A Famine of Beauty
As always time is just a flying. September is rolling by and I’ve noticed that I have not yet seen The September Issue and I am so dying to see this movie. You see growing up I did secretly dream of being the editor of Vogue. Really. I’ve had a Vogue subscription since I was 12 years old. A bit much when you think about it. But this girl loved and still does love fashion.
But I will say now that after being a stay at home mother and writer for quite a few years, it’s starting to take a bit of a toll. I need an Anna intervention. As Andre Leon Talley says in this clip, “It’s a famine of beauty!” And sadly it’s in my closet and at times on my face. How dreadful. Something must be done. I’ll start with the movie and go from there.
Best,
KwanaConfirmation
What’s Jack up to? He is so needing a bath. It’s all rainy so that’s strike #1 against that bath deal. Also I don’t have the energy so that’s strike #2. And as for strike #3 see #2.
I don’t talking about my writing all that much here, well, maybe I do I don’t know where I am on the narcissistic writer scale but today I’m talking… a bit. It’s part of the story.
There are times when life gives you signs to keep pushing forward. A confirmation of sorts.One of my stories, book, novels whateves that I’m looking to sell is a YA (young adult) in which the heroine takes up gambling in order to save for the college of her dreams and in order to get money for her grandmother’s mounting medical bills when she shows signs of Alzheimer’s.
As a writer (well any type of artist) you put a bit of yourself out there with every submission. And yes. You know it’s all subjective and you keep that in mind but still you can’t help that twist in your gut every time you hit send and with every bit of feedback you get in return. It takes a lot to keep putting yourself out there day after day.
The other day I went to the doctor for a routine visit. Now my doctor has a lot of elderly patients that use his practice. I’m not sure why this is since he’s about 40-ish, but he does. Well, I’m in the waiting room wondering if I’ll get a flu shot, ouch (I did) when an elderly couple comes in along with a younger (about my age) woman. Now the older woman was, this is the only way I can describe it, full of piss and vinegar. She just about cracked me up walking in saying just how I felt about being there.
Lady loudly and not happy: Why do I have to come so far?
Husband: It’s not that far.
Lady: Well too far too me. They should make house calls.
Husband: Nobody makes house calls anymore. You’re not going to find that.
They both sit.
Husband: Well, you don’t have to come back for 3 months.
Lady: I’m not coming back!I’m thinking I hear ya, Lady.
The younger woman comes up after giving their info to the front desk and stands in front of the couple. She has a gentle way and starts to talk about someone calling the lady.
Lady: He doesn’t have to call me every day!
Husband: Shhh… Please don’t be so loud.
Lady: Don’t Shhh me!
Younger woman: Mom I thought you’d just like to see how he is. He’s doing so well and loves to speak with you.
Lady looking up at the younger women: Now softly: Are you my daughter?My heart wretches and I start to blink fast. Must keep back the tears.
Younger woman softly and with so much love: Yes, Mom I’m your daughter.

I think of my book and what the granddaughter does to get the overpriced meds for her grandmother to keep her Alzheimer’s at bay. I’m still submitting and tweaking the story. Anything to make it even better. Anything to get it out there. Health care is so important. Love is so vital. Perseverance is life.Best,
KwanaThe Party
What’s Jack up to? What a funny dog he is. Pushing his bowl towards me, giving me the big hints and getting quite miffy lately when I don’t immediately jump to attention. Sorry there are way too many bossy folks already in this house, Jack. I’m not biting no matter how cute you are.
A little while back I was lucky enough to glance out the kitchen window and see the beginnings of a partly that I clearly was not invited too. I slipped off grabbed my camera and crashed.Another party crasher!Fashionably late.
Best,KwanaLooking up
I’m so unhappy with my lack of reading time lately. I’ve been so busy that it’s been practically nonexistent and my normal bath reading time has been finding me falling asleep in the tub. I’m afraid I’ll wake with a wet book. I feel so off my game. Don’t you hate it when that happens? I find my reading is now relegated billboards.Funny (or sad depending on how you look at it) story. My normal blog hoppers will know I like the sayings on the little church that I pass often as I shuttle the DD to dance class. Well, there has been a particularly good but kinda long one (3 lines) up this past week. Too long for me to read the whole thing as I whizzed by at breakneck speed. I finally got the end of the saying today and it all came together:Sorrow looks backWorry looks aroundFaith looks up!
Nice, huh?Best,KwanaBloomin’ Onion
Did you know I’m a total Martha fan? Really, I am. I don’t watch her show every day and when I have the TV on at that time I have to get my hot mess of The View’s hot topics on but I can totally get into Martha’s world. I also keep tuning into her station on Sirus radio which has great tips on food and decor all day.
Well, yesterday I had a great laugh out loud Martha moment while listening to Martha’s call in show. A woman called in to ask about a sweet potato recipe that she had at The Outback and Martha asked, “is that in Australia?” Haaaa! The woman with her sweet southern accent was like, “Um, no.”
Martha’s staff was cracking up in the background too.
Martha said she would try and get the recipe from corporate for the woman and present in on the show. Klassy.
Gotta love her. She’s may have been to the big house but she’s never been to The Outback Steakhouse. Oh Martha!
BTW have you see Whatever Martha with Alexis and Jennifer on Fine Living? I don’t have the channel but their radio show is so funny.Happy Friday!
Best,
KwanaP.S.
Today is 9/11 a hard day for so many especially in here in New York. I have no words. Just remember and hopes for peace.
Cat!
What’s Jack up to? Jackster is doing well, being his funny self. He cracks me up the way he shows off when the DH comes home. Coming to life and running to grab squeaky toys and play with him while with me for most of the day he lays about from his perch on the couch. He knows who to show off for. Man’s best friend indeed.Speaking of man’s best friend, I got a little shock when I looked out my back door and saw this little guy. Check his expression.He’s just as surprised to see me. Look at those eyes. Reminds me of the cat, Sheena I had a as little girl before I came to the realization that I was deathly allergic.But by the time I opened the door he was off like a shot and there was no trace of him. It was like he was never there. I’m grateful my camera was nearby. For a moment I felt like Holly Golightly yelling, “CAT!”Best,KwanaAlone
Today will be my first day alone (well, for a least a few hours) in quite a while. Big grin from me. I find that I’m a very solitary person and am happy with my own company. At least most of the time. Of course there are times when even I get on my own nerves. Yep, I can admit that.Now I know I can easily fill the day with the the laundry list (literally) of coulds and shoulds, but I’m going to take a moment to be like this women and just BE.
image: Edward Hopper
Be Alone.
Take some time to stop, breathe and think before I take that next step into this new season. Be in me for a while. Go in for a moment before I step out again.
Please take a little time for you too during this season of change and renewal.
Best,
KwanaOh Juniors!
What’s Jack up to? My little Jack will be one confused dog today. No doubt, pacing back and forth barking at everyone that dares to pass by our little house as he looks for the teen twins that have left him this morning.
Yep, it’s the first day of school today. No doubt I’ll have embarrassed the teen twins and taken the first day of school picture on the porch.The first day of junior year. Wow. That is so unbelievable to me. Just thinking about it puts a weight on my chest. Once again I want to pull out that STOP sign. There must be a trick being played on me. Time really can’t be going this fast. My children can’t be this age. Not these babies that I used to be able to hold both in one arm. Now, well, now I’m lucky if I can hold onto a conversation with them for longer than a few moments. Sigh.
Lord, where? How? It’s seems I’m a mother grasping. Trying to grab a bit of the past as they run chasing after the future as fast as they can. They will get their future. It’s coming. So so quick, I know, but they don’t know quicker than they need.
But I get a bit of the past too. In the ever so brief hug when you think I’m joking as I grab you and say, I love you while laughing as you try and run by. Or after the terrible fight as I hold you to my breast and still say I love you and smell your hair it’s still the same. You see the past is still there. You are still my babies. Deep down always.
Oh my Juniors. Do well. Much love, Mom.
Best,
KwanaLate Starry Night
Sorry for the the late breaking post but it was a late night under the stars for me at the US Open last night. The DH and I were invited by friends and enjoyed a lovely night of exciting tennis in Queens.I hope you have a wonderful Labor day end of Summer weekend!
Best,
Kwana
STOP
I’m feeling as busy all get out right about now. One of those nutty, I need lists and my lists need lists kind of busy and a few extra hours in the day in order to get some sleep and still I will forget something kind of busy.You know how it is. Tis the season and all. School will be starting in just a few days so I’m feeling like Santa, though not quite as jolly making my list and checking it twice. All during my broken sleep.I thought I’d be totally ready and yes, I am so ready to have my house back and get back into a set writing routine, but I do know all the wildness that the school year brings not to mention my Dear Twins junior year. Part of me just wants to scream right now. STOP!
Best,Kwana