tour performing some hits. Some I knew, others I didn't. At that time the book was supposed to be released and was not. So I have to think that the book was reedited and maybe the first part of the book was what would have been released. The very last chapters seemed like an afterthought, maybe it's because it's more about the present? I am not sure. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>I so enjoyed hearing about her desires (from men to getting her publishing and owning her songs outright - musicians out there.... take a very valuable lesson here) and navigating the harsh and vicious music industry. She is a VERY strong woman, with a very individual voice that comes through. She has shared a life that many of us can not even remotely understand. It was fascinating. I also have to say when I finished the book, I called my parents and let them know how grateful I am for my time as a kid and how supportive they were. I was inspired by that so I had to call and say" thank you" because that seemed missing in this book. I may have missed it in my frustration not sure to be candid. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was also a little bummed out that some credit wasn't given to photographers. Ms. Jones references a VERY well known photo and doesn't give credit to the photographer... so I will do so now... His name is Adrian Boot. His photography is amazing. Check him out too. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I so very much appreciate being provided with the preview copy... and I did enjoy the book enough to buy a hard copy for our library. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is a recommended book. If anything to go back to a time that I don't have any life experience with. I watched her SNL appearances, I revisited the first album and I have learned so much more about an artist that I didn't know much about. It's a beautiful read about some difficult subjects that I know I will want to reread again. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-30015139225305772932021-04-10T08:10:00.002-07:002021-04-10T08:10:59.258-07:00What's on the deck to read for April and May?<p> Really the only reason why I am putting this list together is to keep myself accountable for the books that I have on deck (and one in progress right now) to read. I am finding that with the days getting "longer" and my personal life getting a little more out of focused on reading fiction I need to make myself a check list.</p><p>By the way, I love a checklist. ALOT. I honestly have over four going all the time. I think it makes me feel productive. I have actually geeked out so much that I am actually seriously considering making my personal life and these precise things live on a Trello Board. Project Manage my personal life. I am that much of a dork that I would even poise myself to do that. It's very much a consideration. I think it would be great fun. In the meantime I have a document that I print out on Sunday's with some standard todos, a meal plan and a monthly goal all separated into separate sections. I don't have a to read list on there... which is why I am putting it here. I may update my sheet and add a book section now that I have worked through this here. </p><p>So here is this books for April and May :</p><p>Oh most of the links are from the publisher or Goodreads so that you can find the place to purchase on your own :)</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyNWyfPKqv5kecFDIPhxPUo97RhujF90BpMHQf0_sIf4Sf8dUsJv0hpLFIZDIUKSWlwMue0jg2dpivLh6TwdyfqnpnNqU44wzQzKS2KlVSqum0gFF4fMkE7Ah2t4LTJY_Q1Ax4g/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="340" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyNWyfPKqv5kecFDIPhxPUo97RhujF90BpMHQf0_sIf4Sf8dUsJv0hpLFIZDIUKSWlwMue0jg2dpivLh6TwdyfqnpnNqU44wzQzKS2KlVSqum0gFF4fMkE7Ah2t4LTJY_Q1Ax4g/" width="160" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://groveatlantic.com/book/rickie-lee/" target="_blank">Last Chance Texaco</a><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I am actually currently reading this and am just about over the halfway point. I am really holding my breath the entire time I sit down and read it. I knew a little about Ms. Jones. Now I know a lot more. I was so unbelievably fortunate to see her perform the last time she toured and came through town. I will write more about it, but this book is really good and totally worth the wait. I have an ARC and have a hard copy of the book as well that I preordered because I knew that it was something that I would want in my library over a year ago when I heard it was being published. I was not wrong. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE-eFrpcIoCAa8UQ8u6A1LiUehwBjRNvBfChP9M4Dya6PoRw-kdFdRO-KgOoMyEdnwbIISfwZ23NUaZVQC3tjkwfvCO8SIbPjQrm5MkTUGYlQblttgpg34ih_R0DV2nOsCEN3qg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGE-eFrpcIoCAa8UQ8u6A1LiUehwBjRNvBfChP9M4Dya6PoRw-kdFdRO-KgOoMyEdnwbIISfwZ23NUaZVQC3tjkwfvCO8SIbPjQrm5MkTUGYlQblttgpg34ih_R0DV2nOsCEN3qg/" width="158" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42645919-i-m" target="_blank">I.M. by Isaac Mizrahi</a><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I started to read this at the beginning of the pandemic last March. I promise to finish it... I loved what I reading and it was so funny and charming. All the things that I know Mr. Mizrahi is. I think I stopped reading it because I was reading it before going to sleep in bed and I was giggling too much that I wasn't getting sleepie. This is the month that I finish it. I love him so much and I am ashamed that I didn't complete it during the past year. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUFLtnkMvMFB8npUoLutz7qmMnY5whYk96f21yjL834ljr9SQ7RhUN-nHDyQ48IJwHni102xt-4Vo4eWhK2ltxUtQ9WpIxtaUzMmdtqCelxkRVBGL0ShhpYnk3D5O_5vat4bqmg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="318" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUFLtnkMvMFB8npUoLutz7qmMnY5whYk96f21yjL834ljr9SQ7RhUN-nHDyQ48IJwHni102xt-4Vo4eWhK2ltxUtQ9WpIxtaUzMmdtqCelxkRVBGL0ShhpYnk3D5O_5vat4bqmg/" width="170" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6486483-emotional-intelligence-2-0" target="_blank">Emotional Intelligence 2.0</a><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ok I am going to be re-reading this as a refresher. At work a couple years ago, one our our leaders started this book as a workbookclub book. There was not a lot of interaction as far as a bookclub goes but I remember getting a lot out of the process in the book. I learned a lot about my reactions, how I am perceived and being better about what I do in this world and how it is perceived. Since I haven't been in "the office" for the past year... and hopefully that will be changing soon... I am looking forward to taking the survey again, rereading the book and refreshing my base and EQ levels. I remember being super surprised by the outcome of the survey. I am quite sure that I will be again since I haven't been part of a 1:1 communication circle in a while. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoItNqb-L6J3R4H3sgd52YKCeDKsrhXRfvLvnyXfeaKD5gneXR2eEKy2VRaWQNCEkSKPvkTfL7ZhaxZKTYj7z8xv6Ou9ZWSVPTe9GKNmko6VMORzwzRfWsEfbDxeZqwRIozAkNg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoItNqb-L6J3R4H3sgd52YKCeDKsrhXRfvLvnyXfeaKD5gneXR2eEKy2VRaWQNCEkSKPvkTfL7ZhaxZKTYj7z8xv6Ou9ZWSVPTe9GKNmko6VMORzwzRfWsEfbDxeZqwRIozAkNg/" width="158" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49235526-hollywood-park" target="_blank">Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett</a><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">This has been on my to read list for a year. I started it. I got through half of the book and got sidetracked. It was great. I don't know why I didn't finish it. I got an ARC and Mr. Jollett's book tour was the very first one virtually that we attended. It was so great and he was so engaging, I think I put it down because I was so sad for his childhood after his online tour being so really great. He is a joy and I need to finish this book. </p><p style="text-align: left;">and one more, I don't want to get too ahead of myself....and this one is going to be my May book.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjD55c1wS4vTU2gqSi9e3shfsIE_UAaHn-5N9cSAlzKO8Vhw06nOtQm-r0uICS0sipXZGuaV7fc51MiIhKv2bHEpAaTyUoyEROckxIkRSEJF2hFr4TbBr9VFDblpZ6zUOCQQYyg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="318" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjD55c1wS4vTU2gqSi9e3shfsIE_UAaHn-5N9cSAlzKO8Vhw06nOtQm-r0uICS0sipXZGuaV7fc51MiIhKv2bHEpAaTyUoyEROckxIkRSEJF2hFr4TbBr9VFDblpZ6zUOCQQYyg/" width="168" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10357575-1q84?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=dPWhN4DI8n&rank=3" target="_blank">1Q84 by Haruki Murakami</a><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I bought the kindle edition maybe two years ago. It's been on my list THAT long which is ridiculous. So I am going to make it happen. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">So there you are.. that is what I am going to be working on. I hope! That and my Trello Board. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-53760395449569494662021-03-28T09:32:00.000-07:002021-04-09T16:42:48.721-07:00Someone emailed me about my thoughts of headnotes on recipe blogs about a week ago<div dir="ltr">Ok first of all... I am NO AUTHORITY on food blogging. Not one bit. I think I hit a nerve in the conversation that I was having offline-ish with someone on Instagram about a month ago. But this made me think this morning about it. <div><br /></div><div>Headnotes <b>are</b> super important to show authority, why this particular recipe you are looking at is valuable and most importantly it is 100% how Google optimizes the search. You can embed search words and tags but you also have to include it in your dialogue and written content to allow Google to search and scrape your site to be able to get it to "find" and "promote" your recipe. Simple as that. </div><div><br /></div><div>So when I am looking and searching for recipes honestly when I find one that I like I usually skip right to the ingredients list (I also have a chrome app that pops open a window with just the recipe it's called "recipe filter". It's pretty good...) to see if it's something even approachable for me. PS if there is mayo or sourcream mamma out...and then I will close the app window pop up and go through and read a little bit more. Sometimes there are hidden steps that aren't in the recipe proper... watch for that, I think it's a trick now a days for some bloggers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Note most of the time, I would say it's about a 50/50 ratio that I find a recipe worth printing out to make later. But if there is a recipe that I do like and want to try, I read some of the headnotes/story that accompanies the recipes. Want to know why? </div><div><br /></div><div>Here it is... it's really simple... I really DO want to know why this recipe was important enough to write up for a blog. Why did the cook think this was important... is it cultural, did they find that all the other gluten free brownies they tried weren't great, did they find this cloud bread recipe on another site and their adaption made it easier to bake and quicker, did their mother make something similar when they were growing up? All these really important things could be answered before you hit that "print recipe" button. It's really important to get a little background. It makes it really valuable to have this in the back of your mind when you are making something. </div><div><br /></div><div>The author may have had to do something like this... will they save you some time maybe... it's worth reading to find out right?!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/uH9oyzpbhC5nq/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="400" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/uH9oyzpbhC5nq/giphy.gif" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Sure ... sure ... sure... it is a pain in the ass sometimes to read a recipe post and all you hear about is how the preschool pick up line was so long when the poster realized that she may not have enough time to make the mac and cheese little Charlie loves the most in life so adapted a recipe to be no stir or whatever. But gleen what preschool Mom is telling you... time saver. This could save you 10 valuable minutes... Oh you don't have a kid you say... well this could be a walk around the block time instead.. whatever. You get my point. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was doing a search on pinterest for a bao bun recipe ... btw... I honestly don't know why I was searching for bao buns because I can't have carbs like that... and I came across this recipe... <a href="https://thewoksoflife.com/chinese-bbq-pork-buns-cha-siu-bao/">https://thewoksoflife.com/chinese-bbq-pork-buns-cha-siu-bao/</a>. There was honestly <i>just enough interesting personal stuff</i> that I dug deeper on the website and learned that a pineapple bun could be simple to make and honestly I didn't know that it's not pineapple flavor. I also didn't know that one of my favorite dimsum cart treats was this exact thing and named what it was, why and also with a pronunciation that will make it easy to ask for when the world opens up again enough to go to a sit down dimsum palace.</div><div><br /></div><div>So see... while it may be a pain in the ass to dig through the story and discussion before the recipe, keep in mind... you are reading content that someone is putting out there to bring you into their kitchen in a big ole way. Be kind and conscious of the message. Sure hearing about little Madison's soccer practice may be a slog to get through... give it a second to resonate why you found the recipe in the first place. </div><div><br /></div><div>Food blogging has to be incredibly difficult. I wanted to do it about 10 years ago before it was a thing but realized, nope... not for me. So I honestly admire the heck out of anyone that can do it. Kudos to you food peeps...I see you. And you should read the headnotes... you never know what you can learn. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-51958960495530174142021-03-28T07:24:00.001-07:002021-04-05T14:51:26.048-07:00Do you want to cook from a really amazing cookbook? Julia Turshen's cookbook Simply Julia is simply amazing...<p> In this pandemic world I have spent every night (barring some takeout) mostly cooking through my pinterest saved links. I heard a podcast with Julia Turshen (sadly honestly I can't remember which one... sorry) and immediately just fell in love with her. I now subscribe to <a href="https://www.juliaturshen.com/podcast" target="_blank">her podcast</a> and eagerly listened to all the episodes. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zBO8nx45fHzaFZ2tDFsvT_X48Ch0tdhER_G1Wz8TL148QvuY9sCF1BuDmlH-kQwjsRmKze7WdzQ8aQDT5WMikIGFrejcLA2Pem9nmAfWP1f1tP-TM_Ttc3YvCvlL9siq7q377A/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zBO8nx45fHzaFZ2tDFsvT_X48Ch0tdhER_G1Wz8TL148QvuY9sCF1BuDmlH-kQwjsRmKze7WdzQ8aQDT5WMikIGFrejcLA2Pem9nmAfWP1f1tP-TM_Ttc3YvCvlL9siq7q377A/" width="192" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Julia-Recipes-Healthy-Comfort/dp/006299333X" target="_blank">My new favorite cookbook</a><p></p><p>When I saw that <a href="https://www.glwd.org/" target="_blank">God's Love We Deliver</a> was doing an online promotion with her I didn't hesitate for a minute to sign up. <a href="https://www.glwd.org/blog/in-conversation-with-simply-julia/" target="_blank">The session was revolutionary to me. </a> (Liz Alpern's questions were amazing... I learned so much from Liz too, how to ask great questions that are intuitive and interesting... make a donation to GLWD or your local Medically Tailored Meals organization so that these organizations can continue to do the good that they do). I seriously was so very glad that I ordered the cookbook along with the session I do also encourage you to if you can volunteer as well... and another aside... I have added <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gefilte-Manifesto-Recipes-World-Jewish/dp/1250071380/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">Liz Alpern's book to my wishlist as well, it too looks great</a>). I have, will and do make birthday cards for my local organization, as soon as I get the vaccine I am going to do what I can to volunteer in the building again. </p><p>Y'all... this cookbook...it's so good. </p><p>I had to step out of my comfort zone of cooking from a cookbook. I have a library in my pantry of over 50 cookbooks but really I don't necessarily cook from them directly. I have them there as a resource for ideas, because sometimes I just need an idea. </p><p>Until now. I have made five recipes so far. Each one absolutely has been great. There are over 100 more that I am excited to cook. I am literally cooking from the start to the finish with one interlude to make the Sled Dog Muffins (which were amazing and I am making again... just waiting for the banana to ripen). There are so many ways to adopt the frame of the recipe and make it your own... for instance: I didn't have chia seeds for the muffins... I used an egg... totally worked! I am comfortable to change that up because in the talk I was so fortunate to be an observer in she said it was ok. In fact, she encourages it. And it's a simple ... Simply Julia... joy. </p><p>One of the things that I really have loved in watching this book take hold around the internet - a - verse, and Ms. Turshen's reaction to people's photos and zhuging is that she is encouraging of additions and substitutions... what author does that? Certainly none that I have ever seen before. Ms. Turshen reposts people's pictures on HER <a href="https://www.instagram.com/turshen/" target="_blank">instagram stories</a>, which honestly slays. A few times this week she has been on instalive promoting her book and sharing the joy of it. It's been a delight to see pop up now and again throughout the week. I have a couple saved so that I can watch undisturbed later. </p><p>She also loves her lists, which I personally adore about this as well. There are real nuggets of great information and inspiration... don't forgo reading the stories in the recipe header, they are charming a.f. and have some really great tips, tricks and offerings. </p><p><br /></p><p>Ps every recipe I have made is amazing. I can’t say that for other cookbooks to be honest. I have made the sled dog muffins twice and omg THE best. I rarely if ever make anything more than once because I just move on. But this is a return to if I can say so. It’s really a great cookbook! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-39828784019262419492021-03-23T11:23:00.003-07:002021-04-02T08:40:44.826-07:00The Final Revival of Opal & Nev - whoa what a journey<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Final-Revival-Opal-Nev/dp/198214016X" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="106" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdm5L-dW5LT7RakFwy5y5txS0UrhW4rYQhOvE-HT3ErNr8flI-GgoXKCEQaasxfTt0KGjk-yfTG3aVHJ9YpKSPvYeeXopnkR5cFZ4bgW7VRQSi_Gn8_xJQQVqRUJIK9sbZx8aQQ/" width="159" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First off: wasn't quite sure what to really expect when I was offered this book to read (thank you so much Simon & Schuster and 37 ink - the publishers) but it sounded like something that I would enjoy, the tie to the music side of the story grabbed my interest. Honestly I didn't know anything about the book and was looking for something to read inbetween waiting for the Stand to be available from the library again to be able to finish it up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/columns-and-blogs/openbook/article/85121-dawnie-walton-writes-a-rockin-novel.html" target="_blank">Dawnie Walton</a> is an Iowa Writing Workshop MFA graduate and worked at Tin House (RIP). I am more jealous of her than I thought I would be while reading the linked article. It is so completely apparent what a formative talent she is. Reading this book was a history lesson, wrapped in a rock and roll history lesson, wrapped in a civil rights story, further and finally wrapped in a box of Black History all in one... and it's truly fabulous (just like the character Opal's fine dressage).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, there you have it. Not going to front here... the first part of the book, being a compendium of oral history for me was a little distracting, the history that was dialoged what a little hard to discern character to character while I was reading it (except Virgil... his voice was very there).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet, for me at least, when the author moves to a more traditional style they come more alive... and this is where the story shines. There are many people posting that the book is like Daisy Jones & the Six, but really it isn't. Nor is it like any of the other oral history books out there, it's a cop out to compare it so stop it y'all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes there is the oral history component but it's not the crux of the style or even the story. Get past it people, it's a super different experience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a line that was in the book that shows what a talent Dawnie Walton is (and forgive me publishers, I know I am not supposed to quote the book without permission, I will remove it if you wish)... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"...a million speck of dust exposed and floating in the light, telling stories on you"... this is a line that just slayed me... it is so incredibly beautiful, scene setting and telling. Wow wow wow... Dawnie Walton had me in her story at that point. Honestly... that was the sentence that grabbed a hold of me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a full story of a journalist who is on a journey to discover her family truth, cover the music industry and career of a strong woman and her obstacles. Along the way some unknown truth doors are opened and those inevitable feelings that are underlying with all the characters. These are strong people we are reading about and honestly I want to know where these characters live in real life because I want to buy all the records, read all the magazines and know them better. It's a story about strong women and some weak people facing their truths. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Final-Revival-Opal-Nev/dp/198214016X" target="_blank">The Final Revival of Opal and Nev</a> is a great read... really a great read. No spoilers of course, but I thought the "gotcha" at the beginning was the one that would follow the story through, nope, there are some great twists and turns. Also a lot of history that is forgotten about how marginalized black people were (and still are) in the entertainment and music industry at all levels. Lots to imagine and learn with this fine novel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The folks raving about this book are right and I am joining that chorus too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.booksoup.com/event/dawnie-walton-conversation-taylor-jenkins-reid-discusses-final-revival-opal-nev" target="_blank">Additionally if you read this prior to April 1 2021, there is an online booktour opportunity for you to hear the author talk with the author of Daisy Jones and the Six, I am sure it will be amazing! </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Edited: We watched the Book Soup conversation... it was terrific. It is archived <a href="https://www.crowdcast.io/e/dawnie-walton" target="_blank">here.</a> I want to add that I learned so much more about the backgrounds of the characters, some which I could definitely imagine and some that I was surprised by. <a href="https://taylorjenkinsreid.com/" target="_blank">Taylor Jenkins Reid</a> was so delightful in the interview as well. I was so delighted by their conversation that now I want to go back and re-read this book. Seriously. I took notes even. What?! Really so great. Please go and watch the interview... it will tell you so much more (and more eloquently than I ever could) about the story and hopefully draw you in as I did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you <a href="https://www.booksoup.com/" target="_blank">BookSoup</a> for this ... it was amazing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-3450695274511025852021-02-05T14:54:00.005-07:002021-04-05T14:48:18.859-07:00Broken by Jenny Lawson....with some updates (see the bottom)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfZsNa9AZoT9m33rH0UwXWXAETEaZyx2rcdrLNL2ikoJMXa_WQFBecq4oeXeL5RVHEpPFYA918xPZBgAsoAQh07BrM_SH8g83ilO5vLda4z4Z83xi7f9P8vOkIbN3jYSPDDje6Q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="143" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfZsNa9AZoT9m33rH0UwXWXAETEaZyx2rcdrLNL2ikoJMXa_WQFBecq4oeXeL5RVHEpPFYA918xPZBgAsoAQh07BrM_SH8g83ilO5vLda4z4Z83xi7f9P8vOkIbN3jYSPDDje6Q/" width="157" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div>y'all.... so I read on Jenny Lawson's blog (and insta) she was working on a book last summer. My heart skipped a beat because honestly... you know I love me some <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thebloggess.com/&source=gmail&ust=1611676936108000&usg=AFQjCNGgAzWQc2jtK6CAlXtebjq72P1ZDA" href="https://thebloggess.com/" target="_blank">Bloggess</a>. This lady... heart of hearts she is just beyond the best. She is funny as fuck, honest as hell and kind as all get out. She is the only reason some days that I log onto instagram because she truly makes me know that I am ok. Not necessarily better but ok. She is a gift to the world. I know sometimes it isn't easy for her and this book spells that out and some of the things she was going through at the time to be a little better. I cried. There you are. <div><br /></div><div>I remember getting her book <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thebloggess.com/furiously-happy/&source=gmail&ust=1611676936108000&usg=AFQjCNGdpQrmMVAvuPmOv5TSbH7H0twB_w" href="https://thebloggess.com/furiously-happy/" target="_blank">Furiously Happy </a> through a kindle sale <i>years ago</i> - wow just looked it up and it was 2015 - and thought sure, why not... could be good. Sorry ... could be good means....kids it was <b>great.</b> I have literally been in heart with her since. I joined all the things, posted comments in her blog, shared emails with some people there, sent cards on holidays to other fans and generally have been a fan girl in the biggest of ways. We even had her book as a Punk Rock Book Club pick of the month (or of the entire club actually... we made it through one book). It was all about reading the book, not really getting together or talking about it... just knowing we were sharing great books, something that I think Jenny Lawson would approve of. No need to meet up about it. Ew. </div><div> </div><div>I have all the things. I even invited her family to breakfast in my town when she was here and said that I would totally sit at another table so they didn't have to talk to me but they were already on the road. I would have totally bought them breakfast while not facing their table. It's an open invite and promise.</div><div><br /></div><div>So thanks to Henry Holt and Company I have been able to review an advance copy. Thank you thank you thank you. Trust me I will buy the hard copy too only because this book is amazing, true and really great. </div><div><br /></div><div>So some things to know about this book - </div><div><ul><li>it's scheduled for sale (as of now) April 7th - go to <a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/book/9781250077035" target="_blank">Nowhere Books</a> to buy it from her (did you know she owns a bookstore... you are welcome... buy your books from independent sellers please)</li><li>watch the blogs for preorder magic I am sure there are things on deck</li><li>if you want to watch a video of Jenny reading from the manuscript watch these readings she did a while back - the videos should embed below</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5f1gvgezlxM" width="320" youtube-src-id="5f1gvgezlxM"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kJGJd8_8WwU" width="320" youtube-src-id="kJGJd8_8WwU"></iframe></div><br /></div><div><ul><li>there is an audio book that will be available and Jenny Lawson reads it. </li></ul><div>Ok on to the good stuff.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Things you will enjoy reading about:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>losing a shoe and what it possibly means for all those shoes you see on the side of the road</li><li>how Jenny manages the health care system (I read this and was ashamed for the industry that I used to work in... I was blind to how tremendously awful it can be to navigate... but now I know and can help... let me know)</li><li>keto diets suck (I basically have to live that way too and it's meh)</li><li>laughter will help you survive nearly anything</li><li>marriage is hard but also really hilarious</li><li>each chapter is it's own nugget of knowledge and humor</li></ul><div>Jenny Lawson doesn't have it easy. But she really does have a great way of looking at life and it's such a message to us all. We are not alone when we struggle. I have also learned that along the way of being a fan of hers. I certainly have found the best message is that if you are kind and share your story it's a winning proposition. This book is about truth in finding humor in your life. It's a great reminder. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>OH also Jenny Lawson is an artist. <a href="https://thebloggess.com/2020/07/22/i-made-you-something-3/">She made you this:</a> (PS this is a link to the post on her blog... go back through the blog... it doesn't disappoint). </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi6Tjlbnyr4RULaN8-itTfWc-1bjNE1swBDw35qp-Mf0QMARX2kHB7nlf1f3ntMz0dIuUMtJv8r3Di3mpgPyGy7T_-jdqmxkKB2KulFi7z3oehla_KR_ZRzRuXPCeJk8FSEphQw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi6Tjlbnyr4RULaN8-itTfWc-1bjNE1swBDw35qp-Mf0QMARX2kHB7nlf1f3ntMz0dIuUMtJv8r3Di3mpgPyGy7T_-jdqmxkKB2KulFi7z3oehla_KR_ZRzRuXPCeJk8FSEphQw/" width="243" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When this book comes out... buy it. Follow the link above to pre-order.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's sometimes an easy read. It's sometimes difficult. But it doesn't disappoint. This is a book that will make you laugh out loud, cry a little and probably think about how you are feeling right now. It's so good y'all. I can't wait to read it again and again. Self help it is not but it does help the self, if that makes any sense... it's so funny and so sad but so awesome. How many books can you say that about? </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2/18/2021 UPDATE:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><!--wp:paragraph-->
<p>UPDATE! </p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p>Here is a graphic direct from Jenny Lawson herself... for her 2021 book tour, she is going to be talking about the book with some really impressive authors... see if there is one you are interested in! PS it comes with a bookplate or signed book :)</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZtcoBJzAz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">Here is her instagram link</a></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p><a href="https://www.brokenbyjennylawson.com/" target="_blank">And here is the link to the clickthroughs for the book tour! </a></p><p>UPDATE TWO!!!</p><p>So I told you there are some cool ass things on the horizon right?</p><p>Here is one more! Pre-order your Broken book, it will be signed and you will be able to get some cross stitch patterns (as a partnership with the so sweet and so amazing, Subversive Cross Stitch). Honestly this may be the BEST and coolest book tie in I have ever seen. And I have seen some promotional tie ins that were pretty awesome. <a href="https://thebloggess.com/2021/03/03/feeling-stabby-ive-got-you/?fbclid=IwAR0DQm4qtEUP4cE0ukxI9gh-ZeztJFRgfpT09DkOtNjLvXzXHGPcbVm5nXU" target="_blank">Here is a link from Jenny Lawson herself with more information!</a></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Update again... I love Jenny Lawson so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Her book comes out tomorrow and I want to just post this link -added from my phone because it’s not going to matter if I format it... <a href="https://thebloggess.com/2021/04/05/behind-the-scenes/">https://thebloggess.com/2021/04/05/behind-the-scenes/</a> or not. This book is delightful and that post sum it all up...I can’t wait for the tour on Friday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way Jenny I still stand by my breakfast offer... and I won’t even try to sit at the same table. You probably could handle the company. I would be freaking out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-58813381473699809772021-01-13T14:25:00.004-07:002021-01-13T14:25:52.288-07:00I will refuse to click bait your recipe with "crack" in the title<p> I am a pinterest user. I was actually one of the early adopters of pinterest. I love it. I really do. I use it daily. Most of my boards are hidden though. </p><p><br /></p><p>That being said in the last 10 months I have worked really hard to find new recipes to make so that we aren't in a food rut, meaning I make the same 10 things over and over again. In March when the pandemic started and I knew that we were going to be in the house all the time I wanted to make new things, try new things and find new options for favorite things.</p><p>One thing that I have found over and over again in the feeds that I follow so many posts link to recipes with the word "crack" in it. </p><p>OMG this is so damned offensive today I am making a stand. I will not click on your recipe. I will not bookmark it. I will not share it. </p><p>Why? It's 100% offensive. </p><p>I am not an addict but it is so triggering to me to see that word in any post/recipe title/or pin image. </p><p>What makes your recipe addictive? Don't be lazy recipe poster... find another adjective. Just do it. You are making light of addiction and people's plight with this disease. It's enough. The time has come to right click on your mouse and look for the synonym finder and find another word. Take the action to do better for your readers... it's time. It is completely and beyond offensive. </p><p>Here are some options... you are welcome and take this advice for free - </p><p>By the way these are just three real titles on pins that are currently on my home screen- </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Cinnamon Roll Crack -----> Charming and Easy Cinnamon Roll - that makes it sound amazing</li><li>Iced Coffee Crack ----> Iced Coffee Cubes </li><li>Mozzerella Crack ----> Air Fryer Mozzerella Sticks (there is a picture of mozzerella sticks with an air fryer) </li></ul><div>You want to make your recipe stand out and entice people to click through? Come up with a more imaginative and less trite title. No one wants your Southern Pasta Crack. </div><div><br /></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-66169776038490785152021-01-08T08:21:00.002-07:002021-01-10T17:01:52.634-07:00It's not just about the food, that is a secondary thing... Edible Beats Vol. 1<p> So when I was 16 I was going at school in another country. Not going to say too much because that would give away all my mystique but know that I think about it often. I met a boy and that boy had a friend that I was introduced to who happens to be one of the hottest chefs and restauranteurs in Denver. At a time when we can't actually eat in and break bread in his restaurants I found out there was a zine/but really amazingly interesting graphic magazine (really book) with stories and restaurant asides from his many restaurants in our fair Queen City. It is really cool. Really. </p><p>I <a href="https://www.ediblebeats.com/zine#buy" target="_blank">bought it online</a> on Sunday and four days later it's now in my hot little hands. It's pretty great. Chef Cucci has taken some incredible buildings here in town and made them into the most interesting and vibrant dining spaces around. There is history about the places, interesting asides about topics related to the buildings and honestly the design in the books as well. Totally unexpected and a highlight for me. He thanks his staff. He writes about them. I really didn't expect that. I thought it was a traditional cookbook. I should have known... nothing about what he does is traditional at all. And I as the reader am the lucky one. </p><p>There are some rather lovely recipes. It's fully rounded out. Vegetable forward food that is presented in a radically beautiful way. He calls it a zine... far from it... it's a story book and its beautiful. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://edible-beats-denver.myshopify.com/products/the-edible-beat-volume-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://edible-beats-denver.myshopify.com/products/the-edible-beat-volume-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPASmYB_S3FCVbI7V3SpcKSB3l4UoLcWT8dK2UMi7DGnMxki7X8DGRKVeF4617BiCGyYy_k3z3LNxczLfdCS5mW-iWyNuLhw9Qvrpe8JFnkRlrvkDTtcyGzBtQmFGWH6_2WgJIg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPASmYB_S3FCVbI7V3SpcKSB3l4UoLcWT8dK2UMi7DGnMxki7X8DGRKVeF4617BiCGyYy_k3z3LNxczLfdCS5mW-iWyNuLhw9Qvrpe8JFnkRlrvkDTtcyGzBtQmFGWH6_2WgJIg/" width="252" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sorry it's not a better (meaning bigger) picture because I totally stole it from the site...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> thanks J C... sorry thanks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So let me preface this by saying I have a total love hate relationship with <a href="https://www.ediblebeats.com/">the restaurants</a>. I want to LOVE these places. The food-amazing... , the decor- the tits... , but hold the phone, I have only been able to actually enjoy the service and dining when I have been to Ophelias for a concert and during the concert out of the dozen or so times we have tried (one time I actually walked out at the host stand because I was so pissed my reservation wasn't honored after they called confirming twice on the phone... I was less than happy...the manager later called and was less than honest and I swore I would never eat there again. Technically I haven't since we have only had a snack ... but it WAS delicious). I know that isn't their style to be jerks and that person probably is no longer there so to even write about it... really isn't valuable except this is my platform and I am going to kvetch for a sec. This is my kvetch and not one that is normal I am sure, for sure, but sadly I will never experience Brunch when they serve that again. Not worth the aggravation. No matter how good the food sounds. And when we ate the couple of times at Root Down, the service was less than great. I NEVER play the I went on a hunger strike in High School with your Chef ... I never ever play the I once knew the owner bullshit... no one cares about 1984. I don't think Chef Cucci does even. NO SHADE I swear... pinky swear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry tangent... anyways the staff is recognized, it a couple of different ways and I have never seen than in any other restauranteurs book or zine or article ever. It was a nice thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went to a not my work but another person's work event at El Five and was duly impressed, they set out a buffet that was beautiful, made some cocktails that were special for the group that were delicious and honestly the view can't be challenged in the evening. The staff was busy and noted that it wasn't a normal evening there I am sure and they worked hard to some folks that I saw were less than kind at the bar... I don't want to say "entitled" but don't ever snap your fingers at a bar tender... I know when I worked service I would be known to slow down or sneezer someone that snapped their fingers at me. But they had that really great hummus out. Again with the hummus, I know but it's all I have to judge the food on really. That is all I remember. It was delicious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other thing I remember having was at Root Down was chef's avocado lime pie. Or something like that. We went for dinner there.. me and said boy from when I was 16 years old and his daughter she was 16 I think (we are still friends, it's nice)... that pie was amazing. The recipe is not in the book. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had snacks at Ophelias (post our other experience) once in our seats at a Bill Frissell concert of the hummus and I swear to gawd that there is a recipe for maybe possibly it in this cook book makes me happy. It was that good. Everyone riffs on hummus and falafel and some are good, but Ophelia's hummus was great that night. And for the record, the concerts there (of the two that I have attended Nels Cline Singers earlier in the year and Brothers of a Feather (both our last shows out in the world actually) are really fantastic. I wasn't sure how a music venue would work but man oh man it's great. And if you go back and look at the back patio security footage from the Brothers of a Feather evening... that was me out there with some random stranger doing push ups... I was back there smoking and a guy from Texas who was in town skiing and for the show wanted a contest. He totally won do not be mistaken. Even drunk as all get out that guy won over sober me because well it was me. We celebrated with another cigarette. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am going to enjoy cooking from this 'zine/book so very much... and there is so much to unpack in it's goodness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe even when lockdown is over we will try and give dine in at Linger or Root Down a go again. If not I will seriously just dig looking at this book. It's really beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The price is $18.95 and 100% totally worth it. I wasn't thinking that it would be. But ho nelly it really is. And please Edible Beats Team... bring us another volume! I know I have seen it in the works on your instagram (I peeked, but you linked), seriously make it happen. It's a beautiful thing to behold and have as part of my cookbook library.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>For those of you who may be interested <a href="https://www.ediblebeats.com/zine#buy" target="_blank">here is the link</a> again to buy this yourself. </p><p>And here is a video that I just found that just shows how really inventive this group and Justin Cucci are:</p><p>Justin Cucci: Restaurants with WEIRD Histories</p><p><br /></p> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UcXM8190wqo" width="560"></iframe>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-70889520801878103652021-01-04T19:59:00.000-07:002021-01-04T19:59:05.385-07:00What has the pandemic wrought?<p> Well for one I have been reading alot... as many folks have.</p><p><br /></p><p>I finished <a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/book/9781542007948" target="_blank">Welcome to the United States of Anxiety by Jen Lancaster</a> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh4pZBjmWvnEMAWWfSSmSjQxq2DyX4sw0cM-EZXgqRtclgd5xC-IIwGgAnGl6c7kJa5ND-Y37oTvdqIHWeJPfcQyItdc_YJ__Jar2b8JOD5BPZDoTzCbdO0w5AbwdtNXTTBOaPQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh4pZBjmWvnEMAWWfSSmSjQxq2DyX4sw0cM-EZXgqRtclgd5xC-IIwGgAnGl6c7kJa5ND-Y37oTvdqIHWeJPfcQyItdc_YJ__Jar2b8JOD5BPZDoTzCbdO0w5AbwdtNXTTBOaPQ/" width="160" /></a> I am a fan of Ms Lancaster on Instagram... love her. She saves me the time and energy watching some of the Bachler shows... I would give her a rose (that is the right thing right?) for her energy and sincere love of the wrapups. So she announced that her book was out and I got it the ebook that day. I just knew that it would be exactly what I needed to have bedside on the ipad to read before I went to bed. </div><p></p><p></p><div>So why did it take so long to read? </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh because I started <a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/book/9780606256155" target="_blank">The Stand by Stephen King</a> all 1000 pages of it. It's a long read, it's a deep dive to start in a pandemic not going to lie. How do he know? I mean geebus how did he know? I think I started it in April. I finally found the mass market paperback locally but have been reading the ebook. The book is just too small and hard to hold I have tiny little hands and I can't. Sorry that is why I keep getting the book from the library. I read it often but it takes so much time. Not that I regret getting started. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr0U2QoRN_D32ZfweImpztu1LT1yE8NWOSFxh8esznU3Vwmu8_vYsDlkpliYD1mU-1Br6lBaAufl-lJRmIRb2m3PmpYHbtcTbogcfWTwhG5Xw4dgPclkNHjpv1OBkWGL2RuZtUw/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="242" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr0U2QoRN_D32ZfweImpztu1LT1yE8NWOSFxh8esznU3Vwmu8_vYsDlkpliYD1mU-1Br6lBaAufl-lJRmIRb2m3PmpYHbtcTbogcfWTwhG5Xw4dgPclkNHjpv1OBkWGL2RuZtUw/" width="146" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So why would I start a book about a pandemic in the middle of one? Yeah there are a couple of reasons. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One I have a pen pal named Ms. Shirley (Hi Ms Shirley!!!!) who was looking for a friend to write about Stephen King novels. So I needed a book to start, it seemed like a good one. What a ride it's been. I feel terrible because another friend got her the book and she is going to start it soon she says. That'll teach me. I do love the style. There is so much in this book. I am halfway through. I will beat this beast. I am back on the waitlist and it's a good thing because I can take the time away to finish a couple of other ones that I started.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And the other reason... why not read a complex story about a pandemic that possibly will scare the shit out of me while we are in a pandemic and I am actually having the shit scared out of me?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So while I am waiting for the ebook to come up available from the library again and I am not willing to hold that tiny but HUGE mass paperback ....Here is what I have in que and started. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5ZsOIW9Q6wVZppxD4AnKSgiGIlmirZU4pEG7bIoiASijEtv14XiHN91WkH6yLN-a0OYN55amT9y31yW_OXOQilR_54OUNT6nAJbBfVcCFmbaMqkO0G9uHLw1Z9B5nNQj6MQ2SA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="329" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5ZsOIW9Q6wVZppxD4AnKSgiGIlmirZU4pEG7bIoiASijEtv14XiHN91WkH6yLN-a0OYN55amT9y31yW_OXOQilR_54OUNT6nAJbBfVcCFmbaMqkO0G9uHLw1Z9B5nNQj6MQ2SA/" width="158" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/book/9781250077820">I.M. a memoir by Isaac Mizrahi </a>- LOVE THIS BOOK. Love it. I think I am reading it slowly because I just want to think we are friends and he is spilling tea with me. I know that this is not even remotely true... but hey Issac... if you read this... I would talk recipes with you mmm k? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08635NF39/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgYO_fuDWoLQSqrcXEddInofh24pewovaVuYjSsuDRMr9jrSAYMEdtKX1RtRAX7gBz1lVgZXYILv_mRQl9z5YSr-RNJ-nLmDhqgRXx7Z4Gu1PYFFhxdHx4tpFeAwUsCdY5TCP5Q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="357" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgYO_fuDWoLQSqrcXEddInofh24pewovaVuYjSsuDRMr9jrSAYMEdtKX1RtRAX7gBz1lVgZXYILv_mRQl9z5YSr-RNJ-nLmDhqgRXx7Z4Gu1PYFFhxdHx4tpFeAwUsCdY5TCP5Q/" width="171" /></a></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08635NF39/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title" target="_blank"><br />A North Pole Cop in a South Boston World</a> - by Jason Stewart<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't let the inexpensive ebook price catch you thinking that this is just some dumb ebook. It's clever and really great. More to come on this later. I am so ding dang lucky that I know the author because it's really a great read. More on that to come later when I have finished. But it is in process and I want to read it at a clip and not the fits and starts that come from being in The Stand World as I call it right now. I am probably at somepoint going to share a recipe with him since mostly the times that we connect I am eating. Keepin' it classy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGuN8Lv1ZYkkdgYfOqLgD4MQgSPlatCBBbPrhotVy_GIF1wwwsA3NqMUUWPGXH5A3wwaKzlnWf1Fk_ZlzPOD1gHyv3rU3K-ntDlktJOKo4Yr680eV6z5w8TlvQRNpx0qpYgfm7Q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGuN8Lv1ZYkkdgYfOqLgD4MQgSPlatCBBbPrhotVy_GIF1wwwsA3NqMUUWPGXH5A3wwaKzlnWf1Fk_ZlzPOD1gHyv3rU3K-ntDlktJOKo4Yr680eV6z5w8TlvQRNpx0qpYgfm7Q/" width="158" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For my anniversary the little Mr bought me a signed copy of <a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/furiously-happy-paperback" target="_blank">Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson</a> so I started to re-read the ebook that I have. I love this woman. Seriously. You know how I said above that I would invite a friendship with Isaac Mizrahi? I would quake in my boots if I was ever even in the same room with this fine and special being on the planet. To say she is funny and special is beyond. I <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJGJd8_8WwU&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">watched her book reading here </a>that is a preview for her new book that is coming in April (if I remember correctly... I do have a request for the galley... and yes I would review it, yes I would buy a hard copy and yes I will talk about it anyways... but wouldn't you like to have a review? Hint hint...oh I will talk about this so much). At the beginning or maybe middle of the pandemic I am not sure when since time is completely meaningless right now, she gave a walkthrough of her bookshelves behind her desk. It was incredible. I can't colorize my bookshelves... it truly goes against everything that I know (I wanted to be a librarian at one time) but I loved her talking about her books... like her they are friends in a way. She had a story for each one she picked. It was magic. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">OH I almost completely forgot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjC106YTGUcZW8jQx8xDL7v3PPVnt3DlnPUqJ-CWjCkWch81u-AhGhCILHy6asninQKppFjqByaCV4AODllX6-xPbZUQ841w2BjZViMEhS8vZavtFRd14g_O2_T3HWseEFzZo_Q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="340" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjC106YTGUcZW8jQx8xDL7v3PPVnt3DlnPUqJ-CWjCkWch81u-AhGhCILHy6asninQKppFjqByaCV4AODllX6-xPbZUQ841w2BjZViMEhS8vZavtFRd14g_O2_T3HWseEFzZo_Q/" width="204" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are looking for something to do while we wait patiently for the pandemic to be over... <a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/you-are-here-owners-manual-dangerous-minds" target="_blank">Jenny Lawson also has a coloring book out.</a> It is great I just look at it and color it in with my imagination because the copy I have is hard for me to actually color in. I don't know why I can't just do it. It's like that with Chuck Palahniuk's <a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/book/9781506706153">coloring</a> <a href="https://www.nowherebookshop.com/book/9781506703114">books</a> I suppose, I have them and I just can't bring myself to marr them up. I may have to get another one to actually color in. I do have some more time on my hands now than I did before. Updates for that in a bit... sorry to vaguebook on that but I don't like to put too much of myself out there anymore. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">OH and I am linking to the books to a small amazing bookshop in Texas where you should consider buying your books from. They ship anywhere and would be happy to take your order. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">xoxo and happy reading friends... Zoe</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4119509.post-58089336782579855032020-10-05T15:34:00.002-07:002020-10-05T15:34:21.454-07:00Reading list...and chopped m'fn cheese for dinner tonite.<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">What wasn't boring that I read last week was -</span></p><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><img alt="Heart of Junk Cover" height="224" src="https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781982106669/heart-of-junk-9781982106669_hr.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #3e3e3e; cursor: zoom-in; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: auto; max-height: 95vh; max-width: 100%; object-fit: contain; object-position: left center;" width="148" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">by </span><a href="https://www.lukegeddes.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #699482; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;">Luke Geddes</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In reading the gentleman author's bio I am not at all surprised that he started a record label... the descriptions of the records and record collections were so beyond deep and thoughtful, it makes total sense. I loved the book actually and knew that I probably would when I was at B&N looking for magazines to cut up in April and saw the cover... I just knew. To be fair I didn't buy a copy at the time, I looked at the library app, to see if it was available and it was so I knew when I had a chance I would get it that. I actually borrowed it from the library and now I know that I need to remedy that ... Hey Luke ... wanna sell me a signed copy? And he made these</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9NBkPZhKrt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style="background-color: white; color: #699482; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;"> hilarious pins as a promo tie in for the book</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">... mama wants. Because I love junk. Lets just say I have a heart for it. Oy. And anyone that mentions Psychic TV in their book.. you know he appreciates the number 23 and knows whats up. Thanks sir... that was a nice little nugget. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">It was really fun. Just a really super fun book. Its really honestly what I needed as my gateway drug to reading for pleasure. It had been maybe 2 years since I had. And this is NOT a review... NOT a review a TOTAL observation.</span><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Soooooo.... I am someone that has gone to an Antique Mall in my day (remember the days of needing all the Pink Pyrexware I could find?). So it was fun as hell to read a fictionalized story about some of the people that may (or may not) own the booths. It was just really fun. At first I thought it was going to be a little bit of a mystery novel, that it isn't... it was a fun inside look into characters. And characters that they are. So there is a review. But more it's about remembering what I liked about it outside of the fact it was a SUPER quick, easy read and kinda fun. Not at all surprised either that it's been optioned. This book is a year old I think so not surprised.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Oh and it's ironic as hell that the author is a collage artist too since that is what I was at B&N to get magazines for when I found the book.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">OK... also got the new Chuck Palahniuk book last week and I have not started it. I need to because I am not part of a weekly Support Group for rescheduled book readings of some Chuck peeps.... they are delightful and I don't want to be a dick and not be able to provide thoughts. I can't wait to read it because I do love his twists and turns and characters. So hopefully that will happen this week. Plan to start it tomorrow after work. I just can't tonite because I am fried. It's been the most monday of mondays.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Also I have this not quite book club had given me the BEST to read list ever and was encouraged to read Lovecraft Country ... I found a copy while I was on the support group and wouldn't you know it's great. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkRRunOEZ34jXGavCfBSPlekjefmU-fuvPAyB84L2Wh-NNK30X9qsK152CEpvUUop5Jks9caW32K_1nJi507lfWIblfPgF__WaYcKzkypLn0Ah1SuX0GxrDEfZuDVges8xftzuQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="332" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkRRunOEZ34jXGavCfBSPlekjefmU-fuvPAyB84L2Wh-NNK30X9qsK152CEpvUUop5Jks9caW32K_1nJi507lfWIblfPgF__WaYcKzkypLn0Ah1SuX0GxrDEfZuDVges8xftzuQ/w117-h176/image.png" width="117" /></a></div><br />My new friend R held it up in our chat and he said it will help because honestly I felt like I was just watching to have my mind blown by monsters and special effects... there is a very important story to be told and I damned well knew I was missing it. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Found a copy that I could read online right away... and no it's legit... not some rando pdf that was published... it's legit. Through the library. And I am going to say that the book makes so much more sense than the tv show... holy fuck that tv show warps my mind... I am NOT a science fiction person and it's so crazy what they do on that show... but the book... much much more to my liking... AND it totally helps me know what I have seen in the last couple of weeks. I am not at all caught up book to show (maybe I am at episode two of the show as to where I am in the book) but it makes it much easier to grasp what the fuck is going on. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">So I love Matt Ruff...</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fool-Hill-Novel-Matt-Ruff/dp/0802135358/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JFO4EDUECPHI&dchild=1&keywords=fool+on+the+hill+by+matt+ruff&qid=1601936159&s=books&sprefix=fool+on+the+hill%2Cstripbooks%2C173&sr=1-1" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank"> Fool on the Hill</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> was one of my favorite top 10 books for a while and I am glad I am able to understand what the story holds. Racism is bad y'all. You know that. You wouldn't be here if you thought it was ok. in fact... fuck racism... all round... </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Also in honor of what I am making for dinner tonite (not as good as the hot bodega grill version because sadly we are unable to be in NYC like I had hoped to be right now) I bring you a delightfully colorful language filled video and story about the <a href="https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2016/01/chopped-cheese-iconic-nyc-sandwich">Chopped Cheese</a>... Also I could not find a good hero roll ... come on hometown get your shit together... the steak torenado rolls will have to do. It will help with portion control which is not a thing really that I believe in. But it will have to do. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObsnW0Y8o51qn9vrX_RZEoszkyW6_noTai_usURxyUgIWDEI9JXI1MDDTkjlcOapcaXXVVJTcXAtVaFilBKVStuWu9RvP3xmcFmElAwjCQNISGj4-aesBMA7U2XxOxdNCLaUkJg/" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObsnW0Y8o51qn9vrX_RZEoszkyW6_noTai_usURxyUgIWDEI9JXI1MDDTkjlcOapcaXXVVJTcXAtVaFilBKVStuWu9RvP3xmcFmElAwjCQNISGj4-aesBMA7U2XxOxdNCLaUkJg/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a picture of what I am talking about... not what I made credit where credit is due:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">photo by Soup Loving Nicole on All recipes (<a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/273164/spicy-chopped-cheese-sandwich/">here is her recipe</a>... ours not spicy)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love being able to post whatever I want.. I was a slave to worring about publishers visiting... nope... I can afford my own books. I appreciate very much the opportunities that I had to write about books that I liked but whoa was there some serious pressure.... no longer. Best decision I have made in a while. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0