Monday Moments - Dave Barry: Class Clown

 I always liked  reading a Dave Barry column. He was proud of being a wise ass and always had a skewed way of looking at the world. This memoir  Dave Barry: Class Clown is quite humorous as he regales us with childhood shenanigans, high school class clown, and then a journalism career in Pennsylvania, which detoured into humor via the Miami Herald. 

He's a member of a literary rock band with Stephen King, et al.   As the son of Midwesterners, he learned a most important lesson: Never take anything too seriously, especially yourself. This laughter filled book is proof that he learned that lesson well. (cover blurb)

It's hard to give an example here of his humor because it's kind of the whole flow of stories he is telling. But his last column began: There comes a time in the life of every writer when he asks himself - as Shakespeare, Tolstoy, and Hemingway all surely asked themselves - if he has any booger jokes left in  him. 

I want  to stop before I join the hordes of people who think I used to be funnier. 

This memoir, Dave at age 77, still has the laughs and self deprecation.  It's worth a look and a chuckle. 

Finally Friday - Remember Game of Thrones?

Remember the Red Wedding episode of Game of Thrones?  Here's some of the setting and costumes. 

The Arlington Museum of Art has a very large show featuring all things GOT.  Costumes, swords, film clips.  It goes deep with each family and kingdom.  If it comes to your town, I recommend visiting the exhibits. 

Not the real Iron Throne, but kinda  cool

 Brutal show, brutal world.  

It was fun to peruse the exhibits and remember.  

Whatever Wednesday - Zosia Mamet's Essays

 It's  challenging growing up in show business. Zosia Mamet's Essays - Does  This Make Me Funny? is  a mixture of  humorous memoir incidents, bittersweet memories, hilarious observations, and some very truthful slightly sad, frankly scary confessions. 

Father - David  Mamet

Mother - Lindsay Crouse

Quite a formidable background, she grew up backstage at theaters as her mother worked. Zosia calls herself a nepo baby lite. Her big break was as Shoshanna on Girls. 

Her essays vary - navigating body issues, plenty of self loathing, wasted days and nights partying in Hollywood.  She writes of her years as a young adult pining for acceptance and love, her first attempts as an actor, what it means to  be a girl in the  world, and how to define yourself amid  the bustle of show business.  (cover blurb)

Zosia is very, very funny. Her story-telling is impeccable. She writes of a world I can't comprehend, and at times it's as if she steps back and says, "now this is bonkers".  Very self deprecating and quite brave.  I knew her name, but wasn't terribly familiar with her work. I may seek it  out to watch. I think she'd be a fun person at a luncheon, and it seems as if she's  in a good  place now - married, older, more  confident, and healthier.  

Thumbs up on  a quick read. I laughed out loud at times. 

Monday Moments - Year of the Horse and Post Olympic chat

I'm late wishing you all a Happy Lunar New Year.    2026 is the Chinese Year of the Horse

Cool  looking symbol. 

So, it  began last Tuesday and I'm  still waiting for some momentum.  Ha!

Actually, I've been very busy sitting on my butt and watching Winter Olympics. Thank goodness that is now  over and our television is off.  The  Olympics are addictive and I'm rooting for everyone.  Plus the winter sports are so  exotic - like nothing I can do or will ever try.  At any time, it's as if someone could die - fall off a mountain, leap and spin a zillion times, sharp  blades on ones feet, pointy  poles flailing about.  And how about  that cross country ski run that a dog joined - except that dog looked like a wolf and probably had folks going a bit faster, as in fleeing for your life. 

Whew!  Milan Cortina looked wonderful - gorgeous mountain scenery, crisp white snow, Stanley Tucci slurping pasta, Snoop Dogg with his unique observations. Hooray for the Italian athletes - they enjoyed  home field advantage and had a good medal haul.  Congrats to  all of  the athletes - win or lose, they are Olympians with mad skills, youthful exuberance, and incredible spirit.  Ciao!

Hope everyone has a little bit of Fire Horse in  them - Cheers. 
 

Finally Friday - Who Me?

 You know you needed a  Myles  moment.    Who  me?  What am I going to do?   Am I in trouble? 

Do I manage to make  the landing?   I'm on the move!!

Look at this stinker.  

My Nana Crowther would get such a kick out of this cutie.  Her saying was 'Snicklefritz"   Is that a word?   It was in our family. 

10 months old and filled with joy.  I love this little guy from afar.  He just exudes joy

let's make his future worthwhile....okay???

Have a super good weekend and find joy

Whatever Wednesday - Polar Plunge

Saturday February 7th was the YMCA Polar Plunge.  Yes, I paid the YMCA to jump into the outdoor pool. It was for a good cause and I got a very nice long sleeve shirt. 

Some water aerobics friends came too.  Those with pants did not plunge

Debbie, Claudia, me, Angie, and Ealane

Yes, I chose a minion cap for the fashion statement.  It was a balmy 55 or so  outside, but sunny and no wind. 

One of the lifeguards, Christine, had on her Frosty hat

 Proof I got in the pool  I did not jump. I walked in there and then over to the other steps.  

Then I went down the  water slide twice with an inner tube

Crazy,  huh?   It was invigorating and fun. 

Now back to INDOOR water aerobics

Monday Moments - President's Day

Today we celebrate venerated Presidents.  Those that promoted democracy, looked for the best in the American people. Truly believed in hope, dreams, and with liberty and justice for all

Somehow LOVE has to win out.  Throw in some RESPECT too

and Cheers to mattress sales!