Friday, December 30, 2011

Fashion: Jean Paul Gaultier

Way out there exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art - The fashion world of Jean Paul Gaultier. The man had a vision even as a young boy influenced by his grandmother in France, or digging through her drawers and creating a bustier for his teddy bear.

Whether it's futuristic designs for movies like The Fifth Element, or costumes for Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour, Gaultier's designs are unique, eyepopping, and distinctive. The couture aspect is demonstrated with the amount of hours noted to complete a piece. Sequins, feathers, lace, etc. are hand stitched, appliqued, or woven into intricate patterns for his seasonal themes.
I got a kick out of the cammo/wild hunter theme - oh yeah, I could see my husband in those outfits at his deer lease.

The museum exhibit is a fabulous experience. The mannequins' faces are animated - thus they pout, blink, and appear alive. It's disconcerting at times, yet fascinating. Step out of this world and into the future that is now - see Jean Paul Gaultier's exhibit through February 12, 2012.

C'est magnifique!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Book Review: The Marriage Plot



The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides won the Pulitzer. Whee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was excited to pluck it from the library stacks. Wow - how could it NOT be on a special list...like you had to make an effort to get it? Well........

I admit I had to skim. Boring......at a lot of chapters. I hated most of his characters - they were self-involved jerks.


Guess I'm just not freakin' literary enough. Sigh.


Here's a paragraph from the jacket: With devastating wit and an abiding understanding of and affection for his characters, Jeffrey Eugenides revives the motivating energies of the Novel, while creating a story so contemporary and fresh that it reads like the intimate journal of our own lives.


I don't think so. Most of the people I know are not dolts like these whiny-ass wieners. The writing is quite good and the general flow of the book is fine. And I understood whatever symbolism existed. Yes, I got the underlying current and the overlying blah-blah. It was all of the stuff in between that did not engage me.


I liked the line on p.136 It was as if the entire city of Paris had agreed to abide by a single understated taste. I could picture what he meant and I liked the understated implication. Good stuff there. There are a lot of rich moments like this as far as description.


However, our "heroine" Madeline is an idiot. Plain and simple, she doesn't make good choices. Maybe that's the point, but it's rather sad. I'd love to hear another person's opinion, besides the Pulitzer Prize committee. Then again, I read awesome reviews, so I'm in the minority.


Go ahead. I dare you to read The Marriage Plot and LOVE it. Please convince me I'm wrong.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas Cards

Lots of Grinches report that Christmas cards are a thing of the past. Too expensive. Too time consuming to prepare. The post office is a dead letter black hole. Well, I say Bah Humbug! Isn't it nice to see a cheery red envelope in your mailbox?

I send out approximately sixty cards. Addressing the cards, I think of the people - friends or family - and reflect on this tradition of best wishes, good cheer, and a hearty hello.


In return, we receive cards, across the miles, filled with notes, news, and a connection.


Here's a homemade card from my cousin Jen. Absolutely delightful!


Pictures are worth a thousand words. Kids are growing up, Rangers were in the World Series (that was a big theme this year in Texas), and a year is chronicled with smiles.


Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Movie Review: Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The opening credits of the American version of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo are some of the most original, hottest, best I've seen since James Bond movies. Truly - the howl of a Led Zeppelin tune and the swirl of black is amazing. Trust me. You'll be drawn into this movie. Kudos to David Fincher, the director. I'll start with saying this movie is hard R - do not allow any children near the theater. Violence, sex, adult themes abound. That said - I've read the books (trilogy), seen the Swedish films (excellent with subtitles), and now I give this version a huge thumbs up.

Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a journalist, currently on the outs due to a scandal. However, he's hired by Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to investigate the forty year old murder of his niece, Harriet. The Vanger family is a mess - rich with Nazi history and no family member talks to each other even though they live on the same island. Trust me, there are issues. Martin Vanger (Stellan Skarsgaard) runs the business now and oh, is he twisted. Finally, Lisbeth Salander, our girl with the tattoo, piercings and goth hair (Rooney Mara in a transformational role) is a computer genius with social issues. There's so much more to her story - you have to read the books and see the movie.

The Swedish countryside is cold and forbidding. The search for a murderer is unrelenting. The performances are riveting. Girl With The Dragon Tattoo has many layers and is well filmed, well acted, and just really really good. No, not a happy Christmas family picture. But, if you want to think, feel, and experience a film - this is the one. Read Stieg Larsson's trilogy and see the movies. Quality abounds.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Movie Review: Hugo

Hugo, seen in Real 3D, fills the eyes with wonder and enchantment. The film is set in the Paris train station in the early 1900s. The clock gears connect and run perfectly thanks to a young orphan named Hugo. We watch as he learned mechanics from his clockmaker and inventor father (Jude Law), but sadly is orphaned due to a fire. He's hustled to the train station by a drunk uncle and ultimately takes over the behind the scenes tick, tick, tick. His clear blue eyes observe the locals - the dour man running a toy booth, the flower girl that the head stationmaster (comic relief provided by Sacha Baron Cohen) falls for, the elderly couple in love, and Isabelle, the toyman's goddaughter.

Isabelle (Chloe Grace Moretz) befriends young Hugo and senses his loss and also secrets. Sure enough he slowly allows her into his world and finds that she has a key to unlock the one thing his father left him - an automaton. That automaton leads to further secrets - the toy booth man (Ben Kingsley) once had a creative vibrant life.

The crux of Hugo is the idea of life purpose, following dreams, and fixing things - whether it's machinery or people. Somehow, there's a solution to problems. While this is a kid film, I found it quite magical as an adult and the message was heartfelt. The Real 3D gave an added sense of being in the cogs of momentum.

Director Martin Scorcese embraced the challenge and once again created movie magic. The film builds slowly, has pauses to allow the viewer to bask in the style, and tells an old fashioned story. The young lad playing Hugo, Asa Butterfield, looks frail, but proves a strong worthy hero. He keeps us concerned, and the tick tick we hear is our heart beating as we race through the clock tower corridors to find Hugo a home and happiness.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes - Game of Shadows is jolly good fun. This is what Christmas movies are all about - breezy dialogue, plenty of action, and Robert Downey, Jr surprising us at all times. Robert's Sherlock and Jude Law is Dr. Watson. Poor Dr.Watson. He thinks he's getting happily married and going to Brighton for his honeymoon. Well, doesn't that sound dull? At least to Sherlock it does. There have been bombings in London, and anarchy appears to be in the offing courtesy of Professor Moriarty. Oh, he seems harmless enough, but Sherlock has diagnosed him as an immoral terrorist.

Thus, forget the honeymoon. Dr. Watson's wife is pushed out of a train (on purpose) to be saved by Sherlock's brother. Meanwhile, Sherlock and Dr.Watson must join up with a gypsy (Noomi Rapace in her first American role) to put together pieces of the puzzle. Is there going to be an assassination and where will it occur? Only brilliant minds, quick footed work, swordsmanship, and the trust of true friendship can foil Moriarty's dastardly plans.

Game of Shadows is well filmed and sharp looking. Rich backdrops and plentiful explosions keep viewers on their toes. It's obvious that Downey, Jr and Law are having a heck of a good time on screen, and they share the wealth of laughter with their banter. Enjoy this holiday treat with the whole family (and sneak in a Christmas cookie or two).

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Book Review: The Art of Fielding

Henry Skrimshander lives and breathes baseball. As shortstop, he has an uncanny knack for knowing where to be, where the ball is going, and then where to throw the ball. Graceful. No waste of motion. Fluid. He's destined for the Big Show - to be recruited by the St.Louis Cardinals and live the dream. Meanwhile, he's on scholarship at Westish College in Michigan and learning about life.

However, a routine throw goes disastrously off course and the fate of five people are upended.

College president Guert Affenlight and his daughter Pella are becoming reacquainted. Owen, Henry's gay roommate and teammate, has an affair that proves problematic. Mike Schwartz, Henry's team captain and mentor, has been too caught up in Henry's career path to worry about his own. Then Henry himself must confront fears, hopes, anxieties, and the season countdown to the finals.


With The Art of Fielding, Chad Harbach has written a delightful tale of youth, sport, ambition, and limitations. His characters are fully drawn and irresistably flawed. The love of baseball shines through and is an excellent backdrop for life choices.


Here's a style sample (p. 5): The kid glided in front of the first grounder, accepted the ball into his glove with a lazy grace, pivoted, and threw to first. Though his motion was languid, the ball seemed to explode off his fingertips, to gather speed as it crossed the diamond.


Thus we meet Henry. You'll root for him and enjoy this pleasant worthwhile read.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Caravaggio Fills the Kimbell

Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome is an electrifying exhibit presented only in Fort Worth at the Kimbell Art Museum and in Ottawa Canada. The Musician (pictured) is one example of the talent displayed. Rich colors and details abound, and Caravaggio (1571-1610) captured life as he saw it. Famous for The Cardsharps, his eye for the seamier side was new to the art world.

There are ten Caravaggios as well as forty or more great masters of Baroque Art included. The exhibit allows you to compare and contrast similar topics and treatments of subjects, especially those of saints. I liked Caravaggio's Saint John in the Wilderness versus others' versions.

As always, a visit to the Kimbell is a treat. Two large Christmas trees add to the festivities, and their lunch buffet offers a delicious respite.

Indulge the eyes and travel to 16th century Rome, a la Ft.Worth, for some culture. Ciao.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Movie Review: The Descendants

George Clooney keeps getting better and better. I wrote that for an Ides of March review. Now I double triple my claim for The Descendants. Wow. The previews are deceiving. This looks like a comedy. The film has funny moments, but it is a serious look at family, life, connecting, tragedy, and Hawaii.

First - the scenery is gorgeous and Clooney's family in this film owns a nice slice of heaven. However, the land is in trust and cousins want to profit. Thus there's a huge vote coming up for whether to sell the land and to whom. Clooney's Matt Price has the final say. He's a lawyer and the key trustee - a lot of responsibility to his heritage and the descendants.

Second - Clooney's wife is hospitalized for a coma. She was in a boating accident and the prognosis isn't good. Clooney's dealing with his ten year old daughter, Scottie, and a teen daughter, Alex. She's been at boarding school due to drugs/drink/mischief. This father's got his hands full and has not been dialed in for years. Obviously, since Alex informs him her mother has been cheating on him. He's bewildered, shocked, sad, and then realizes he'd been out of touch all along.

The Descendants has everyone questioning their relationships, loves, and priorities. Directed by Alexander Payne, the film's subtle humor and sly viewpoints prove successful. Oscar buzz galore - Clooney is superb and Shailene W. (Alex) is intense with her unwavering, unforgiving teen stare.

Hawaii is a wonderful backdrop, but even paradise has its troubles. Aloha to an excellent film.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Christmas in the Stockyards: TWW 2011

Trinity Writers' elves - Lacey, Lauren, and Sharon were ready to greet children, and help with Letters to Santa, an annual event. They were joined by Ann and Jim.

Christmas in the Stockyards 2011. Even the cowboys are decked out for the occasion.


TWW member, Jim Mitchell, is delighted to read the Trinity Writers' Workshop 2011 Christmas collection of stories and poems. All family friendly and free - this giveaway, along with Letters to Santa has proven to be a successful tradition.


Jan Nourse, TWW member, along with her Sonshine Singers entertained stockyard visitors with joyous carols.


They rounded up a few bellringers from the audience. Rainy weather did not dampen spirits and we all enjoyed the smiles from parents and kids alike. 'Tis the season, indeed.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Book Review: The Family Fang









Funny book in a weird twisted way. The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson introduces us to Caleb and Camille Fang, plus children Annie and Buster, as they expose themselves in the form of performance art. Often the children have no clue as to what will happen in the middle of the mall, and ultimately become the butt of the exercise. It's a thrill and a humiliation.







In flashbacks, we witness various stunts. Often clever, often groan-inducing. It's a weird life. No wonder Buster becomes a writer, and Annie is a successful actress. While they seek attention, they also cower from it. It's a strange life perspective.


Then both kids end up back home for various odd reasons, and the parents appear to die in a violent car crash. However, nothing is as it seems in The Family Fang. Buster knows his parents are still alive and sending clues as to their whereabouts. He wants to draw them out, back into the art world for a grand finale.


I won't give away more plot. Just know that these are unique characters. The book is well written, and Kevin Wilson is a literary force. The Family Fang - a stunt worth reading.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Bucks County Fall

My Thanksgiving trip to PA did not involve all eating. While I dined well from Pudge's cheesesteak to turkey to my sister's meatballs, I fed the mind as well. Dad and I trekked to Doylestown in Bucks County and wandered the halls of the James A. Michener Art Museum . We enjoyed the current exhibit The Painterly Voice



From Edward Hicks to Baum, Redfield, Coppedge, and Daniel Garber (see Tanis above), my eyes delighted in paintings of trees, country barns, meandering rivers, and frozen landscapes. More than two hundred paintings highlighted the style of Bucks County artists and their colleagues in New Hope. Particularly lovely is the use of light and color.




Then outdoors, I could admire the grand finale of fall. (And I didn't have to rake leaves.)



The Michener Museum exhibit proved enlightening and enjoyable. The curator's written commentary was light, amusing, and casual. We dined on a visual treat.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thankful



Thanksgiving 2011

I'm very grateful for my family and friends. I'm excited that my book My Zoo World: If All Dogs Go to Heaven, Then I'm in Trouble is published. It's been a great year with poems and flash fictions chosen for various on-line journals.

I'm employed. My husband's employed. We have health insurance. Wow - that says a lot.

My father, at 80 (no, he doesn't admit to being a senior) is energetic and healthy. I'm SO grateful. My sister is doing great, as well as my brother and his family. All in all, I have so much to be thankful for.


Here's a humorous poem to celebrate Thanksgiving and enter the Christmas season:

Peace on earth

bow my head in church and pray
one eye on my teen brother, he texts his girl
other eye on Nate Holcomb, my enemy
I hate him, but it's Sunday so I can't, should
pray for his soul, for that pious face
to break out in zits, but that's not Christian
charity

close my eyes, soar above the congregation
imagine peace on earth, or at least my
sister's grubby fingers out of my stuff
sorry I pushed her, but she stole my glitter
shirt, claimed it was borrowed, but that
implies consent. Stomach growls
pray for last piece of pumpkin pie


sigh



and peace on earth

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Movie Review: Puss in Boots

My husband and I, the only people in the theater not accompanying children, snickered louder than the rest of the Puss in Boots audience. Sheer clever enjoyable entertainment that was adult and kid friendly. That's a tough trick. The Toy Story trilogy pulled it off, as well as the Shrek franchise, and now its successful spin-off - Puss in Boots.

Antonio Banderas voices Puss purr-fectly - ladies man, fighter, and charmer. Salma Hayek is his match in Kitty. Zach Galifianakis is excellent as Humpty Dumpty. Essentially, Puss met Humpty as a foster child. They hit it off and had big dreams, brothers forever. Well, Humpty is a bad egg, constantly working the deals, and leaving Puss holding the bag. Just when all is seemingly forgiven, they work to steal magic beans from Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris) - the Bonnie and Clyde of fairy tales. Magic beans in hand, they grow the beanstalk to nab the Golden Goose or at least her chick. It's all going to be fabulous - repaying the old town, their foster mother, and living happily ever after. Only, there's a double cross and disappointment.

Fortunately Puss works his own magic and redeems himself as the hero. Did you expect anything less? Lose yourself in amazing animation. Chuckle at clever throw-away lines. Eat a huge tub of popcorn. Puss in Boots is a movie treat. Enjoy.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Stephen King:Rare Appearance

Stephen King.

Standing ovation before the man even spoke. Wow! He is a literary magician. On Writing is the bible for writing students. The Stand started it all. IT still scares the bejeezus out of us. Carrie - the book was amazing. The movie introduced us to Sissy Spacek, an impeccable actress.

And so it goes. Our bookshelves groan under the weight of Stephen King's words. I'm grateful each Christmas for his tremendous production, and Ray acts surprised every time he opens a book present. It's tradition.

11/22/63 is Mr.King's latest offering. I have not read it yet. However, his author discussion was fascinating. His opinion is that Oswald assassinated Kennedy alone. Mr King basically said, "Follow the bullet." The book involves time travel and the chance to change history. No doubt, in the world of Stephen King, nothing is predictable or a sure thing.

As we left the Majestic (a gem of a theater), Ray said, "You could spend a day with Stephen King." Indeed, he was funny, charming, opinionated, self deprecating, and a tad odd. Altogether, the perfect dinner guest. I thank the Sixth Floor Museum for hosting an excellent author event.

Stephen King. Standing ovation.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Veteran's Day Salute

Lovely Saturday morning at Spinks Airfield, Fort Worth Texas. Under blue skies, folks could admire The Flying Fortress and contemplate history.

The majestic power of the B17 is formidable. The numbers are staggering - successful missions, and alas, horrific casualties in WWII.




I sat in the green metal cavern, wincing at the loud engines, looking at bombs, and trying to imagine the chaos during battle. Jouncing in the air, it was all I could do to stay seated and look out the window. I can't imagine the tension, intensity, adrenaline, and focus of our young fighters - doing their jobs, intent on an American victory. WWII veterans are in their 80s and 90s now.


I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. Winston Churchill, 1940


I had the amazing opportunity to fly in a B17 bomber on a sunny day - under no duress. I salute all of our veterans of service.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

TWW Marketing Seminar: Chuck Sambuchino

Chuck Sambuchino, author and editor, was the guest speaker at Trinity Writers' Workshop seminar Marketing Your Writing. He's the author of How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack and could provide information from both an author's standpoint and from the editing side.




Deb McNeill and Rosie Povar discussed writing, publishing, and the challenges both present today.






Randy Cook and Alton Bostick - well these two are trouble. You just don't know what they are talking about. Tall tales, that's for sure.





Rich Ochoa, author of Life Rolls Onand One Way Ticket to Anywhere hawked his books. His humor and humanity shine through his memoirs.





Lots of mingling and enthusiasm. Everyone came away with a greater appreciation for the effort needed to write and publish.


One key - Put down the remote, get the butt in a chair, and WRITE!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Book Launch

It's been a journey and an adventure both in life and publishing.
My Zoo World (If All Dogs Go to Heaven, Then I'm in Trouble) is available to buy, read, and chuckle as you turn pages.

As an animal fearing woman, Joanne Faries laughs at her acclimation to an animal loving world. She stares down swans in Sweden and a guinea pig in the washroom, but averts her eyes for the wombat in Australia.

My Zoo World is a humorous memoir of animal encounters with a twist. Among published animal tales, very few are skewed with a touch of fear and laughter on every page. Unlike books written by pet-loving authors, these chapters introduce the reader to a manic menagerie of animals: a snapping Shetland pony, a bowling ball playing pit bull, and a terrified turtle that tolerates distress. Meet Benji, the cat, Muff, the dog, and more. Friends are convinced they can overcome Joanne’s concerns with their precious pets. Join them and root for the animals as you read My Zoo World.

Enjoy!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Halloween Flash




Happy Meal Horror

A ghost plunked gobs of worms into the All Soul's decay stew. The witch stirred her delicacy. It simmered, deadly toxins wafted through the dreary unforsaken mansion. The lid clanked. "I must slay a man tonight," she cackled. "Conjured from alleyways, an insalubrious alcoholic."

Daemons reassured her, "We'll add toadstools in one hour." She nodded, whisked her broom to the docks plucking a ripe sailor. She returned. Goblins contributed nightshade salad to the impending feast.

Brandishing razor sharp fingernails, the witch slashed her victim's neck. "Bloody rum toddies for all." Midnight chimed. Vampires raised goblets. "To death."





Happy Halloween!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Louder

Game 5 2011 World Series. Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Texas. Rangers versus Cardinals. Series tied 2-2. This is a huge game, the final one in Arlington. The stadium is a sea of red. The crowd is loud. Palpable energy. To be good, you've gotta have a lot of little boy in you. Roy Campanella.

Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa. Casey Stengel. St. Louis was up 2-0 and the crowd noise diminished. Then Ranger bats heated up, silly mistakes were corrected, pitching held it together. Talk about ratcheting tension. The plot thickened and Rangers leaped ahead 4 - 2.



Most ball games are lost, not won - Casey Stengel. Have to say, the Rangers held it together, and the Cards made some dubious moves.


Everyone on their feet. Towels waving, hands clapping, cheers and groans. World Series baseball is a whole 'nother beast.


It's the Year of the Napoli. Mike Napoli, Ranger catcher, has done everything right. Big loud home runs, zooming pick-off throws. The stadium's collective chant Napoli, Napoli, Napoli sums it up. The man behind me wore a t-shirt, ...and they lived Napoli ever after ... Let's hope that's true for the Texas Rangers as they head to St.Louis for Game 6 on Wednesday. Up 3 -2 in a best of 7 series. Drama, tension, and characters. Baseball literature is alive.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Recital : Di Wu

I'll be honest. I know nothing about classical music. Wish I'd taken a music appreciation class in college. But, the City of Bedford brought a world class Van Cliburn finalist to the Old Bedford School. Small venue. Amazing acoustics. And WOW! The young lady's fingers were a blur as she played a very French theme of her choosing. As a graduate of Juilliard, Di Wu has presence and passion. She explained our journey with the composers she chose, and it was a revelation for me.


Sad birds chirping in the trees - her fingers transformed the feelings to notes. A boat on the ocean - adrift with waves pounding and then under control. Fireworks - oh, yeah - the fingers flew for the explosion of sound. This was an extremely entertaining evening. Creativity abounded. All I can do is stand and applaud.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Share

I wonder if Gutenberg had as much trouble with his press as I've had with my format issues for my book. Self publishing is an adventure, a challenge, and yes I do appreciate the big NY brickhouses more. However, I soldier on and (shameless plug here), I am on Amazon Kindle - My Zoo World is available for download. Print edition coming soon (fingers crossed).

Back to Gutenberg. An article caught my eye (Dallas Morning News 10/15/11 p. 14A) about Germans in Cologne who have set up free-for-all libraries. Street corners, city squares, and super markets - shelves are available and books are donated and shared. Very cool concept. No questions asked. Take a book, leave a book, read and enjoy.

The project is open and financed by donations. Volunteer groups care for the shelves. The branch manager of Cologne's Mayersche Buchhandlung book store, Elmar Muether, said, "If books are present everywhere, it helps our business, too.". It's promotion versus competition. If someone gets hooked on an author, he or she is more likely to seek out and buy other books.

Anything to promote reading has to be a positive for society as a whole. Das ist gut!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Bronte: Not the Sisters










Bronte, Texas - far from the Bronte sisters' treks on the moors. No Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre here. I volunteered to help my husband at his deer lease. City girl in the country. I was "useless with an opinion." Also, I don't do gates. For those in trucks at deer leases, you'll know what I mean .




Hardscrabble land. We saw no critters. Just shadows on dirt. I liked the name of the Frosty blind. Apparently it can be a bit chilly on a November morn.
































Water. That says it all in west Texas. This stick looked like a claw and I could picture a poor frontier pioneer scratching his last words. Brutal.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Book Review: Portrait of a Spy



Daniel Silva is back with Gabriel Allon and crew, in another exciting thriller, Portrait of a Spy, that spans the globe.


Just when Gabriel thinks his life is calm again, restoring a rare painting, walking the Italian coastline near his home, and loving his beautiful wife, terrorist attacks occur. The old team of top Israeli agents is reassembled, and this time Gabriel recruits a billionaire Saudi woman to penetrate the terrorist organization. Her money is the lure, but her beauty and negotiation skills prove resourceful. One more kicker, Gabriel assassinated her father years ago.


Layers of intrigue abound. Silva's writing heightens the pace and tension. You'll turn the pages, eager to root for Gabriel's crew of world weary richly drawn characters.


Portrait of a Spy captures today's world. Fortunately, the good guys (and gals) can still win.

Monday, October 10, 2011

ALCS: Rangers vs. Tigers

My writing career could be further ahead if I spent time writing instead of watching Texas Ranger baseball. But I'm hooked after last year, and they keep winning. It's stressful, heart attack producing baseball.

They conquered Tampa Bay in the ALDS. Now they face the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. We attended game one on my birthday. Aaahh - fair weather fans. We enjoyed tailgating in sunshine and blue skies. In the 5th inning we lived through one rain delay, and then left during the second. Came home to watch victory (well, Ray did. I sorta snoozed) at midnight.


It started out glorious. A sea of fans in red. Huge flag on the field. Soaring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Then the boys of summer playing in the fall. It's a cast of unique characters, tension filled moments, uneven pacing (hey, it's the Rangers), and the plot can change direction.


Re-live awesome moments and look forward to new heart palpitations.


Rangers as of Monday evening, October 10th, head to Detroit, up two games in a best of seven series. The saga continues in the Motor City - a backdrop of decay, and the largest beers I've ever seen. It could turn noir and gritty.


I'll be watching. Go Rangers!!