A big family, a reading addiction, and the occasional celebrity scandal are the ingredients of life that create one woman's opinion on just about everything.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Mel, Mel, Mel!!

I was very disappointed to read this about Mel Gibson. Good God!! I guess he really is Anti-Semitic. I've been a fan for many years and believed him during his PASSION OF THE CHRIST promotions when he denied any anti-semitism. After all Christians have been accused of that every time Christ's crufixion is discussed or portrayed.

But drunk or not, why would a person shout anti-semitic slurs if there isn't some basis for this being the truth? I can understand the other obnoxious things he said in the officer's report...most drunks get belligerent and do stupid stuff like that. Well at least the ones I'm related to do!!

While Mr. Gibson issued a statement and apologized and is ashamed of his behavior (I should think so!!) one has to wonder if the apology is legitimate or a savvy and necessary step to make the incident get over quicker.

While the LA Sheriff's office has all kinds of egg on its' face for trying to cover up or "sanitize" the incident, hopefully it was less about celebrity and more about a legitimate concern not to stir up Jewish/Arab/Christian conflict here locally with the war between Israel and the Hezbollah raging on. It just goes to show that honesty is always the best policy.

As for Mel Gibson...I don't think I'll ever look at him or think of him in the same way...as an engaging actor and entertainer. Shame, shame, shame on you, Mr. Gibson!

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Saturday, July 29, 2006

I feel pretty...oh so pretty...

Well not really...I don't feel pretty that is, but I'm working on it. My health is becoming a pressing issue in my life so I'm trying to focus some positive energy in that direction. However, my awareness of world events and life in general tends to have an oppressive affect on me. I literally feel crushed down by it all. Sometimes I wonder where all that natural effervescence (think alka seltzer) went... Maybe I should go on a scavenger hunt and look for it.

Thank God for the guy I live with, my children and other family and friends that balance my life and give it joy. Sometimes I'm too much in my head. People who know me will find that amusing since I believe most people would consider me to be extroverted. In fact this schizophrenia is what makes me cuckoo and drives my sons crazy. What can I say...I live to please.

Anyway, I'm usually having two to three conversations at once. Like right now for instance. There is the conversation I'm having in my head, a running list of things to do and commentary on everything around me jogging through my brain, and then there is this post. This post is a separate conversation I'm having in my "writing" voice that I'm speaking to the people who might read it.

Two separate conversations. I use the word conversation because to me I'm always speaking when I write. There is always a voice I associate with writing. Oh, and it's not always the same voice. It depends on whether I'm mother, sister, daughter, wife, friend, reader, wanton...whatever my mood...all these people have their own identity inside my head. C'mon tell me. Am I really crazy? What's your writing experience like?

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Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Where I Have No Point at All

I've been keeping myself busy resting. Yes, you read that right. I've been busy resting!! I've been sleeping and reading and generally taking it easy. I assign myself a couple of chores each day, but other than that I've been living on easy street since my early retirement five weeks ago.

Well, two weeks were vacation, one week I had a sister visiting and a sister having surgery and then last week I went to help the sister who was visiting unpack...Sort of. That adventure is a story for another day. Anyway, I haven't been completely loafing, but mostly. It's been marvelous actually. Well, except for the unfreakingbelievable heat we are having. Holy Hannah it's hot!!

I've read quite a few books the past few weeks. I just finished Susan Donovan's A KEPT WOMAN. It was one of those occasions that I picked the right book at just the right time to read it. I'd read a couple of EC books before it and felt a little overloaded on the heavy breathing and heaving breasts. So this was a great change. While not as meaty as some romantic romps or as witty, still satisfying. Know what I mean? A satisfying read...bliss!!

I read on another reader blog recently that the reader didn't review every book she read. While she read many more books than she reviewed, there were only a few she picked out to review. She said her choice to comment/review was based on whether she had something she wanted to say about the book and not just whether or not she liked it.

Boy, she really nailed my feelings to the 'T'. I read many more books than I comment on. If something about the book speaks to me I usually give it a mention here. Short and sweet. I struggle sometimes expressing my thoughts sometimes about books. Don't come here for synopsis or in-depth analysis. I serve the diet plate reviews here.
*wink*

Speaking of reader blogs, color me completely agog to realize that I had missed a Linda Howard book. Quite by accident while following a link on Karen's page (regarding Queen Bees of Romance's opinion on Jan Butler's letter in RWA) I found a Linda Howard interview from 2004 which she states she did a paperback book TO DIE FOR released in 2005 between hardcovers. The title didn't seem familiar. I did a quick review of bookshelves and guess what. I didn't have this book! No kidding, I couldn't believe I'd missed one of Ms. Howard's books. For better or worse I'm enough of a fan(addict) of Ms. Howard that I went out and purchased the book. Sheesh! I was stunned to think this got by me. What else am I missing? *gasp!*

Of course it is pretty hard to get too worked up about the continuing shenanigans in the romance world (Ms. Butler, et al) or a missed purchase when such horrible news is coming out of the Middle East. As a citizen of the world, I weep for us all. As a mother of sons I'm terrified. I'm praying for all those trapped in the conflict. I pray for families every where who either have family living in the Middle East or have a loved one serving in some capacity or another in that region. What a sad and sorrowful mess. God help us all.

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Sunday, July 23, 2006

Tagged

KarenS tagged me while I was on walkabout. If you are interested in why I blog...read on.

When did you start blogging and why?
I actually wrote my first post in July 2005. I had three entries under my belt when I deleted the whole blog while trying to delete something else. Yeah, not an auspicous start. My current blog was started in August 2005. My blog's first birthday is just around the corner. I started because my comments were getting longer and longer on other people's sites and I wanted a chance to express my own opinion...and it's cheaper than therapy. *g*

What don’t you talk about?
Anything someone told me in confidence...even if I know they don't or won't read my blog. Some personal stuff.

Are you and your blogging persona the same person?
Yeah, I think so. I've had some people tell me they recognize my tone of voice in what I write. Of course, I frequently wonder if people are as honest or as vocal in real life as they are anonymously online. I try to state my (strong) opinions the same way online as I would in person. To me that's just being honest. Besides I don't think anonymity is license for behaving like a barbarian.

How do you use blogging to build friendships?

Hmmm...I like and admire many people online and wonder if we would be friends in "real" life. While reading about a person's thoughts, opinions, etc. eliminates the perceptions we form by a person's physical presence, I'm not certain how much we really know a person by our online experiences. Also, I try to be conscious of personal space. I comment on and read several blogs, but I've sent emails to only a very few people. Humpf, that wasn't a very enlightening answer was it? Ummm...I guess "I don't know" would have been better.

How would you describe your writing style?
I don't really have one. I'm schizophrenic. My posts are all over the place from books, to news, to entertainment gossip, my family... I have no plan or idea what I'll say or blog from one day to the next. I long to be witty and funny but just try to be honest and sincere...and not too cutesy. (Is that a word?) *g*


Tagging:
In the immortal words of
Super Librarian:

"Ha! No one! Ya'll been tagged already me thinks."

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Thursday, July 20, 2006

Gone Walkabout Mates!

I'm on the road again for a few days to go help my sister Mary relocate to Southern California. I'm going to go help her unpack boxes and put stuff away. Go talk amongst yourselves. See you next week!


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SUPERMAN RETURNS

Okay I couldn't leave town without putting my two cents in about this movie. I went to see it with my son (Numero Dos) and his girlfriend yesterday. I had mixed feelings about seeing it for alot of reasons not the least of which was the interview with Brandon Routh (new Superman), Bryan Singer (director) and Kevin Spacey (Lex Luthor)on LARRY KING the week the movie premiered. Brandon seemed to dorky to be a believable Superman. Boy was I wrong. He was great. Although a little too skinny for my tastes, Kate Bosworth is a much more identifiable and likable Lois Lane than Margot Kidder was in the Christopher Reeve Superman movies. I also thought it was touching that this moviee was dedicated to Christopher and Dana Reeve. If ever there was a heroic and "super"ior couple it was them.

I don't understand why this movie isn't filling theater auditoriums. Do women really love Johnny Depp that much? SUPERMAN RETURNS is a very entertaining movie. Although it is 2 1/2 hours long, the time went by quickly. The graphics and special effects are great. Superman has never looked so good flying and stuff...

So what are you waiting for? Go see this movie!

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Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Glory to God in the Highest!!

That was a trick title to hide the real reason for this post. Last night I had one of those moments that I thought I had prepared myself for but found myself speechless when it happened.

My 19 year old came home from an evening out with his friends and plopped himself on our bed for a midnight chat to catch up a bit. This is a frequent occurence as our schedules don't always permit conversation during the day.

In the course of our little convo guess what bit of news comes to light? He has started having sex with his girlfriend...his 16 (almost 17) year old girlfriend. Gulp! The news that he has become sexually active at 19 is not shocking, but it is a mental adjustment as well as an emotional one. No I wasn't shocked to find that my 19 year old male child had become sexually active, I was (am) more concerned about whether he and his young girlfriend are ready for this step. I'm worried whether I have taught him enough about being responsible, respectful and considerate of this young woman.

The "news" didn't end there. It turns out his girlfriend has told her mother about them being sexually active. While I'm glad she isn't treading into these waters without talking to her mother, I'm a bit apprehensive since she is under age and Number One Son is not. Did I mention her parents are recently divorced and it was not an amicable split? Am I crazy or does this have all the potential for diaster written all over it?

After a brief re-cap about birth control being the responsibility of BOTH parties and an even shorter reminder to speak to his Dad about using a condom properly, he cut the convo short and raced from our room. Yeah, I know Moms aren't supposed to delve too deep in these waters, but holy hannah, if he's old enough and supposedly mature enough to have sex with his girlfriend, then he should be old enough and mature enough to have a conversation about it.

You might wonder where the guy I live with was while I was getting all this big news. Right there with us...sleeping like a baby! I obligingly shared the update with him at 4:45 a.m. this morning while he was getting ready for work. While he did pale a bit he says he's going to have another conversation with Numero Uno about sex, respect, birth control ...you know all the high points. Isn't this what good parents are supposed to do?

What do you think? Did your parents ever talk to you about sex?

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Tuesday, July 18, 2006

So many thoughts...so little time!

Go check out a guest post from July 13, 2006, by Sarah McCarty at Let's Gab. It's about commas. Yep, sounds dry but actually hits on a peeve of mine; lousy grammar in books. I love a book that flows and that is attributed to two things in my opinion, the author's voice and the grammar. I wholeheartedly agree with Sarah's assessment that reading a book, any book, shouldn't be such hard work!

Which also ties into a post on KarenS blog about how erotic romance is killing the whole damn romance genre. If you go to the link of Ms. Barnett's post in its' entirety you will see she speaks of print runs etc. Of course, me being me I have an opinion on this. I know...nobody asked me...but here it is anyway.

I think that once publishing houses realized how popular the Romance genre (at one point in the late 80's or early 90's 50% of all books sold) it was sell, sell, sell! Can you imagine? Pretty unbelievable right? Now we have book recommends from Oprah to elevate us, sci-fi books that tie into TV series (Star Trek) and whole novels to tell super hero stories (Superman, Batman, X-Men). So the romance genre has some pretty stiff competition and the publishing industry response to this competion? Glut the market!! There are more types and kinds of romance than ever. More books than ever. Of course, this does not necessarily mean BETTER books just MORE books.

So in response to Ms. McCarty's comments I think that the removal of commas is symptomatic of a larger picture which also addresses Ms. Bartlett's comments about smaller print runs...the publishers just want to sell more books by more authors and see which ones the readers find. If a book is good in any genre and strikes a chord with people I still believe it finds its intended audience. With the help of the internet's reader blogs, author sites, and on-line book sellers, readers can find a book at their finger tips. We can search for older books, download books, view covers, read excerts...all to the reader's advantage. However, I think it is a shame that we seem to be sacrificing quality for quantity.

I have my favorite authors that I anxiously await their next book. However, I'd much rather wait for a new book than have an author squeezed to deliver a book by a deadline and not do their best work.

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Monday, July 10, 2006

I'm Baaaaaack!

Look, I don't want to wax philosophic, but I will say that if you're alive you've got to flap your arms and legs, you've got to jump around a lot, for life is the very opposite of death, and therefore you must at very least think noisy and colorfully, or you're not alive.
-- Mel Brooks


Okay, this is another quote I read and really related to. I once again swiped it from another site. However, this time I can't remember where I got it and can't credit the brilliant person who found it. Sorry anonymous donor, but thanks for the inspiration!!

I'm back from vacation. We actually got back late last week but have had company and lots to do so this has been my first chance to write anything. Forgive me again for errors or typos as I've lots to say and a short time to do it.


1. About the books I've read...very few "good" ones to report. I very much enjoyed Linda Howard's COVER OF NIGHT. I'm currently reading Christine Feehan's Drake sister book DANGEROUS TIDES. I've read a few comments out there in blogland about Janet Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum TWELVE SHARP. Seems like many die hards concur about the disappointment of her not moving the story or the characters along in this book at all. It was about "half" a book IMO. I'm still a Marjorie Liu fan even though RED HEART OF JADE did not have the sharpness of her previous two Dirk & Steele novels. She's a great writer and I love her blog WEB PETALS.

2. My dad's girlfriend "Pearl". OMG! That's a story and a half. The guy I live with calls her a bar whore. Now I know that you all don't know the wonderful and marvelous Greg, but believe me he is a pretty easy going guy. He floored my sibs when he announced his opinion of Dad's girl Pearl. My sibs and I are all so disappointed in my 75 year-old father. While we were visiting him he got miffed with Pearl and ends up making out with her best friend Debbie D. who is also in her mid-50s and unlike Pearl not single. That's right...she's been married for 30 years. It seems Debbie D.'s husband is a train engineer and out of town alot. That's why good old Deb is available to hang out at the bars with good friend Pearl.

Trust me, I'm not laying all the blame on the chicks in this scenario. My Dad's acting worse than an adolescent. Of course, the making out was all a big mistake and he "luuuuuurves" Pearl. Can you say "whatever!" to an old perv and have him understand what that means? In all these scenarios vodka and whiskey both play prominent roles. Maybe you caught on the first 10 times or so I've mentioned most of the so-call courtship takes place in and around a bar in Helena, Montana called Dapper D's. A place we checked out while there...blech! is about the nicest I can say about it.

3. I'm so thrilled for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban on their nuptials. Boo-yah to Tom and "Kate"! Some people still want to get married in church with their families present.

That's it for today. I'll be off for a few days again. One of my sisters is having surgery on her neck and I'll be trekking to the hospital and then helping out during her recovery.

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