Reading Samples

Posted on by
3

I had only an iPad in my hands, and a long flight ahead of me. Browsing the iTunes bookstore, I couldn’t decide which book I wanted to read; there were so many titles of interest to me. So I did what any book-loving girl in my situation would have done: I downloaded the free samples for six different books, and I read four of them.

1. Catherine the Great, Portrait of a Woman, by Robert K. Massie

Having lived in Russia twice, I am still fascinated by this country rich in history and heritage, but complicated in its explanations. I have personally visited the palace of Catherine the Great, and was excited to hear a wonderful interview by Diane Rehm with Robert Massie. Listening to Massie discuss Catherine as if he knew her personally, compelled me to download the first 121 pages, but his rich narrative style kept me reading, and I was sad when my sample ended.

 

 

2. Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides

My friend Christina absolutely adores Eugenides, and when I asked her which of his three books (I downloaded all three samples because I wasn’t sure which to choose) is her favorite, and she emphatically stated: Middlesex, I knew I had to start with this one. Honestly, those free 83 pages flew by for me so quickly, and darned if it didn’t end just when the story was about to get good. I’m thinking Christina is definitely on to something with Eugenides, and I can’t wait to see how this one ends.

 

 

3. 11/22/63: A Novel, by Stephen King

Don’t judge, but I listen to NPR all the time. Seriously. Some folks have their televisions, but I have my NPR iPad app that gets used more often than anything else. So when the regular book reviewer told me this latest novel by Stephen King was nothing like any of his other novels, my ears perked up immediately! Truth: I’ve never read a Stephen King novel. I love history, and this quasi-historical fictitious retelling of the events leading up to the assassination of John F. Kennedy is an extremely fun ride! Time travel, mystery, intriguing characters, real life events – and I’m only 148 pages committed at this point.

 

4. Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson

Look – everyone else is reading this biography of the year, so why not me, too? I take Apple products intravenously, and am certain if I were paid commission on all the Apple products I’ve convinced other people to buy, I could have a nice fat wad of cash in reserve to cover my next Apple fix. 91 pages hardly has Steve Jobs’ story started, though, and I’ve heard really mixed opinions about this book. I will say that the smattering of different names on every page had me turning back to the nine page! org chart at the beginning too frequently to keep me interested in the “characters.”

The other two samples I downloaded were Eugenides’ other two novels: The Marriage Plot, and The Virgin Suicides. I haven’t read either of these two yet since I wanted a clean slate with Eugenides as I started Middlesex, but indeed, they will be read.

I have decided that I LOVE the ability to download free samples of books. This is waaaay better than Amazon’s Look Inside! feature, and will definitely make it easier for me to fairly determine whether or not I actually want to read a book. My big question now is, Which book do I finish first? Who’s read any of these titles?

The Help – A Review

Posted on by
1

Published: 2009

It’s about:

Skeeter: a young white woman, recently graduated from college, who aspires to be a writer.
Aibileen: an older black maid, who has spent her entire life in the service of white families.
Minny: a thirty-something black woman, also a maid, but with a mind of her own that she’s oftentimes too willing to share.

Set in 1962 Mississippi, the story chronicles the intersecting of these three women’s lives, as they each want change, but not necessarily for the same reason. Ultimately, their secret writing project permanently alters each of their lives as they break down the color barriers society put in place, but to which they are each expected to adhere.

I thought:

It was a bit of a surprise to me, but this was the best book I read in 2011. I avoided reading it for a good long while simply because everyone else was reading it, and then there was the movie (which I still haven’t seen, but will), and I refuse to see a movie based on a book before I read the book, myself. Having said all that – I was pleasantly surprised at how well-written this first-time novel by Kathryn Stockett reads. I love the vignette-style chapters, representing the perspectives of the three different main characters, and I loved how easily the storyline unfolded.

While the story is captivating, and at times a little tense as we wonder if there will be severe consequences for the actions of these courageous women, Stockett only skirts the edge of segregation. The horrific events and circumstances surrounding the civil rights movement cannot be sugar-coated, and I did feel that The Help only gave us a glimpse of reality.

I really liked the character development, and not just of the main three characters. I especially enjoyed Skeeter’s mother, who at times made me laugh with her idiosyncrasies, but most of the time I cringed at her southern authenticity.

Verdict:

I really loved the book, and experienced a wide range of emotions while reading, and I cried when it ended. It made me want to read The Secret Life of Bees all over again. My recommendation is for you to definitely read it if you haven’t yet.

Favorite excerpts:

“My face goes hot, my tongue twitchy. I don’t know what to say to her. All I know is, I ain’t saying it. And I know she ain’t saying what she want a say either and it’s a strange thing happening here cause nobody saying nothing and we still managing to have us a conversation.”

“Lines between black and white ain’t there neither. Some folks just made those up, long time ago. . . . All I’m saying is, kindness don’t have no boundaries.”

“There is so much you don’t know about a person. . . . Wasn’t that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I’d thought.”

“And while I’d never lie and tell myself I actually changed the minds of people like Hilly and Elizabeth, at least I don’t have to pretend I agree with them anymore.”

Bananas & Christmas Carols

Posted on by
1

I was a Brownie Scout for a couple of years between the ages of six-eight. For Christmas one year, our troop went Christmas caroling to an old folks’ home, and we took bananas to give the residents. I thought that was a strange gift to give to someone, but they took their bananas and smiled – giving me hugs so tight I thought they might not let go for me to sing to them. I even remember one lady gripping my hand with her purple-veined one, and I wasn’t sure what to do, so I let her hold my hand until we had to leave.

My maternal grandfather lived the remaining three years of his life in an assisted living facility. He fell and broke his hip after the first year, and then refused to shave again. Obviously, this necessitated him dressing up as Santa Claus for their holiday party because, apparently, his white beard drove the ladies wild. Grandpa. Grandpa. Grandpa.

 

 

 

For the second year in a row since his passing, our family has gathered together at this same facility and walked up and down the halls Christmas caroling. Some of the residents regularly leave their apartment doors open to the hallway, and we are able to wave at them as we pass. Others find their way into the corridor and sit down to enjoy the private concert until we move on to the next batch of apartments. Most sing or hum along with us, but all applaud.

Growing up surrounded by other people (with seven siblings there’s never really anywhere to go by yourself), I always take noise for granted. I especially love when the residents come “outside” to greet us and to thank us, and to express appreciation for our simple visit.

 

 

 

 

And for the second year in a row, at least one resident opted to join us in our revelry as we walked, singing, from door to door. This year it was Evelyn, and as it turns out, she is the new resident of Grandpa’s apartment, and her accompaniment on our songs was just the alto touch we needed.

I kept thinking that perhaps we should have brought bananas for everyone, too, but bananas were the furthest thing from my mind when I reached out to hold Evelyn’s purple-veined hand; I’m the one who didn’t want to let go.

2011 is Over?!

Posted on by
16

I’m not entirely sure where this year has gone, since I’m pretty certain it just started, but clearly some time has passed. I am apparently now the mother of an official teenager, and since there’s no need to regale anyone with those tales, we’ll focus on our favorite vacation EVER. No worries because YOU are the beneficiary of our very own . . .

 

Top Recommendations for Orlando:

If you want to sound completely in the know for an upcoming visit to Orlando, or just want to impress friends planning their visit, be sure and take our advice, or don’t. It’s a new year, what do I care? Oh, but if I could ride just one more time. . . .

In addition to Orlando, we also took a long weekend trip to Nashville, Tennessee, to celebrate L’s 13th birthday. The real highlight of that trip (other than having our picture taken with Elvis, of course) was attending a writers’ night at The Bluebird Cafe, where Taylor Swift got her start. L plans to perform some of her own original music there on an open mic night in our future.

Oh, and L was extra cool this year because she grew out her hair and then chopped it all off for Locks of Love.

We can’t wait to see what 2012 has waiting for us, and hope you’ll continue to read along as the adventures continue. Merry! Merry! to you and yours!

p.s. – What’s the greatest number of times you’ve ridden an amusement park ride during the same day visit to that park?

Carolina Theatre = Community Connection

Posted on by
Reply

I wrote the following as a contributing writer on www.linkingtriad.com:

What have I been waiting for all these years?! I’m certain I must be the last person in Greensboro to take advantage of the Carolina Theatre’s Classic Movie Series they produce every December! For the first time EVER, I attended the fabulous and wonderful movie, “White Christmas,” starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney. I love that movie, but it’s been years since I last saw it, and I can’t think of a more perfect setting in which to ever see it again.

The beautiful Carolina Theatre, which seats around 1000, had a huge crowd in the house for the show. Armed with their popcorn and beverages, Greensboro presented itself well Thursday night. I thought I was just going to the movies, accompanied by family and friends, and that we’d enjoy seeing the show on the (really) big screen, and drive home satisfied.

Here’s what else we got:

  • We experienced the movie like never before as the entire live audience erupted in applause every time a big dance number was performed on the screen!
  • Cheers were common throughout the show, as movie-goers didn’t hold back their visceral connections to this beautiful story.
  • As the final big scene unfolded and Bing Crosby sang out, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.” Guess what happened? Voices all around me (and mine included) joined in, and downtown Greensboro’s Carolina Theatre became an extension of the movie set, itself.
  • The thunderous concluding applause communicated the mutual feeling we each shared: community is about connecting with your neighbors, and what better way to connect than to share a classic movie?

In what other ways have you connected with your neighbors for the holidays this year?

A Christmas Carol: A Review

Posted on by
3

Triad-Stage-ImageI want to forget that I’m in a theatre when I’m in a theatre. Is that too much to ask? Apparently, yes, for Triad Stage’s production of the Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. An insert in tonight’s program asked for my feedback.

What did you like about the production?

I liked certain performances within the production. Namely, Gordon Joseph Weiss as Ebenezer Scrooge, Izzy Goff as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Michael Tourek as Mr. Fezziwig, and Rosie McGuire as Mrs. Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Present.

But my favorite performance was the set, itself. As always, the behind-the-scenes powerhouse is what brings to life every production I’ve ever seen at Triad Stage, and it’s always transformative. Completely dependent upon one another, and of equal importance, are the set, the lights, the sound, and the projection. I was not disappointed in their ability to transform a small space in downtown Greensboro into 1843 London. Thank you for your brilliance.

Was there anything you didn’t like?

Yes, thank you for asking.

1. All the principle roles were the exact same actors as the 2010 production.
2. The blocking was almost identical to the 2010 production.
3. The performance lacked ensemble cohesion and believability. (I had to rely on standout performances for my entertainment.)
4. There were audio issues and it was difficult to hear some of the performers’ lines.
5. It was difficult to understand all of the actors’ lines – bad diction in many instances.
6. The performance of Triad Stage newcomer Kendra Woodfolk (Charity Woman/Belle/Edwina/Young Wife) was bad, at best, and for someone with as many lines as she had, this really caused a disturbance in the force.
7. What is with the Ghost of Christmas Present and her song?! We so hoped that would be absent from this year’s production, but, alas, no – it was every bit as confusing to us as to what it has to do with Dickens’ original tale. But props for a lovely voice. Wait. Is that why it’s there? Because Preston Lane’s adaptation is really designed to showcase specific actors and their talents? Nah. I’m sure that’s not the case. (see #1)

Every time I started to lose myself in the story (and this was with some effort), something (see items 1-7 above) jolted me to the reality I was still sitting in the theatre. I expect a lot from Triad Stage; they’re a professional theatre company, and bill themselves as such.

Have we really tapped out Greensboro’s talent that we needed to bring back almost the identical cast from last year? Is it a prerequisite that in order to participate in a Triad Stage production you have to have acted in a minimum of two, but as many as six, previous Triad Stage productions? (I counted – and that’s what tonight’s playbill indicated.) Perhaps Triad Stage should bill themselves as a green theatre company because they keep recycling the same actors.

Would you recommend this production to a friend? Why or why not?

Tough question. The overall production felt forced and choppy, and lacked the theatre magic to tie it all together. If you are interested in watching individual actors perform their parts with magnitude, go right ahead and reserve your tickets. Just don’t expect to forget where you are because you will be reminded time and again that the Ghost of Get Me Out of Here still hasn’t arrived, and you won’t find me giving an undeserved standing ovation.

Black Friday to Slothful Saturday

Posted on by
5

Our-Black-Friday-PhotoBoothFor as long as I can remember, I’ve abhorred the very idea of “Black Friday.” The notion of not sleeping, combined with hordes of people fighting over the same cheap goods hanging on a single rack in a small retail space really doesn’t appeal to me.

So when I admit that this year, Black Friday 2011, I threw common sense and sound sleep to the wind, please don’t judge me.

I was in the market for a specific coat, and so publicly (and by publicly I mean “casually mentioned it to my thirteen-year-old daughter”) tossed out the possibility of braving the crowds to purchase it at a 40% discount. Upon closer inspection, I learned I could buy the coat online for a 30% discount, plus free shipping, further supporting the fact that my need for sleep IS greater than a 10% savings and the cost of the gas to drive the 38 miles to reach the store.

Thanksgiving Day was filled with good food, family, a healthy dose of games to round out the evening, and an early bedtime because my daughter and niece decided going out in the middle of the night was going to be “a lot of fun,” and “we should definitely do it.” The alarm at 2:45 sure didn’t seem like a good idea to me, but I was committed.

We drove toward our destination in relative peace and quiet, and rounded the last bend at 3:50am to enter the mall parking lot. Much to my shock, there wasn’t a single free parking space. Seriously. Not one. What time did these people arrive? Had they ever left? Did any of them sleep at all prior to their shopping sprees? What could possibly be so cheap as to warrant this madness?

I’m not a mall shopper. I don’t like crowds. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been in a mall in the last five years, but nothing would have prepared me. We safely navigated our way to the store, where I had a wide selection of color options, and I made my purchase, saving a grand total of $71.60.

The girls had a great time, and I think we covered the distance of the mall three times in the three and a half hours we were there. But eating mall-quality Lo Mein at 5:30 in the morning because it’s the only thing available for me doesn’t inspire me to repeat it again next year. Besides, when we got home at 8:30am, I had about as much energy as if I’d taken the red-eye to afford me the day upon my return. HA!!!

At the very least, I can now cross this off my bucket list (as if it was ever there at all), and relish in the fact that simply being present with my daughter was well worth the extra 10%.

“Tangled” is Right

Posted on by
4

tangled-movie-poster-imdbI’m as devoted a Disney fan as they come. I grew up taking the Mickey Mouse Club in high dosages, I wrote my senior paper on the man, himself (and received a perfect grade for it), and rarely does a day pass that I don’t quote The Emporer’s New Groove.

Having said all that – it’s taken me a year to write this review of Tangled, Disney’s animated feature released in theatres for the 2010 holiday season. If I could have watched the movie superficially, I’m sure I would have loved it, like almost everyone else I know who saw it. It’s quite possible I’m the only one with a negative review. But I couldn’t watch like everyone else. I saw it all through my own tangled past.

Superficiality aside, Tangled delivers a messy message to the viewers (mainly children) trapped in the story as lovely as the golden hair of its heroine: Rapunzel, and as light and airy as the lanterns that glitter the sky each year on her birthday. I played along, too, for about the first ten minutes of the movie. Then the entire tone of the story changed dramatically as I witnessed the abduction of the baby girl, Rapunzel, by the perverse and wicked Mother Gothel.

Freakish parenting nightmares, yes, but the fairytale drama was working for me until. . . their song. It’s the song Mother Gothel sings to Rapunzel upon learning Rapunzel’s only birthday wish is to leave the tower for one day. “Mother knows best,” is what she reminds Rapunzel, while deliberately using words of affection and endearment like “dear,” and “darling.” Interestingly, only in these two instances does Mother Gothel use a kind term when addressing Rapunzel, while the majority of the song is used to deride and insult the very child she professes to love. Compare these words: fragile, little, pet, sloppy, under-dressed, immature, clumsy, gullible, naive, grubby, ditzy, and chubby.

When Mother Gothel falsely croons the words, “Oh, I love you very much, dear,” no one doubts Rapunzel’s melodic reply, “I love you more,” is genuine, sincere, and heartfelt. Therein lies the rub.  I realize my issue with Tangled is my own, and potentially anyone else’s, who just like me, lived in an unhealthy and abusive relationship where love was used as a weapon. Because that is exactly what Mother Gothel does. She uses love as a tool to get what she wants, and in so doing instills in Rapunzel a tangled lullaby of love that is not love.

Rapunzel’s lullaby can belong to any of us that have been hurt by what we thought was love, and the imprint on our lives cannot be reversed, no matter how many times we sing it to be true.

Flower, gleam and glow
Let your power shine
Make the clock reverse
Bring back what once was mine

Heal what has been hurt
Change the Fates’ design
Save what has been lost
Bring back what once was mine

What once was mine

While this tale of misappropriated motherhood shows a triumphant Rapunzel cutting her hair in an attempt to claim her independence, I know from personal experience that just because you cut your hair after you are physically free, it does not cut through the larger tangled mess that remains inside. I won’t hold my breath for the movie sequel highlighting Rapunzel’s visits to the royal therapist.

“The Mighty Macs” – A Review

Posted on by
Reply

The-Mighty-Macs-Movie-PosterWho produces G-rated movies anymore?! I am always delighted to find a family-friendly film that doesn’t leave you screaming and running for the doors of the theatre, desperate for a refund you’ll never get.

Granted, I don’t hear about much in the way of movies and television shows because, well, you need a television, but honestly, I didn’t even know this movie existed. But I do think it’s the movies we oftentimes don’t hear about that are most worth our time to watch. I’m not into watching movies for the sake of watching a movie. The way I see it – I will never get back those two hours, so I want it to be time well spent with my family.

The Mighty Macs delivers. I love a true story well told, and Carla Gugino as Coach Kathy Rush is convincing. For that matter, the casting director should be incredibly proud, because everyone played their roles very well, but if I had to pick a favorite after Carla Gugino, it would be Ellen Burstyn as Mother St. John.

I didn’t realize the world was waiting for a female version of Hoosiers, but it has arrived, and I am convinced it will be played for girls’ sports teams’ gatherings for years to come. But female sports teams aren’t the only ones who will benefit from having seen this movie. Anyone who has ever felt like the underdog will relate, but that’s the obvious connection, and I don’t really think Tim Chambers (the guy who wrote and directed the film) needed to say, “You can come out on top!”

What he – and so many of us – needs to say is this: “No matter who you are, or where you’re from, and regardless of your religion, race or social status, YOU are the one who can do whatever you choose. Society cannot, need not, and should not dictate YOUR dreams.”

Do yourself and your family a favor: watch The Mighty Macs, and feel good knowing those two hours are ones you’ll return to time and again as you remind yourself to seek your own win against all odds.

Jill Clarey Rocks!

Posted on by
3

Karen recently reminded me – as we separated spinach leaves for the juicer – that we control 100% of what goes into our bodies. 100%. As it turns out, that’s a really wonderful blessing for me, personally. I spent most of my 20s in and out of doctors’ offices being prescribed numerous medications, and yet never really feeling healthy, strong or vibrant. I finally threw it all away. Literally. I created a very colorful pile of prescription pills I was “supposed” to be taking daily and disposed of the entire chemical cocktail in one fell swoop. That was an empowering beginning to my health.

Truth is, I owe so much of my health to one woman and her amazing knowledge of the human body and its needs. Working with Jill Clarey has transformed the way I approach  the foods I’m eating, which supplements my body needs, and even when my body prefers to exercise. She continues to educate me on the significance and relative nature of nature. In other words, how everything related to our overall condition from outside stressors to unresolved internal emotional trauma directly affect our physical health and well-being and, conveniently, how there is so much we are able to do for ourselves!

Case in point: I recently played the role of Candy Starr in a production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Candy’s rather friendly, shall we say, and as a result, tends to share her friendly face with others a bit freely. This was a rigorous rehearsal schedule leading up to two weeks of performances. An ensemble cast of only 16, plus the director and stage manager, we spent a lot of time in close proximity to one another. Some of us closer than others. Weeks prior to the show’s opening, the Crud appeared. Three cast members were affected. By the time opening night arrived, another wave of actors had been hit. Before the show completed its full run, at least half the cast and/or crew had been afflicted.

Two of the worst hit were the two men with whom I was making out on stage – every single night for approximately three weeks, with a handful of days off in between. Me? Not so much as a sniffle. I came through to the very end tired, yes, but as healthy as I started.

I’ve been so overjoyed at this healthy feat, I couldn’t hold back. Public praise is in order! Thank you, Jill Clarey, for sharing your wisdom and for keeping me healthy on the front end so that my body was able to withstand the first bad round of the Crud.

Prince Humperdinck: Tyrone, you know how much I love watching you work, but I’ve got my country’s 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it; I’m swamped.

Count Rugen: Get some rest. If you haven’t got your health, then you haven’t got anything.