Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Update on Valentine's Day
Okay as proud as I was for cooking a good steak on the stove top last night I am remembering why I love to grill. The smell of cooked meat is still lingering in my house. Ugg. On the plus side it's better then a diaper, better then a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, better then a bucket of warm spit, better then.....well you get the point.
Also should say how fortunate I feel for being able to buy a steak and not think twice about it.
Still, looking forward to warmer weather today and opening up some windows.
Also should say how fortunate I feel for being able to buy a steak and not think twice about it.
Still, looking forward to warmer weather today and opening up some windows.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Spread the Love Songs
Favorite Love Songs
random order as they popped into my head
Tupelo Honey - Van Morrison
Case of You - Joni Mitchell
You Really Got a Hold on Me - Smokey Robinson
Dig - Incubus
Cupid - Same Cooke
At Last - Etta James
Cowboy Take Me Away - Dixie Chicks
She's in Love with the Boy - Trisha Yearwood
Let's Make Love/It's Your Love (tie) Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
Come a Little Closer - Dierks Bentley
I Wanna Love you - Bob Marley
Baby You amaze Me - Paul McCatney
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn
Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
Romeo and Juliet - Dire Straits (Indigo Girls is good too)
Red on a Rose - Alan Jackson
Red on a Rose - Alan Jackson
Anyone Like You - Moldy Peaches
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
This Years Love - David Grey
Hand Over Feet - Alanis Morrisett
The Luckiest - Ben Folds
Always On My Mind - Willie Nelson
To Make You Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
Can't Help Falling in Love With You - Elvis
Just Got Started Loving You - James Otto
She's Everything - Brad Paisley
Then He Kissed Me - The Crystals
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
Baby You Can Sleep While I Drive - Melissa Etheridge
I'll Follow You Into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie
Damn, Wish I was Your Lover - Sophie B. Hawkins
Message of Love - The Pretenders
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
As - Stevie Wonder
God Only Knows _ The Beach Boys
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
As - Stevie Wonder
God Only Knows _ The Beach Boys
All for now I ran out of lines on my notebook paper. Play some songs, spread some love, Ignore my spelling, spread some more love
Probably shouldn't call it VD
Great Valentine's Night. We all made each other cards. Love a home made card! Hubs and I gave the kids books. Nice diner eaten at the dining room table. Steak, Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus. All family favorites. Kids who like roasted asparagus = happy mommy. It was too windy to grill tonight so I cooked the steaks in my cast iron pan. First time I've even used it for steak. Turned out pretty good. I would give it a solid B. A learning experience. I know what to do to make it an A next time.
The husband gave me a tear inducing love letter. You can keep your candy and flowers I'll take a letter anytime. Now time to cozy up for a Monday night couch date and a glass or two of a lovely Malbec.
Love and Candy Hearts to all
PS Don't ya'll love how candy conversation hearts get updated to keep up with the time - Text Me. Now if only they tasted better, less like Pepto.
Artist of the Day
Not really an artist but an art form - Valentines called Penny Dreadfuls or Vinegar Valentines. Popular from in the late 1800s into the first half of the 1900s. These Valentines cost a penny and were generally printed on poor quality paper. Often they were sent anonymously to point out annoying habits, to inform the recipient they were getting to big for the britches or to bring them down a peg.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Artist of the Day
Happy Birthday Peter Gabriel
Too many great songs to list so instead I will name a few of my favorite albums. Loves me some Gabriel but I will admit in the last few years as he has gotten in to more of a world music sound I have not been as in love as with his earlier work.
1. Peter Gabriel Plays Live - Interestingly enough a sound track to young love. But as a Mommy I sing "I Go Swimming" to my boys in the bathtub
2. Peter Gabriel 1 (Car) - Every song on this album is a favorite
3.Peter Gabriel 3 (Melty Face) - Primus does a good cover of Intruder
4.So- This is when I discovered PG. "Sleghammer"and "Big Time" had videos on Mtv (Remember when Mtv still showed videos) And of course John Cusek in his trench coat with Boom Box playing "In Your Eyes" Also, I remember my cousin Jeff playing this album. Maybe the first time I remember him listening to something that wasn't Kiss. :) Like me he is a big PG fan.
5.Us - This is the soundtrack of me driving down Rt. 66 late at night getting home before curfew. Curfew reminds me of a funny story, look for it soon
6.Secret World Live - Great Concert, Lovely Album
One last note on PG. It is well worth listening to "Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" from when PG was still with Genesis.
Also Happy B-day to fellow musicians names Peter. Peter Tork (Monkees) and Peter Hook (Joy Division and New Order)
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Snuggle up with these Covers
My Favorite Cover Songs
random order
The First Person to tell me the Original Artists wins
one will be tricky as there are several different songs with the same name
Higher Ground - Red Hot Chili Peppers
All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
Jolene - Zac Brown Band
Graceland - Willie Nelson
Under Pressure - Ben Harper and the Relentless 7
Boys N-the-hood - Dynamite Hack
Satisfaction - Devo
Knocking on Heaven's Door - Warren Zevon or Guns n Roses
It's My Party - Amy Winehouse
Voodoo Chile - Stevie Ray Vaughn
Proud Mary - Ike and Tina Turner
Respect - Aretha Franklin
Light My Fire - Jose Feliciano
The Man That Sold the World - Nirvana
Shine - Dolly Parton
Hurt - Johnny Cash
With a Little Help from my Friends - Joe Cocker
Wonderwall - Ryan Adams
I Thank You - ZZTop
Stars Go Blue - Tim McGraw
A few great covers that are also good for a couple of laughs
My Humps - Alanis Morissette
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds - The Shat aka William Shatner
Whip My Hair Jimmy Fallon as Neil Young with Bruce Springsteen (check it out below)
Whip My Hair
Update - Here is a list of the original artists, per the request of my Sweet Mama. If you still wanna play my guessing game Stop now, don't scroll down.
Whip My Hair
Update - Here is a list of the original artists, per the request of my Sweet Mama. If you still wanna play my guessing game Stop now, don't scroll down.
Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder
All Along the Watchtower - Bob Dylan
Jolene - Ray LaMontagne (This is not the great Dolly Parton song but a fabulous song just the same)
Graceland - Paul Simon
Under Pressure -Queen with David Bowie
Boys N-the-hood - Easy E
Satisfaction - Rolling Stones
Knocking on Heaven's Door - Bob Dylan
It's My Party - Leslie Gore
Voodoo Chile - Jimi Hendrix
Proud Mary - CCR - think this one is tricky as a lot of peep think Ike and Tina were first
Respect - Otis Redding
Light My Fire - The Doors
The Man That Sold the World - David Bowie
Shine - Collective Soul
Hurt - Nine Inch Nails
With a Little Help from my Friends - The Beatles
Wonderwall - Oasis
I Thank You - Issac Hayes
Stars Go Blue - Ryan Adams
A few great covers that are also good for a couple of laughs
My Humps - Black Eyed Peas
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds - The beatles
Whip My Hair - Willow Smith
Artist of the Day
Birthday Girl Judy Blume
Much Adored Author. Her books made my tween years better
Favorite Blume (in no particular order, except number 1 will always be number 1 to me)
1. Are You There God? It's Me Margaret
2. Tiger Eyes
3. Fudge series
4. Dennie
5. Iggie's House
6. Staring Sally J. Freedman as Herself
7. Forever
8. Then Again, Maybe I Won't
9.It's Not the End of the World
10. Blubber
Friday, February 11, 2011
In Defense of the Giant Dancing Mouse
Yes I often refer to Chuck E. Cheese as the Dirty Rat and sort of act disdainful at the thought of bringing my children there but the truth is I like Chuck E. Cheese. It seems much brighter and cleaner then I remembered from the few times I went there as a kid.(or am I remembering Showbiz? see below) Yes sometimes it is a little crazy and loud and chaos filled but often times so is my regular life.
Last night I took the boys to the Chuck for a Spirit Night at their school. 20% of the nights profit go to the Elem School. So why not? We had fun. Surprisingly it's Tenacious Toddler (TT) that can't stop talking about Chuck E. Last night whenever the person in the the Chuck E. costume would come out to greet the patrons,dance and high five the kids TT could not keep his eyes off the mouse. In fact TT even let Chuck E. give him a hug. This is the kid who looks suspiciously at adults he knows. (Note to adult friends, want the kid to like you, try putting on green pants and dancing to bad pop songs) Thanks to coupons we got a good deal We spent over 2 hours at the Chuck. The 4 of us ate pizza and the kids had a tons of tokens. I let Monkey in the Middle (MM) have an decaffeinated soda. Little did I know he kept going back for refills. 3 cups later....Slight Bad Mommy moment. The boys won lots of tickets and walked away with some prizes. The funny part was First Born (FB) won the most tickets but rather then pick one big prize spent all his tickets on candy. If you love Sweet Tarts I know were he keeps his stash. I would say he wouldn't miss a pack or too but I'm sure he has counted the candy. However I know he would be happy to sell you some :)
Another reason I like the Chuck - I kick major ass at skee ball. For a time my high score of the night was up on the big score board. w00t!! Also I love that for one token I can get a cute picture of me and my kid. Apparently it is sketched by Chuck E. himself but I am skeptical Ha Ha. The Chuck E. Cheese photo booth has become my Olan Mills. The Hubs even has a few photos on his office wall. Last, I just like playing with my kids, it was fun trailing TT around while he pushed buttons with a big smile on his face. Some day all the kids will be old enough that I can just hang out in a booth and read while they play. It will be a nice break. Oh who am I kidding I'll be racking up the points at Skeeball
PS Last night I was talking to a friend about Chuck E. competitor Showbiz Pizza. Anyone remember Showbiz with it's mascot Billy Bob the redneck banjo playing bear? I had forgotten until I had my memory jogged last night. Today I googled and the memories came back. I know I've been to one. Michigan, Hawaii?? Apparently Showbiz merged with Chuck E. Cheese in the early 90s and Billy Bob and his band mate were laid to rest. RIP
Artist of the Day
Bill Murry
My Favorite Bill Murry
My Favorite Bill Murry
Top Ten Movies (chronological order)
Where the Buffalo Roam
Caddyshack
Stripes
Ghost Busters
Little Shop of Horrors
What about Bob?
Groundhog Day
Rushmore
Lost in Translation
Zombieland
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Question of the Day - Who are bigger Whack Jobs?
a) Women who get fake but real looking infant dolls like the ones that are called Reborn Dolls and dress them up and cart them all over town never correcting folks on the street who say things "Like what an adorable baby you have". These women just enjoy the attention they get parading a baby around but don't let on that the baby is not alive
b) Men who buy Real Dolls and don't just use them for sex but develop relationships with them, call them their wife, dress them up, have conversations etc. If you don't know what I am talking try to find a repeat of on TLCs "My Strange Addictions"about check out Davecat and his real doll wife.
Box full of cash
Oh if only my mother was a horder. I was thinking about the three lunch boxes I can remember having as a child. I looked them up on ebay. If they were still kicking around I might have an extra $150 in my pocket. Who was on your lunch box?
What's the Buzz? Tell me what's a happing
I rarely watch Television news anymore. It has become just another exercise in frustration. I am so sick of how biased and one side TV news has become. There are so many news channels on TV but they all seem to be full of talking heads with personal agendas. Often these agendas have nothing to do with fact. More and more the American people are becoming Sheeple. Just believing whatever Rush Limbaugh or whomever (did I use whom correctly, whoever?? Oh whatever) says because it sounds good. Who cars if it is right or wrong Rush said it so it must be true. Ahhhhhrrggg!
CNN used to be a fairly reliable source for news any time of the day. They had Headline News. 30 minutes of top stories any time you wanted. But now CNN calls Headline News HLN and it is full of more talking heads.
More and more I am turning to Brian Williams. Why him over Katie or Diane? Well he is not on at dinner time, he is nice to look at and wears nice ties. Anyway, National News on the big 3 stills tries to take an unbiased approach to journalism (Yes, I know some ultra conservative types will disagree but this is my blog, get your own if you disagree) However I can not always tune in to Brain and it is not worth Tivoing. Daily news is not the kind of thing you sit down and catch up on several episodes of at a time.
Mostly I get my news from on-line sources. Once you sort through the fluff and nonsense there is a lot to be found on-line. However the nice thing about listening to the news rather then reading the news is TV makes it easier to multitask. In the Mommyhood multitasking is big, If I can fold laundry or pick up the LR while the news is on great.
Often I go through periods of news moratorium. I just can't deal with the depressing reality of what is happening in the world so I just ignore it all. The world keeps spinning even if I am clueless. That brings me to another thing I enjoy about NBC nightly news w/Brian Williams. At the end of each newscast he does a piece called "Making a Difference" It is a feel good news story. Some folks (you know who you are) refer to this as fluff. But I love to end my news with a nice story. Sometimes during my news moratoriums I tune in to NBC at 7:25 just to hear making a difference. To know that there are people in the world full of kindness, working to do good deeds, helping others, make a difference in the life of a child, donating their money to good causes etc. etc. It gives me hope for humankind
And that's the way it is
Around the World in How Ever Long it Takes
Dream Trip Around the World -
Spain
Morocco
Italy
Greece
Great Britain
Netherlands
Germany
Sweden
Japan
Thailand
Australia
New Zealand
Fiji
Peru
Brazil
Some Island in the Caribbean (one of the Saints?)
Artist of the Day
Put on some jazz and enjoy a few poems by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Don't Let that horse
| Don't let that horse eat that violin cried Chagall's mother But he kept right on painting And became famous And kept on painting The Horse With Violin In Mouth And when he finally finished it he jumped up upon the horse and rode away waving the violin And then with a low bow gave it to the first naked nude he ran across And there were no strings attached I am waiting (part 1) I am waiting for my case to come up and I am waiting for a rebirth of wonder and I am waiting for someone to really discover America and wail and I am waiting for the discovery of a new symbolic western frontier and I am waiting for the American Eagle to really spread its wings and straighten up and fly right and I am waiting for the Age of Anxiety to drop dead and I am waiting for the war to be fought which will make the world safe for anarchy and I am waiting for the final withering away of all governments and I am perpetually awaiting a rebirth of wonder Bird with Two Right Wings And now our government a bird with two right wings flies on from zone to zone while we go on having our little fun & games at each election as if it really mattered who the pilot is of Air Force One (They're interchangeable, stupid!) While this bird with two right wings flies right on with its corporate flight crew And this year its the Great Movie Cowboy in the cockpit And next year its the great Bush pilot And now its the Chameleon Kid and he keeps changing the logo on his captains cap and now its a donkey and now an elephant and now some kind of donkephant And now we recognize two of the crew who took out a contract on America and one is a certain gringo wretch who's busy monkeywrenching crucial parts of the engine and its life-support systems and they got a big fat hose to siphon off the fuel to privatized tanks And all the while we just sit there in the passenger seats without parachutes listening to all the news that's fit to air over the one-way PA system about how the contract on America is really good for us etcetera As all the while the plane lumbers on into its postmodern manifest destiny |
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Oh, you better run..........
Best Songs about Running -
1)Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd
2)Ready to Run - Dixie Chicks
3)Dog Days are Over - Florence and the Machine
4)Run - Gnarls Barkley
5)Running Down a Dream - Tom Petty
6)Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
1)Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd
2)Ready to Run - Dixie Chicks
3)Dog Days are Over - Florence and the Machine
4)Run - Gnarls Barkley
5)Running Down a Dream - Tom Petty
6)Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
Two-Faced or Tea-Faced??
I am wondering if I am a hypocrite. I am afraid it's true and it seems I don't really care.
As some of you know I like to put my money were my mouth is. I didn't buy Dominios Pizza for years and years because the founder and many board members gave money to anti-choice organizations. Nowadays I could eat their pizza as there is no one left in charge to boycott any more but I haven't as my city has so many better pizza choices. I try not to shop at Walmart and when I must, I feel a little dirty. I will not work out at Curves as the founder sends a lot of his profits to organizations that promote abstinence only programs in public schools. I have not gone looking for any dirt on my beloved Target because what would I do with out Target? I am at Target so much Nathan calls all such store from Walgreens to Giant grocery store Target.
Anyway here is my conundrum. Chick-Fil-A - Adored Southern institution know for tasty chicken and fabulous sweet tea. Recently I read that Chick-fil-a gave a bunch of free food to a Christian organization in PA that is strictly against same sex marriage. Now is this enough for me to stop spending my money at Chick-fil-a? On one hand I support same sex marriage. I think two people in love should have equal rights. On the other hand I know that Chick-fil-a prides it self on being a Christan Family based company. I have no problems with that except when I really need a sweet tea on Sunday. (It's always a Sunday when ya drive up to the drive thru and think Score!, no line, then you slap yourself upside the head cuz it's Sunday and they are closed) Also I think Chick-fil-a gives freely food to various organizations and that the company was just sending food to other Christians. I don't know that the Chick-Fil-a Corporation has taken a firm stance on same sex marriage one way or the other.
So, to boycott or not to boycott, that is the question:
Whether is is nobler to my stomach to support a company,
And their outrageous fortune,
Or to snub delicious sweet tea,
And by opposing end them? To die (of thirst)
Maybe I am a hypocrite but I think this time I will give Chick-fil-a a pass. But just know, I am keeping an eye on you. More slip ups like this and I'll get you my pretty and your spotted cow mascot too!
Something for the Ladies
Ya know I love a good action movie as much as the next girl. In fact maybe more then the next girl. During the Super bowl I saw previews for two new movies coming out soon, both based on comic books. "Thor" and "Captain America". However what drew me in was not the movies themselves but the hotties in the lead roles. So poll of the day -
Who is hotter? Pick your Chris -
Chris Hemsworth as Thor
Who is hotter? Pick your Chris -
Chris Hemsworth as Thor
or Chris Evan as Captain America
Artist of the Day
Artist of the day - Miranda Lambert
kick back and enjoy a mini concert
White Liar
Heart Like Mine
House that Built Me
Gun Power and Lead
kick back and enjoy a mini concert
White Liar
Heart Like Mine
House that Built Me
Gun Power and Lead
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Only you can change you
So "J" just asked me if he can start wearing adult diapers.
"What?" I asked "Why"
"So I never have to stop to use the bathroom" he said
"So", I asked "Who is going to change your diaper?"
He looked at me with a twinkle in his eye, pointed and said "You"
So funny but there is no way in hell that is going to happen kid. If you are too lazy to use the toilet you can save up some some money, go to the store and buy yourself some Depends. And when you need a change you can do it yourself.
Follow up 2/9/11 - This morning he asked for a Hover Round so he wouldn't have to walk so much.
This is a kid who rarely sits down, who can climb a tree in seconds. I guess on the inside he is a Lazy Old Man. :)
Follow up 2/9/11 - This morning he asked for a Hover Round so he wouldn't have to walk so much.
This is a kid who rarely sits down, who can climb a tree in seconds. I guess on the inside he is a Lazy Old Man. :)
Goodbye Cruel Food
Dear Food,
I love you but I must unfriend you. My love for you has spanned my adulthood. From Julios empanadas while trolling Adams Morgan at 1am to Taco Bell at, well, 1am. From standing around a smokey grill to relaxing on a sofa full of pillows enjoying layered chicken pie while powdered sugar falls on my lap. There is a United Nations of goodness that dwells inside me. Mexico, India, Thailand, Morocco, Lebanon, France, Ethiopia (okay not so much) I've gone around the world using a menu instead of an airline ticket.
I wasn't always this way. As a child I really don't remember eating. Other then a holiday or favorite dish or the rare treat of eating at a restaurant food doesn't really factor into my memory the way say climbing trees or running through the sprinkler or doing crafts with my brownie troop does. I know I was feed breakfast, lunch and dinner but it could have been a Jetson's like food pill and I would have been just as happy.
As a teen I ate breakfast and most dinners at home. Other then that I ate crap. Lunch was a soft pretzel with mustard and soda. Sometime I would eat off the salad bar, often I would eat hostess cupcakes. After school activities were filled with more junk, chips, Coke, M-n-Ms. How did I stay 104 pounds I don't know. I had one hell of a metabolism.
As a young adult living out on my own with roommates I don't remember eating either. What did I live on? Soup??
It was only when Jim and I because DINKs (Duel Income No Kids) did my Love of food and drink emerge. We had some disposable income and we ate out, a lot. It was then when I really started to expand my food horizons. Plus I learned to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine, or two, or three (don't worry wine I won't give you up totally). Food was fun, an event.
Of course after each child I put on more and more weight but still kept eating. With kids in the house there is always so much temptation. I must summon all my willpower and buy only kid snacks that I don't like.
Food you have to go back to being only a source of nutrients. Our relationship has to be purely platonic, the physical love must end now! All the joy you bring is temporary.
On my last Birthday I made a goal for myself to lose one pound for every year of my age before my next Birthday. My birthday was over 3 months ago and I have only lost 3 pounds. Somethings gotta change and that change is my relationship with food. My new mantra is food is not fun, food is not my friend
Food is not exciting or fun. Food does not really make me feel better when I am depressed I feel better momentarily then feel guilty that I consumed all that cake, or chips, or bread and butter. Ugggg. It is going to be hard but I have to get tough. I could lie and say it is for my health but really I'm just sick of being fat. I want to look hot in clothes again. I will trade my junk food budget for a whole new wardrobe.
So farewell ex friend, it's been fun. Maybe we can meet once in awhile for old time sake when I am 37 and Fabulous.
Emily
Come and Get It
The real question, who will play Thatcher's long time lover Ronald Regan? Okay, I made that up but if it ends up being true, you heard it here first.
Classic or Overrated?
Although I could give you a Cliffs Notes version or have seen a movie I have not read any of the following Classic Books.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumus
Catch 22 but Joseph Heller
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
So tell me people are they worth is or could I die happy without ever cracking a page??
Hair Peace
Best Braids
1) Pipi Longstockings
2)Captain Jack Sparrow
3)Snoop Dog
4)Wendy (from the fast food joint)
5)Willie Nelson
6)Lil Jon
7)Sacajawea
8)Helga (Andrew Wyeth's subject)
Vote now but please note the Correct Answer is Now and Forever Willie!!!
Soups On!
Souper Bowl -
French Onion vs Cream of Chicken and Rice
Okay for reals ya'll. I, like many folks, really don't give a hoot about Football but somehow manage to watch the Superbowl every year. Mostly I watch for commercials and to hang out with my family eating pizza and ice cream. This year was fun because we were all rooting for the same team. The Green Bay Packers. As a girl born in the Midwest I hafta say "Go Pack Go!!"
Here are some highlights. -
"I"mostly watched for the commercials (fav. Little Darth Vader and hating on Justin Beiber) but he is trying to learn the rules of the game. Luckily he has a good teacher in the Hubs. Hubs, who when not watching the game was telling the boys (each time a wee bit louder) "Sit down. Stop standing in front of the TV, I can't see" I used to know how to say "Donkey meat is not transparent" in Spanish. Wish I still remembered it, it would have come in handy.
"N" was determined to drink Daddy's beer. At one point he was just crying and jumping up and down "Beer, Beeeer, I drink beer" finally he got over it and settled for chocolate milk. Then he got mad at me because I refused to put his half eaten soggy cookie in my pocket. Oy Vey!
"J" told me "I like the Packers, they pack my lunch. I don't like the Steelers, they steal my lunch and drop steel on my head."
The funniest part of the night happened early. Right after Christina sang the National Anthem. Or should I say ruined the national anthem, I looks over at "J" who had a fake look of horror on his face.
Me: J what's wrong.
J: I'm scared.
Me: Scared, what are you scared about?
J: I'm scared I am going to go to sleep and wake up in the middle of the night to find that lady standing over my bed singing to me
Even for a half assed Football fan, it was a pretty good game. Also it was a fast game. Bonus! And the Packers took it home. Suck it Pittsburgh!
Rock and Roll through a Poet's Soul
The book I am talking about is "Just Kids" by Patti Smith. Yes that Patti Smith, Godmother of Punk, Horses, Because the Night Patti Smith. "Just Kids" conicals the relationship between Patti and fellow artist Robert Mapplethorpe. Yes that Rober Mapplethorpe. Beautiful Flowers, Beautiful Nudes, Controversial Rober Mapplethorpe.
The main part of the story takes place in New York City in the late 1960s, early 1970s. Patti moves to New York City. She wants to be a poet and artist. She meets Robert who also is an artist. Although they initially have a romantic relationship the real relationship, the lifelong friendship is based on their mutual love of art. The two have a desire to create no matter what. Through most of the book they epitomize the term Starving Artist. Creating art and living their dreams is more important then jobs, money, food. Their dedication to each other and their dreams is lovely and inspiring.
Something I found so interesting about the Patti and Robert is how often they ran into other famous people or made friends with well know artists and musicians. I think this totally speaks of the day. Current culture has rock stars and actors going everywhere with a posses, protected by bodyguards, hounded by paparazzi But in NYC In the 60s and 70s famous people blend in with the crowd. Patti meets Allen Ginsburg in an automat. She and Jimi Hendrix have a quite conversation in a hall way. Patti writes a poem for Janis Joplin to turn into a song. Patti and Robert hang out in the same restaurants as Andy Warhol. All of these relationships be they one time or life long seem as natural as asking your neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar. There is no pretense. No"I am famous and better then you attitude". Of course maybe it's just how Patti remembers it but I was really taken by what a difference 40 years make in terms of how we treat fame and celebrity.
I only wish there was more of Patti's poetry in the book. Still, I could go and on about "Just Kids" but maybe you should just read it yourself.
Monday, February 7, 2011
What's Up Buttercup?
I was born in 1974. I was born after Nixon resigned. As a child I was always proud of that fact but never really knew why. My mother is fairly political so I guess her feelings rubbed of on me. Although I know I was left with a babysitter sometimes I rarely remember sitters. However I do remember my parents leaving me to go hear George McGovern Speak. My mother was also, for a short time, big into the Nuclear Freeze movement. The only thing I remember about that was that she and a friend threw a rocking party to support the movement. It was the first time I ever sucked helium to change my voice. That was the fun side. The negative side was as a child I was scared shitless of being killed in a Nuclear War. I blame my mother for even getting the idea in my head. (Mothers are always to blame it seems) Thank goodness I was never allowed to watch Jane Fonda in the "The Day After" that would have taken me right over the edge. As it was I would pray every night (back then I still prayed) that there would be no Nuclear War.
Okay that was a bit of tangent. I am known to go on tangents. Why blog? I always joked I wasn't narcissistic enough to blog, but I guess I am. I have a lot of shit running around in my brain so why not let it out. Free to ramble and rumble on the interwebs.
Me -
Emily Elizabeth Manuel Powers - The Emily for Dickinson and Suzanne Pleshet's character on the old Bob Newhart show (Chicago shrink, not VT inn keeper). Elizabeth for my mother's Grandmother. Manuel, we duh my father's last name. I do have Mexican blood but we always pronounced Manuel in the Anglo way no Man-well. And Powers, my married name. Growing up the feminist in me thought I would keep my maiden name or maybe hyphenate. However once I was actually getting married I chose to take my sweeties name. Mostly because I hoped we would have children and wanted us to be a same named family unit. I didn't hyphenate cuz, well, Manuel-Powers, really?? Ahhh no thanks. So I only use Manuel for legal document. (Couldn't totally give it up) but not in my daily life. It is sort of weird being Mrs. Powers but I've been Mrs. Powers for over 12 years now so, ya know, it fits.
Children - I have 3 at home. All Boys. All Boy Boys. Oh boy! As an only child I never thought I would have all boys, not to mention 3 children. But we have an awesome family unit, I love being a "Boy Mom". Also I've saved a lot of dough in hand me downs and toys :) Our family of 5 feels so complete. I know in my heart there will be no more children for me. Did you hear that? I think my vagina just sighed a sigh of relief.
As noted before I am married to my High School Sweetheart. I have loved him for over 21 years and can not imagine life with out him. I look forward to the day when our kids are grown and we travel far and wide in our Airstream trailer, music up loud, laughing and drinking wine by moon light. For now he is an awesome Dad. I feel lucky he is my partner in this crazy parenting thing. He is also just a good person and a good man. The kind of man our boys can look up to.
Stuff I like -
Reading
Scrapbooking
Taking naps
Food and Wine
Travel
Laughing
Coffee
Libraries and Book Stores
Being a Mom
Museums
Dicoving new places
Yoga
Art
Going to the movies
Craft Stores
Playgrounds
Getting it On
TV - Don't get all high and mighty on me haters. "Oh I only watch the history channel", "I don't even own a TV" Shut Up! I love TV
Politics
Walking in the woods
Swimming
Taking Photographs
Dancing in my kitchen
And on and on..............
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