Last weekend I helped out at the Texas Book Festival in downtown
First I had the honor of introducing authors Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett at a packed
This is me being an Introducer.
Mac entertained the crowd with a reading from his hilarious illustrated book Guess Again! If you haven’t seen it – go find it. I haven’t laughed that hard at a picture book in a long time.
Mac was a wonderful orator and told several great stories behind the making of his books Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem and The Brixton Brothers: The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity.
Me and Mac. I can't remember what we were discussing. Probably how much we love Jon's books.
After Jon’s and Mac’s event, I met my fabulous critique group at the Texas Chili Parlor for some goal setting and good grub eatin’. From left to right, Tim Crow, Brian Anderson, Gene Brenek, Debbie Gonzales, and moi.
After lunch, I was able to catch most of the “Faustian Bargains” panel. The lovely and wise Cynthia Leitich Smith talked about her amazing gothic fantasy novel Eternal, and the adorable and witty brother/sister writing duo Daniel and Dina Nayeri talked about writing Another Faust. Fellow Delacorte Dame April Lurie did an amazing job of moderating.
Next it was time to do some moderating of my own. I had the pleasure of presiding over the “Hot Reads for Cool Girls” panel, featuring (from left to right) Rosemary Clement-Moore, Victoria Laurie, Katherine Marsh and Isobelle Carmody.
And here I am with the lovely ladies. Rosemary, Katherine, me, Victoria, and Isobelle. (It was Halloween, which is why Victoria is in kitty-cat ears and Katherine is dressed as a private school girl -- a reference to a character in her ghostly books The Night Tourist and The Twilight Prisoner.)
It was an amazing day. I love my city! Big kudos to the organizers and volunteers and featured authors. And a big thank-you kiss to my hubby -- the man behind the camera, and the man behind the crazy writer lady -- for chronicling the event.
On October 24, I had the joy and privilege of taking part in the first annual Austin Teen Book Festival. It was a gorgeous day – and
Here are some pics of the event:
Upon our arrival that morning we met with our teen guides. The smart and lovely Ari joined me for breakfast and interesting conversation. We are in the foreground. In between us is always hilarious and whip-smart YA author Justine Larbalestier with her adorable teen guide. I really loved the boots Justine was wearing, which were designed especially for her.
And here’s one of me with the amazing Carrie Jones and her teen guide.
After coffee and breakfast tacos, we headed to the main auditorium where we were each introduced. Here’s a shot of my grand entrance and of the whole rabble of authors.
And here’s a shot I took from the stage.
Libba Bray gave the keynote speech and was assisted by her gnome sidekick, Book People’s Topher Bradfield. As per usual, Libba was fantastic. She is one smart, saucy lady. As you can see, the place was packed.
I served on a panel with my fellow Delacorte Dames and Dude.
I wasn’t able to see the other panels, but this one was Zombies vs. Vampires, with Heather Brewer, Carrie Jones, Daniel Waters, and Cynthia Leitich Smith.
Here’s a shot of the "Fantasy" panel with Rick Yancey, Lisa McMann, Justine Larbalestier, and Libba Bray.
And here’s a pic of the “Real YA Voices” panel, which featured Terra Elan McVoy, Deb Caletti, and Matt de la Pena.
During lunch we were treated to the “Thriller” zombie dance!
At the end of the day we signed books.
And then we hit the hula hut for some good grub and conversation. Here’s the whole gang.
BIG BIG BIG shout-outs go to the amazing Heather Schubert and the rest of the Eanes District wonder-librarians. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. And here’s to many more teen book fests!
A personal shout out to my friends Brian P. and Savannah for surprising me with your presence! So happy you were there!
Recently I made an appearance
While there, I gave a presentation on my job and the crazy stories behind my crazy stories. I also conducted two silly how-to writing workshops and the students amazed me with their vivid imaginations, sense of humor, and writing skills. Here is one of the prewrites that came out of the 45 minute session:
How To… Become a Teacher’s Pet
By Kelsey C.
Supplies:
• Your homework
• A cheesy smile
• A parent
• A teacher
• Yourself
• Harry Potter or any huge book
• A whole of box of pencils and a pack of notebook paper to bring to class each day
• Gifts for the teacher
• NO cell phones, iPods, etc.
• Glasses
Steps:
-- Bring your homework to class every day and also complete homework in advance - even before it’s assigned!
-- Smile every day, especially when you are around a teacher.
-- Always be on time and right when you walk in the room get out your homework and paper to take notes.
-- Bring your parents to school the very first day so they can get to know the teacher better, brag about how amazing you are, and bring the teacher a gift - preferably chocolate or a new coffee maker!
-- Raise your hand for any question asked, even if the question is rhetorical, and ask a lot of intelligent questions during class.
-- Whenever you have free time in class, always start reading your book and become completely absorbed in it because teachers, especially English teachers, love it when students read.
-- Make sure you don’t bring any electronics to this class, unless they are gifts for your teacher. Teachers hate it when kids aren’t playing attention and just chatting with their friends.
-- No one really knows why, but for some reason most of the teacher’s pets in the school wear glasses. Apparently teachers like that. Make sure to wear glasses, even if you have perfect eyesight! It just helps with your ranking on the Favorite Students list.
Obviously Kelsey has put a lot of thought into this! I’m amazed at her insight – especially the part about giving teachers chocolate or a new coffee maker!
A big thank you to librarian extraordinaire Kate DiPronio and the wonderful staff at Cedar Valley for making me feel so welcome, and for all the work they do with these talented young people! I had a fantastic time!
Come out to
Forget TV sports. The saucy Libba Bray is giving a keynote speech that is bound to be more gripping.
Forget video games. At the fest there will be a Zombie writers vs. Vampire writers smackdown!
Forget yard work, it’ll just grow back. Come grow your mind instead with one of the enlightening panels.
Forget sleep, chores, social obligations, or any other lame excuse. THIS is what you need to do. You know I’m right. You know it.
Here’s a list of the fab authors:
Matt de la Peña
Carrie Jones
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Margo Rabb
Rick Yancey
Plus, there will be live music, a photo booth, book signings, and other planned and unplanned shenanigans! And it's FREE!
So no excuses! Be there! Or be a boring geometric figure! Festivities start at 10 a.m.
Yet another wonderful thing happened after my amazing week in Frisco. On Friday, after my visit to Pioneer Heritage Middle School and a fun lunch with some new BLFs (bestest library friends), I hit the road and drove all the way down to Victoria, Texas, stopping in Austin to pick up my two kids.
We made it to the Theatre Victoria just in time to see my mom bring down the house as Vernadette in their production of The Dixie Swim Club. She really was amazing – and I’m not just saying that because she’s my mom. She had people laughing hysterically and cheering at the end of her lines. It was wonderful.
Mom used to perform in
I only saw Mom act once while growing up – in a mystery dinner theater benefiting the local library. I could see how talented she was, and I’m so very happy that she has now returned to this passion.
It was such a fun evening. The entire cast was fantastic. Kudos to the actors, the director, the crew, and the community of
I’m so proud of my mommy!
One of the things I like best about my job is being able to climb out of my cave now and then and meet the people for which I write the books. Talking with young readers, hearing their comments and answering their questions, it’s all golden. And I always come away feeling extra inspired. Last week was one of those times.
I spent six days in
I want have to thank the organizers of my visit Leigh Ann Jones and Trumanell Maples – librarian administrators extraordinaire. And a huge shout-out to the lovely librarians and library aides who welcomed me into their schools, helped with the presentations, and treated me to food, drink, and their marvelous company.
Here’s a shot of me getting ready to speak at
(Photo by Thalia R.)
This is me talking to the assembled students. (Photo by Sofia S.)
Here are the said students, who were, of course, perfectly behaved and had many thought-provoking questions. (Photo by Rianna W.)
(Thanks also to Stafford teacher Sara King whose students took these photos. And I know I didn't make it easy for them, with all my moving around and hand jiving.)
More photos and recaps of my wonderful week to come!
So much good news in a small amount of time!
The past week (after our losing bout with Flu) brought many wonderful things my way, and each one deserves its own post. So bear with me as I hoot and holler and cavort in word form.
First off …
I recently found out that How Not to Be Popular has is a finalist for the 2009 Teddy Award! Wahoo! And it is such an honor to be nominated alongside Kathi Appelt and Dotti Enderle and Xavier Garza.
The winner will be revealed at the Texas Book Festival on October 31.
Yay us!
You know your child is sick when they put down the game controller one afternoon and say, “I think I’ll go to bed.”
That’s exactly what the Boy did two Sundays ago. My response, of course, was to drop whatever I was doing and take his temperature. It was 102 degrees. He also had a headache and his skin was the color of skim milk.
Thus began the Week of H1N1, when our house became known as Flu-ville. And this moniker prompted me to write the following:
The Flus down in Flu-ville like Zieglers a lot.
The come in and stay and make fevers and snot.
They stay and they stay and they stay and they stay.
And nothing can make the Z Flus go away.
Besides being a testament as to why I don’t write rhyming picture books, the verse pretty well summed up the tone of the week. Everything did feel rather Seussian and surreal. I stopped writing my draft and became a modern day Clara Barton – only much more inept and snarly, I’m sure.
I bought and dispensed sick-friendly foods like juice, tea, and plain toast. I loaded up on pain meds and Lysol. I washed bed sheets and clothes and wiped down surfaces constantly, giving me cracked, elephant-like skin. I ran to the Boy’s school to pick up his homework and, when the fever was down, oversaw assignments. (If I’d ever wondered if home schooling would be a viable option in our family, that week settled it once and for all.)
The fevers would come, make him sleep for hours, and then they would go. Sometimes they’d stay gone for hours – even without medication – making us think he was finally on the mend. Then it would all come back at once: the triple digit readings on the thermometer, the sallow complexion, the need to sleep.
I’m happy to say all is back to normal now. The Boy returned to school with a normal body temp and once again runs past us to embrace the game controller when he returns home. Thankfully, no one else succumbed to the persnickety virus.
H1N1 came on a bright sunny day
Our mother was home and said, “Please go away!”
“But I like it here,” it said. “I think I’ll stay.”
So it stopped all writing and working and play.
The week was rough. The people, gruff.
Until finally it decided that it had enough.
The Z hosts were cozy but also real tough.
So it packed up its symptoms and left in a huff.
Here’s hoping all my friends in the Blog-verse stay healthy!
Those of you with children’s book or YA manuscripts that you wish to shape up and shop, hear this: You can still sign up for the Austin SCBWI conference that will be held Saturday, January 30, 2010 in Cedar Park (just minutes from Austin)!
This special event you will allow you to meet several established industry professionals, hear wonderful talks about how to navigate the publishing world, eat yummy food while socializing with interesting book-centric people, and be able to participate in the chapter’s popular Critique Clinique! What is the Critique Clinique, you ask? A chance to receive feedback on a 10-page sample of your manuscript by a featured editor, agent or author (including yours truly).
Not only will you gain valuable insight and helpful suggestions, you will also have fun, meet like-minded pals, and leave feeling inspired!
Please stop by the Austin SCBWI website to see all the highlights and star power.
For more information click here.
To download a registration form, click here.
Hope to see you there!
I watch my share of TV. Always have. I’m a card-carrying “mean mom” who seriously limits what and how much her children watch, and I definitely believe in moderation for all ages. However, I do find a lot of quality storytelling on the telly, and I probably average a good seven hours a week of shows myself.
It occurred to me recently that so much of what I watch centers on a main character who has, shall we say, questionable ethics. The killer Dexter. The drug-selling mom on Weeds. The drug-making, drug-selling, morally compromised high school teacher on Breaking Bad. The male prostitute on Hung. The killer vampires on True Blood. The Mad Men, with all their decadence and deceit. The spoiled, self-indulgent
Even Survivor, my guilty pleasure, has its share of backstabbing. And most of the people featured on The Office and 30 Rock are not so much characters as they are caricatures, with their flaws exaggerated in scope and number for the sake of comedy. So basically, it’s shock and scandal every time I switch on the set.
I’m not complaining about this – I simply find it interesting. Why is there so much depravity in these shows? Certainly it makes for gripping storylines. Let’s face it: in essence, good people lead dull lives. Every show needs a villain. And quality dramas need for their protagonists to be layered individuals who make mistakes and, hopefully, learn and grow from them. Moreover, the writer in me is constantly amazed at how I can root for such characters even when my entire belief system knows their behavior is wrong. That’s great craft.
But what does the fact that we love these scoundrels say about us as a viewing culture? Is it a distinctly American thing to secretly admire and even crave a little rule-breaking? Or maybe our collective psyche is so battered by politics and economic tensions that we find watching such behavior cathartic. Perhaps it’s a release to see other people, even fictional ones, completely letting loose while we struggle to hold it together. Maybe we learn lessons alongside them. Or at least get a good laugh out of it. And sometimes a good laugh is medicine enough.
Certainly this isn’t a new thing. I grew up loving such rascals as Archie Bunker, Louie DePalma, Basil Fawlty, and the Black Adder. But they were comic buffoons. And the J.R. Ewings were on the evening melodramas. These days it’s the realistic dramas that seem to be full of tragically flawed and often despicable individuals. Where are the Pa Ingalls? The Sheriff Taylors? The Dr. Quinn Medicine Women?
They might be out there … but I don’t watch them. I know there are wholesome shows on the air. But the ones I tune into – the same ones that get all the critical slobber and scoop up awards every year – feature rogues and scalawags. In fact, I had to think long and hard before I came up with a character on a show I watch who was completely good: the Doctor on Dr. Who. And it’s a sci-fi adventure series, not a drama. Plus, it’s British.
I don’t really have insight behind this litany. No real answers to my questions. I’m certainly not bothered about the overabundance of mischief-makers on TV. But maybe I’m a little bothered about not being bothered.
I have a new novel that I’m shaping (it isn’t my next book, but will hopefully be the one after it) in which the central characters are a little more … imperfect than those in my past books. Their actions certainly aren’t as heinous as those carried out by the above mentioned folks, but as people they are less ethical, and more damaged. So perhaps that’s one reason why I’m pondering all this. Or maybe I just need to lighten up and watch more cartoons.
Okay. Rambling over. Back to my meth lab—er … manuscript.
Dear Blog,
I apologize for having neglected you these past several weeks. You deserve better. You’ve always been there, not judging, not nagging, ready to assist whenever the mood strikes me. Meanwhile I come and go as I please – and lately I’ve been away far too often.
I’m ashamed to say this, but I’ve had a little something else on the side for a while now. Something younger and flashier. Its name is Facebook and it’s one of the main reasons I haven’t been by to see you as often.
Sure, Facebook isn’t as dependable or faithful. And it can get a little annoying with all of its quizzes and Mafia Wars and electronic farming. But it also doesn’t demand as much from me. Some days I’m just busy or tired, and it’s so much easier to post a 10-word status line than a multi-paragraph blog post.
Yet lately I find myself missing you, Blog. I miss how quiet and trustworthy you are. I miss your endless patience as I vent my thoughts, frustrations and half-formed ideas onto your pages. I miss the way a morning blog entry can stretch my literary muscles and prime me for a long day of writing. And I miss that feeling of accomplishment after publishing a new post. Such a sense of completion is nice and inspiring during the long months it takes to create a new novel.
So I’m thinking I’d like for us to go back to what we had before. I promise to come around more often. I’ll put in the effort and commitment that’s been lacking these past few months. Of course, I’ll still keep Facebook in my life. There’s no reason for me to be exclusive with either one of you. But it won’t get in the way – you have my word on this … literally. In fact, I’ll link you guys together. We’ll all be one, big, modern extended family!
I’m so glad we had this little exchange and reached an understanding. You’re such a mensch, Blog. Really, I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Now about this Twitter thing ….
Last Saturday I had the privilege of serving on a panel with my fellow “DDDs” (April Lurie, Shana Burg, Margo Rabb, and Varian Johnson) entitled Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About YA Books … But Were Afraid to Ask. Adding to the honor was the fact that our moderator was none other than the award-winning and much beloved Austin-based author Sarah Bird.
During the hour we touched on such topics as how we got started, why we write for teens, the differences between YA and adult fiction, and the frustration we feel when some people insinuate that YA novels are “lesser” literature.
I’m lousy at judging crowd size, but I was told it was around 100 – including several under the age of 18. A great mix of booklovers, aspiring writers, teens, educators, and the simply curious. After the panel we had the opportunity to meet people and sign books. I’m still amazed when someone comes up to me at an event and tells me they loved my book – and they’re not a cousin! Before I was published, I was always too shy to go up to authors and tell them how much I enjoyed their work. But now that I know how good it feels to hear such things, I do it every chance I get. It’s not just validation. It’s like … you’ve given birth to these stories and let them out into the world … and they never call. It’s wonderful to hear people praise these things you hold so dear.
I opted to dress up for a change in order to feel smart and professional. My “author costume” consisted of a teal dress and silver sandals (if I were to wear what I typically have on while writing it would be yoga pants and tank top – both coffee stained). I was going for simple and classy, but when Cynthia Leitich Smith saw me, she exclaimed “My my! Will we be turning letters on Wheel of Fortune later?” which cracked me up. It’s amazing how friends react whenever they see me with makeup on and my hair brushed. Perhaps I should be less of a grunge in real life.
Margo, who is always effortlessly fashionable, looked adorable in a black and white dress and the most amazing red wedges. Even Sarah had her hold them up for all to see. Here we were being all literary and we sidestepped into talk about Marc Jacobs shoe wear. Love it! This was the first time I’d seen Margo since I’d read her book, and I had to fight the urge to bombard her with questions. The story was so masterful and moving – and because I knew it was based on personal experience, I kept picturing her as the protagonist. It broke my heart and made me want to protect this 15-year-old version of Margo forever.
Margo might make me feel like a protective slob, but it’s Varian who makes me feel lazy. Dude works over 50 hours a week at his engineering job, writes brilliant novels in his spare time, AND STILL finds time to finish up his MFA studies (*sounds of crowd roaring*). He officially graduates in July, but I do believe the hard work is done. We must now refer to him as Dude Master. Or Master Dude.
Shana always cracks me up. The lady is so brilliant and yet so self-deprecating. She was the one with the bright idea for the panel. She was the one who had the insight and guts to ask Sarah to moderate. She has an amazing, multi award-winning novel out there and the first thing she says when it’s her turn on the panel is, “Okay, so I just want to say that I’m allergic to mangoes …” Apparently she was concerned because her eyes were still a bit puffy after an unfortunate tropical fruit incident. But I couldn’t tell – honest! To me she just looked a little sleepy.
April was also recovering from a health issue. Poor dear was getting over laryngitis, which made her sound husky. So basically she was her same beautiful, wise self – only with a sexy Demi Moore voice. During the panel she referred to her background as a nurse and mentioned that she has never met another nurse-turned-YA-author. I find that fascinating. Not only does April have her medical career experiences to draw on, but she has four brilliant kids. No wonder her stories are so funny, so unique, and so emotionally real.
Big kudos also goes to the Book People people: Mandy, Emily, Alison, Meghan, Madeline and the gang. They do so much for the literary community – writers and readers. That store is one of the reasons I love my city so. In fact, I should probably have my advance money converted into an account there … such much of it ends up there anyway.
Big hugs to pals who came out to cheer us on! The ones I’ve known and loved for a while; the ones I’d only conversed with electronically and finally had the honor of seeing in person; and the ones I met that very day. Especially our teen supporters.
It was so wonderful to unshackle myself from the computer and go have fun for a while. Now I can return to my cave, inspired and refueled.
** Thank you to the multitalented Donna Bowman Bratton for the photos! You can read Donna's write up of the event here. **
When my son was born, I tried to teach him everyone’s name. Over and over I’d point to the faces in family photos and ask “Who’s that?” He’d recognize all the grandparents and call them by name, but for some reason, whenever I gestured to my sister’s smiling mug, he’d reply, “Baby.” I kept working with him on it, saying “Look, it’s A-man-da, A-MAN-DAH,” but apparently I stressed the “d” in the last syllable too much because he then took to calling her “Doo-Doo.” (Said Sis: “I think I liked ‘Baby’ better.”)
Luckily “Doo-Doo” soon became “Nah-Nah” and then “Aunt Amanda.” (Or as Toddler Boy would pronounce it, “Aunt Meenda.”)
Later, when the Boy was three or four years old, he loved to play this game we made up called “Favorites.” Basically it was a series of questions I would ask him, such as “Who’s your favorite friend to play with?” “What’s your favorite toy?” “What’s your favorite song?” “What’s your favorite story/ game/ thing to do outside/ food/ drink” … etc. One rainy day we played it for several long minutes until I finally ran out of things to ask him. I’d covered everything from animals to clothes to rooms in the house. So I announced the game was over and thanked him for playing. “No!” he said. “We’re not done! You didn’t say, ‘Who’s your favorite mama?’” Awww, I thought. How sweet. “Okay. Who’s your favorite mama?” I asked. He thought for a moment and then replied, “Aunt Amanda!”
My Sis has a special way with kids. She’s a middle school teacher – the kind that all the students love and respect. And whenever we all get together for visits or the holidays, she is much more fun than I am. She often shows up with candy or books or a video for the Girl and Boy, and she delights in their stories about recent goings on, often relating them later to her classes.
This past weekend she came for a visit and, as per usual, brought goodies – which shows how selfless she is since it was her birthday weekend. The kids made her cards and when she opened the envelope from the Boy she found a homemade cartoon and … a $5 bill.
We laughed good at that one.
So here’s to my kids’ favorite mama. Happy Birthday, Sis! Try not to spend that cash all in one place.
I am doing laundry. This is one of the few chores I don’t mind doing. I find there is a certain Zen to it. And because I’m not a very tidy or graceful person, I get to relive the moments of the past few days as I pre-treat. Today I have found Sharpie marks on my sleeve, a splotch of red wine on my jeans, and even a couple of minor bloodstains on the hem of my blouse. Hmm. I must have gone to TLA!
Allow me to recap via my smudges:
Sharpie stains -- I had a fantastic signing on Thursday. I sat in the author aisle with the adorable Kelly, Random House publicist extraordinaire, and met so many wonderful llibrarians, educators, authors and book lovers. Hearing things like “There’s a waiting list for your book” and having my own lines quoted back to me is the best validation ever. Writing can be such a solitary and sometimes lonely pursuit. I do it because I love the stories -- period. But even though I don’t constantly crave attention, getting positive feedback is such an unexpected and powerful ego boost. I found myself tearing up at times. (Luckily I’d thought to wear waterproof mascara or there’d be more stains.)
Blood -- The counter where I was signing books had an exposed staple and every time I leaned forward, a tiny metal hook would pierce my skin. I was so hyped I didn’t even notice it. Then after my signing I joined up with fellow
Red Wine -- I had the honor of clinking glasses with many charming librarians and fellow authors during my stay in
There are so many wonderful aspects to TLA. It is, of course, a business conference. I make connections with so many amazing people that often lead to paid appearances, panel discussions, and other collaborations. But is also part vacation, part group therapy, and part star-gazing. I can’t possibly name all the fabulous people I met or even select high points of the trip. Every moment seemed to have some magic.
Thank you
Thank you Lone Star Committee. Your support of my book means so much to me I can’t express it in words. So glad I got to meet you!
Thank you Random House for the incredible dinner and for taking such good care of me. You guys rock! (Literally! No Jive Talkin’!)
Thank you Readergirl Divas Lorie Ann Grover, Justina Chen Headley, and Dia Calhoun for being so gracious.
Thank you Justine Larbalastier and Scott Westerfeld for the champagne and amazing conversation. (My sides still hurt from laughing.)
Thank you Cynthia Leitich Smith, Greg Leitich Smith, Brian Anderson, Jessica Lee Anderson, Don Tate, Michelle Beebower, Kate Slaten, Celeste Putska, Gillian Redfearn, and Chris Barton for making me so proud to be from
Thank you Coert Vorhees for the delicious Beck’s Prime lunch and for being so dang fascinating.
And thanks especially to the lovely Margo Rabb, my slumber party pal, and Varian Johnson, my handsome coachman.
Can’t wait until next year!
… is some very entertaining coverage of a lunch meeting I attended with Shana Burg, Varian Johnson, April Lurie, and Margo Rabb.
Together we are the DDD – a group of nutty but harmless (as well as fun) local creatives. These wonderful people support and encourage me. They keep me strong. They make me better, stronger, faster. (*Cue theme song.*)
Check it out online!
Here’s the article:
http://www.statesman.com/life/content/li
And click here for the blog post on us by the writer of the article, Jeff Salamon.
Needless to say, I am "D"-lirious with joy!
Well, it’s official. My son is taller than I am. It’s only by a smidgeon, but the smidgeon exists. And he is overjoyed at this development.
I keep reminding him that I’m still in charge. Even when he’s a foot taller and can bench press my weight. But things are different.
I’m having to get used to a lot of new things regarding the Boy. Things like:
n Girls calling up and asking for him.
n Being unable to tell his laundry apart from Hubby’s laundry.
n Seeing a tall figure out of the corner of my eye – or hearing weighty footsteps – and doing a double take when I realize it’s my son walking past, not Hubby.
n Making an adult wisecrack (no – not x-rated; I mean abstract and intellectual, or one of my –ahem– stellar puns) and hear him genuinely laugh in response.
We were watching the evening news discuss the new presidential pooch yesterday and the Boy said, “I think they should name the dog ‘
I laughed good at that one – pleasantly surprised at his cleverness and his grasp of current political tides.
A couple of weeks ago the Boy had a birthday. We were recovering from (and then were soon hit with another) cold and/or flu virus in the house, so I didn’t get around to crafting a birthday post. But needless to say I was drowning in nostalgia.
It’s rather masochistic of me, but on my kiddos' birthdays I tend to get out the scrapbooks and photo albums – or watch old video footage. Then I laugh and sob simultaneously like some rubber room escapee.
The Boy has pretty much outgrown toys, so we gave him tickets to Spamalot for his birthday. Gone, too, are the themed slumber parties with superhero cakes and pin-the-blank-on-the-blank games. So this year he and a couple of good friends descended on a pizza and arcade wonderland for several hours.
Occasionally I feel stuck in time. I still find myself stopping to look at “Yu-Gi-Oh”-stamped playthings while cruising through Target. Or heading towards the kids’ shoe section instead of the men’s. All for a boy who isn’t around anymore.
The Oscar telecast is like my late-winter Christmas. I look forward to it every year. There’s a huge build-up, anticipation, planning, and then the inevitable anti-climax. “It’s over? Darn. Now what do I look forward to?”
I’m blessed to have a friend who always invites me to her house for a viewing party. Every year Selene outdoes herself. We nosh on excellent food, drink, make predictions, and, of course, snark. I’m not a snarky person, but I can easily call up my inner envy-disguised-as-cynicism when it comes to obscenely rich, ridiculously beautiful people who take themselves way too seriously.
I tend to (and I’m certain I’m not alone in this) put on a “I’m way too self-actualized to live that kind of life” front, while giddily scanning the red carpet fashions and aching for a chance to share a table with Kate Winslet or Robert Downey Jr.
This year was no different. I took notes, cried a little, and mocked a lot while munching on Selene’s Oscar themed munchies:
Mini cheeseburgers (Frost/Nixon)
Samosas and naan bread (Slumdog Millionaire)
Stuffed “button” mushrooms and ’20’s-style champagne punch (Benjamin Button)
Bratwurst und mustard und strudel (The Reader)
Cream pie and 1970’s-style veggie tray (Milk)
Here’s my altar-wine (Doubt) fueled report:
The Fashion
The trends: Single shoulder gowns were all the rage. So were shiny, reflective fabrics that allowed you to check your makeup by simply staring at your lap.
My favorites? Loved Kate Winslet (even though she did have Lego-hair), Taraji P. Henson (the next “it” girl?), Viola Davis (perfectly put-together), Meryl Streep (pure elegance in both dress and demeanor), Melissa Leo (that dress would have made me look like a stretched penny, but on her it was stunning), and Alicia Keys (she growed up all graceful and stylish-like, didn’t she?). For the men? I liked how Josh Brolin, John Legend, and Robert Downey Jr. cleaned up. And Daniel Craig should either wear a tux or go shirtless. Always.
I really can’t snark too badly on the fashion this year. I mean, it’s a damn shame about that mini explosion that left Miley Cyrus’s dress all singed and in tatters. And did Jessica Beil have a baby? Because only a sleep-deprived new mom would forgot to take that burp cloth off of her dress. Plus, I’m sure Vanessa Hudgens couldn’t help it that a small swarm of death head moths attached itself to her bodice.
Also, I’m starting to like Tilda Swinton’s (non)sense of style. She of the rucksack-over-Morticia-Adams’ skirt ensemble. The lady has amazing bone structure and the build of a supermodel. She could be as willowy and chic as Nicole Kidman or Cate Blanchett, but she refuses. Hey, someone has to take up
I’m sure Sophia Loren will get dumped on by the critics. But who cares? Once you attain legend status in
[“Knit”-Picky Note to Philip Seymour Hoffman: you ain’t on that list yet, bro. You will be. But you need to put in some more time. So hold off on the ski wear at awards shows ….’kay?]
The Pre-Show
Let us give thanks for this new era of hope and change. Bush is gone! I’m not talking politics here …. I mean Billy Bush is gone – that hyper-annoying ambusher of celebrities everywhere. I hope he was exiled to
Yeah … not so much.
Mickey Rooney being referred to as “Mickey Rourke” …. Director Stephen Daldry being referred to as “Roger Daltry” …. Hard hitting questions like “Are you going to hug Brad Pitt tonight?”
Here’s a thought: Can we just see people arrive and pose? NOTHING is learned by those micro-interviews. It is simply a chance for D-listers to kiss up and for celebs to make sure their designers get a shout-out. The questions are always so cottony and dim-witted. The stars will only gush about the movie they’re nominated for – even if they hated every second of making it and took a chainsaw to a voodoo doll of the director. And the attempts at humorous banter make me squeal in pain and horror. Sometimes I have to leave the room.
The Show
Okay, I have to start by saying I love Hugh Jackman. He’s so immensely talented and congenial and absurdly handsome. But I wasn’t sold on the whole Tony Awards approach. It didn’t feel so much like the Oscars as it did a Vegas musical revue on the Academy Awards.
I liked the opener when Jackman essentially “sweded” the Oscars. That was kinda cute. And that boy sure sings purty. But that should have been it. Why order up Beyonce and do a medley of songs from past films – movies that have NOTHING TO DO with the ones being honored that night? Did we learn nothing from the whole Rob Lowe/ Snow White debacle?
I make this gripe every year, but here it goes again: Enough with the montages! Was there an agreement to have 81 for the 81st Oscars? A four-hour show doesn’t need filler! We know the difference between a comedy, musical, and action flick. Mmm 'kay?
I also didn’t like the “mentor”-style way of handing out the acting awards. Trotting out past winners to gush over the nominees seems noble and sweet. But it stretched it out too long. These nominees are under enough stress already. Poor Anne Hathaway was shaking. And cutie-pie Amy Adams looked like she might shriek and run out into traffic.
Plus … isn’t it stratified enough? You didn’t see five past winners of Film Editing come out and gush over the new nominees. The poor technical winners already get played off the stage, are denied red carpet butt-kissing, don’t get invited to post-Oscar parties, and are omitted from “winner” montages (unless they happened to die in the past year). Do we have to slobber even more on the celebrities?
The set was nice, but I didn’t really get it. I mean, I understood that they were paying homage to the Busby Berkeley musicals of yore. The floor was lovely and the crystal beaded drapes were pretty (although from afar it looked exactly like those tinsel icicles we used to fling onto our Christmas trees – and those would have been much cheaper … just sayin’). But what was with the fuse boxes and ductwork showing? Were they truly cutting their budget? Or did they construct a partially “deconstructed” stage as part of the look? Riddle me that, Batman.
Most annoying of all was the multi-screened effect they would occasionally use. It was unnerving to see an animated panda below someone giving a touching, tearful acceptance speech.
How senseless to have all those unneeded musical numbers and then collapse the best song nominees into one chaotic, charmless medley. And why were there only three nominated songs? Mind you, I realize it’s usually slim pickings when it comes to honoring movie songs. This isn’t the Grammys – but still. Springsteen was overlooked, after he expressly wrote a song for the Wrestler for free!
Random Bests
Best acceptance speech: Dustin Lance Black. He had me tearing up the minute I saw his choked-up baby face. Once he started talking, the sobbing officially commenced.
Funniest moment: Tina Fey and Steve Martin. Steve Martin and Tina Fey. Can they co-host next year? Please?
Best new show idea: Not being too quick to play long-winded winners off. Finally they seem to be easing up on that.
Overall
I’m an MTV kid, but even I thought the direction was way too spazzy this year. The show was over-presented, overly scripted, and took forever to be over. We all knew Slumdog would be crowned Best in Show, but did we have to wait till Thursday to see it?
It was the “meh” Oscars. The “nice try, guys” Oscars. Every year they promise to stir things up, and they don’t. What the show creators don’t realize is that it’s the unplanned moments that liven things up. Hyperventilating winners blurting out random stuff …. mess-ups by presenters or performers …. an in-the-moment remark by a host (“You know, I think it just got a little easier out here for a pimp.”) There was hardly any of that this year. It was as tightly controlled as Hanna Schmitz. It was Nixon’s interview before the confession. It was Benjamin Button: old stuff swaddled in new wetness-controlled Pampers.
But still I watch.
My Girl is having a birthday today. Man oh man. The thing about kids is that they grow up. They are physical reminders of the time passing by.
It’s not so much that I lament getting older – it’s realizing that the babies and toddlers and preschoolers I loved so dearly are gone.
I truly love the long-legged girl before me, but I also miss the Tweety bird that used to hide behind my legs. The tiny gal with big cheeks, big blue eyes, and a little tuft of blonde hair at the top of her head. Where is she?
At the same time, I realize I must appreciate Present-Day Girl for she, too, will be gone before I know it.
Present-Day Girl loves animals so desperately, she cries at the thought of one in peril. She adores the cat across the street, but was very angry with him yesterday for catching a bird. She sobs every time she watches “Snoopy Come Home.” And all through this past Christmas, she kept asking what Santa was doing to protect the polar bears. After all, he lives right there next to them, doesn’t he?
Present-Day Girl loves music and singing. Hubby loves to play a little game with her – without her knowledge. While she plays or does her homework he will start singing a song aloud, but purposefully stop after a line or two of verse. Then PDG will pick it right up and continue with it.
At times I see fleeting glimpses of the tot she used to be. And at times I think I can catch peeps of the young woman she will become. But not too fast – please.
One afternoon last fall she came over to me and said, “Mom, do you want to know where I hid my pot?”
I froze up from the sudden surge of cardiac activity. “Uh … yeah. Please tell me,” I finally replied.
She took me over to the antique desk in the living room and pointed to the small clay urn she made in art class. “You told me to put it someplace safe,” she explained. “So I’m hiding it right there.”
That’s my girl. Happy. Imaginative. Big-hearted. This is the child who, for her birthday party, decided to collected non-perishable food for a local food pantry instead of gifts. The child who started crying when she heard Josh Groban crooning during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (“Is that man sad?” she asked). The child who would pick up the lizards her mom is too scared to touch and used to go with her older brother to keep him “safe” when he was afraid to go into the back rooms after dark.
A child who teaches me things every single day.
Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! I love you!
Okay, so I'm way late with this year’s Thanksgiving post. It wasn’t entirely my fault. I spent several days at my parents’ house where there was no internet. So it was great fun a la 1994.
For those of you new to my ramblings, each year I do an alphabetical list of things I am thankful for. I do not repeat, so consider it an update of one master list. In it I include new discoveries, as well as things I might have accidentally left off in previous Thanksgiving posts.
So without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things, the 2008 edition:
A—
B— Blue Bell ice cream, Bob Spitz's Beatles Bio, blog buddies, Book People, Burn After Reading, BBC, boots
C— critique group pals, Cynsations, the Cybils, comics, cartoons, Coca-Cola, crickets, curry, chipotle, Costco, the Colbert Report
D— Delacorte Dames & Dude, Dexter, dark chocolate, The Dark Knight, Dickens
E—email, eggplant parmesan, Epcot
F— the Fratellis, Facebook friends, front porches, fireflies
G— goofiness, grass-covered hills, a good Grenache
H— habaneros, hoodies, Henry James, and Harper Lee
I—
J— John Adams (the man, the book, and the miniseries), jambalaya, Junot Diaz
K— kumquats, KUT, KOOP, KGSR, karaoke-ing with the kiddoes, Kipling
L— life, love, laughter, Little Deli's Veggie Sandwich, Lloyd on Entourage, lakes, live music, "The Lounge Show," letters from friends, librarians, and the Lone Star Book List
M— Mad Men, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi, moonlight
N— niece/nephew on the way, night sky, New England clam chowder
O— Obama, OZZYPROD, omelets
P— panel pals, patios, puns, Paul Newman, and pork piccata
Q— quiet evenings at home, quantities of quiche
R— rain, "Radio Lab," romance
S— SXSW, Suffer Fools Gladly, sunsets
T— Texas Book Festival, TLA, True Blood, texting
U—Ustream's "puppycam" and U.S.A! U.S.A! U.S.A!
V— vintage clothes, vinaigrette,
W— Wasabi, warm weather, Winnie-the-Pooh
X-treme fun, x-perts, "Reviewer X"
Y— YALSA, Young at Heart, yellowfin tuna
Z— Ziggy Stardust, Z-bars
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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