tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23798260840103212382024-03-19T07:36:46.910-05:00Word Splash - Joanne FariesJoannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.comBlogger2340125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-69576781990276589382024-03-18T06:00:00.055-05:002024-03-18T06:00:00.248-05:00Monday Moments - The First Ladies <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMREy7LGYleuaNoC0G3r_0XpXO3h7iAlwUHzQWIS635vzwSjTDEV7Np2PNO880vt2NuphkHEPie8qt2GsvgXEbPIuBrdD8kA5-SAOdsFzgXLp7XoQcIDpzR59EJInle1zGEz68rkC2HnOX0DdQb0IDSznluLLM-nuhWxur_y5HBK5tpxC3R275upYb5pZX/s218/first%20ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="144" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMREy7LGYleuaNoC0G3r_0XpXO3h7iAlwUHzQWIS635vzwSjTDEV7Np2PNO880vt2NuphkHEPie8qt2GsvgXEbPIuBrdD8kA5-SAOdsFzgXLp7XoQcIDpzR59EJInle1zGEz68rkC2HnOX0DdQb0IDSznluLLM-nuhWxur_y5HBK5tpxC3R275upYb5pZX/s1600/first%20ladies.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /> What a nice surprise treat! <b><i>The First Ladies</i></b> by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray gives us a novel insight into the friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. Two women. What's so strange about this? Well, back in 1927 this was the beginning of a life long friendship between a white woman and a black woman. (Swoon!)<p></p><p>Frankly, as I read this book, I did keep shaking my head. The segregation. The ridiculous treatment of Dr. Bethune is beyond fathom. And yet, sadly today, still a bit current. From then, through the 1930s, the 1940s (WWII), and 1945 - the UN Charter these women grew to work together, to appreciate each other, and truly make life better for so many. </p><p>I love how this book gives equal story opportunity to both characters. We all feel we know quite a bit about First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a force to be reckoned with and worked hard on so many causes in the shadow of her husband FDR. Mary McLeod Bethune is less well known, but should be. An activist and educator, she is a person to admire. </p><p>Their friendship formed the foundation for the modern civil rights movement. </p><p>Kudos to the author - one white, one black. Their melded chapters flowed and like <b><i>The Personal Librarian</i></b> (another genius book) they truly give us a story for the ages. Please read <b><i>The First Ladies </i></b>- learn and appreciate an amazing piece of history in novel form. </p><p><br /></p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-79491555334515315922024-03-15T06:00:00.015-05:002024-03-15T06:00:00.136-05:00Finally Friday - Transition<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-G5Eabnzu12YOIQTK139UAQ-w8qoPvL_xgZBkX3Mfdh8gXO-cXQcImM_PituqrI-c3CXrMwOV_WTSWUmq4wIRKsCV_8io83Lya4kAWjFOGxlhCMb5znoeWkejWT3HGhu0Ikjnq_jvLVhStMGUIOQ61h148RUcGZ9KVwgAoekXurjyV9VR6WWgGGX443Jl/s2016/dad%20mar%201%20hidden%20meadows%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-G5Eabnzu12YOIQTK139UAQ-w8qoPvL_xgZBkX3Mfdh8gXO-cXQcImM_PituqrI-c3CXrMwOV_WTSWUmq4wIRKsCV_8io83Lya4kAWjFOGxlhCMb5znoeWkejWT3HGhu0Ikjnq_jvLVhStMGUIOQ61h148RUcGZ9KVwgAoekXurjyV9VR6WWgGGX443Jl/s320/dad%20mar%201%20hidden%20meadows%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>So - 92-1/2 Dad's in his new "apartment" in assisted living after 64 years in his old home. <p></p><p>We kids grew up there. But it was time. Stairs - scary</p><p>Fixing meals, problematic</p><p>Taking correct meds - um, dang</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGcIewwArKo6wBf2bzyK8lzizFTP-Qd58owR3lpeL46_vpkFxL4QpAMOPBGUvvUzv6Nd4BfB-oHhw71Dyqe-wXbCowSaTaJ4lF-aosJdm_0PPZHZniU7tQusb3SCM3fk6tCe7Wpk0Apb5pSn_jtonw1G8IODw2utLGVQ7VdvjJJ29P_pKUzaJ0tz3aGDx/s2016/dad%20march%201%20224%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGcIewwArKo6wBf2bzyK8lzizFTP-Qd58owR3lpeL46_vpkFxL4QpAMOPBGUvvUzv6Nd4BfB-oHhw71Dyqe-wXbCowSaTaJ4lF-aosJdm_0PPZHZniU7tQusb3SCM3fk6tCe7Wpk0Apb5pSn_jtonw1G8IODw2utLGVQ7VdvjJJ29P_pKUzaJ0tz3aGDx/s320/dad%20march%201%20224%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Here's the old place<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuZNFcO7fHLOdg4UiNicStdecDiyBpc2dWI97gj16T2Km5pLrefEAQV99knteLU2uxrB5mdvN5nXrTHstwsGPp0bquCjVfl6Kc3fOGYiEsX_H02ITQTLwjfPrz2EdiByt253LVHxBdWYgEBK-IKWyAzoSqfTipt74JBP4jnzT4PrjBtN3Nr3RuP5l2FuT/s2016/dad%20march%201%20224%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuZNFcO7fHLOdg4UiNicStdecDiyBpc2dWI97gj16T2Km5pLrefEAQV99knteLU2uxrB5mdvN5nXrTHstwsGPp0bquCjVfl6Kc3fOGYiEsX_H02ITQTLwjfPrz2EdiByt253LVHxBdWYgEBK-IKWyAzoSqfTipt74JBP4jnzT4PrjBtN3Nr3RuP5l2FuT/s320/dad%20march%201%20224%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The den<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvN8MtnLxAHCcH7I91c1faw6M1edCw1KOVM3AV4us8_yTWg4Ckn3v2utwv_g6jRu5S3Q9aDsjss24nw5BxgkZEVxfq9kL8PUAOhl-GBLIqYy0FGY-3XdK1IFwySEWF2qwchoJN8uJyrK0R-JaoHZfXj5yYm7QDg3ZBhdsZMkcVPv0pP9QtPkRAt9HouWh-/s2016/dad%20march%201%20224%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvN8MtnLxAHCcH7I91c1faw6M1edCw1KOVM3AV4us8_yTWg4Ckn3v2utwv_g6jRu5S3Q9aDsjss24nw5BxgkZEVxfq9kL8PUAOhl-GBLIqYy0FGY-3XdK1IFwySEWF2qwchoJN8uJyrK0R-JaoHZfXj5yYm7QDg3ZBhdsZMkcVPv0pP9QtPkRAt9HouWh-/s320/dad%20march%201%20224%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Yep - a rotary phone. I have dibs on this thing. Do you know how many years he's been paying rent? Yep - crazy<p></p><p>An end of an era. Heartrending for all. </p><p>Wish us luck that he acclimates to new surroundings. The new place is super duper nice with a chef that cooks amazing meals. </p><p>The staff has been fantastic. More power to nurses and aides who will do geriatric work. Patience and more. Wow!</p><p>Wish us luck. He's a sweet man. The old ticker is crazy good. I hope the brain keeps up. </p><p>I am not religious - but prayers. Voodoo. I'll accept anything. Thanks. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-46776327221415191652024-03-13T06:00:00.012-05:002024-03-13T06:00:00.241-05:00Whatever Wednesday - Zoo! Babies!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQQ9yLMd9Ew9OQMnpVD5irWFkgO5vFDphWhYraajXQZS88OIbGXQO2xn-5VXDnvVUYTe9AegOYkcZ0bBJ57RLtMpO_GVSy5pKJ2NEyD1StDlHR3e9voV6fYpBt00kGoWv0LF4pg5gSKxJRhKJhsHDex-F1FdX2PwCgQBT1vuioJ6YWg2FCkMj45AgKsLl/s2016/fort%20worth%20zoo%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQQ9yLMd9Ew9OQMnpVD5irWFkgO5vFDphWhYraajXQZS88OIbGXQO2xn-5VXDnvVUYTe9AegOYkcZ0bBJ57RLtMpO_GVSy5pKJ2NEyD1StDlHR3e9voV6fYpBt00kGoWv0LF4pg5gSKxJRhKJhsHDex-F1FdX2PwCgQBT1vuioJ6YWg2FCkMj45AgKsLl/s320/fort%20worth%20zoo%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Lovely early spring weather. Ray and I needed a break from our normal routine, so I suggested a Saturday visit to the Fort Worth Zoo. What a delight. Baby elephant!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GHhE1BhbEXiXCBtoy-Nmu_QG9YgEj4uHDJ18nenOTFsro7emKeTeP4wpcxUSfHCMbzizGXJ8kDoOHjQ7UPeEmSr_auUVoPew-M9ILljzaJQYSJuh5jM6uuyxVk033cHGi8WCEJMQzOQIuqAvKgheWHGIAlgT17oX-Nmk6Y4Euk3XoNHMB67qVbseZvXC/s2016/fort%20worth%20zoo%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GHhE1BhbEXiXCBtoy-Nmu_QG9YgEj4uHDJ18nenOTFsro7emKeTeP4wpcxUSfHCMbzizGXJ8kDoOHjQ7UPeEmSr_auUVoPew-M9ILljzaJQYSJuh5jM6uuyxVk033cHGi8WCEJMQzOQIuqAvKgheWHGIAlgT17oX-Nmk6Y4Euk3XoNHMB67qVbseZvXC/s320/fort%20worth%20zoo%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Giraffe.. they are just amazing , freaky creatures. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPVb8CglbAKf-eIFjUy4_5iyIULsLGvLOGx8V671EAtRN1ULG60pbIRzkKgs4KdMZI-_-QYPlC9xlmAuuKkNlPZnOmDzB7qGfTGlTqnG7dNq_tY0-NQ_Z9Uwbnk4b1Ow1db74v0sU74tu3bIOYI6DOpPQESyGDYhtd4T8TiazZGruItcif3lJJT6VKpNl/s2016/fort%20worth%20zoo%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPVb8CglbAKf-eIFjUy4_5iyIULsLGvLOGx8V671EAtRN1ULG60pbIRzkKgs4KdMZI-_-QYPlC9xlmAuuKkNlPZnOmDzB7qGfTGlTqnG7dNq_tY0-NQ_Z9Uwbnk4b1Ow1db74v0sU74tu3bIOYI6DOpPQESyGDYhtd4T8TiazZGruItcif3lJJT6VKpNl/s320/fort%20worth%20zoo%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>And here's a bad boy - Rhino<p></p><p>We had a good walk. I did not post my pic of the baby gorilla since it wasn't very good. But She was so damn cute. At one point, she stood up and beat her chest like one would expect from a jungle movie. </p><p>The Fort Worth Zoo is well done and the new African Savannah area makes us the ones behind bars.. Let these cool creatures roam free. </p><p><br /> </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-3612194655691448232024-03-11T06:00:00.032-05:002024-03-11T06:00:00.136-05:00Book Review - Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx39e4GITda4buhCPaMMerVfpOfK0KQVVkmwCiTtU0E0dA2v7X3jehLaF4-lPFACVx0kLEPnKb71mT_uEGxcDXWc2HLkhesHQC_5rdVAtkusVetysR-OCeQYlcEzZUP_BvQhz49o-U7KonlDGWBstlIfkvHJEpV6wekz1KnN_v5d_LFG2SZN9EA0fzs4Ok/s1500/maybe%20next%20time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx39e4GITda4buhCPaMMerVfpOfK0KQVVkmwCiTtU0E0dA2v7X3jehLaF4-lPFACVx0kLEPnKb71mT_uEGxcDXWc2HLkhesHQC_5rdVAtkusVetysR-OCeQYlcEzZUP_BvQhz49o-U7KonlDGWBstlIfkvHJEpV6wekz1KnN_v5d_LFG2SZN9EA0fzs4Ok/s320/maybe%20next%20time.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br /> <b><i>Maybe Next Time</i></b> by Cesca Major is a clever twist on a Groundhog Day premise. <p></p><p>It's a Monday. Emma is very preoccupied, constantly on her phone, and absorbed in her work life. Dan, her husband, is coping. Her son and daughter are existing. Even the dog ignores her. </p><p>Social media, clients "emergencies", groups for kid sports, school, playdates, and more. She makes her own day frantic and "busy". But is that really life? Is she in the moment and truly enjoying her family? No. </p><p><i>Then it's her anniversary... there's a screech of brakes...</i></p><p><i>cover blurb - Dan is dead</i></p><p><i>the next day, Emma wakes up...and Dan is alive. </i></p><p><i>It's Monday again</i></p><p><i>again</i></p><p><i>again</i></p><p><i>She tries to change the course of fate. Will she ever learn the lesson being taught in regards to the social media, to being with her children, to enjoying her husband, to really living her life?<br /></i><br /></p><p>This is a What If? story and I enjoyed it immensely. It shall make you appreciate setting down your phone and truly being with your family or whomever you love. </p><p><br /></p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-56500542079393550042024-03-08T06:00:00.037-06:002024-03-08T06:00:00.141-06:00Finally Friday - Night Will Find You by Julia Heaberlin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I8_GjJ3CYVW0UGYBUGApOZbbOxYTLoIJOALgQGSUtdmeVbjLwmMF5TCBue4zrnpYaqnRb-EJmQ5jt4pTfP7cS0RHdvlyV7kSDZMKlFdJphvk0CcVObD5BGO8zvpAXpzKEIAkiELugncJ4Uq3d7xpTfvibszsD9fZr00OQjhQER-GtwHmqZn5EKJ0LWDi/s218/night%20will%20find%20you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="143" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5I8_GjJ3CYVW0UGYBUGApOZbbOxYTLoIJOALgQGSUtdmeVbjLwmMF5TCBue4zrnpYaqnRb-EJmQ5jt4pTfP7cS0RHdvlyV7kSDZMKlFdJphvk0CcVObD5BGO8zvpAXpzKEIAkiELugncJ4Uq3d7xpTfvibszsD9fZr00OQjhQER-GtwHmqZn5EKJ0LWDi/s1600/night%20will%20find%20you.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><br /> Finally Friday and here's a really good read for the weekend - <b><i>Night Will Find You</i></b> by Julia Heaberlin. <p></p><p>You'll keep the pages turning on this one. cover blurb: <i>A scientist and reluctant psychic. A little girl who haunts her. Can she find the truth? Everyone believes a little in something they can't see. </i></p><p><i>cover: Vivvy Bouchet, age ten, saved a boy's life with an impossible prediction. Now she's an astrophysicist in Texas, devoted to science, and she tries to leave visions behind. </i></p><p>She is called to help on a cold case of a kidnapped girl, and teamed with Detective Sharp, who questions her "skills". She's in the crosshairs of a conspiracy podcaster, haunted by her dead mother, and overwhelmed with dreams. cover - <i>Can she lure a kidnaper out of hiding, find a child who haunts her, and lay some of her ghosts to rest?</i></p><p>Whew! It's a lot to process. Heaberlin's characters are a hoot. The dialogue is snappy. And she keeps the plot tight. Had me guessing until the end. (I did read this in daylight...gets a bit creepy at nightfall). </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-34164492616906274772024-03-06T06:00:00.018-06:002024-03-06T06:00:00.153-06:00Whatever Wednesday - Almost Baseball<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWZod4rAiELHdtkFF_fi3-H5qPB0gdDxhuatc4HKkZACiwOvNjntZA0aIdV6KJCW-oJKjPamd3X_JvXu92vHvWKiT8ue9lv3bwkL45Kh580bnaPaE3SitURogZxfslZuZYNDNT7Hs3VoJ1lbKMoyXG6FTvg6y4sp28zCBEb-XSFEpP6uaPmn63cLcx-Wi/s1080/meme%20-%20baseball%20love.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWZod4rAiELHdtkFF_fi3-H5qPB0gdDxhuatc4HKkZACiwOvNjntZA0aIdV6KJCW-oJKjPamd3X_JvXu92vHvWKiT8ue9lv3bwkL45Kh580bnaPaE3SitURogZxfslZuZYNDNT7Hs3VoJ1lbKMoyXG6FTvg6y4sp28zCBEb-XSFEpP6uaPmn63cLcx-Wi/s320/meme%20-%20baseball%20love.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Yep<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb3QYVayk-kVaowMo9PGV-v_tI8bjBPT1uw7rv7dXAXMe5ryySaHJytsjVRW6Ae-gpd4n1hUi_yxP3SAQtRCVdqLnEmq_6A3UQOLML8rfyCbcJA1IbkYrbsTowar0ETxU1hEG6ciANJKZkGn25F-ySTGXtXc0sHwwA3W28qGPwN6ZGaFFP4yrt1iblVQm/s960/rangers%20june%204%202023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb3QYVayk-kVaowMo9PGV-v_tI8bjBPT1uw7rv7dXAXMe5ryySaHJytsjVRW6Ae-gpd4n1hUi_yxP3SAQtRCVdqLnEmq_6A3UQOLML8rfyCbcJA1IbkYrbsTowar0ETxU1hEG6ciANJKZkGn25F-ySTGXtXc0sHwwA3W28qGPwN6ZGaFFP4yrt1iblVQm/s320/rangers%20june%204%202023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I don't think we can afford tickets anymore<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCNpJiFBRsFKTtLH8Kwao2Sccv7Iqik4wISts-3jN5uOiFMMpi5gqFBCXPVV8O4Fs4KD5WevDh-peHmu3l-wz7JeJcj62ZQLgTIOksTQ6CNlvgSBx8SCJqPVl5p01DkDsKWUtWThkfO7m4rmOrzI-VjgS7hGDu1bWAiTGcJ5iVa4Z0cYQjh5K0HQKHUkp/s640/rangers%20ws%202023%201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCNpJiFBRsFKTtLH8Kwao2Sccv7Iqik4wISts-3jN5uOiFMMpi5gqFBCXPVV8O4Fs4KD5WevDh-peHmu3l-wz7JeJcj62ZQLgTIOksTQ6CNlvgSBx8SCJqPVl5p01DkDsKWUtWThkfO7m4rmOrzI-VjgS7hGDu1bWAiTGcJ5iVa4Z0cYQjh5K0HQKHUkp/s320/rangers%20ws%202023%201.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><br /> Remember the 2023 World Series Champions - Texas Rangers<p></p><p>Now back to square one. What have you done for me lately? Ha!</p><p>Buy me some peanuts and crackerjack....(also can't afford)</p><p>Spring fever Wednesday</p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-15329033079226588702024-03-04T06:00:00.049-06:002024-03-04T06:00:00.143-06:00Monday Moments - Book Review - Romantic Comedy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx_FCpqoIC0IQsa9Jg3UsjWsZKhaVV4dPfthyphenhyphenAHsTcTaJ4LKI2JYGstY9npJlWUhoMpc0oKeoyaB1vjiuEJUPHq3tT_gskOdzgpTmtegKL_XKof5MxGIOgS_JkJaADyBPZXA-GePy-nI6qEu1PfnDDJ6zmNzCAglW1Z5BTQ7QaMQGMJO8irhXVe4Q33ku/s320/romantic%20comedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx_FCpqoIC0IQsa9Jg3UsjWsZKhaVV4dPfthyphenhyphenAHsTcTaJ4LKI2JYGstY9npJlWUhoMpc0oKeoyaB1vjiuEJUPHq3tT_gskOdzgpTmtegKL_XKof5MxGIOgS_JkJaADyBPZXA-GePy-nI6qEu1PfnDDJ6zmNzCAglW1Z5BTQ7QaMQGMJO8irhXVe4Q33ku/s1600/romantic%20comedy.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br /><b><i> Romantic Comedy</i></b> by Curtis Sittenfeld is very obviously loosely based on <b><i>Saturday Night Live</i></b> - the long running late night Saturday comedy show on NBC. <p></p><p>Sally is a sketch writer for the <i>Night Owls</i> that airs on Saturday nights. She's long abandoned the search for love. </p><p>cover blurb: 2018 <i>Enter Noah Brewster, a pop music sensation - he's a guest and host for a show. Dazzled by his charms, Sally hits it off with Noah instantly, and as they collaborate on one sketch after another, she begins to wonder if there might actually be sparks flying. But this isn't a romantic comedy - it's real life. And in real life, someone like him (super hot and famous) would never date someone like her...right? </i></p><p>2020 - pandemic. Noah reaches out via email to Sally. Communication turns into a trip to LA for her. Sparks do fly. Is this real? Is it "LOVE?" </p><p>You have to read the book to find out, but the author does a great job with the<i> neurosis-inducing and heart fluttering wonder of love, while slyly dissecting the social rituals of romance and gender relations in the modern age. (cover blurb) </i></p><p>I liked this book and was along for the ride. Well done. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-9462031106793564322024-03-01T06:00:00.023-06:002024-03-01T06:00:00.134-06:00Finally Friday - Jiu Jitsu Girls<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEged69wcfitdE6IkKfg2gSUT0EvsgyEuzAs2f0Osiu83p2WM_IwmFcc7zuUlkaZD4_WnApw0z1i9x5SKkoguwn2K3IwDGcpHFvjgn9uqA__UJK36VxmCgVKllx4O9KkAuA1l30hVCh-PdY4j_jU5nFjUggo7O77l5e78n6uT5HHIVa97fo73pwN5Hegv0FC/s2016/skylar%20dakota%20feb%202024%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEged69wcfitdE6IkKfg2gSUT0EvsgyEuzAs2f0Osiu83p2WM_IwmFcc7zuUlkaZD4_WnApw0z1i9x5SKkoguwn2K3IwDGcpHFvjgn9uqA__UJK36VxmCgVKllx4O9KkAuA1l30hVCh-PdY4j_jU5nFjUggo7O77l5e78n6uT5HHIVa97fo73pwN5Hegv0FC/s320/skylar%20dakota%20feb%202024%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>New experience a few Saturdays ago for Ray and Me - the Dallas Jiu Jitsu World League. What a zoo. Over two thousand entries of all ages. We sponsored Skylar (age 8) and Dakota (6) with our Christmas present to them. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_irhCUJ-A9dvEsyuhvPit4Wew4BxFrC07SEqKhqQVu5BPZvAT9EV2vGGKBkruAQ8DMv44f5QwvYCc4dHPjMf0fQh4J3qk36sASQhi3fS_pzkRlOvGWhpDUeo0avzrQBxBweLkrxzHVaOZXjaosFBoN4z_W9DBq1we42ZhHS95hNS_dcbAAIL3IBw96nI/s2016/skylar%20dakota%20feb%202024%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_irhCUJ-A9dvEsyuhvPit4Wew4BxFrC07SEqKhqQVu5BPZvAT9EV2vGGKBkruAQ8DMv44f5QwvYCc4dHPjMf0fQh4J3qk36sASQhi3fS_pzkRlOvGWhpDUeo0avzrQBxBweLkrxzHVaOZXjaosFBoN4z_W9DBq1we42ZhHS95hNS_dcbAAIL3IBw96nI/s320/skylar%20dakota%20feb%202024%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Here's Skylar (left) facing off. These little gals are tough<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxg0d2QJmiVY6FiRu7j5KV4MkTKxTsGkq7XkD92vE2H47E45XhQQ_aD6lN-hojy1tDgtkCvKimOlAFf6FKubKtuZSnuWMHa_1E1P0jrDEticsQSWp8YSXGfh7yT49ULhfpWsim0tStLcbKAzTTtuk8m0kfSfy2hBx_Mkn6Zig50jnjHmixpbQmW4sQK-5/s2016/skylar%20dakota%20feb%202024%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxg0d2QJmiVY6FiRu7j5KV4MkTKxTsGkq7XkD92vE2H47E45XhQQ_aD6lN-hojy1tDgtkCvKimOlAFf6FKubKtuZSnuWMHa_1E1P0jrDEticsQSWp8YSXGfh7yT49ULhfpWsim0tStLcbKAzTTtuk8m0kfSfy2hBx_Mkn6Zig50jnjHmixpbQmW4sQK-5/s320/skylar%20dakota%20feb%202024%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Dakota (left) is a "beast" per her father<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nMGBAg0uRjCHAsJ5bN7_oOfiaZo7Sjurj9iAxsD4hPvmLohSVqJP9eTC6gdvMZoKUEGVobxghDAa4QS2lByKC4eMmOKppLuYev7HUI1lzZ2mBf99JbOFuJSu_WNLMIAAIGtQIJxwrdHbB1W4g0bERpVFXoKOB7XwM3Gg44Es69r84tHMWlSVJv3t74y1/s2016/skylar%20dakota%20feb%202024%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nMGBAg0uRjCHAsJ5bN7_oOfiaZo7Sjurj9iAxsD4hPvmLohSVqJP9eTC6gdvMZoKUEGVobxghDAa4QS2lByKC4eMmOKppLuYev7HUI1lzZ2mBf99JbOFuJSu_WNLMIAAIGtQIJxwrdHbB1W4g0bERpVFXoKOB7XwM3Gg44Es69r84tHMWlSVJv3t74y1/s320/skylar%20dakota%20feb%202024%207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Silver medals for both and lessons learned. It was interesting to watch and fun to cheer them on. <br /> <p></p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-13192345703147660492024-02-29T06:00:00.032-06:002024-02-29T06:00:00.134-06:00Bonus Leap Year Day 2024 - Year of the Dragon<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jbsIOtUtmlQWBAMZOySX2_5zbNZLpcKybj0Iito8i0poxAGEFKW2rhYxiPzXAgEQP9g7lJ2VXgoZnFhUNMvuKouqb0SzWgZu6AXbcq2TnjLg_etfEQH3rTGu0m4fQKoMUPuyoQO_-PbzAg27SJJIS35HpAV1ID8g__bNG9yJ-rqb9Q-W0tVIvOXqvsDy/s612/year%20of%20dragon%202024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="612" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jbsIOtUtmlQWBAMZOySX2_5zbNZLpcKybj0Iito8i0poxAGEFKW2rhYxiPzXAgEQP9g7lJ2VXgoZnFhUNMvuKouqb0SzWgZu6AXbcq2TnjLg_etfEQH3rTGu0m4fQKoMUPuyoQO_-PbzAg27SJJIS35HpAV1ID8g__bNG9yJ-rqb9Q-W0tVIvOXqvsDy/s320/year%20of%20dragon%202024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> It's the Year of the Dragon 2024 I've been gathering some assorted quotes from the <b><i>Wall Street Journal</i></b> that struck me - all very random. So enjoy this bonus post on a bonus day. Why February? Dang - generally cold, dreary, totally useless. <p></p><p>Enjoy</p><p><i>Art is the expression of man's pleasure in labor </i>- William Morris</p><p><i>I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses</i> - Johannes Kepler</p><p><i>Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn't have in your home - </i>David Frost</p><p><i>Children at play are not playing about; their games should be seen as their most serious minded activity</i> - Montaigne</p><p>I liked Keplers the most, especially in this most ridiculous election year. </p><p>I hope you are playing today - it's a bonus day of total frivolity. Use it wisely (ha!) my friends. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-14172629059011604632024-02-28T06:00:00.019-06:002024-02-28T06:00:00.131-06:00Whatever Wednesday - Bright Star<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLumaP1ddMhafl5Wfx3MN3o7d4zaDm0bpJC4sYz38_A3MxyM12Er0GZsoJvJJHjrqX9rJegC35UDgsfOGo2D2ZapoVvcJYS9iMJUK_-aqpQJDqk7aZ04z3NTIgZZsqIl6ZgypnIxUqnBDz7oED8h_YXSryXB2cB5Dr0-mUBhfCi0MBIUemNXHNk5YiA03h/s2016/bright%20star%20show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLumaP1ddMhafl5Wfx3MN3o7d4zaDm0bpJC4sYz38_A3MxyM12Er0GZsoJvJJHjrqX9rJegC35UDgsfOGo2D2ZapoVvcJYS9iMJUK_-aqpQJDqk7aZ04z3NTIgZZsqIl6ZgypnIxUqnBDz7oED8h_YXSryXB2cB5Dr0-mUBhfCi0MBIUemNXHNk5YiA03h/s320/bright%20star%20show.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Sunday afternoon in Hurst TX - Artisan Theater presented <b><i>Bright Star,</i></b> a Tony nominated show created by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. <p></p><p>This was a really lovely local production. The talent was outstanding - vocals, acting, sets, etc. Wow and kudos. </p><p>This musical takes place in North Carolina in 1923-24 and also 1945-46. As it goes back and forth in time, we see a story unfold about two young lovers who were not destined to be together. We also follow a story about a young man destined for writing greatness. So many paths cross. Hearts broken. Reconciliation. Oh man, this tugs the heartstrings. </p><p>So, good story. Very good songs. Excellent vocals. </p><p>Fun afternoon.</p><p>Support your local theater companies. These folks are working hard and singing their hearts out. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-10704001557121547492024-02-26T06:00:00.051-06:002024-02-26T06:00:00.140-06:00Monday Moments - Kenan Thompson Memoir<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifb517toK2DN8F8HrCSl7MVll1ZO2TgDX_IYZwNs9rCAYAqYSehYiwvrj5fbpbyAqvlT6kH8k4BfIeeskDw20q5RMWvrVJqX7JPTB6PpDTRNRxUC7DE2rPy09UhNYmJnGUXFgMy8GLEH94SiJ5qgpBxC-7uV-PdHhlx9tzZEDtAsnTZ2Lc4Ik2nIAiCtUw/s218/kenan%20thompson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifb517toK2DN8F8HrCSl7MVll1ZO2TgDX_IYZwNs9rCAYAqYSehYiwvrj5fbpbyAqvlT6kH8k4BfIeeskDw20q5RMWvrVJqX7JPTB6PpDTRNRxUC7DE2rPy09UhNYmJnGUXFgMy8GLEH94SiJ5qgpBxC-7uV-PdHhlx9tzZEDtAsnTZ2Lc4Ik2nIAiCtUw/s1600/kenan%20thompson.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br /> As a fan of Kenan Thompson on <b><i>SNL</i></b>, I was excited for his memoir and it did not disappoint. <b><i>When I Was Your Age</i></b> is quite funny, very real, just a dude talking to us. He's the longest ever cast member and sketches like "Black Jeopardy" are hysterical. He's still got a baby face, and he absolutely cracks the cast up. <p></p><p>His goal in life was to act and be funny. And his family life was good. His mom worked darn hard to make his dream come true. From the <i>Mighty Ducks</i> to <i>All That</i> to <i>Good Burgers</i>, Kenan was destined to be a star. </p><p>He's a dad to two girls and SO not cool now. He's got dad vibes and he's good with that. </p><p>cover blurb - This book is <i>packed with hilarious yet poignant essays that are aimed to offer any parenting advice, focusing on positivity, and having fun in life. He tells his story about auditions, failures, going bankrupt, and getting on <b>SNL</b>, a true dream come true. Then he had to work hard to succeed there - fortunately getting paired with a very young Colin Jost (writer at the time). They clicked and the rest has been history. </i></p><p>I laughed out loud at this book as a true fan of Kenan. He's down to earth and sheds some good comments on <b><i>SNL</i></b> cast members and guest hosts. He comes across as a really nice guy who's worked incredibly hard at his craft, often being the "token black dude", but not letting that be his story. He's beyond talented and funny and I'm glad I read his book. </p><p><br /></p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-51541179175439853682024-02-23T06:00:00.031-06:002024-02-23T06:00:00.136-06:00Finally Friday - Mean Girls, the Musical <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjlhXlpoJ6CC5xejgyfOB0CzVLcPDJSCiS0Ols-xxmSeJu-XYq8ogsNlSdFKJwiIPioIdhF1gDxmvv8hTgXo6cQv3idehyhQ3dActAFuPB4tO2q9ZLdbnuRjImaL8nXE0kV4VLKOgQPtHXQDGMnGKfTyBKBuA-KAsWizVNIaADVKKkYj4tCu6yn3blWnj/s300/mean%20girls.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjlhXlpoJ6CC5xejgyfOB0CzVLcPDJSCiS0Ols-xxmSeJu-XYq8ogsNlSdFKJwiIPioIdhF1gDxmvv8hTgXo6cQv3idehyhQ3dActAFuPB4tO2q9ZLdbnuRjImaL8nXE0kV4VLKOgQPtHXQDGMnGKfTyBKBuA-KAsWizVNIaADVKKkYj4tCu6yn3blWnj/s1600/mean%20girls.webp" width="200" /></a></div><br /> So we had the original 2004 hilarious movie by Tina Fey. Then there was a Broadway musical. Now we have the 2024 musical movie <b><i>Mean Girls</i></b> and it is truly funny. <p></p><p>Tina Fey's creation is hysterical. It's campy fun. Renee Rapp as Regina George captures the Hot Girl Leader of school. </p><p>Angourie Rice as Cady Heron is the innocent young lady who grew up overseas and is clueless. </p><p>Christopher Briney as Aaron Samuels is great as our token stud. </p><p>Clicks abound. High school is brutal. But this musical has great voices, good acting, and is just an enjoyable two hour romp for all of us who survived. Believe me - I understand the <b><i>Mean Girls</i></b> vibe and I was not a cool girl. I was on the receiving end of the high school horror. I can laugh now!</p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-72506009381776355552024-02-21T06:00:00.039-06:002024-02-21T06:00:00.144-06:00Whatever Wednesday - Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40RU9eDXYjskzH0q5zdKxuhei8UvOSsKf-6pFviltIz9sBcT88EXR-9vnKKUqhKq_ch-HrahLWeITRmJgn3oJiuzCpu_5VvYYC8XWPA3BOb-g9QeSfx0g1CqzFnNcxsE-RoL-MYW1dzqd8rPVGtPA4Yrg1j0YvMcV1dWM1ty5kZnfDETZ2-UXWxVNga75/s218/mad%20honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="144" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40RU9eDXYjskzH0q5zdKxuhei8UvOSsKf-6pFviltIz9sBcT88EXR-9vnKKUqhKq_ch-HrahLWeITRmJgn3oJiuzCpu_5VvYYC8XWPA3BOb-g9QeSfx0g1CqzFnNcxsE-RoL-MYW1dzqd8rPVGtPA4Yrg1j0YvMcV1dWM1ty5kZnfDETZ2-UXWxVNga75/s1600/mad%20honey.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /> You just can't go wrong with a Jodi Picoult book. She is SO on top of topics and <b><i>Mad Honey</i></b> (written with Jennifer Finney Boylan) hits a hot topic - trans issues. <p></p><p>Olivia McAffee starts over with her son, Asher, after a picture perfect marriage that goes dark. She moves home and takes over the family beekeeping business. </p><p>Lily Campanello relocates for her senior high school year. </p><p>Paths cross. Asher and Lily fall in love. But trust...</p><p>cover blurb: <i>Then one day, Olivia receives a phone call. Lily is dead. Asher is being questioned by police. Flashes of temper by Ash (so much like his father??). Lily's secrets....?</i></p><p>Secrets, risks, love, suspense. <b><i>Mad Honey </i></b>is a darn good read, with twists and turns I did not anticipate. </p><p><br /></p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-3356884912258046942024-02-19T06:00:00.051-06:002024-02-19T06:00:00.136-06:00Monday Moments - American Fiction movie<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW88AyOkiaHmpV4PNl9RMOYuE3KuXex00VrqwTVao1XS4bGWEJCBYQiZCu_slHCAFCZaQBJHen6By70EFMrZcLLnJnjHAlIySjekKoXC7y2G65lixTq-KBtPrDqdQRFapMiFUV_hhpHDH60KSRmeS0lOD_ihvkHYulk-XTSYP02yH2OT5Ou2rAbQv3cXZq/s2222/american%20fiction%20movie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2222" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW88AyOkiaHmpV4PNl9RMOYuE3KuXex00VrqwTVao1XS4bGWEJCBYQiZCu_slHCAFCZaQBJHen6By70EFMrZcLLnJnjHAlIySjekKoXC7y2G65lixTq-KBtPrDqdQRFapMiFUV_hhpHDH60KSRmeS0lOD_ihvkHYulk-XTSYP02yH2OT5Ou2rAbQv3cXZq/s320/american%20fiction%20movie.JPG" width="216" /></a></div><br /> What better way to celebrate President's Day than with a movie satire. <b><i>American Fiction</i></b> is fire! <p></p><p>Thelonious "Monk" Ellison (the brilliant Jeffrey Wright) is an African American upper class writer and professor. His novels are praised by not widely sold. Newcomer Sintara Golden (Issa Rae) panders to black stereotypes with <i>We's Live in Da Ghetto</i> and that irks Monk to no end. </p><p>The man has money troubles and he writes a ridiculous cliche book - deadbeat dads, gang violence, drugs and he calls it <i>Fuck</i> (sorry by me for using the word) - just asking for trouble. It goes on (spoiler alert) to win awards. </p><p>There are SO many conflicting issues going on in this movie and it's well done. I'm not explaining it well, but trust me this is worth watching. I laughed out loud, cringed, and well...so much of the situations for black writers, educators, performers are darn too true. This movie makes you think, laugh, and appreciate the acting. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-42469896123304658612024-02-16T06:00:00.067-06:002024-02-16T06:00:00.124-06:00Finally Friday - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Hv6wBlLrFTOReSu14jc4svVGl1OFD6DyopfKLfQ1REFrm90FSY6Kl3uJ-sr-bmFPhxiw7ronkN6ruFxhuOvae0qclMGrLkbSy9RzUFSDoLTAVQC61VuPJ33uFgHfWCZ-1wuRXvOIqJnkw7zOEh6XBv7eV-LerxMvLFHAetIE53jLjmx6027IKNA4to2d/s218/tom%20lake%20book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="144" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Hv6wBlLrFTOReSu14jc4svVGl1OFD6DyopfKLfQ1REFrm90FSY6Kl3uJ-sr-bmFPhxiw7ronkN6ruFxhuOvae0qclMGrLkbSy9RzUFSDoLTAVQC61VuPJ33uFgHfWCZ-1wuRXvOIqJnkw7zOEh6XBv7eV-LerxMvLFHAetIE53jLjmx6027IKNA4to2d/s1600/tom%20lake%20book.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /> Head to <b><i>Tom Lake </i></b>this weekend via Ann Patchett's comfortable writing. Her style is sublime, her characters rich, and Ann Patchett weaves a family tale. <p></p><p>It's 2020 pandemic and Lara's three daughters return to the family cherry orchard in northern Michigan. While picking cherries, they pick their mother's brain for <i>the story of Peter Duke, a famous actor with whom she shared both a stage and a romance years before at a theater company called Tom Lake. As Lara recalls the past, her daughters examine their own lives and their relationship with their mother, and are forced to reframe their understanding of the world they thought they knew. (cover blurb)</i></p><p><i>P. 116 There is no explaining this simple truth about life; you will forget much of it. </i>Lara was thinking<i>. Memories are then replaced by different joys and larger sorrows. </i></p><p><i>p.152 "If we're going to be miserable and cry, let's do it in the lake," says Nell. </i></p><p>Lara: <i>I drop beneath the surface and open my eyes. It's as if someone brought up all the diamonds at Tiffany's and crushed them into dust, then spread that dust across the water so that it sifts down evenly, filtering through the shards of light that cut into the depth. </i></p><p><i>(cover blurb) </i><b style="font-style: italic;">Tom Lake </b>cuts into the depths<i> of youthful love, married love, and the lives our parents led before they were our parents. </i>I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend, than to enjoy this book. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-13302378185509677362024-02-14T06:00:00.030-06:002024-02-14T06:00:00.135-06:00Happy Valentine's Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils37XhhUCT603IigClAlPgw-C_MgVMuKpc4UWwvKrOX315v3CyqcqEgi8CW71S0Al-wM7iahktDFo1Zx-xnwk67TsQwLFyMwfJfqWjvJtUQfUrj8B2hHDdlHkXAHt-QagHMXTPZ6u3iaxNn1bc4Kp4IFXLA4lizknHr01PrDt_ev00DL4jErvgbj8wQli/s3648/bleak%20and%20v-day%20005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils37XhhUCT603IigClAlPgw-C_MgVMuKpc4UWwvKrOX315v3CyqcqEgi8CW71S0Al-wM7iahktDFo1Zx-xnwk67TsQwLFyMwfJfqWjvJtUQfUrj8B2hHDdlHkXAHt-QagHMXTPZ6u3iaxNn1bc4Kp4IFXLA4lizknHr01PrDt_ev00DL4jErvgbj8wQli/s320/bleak%20and%20v-day%20005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Love does not exist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction</i> - Antoine de Saint-Exupery<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww1oQWxYAvFUsEi8uDxNbs3vNjbjSAUiaMHxMCinxLXR3-ZfmhMyTLIXTHDCcxXA71sMsUCJpXpnnPKRM3u4dDhymIjNfK6Qjjs-B6JU6BA4pK3ocgpw1_EVv3QYEHeOPy0lYjwbzEOoVkS4XActerYyAJaMdUx0NgQmmOyFEbnFhVPU5748iI4j9ic_x/s3648/bleak%20and%20v-day%20006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww1oQWxYAvFUsEi8uDxNbs3vNjbjSAUiaMHxMCinxLXR3-ZfmhMyTLIXTHDCcxXA71sMsUCJpXpnnPKRM3u4dDhymIjNfK6Qjjs-B6JU6BA4pK3ocgpw1_EVv3QYEHeOPy0lYjwbzEOoVkS4XActerYyAJaMdUx0NgQmmOyFEbnFhVPU5748iI4j9ic_x/s320/bleak%20and%20v-day%20006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i>Happiness is the china shop; love is the bull </i>- H.L. Mencken<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT0E0ZqgSdhPdurQ_UH9kHZBBm_iu1r3xiA0TSDSHSIuuCbDbnHdyAibdH_hvX6AHw1TelS2Xe-6mAatW2_udW7btwKhjUFvTnpKgXHOJjYs9_qxVvqnoBuGhb_3yo2c2c0qy_9pRK3t_AWb70yc6DgvuvHhjk-HIZqYtnDLzJT1R7_Fh191UvZCZnqbW/s3264/ray%20and%20heart%20cactus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT0E0ZqgSdhPdurQ_UH9kHZBBm_iu1r3xiA0TSDSHSIuuCbDbnHdyAibdH_hvX6AHw1TelS2Xe-6mAatW2_udW7btwKhjUFvTnpKgXHOJjYs9_qxVvqnoBuGhb_3yo2c2c0qy_9pRK3t_AWb70yc6DgvuvHhjk-HIZqYtnDLzJT1R7_Fh191UvZCZnqbW/s320/ray%20and%20heart%20cactus.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>My Ray<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAP2qRCcmROVLVpC-RAx5-i7ddCDgUY62Js0lMhzl-zMXhMgwt10GZIBzWK97vj00Hw7q0ar3hHBqw9r5nfSacdyXIE-n3-ZDsE-I5fwP6jzdECrefduxwxDY9W-6sHIFX-kc3ckU58k3t_Aa5-xO7AaDn5X9a9-qUMQXPoQ2Y-MQdiBqcre-mG24fNyA/s960/vday%20tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAP2qRCcmROVLVpC-RAx5-i7ddCDgUY62Js0lMhzl-zMXhMgwt10GZIBzWK97vj00Hw7q0ar3hHBqw9r5nfSacdyXIE-n3-ZDsE-I5fwP6jzdECrefduxwxDY9W-6sHIFX-kc3ckU58k3t_Aa5-xO7AaDn5X9a9-qUMQXPoQ2Y-MQdiBqcre-mG24fNyA/s320/vday%20tree.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><i>But love me for love's sake, that evermore</i><p></p><p><i>Thou mayest love on, through love's eternity</i></p><p>Elizabeth Barrett Browning<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01JNZbyautP0IDRe6JuaoK5zJDTdF20QqHMdWzktA8XwPneqQHD5Xfx0rRTyNr6jOGHX-Z8JlfXujm87O5x41Rj_lCsZJLbWIPB0st9yMbh5HaQZ9wqwuY-rODjqJ3bCMVpGPdREOXaUH6i9Swx6Ojr4LwCWX5tcbYVYk0KYLNohyT4El6EMBC35E3tyw/s1280/vday%20welcome%20meme.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01JNZbyautP0IDRe6JuaoK5zJDTdF20QqHMdWzktA8XwPneqQHD5Xfx0rRTyNr6jOGHX-Z8JlfXujm87O5x41Rj_lCsZJLbWIPB0st9yMbh5HaQZ9wqwuY-rODjqJ3bCMVpGPdREOXaUH6i9Swx6Ojr4LwCWX5tcbYVYk0KYLNohyT4El6EMBC35E3tyw/s320/vday%20welcome%20meme.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Welcome love this fine day. Love of friends - near and far (that includes you my blog friends), partners, pets, nature, music, art, sports, whatever brings a peace, a smile, a calm. And look in the mirror. <p></p><p>Happy Valentine's Wednesday! <br /> </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-1990761216595790362024-02-12T06:00:00.041-06:002024-02-12T06:00:00.126-06:00Monday Moments - Jane Smiley and Writing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjn9KkqKMJyHWfWwZ3WzNaGqkLeDJvT9smkE0Of0xyBy07WVMmzROdKyBoPurrwAwayboi3_oX2Z_m7a3jJwWznacjJLJ27aUSvAU3ZA2hxGzm7PpLXO-lNqOE0Yw14BGLBk2g6lWaykk-7_LG59HLMNr8XGxzxafHkVX3pM2PpxMmFcx_MkvKFT_W_Z_/s218/question%20by%20jane%20smiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="143" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjn9KkqKMJyHWfWwZ3WzNaGqkLeDJvT9smkE0Of0xyBy07WVMmzROdKyBoPurrwAwayboi3_oX2Z_m7a3jJwWznacjJLJ27aUSvAU3ZA2hxGzm7PpLXO-lNqOE0Yw14BGLBk2g6lWaykk-7_LG59HLMNr8XGxzxafHkVX3pM2PpxMmFcx_MkvKFT_W_Z_/s1600/question%20by%20jane%20smiley.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><br /> <b><i>The Questions That Matter Most: Reading, Writing, and the Exercise of Freedom </i></b>by Jane Smiley. Wow - quite a title and a lot to think about. I've read most of Jane Smiley's fiction and it's excellent. Here in her essays, her skills, thought process, and deep dive into character are quite educational and thought provoking. <p></p><p>cover blurb - <i>Smiley dives beneath surface level interpretations to examine the works of de Navarre, Dickens, Trollope, Beecher Stowe, Alcott, Twain, Cather, and more. Smiley works to think harder and, in her words, with "more clarity and nuance about the questions that matter most". </i></p><p>I had to really think here. Great writing. Impressive contrasts and comparisons. She has inspired me to go back and read some classics that I haven't read in a zillion years. I need to approach with a new appreciation. </p><p>I got this book at the library after perusing the shelves. Her name made me grab this book and I'm glad. Got the gray matter astir. Dang!</p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-82570763422235253682024-02-09T06:00:00.017-06:002024-02-09T06:00:00.139-06:00Finally Friday - Freaking Fun Music from the FWSO<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGqWegs9hj_Jv0ebdREidpXXTd6PCT8AmonI9oI0TpJy7Pj3tJpnmP02XynojLqxnhBI-ppjNqwwu0qBa2F5Y5HSyyKJXW80UKOQ6TatGs4ItzBdCqc30JryWF6Mif7Tn-FBW2MWjbq8pVHnK81bwgvOIQs7csOuxIjkqWHnhS58hzDlt_jMjmdDd4-mR/s2016/fwso%201-21-24%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGqWegs9hj_Jv0ebdREidpXXTd6PCT8AmonI9oI0TpJy7Pj3tJpnmP02XynojLqxnhBI-ppjNqwwu0qBa2F5Y5HSyyKJXW80UKOQ6TatGs4ItzBdCqc30JryWF6Mif7Tn-FBW2MWjbq8pVHnK81bwgvOIQs7csOuxIjkqWHnhS58hzDlt_jMjmdDd4-mR/s320/fwso%201-21-24%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Super fun Sunday Jan 21st. I treated myself to an afternoon of the symphony orchestra and the music of Billy Joel and Elton John. Two thumbs up winners. The vocalist, Michael Cavanaugh, had starred on Broadway in "Moving Out" - the Billy Joel musical. He was handpicked by Billy to play the part. The man can play the piano like crazy, and his voice is perfect for all of these songs. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0S9RHWAu1kaOdUPfXMAOj5vPGeQ_oPa03pd7rgZYj__nj498ADveqDsLEz657INOuWtlxq-YUwMz0c8BhPNDJaBObEKjeIZFDtCwOOUgA6z0LnwiQodLkJOKy3Y8FxFIOK3buSjvtLnr35erPxjcAJjQCdnNTJ1hU1_bq2Ny45KsFP4g4aqo5yBwX2-C/s2016/fwso%201-21-24%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0S9RHWAu1kaOdUPfXMAOj5vPGeQ_oPa03pd7rgZYj__nj498ADveqDsLEz657INOuWtlxq-YUwMz0c8BhPNDJaBObEKjeIZFDtCwOOUgA6z0LnwiQodLkJOKy3Y8FxFIOK3buSjvtLnr35erPxjcAJjQCdnNTJ1hU1_bq2Ny45KsFP4g4aqo5yBwX2-C/s320/fwso%201-21-24%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Look at that list. Awesome all around. The conductor, Ron Spigelman, looked like he was having a blast and the orchestra sounded stellar. We all came out of Bass Hall just happy and rejoicing in the music soundtrack of our lives. Win! Win!<p></p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-19884128167327831002024-02-07T06:00:00.035-06:002024-02-07T06:00:00.173-06:00Whatever Wednesday - Someone Else's Shoes by JoJo Moyes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpwdiJ5JUDDP2TI8KoENmI7p7hUshoDkG-tHmP7a5vTFBXCpzbnc2ZiUQsHsaDq6Rx65BQCYF8DB_nsa6QRab5wN8rNNjt0vvyIT8ps9iYMyLIOYmn3fuDEskEF7uW-X4GvgPR7MC_NZ9TFWB82Pf96sQMt17xDrZEcApvF_gCtsG9Rk1jBwjWCs1402m/s218/someone%20else's%20shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="144" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpwdiJ5JUDDP2TI8KoENmI7p7hUshoDkG-tHmP7a5vTFBXCpzbnc2ZiUQsHsaDq6Rx65BQCYF8DB_nsa6QRab5wN8rNNjt0vvyIT8ps9iYMyLIOYmn3fuDEskEF7uW-X4GvgPR7MC_NZ9TFWB82Pf96sQMt17xDrZEcApvF_gCtsG9Rk1jBwjWCs1402m/s1600/someone%20else's%20shoes.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /> cover blurb - <i>Who Are You When Forced to Walk in</i> <b><i>Someone Else's Shoes</i></b>? <p></p><p>JoJo Moyes always writes incredible characters and a fully developed novel. Nisha Cantor, an American in England, is married to a rich jerk. He's cut her off from everything she owns and her biggest thing (she thinks) is a pair of Louboutin shoes. Alas, at the gym, bags get swapped. The gym closes. And Samantha Kemp ( a middle aged shlub with husband issues) has picked up the bag with those shoes. </p><p>For Sam who's holding on with a thread to a sales job, those shoes prove pivotal to her image. </p><p><i>When the two women finally meet, they will discover that each needs the other to put right the wrongs that have been done to them - and to the women around them, from Jasmine (a true gem) to Sam's steadfast friend, Andrea. (cover blurb)</i></p><p>This is a fun read but almost ties up too neatly with a ridiculous solution. I enjoyed the read, but had to chuckle at the contrived ending. I still recommend this book as a total chick junk brain candy time waster. And that's okay. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-24713347057165431402024-02-05T06:00:00.042-06:002024-02-05T06:00:00.145-06:00Monday Moments - The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzEzsY_IKPe89OPpKehugT8cV49JryoFh_EshAIcHivwvZPds628XMJPxAGW0QmlihZJwiUx3EzYQ72KJ_oBLnuIRkSKiRE6MJfUt9qNiNnmH5qLXdbl-40S1soK5_oc-x447ETA-3xpCsFbAOa4a5LJljNTi1n4ai7TaGXp-IjYA4gFTALcm8abSQlaE/s218/lenni%20and%20margot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="143" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzEzsY_IKPe89OPpKehugT8cV49JryoFh_EshAIcHivwvZPds628XMJPxAGW0QmlihZJwiUx3EzYQ72KJ_oBLnuIRkSKiRE6MJfUt9qNiNnmH5qLXdbl-40S1soK5_oc-x447ETA-3xpCsFbAOa4a5LJljNTi1n4ai7TaGXp-IjYA4gFTALcm8abSQlaE/s1600/lenni%20and%20margot.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><br /> Have a box of tissues ready by the end of the book. You'll have a good sniffle or two after reading <b><i>The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot </i></b>by Marianne Cronin. This story is heartwarming with delightful characters, a lot of charm, and the power of friendship and love. Huge thumbs up and big hug. <p></p><p>It's the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. Lenni is seventeen years old and dying, but still living. In a hospital arts and crafts class, she meets Margot - eighty three, purple pajama wearing rebel. <i>The two of them have one hundred years between them and they begin a series of works from their lives and tell the stories to accomplish one hundred paintings. This showcase of one hundred represents stories of love and loss, of courage and kindness, of unexpected tenderness and pure joy. </i>(cover blurb)</p><p>Friendship transcends time and the book makes you think about your legacy. It's a very sweet story and you will absolutely love Lenni and Margot. Happy tears! Snif, sniffle. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-54600328417596179102024-02-02T06:00:00.019-06:002024-02-02T06:00:00.139-06:00Finally Friday - Groundhog Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnSE_qV7rKPcPjM_d1fpVY__bh45f_ModTKzOk3JWuQXyp4IRTb2aQKsI9eS5tchL1LL0xT1rmDsgAkQXumzVd4ZWqAWB8NunR2KFWWEtkHHC-GoDUc2qxgQWhCctssBl8tWmFQWcH4VZUwmOzUlWetp9sG3feCmKTCVlJyhpiMFXhkZu1tgx7awfUWvX/s2592/snow%20march%202008%20008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnSE_qV7rKPcPjM_d1fpVY__bh45f_ModTKzOk3JWuQXyp4IRTb2aQKsI9eS5tchL1LL0xT1rmDsgAkQXumzVd4ZWqAWB8NunR2KFWWEtkHHC-GoDUc2qxgQWhCctssBl8tWmFQWcH4VZUwmOzUlWetp9sG3feCmKTCVlJyhpiMFXhkZu1tgx7awfUWvX/s320/snow%20march%202008%20008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Happy Groundhog Day! Will the groundhog see it's shadow? Six more weeks of winter ahead?<p></p><p>Here are some past February snow and ice pics. We'll see what happens<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggiuO_TpbkP9MzBlDnRsiBuLrb9KXLWYAYkb1it-WUHIlWJTfSHEU8Gi12aC-4lV1PRSOSi5izlqCW5w2IaYttVnbw3J6NJ4O4HYW7UgV3fxO_OePKLQ3GxiPrrRGrzbbutuOGqLRcsp8VK9hk3_2Sc2sR3hdybI3xUz1FOYlrthvZOQmb2BFk-6bemCG/s640/ice%20feb%202022%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggiuO_TpbkP9MzBlDnRsiBuLrb9KXLWYAYkb1it-WUHIlWJTfSHEU8Gi12aC-4lV1PRSOSi5izlqCW5w2IaYttVnbw3J6NJ4O4HYW7UgV3fxO_OePKLQ3GxiPrrRGrzbbutuOGqLRcsp8VK9hk3_2Sc2sR3hdybI3xUz1FOYlrthvZOQmb2BFk-6bemCG/s320/ice%20feb%202022%2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcHHy1sJGYLSoPv5tzChaF11YVVjQ-SrELUNHA7Fnm9qd3pSGT8ua0lEf_4wSIqAfoALkeYhkrTX2_ga9YMdsvDsJ7_g24SgRkYw2s8dDzae8kmluzPwW29gu3CKLLjaiDnJ8ile9HHvgQA-x7KQfyVAnPfwVR9EmiWquPPLlagFqOwuUGCnktr9EI6tN/s2016/ice%20trees%202018%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcHHy1sJGYLSoPv5tzChaF11YVVjQ-SrELUNHA7Fnm9qd3pSGT8ua0lEf_4wSIqAfoALkeYhkrTX2_ga9YMdsvDsJ7_g24SgRkYw2s8dDzae8kmluzPwW29gu3CKLLjaiDnJ8ile9HHvgQA-x7KQfyVAnPfwVR9EmiWquPPLlagFqOwuUGCnktr9EI6tN/s320/ice%20trees%202018%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBedmCbtKRL2Y56K8SsSjtC_Ayy_VtvoLictsTohccaHNrCdLrOB96nyzLWp1sfEya64X4p_UQitMgwMIv3O5vN6Zho3Cab2xf-IM5d6m1Gqo8bfatSgiDgG4wwbix0rESKY6iE6ZqXJ7WOXPlgwRtKob9LZBOR_KrAX1bEpM3OKpUYW0eO-Tx2D6PHaC/s2016/ice%20trees%202018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBedmCbtKRL2Y56K8SsSjtC_Ayy_VtvoLictsTohccaHNrCdLrOB96nyzLWp1sfEya64X4p_UQitMgwMIv3O5vN6Zho3Cab2xf-IM5d6m1Gqo8bfatSgiDgG4wwbix0rESKY6iE6ZqXJ7WOXPlgwRtKob9LZBOR_KrAX1bEpM3OKpUYW0eO-Tx2D6PHaC/s320/ice%20trees%202018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I sure hope the grid holds up and we keep power on. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj-MJxbgbsLy6k8oeJsKFk4OgmLAX8yQazn2iJzd2BMNErN42OkJ5mObC5KR1VjvM0Z6tk8EcRJokL2PqeEyIu8jpTmdsqK18T0FTIK-EXirkRCGVPfoabq_bkmSaMFP8-7ZzGE0rj7uSwG7ldjsL7QUd0fhw8mrPySNC7VfysKbv-iKS_D1TjltkFIVl/s3648/snow%20feb%2011%20008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj-MJxbgbsLy6k8oeJsKFk4OgmLAX8yQazn2iJzd2BMNErN42OkJ5mObC5KR1VjvM0Z6tk8EcRJokL2PqeEyIu8jpTmdsqK18T0FTIK-EXirkRCGVPfoabq_bkmSaMFP8-7ZzGE0rj7uSwG7ldjsL7QUd0fhw8mrPySNC7VfysKbv-iKS_D1TjltkFIVl/s320/snow%20feb%2011%20008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A nice dusting of snow is fine, but let's not go crazy. <p></p><p>Hot chocolate and a good book - I can handle that for six more weeks. But can Ray? Ha! He'll be waving the white flag. </p><p>Cheers all and I hope it's a sunny warm weekend. <br /> </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-27627121417974767022024-01-31T06:00:00.057-06:002024-01-31T06:00:00.141-06:00Whatever Wednesday - Sly Stone Memoir<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylHpokwHOr7GOiNpV48hWV5RogBPkY_ww-43a343_nF9EXlzKrOqhhH32m23ffHONpEEcmf0IMSP0i7p5_Pm5VEX2NSAtbQKmk29wYb_8P7P_PDj_v7Np1JDafM5qu35a9-NwPT-6s6B6psYDFoQA0TCXNa_KejvsLhFXmcijF2su9-ThQ7D9qRf837qq/s218/sly%20stone%20memoir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="144" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylHpokwHOr7GOiNpV48hWV5RogBPkY_ww-43a343_nF9EXlzKrOqhhH32m23ffHONpEEcmf0IMSP0i7p5_Pm5VEX2NSAtbQKmk29wYb_8P7P_PDj_v7Np1JDafM5qu35a9-NwPT-6s6B6psYDFoQA0TCXNa_KejvsLhFXmcijF2su9-ThQ7D9qRf837qq/s1600/sly%20stone%20memoir.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /> It's a <i>Family Affair, Everyday People, Dance to the Music, Higher, Stand, Hot Fun in the Summertime</i>, and more. The 1960s and 1970s - Sly and the Family Stone electrified Woodstock and the world. Sly Stone's influence on modern music and culture is indisputable. Now his memoir, <b><i>Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)</i></b> relates the ups and downs and ins and outs of his amazing life. (cover blurb)<p></p><p>The man is now eighty one years old. Holy Cow! When you read this book, you'll be amazed he's still alive after years of addiction, jail time due to tax and child support issues, and a dizzying career. Radio DJ, record producer, musician (multiple instruments) - he was a key to the San Francisco 1960s music scene. </p><p>Sly Stone <i>tells his story with humor. He's honest and playful, sharp and blunt, emotional and analytical, always moving and never standing still. </i> (cover blurb). </p><p>Key statement in book: <i>Music, just music. It's been that way from the start. I don't want to get in people's way and I don't want them to get in my way. I just want to play my songs. I would do it for nothing. </i></p><p>Play the soundtrack and read the memoir. Flash back to a funky time in music history. And try to keep your feet from moving...you can't!</p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-87399923084909596112024-01-29T06:00:00.039-06:002024-01-29T06:00:00.259-06:00Monday Moments - The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWnMj4-AEnLtUG37ABikBud6Xy9oRqile-lX3Q4kkj4QXHZbbmD2pfzpQhyphenhyphenaCTcqUIfvbXU_aRdzlnWeiCO0uy0vHxG4awNlK_qccXriicQrwg5Oa_DMXsu8v4Ny3F_OZSK4xIG3bDGpE3ZxhvA5AIl4FYS7yQzOaBn1AiRrDPg65u7HPGzHRvIQJRtU5/s218/gifted%20school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="140" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWnMj4-AEnLtUG37ABikBud6Xy9oRqile-lX3Q4kkj4QXHZbbmD2pfzpQhyphenhyphenaCTcqUIfvbXU_aRdzlnWeiCO0uy0vHxG4awNlK_qccXriicQrwg5Oa_DMXsu8v4Ny3F_OZSK4xIG3bDGpE3ZxhvA5AIl4FYS7yQzOaBn1AiRrDPg65u7HPGzHRvIQJRtU5/s1600/gifted%20school.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><br /> <b><i>The Gifted School </i></b>by Bruce Holsinger is a very entertaining read. I bought it for one dollar at the local library used book sale - a real deal. <p></p><p>Crystal, CO is the place to raise children. With a very fine school district, the stakes are raised when an even more elite school is proposed. Kids must test in and also produce a portfolio of their specialties. This middle school will be tops and suddenly the competition amongst long time friends/neighbors becomes fierce. </p><p>Cracks form. Kids are pitted against each other. Parents secretly pursue prestige and recognition.</p><p> cover blurb -<i> Long buried resentments arise between friends and spouses alike, as ever more toxic instincts emerge. The most shattering secret of all still lies waiting to be exposed. </i></p><p>The characters are sharp. The dialogue crackles and tensions rise. This book is hilarious, brutal, and way too real. It provokes, skewers, and tackles parenting and privilege. Kudos. You will keep turning pages and gasp as friends attack friends. </p><p><i><br /></i></p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-46296785194471646562024-01-26T06:00:00.043-06:002024-01-26T06:00:00.144-06:00Finally Friday - Bonnard's World<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYd9qCM-si5pUjrb89z3ibEzZvfPx9oy4MwCpxkHTOl_lF8Nske5ovvyN05LVof7u8q9D47_Io6laoR6yQwLzBDRfjp-T0FY2pSNMVEpLeSnhuLhJqYTuV2AVKiZR1pKpBXIDSdpwHCEfICV66bSgbXPMp1rLSkgtZVyRWjJfm4FGqOoa54d2lCQ9y1zP/s640/bonnard%202024%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYd9qCM-si5pUjrb89z3ibEzZvfPx9oy4MwCpxkHTOl_lF8Nske5ovvyN05LVof7u8q9D47_Io6laoR6yQwLzBDRfjp-T0FY2pSNMVEpLeSnhuLhJqYTuV2AVKiZR1pKpBXIDSdpwHCEfICV66bSgbXPMp1rLSkgtZVyRWjJfm4FGqOoa54d2lCQ9y1zP/s320/bonnard%202024%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>another part of a Sunday art stroll involved the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Just a stunning museum with amazing exhibits. <b><i>Bonnard's World</i></b> did not disappoint. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJhfYpdNw2uPUvNTp_aB3XjYOVXbbAQz1J-L1Y_9IA9OIH8Dp3-3fXYNb_7qKva8jqdYkLHZdLEVBSKEG0TpDc8-PTeeayjwVeAxioYj9EG46pArnhzIzwUD2VdHPKJGima52mWC3DtpVjeKBYGv0n6vxOXyXfH1T9Qjg7PgK27F1gcRd45I0vjjTRYGk/s640/bonnard%202024%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJhfYpdNw2uPUvNTp_aB3XjYOVXbbAQz1J-L1Y_9IA9OIH8Dp3-3fXYNb_7qKva8jqdYkLHZdLEVBSKEG0TpDc8-PTeeayjwVeAxioYj9EG46pArnhzIzwUD2VdHPKJGima52mWC3DtpVjeKBYGv0n6vxOXyXfH1T9Qjg7PgK27F1gcRd45I0vjjTRYGk/s320/bonnard%202024%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pierre Bonnard, first famous starting in 1890, he explored almost a new version of impressionism based on the influences of Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. His color treatments and use of light were innovative - almost rivaling his pal Henri Matisse<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfzDucPrUrcCgUPBIeXEtsEuujHteddTc4QmXzvbqEOtSVzz9Uys9n_ptlLGoL9nAy4G_II6GRljgxerllLJfqWqlsDm64BQokC2GBGEKzJ3_z2aN811ePvz2X0psZ_OoDenagijEPWWK2P82w8HxTuvKDhsRbABztIt6zxWYQVAOjBvQjvUo323gPR50/s640/bonnard%202024%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfzDucPrUrcCgUPBIeXEtsEuujHteddTc4QmXzvbqEOtSVzz9Uys9n_ptlLGoL9nAy4G_II6GRljgxerllLJfqWqlsDm64BQokC2GBGEKzJ3_z2aN811ePvz2X0psZ_OoDenagijEPWWK2P82w8HxTuvKDhsRbABztIt6zxWYQVAOjBvQjvUo323gPR50/s320/bonnard%202024%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This exhibit is not by date, it is by category. The <u>landscapes </u>- often a point on a hill above the target (a home, a village). <u>Windows </u>- a view within a view. Patterns of light and color with a mix of composition. <u> Dining and Living </u>- meals, a chandelier, fruit, or an open cupboard. Bonnard's worked invited you into the kitchen and a meal. <u>Bedroom and Bath</u> - He met Marthe in the 1890s and did not marry until 1925. She was his muse - a modern women performing the rituals of bathing, dressing, strong in her own body. <p></p><p>The colors in this collection glowed in the galleries. I loved the compositions, the landscapes, and the views of Pierre Bonnard. The Kimbell honors a very special artist with this exhibition. Glorious!<br /> </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2379826084010321238.post-32459387374775854902024-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:002024-01-24T06:00:00.149-06:00Whatever Wednesday - Lauren Graham's Latest Book<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb2DDyrd5jRHJ4J-IXe2KJI2mx9RhcZ2lEFfzIlaknJl9SlJuBBW0IaQKn4S-6N0dSdYKoll4vVY-eGwS3_Ny929qZ_4O2WXK5KTivtOy3fyVizTBDbp-rG0eC07lItNU8hE2TA9DSZlIrY-G16r_-BwCygm3ytY8cpfLe9VCeRtNJo-fdRJmFuZHVnk3/s218/have%20I%20told%20you%20this%20already.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="142" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieb2DDyrd5jRHJ4J-IXe2KJI2mx9RhcZ2lEFfzIlaknJl9SlJuBBW0IaQKn4S-6N0dSdYKoll4vVY-eGwS3_Ny929qZ_4O2WXK5KTivtOy3fyVizTBDbp-rG0eC07lItNU8hE2TA9DSZlIrY-G16r_-BwCygm3ytY8cpfLe9VCeRtNJo-fdRJmFuZHVnk3/s1600/have%20I%20told%20you%20this%20already.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><br /> A very sweet Christmas gift from a fellow <i>Gilmore Girls </i>fan - Julie gave me <b><i>Have I Told You This Already? </i></b>by Lauren Graham. <p></p><p>Quick patter, sharp humor, relatable, and hilarious. This book is a very fast read. I tried to slow down and savor it, but Lauren Graham kept drawing me in with her very relatable stories. She's a modest star, always comparing herself and her acting situations to those super stars who were prettier, thinner, "better". Nonetheless, Lauren Graham made IT with <i>Gilmore Girls.</i> </p><p>Still, she had to work hard. She gives us a lot of behind the scenes look into Hollywood. She's funny and your newest best friend. </p><p>This book is a quick wry read. Her essays are hilarious and filled with advice too. Aging gracefully in Hollywood is a full time job and this book is witness to her success. Thanks Julie for a great present. </p>Joannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.com2