The Crazed Pause ~ a moment to stop and consider cool things ~
July 7, 2010
Dinner with my brother tonight. Dining alone with my brother is one of the good things about summer. His wife whisks the kids away for some time with her parents and I get to enjoy time alone with my brother. I also get to remember why my brother drives me crazy. It takes about three minutes. I'm sure it only takes two minutes for him to realize I drive him crazy.
But we'll laugh and we'll laugh some more, so it's worth it.
July 6, 2010
Wow. What a great summer so far. I realize that not everyone agrees with me. It's been very hot and humid - really just a ton of heat. But I love heat. If I could find a location where it was this hot all the time but the job market equaled or came close to DC's, I would move in a second. But it's hard to find a job market like the DC job market. At least for me.
So the 4th of July weekend brought some fabulous summer delicacies to light.
First was an amazing batch of Arnold Palmer Iced Tea. The batch we enjoyed was mixed by a great friend who is adept at mixing vodka with all sorts of yummy juices. For this batch, she focused on lemon - and it was amazing. I'm hoping to drink much more of that particular drink this summer. I was more interesting and my friends were so pretty....all thanks to Arnold Palmer.
Second, I came very close to the perfect appetizer platter. The problem with platters is that there's always one food or two foods that just don't fly off the plate like the other ones do. Sometimes it's a cheese. Sometimes it's an interesting vegetable that nobody seems to care about. But this platter ended up almost entirely clean. Only some grapes remained at the end of the night. But really, the grapes were just there for effect. The real deal was a perfect mix of salami, pate and brie. What kinds, you ask? That's easy...whatever was on sale. Except for the brie. Brie is never on sale.
June 10, 2010
Hi folks! I'm doing some catching up after a really sweet month away from the regular schedule. I am now an avid supporter of time away. It's very cool having time to clear out trash from your head.
So you really must visit - or revisit - The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. My book group just read it and it was a 100% hit. Everyone related in one way or another. It's always been one of my absolute favorites, but it was so very nice to hear others having a similarly positive experience with a great book.
If The Bell Jar proves a bit too deep for your tastes, join me for my obsession with the Real Houswives of New York. They're wild this season and TOTALLY worth watching. TOTALLY. The meanies are mean and the crazies are crazed. It's GREAT entertainment. And good for the soul, I'm sure.
June 9, 2010
Hey! The Washington Post wants to hear about the strips you read and the strips you'd love to see in the paper! Give your feedback!
And hey....while you're over at Comic Riffs, check out the interviews with cartoonists. Believe it or not, some of those guys are funny - :-) April 28, 2010
Sometimes you just need a little love. In the form of God and God music. If you're still reading, here's one of my favorites. If you've stopped reading, you're probably going to Hell, I suspect. See you there. :-)
April 27, 2010
Okay. Got a race that will make me train in order to avoid total embarassment: Annapolis Ten Miler. A great race. Hilly and hot, just the way I like 'em. Anyone want to join? Registration opens June 1.
April 26, 2010
A great new travel mug! It's sooooooooo pretty and a bit sophisticated. I don't think it's Microwave Safe, but nothing blew up too much when I put it in there. Just go to the Modern Times page and scroll down a bit for purty pic.
April 25, 2010
Another good one. But only if you like Robin Wright Penn....because it's so tough to like her.
April 24, 2010
Working my way through award-winning Indies and here's a really cool one if you like phone sex. Or watching phone sex.
April 23, 2010
Wow. I didn't realize how much is on YouTube. Sylvia Plath probably didn't realize that she'd end up there reading her poetry and being interviewed. Tons of recordings from and about one of my favorite sad people.
Well, lookey who got her own website! Visit Lizzie! And Mo! And Janie, Jill, Laura, Ann and Mark....at Reply All!
April 10, 2010
Living vicariously through other people. That is DEFINITELY one of my better pastimes. And one of my absolute favorites is this DC celebrity socialite (she would hate that nomer, but I think it's unavoidable) and very cool person. Her FB posts and blog are seriously fun parts of my day. Check her out.
April 7, 2010
Registration opened for the Marine Corps Marathon today and I may need to sign up. It appears that the only thing that keeps me running is total fear of humilation in a distance longer than five miles. Apparently, being humiliated in five miles of less doesn't affect me. Unfortunately. So yes, I may sign up. If you're running it, let me know. We can drink and smoke together before the race. :-) Or we can just wear costumes since it falls on Halloween this year.
While checking the date for the race, I tried to fill in some other dates on the calendar. That extensive search of key dates I'll either forget or miss landed me at SPX. The Small Press Expo in Bethesda is way cool and very much worth a Save-the-Date on your calendar. It's in September and the amount of talent packed into one conference is inspiring and daunting. There are some seriously talented folks out there. If you're going, let me know. We can drink and smoke together beforehand.
And don't ask me why I'm talking about drinking and smoking. I must have watched something last night that reminded me of days gone by. I'm sure I'll figure it out in a month or two. :-)
xoxo, d
April 6, 2010
So, the first really hot day in DC and the power goes out. Early reports indicated that the outage wasn't related to the heat, but really? Seems like a strange coincidence. But whatever. It was a good reminder that I need to pick up matches and/or a lighter. I seem to only remember this during threats or outages and actual outages. My life has been a series of 'one match left' evenings. And that's no good.
My favorite uncle (except when I'm in the presence of other uncles) used to smoke a pipe. I remember his lighter. The type you flicked open...silver. I liked the sound of the flicking. But if you're thinking of getting me a lighter, here's the one I want. The leopard patterns are what I'd usually opt for, but the zebra's kinda cool too. You decide.
So, what do you eat in a power outage?
April 5, 2010
Spring appears to be here. Let's just say a big YAY to that.
In other not-a-joke news, you really have to join Twitter if you're in need of the random, quick laugh. My favorite Tweet so far today from - who else - Andy Borowitz: "BREAKING: New Pictures Emerge of Hitler Wearing Nazi Regalia"
And, just in case you're looking for ebooks available for free download (books in the public domain), here are a bunch all in one place. If this site (or the internet) had existed when I was college, I could have saved a lot of money.
March 30, 2010
So I'm not really a 'mean reds' kinda gal. And I'm not really into Tiffany's so much. But, a girl's gotta have somewhere to go when she needs a distraction from whatever she needs a distraction from. Try going where I go: Henri Bendel's. All I know is that a minute or two in the pages of HB and I'm ready to start wearing scarves and having seriously long legs. I believe I can buy both there.
Think of me the next time you're wondering who to get a triple wrap leather bracelet. And Addie wants a stripe puppy sweater. :-)
March 29, 2010
What a good day for Ricki Lee Jones live and acoustic. It would also be a great day for laying at home on the sofa and cuddling with four-legged friends, but work is a good place to be too.
March 28, 2010
And, just when you thought everything you knew was irrelevant, here comes Hester Prynne to the Diane Rehm show! No kidding. And very much looking forward to streaming this one.
Hey! Where have I been? Daily Candy went and got itself a fabulous new format. Very nice. Although I miss the girlie graphics from the past - I'll peruse and see if they're still there under all the links.
March 26, 2010
You should not only check out Richard Byrne, but you should support him too. And not just because I'm still in love with him (don't tell his wife). But because he's got a brain that works overtime and keeps throwing out very cool stuff.
March 22, 2010
Is it spring? Or spring fever? Or spring allergies?
Or am I just pathetic and sad.....to be listening to Foreigner over and over again and thinking about Paul Veronsky in 1981 and all of the things I didn't know then?
A few years ago, I re-read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. When I originally read it sometime around the college years, it changed my perspective completely. This time, not so much. Who knows why...maybe it's because my expectations were so high. Same thing happened with JD Salinger and Ayn Rand.
But whatever....because Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance STILL contains one of my favorite quotes of all time.
"The truth knocks on the door and you say, "Go away, I'm looking for the truth," and so it goes away."
LOVE THAT QUOTE!
Another good one from the same source: "The only Zen you find on tops of mountains is the Zen you bring there."
Ah.
March 17, 2010
Some nice surprises on this soundtrack, if you're looking for an easy, whimsical, something-a-little-different type of break. Check out Willie Nelson's version of On the Street Where You Live and Amy Winehouse (still alive) on Cupid. I skipped a few because I just couldn't get to the point of clicking, but most were a sweet surprise for a Wednesday afternoon.
And, while we're thinking about easy, check out Tara Brach. Make your life easier. She's got more tools than you could ever use - but even if you just use one, life will be easier. Swear.
Here's a little tool for you...when you need help breathing, or being, or forgetting about the world around you...even for a few minutes. My favorite breathing album.
And yes, breathing is a musical genre.
March 15, 2010
Wow! I've got some confirmation here that there's a funny way to say what Jill Zarin said in a disappointingly unfunny and highly ironic turn. Here's Andy Borowitz on the same point:
"When Twitter's over capacity, there's only one person to blame: Justin Bieber."
I love Twitter for too many reasons to name here. My attention span is about 140 characters long, so Twitter fits well into my life. I can decide quickly whether to engage or not. I love a steady stream of whats-going-on regarding work, the world and the things I care about. You know....artists, comic strips, porn....the usual.
But honestly, the reason I seriously love Twitter is because it keeps me laughing all day long. I subscribe to a few really funny feeds like Borowitz and then a few others that may not be meant to be funny, but they're totally eff'n funny.
"why is justin beiber always trending? honestly..who cares??"
So Jill, I like you better than most of the housewives and I'd probably enjoy hanging out with you. But you're asking who cares about Justin Bieber? YOU are asking? Ha. We need Jerry Seinfeld to say "Really? Really?"
Trying to decide what to get me for my birthday? For St. Patrick's Day? For Memorial Day? Mother's Day (Addie and Boo's mom, remember?) Well, let me make your search quick and easy. Here is it....the ultimate gift if you can't swing that winning lottery ticket.
March 2, 2010
Baby, Now that I've Found You by Alison Krauss. #16. Now how in the world can you listen to that song and then have a bad couple of minutes? Just keep playing it on a loop. (Reminder: #16)
Not into love songs?
That's okay. I hear you. It's all about the timing. So hear's one for you....I dare you to listen to this three times in a row and not feel serious feelings of fun. :-)
March 1, 2010
Okay, I know this is kinda boring, but I love Pad Thai. Not usually the most exciting dish, I know. But for me, Pad Thai is like brownies; even when it's not that good, it hits the spot.
And I've had Pad Thai pretty much everywhere in the DC Metro area. But now I've found the best - at Paragon in Cleveland Park. What a great surprise! Try their Pad Thai with Tofu - really seriously yummy. Everything else on the table was delicious too - appetizers and entrees. And fun drinks, including a Tea-tini. :-)
February 28, 2010
So now Joy Behar has a show on HLN. She's fun. And funny. And nowhere near as annoying as she's left to be by default on The View. The portions of the show on politics are a little tough to get through, but anything on celebrity, entertainment or life otherwise is a great break from the daily grind. Some of the spontaneous and random panelists are really special.
February 21, 2010
Big Love. O.M.G. If you're not watching Big Love, not only do you not know what you're missing, but SERIOUSLY....you don't know what you're missing. I suppose it's because people are fascinating and families are even more fascinating. And on Big Love, you get a BIG family. I don't care if the storyline is getting too WILD. They still manage to bring you right back to good old-fashioned family conflict and personal conflict. LOVE IT.
If you're worried that you won't understand what's going on because you're new to it, don't worry. You only need to understand how family works.
February 20, 2010
Two things I love are [1] French food and [2] eating food that has been prepared for me. served to me and cleaned up for me. And I got both from a fabulous (and very handsome) French Chef by the name of Philippe Uzan. Philippe served an amazing meal to a party of aging foodies and non-foodies, all of whom were in heaven. And, for the record, it should be required that every party provide a delicious cup of carrot soup. Now THAT is a few minutes of heaven. Philippe can be yours for private cooking, lessons, catering or, as his pretty card says, 'French and Italian Gastronomie.' If you need references, I can think of a roomful of people who will give him many, many, many thumbs up.
February 19, 2010
So it seems some car commercial has been playing Under the Milky Way by The Church. I think it's a car commercial. I don't know which car. Maybe the Toyota now goes straight to the Milky Way.
If you haven't listened to The Church in a long time, they're even better with age (I'm referring to your aging process). Enjoy! I loved them when I was wearing really short skirts and had hugely big hair. Now I just love them. :-)
February 18, 2010
You know...sometimes you just need a laugh. And you're not even sure what kind. Not a funny movie laugh, not a joke or punchline laugh, just a 'that's really funny' kind of moment to reset your perspective on life.
Well, when you need that, try Celebrity Autobiography. And no, you don't have to go to NYC (although, if you do, take me). You can catch a bunch of funnies on YouTube. Here's one of my favorites.
February 17, 2010
I love Paul Rudd. Short and sweet. Not him. My love for him. Paul Rudd needs to make one movie a month. I don't even care if it's not great. I just like to put on a Paul Rudd movie while I'm stripping and hear his voice in the background.
I wonder if he thinks about me.
IMBD says that Paul Rudd plays the average guy. If Paul Rudd is the average guy, then I swear I don't know what my guys are. They're great and all, but if Paul Rudd is average then they're got some work to do.
February 16, 2010
I love Fashion Week. And I love that Fashion Week comes straight to my screen now. Oh, to be sitting in the shows. One day, I tell you...one day. Here you go...check out Rodarth, Tracy Reese and Rucci Ralph first. Oh, to be tall....
February 15, 2010
Looking for a sandwich that will change your life? I know, I know. You say a sandwich can't change your life. Well, guess what! It can! Try the Grilled Tilapia BLT with Lime-Caper Tartar Sauce. Trust me. Oh yeah...it's at Cafe Deluxe.
February 14, 2010
The Sunday New York Times is my Valentine. I heart the Sunday Times. And this Sunday's has everything I need - essays on love and photos on fashion. Wow. Check out the pretty cool Model-Morphosis and some words from the Modern Love editor.
February 13, 2010
Down, Down, Down, Down, Down.
If I had that song on a neverending loop, I'd be the most productive person on the face of the earth. Man, a few rounds of that song and I'm GOOD TO GO! Plus, Jay Sean is cute.
February 12, 2010
See? Everyone gives me grief (or rolled eyes) for taping Regis and Kelly - but NOW I have something to show for it! I know how to make my boyfriend Anderson Cooper's much beloved Momofuku Milk Bar Compost Cookies. You gotta check these out and then try your own at home. So much fun and, so far, they seem to be amazing each time. Here's the video - you gotta wait a second while the page loads but be patient for the video to start because these cookies are ridiculous.
February 11, 2010
Okay. It's official. I love snow. And I'm so sorry to say that when there are so many people who didn't have power, who lost business, who couldn't work or who were cold. But if we ignore the inconveniences and miseries faced by others and focus on me, I love snow.
It's been a fabulous week just so free of distractions. Wouldn't it be great if we could do this once every three or four months? Just all stay at home. Maybe we could arrange it in advance and skip the snow so that there's less hardship.
In any case, I hope February has so far been kind to you and that you've found simplicity in snow or made peace with the dullness of winter.
Here are a few favorites I revisited over the past week or so of SNOMG 1 and SNOMG 2.
So this is really just crazy ridiculous. My neighbor, Matthew Buckley, aka Happy Monkey, is all about the tape sculpture. Yeah. Tape sculpture. Check it out. Then wonder why you're not as creative as he is....
And here is some way cool photography! This time a cool gal....visit the site of Pamela Fernandez and hear her voice. She has something to say.
Here's another cool photog with a cool perspective. And I have to thank Andrew for allowing me to draw his eyes. He's way cool. As is his life, his photos, his perspective, and his ability to edit, methinks. Check him out.
Another must-check-this-out: the Combat Paper Project. Art meets the Warrior. This is amazing.
And check out the founder of Flow.... flow is the first thing that's fit me perfectly in a long time.
Just a little bit of God if you're in the mood for just a little bit of God.
Wow. Either discover or rediscovered Ted Reed, a very cool artist-lawyer. Prepare to be WOWed.
A really great talk on TED by novelist Chimamanda Adichie...just click
I know I've posted links to Paul Schwartz's music. I know. I know. I know. But here's more!
I'm addicted to Jason and his shirt. Talk about simple. Talk about outside the box. It's so basic and so effective and so brilliant. I'm jealous and inspired and still in love with my fabulous wardrobe. But thinking the Angels might need a Tee. Might Jason look good in pink?
Ask the Pilot from salon.com is always fun. And ejukational! This installment allows you to WATCH the pilot!
I love this band. I really love this band. And you can listen to the oh-so-delicious music of Star FK Radium online before buying it! Just a few clicks away...
Okay. This is ridiculous kool....seriously. Follow your inner (or outer) geek to this ridiculous kool project.
Okay. Here's something different. Had I not dedicated my life to the pursuit of law, creative outlets, and men who are bad for me, I would have gone into marketing. And, had I gone into marketing and not been a total solo act, independent, tough-as-nails entrepreneur, I'd SO want to work with Peter Shankman.
The Bethesda Small Press Expo is ridiculous amazing. Stop by next year if you're looking for some great inspiration. So many very talented graphic artists and writers in one place. You can link to their links from here! There was the usual testosterone-inspired bang up and blow up genius. All the stuff that I could never write, much less draw. Superheroes who have magical powers beyond making much more out of a little black dress. And there was a menstrual inspired rag (sorry, that was too easy). A menstrual comic. I didn't read it. It wasn't my time (sorry, that was too easy). But apparently, there's a lot of Aunt Flo-inspired art. For better or worse.
And now a break for me to be one of the millions of tarts who has to say just how much I heart Eric Brace. I heart Eric Brace THIS MUCH. Please, Eric Brace, come and tell me that I can be a part of your life. I will watch your every rehearsal and every show. I will bring you beer and coffee and popsicles and ribs. I love you Eric Brace. BTW, Last Train Home has mp3s on MySpace.
And, last but not least, while we're waiting for Marti Jones to come out of her short-haired mode and sing again, we can look at her beautiful paintings.
February came in like a lion. Here's to hoping it goes out like a lamb and leads us into a beautiful spring.
xoxo, d
January 29, 2010
It is lame to say that I love the internet? The thing is, I DO love the internet. I love at least 3,294 things about the internet.
One of the best things about the internet is being able to listen to all the good radio I miss when I'm at work and sleeping and sleeping at work. I love the fact that I can arrive at work just as they're starting a cool story about JD Salinger and then listen to it later in the day and then, if it's good, send the link to those I love. Is that cool or what?
So here it is, a double cool link. Cool because of the story and cool because of the program, StoryCorps.
And, while you're listening to that very cool story on the internet, you can enjoy some soft core porn here with Natasha, Alanna, Michelle and the others.
And here's a quote I love. Just heard it from someone who never fails to surprise me: "If I had been braver, I would have just cried."
Okay. Hold your judgment. The quote is from Rosie O'Donnell. She's interesting to listen to sometimes. A bit of a wack and highly emotional but listening to her is enough to make you think it's okay.
Happy Friday!
xoxo, d
January 28, 2010
Wow. RIP J.D. Salinger. I love J.D. Salinger's writing. And his hibernation. When I got Addie (Atticus Finch), I thought about naming her Frannie and changing Boo's name (Boo Radley) to Zooey.
But it was Salinger vs. Harper Lee and peace vs justice and, well, justice won out. But who knows. Addie and Boo want company. The next addition to our family will probably be Calpurnia. But after that, we could do Franny and Zooey.
"For joy, apparently, it was all Franny could do to hold the phone, even with both hands."
So if you haven't read Salinger, try Franny and Zooey, my favorite. Or any of his other work. It's great stuff. And not just because everyone says so.
On a not-so-sentimental note, need even more love in your life? I know I've been pushing Paul Schwartz on you and you've just ignored me as you always do. But look...I'm making it easy. Just click on THIS HERE LINK and then click Play. And then fall in love. Or listen while you're doing love-related things. And then send me details and photos.
Or not.
xoxo, d
January 27, 2010
I love Matthew Inman. And I'm willing to bet there's a long line of hotties and geeky hots waiting for an intro to Mr. Inman. Sorry, that's one thing I can't arrange.
Damn.
But check out his fabulous Oatmeal grammar posters and Ten Things You Need to Stop Tweeting About. I say ditto and tritto to Number Five. But I gotta say, I love seeing the daily mugs. Maybe we could swap Number Eight for "Tweets containing acroyms understood only by the Tweeter."
By the way, I love the jokes about the naming of the iPad. Waiting for the Mini iPad, of course. But I'm sure someone beat me to that line.
Oh, and if you need to fall in love today, try a little Alison Krauss. Man. She just makes me want to wear my hair down. And make it blonde. Dirty blonde.
xoxo, d
January 26, 2010
I love Son Volt. If you love Son Volt too, here you go.... if you don't love Son Volt yet, here you go.
And you know what else I love? Meridian House. Ooooooooohhhhhhhhh. So pretty. And very cool things are happening there! Who knew? I didn't know. But now I do and I'm going back for more!
Wow. Just when I thought I loved Daryle Cagle as much as one possibly can, he posted yet another look at his drawing process. There is nothing like seeing the work of someone so talented in progress. And hearing about why they do things the way they do. What a neat guy.
Having trouble loving yourself? Others? Life? Well, even if you're not, maybe you'd like to love your day a little more or a little better. Maybe you'd like to be more aware of the day. Or less aware.
I guarantee you will love Tara Brach. You may love her words, you may love her voice, you'll probably love both. I do.
After you spend way too much time perusing her site, click on Free Audio Talks and enjoy the ride!
xoxo, d
January 22, 2010
It's official. It's official, it's sick, it's unhealthy, and it's too late to turn back. I LOVE NETVIBES. Now, what does one say when OMG or even O.M.G. doesn't cut it? I'm just truly at a loss for some manner of expressing my absolute addiction to this site. It's just really and truly sooooooooo good. Really, really.
And I could swear that netvibes is turning my whole world rosy and glowy. I love things now the I didn't used to love or even like. I love things I hated before. Myspace? Love it. Facebook before dark? Love it. The color pink? Damn if I don't all of a sudden love the color pink!
So get yourself some netvibes and join me in the euphoric world of organized widget love.
And, by the way, I love Fridays.
And tuna salad sandwiches.
And David, even though I can't say I love him because I'll get sued.
Happy weekend!
xoxo, d
January 21, 2010
Aaahhhh......love. Love. L.O.V.E.
You know that feeling you get when it might be love? It probably will be love? But you're just savoring those initial feelings of WOW?
If you don't know, email me and I can suggest a few exercises for you.
But if you do know, I suggest you try two things.
First, look at Jack Johnson for a few minutes. Play a song. Play two. Keep looking at Jack Johnson.
Man, that dude is cute. Did everyone know about Jack Johnson and how cute he was? Am I the sad, sad dinosaur who just figured this out and is now pathetically lame and an embarassment to any friends she might have left?
Well, it don't matter. Because he's cute. Not as cute as Freddie Prinze, Jr., but pretty dang close. :-)
Okay. Second. Sign up for Netvibes and unclutter your computer screen. It's like WOW. It's gonna be love pretty soon but right now I'm in the savoring mode.
And hey, if you got a good widget for me, let me know!
And, just because love should come in threes (no double entendre or mathematical functions intended), here's another great love: Berger Cookies. An even greater love, as Hallmark as it sounds, is sharing Berger Cookies.
Sometimes friends just need Berger Cookies. And sometimes Berger Cookies are the only cookies that can achieve what Berger Cookies can achieve. So go get a friend and go get some Berger Cookies and feel the love.
January 20, 2010
Happy Wednesday! Getting so much closer to the weekend.....
LOVE WEEKENDS. Duh.
So I love The Sartorialist. I want to go to Milan. I want to be in Milan. I want to go and be a girl wearing cool but casually stylish clothes and smiling devilishly with swingy messy hair that still looks stylish in the streets of Milan.
I can't go just now but I love that The Sartorialist can take me there in the middle of the footnotes, meetings, and redaction (No! You did NOT just say redaction!) that make up a non-Milan day.
On another note, you GOTTA love the NYT community. I do. And yes, I know the discussion (what do you call a mix of reader comments anyway?) on the topic I'm following isn't that sharp. It isn't all that clever or new. It's not even enlightening.
But it's fun!
The Times Magazine considered the weighty women of entertainment in Under Scrutiny: The Golden Globes. The heffers in question were Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Courtney Cox, all real porkers if you ask me. The blurb pointed out that all three looked to be packing on the pounds and raised the issue of a sexier curves trend. I definitely hope that's the trend because that's the track my body is on. Or, as Dutch model Lara Stone so eloquently pointed out in a Vogue interview, “What they say is ‘curvy,’ but you know they mean fat.” Yeah, my body's getting REAL "CURVY."
Again, the comments aren't anything you haven't heard before, but they're just fun. I love Steve B who says "Oh yeah, they were real cows" and all of the folks who insist that they expect more from the NYT. Ha!
January 19, 2010
I love the internet!!! And bloggers! I love bloggers on the internet!! Lookie what came falling right into my inbox.....wow. Interviews with artists about their favorite tools. Did I say WOW?
Wow.
Thank you, David 'The Geek' Paccia! And, BTW, you are really nice, dude!
January 18, 2010
I love fun people. I seriously love fun people. And then, if it turns out that they're not only fun but also creative, well...can I just say that I seriously love that? I do. So here is a seriously fun guy with a darling name who's seriously creative and into some very seriously cool projects.
I mean v seriously cool. I forgot that we no longer spell out 'very.'
v sorry...:-)
January 16, 2010
So I love hot tea. And now my all-time favorite hot tea is no longer at Whole Foods. Thus begins the search for a seriously yummy Genmaicha tea. Genmaicha is a brown rice tea. It's a Japanese green tea combined with roasted brown rice. It's amazing. And I am really seriously missing it. If you know of a good one and where it's available, pleeeeez let me know. And then come over and we'll share a cup!
In exchange, something else I love? Check out Emmylou Harris Duets - beautiful! Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons singing Love Hurts. So good. You can listen to the entire album once on www.lala.com
January 15, 2010
I love teenagers. Actually, I find most teenagers annoying. But I love the teenagers related to me. And I love that they persist in knowing a world of things I don't know. If I had been able to chat and friend and text and all that when I was their age, I may have avoided decades of trying to find my voice and my confidence around other people. I can't believe they're socially adept at the ages of 16 and 13. I just became socially adept last month.
And now, according to the beautiful teenagers related to me, I can video chat! Who knew? Well, I suppose I should have known. But I didn't. And now I do! So look for an invite from me soon to video chat with you. Unbelievable. My physical beauty now available to the world at all times of the day and night no matter the state I'm in. Psych!
January 14, 2010
I love Fridays. And I love Open Mic. And I love meeting new artists at Open Mic....here's a cool one. An artist who not only sings and strums and all of that, but is seriously an artist in all respects. Cool guy for a Friday. And sooooo sweet.
P.S. And while you're on Abey Babey's page, link to his totally cool mom Bobbie's page!!! She's the artist tree from which his artist apple fell, apparently.
January 13, 2010
I love visiting other peoples' offices and getting that snapshot of their world. Today I visited different offices and experienced a few cool worlds. One office held a collection of little toys. Very fun. One office held wonderful photos of a beautiful adoption story. Very incredible. And one office held a seriously great find:
"The Elements of Style Illustrated."
You say no way? Well, WAY!
Check it out on Amazon! You can do the look inside and see the pretty pics! And now you know what you're getting from me for Christmas 2010! Ho ho ho!
January 12, 2010
Okay. This is serious love. This is bigger than the love I felt for Pandora a few years ago (although I still love Pandora). I really and seriously am loving LaLa. I've been listening to covers today. Covers of Wild Horses, Wonderwall, It's My Life and Hallelujah. Yesterday I listened to everything Unplugged. Unplugged Maniacs, Mariah Carey, Eric Clapton, Nirvana. Unplugged Alice in Chains. That's heaven.
January 11, 2009
I love new (or new-to-you) products that are so amazing you can't remember how you lived without them. How did I live without Shirataki noodles? These babies got nothing. Or next to nothing. Very low in carbs, cals and high in fiber. If you're wondering, the word "shirataki" means "white waterfall" - which supposedly describes the appearance of the noodles. Pretty cool. So I bought them pre-packaged, already cooked, in water. You just boil them for 3 minutes, which I now know is called 'par-boiling.' And then they're ready! Pour some sauce on them and they pick up the flavor of the sauce. Or, if you're more sophisticated then me, cook them in a sauce....:-)
January 10, 2010
Big Love. I love Big Love. I love Big Love in a Big Way. It's a ridiculously well-written and clever show with a fabulous cast. I could watch Nicky Grant get into messes all day long. If you haven't been watching it on HBO, order the DVD and do a Big Love marathon. Well worth it. And think of me on Sunday nights all in love.....big time.
January 9, 2010
Love Saturdays. Even icky Saturdays are good. There is just nothing about Saturday that isn't a good thing. You got choices, and time, and better food options than during the workweek. But this isn't a blog, so let me give you something specific from a Saturday.
I love WordGirl! I'm a little upset that I didn't have WordGirl when I was growing up, but at least I had Velma to keep me company. So WordGirl is really Becky Botsford, a terrifically smart fifth-grader who has language proficiency as her weapon and tool. She's brilliant. And the show is brilliant. And it's all brilliant. You should love it too.
January 8, 2010
I love lists. I am a sucker for lists. I believe in lists, I trust lists and I get excited by lists. Mostly, I love other peoples' lists. I love finding them on the internet and then exploring other peoples' favorite things. It makes my life so much easier. I'm working on a list of favorite lists, but in the meantime, send me your lists and I'll post them here. Right now I'm exploring lists of the best covers. I love covers.
Wait! That's too different thngs!
First it was loving lists and now it's loving covers! Is that allowed?
Sure. It's my site. I love that it's my site and I can love as much as I want. Unfettered, unlimited, unrestricted, unguided (not to be confused with misguided) and untainted love.
I love muffins. Because muffins always do the job. Hungry in the morning? Yum. Muffins. Didn't have time for lunch? Grab a muffin. Starving but gotta get to a meeting? Stuff a muffin down your throat. Need something sweet? ...blah blah blah...muffins.
We didn't know about muffins when I was growing up. We just had donuts. No muffins. Maybe muffins are a new thing, I'm not sure. But if you're ever having one of those days...one of those days that challenges your definitions of all things right and reasonable, eat a muffin. Trust me.
January 4, 2010
In a twisted way, I love Mondays. I don't want the weekend to end, but I like getting back into the routine. Routine is more simple and easier to understand. The expectations are more expected and expectable.
Now don't get all bonkers on me, but one of the things I love about Mondays and the rest of the workweek is the return to instant coffee. I know....I've heard it all about instant coffee. It's not fancy. It's not sophisticated. It may not even be good. But it's simple and easy and always there for you. Kind of like a good friend who has no life and no personality. If you're looking to get back to the basics, consider starting there. Even if you're a coffee head. It must be cool, I'm drinking it.
January 3, 2010
Love, Love Love. I still love Sex and the City (the series, not the movie). I know, it's so over. And so cliché. But when you're stripping for hours and you just need something in the background that provides laughs but you don't really need to pay attention, SATC is the hot ticket.
And yes, I know every line.
Other love today? Gawker. I always appreciate Gawker and I'm almost always amused by Gawker, but then there are days like today when I love Gawker. Days like today when Gawker provides ten tips to Bono on how to change Bono. You gotta love that.
Now if you really need an easy laugh, and need it delivered frequently, just sign up for The Borowitz Report on Twitter. I have always loved Andy Borowitz, but this guy on Twitter is gold. He just spills over with funny. And when something big happens - even somethng that's a little closer to home (for those of you who know how I spend my days) - he's right there, drooling and typing and tweeting. He much have been a handful for his mom.
And I love the Raisin Bran Muffin from the Modern Times Coffeehouse. Next time you go, get one for while you're there and an extra for the next day. It's even better the next day!
Third day of the new year. No resolutions made. No resolutions broken. As my mother would say, everything's moving along. As my Big Brother Brian would say, moving in the right direction. As my favorite Monk would say, “Smile, breathe and go slowly.”
Happy Sunday. xoxo, d
January 2, 2010
More love! And you know what it is? Politics and Prose. It's just a really great bookstore filled with lovers of books and lots of enthusiasm for reading. And, of course, the Modern Times Coffeehouse located downstairs at P&P. Always something yummy to eat and something deliciously hot to drink. Always someone worrying about the ratio of laptops to plugs to chairs to books to psychos to students to intellectuals to whiners to kids to whatever....ahhhhhhh....just like an independent bookstore coffee shop should be.
And I really love Webcam! Today I figured it out (with a little help from cartoon Jill) (otherwise known as real life Phyllis). Totally fun! And another way to totally suck up time. Gotta love that. :-)
And I wish I could say that I totally loved some fabulous quote today that someone really wickedly wise had spoken, but my favorite quote fell out of my own mouth. It's probably less a quote and more of a comic strip line but I may just try to use it once each day this year. So here you go:
"Sorry for interacting with you."
Best if said with a hint of sarcasm and a touch of a tease. A smile helps. :-)
Two days into the year and nothing's broke yet. xoxo, d
January 1, 2010
Happy New Year! Happy 2010! Happy middle of winter and closer to spring!
Welcome to the new 2010 love blog....filled with things I'm lovin' today...and each day.
Besides Addie and Boo, of course. I love them everyday even if I don't type it.... :-)
xoxo, d
So here we go! The Daily Crazed Love:
I love this quote:
I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's. ~Henry Moore~
And this:
“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh
There are a few reasons I like this guy. First, he's a writer, artist and cartoonist but he's not... Continue Reading
Hey ... got some Kool people and Kool music delivered to my email this morning. Of course, I've now totally un-Kooled them with my Kapital K.....but I'm 89 years old, so I have an excuse. Check out the Kool Kidlets over at.... Continue Reading
You will thank me for this offering. Okay, maybe not me. Maybe you'll thank .... Continue Reading
Want something to do today? Oh! Good teaser! Walking the streets....not for nuthin, huh? Continue Reading
If I could only have one RSS Feed, it would definitely.......well, I probably would just have to die. I'd have to find the one site that provides the update on every single publication on earth, left, right, east, west and the moon included. But one of my ABSOLUTE favorite feeds is... Continue Reading
Ready for someone I'm really jealous of? Mike Auger's motto is "If you can dream it, I can draw it!" Continue Reading
"Now I am misplaced like 4 zeros on an immigrant’s paycheck...." Continue reading
"What? Isn't it TRY A REALLY WEIRD SUSHI ROLL MONDAY? I'm confused." Continue Reading
For those of you who aren't writers, you might wonder why the negativity. It's very similar to dating. There's generally a lot more bad dates than great dates. Generally a lot more first dates than actual relationships. Continue reading
Not only was my favorite writer in the whole world there, but it turned out that when I told her how she changed my writing life, she said she understood. Major gulp. Continue reading
It sounds like a conference on dating, and it is! Actually, it's not. It's a ..... Continue reading
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The Conversations and Connections conference at Johns Hopkins University was fabulous. Not only was my favorite writer in the whole world there, but it turned out that when I told her how she changed my writing life, she said she understood. Major gulp.
I told Mary Gaitskill, the best writer in the world and an extraordinarily cool woman who I now want to be more than ever, that I had always viewed my writing life and future as similar to that of Sylvia Plath. It's a pathetic statement in some obvious ways, but it's the truth. I always assumed that my writing would be tied to a dark, intense path that would not have an incredibly happy ending.
Ms. Gaitskill shared her esteem for Sylvia Plath.
I love Mary Gaitskill. Did I mention that she was wearing a brown Willy Wonka t-shirt under her neat-o brown strip suit? She was so Vogue.
I loved her before. I really and seriously love her now.
If you don't know Mary Gaitskill's work, take a look. She's a beautiful, authentic, real, raw and edgy writer. Dark, but just the perfect amount of dark.
My sentimental favorite is Bad Behavior, a collection of short stories. But Two Girls, Fat and Thin, is a great novel. And Because They Wanted To was nominated for the PEN/Faulkner Award in 1998. Her stories and essays have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, Esquire, The Best American Short Stories (1993) and The O.Henry Prize Stories (1998). "Veronica" (2005) was a National Book Award nominee, as well as a National Book Critics Circle finalist for that year.
You may know the movie “Secretary,” based on her short story of the same name.
Peace and a pause, d
Thursday, April 2, 2008
artdc.org is really cool! Through artdc.org I found a bunch of really fabulous artists at a local drinking spot, all of whom were really into meeting other artists. But the best thing was that the group included a ton of writers, some of whom were heading to the Second Annual Conversations and Connections conference on Saturday at Johns Hopkins University.
It sounds like a conference on dating, and it is!
Actually, it's not. It's a writers' conference, focused on poetry, fiction and some non-fiction. I fall into the 'some non-fiction' category.
So one of the totally cool and really nice people I met was Mike Lowrey who draws a really cool cartoon by the name of Argyle Academy. The Argyle Academy is the school where Lionel, the Vampire cat goes. Check out the comic strip and see Lionel and his friends!
And check out Mike's cool journal.
You can also see Mike's cartoon on Sunday's on dcist.com
Here's an article about Mike replete with artist mug shot. Mike says cool things and uses neat phrases like 'me-heavy' -
Enjoy! I need to go find variations on cool. There's gotta be more ways to say cool.