Whatever Wednesday - Song Sung Blue

 Christmas afternoon I caught up with my pickleball gals and we enjoyed the film, Song Sung Blue. 

Based on a true story, Mike (Hugh Jackman) is a barely eking by singer. At a gig, he meets Claire (Kate Hudson) and they just  mesh. She's a single mom and also trying to get by in life. They connect with song and pull together as a Neil Diamond cover band..."an experience".

Slowly, they gain a following. They sound great and hey, you can't  go wrong with Sweet Caroline...so good, so good. 

Mike and  Claire marry. The kids get along. They get better gigs and even open for Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedder is a fan.  But this is a real life story and unfortunately, there's a huge set-back. (I'm not going to say what, but it's a shocker).  The movie takes quite the  dramatic turn. They are living some song sung blues. 

I'll stop there. Just have a tissue handy. Hugh Jackman is  great as Mike Sardina.  Kate Hudson just glows as Claire. They have chemistry and  their voices are awesome together.  Neil Diamond's songs are fabulous.  The story might sound like a soap opera, but it's movie type true. Thumbs up per me and my friends. 

Monday Moments - Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood

('nuff said)

Her Book of Lives, A Memoir of Sorts is almost six hundred pages.  It's a weightlifting challenge for the arms. It's a mind blowing challenge for the  brain. 

cover blurb - Atwood unfolds the story of her life, linking key moments to the books that have shaped our literary landscape, from the cruel school year that would become Cat's Eye to the unease of 1980s Berlin, where she began The Handmaid's Tale. 

As she explores her past, Atwood reveals more and more about her writing, the  connections between real life and art - and the workings of one of our greatest imaginations. 

I enjoyed this memoir immensely. Yes,  I  skimmed a bit on some of her parents' history, and sometimes there was almost too much detail on  some camping  trips. But, all in all, this  book is a hoot.  She has  a wicked sense of humor, knows how to convey it on  the page, and I could sense the  twinkle in her eye as she added to this life tale. 

Too many great little turns of phrase to copy here. I chuckled out loud at times. I  was also amazed at her steadfast energy and honor in the craft of writing.  I appreciated her Canadian background, fortitude, and I think it counts for a lot in her makeup.  She's  a tiny person but a force of nature. She had a great love (Graeme) and that shines through. She absolutely knows who she is and does not buckle.  And she's still writing.  She has opinions on the current state of the world. 

She is Margaret Atwood.    'nuff said.      Read her  works and be astonished. 
 

Finally Friday - Your Inner Writing Soul 2026

2026  Fresh Start:

 Here's a good book for writers, dear blog friends - Writing Creativity and Soul by Sue Monk Kidd

She wrote The Secret Life of Bees, The Book of Longings, and more. 

Now she imparts a part memoir, part philosophical investigation, part advice to aspiring writers, and touchstone for the spirit.   "If you encounter writing infused with soul, you know it".  "It feeds you somewhere inside...our internal revolutions, our reach for our true selves, our struggle to write unsayable things with brave voices".  cover blurb. 

If you love Sue Monk Kidd's writing, then you need to enjoy this book. She writes about her struggles to become the writer she knew she could be, while she was a mother raising kids. She writes about her doubts, her fears, and the time it took to truly acknowledge herself as a writer.  She imparts some writerly wisdom, but it's really just common sense.  You - if you truly wish to be a  writer- must do the work.  Think, sit, write, research, read and repeat.  And repeat.  And repeat.  It's hard work.

Sue Monk Kidd said she has to work from an outline.  She has to really know her characters - what do they want?  Where shall the story end?  

She bares her writerly soul in this book and as you read this, it is as if you are hanging at a kitchen table and just talking.  I really enjoyed this memoir and it has inspired me  to take up the pen again.  We'll see what happens in 2026. 

Happy Writing, my friends. 

Whatever Wednesday - Happy New Year's Eve and then 2026

Greetings all on New Year's Eve Day.  I've been a good  girl this holiday season with workouts at the YMCA.  However, I've been naughty in the volume of cookies eaten.  'Tis the season. 

I hope you've stayed healthy, enjoyed family, and had some rest and  relaxation too.  

And here's Snoopy to greet you on Thursday with a Happy New Year!

All the best to my blog friends.  2025 has been a roller coaster.  Will 2026 be a tilt-o-Whirl?

Good luck everybody.   Cheers
 

Monday Moments - JFK

 ' Nuff said

It's the Kennedy Center

Finally Friday - Christmas Season Filler - Enjoy

Friday after Christmas filler.   Here's  Myles invading Blue the cat's space in South Carolina.  So far, Blue tolerates Myles - 8 months old.  But, I'm sure he's hoping this kid leaves at some point. 
 

Some beach town in SC had a Christmas tree and there's Myles.  Thank goodness, Santa was not around. No tears.

Here's a super Texas oldie pic - this Santa is no longer  around and we do  NOT expect  a white Christmas. 

A very fun oldie Christmas morning with Dakota.  She is now eight years old.  Can't say what she's getting this year.  A car?  A phone?   Meanwhile,  this was sheer joy. 

Hope everyone is enjoying the post Christmas hangover...yea, for family time....are they gone yet?

Our YMCA is open, so we are back at water aerobics (me), and Pickleball (Ray). 

Cheers everyone - hope it's a super post Christmas weekend. 

Whatever Wednesday - Merry Christmas Eve

 Merry Christmas Eve, one and all

Here's a pic of my Nana Crowther and a snowman she crocheted a zillion years ago. 

and that's Christmas.   Family, memories. crafts, and love

Peace on Earth, Goodwill....

tis the season and I wish all my blog friends the best. Cheers my friends. 

Joanne