The poetry reading last night at The Frothy Monkey went well. It was so much fun reading with Nancy Roche (my poetry partner in crime)...we did a "dueling poems" kind of reading that made it so much more interesting (and less nerve-wracking!), I think. I read some poems that I haven't read in public in a while, and a few new ones. All in all, a satisfying experience...
Now, we are concerned about all of our friends and relatives in the path of Hurricane Katrina. This is the one that New Orleans has been worried about for years. I hope that it doesn't turn out to be as bad as it is predicted, but I fear for the worst. Everyone is in my thoughts and prayers tonight as they are on the road or riding out the storm at home...please stay safe.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Monday, August 22, 2005
Flowers in Bloom
Saw Broken Flowers this weekend...it was great. Surprisingly funny, and no neat Hollywood ending. Go see it if you like character-driven movies...I especially loved Sharon Stone in this one (I always like it when an actor I previously didn't like much makes me like them in a movie...Stone's performance did this for me). D. and I disagreed on the success of the ending at first, but he eventually came around. It's one of those movies that you have to let percolate for a while.
We also saw a trailer for Thumbsucker, which looks great (sort of like Igby Goes Down, perhaps?)...I'll definitely go see that when it comes out. You gotta love a movie that has Tilda Swinton and Keanu Reeves and Vince Vaughn in it!
I got a whiff of fall this morning...just faint behind the ears. My favorite season!
We also saw a trailer for Thumbsucker, which looks great (sort of like Igby Goes Down, perhaps?)...I'll definitely go see that when it comes out. You gotta love a movie that has Tilda Swinton and Keanu Reeves and Vince Vaughn in it!
I got a whiff of fall this morning...just faint behind the ears. My favorite season!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
What I did on my birthday weekend this summer...
Me in front of the Clinton Library
Replica of the Clinton Oval Office
Gotta love the Clinton swag store!
'Nuff said
Back in Black
It's been over 2 months since I blogged here...what has happened to me? I took one of my two remaining PhD classes at MTSU this summer--only one more left to go now! And then comps and dissertation and one more language (Italian). So close and yet so far away. Gotta finish by 2008, you know.
So, I was busy reading 18th century literature, missing my kids (who spent the summer with their dad), listening to the silence, visiting the Clinton Presidential Library for my birthday (see pictures above), attending my 20th HS reunion (now you know how old I am), and thinking of reasons not to write or blog. I need to write now because I have a poetry reading coming up on August 27 at The Frothy Monkey here in Nashville. Kids are back in school, fall has to be right around the corner (please!), and the new season of Survivor should start soon (they are replaying old Survivor seasons on the Outdoor Living Network--Channel 72 in Nashville--and are on Season 2: Australian Outback right now).
I am thankful for many things in my life right now--good friends, being finished with this summer class, my kids being back, living in a city I love. Sometimes I'm scared that I will touch the bubble and it will burst, but then I go read Ashley's blog and laugh or read K's blog and find a nugget of truth. It's all good, people, it's really all good. And that's because we're all here.
So, I was busy reading 18th century literature, missing my kids (who spent the summer with their dad), listening to the silence, visiting the Clinton Presidential Library for my birthday (see pictures above), attending my 20th HS reunion (now you know how old I am), and thinking of reasons not to write or blog. I need to write now because I have a poetry reading coming up on August 27 at The Frothy Monkey here in Nashville. Kids are back in school, fall has to be right around the corner (please!), and the new season of Survivor should start soon (they are replaying old Survivor seasons on the Outdoor Living Network--Channel 72 in Nashville--and are on Season 2: Australian Outback right now).
I am thankful for many things in my life right now--good friends, being finished with this summer class, my kids being back, living in a city I love. Sometimes I'm scared that I will touch the bubble and it will burst, but then I go read Ashley's blog and laugh or read K's blog and find a nugget of truth. It's all good, people, it's really all good. And that's because we're all here.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
10 Things I Learned on my trip to Washington, DC (with apologies to Ashley!)
(I stole this idea from Ashley's blog...but I maintain that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!)
10. Driving 667 miles in one day with two children in the car looks like a fine idea on paper. The execution of this idea is another matter entirely.
9. The beltway is 50 miles in circumference--total. Don't miss your exit or you'll find this out like I did.
8. More than all of the cool museums, monuments, and other exciting events he attended, my 7 year old son loved the Metro the most (especially the very long escalator rides down to the platforms!)
7. My favorite athletic team is now the Washington Nationals (Go, Nats!).
6. Sticking your head out of your brother's car's sunroof trying to take a picture of the Capitol at night (see below) will get you some strange looks.
5. It's all about where you park.
4. My daughter is the best peacemaker our family has ever produced...I wouldn't be surprised if she grew up to work for the UN.
3. I know where every bathroom is in the National Air and Space Museum.
2. My brother and sister-in-law win the award for People Who Don't Have Children Yet Are Kid-Friendly
1. There's no place like home!
10. Driving 667 miles in one day with two children in the car looks like a fine idea on paper. The execution of this idea is another matter entirely.
9. The beltway is 50 miles in circumference--total. Don't miss your exit or you'll find this out like I did.
8. More than all of the cool museums, monuments, and other exciting events he attended, my 7 year old son loved the Metro the most (especially the very long escalator rides down to the platforms!)
7. My favorite athletic team is now the Washington Nationals (Go, Nats!).
6. Sticking your head out of your brother's car's sunroof trying to take a picture of the Capitol at night (see below) will get you some strange looks.
5. It's all about where you park.
4. My daughter is the best peacemaker our family has ever produced...I wouldn't be surprised if she grew up to work for the UN.
3. I know where every bathroom is in the National Air and Space Museum.
2. My brother and sister-in-law win the award for People Who Don't Have Children Yet Are Kid-Friendly
1. There's no place like home!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Hot Fun in the Summertime
Kids and I are going to DC tomorrow...my son wants to see "rocket ships" (Air and Space Museum), and my daughter wants to see the Natural History Museum and the Lincoln Memorial. I've often wondered why Lincoln is depicted sitting down in his memorial...he seems so grandfatherly that way, I suppose.
Anyway, for my birthday this year, I decided that I wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Clinton Library in Little Rock...hence, Bill-grimage 2005! I am so excited to spend my birthday with Bill (metaphorically speaking). You know I will be posting pictures...
Politics: Let's all hope that the curtain has been pulled back, and Bill Frist has been exposed for the complete opportunist that he is. Long live the Moderates!
Music: Why do I love Erykah Badu so much? And why hasn't she put out a new CD recently?
Movies: I've got to see the last Star Wars movie...for closure. Also, just read that there will be a movie of one my favorite books, Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, coming out sometime soon. The only glitch could be that Gwyneth Paltrow is in it. Her blandness can be astounding at times, though. I think Melanie Griffith should play Augusten's mom; she might bring just the right amount of camp with her slightly butchered, plastic surgeried face and wild tatoos. Bring it on!
UPDATE: See more about Running with Scissors, the movie here and here. Annette Bening will play the mom (great choice!), Gwyn will play Hope, and Joseph Fiennes will play creepy Neil Bookman. Should be excellent!
Anyway, for my birthday this year, I decided that I wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Clinton Library in Little Rock...hence, Bill-grimage 2005! I am so excited to spend my birthday with Bill (metaphorically speaking). You know I will be posting pictures...
Politics: Let's all hope that the curtain has been pulled back, and Bill Frist has been exposed for the complete opportunist that he is. Long live the Moderates!
Music: Why do I love Erykah Badu so much? And why hasn't she put out a new CD recently?
Movies: I've got to see the last Star Wars movie...for closure. Also, just read that there will be a movie of one my favorite books, Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, coming out sometime soon. The only glitch could be that Gwyneth Paltrow is in it. Her blandness can be astounding at times, though. I think Melanie Griffith should play Augusten's mom; she might bring just the right amount of camp with her slightly butchered, plastic surgeried face and wild tatoos. Bring it on!
UPDATE: See more about Running with Scissors, the movie here and here. Annette Bening will play the mom (great choice!), Gwyn will play Hope, and Joseph Fiennes will play creepy Neil Bookman. Should be excellent!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Able to leap tall metaphors...
Reading this week's Chronicle of Higher Ed, I was pleased to see that Poetry (with a capital P) made the front page...someone cares enough about the nepotistic state of poetry contests and book publishing to start a website devoted to ferretting out these connections! He's our Poetry Hero with too much free time, that's for sure. And, his name is Foetry.
I'm simply pleased that someone cares...read his discussion boards and you'll see that a lot of someones' care. And I'm glad that someone finally had the courage to say that Jorie Graham is full of herself and sighs too much during her readings. Amen, brother.
I'm simply pleased that someone cares...read his discussion boards and you'll see that a lot of someones' care. And I'm glad that someone finally had the courage to say that Jorie Graham is full of herself and sighs too much during her readings. Amen, brother.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Sleepover
So, I'm blogging from my daughter's sleepover...7 pre-adolescent girls...give me a medal! Yikes!
Summer weather is finally here, and I'm enjoying it. The Glenn Tilbrook show was awesome...shout out to H., P., and J. for going with me. Loved the cover of "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and especially the last song in the encore--a spirited (and spot-on) rendition of "Funkytown!" Alright!
And there's a rumor afoot that Duran Duran is coming to Nashville on July 15...I am so there! All you former Durannies better contact me now so that we can start practicing our best rendition of "Save A Prayer"--break out the dayglo and O-ring bracelets!
Summer weather is finally here, and I'm enjoying it. The Glenn Tilbrook show was awesome...shout out to H., P., and J. for going with me. Loved the cover of "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and especially the last song in the encore--a spirited (and spot-on) rendition of "Funkytown!" Alright!
And there's a rumor afoot that Duran Duran is coming to Nashville on July 15...I am so there! All you former Durannies better contact me now so that we can start practicing our best rendition of "Save A Prayer"--break out the dayglo and O-ring bracelets!
Friday, May 06, 2005
Marathon Girl
So, one day I really want to be a marathon girl! But, for now, even the thought of running 5 miles continuously sounds hard. I've been back running about 6-9 miles per week (2.5-3 miles each run) for about 2 mos. now, and it's not easy. I suppose that's the way it goes...I'll keep running, though, until my knees give out or my half-borrowed, half-stolen iPod refuses to hold a charge.
Music update: I'm completely excited to be going to see Glenn Tilbrook next week (see earlier post)...this will be the 3rd time I've seen him, and he never disappoints. My new favorite song on constant play at my house is: "Que Sera Sera" by Sly & the family Stone.
Music update: I'm completely excited to be going to see Glenn Tilbrook next week (see earlier post)...this will be the 3rd time I've seen him, and he never disappoints. My new favorite song on constant play at my house is: "Que Sera Sera" by Sly & the family Stone.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Redemption
So, I redeemed myself with my friend Ashley by actually meeting her for lunch today, so all is well in the world. Now, I just have to plow through this mountain of work at work, and perhaps by the weekend, I'll be done.
Today is Wednesday, which means tomorrow is Thursday--SURVIVOR night! Why am I so obsessed with this show? I really don't watch that much TV (well, not as much as some people, but more than others who don't have a TV). I think I like the random humanity of it...plus the faux-caveman (cavewoman?) aspect...look, we're all hunter/gatherers again! With TV cameras in our faces and product placement! Hurrah!
My friend William and I were talking about his 4 Point Scale of Happiness recently...he is a computer science Ph.D., so everything in life can be reduced to a theorem or matrix or some such for him. Here's the formula:
Use the 0-4 point scale (0=awful, 1=not great, 2=okay, 3=good, 4=wonderful!) in these categories (a word about the categories: I had to change one of them, because for me as a single mom, "family" and "relationships" come under two different categories. You can separate out the categories as you like):
Work/Finances
Relationship/Family
Friends/Social Life
Health
His theory is that if you have 3's and 4's across the board, you're doing about as well as can be expected. If you have two categories that are below 2, then that's pretty rough. It's helpful to take stock every once in a while...sometimes things aren't as bad as you think.
Movie Update: I finally finished I Heart Huckabees...it was interesting and I gave it 3 stars on Netflix. If you are interested at all in existential philosophy, you would probably enjoy it. Also, saw Gia night before last (Angelina Jolie's breakout film). She plays crazy women well. Liked the stylized realism of this movie. And saw In America the night before that...a great film. The little girls steal the show in this one. Kids and I watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory last night...I hope the new one that comes out this summer w/Johnny Depp can match the wonderful bizarreness of the original (it needs to be appropriately quirky without going over the top...we'll see if they can pull it off).
Today is Wednesday, which means tomorrow is Thursday--SURVIVOR night! Why am I so obsessed with this show? I really don't watch that much TV (well, not as much as some people, but more than others who don't have a TV). I think I like the random humanity of it...plus the faux-caveman (cavewoman?) aspect...look, we're all hunter/gatherers again! With TV cameras in our faces and product placement! Hurrah!
My friend William and I were talking about his 4 Point Scale of Happiness recently...he is a computer science Ph.D., so everything in life can be reduced to a theorem or matrix or some such for him. Here's the formula:
Use the 0-4 point scale (0=awful, 1=not great, 2=okay, 3=good, 4=wonderful!) in these categories (a word about the categories: I had to change one of them, because for me as a single mom, "family" and "relationships" come under two different categories. You can separate out the categories as you like):
Work/Finances
Relationship/Family
Friends/Social Life
Health
His theory is that if you have 3's and 4's across the board, you're doing about as well as can be expected. If you have two categories that are below 2, then that's pretty rough. It's helpful to take stock every once in a while...sometimes things aren't as bad as you think.
Movie Update: I finally finished I Heart Huckabees...it was interesting and I gave it 3 stars on Netflix. If you are interested at all in existential philosophy, you would probably enjoy it. Also, saw Gia night before last (Angelina Jolie's breakout film). She plays crazy women well. Liked the stylized realism of this movie. And saw In America the night before that...a great film. The little girls steal the show in this one. Kids and I watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory last night...I hope the new one that comes out this summer w/Johnny Depp can match the wonderful bizarreness of the original (it needs to be appropriately quirky without going over the top...we'll see if they can pull it off).
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Muddled head
It's just one of those days (weeks?) today...I completely zoned out on a lunch date with a friend today (sorry, Ashley!), I'm swamped at work (end of the semester), both my kids have birthdays this month....it's crazy, I tell you.
I'm listening to Steely Dan just to try and feel right again, you know? Music usually has that effect on me, but perhaps it's time for a Level 2 intervention...a Snickers candybar!
Wish I had more insight today, but I don't. The Muddled Head prevails.
I'm listening to Steely Dan just to try and feel right again, you know? Music usually has that effect on me, but perhaps it's time for a Level 2 intervention...a Snickers candybar!
Wish I had more insight today, but I don't. The Muddled Head prevails.
Friday, April 29, 2005
I'm just no good at blogging...
I mean, I have a life, people! I have bad TV to watch (they kicked Steph , my favorite castaway, off Survivor, but I'm still gonna watch it), the NY Times online to read (okay, so I'm really reading other insane blogs like my new favorite I'm Stuck in Rehab with Pat O'Brien), and children to raise!
I can't tell you how painful it was to watch the Shrub (i.e. Dubya) try to speak English on TV last night, especially since he was pre-empting SURVIVOR in order to sell his phony "save Social Security before it's too late!" plan. No one under 40 thinks there'll be anything left for us anyway. At least I didn't hear any "culture of life" BS last night (and that from the killing-est cowboy governor Texas has ever seen, in terms of death penalty cases). What a load of crap. And my own senator, Dr. Billy Frist, is right in there with the ridiculousness. I hope the Republicans do run him as their presidential nominee in 2008...I can't wait to see Hillary debating him!
Concert update: I'm going to see Glenn Tilbrook (former frontman of Squeeze) on May 11 at the Exit/In! I've seen him twice before, and he's one of my very favorites. Can't wait!
Movie update: Finally saw Sideways, and, of course, the hype sorta spoiled it for me. Thought it was good, but not great. New movies out that I want to see: The Upside of Anger (I hate Kevin Costner, but love Joan Allen), Millions, Kung Fu Hustle, and The Interpreter. I hear Sin City is good, but I think I'll wait for the DVD. I've been trying to finish watching I Heart Huckabees at home now for 3 days...it's interesting, but I fell asleep halfway through watching it 3 days ago, and have not found time to finish it. See, I really am busy!
I can't tell you how painful it was to watch the Shrub (i.e. Dubya) try to speak English on TV last night, especially since he was pre-empting SURVIVOR in order to sell his phony "save Social Security before it's too late!" plan. No one under 40 thinks there'll be anything left for us anyway. At least I didn't hear any "culture of life" BS last night (and that from the killing-est cowboy governor Texas has ever seen, in terms of death penalty cases). What a load of crap. And my own senator, Dr. Billy Frist, is right in there with the ridiculousness. I hope the Republicans do run him as their presidential nominee in 2008...I can't wait to see Hillary debating him!
Concert update: I'm going to see Glenn Tilbrook (former frontman of Squeeze) on May 11 at the Exit/In! I've seen him twice before, and he's one of my very favorites. Can't wait!
Movie update: Finally saw Sideways, and, of course, the hype sorta spoiled it for me. Thought it was good, but not great. New movies out that I want to see: The Upside of Anger (I hate Kevin Costner, but love Joan Allen), Millions, Kung Fu Hustle, and The Interpreter. I hear Sin City is good, but I think I'll wait for the DVD. I've been trying to finish watching I Heart Huckabees at home now for 3 days...it's interesting, but I fell asleep halfway through watching it 3 days ago, and have not found time to finish it. See, I really am busy!
Friday, February 11, 2005
An ironic girl is like a melody....
What I'm listening to these days....
Garden State soundtrack--my favorite CD right now. I love Colin Hay's (ex-Men at Work) song "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You," Nick Drake's "One of These Things First," and Zero 7's "In the Waiting Line." Made me go get Zero 7's CD Simple Things (another one I've been listening to over and over again). Props to my brother for turning me on to this CD (great movie, too).
Ultra Chilled '01--I know, I'm late to get on the chilled-out bandwagon. But, I love this stuff. It feels so...fresh and sexy and old and dreamy...all at the same time.
The Best of Chet Baker Sings: Let's Get Lost--love, love, love me some Chet Baker.
And, always, my Steely Dan (current fave song: "Any Major Dude"--have you heard Wilco's cover?). Throw in some vintage Queen, and we've got ourselves a party!
Garden State soundtrack--my favorite CD right now. I love Colin Hay's (ex-Men at Work) song "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You," Nick Drake's "One of These Things First," and Zero 7's "In the Waiting Line." Made me go get Zero 7's CD Simple Things (another one I've been listening to over and over again). Props to my brother for turning me on to this CD (great movie, too).
Ultra Chilled '01--I know, I'm late to get on the chilled-out bandwagon. But, I love this stuff. It feels so...fresh and sexy and old and dreamy...all at the same time.
The Best of Chet Baker Sings: Let's Get Lost--love, love, love me some Chet Baker.
And, always, my Steely Dan (current fave song: "Any Major Dude"--have you heard Wilco's cover?). Throw in some vintage Queen, and we've got ourselves a party!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Crushing influence of geography
Hey, go check out this review of my friend Jim Whorton's new book, Frankland. It rocks! I've known Jim since 8th grade...we were in English class together at Thames Junior High School in Hattiesburg, MS. He's still just as funny as he was then (and perhaps a bit taller, but not by much).
Quick like a fox
Recent pet peeves:
People who use the quasi-verbs "emote" or "incent"
Slow, slow, slow drivers
Hair (why does it have to keep growing? why can't I cut it once and be done with it?)
These are the things that keep me awake at night (not really...I'm a very sound sleeper).
People who use the quasi-verbs "emote" or "incent"
Slow, slow, slow drivers
Hair (why does it have to keep growing? why can't I cut it once and be done with it?)
These are the things that keep me awake at night (not really...I'm a very sound sleeper).
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Holiday Flicks
I spent the holidays watching movies...Here's my rundown:
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou--a must-see. Bill Murray in a speedo, Owen Wilson with a Kentucky accent, David Bowie in Portuguese...what more do you want? I saw it twice.
Bottle Rocket--the Belcourt was having a Wes Anderson retrospective. This movie rocks...seeing it on the big screen made me buy it on DVD. Favorite line: "They can't catch me because I'm f***ing innocent!"
Closer-- A beautifully disturbing movie. Don't go see it with a date!
Ocean's Twelve--Fun, fun, fun. I'm still a bigger fan of Ocean's 11, but this one has its moments.
Kinsey--Laura Linney is brilliant, as usual. Also, check out Peter Sarsgaard (from Garden State). But, overall, I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be.
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events--An odd little movie. Interesting special effects and gorgeous closing credits. But, it was really so sad (not funny sad, but really sad). Not for kids at all.
I think that's it. Didn't get to see Sideways, so that's still on my list.
PS--I still have the Bill Clinton message on my answering machine. Does anyone know how I can save it for posterity?
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou--a must-see. Bill Murray in a speedo, Owen Wilson with a Kentucky accent, David Bowie in Portuguese...what more do you want? I saw it twice.
Bottle Rocket--the Belcourt was having a Wes Anderson retrospective. This movie rocks...seeing it on the big screen made me buy it on DVD. Favorite line: "They can't catch me because I'm f***ing innocent!"
Closer-- A beautifully disturbing movie. Don't go see it with a date!
Ocean's Twelve--Fun, fun, fun. I'm still a bigger fan of Ocean's 11, but this one has its moments.
Kinsey--Laura Linney is brilliant, as usual. Also, check out Peter Sarsgaard (from Garden State). But, overall, I wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be.
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events--An odd little movie. Interesting special effects and gorgeous closing credits. But, it was really so sad (not funny sad, but really sad). Not for kids at all.
I think that's it. Didn't get to see Sideways, so that's still on my list.
PS--I still have the Bill Clinton message on my answering machine. Does anyone know how I can save it for posterity?
Long, long time, no blog
Land of my birth
The holidays have come and gone, and we're into the gray months now. Will try to post here more often.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Pieces of flair
The Luna show was great...the Nashville Scene's Scott Manzler called it a "sublime show." The only talking they did with the crowd was to mention our very own Parthenon (which I'm sad to say I haven't visited yet, but plan to soon!). The band was cool, too...hung around after the show to talk to the superfans (which I'm not, but my friend is, so we talked to the Britta the bass player who looks like she could be Scarlett Johanssen's big sister). I'm a Steely Dan superfan, but that's grist for another blog post (don't get me started on my weird love for Donald Fagan).
So, I just finished my last project at work, and now I'm off to pack up my chirren's stuff and leave at 7 a.m on our trip to the Magnolia State! Can't wait to get back to the Hub City, Pike County (land of my birth), and then trip on down to the Crescent City/Big Easy/Nawlins. Whew...I'm gonna be one tired Poetry HotGirl come Sunday. I'll take pictures, though, and will post any that are interesting/beautiful/not incriminating.
Happy Stuffing!
So, I just finished my last project at work, and now I'm off to pack up my chirren's stuff and leave at 7 a.m on our trip to the Magnolia State! Can't wait to get back to the Hub City, Pike County (land of my birth), and then trip on down to the Crescent City/Big Easy/Nawlins. Whew...I'm gonna be one tired Poetry HotGirl come Sunday. I'll take pictures, though, and will post any that are interesting/beautiful/not incriminating.
Happy Stuffing!
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Long time, no blog
Friday, November 12, 2004
Chicks Rule
Saw Mindy Smith and Tift Merritt at the Belcourt tonight. It made me want to go back and listen to the Mindy Smith CD someone gave me that I've never really listened to. Tift Merritt got people to stand up and move at the Belcourt. Well, alright.
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