Thankful Thursday

Considering the fact that I have been sick with a cold since last Thursday, I am so surprised that I have so much to be thankful for this week. And some of those things are a direct result of being sick. Go figure. The proverbial silver lining, I guess.

1. I am thankful that when I came home from work on Saturday feeling miserably sick, my Darling Husband had the table set and dinner ready. What a guy!

2. I am thankful that on Sunday, when I felt the absolute worst and didn't even get out of bed, I did feel well enough to watch 2 movies that I'd been wanting to watch. And both movies were fantastic. I watched Billy Elliott, which was incredible. I had seen the Broadway show in NYC in late February and absolutely loved it. And I wasn't disappointed in the movie. I also watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Another fabulous movie - powerful and emotional. I recommend them both.

3. I am thankful that my Darling Husband let me sleep in on Monday and Tuesday (since I was still feeling sick) and he got the kids up and out for school.

4. And I got to sleep in on Wednesday as well, since my kids had no school due to a Teacher Inservice Day.

5. I am thankful that I had not one, but two opportunities to wear my new red patent leather peep toe pumps (my very own ruby slippers). First I wore them to work (yes, at the library!) on the night that we hosted an author book talk/signing. Then I wore them again on Friday night to our friends' talent show. And to think that when I bought them I wasn't sure I would ever have an opportunity to wear them.

6. Lastly, the thing I am most grateful for is that my 16 year old daughter came into my bedroom one night at bedtime and thanked me for all that I do for her on a daily basis! This is the girl that hasn't been able to be in my presence for the last two years without rolling her eyes. And nothing can top that!

Now, how about you? What are you thankful for?

The Best Musical...Ever! NOT!

For those of you who don't know, I love musical theater. And this year for the first time I was able to get season's tickets to our local theater, Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC). I have seen several Broadway shows, but there are many that I have not seen. This season's lineup was perfect, because I hadn't seen any of the shows coming and most of them were shows I was excited to see. Well, last night Madeleine (my 14 year old daughter) and I went to see A Chorus Line. We were both excited about this, because the show was basically about dancing and singing (which is what we both love). All the advertisements for the show called it "The Best Musical.... Ever." I was getting goosebumps, I was so excited.

Can I just tell you that it was THE most B-O-R-I-N-G show I have EVER seen! I kid you not. The basic story is that a bunch of dancers are auditioning to be in the chorus of a Broadway show. And that is the whole show. One big audition. So...no sets, no costumes, very few songs and very little dancing. Just lots of whiny dialogue about how each person came to be at this audition. *YAWN* OK, I will admit that the finale was good. The FINALE. Finally the big production number that they had been rehearsing...for the whole show. And they even wore glittery costumes and sang one of the two recognizable songs from the show (which they had been singing parts of during the whole "audition"). It was terrible. Madeleine didn't like it either.

As we were walking to our car, Madeleine and I were talking about this very thing. Now, we weren't being mean or overly critical, we were just saying that we didn't like the show too much. Apparently we offended a man walking ahead of us because he turned around and said, "It is the longest playing show on Broadway, you know." Well, no, I didn't know. And frankly that surprises me, but it doesn't change my opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, right? Including me. So if you've seen A Chorus Line and loved it, I'm happy for you. Apparently, you are not alone. If you've seen it and didn't like, I'm with you. And if you haven't see it, just keep in mind that this is just my opinion and I seem to be in the minority. After all, this is not the first time I haven't liked a show that everyone else loves. I really didn't like Mama Mia and I think I'm the only person on the planet who didn't like Wicked. Of course, don't just take my word for it. Madeleine didn't like it either.

Image from Google images

Found Money

Last week the 2009 Unclaimed Property List for the state of RI was included as a insert in our state paper, The Providence Journal. This multi page newspaper insert is published each year and lists everyone in the state who has unclaimed property. This year there are over 14,000 people listed for a total of over $200 million in unclaimed assets. Every year, I diligently check this list, ever hopeful that I will find my name. Who am I kidding? Did I really think I had forgotten about some investment account or that I am the beneficiary of a trust fund from a long lost rich relative. Yeah, right! Keep dreaming. Yet, every year I check and every year I'm disappointed. Who knows maybe next year....

Image from Google images

Book Review: The Secret Currency of Love edited by Hilary Black

Some of you may have noticed that the Currently Reading list on my sidebar usually has two books listed. Those of you who know me well may be wondering what's up with that, since I've always claimed to be able to read only one book at a time. Well, I recently discovered a solution to a problem that has been vexing me for quite a while now. You see, it seems that I am unable to recall anything that I read right before I go to sleep. The next day, when I pick up my book, I have no idea what the heck is happening in the story. I usually have to go back at least 5 pages or so and reread what I had already read the night before. This is extremely frustrating for me. What I discovered is that if I read a book of essays or some other non-fiction that is merely interesting and not something I have to remember every detail of to follow the story, it just doesn't really matter if I can't remember what I read the night before. I thoroughly enjoy what I'm reading at that (sleepy) moment and the next night I just move on. It works like a charm! Of course, it does take forever to finish one of these "sleepytime tales", but again it just doesn't matter all that much.

The Secret Currency of Love: The Unabashed Truth about Women, Money, and Relationships edited by Hilary Black is just such a book. It is a book of essays written by 28 female authors who share their deepest feelings about money and how it effects their relationships - with others and even with themselves. The essays are written from many different perspectives and all of the authors are surprisingly candid and open in revealing their often conflicted relationship with money. I found myself identifying with each of the authors as they described how money has influenced, hindered, freed and seduced them. This was a thought-provoking and insightful book. One I would recommend...and not just for bedtime reading.

I've Seen the Future and It Looks Bright!

Here in Rhode Island, in order to graduate from HS, every student must complete a senior project. A senior project is a yearlong research project on a topic of the student's choice, in which the student finds a mentor, performs 15+ hours of fieldwork, writes a research paper and presents all this in an oral presentation in front of a panel of judges! I am so glad I'm not a high school student these days. I get a sick stomach just thinking about it.

So far this year I have attended the culmination of two senior projects. The first was a one man show presented by my neighbor, Seth. Not only did he sing 12 Broadway Show tunes (quite well I might add), but he did this as a fund raiser for Save the Bay and The United Way's Fund to Prevent Homelessness in Rhode Island. But, that's not all. He performed this show in a recital room at the Philharmonic Music School, to the accompaniment of 5 live musicians (one adult and 4 exceptionally talented students). But wait... there's more! He also collected donated items from local businesses for a silent auction. And he served refreshments. Oh and one more thing, he did this all as a 501(c)3 corporation (One Bay, One Voice), which he formed for this purpose. Color me impressed.

Then last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend a Fashion Show sponsored by the Barrington High School chapter of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). The Fashion Show was organized and run by two HS students, Grace and Hannah. Hannah is also a graduating senior who worked on the Fashion Show as her senior project. This wasn't a simple show held in the HS cafeteria with kids wearing their own jeans and Ugg boots. Oh, no! This was held at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Providence and included a three course meal. The models (HS students and teachers) all wore designer clothes provided by local boutiques. They all strutted their stuff to the sounds of a professional DJ and the event was emceed! This event was also a fundraiser for The American Cancer Society and FBLA Scholarships. At $35 a plate and with an attendance of approximately 200 people, I'd say they were quite successful.

And then on Friday night I had yet another opportunity to be blown away by a group of talented teens at the East Greenwich HS talent show. Our family is good friends with two families who live all the way on the other side of the state - 35 minutes away! - in East Greenwich. Brian, Scott and Alex were all performing in the talent show and we decided to go to support these young men that we have know since kindergarten. Where did the time go? Anyway, yet again we left the auditorium with jaws hanging open and looks of disbelief on our faces. The level of talent displayed in these young people was incredible. I was blown away. So, better get yourselves a good pair of sunglasses, because the future it almost here and it is bright indeed!

Images from Google images

TV Quick Quips

Here's my take on this week's episodes of my favorite shows. As always, TV Quick Quips contain spoilers.

Big Love (Season Finale) - Anyone else confused and frustrated by all the compound "intrigue"? It all seems far too over done. I hope next season tones it down a bit.

Flight of the Conchords (Season Finale)- Mel's weird obsession with Jermaine and Brett is starting to creep me out. Does she want to mother them or sleep with them? The fact that I even have to ask this question gives me the willies.

American Idol - Idol was extremely anticlimactic for me this week. Here's what happened. Since I wasn't able to watch the shows when they aired, I set the DVR to record them. On Friday, I sat down with my "clicker" and zipped along through all the commercials and bios and silly cast songs. After I finished watching the first show, I zipped along through the results show. Isn't DVR great! If you follow the show, you know that at the end the judges were having trouble deciding whether to use their one and only "save" to save Michael. Time was running out. Ryan even made a comment about the next show getting ready to start. Then Simon takes control (surprise, surprise) and says something along the lines of he's going to make a decision. Paula makes a unhappy sigh and then Simon says "Michael..." AND THEN MY DVR STOPPED RECORDING! Arghhh! Apparently the show ran over by a some infinitesimal amount of time and I didn't get to see the most important part of the show. I had to find out what happened by looking it up online!. For Pete's sake, I could have done that right from the get go! Well, I learned my lesson and I set my DVR to record 2 minutes beyond the end of the show from now on. Geesh!

LOST - Whoa! As conniving as Ben (even young Ben) is, I'm not sure I can digest the fact that Sayid shot a child! I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around that. Not something you see everyday on TV (or the movies for that matter). Now here's a question. If Sayid killed young Ben, how does grown up Ben manage to be around in the future? Hmmm...

The Office - Show of hands... How many people tried Scotch and Splenda after that episode aired? "Tastes like Splenda, gets you drunk like Scotch". Hysterical!

Friday Night Lights - Never seen so many sensitive teenage boys in one place at one time. Go Panthers!

Image from Google images

Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

For those of you who don't know, I work at the George Hail Library, a small public library in Warren, RI. One of the things I do there is I run the adult book club, Books on Main (the library is on Main Street). On Wednesday night, Donna Russo Morin, a brand new Rhode Island author visited George Hail/Books on Main for a book discussion and Q&A session about her new book, The Courtier's Secret.

It was an absolutely fabulous event. Donna (she said I could call her Donna!) is an engaging, interesting and charismatic woman. In addition to reading an important scene from the book, Donna described for us the process of becoming a published author - from the actual writing of the book, to finding an agent, getting a publisher, having to change the ending (what?!) and "choosing" the cover art (more on that in a minute). Donna also graciously answered all our questions about the book, the writing process, the publishing world and even where she bought her fabulous black and white hounds tooth print bag! She couldn't have been more wonderful.

As a confirmed bookworm, I have attended several author signings, book talks and events. Never before have I enjoyed such an intimate and personal discussion with any author. It was so enlightening and exciting.

Now, about the cover of the book. We have all heard the old adage "Don't judge a book by its cover". But, we all do. It's only natural. Well, I must urge you not to judge The Courtier's Secret by its cover. Donna herself will tell you that she is not happy with the image chosen for the book's cover. The busty and lusty cover definitely gives the mistaken impression that this book is a bodice ripping romance novel. Not true! The Courtier's Secret is historical fiction set in France during the reign of Louis XIV. It tells the story of 17 year old Jeanne, who lives at court and rebels against the constraints of court life and the subservient role of women living in this time period. Under the secret tutelage of her uncle, Jeanne learns the art of sword fighting. It is this skill which leads her to disguise herself as a man and join the Musketeers to stop an assassination attempt on their queen. Of course, no historical fiction would be complete without a little romance and The Courtier's Secret provides that as well when Jeanne finds herself falling in love with her fellow Musketeer, Henri.

If you live in Rhode Island and would like an opportunity to hear Donna talk about her book and her experiences, visit her website for a list of upcoming appearances. You will not be disappointed.