Monday Moments - David Sedaris Latest

 I love David Sedaris humor.  The man is a gem. He's a national treasure. His humor and observations are priceless. 

I own every book in his career and can chuckle reading any page.

His latest, The Land and Its People, investigates what it means to be a traveler, a brother, a lifelong friend. 

cover blurb - Throughout these essays - at once acerbic and tender, playful and profound - Sedaris shows how much there is to marvel at when you keep your head up and your eyes open, observing warmth - our fascinating human species, and the land we inhabit. 

Trust me - as you read and wonder where he's going with a story, he will zap you with a hilarious final line. 

I  laughed out loud multiple times.      Enjoy.

(PS - I  saw him once at a public reading - This was a bucket list item.  He is hysterical and gives it his all live in performance. )

Finally Friday - July 4th Weekend

 Well, 250 years of the United States of America

Here's my table decor

Are we, America, going to survive?

I actually question if we can survive the current presidency.   I am at a WTF question mark. 

On a side note, the whole World Cup joy has brought me joy.  Get rid of politics and crap - people are people are people.  I've learned this from travel.  Folks are kind, thoughtful, and generous in real life situations.

Folks  discovering Buc-cees, Taco Bell, BBQ, and more in Texas - it's been joyously fabulous. 

so, we'll see if the Great American Experiment can survive the current crap administration and carry on. 

I'm now going to re-watch Hamilton for the zillionth time on  Disney+

Cheers, fireworks, pool float, hot dogs, hamburgers, and family time. 

Enjoy and all the best to YOU!!!

Whatever Wednesday - GOOOOAAAL

Greetings.   When I went to see SASSY MAMAS at the Jubilee Theater in Fort Worth, I visited Sundance Square ahead of time.  Very fun.  The soccer ball sculptures were on display

The fountains were rising and kids were enjoying the water. Folks were taking pics with these very cool soccer ball  sculptures. 

Colorful joy. A band was playing.  A big screen showed a soccer/ football game, and families  were enjoying a free Fort Worth afternoon  (well....there was parking prices.....never free now)

 All in  all  - it  was a ball.   World  Cup fever, baby!!!

Monday Moments - Sassy Mamas

 Saturday, June 20th, I treated myself to some local theater.  I love the Jubilee and they do not disappoint. 

SASSY  MAMAS was hysterical.  Written by Celeste Bedford Walker.  Directed by Davian Jackson. 

cast - The Key Ladies   

 Jo Billie - Crystal Williams

Mary - Pattra Smith

Wilhelmina - Deon Sanders

Side pieces - the guys.   Colby - Christopher Hill,   LaDonte - Jacobie Thornton, Wes - Brian Gibson

OMG - These ladies were looking for love for various reasons.   It took a bit, some struggle, some misunderstandings....

But they found the right connections. 

Very funny.  Well-acted. The ladies were fine.  The men were HOT.

We all laughed

Awesome Saturday matinee.  Support Your Local Theater.    Truly

Finally Friday - Summer Malaise

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm actually at a Silver Sneakers class as you read this.  The instructor, Terry, is incredibly fit and funny, so when he says, "You can do one more...", you actually believe him and do it.   Whew!

But, often, my brain says - c'mon, stop, go sit, read, lay down, what are you doing?, why?

I am SO sick of thinking about meals.  This happens every summer.  Yes, I get hungry.  Yes, we must eat.

But I hate planning meals.  Ray is brilliant at grilling and we do well.  But I think the prices of food right now is making me hate it.  Don't fret.  We can afford to eat.  It's the principal of it all. 

Arrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

That's my random Friday post.  Thank you for reading.  I hope you have some fun ahead. 

it's  Sangria Saturday with friends.  We shall float poolside, chat like crazy, drink Sangria, and eat snacky foods.   It's a tradition with Linda H. and Julie (Shout out, ladies)

Sunday, I'm going to a Dallas Wings basketball game with a long time friend, Trish.

I am very fortunate in fun and friends.    Cheers, all - call an old friend and catch up. 

(Meanwhile, Ray finishes his Pickleball League - please win, please win, please win

Then he heads to his family reunion...enjoy BBQ and whatever in the country)   Rah!
 

Whatever Wednesday - a grand finale of POPS Lego art

A rose by any other name....

Dragon  fly

A real heron.  He's accustomed to people and happy to pose

a zebra loose in Fort Worth.  He's enjoying his spot in the Botanic Gardens.  Almost hypnotizing. 

You could see the lion  from across the gardens.  Talk about POPS!

 and my Ray dodo meets a real Lego dodo. 

A fitting finale to our walking tour of the  Fort worth botanic gardens.  I hope you  enjoyed the stroll. 

Fresh air and fun for the eyes.  Summer joy is in your town - venture  forth and enjoy. 

Monday Moments - surprises around every corner

It was not that long ago that I posted our Costa Rica pic of the red-eyed tree frog.  Now here's a colorful Lego version. 

You can almost hear this woodpecker

Deer and fawn

Proud stag

Sly fox (almost looks on the move)

and where's the yard crew?
 

Finally Friday - Keep Strolling

You wanted more of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's POP exhibit.  Sean Kenney found his creative niche in the world of Legos. 

Snow leopard looks ready to pounce

This flower is real.  I had to take a picture.  So pretty

a pangolin with its baby

Polar bear and cubs.  Good  it's Legos and not an ice sculpture.  It was a very humid day.  I was melting. 

This mama is a favorite. 

But, wait, there will be more and then you can pick your fave. 
 

Whatever Wednesday - More to the Garden POPS!

Glory to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens with their very fun POPS - a Lego exhibit created by artist Sean Kenney.  Over 40 creations.  Over 800,000  Legos used in the installations. 

Ray and I enjoyed our stroll!

So creative.  This is in the entrance courtyard area. 

Isn't this fun!

I love the color. 

Keep your eyes out as you stroll the grounds.

And the Botanic Garden itself is gorgeous.  So full of eye-popping  fun. 

Stay tuned - there's  way more.   Enjoy. 
 

Monday Moments - Manners and More

 Is it just me, or are manners out the window?   Ray and I are constantly appalled at people's behavior in public. Just rudeness. I do believe it's become more noticeable and is definitely spurred by social media. 

(Also, someone should lead by example - cough, cough)

No respect for property, people, public behavior.   Sigh!

Let's start our Monday with some common courtesies.  ( of course, my blog friends are already well behaved)

I love mankind - it's people I can't stand - Charles Shultz

Mankind is more prone to evil than to good - Machiavelli

We are a journey that has forgotten its destination - Anonymous

We're all guinea pigs in the laboratory of God. Humanity is just a work in progress - Tennessee Williams, Camino Real 1953

Be kind. 

Finally Friday - Frivolity

Finally Friday and a family trip for Kevin and his crew out west.  Here he is with Skylar on his shoulders and Dakota by his side to view the Grand Canyon. I hope the girls appreciate the grandeur and absorb the awe. 
 

Plus they had fun at White Sands, New Mexico.   A fleeting Faries mark

Every week lately has seemed like, "Wow, what the heck is going on?"  

Deep yoga breath.  I hope you have a good weekend.  If nothing else, step outside and really look at what's around you. 

Nature has her own mode of doing each thing, and she has somewhere told it plainly, if we will keep our eyes and ears open - Ralph Waldo Emerson  1860

Whatever Wednesday - Power Ballad

 I needed a short escape on a dreary, rainy Friday and treated myself to a movie - Power Ballad. This is a small film with a big heart.  It's a bit less than two hours - hooray.  It stars Paul  Rudd and Nick Jonas - two pleasant cuties.  It has some music, laughs, and is just entertaining. 

Paul Rudd (Rick Power) was a former star in a decent band. After he married an Irish woman, had a kid, and took off a year, he lost that gig. Since then, he's the lead singer in an Irish wedding band. It's a living - a human jukebox. 

The latest gig is at a very fancy Irish castle and turns out a groom's best friend is Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas) - a former boy band superstar who's not found his next groove.  After the show, Rick and Danny  end up talking music, playing some tunes, and noodling on a song. No big deal.  "It's been fun"

Six months later, Rick hears his song "How to Write a Song (Without  You)", only  it's a massive hit by Danny Wilson. Say what?

Here's where some hijinks ensue. Rick just wants some credit and some payment for his song. Danny's manager gives Rick the "buzz-off" and "do you have any proof"?  I won't tell more except Rick and one of  his Irish bandmates head to the U.S. to find and confront Danny. 

Power Ballad is about music, art, integrity, and family. Rick wants his wife and teen daughter to be proud of him. Deep in his soul,  he knows he's a good songwriter.  He wants the acknowledgment.  And then there's Danny who can really interpret a song - put  the soul into the tune.

I  predict this film will not  stay in  theaters long. It's a "little film". Look for it on  streaming and thank me for  a pleasant two hours.

Monday Moments - Rangers Baseball, Lou Gehrig, and more

A quick Monday post.  Yesterday, Ray and I enjoyed a Texas Rangers baseball win over the Cleveland Guardians. 10 to 0  Rah.   The Ranger mascot, Maverick, is rather silly looking.  We enjoyed the game energy. 
 

Between innings, there was a little film of Lou Gehrig - the very famous Yankee who had to retire early due to ALS.  June 7th was Lou Gehrig Day, sending the message of the need/ search for a cure.

And alas, Bonnie Pemberton, a writer friend of mind, passed in December from this horrible disease. It was sad to see a vibrant amazing woman slowly lose her words and ability to communicate. She was a presence!

Anyway - it's good of the MLB to have special salute days, emphasize awareness, and to contribute funds for research. And it evoked memories for me - Bonnie had a great hearty laugh. 

Have a good week my friends. And take a moment to remember/ salute a special person who's gone from your life. 

Finally Friday

This is a pull it out of my butt post at 9:20 pm Thursday night.  I have a pile of book reviews to do. Just been too lazy to write them up for you.  Some good reading. 

I've also changed up my YMCA exercise routine, and it's wearing me out.  Whew!   Water aerobics on Monday/ Thursday.  Yoga on Tuesday.  Pilates on Wednesday. And Terry's Silver Sneakers Weights Class Friday.  (Terry is a beast).  Finally Gentle Yoga to finish out the week on Saturday.  Are  you tired just reading that?  

Plus, frankly the state of America is exhausting right now.  Just reading the daily newspaper makes me sad (often). 

Be the chief, but never the lord.   Lao-Tzu  6th century BC

One must steer, not  talk - Seneca the Younger   5 B.C   (I'll add - not text at midnight and beyond. Holy crap)

Random - Netflix shows I've enjoyed.   RAFA - a documentary about Rafa Nadal - the great Spanish tennis player.  It's an eye opener. I had no idea how much pain he endured as he won so many matches. What a competitor.  He's now retired.  Just turned 40. Has a very cute young son and lovely wife.

Four Seasons - stars Tina Fey and more.  She's awesome and this is just a funny little series - thirty minute episodes. Good for my attention  span

Pop  Culture Jeopardy with Colin Jost as the host.  Totally mindless.  The competitors are excellent.  Amazing  how much crap people know (and I've surprised myself- ha)

 I love this picture.  It sorta equates to my brain  currently.  Up and down the staircase

I hope you folks are well and have a good weekend.  We, in the DFW area, are having wacky weather.  Sultry build-up.  3 inches of rain in an hour.  Then, sunny and bright.  Let's go sweep  that mulch back into  the new landscaping again.   Rinse and repeat. 

Our weatherman keeps promising that the "gates of hell" heat will hit soon.   Oh boy!

Happy June!  Enjoy your weekend. 

Whatever Wednesday - Shut Up and Read

 Shut Up and Read by Jeannine A. Cook is a revelation of a memoir.  Harriet's Bookshop in  Philly opened right before the pandemic. Holy Cow. 

This book talks about the author's literary art salons in Princeton, Paris, New York, and Nairobi

She held book events for Michelle Obama! and so many other fabulous literary celebrities. 

She delivered books on horseback. 

This woman is freaking amazing.  cover blurb - This is a behind the scenes look at one bookseller's quest for creative freedom - part confessional, part call to action, part love letter.  Between book bans, AI, big box competitors, and real life, Cook writes her story. 

I loved this book. This woman is a tour de force.  She is amazing and inspirational. 

And she just loves books.  Truly - just shut up and read!!!!

You're welcome. 

Monday Moments - Seasons of Love

I treated myself to a matinee ticket at the Circle Theater in Fort Worth TX.  What a delight.  The show was RENT - book, music, and lyrics by Jonathan Larson (RIP).  I saw this show many years ago in Dallas and loved it. When it first won the Tony Awards in 1996, I bought the CD and wore it out. Loved the songs, loved the words, loved the message.  

Fast forward to now. 
 

The Circle Theater is very intimate. I had a great seat and here's the stage. The actors sang their hearts out with gorgeous voices. Great acting and production.   One Song Glory, Light My Candle, I'll Cover You just brought my chills. 

When the second act opens with Seasons of Love - oh my. I'm a-goner. 

Huge thumbs up.  Support local theater.  You are in for a lovely afternoon.  Definitely go see RENT!

Finally Friday - The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware

 You can count on  Ruth Ware's writing to you keep your attention, keep you surprised, and keep those pages turning. The Woman in Suite 11 is  a follow-up to The Woman in Cabin 10 and it's a doozy.

cover blurb - Lo Blacklock returns to attend the opening of a luxury hotel, only to find herself in a white-knuckled race across Europe. She's ready to reestablish her journalism career, but she's been out of the game for ten years. It's a different landscape. 

The luxury Swiss hotel is owned by billionaire, Marcus Leidmann. She hopes to land an interview. A late night call from his  room leads to her being greeted by an alleged mistress in  life or death jeopardy. 

cover  How much is Lo willing to sacrifice to save this woman...and can she actually trust her?

I can't write more. I don't want to give away secrets.  Money, power, and intrigue. Who will survive?

Whew!

Whatever Wednesday - Epic Saga

 The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai is a tour de force of a saga. It is 670 pages - a dense heavy book that takes you to  NYC, Delhi and Goa India, and Mexico.  cover blurb - it is a sweeping tale of two young people navigating the many forces that shape their lives: country, class, race, history, and the complicated bonds that link one generation to the next. A love story, a family saga, and a rich novel of ideas, it was worthy of being shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize. 

Grandparents in India try to matchmake Sonia (in Vermont) and Sunny (in NYC). The clumsy meddling only launches a grand adventure as we watch each of them diverge and converge in their lives. The chapters switch tales, countries, and time periods. The various boyfriends, girl friends, parents, and grandparents, along with servants, and friends are richly drawn and add quite the backdrop to Sonia and Sunny's story. 

The writing is impeccable. 

p. 244   Travel stories made a person competitive, even about the places he had already seen, let alone the ones he hadn't.  "Greece? Dour lot. No fun in them since B.C. The only time they become jolly is when they get drunk and throw the plates about. There's nothing to  see but a heap of stone."   It was little blips like this that made me laugh out loud. 

p. 253 Sonia returned to India from America "because it's lonely."   She said, "It's the premise of being American. You are an individual, therefore you are alone. Therefore you must be able to do everything by yourself. Rent a car at an airport, drive yourself cross country to a job in a place you've never heard of, defeat your enemies, trap a rat, make money to pay bills to look after yourself even when you are dying - "       ( IMO - Observations like this are brilliant. )

p. 294  And when was it that Sunny had learned the US was only about one thing? In the morning when he turned on public radio it began: race, race, race.........the conversation came down in a hammer blow - Race!

p. 660  The universe tries everything it can to prevent love. If one thing doesn't work to keep two people apart, then it tries another. Darkness follows darkness, across geographies, across centuries. It has its own life, unspooling.

It has been awhile since I've read a novel like The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. This is a WOW!  It's not easy, but it's compelling, impressive, intriguing, and so rich in language and story telling. 

Standing ovation.  

Finally Friday - Memorial Weekend

 

The real and lasting victories are those of peace and not of war - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Unfortunately, wars occur and valiant soldiers do their duty, serve their country and lose their lives for the cause. This Memorial Weekend, amidst the pool openings, picnics, cookouts, and beers, let's remember the  fallen and salute their efforts. 

As John Lennon  sang, "All we are saying, give peace  a chance."   Make  Love, Not War

Peace, Please