turn that frown upside down already

When I first became more serious about writing and working out stories, I was motivated by some awful instinct to portray only what I thought was honest in the world (namely how shitty it can be) and the way in which things typically don't work out well. I read lots of sad authors who told sad stories and made you loathe their characters with no redemptive qualities and unfortunate (and what I believed were realistic) outcomes. So what if there's no hero or heroine? I naively thought. This is how life really is.

But I grew tired of such dismal portrayals of life and horrible endings and unhappy characters. I'd like to say my perspective changed quickly but it took a long time to get over this need for what I considered realism and truth. The truth is that a "happy" ending or contended characters are not so artificial. And most people want both the good and the bad. I know I do.

So, here's where I illustrate my point and tell you about the bummer of a book I just finished: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.

What a disappointment. I had such high hopes what with the dogs and the weird mystical quality and it being set in Wisconsin and the kid who can't talk. Yes, this book is old news. Yes, I am late, as ever, to the game. But goddamnit! The end is as flat as a three day old soda. And, you don't know until you reach the end how craptastic it is going to be. Had I known that it was "inspired" by Hamlet, I might have been more clued in to the fact that everything falls apart - as Hamlet continues to be the tragedy to end all tragedies in the canon of Western literature. If you haven't read it, obviously I'm not recommending it.

the view from here: 8

Hey, look! Photos of dogs!

i will not be burning this in the backyard

I can remember being quite young and keeping a diary. I'd say I started keeping one around age eight or so. Funny thing though, is that I never let them live for too long. I enjoyed keeping a chronicle of my life and unloading onto the page. I like drawing doodles and perfecting my penmanship. But I would reread and reconsider and then rip the pages to shreds.

I often feel like doing the equivalent with this site.

And then I remember that I can't. Not because the internet is immortal but because I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't. NO MATTER WHAT. Ya hear that internet? You are stuck with me.

cielo

It's hot again, first day of summer come and gone. Cooking anything over a flame (electronic or otherwise) is not going to be happening all that much - except grilling outdoors. These days, it is all about preparation of food items. Except for the newest obsession in our house (which requires NO preparation):

These tortas are like eating a crispy, delicate, sweet little slice of heaven. And they are from Sevilla, Spain! We got them at the Natural Grocers near our house and I really like the orange ones.

I was going to say they are so good with a cup of cold press in the AM but, really, they are the perfect snack any time of day. And they are individually packaged in wax paper like little pastry presents from one of my most favorite places in the world.

the view from here: 7

like the wind

Believe it or not, I do have some pride. Not much. But a little.
Most of the time, however, I am simply trying to avoid being ridiculed by my significant other for my various tastes. In particular, should I happen to ever enjoy any music that is remotely hip or Pitchfork-y, I will never be able to listen to it without being made fun of.

Piss on all of that for the moment.
I really like the new Real Estate record. It is super-dreamy. And it is my new go-to. It makes me want to take long drives out to Lone Star Lake with the windows rolled down.

you cannot escape your density

In the past couple of weeks, I have read more than a couple of books. I'm going to get to the point and provide one-sentence reactions to the material.

1. Bossypants by Tina Fey :: Negates a bit of the charm of 30 Rock because the book is basically a behind-the-scenes of the TV show; a behind-the-scenes with Tina Fey as the tour guide where nothing really happens.

2. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb :: I avoided it, writing it off as overhyped and Oprah-esque but should not have as it captivates with unflattering honesty, satisfying realism, and a protagonist worth knowing.

3. Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett :: A memoir of friendship marred with hardship (I think I would have hated Ann Patchett were I Lucy Grealy) but I was most interested in the tales of being a professional writer - what with the residencies and book advances and readings and such.