Tuesday Thoughts
What’s Jack up to? He’s having a grand time making the DH walk around the block numerous times for nothing. Oh, the joys of having a dog.
So I tried to watch the Oprah and Eckhart Tolle webcast class for A NEW EARTH, really, I did. What a time I had. My laptop kept freezing so I went downstairs to my desktop and was never able to get a picture there. All I ended up getting were broken sound bytes. I’ll try today to see if I can watch the replay on Oprah.com. Did anyone get to watch?I did get to watch The Royals special on abc last night. I thought it was pretty go
od. I love all that inner workings stuff. A really liked the coverage of Queen Elizabeth. It was great to see her feisty nature at her age. The woman is a powerful force.So it’s happened again. Another book is being pulled from the shelves because of charges that the supposed memoir is false. I’ve got some Deja Frey going on here.
The New York Times said, “In “Love and Consequences,” a critically acclaimed memoir published last week, Margaret B. Jones wrote about her life as a half-white, half-Native American girl growing up in South-Central Los Angeles as a foster child among gang-bangers, running drugs for the Bloods. “FYI. Margaret B Jones’ real name is Margaret Seltzer. Seltzer now admits that it was all made up. What? How uncool is that? And I have to admit I’m a little mad that she choose to exploit what is largely a minority problem in this country. No, I wouldn’t be as mad if she just called the book what it was, fiction. But mad I am.
Ms. Seltzer said, “For whatever reason, I was really torn and I thought it was my opportunity to put a voice to people who people don’t listen to,” Ms. Seltzer said. “I was in a position where at one point people said you should speak for us because nobody else is going to let us in to talk. Maybe it’s an ego thing — I don’t know. I just felt that there was good that I could do and there was no other way that someone would listen to it.” Really? I’m not buying it.
What a shame that in order to get a book deal authors feel they have to make-up life stories. Part of me feels like it’s just awful that someone would lie like that and I wonder how come they couldn’t write the same book, call it fiction and have it published. Well, I think the answer to that is that it would probably never be published. Everything nowadays needs a ‘hook’ and often times it’s not just about the story, but about the personality behind the story. People (I guess myself included) want to gawk into other’s lives.
Was this always the way? There is plenty of great fiction that reads like memoirs and have stood up over the years. Books like: Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and one of my favorites Terry McMillan’s Mama are examples.
What are your thoughts?
Best,
KwanaQuotes thanks to NYT Photos thanks to MSN search
Opinions are a lot like…
What’s Jack up to? Today I’ll be calling him Stinky because he’s in desperate need of a bath. Jack, I’ll be washing you and Febreze-ing everything in sight so there no escaping, dude.This was a weekend full of highs and lows. The low being my migraine getting so bad that I ended up in the ER. There must some budding scientist out there that can cure this thing once and for all. Where are you? After years of this mess I am so over it.The highs of the weekend, singing Happy Birthday to Nana and going to my local RWA/NYC chapter meeting and hearing
my most excellent PIC, Megan give a talk about Plotting By The Seat Of Your Pants. Megan, whose Regency, A Singular Lady, is out with Signet, will be giving this talk at the New England conference in April so if you’re attending definitely go see her. You won’t be disappointed. I’ve already tapped Megan for an interview on the subject here which will be coming soon. She had lots of great things to say and one thing that really jumped out at me was when she said, you really have to analyze if you are true pantser and not just a plotter looking to get out of the work. Ah-ha. Something to think about.
On another note I’m really looking forward to watching Barbara Walters’ special on The Royals tonight. I just love all things British. Don’t ask me why. I guess beneath this tough exterior I’m a girl who longed to be a princess.That said, this all may be interrupted by Oprah’s online class on Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth. You
know I love all things Oprah (my motto:all roads lead to Oprah) so of course I picked up Tolle’s book. Sadly I’m only up to page 75. It’s one of the hardest books I’ve ever read. Is my brain not on the same plain as his. I read a sentence and am like, huh? Oh well. From what I can understand, Tolle gives really good points on ego and it does have me thinking. That brings me back to my subject line. I really can’t stand it when people state their opinions like they are actual facts. Maybe because of Tolle’s book that I noticed it jumping out at me all weekend and it really bugged me. It seemed that everyone had something that they thought was really “important” to say. Ugh. Sometimes I feel like no one is listening, but just waiting for the moment that they can jump in and give their opinions. Which goes back to the old saying, Opinions are like butt-holes (clean blog here), everybody has one.Now, I know that having this blog is the ultimate in ego, but I hope I’m going about it the correct way and never forget that the things written here are just my opinions, not facts. Hmm…Oprah may be on the right track with all this new earth stuff.Best,KwanaHappy Birthday Nana!!!!
What’s Jack up to? He’s happy and content after getting to go over to Nana’s place where he was spoiled senseless. No, Jack! Birthday cake is not for puppies. And, Nana stop sneaking it to him!
Happy Birthday to Nana today!!!
Nana (aka. Mrs. Josephine M.) is my grandmother and she’s just about the best ever! The family matriarch, she can cook better than any body’s mama (who else calls lasagna a side dish?). She always has a willing ear, sound advice and tons of love to give. But don’t you cross her, because if need be, she’ll curse you out and have you crying in the corner, sucking your thumb like a baby. It won’t matter that you’re a forty year old man. When Nana Speaks people listen.I love you Nana, heck, we all do! Thanks for all you do and being you.
Love,
KwanaP.S. I’ll print this page out and send it to you because I know you’re not surfing any silly Internet 🙂
Soundtracks for life
What’s Jack up to? Saturdays mean nothing to Jack when he wants to go out. He’s up early and nudging the DH to go out. He came to my side of the bed and was disappointed when I wouldn’t budge. Sorry, dude I’ve got ten more minutes of sleep in me.
I have to say
I was late to the whole Amy Winehouse party. I didn’t get her album Back to Black until after she won at the Grammy’s. And how ghetto fab was her acceptance speech? “To my Blake-iee In-car-ser-ated!” Oh girl!
That said, boy am I glad I got on wagon. Talk about a well deserved win. I don’t care what Ms. Natalie Cole says. It’s a music award, not a morality award. And besides if I’m not mistaken Ms. Natalie had her fair share of life’s tangles. Pot to kettle….I love the album from start to finish and have a feeling it will be a big influence in what I’m writing next. Something dark, sexy, smokey and a little dirty. Thanks Amy! I’m rooting for you to get it together girl!
Tell us does certain music inspire you to work or live a certain way? What are your soundtracks for life?
Best,
KwanaI’m a survivor!
What’s Jack up to? He’s made a new friend with the sweet Fedex Lady. She got down to his level and appealed to his vanity telling him how handsome he was. Poor lady, never look Jack in the eyes or you’ll be trapped in his web.Here is a photo of Jack chilling on his bed in front of the fireplace. He’s still attached to the blanket I got him when I gave him when we first got him at 8 weeks. Don’t let the cuteness fool you. He’s no doubt waiting until I walk away so he can sneak back up on the couch where he’ll really sleep. Do you think you’re fooling me, Jack? Enjoy the photo Mary-Laure!
Survivor was fun as usual. How funny was it when James came up with the answer to the puzzle and he was like, “come on guys if I can come up with it!” Too cute. James even surprising himself by realizing he’s more then just amazing pecs.
Poor, Chet just sitting so silently waiting for it all to go down. Did he speak up once for himself? Have you ever seen a sadder face? The poor man can’t wait for a shower and shave. He just wants to go home.
Then out of nowhere his shower was snatched from him when Mikey B got the boot. I’m not sure it was a good move for winning challenges but that Joel is pretty cagey. E-VIL.Best,KwanaTalking Project Tension and ANTM
What’s Jack up to? Today’s he’s risking life and limb by going up to the kids rooms and rooting around. Jack you don’t want to do that. Teens live up there. You could be lost forever!
Project Tension
What a nail biter. I was on the edge of my seat during every moment of Project Runway last night. It’s crazy how much I love this show. Here’s a rundown of my thoughts if you care to hear.
Aww, check out Christian’s shoebox. Now that’s how a New Yorker lives. I was kind of sad that we didn’t get to meet his family. Great Tim Gunn quote that I will take with me everywhere: “Look at it with an editing eye.” Good advice Tim.
Jillian were you actually growing on me? How sweet was her family and her words? Who knew?
How moving was Rami’s coming out as a designer story? His red blouse was amazing. But, didn’t his space show just how far he already is as a designer? Hmmm. I still think he doesn’t need this as much as the rest of them.
Tim with Chris, too funny. Another perfect Tim point: The monkey house at the zoo. “You’ve been living at the monkey house so it doesn’t smell to you!” Ha. Who’s funnier than Tim?
Was there a hint of sadness when Chris talked about his family?I think so, poor baby. But his New York family is wonderful. And that apartment was just wow.Back in NY. No wonder Rami and Chris are is love, it looks like they were both about to burst into tears in the three tabled workroom.
Uh oh Runway show.Chris? Human hair was creepy and safety pins crazy, but all beautiful.
The night was just full of sayings.
New saying thanks to Michael Kors: Velvet condom. Huh?
Loved the Drapemaster’s Grey dress. Yes, he can drape did you know that?
I’m biting my nails who will they choose? Please be Chris, Please be Chris…
Deliberation time.
Pause- pause. Commercial. Ugh!Ugh again!!! Where is my Chris going? Why? No fair. You’re killing me. Was it the hair? Sigh.
I’m looking into getting extensions next week in protest or at least a wig!
Oh well, at least he went out laughing and a Queen. Bye Chris!! I’ll miss you.
ANTM hits NYC
Love the Marvita/Fatima smackdown. Fatima was starting to make Brandy look sweet, but the apology was nice. Could she and Marvita end up being friends? Who knows?
There are lots of girls with stinging tongues this time around. Are you hearing me Allison?
New word from Miss Jay: Draglicious.
Kim what the heck was that? You don’t belive in designer fashion? What!? I thought Miss Jay would have a heart attack. That was just wrong. Did she just want to be on TV for a minute or got there and got scared?Ugh. I hope they bring another girl in next week to take her place.
I think I’m going to really like Paulina as a judge. Twiggy will be missed, but that Paulina has some fire standing up to Nigel.
I know I’m going to love them being in New York.
Bye Atalya. I hope to see you soon. You’ll make it girl. Chin up.
Oh here’s a last minute new Top Model prediction. Claire. How great was her photo?
Whew, what a TV night! Isn’t escapism bliss?Best,
KwanaWelcome to the darkside
I want to give a shout out to my knitting buddy and brand new blogger, Eileen- aka- Wish List Mom. With a push from Patricia (thanks for the shout-out today) and I, instead of knitting, Eileen set up her blog today. She’s a wife, mother, home-based business owner and loves TV just as much as I do! Could it be true.?Today she’s blogging about some craziness going on at Big Brother. Hop on over and give her a welcome.Have fun Eileen!Best,Kwanaimage thanks to flickrYou wanna have a what?
What’s Jack up to? He’s chilling right now and no doubt plotting on how to get into some good old mischief. I’ll be on my toes, Jack.Tick tock.That’s usually the start of it. Tick tock, tick tock. Damn biological clock. Why is it so loud? So you check him out again, but differently this time. Now you’re appraising the gene pool, not just his behind. He looks pretty good, you think before you wonder about past mental illness in his family. Lord, knows with your family’s background you don’t need to stack the deck further against yo
u. Remember, Uncle Lou? You shake your head to loosen the thought. What are you crazy? You laugh and go on with your fabulous life as usual.Then some twenty something size 4 mom-nista prances, by looking happy as a clam, pushing her Cadillac pram in her Jimmy Choos and
it gets you thinking, louder this time, “I wanna baby.” It’s all so damn cute. Look at that smile, those eyes and see she got her figure back. You can do it too.Cut to you fourteen years later. Now, look what you got. Thirty pounds, a pounding headache and that cute baby is now screaming in your ear about how you don’t “know” anything. What!?
There’s a reason nobody ever says, “I wanna have a teen.”
Check out this video (thanks Wendy) that shows just how much fun motherhood is. Ugh.Best,Kwanaphotos thanks to instyle.com and flickrJack
What’s Jack up to? He’s now over all the ice and snow. It’s totally putting him off his walks. Sorry, Jack spring will come one day. I hope.
Trailing Along
One promotion idea that is really picking up, thanks to a YouTube world, is doing trailers for books like you would for movies. Part of me goes against this idea since I’m all for having a reader (me) use their imagination when it comes to characters. How many times has your favorite book been turned into a movie and when you see it you’re put off because it’s not what you envisioned it would be?
But the other argument is hey do whatever it takes to get potential readers into the bookstore and the way to do that is create some buzz. To that, I really like this book trailer (thanks to Ondo Lady) for Step On It Cupid by Lorelei Mathias. It’s quick and funny and instantly draws you into the main character, Amelie. You want to hear her story and know you’ll be rooting for her all the way.
So, what do you think of book trailers in this video age?
Best,
Kwana
