June 10, 2005
Running out of good times
In the Guardian, the 25 most depressing songs ever. On the publishing process by a a guy “who never really meant to become an author anyway.” Read the Orange Short Prize winner. I am eager to read Joan Didion’s new book on grief.
I am getting married one week from tomorrow. I am determined to enjoy this week, as many Japanese housewives informed me this year that “before the wedding is the only good time in the marriage.” Good time is running out I guess. Yesterday we went to the Fleetwood Museum to learn about Mariners! It was really great actually. We had plans to go to cheap curry night at Wetherspoons, but I was informed around 7:00 that plans had changed. I was whisked away in a taxi (such extravagance) for a delightfully romantic meal with proper accoutrements a bottle of wine and chocolate cake for dessert. After dinner we walked along to the beach and watched the sun fall in the sea, which was beautiful and then Stuart asked me to marry him, as he really hadn’t yet. Fortunately, I said yes. It was lovely! Then we came home and watched “Mean Girls” which was such a quality film, and good for the soul as I hadn’t watched a teen comedy in ages.
June 7, 2005
We need to talk about tiaras
Lionel Shriver has won The Orange Prize. “We Need to Talk About Kevin” is never in the library, which must be a good sign but means I haven’t read it. I intend to, though I don’t know how much I will love it. Yes, it’s spurred on dialogue about women and motherhood, but that dialogue is rehashed and often counter-productive. Still doesn’t keep it from being a good read however. I will have to wait and see. Zoe Williams has a take on the claim that bibles are carrying the MRSA superbug.
Now reading “The Heart of the Matter” by Graham Greene, which is not based on the Don Henley song but might be just as good. I also got “The Best of McSweeneys” from the library. (I am currently addicted to public libraries). I am really enjoying it. I am incapable of reading works of any length online, which is why I just gloss over the stories on McSweeneys. But I reread the same stories in the book, and it was a completely different experience. I especially enjoyed the stories by Zadie Smith and Amanda Davis. And a note that “Birds of the Air” by Alice Thomas Ellis was really excellent.
Today I made a tiara for my wedding hair accessory. You can see it here at (of course) Now Doing. Who would ever have imagined I could be so crafty? In the photo, you can also see my messy room!
June 7, 2005
And Beyond…
It’s true. Yesterday we went beyond Preston! Who knew the world was so big?
June 6, 2005
A couple of things
Graydon Carter on outing Deep Throat. The Guardian’s Digested Read this week is rather hilarious- Naked Chef Jamie Oliver’s wife Jools Oliver’s new book on motherhood. I leafed through it this afternoon in WH Smith and its really not so far off the mark.
June 5, 2005
What was wrong with my love?
Songs and books can find each other by coincidence, and then be forever entwined. Whenever I hear “I’d Run Away” by the Jayhawks, I am back to Bob Geldof’s autobiography, “Is that it?,” which I read on an airplane listening to the Jayhawks on a mix tape. The book was written when he was dedicating things to Paula Yates, tragic lyrics, “what I had in mind was wrong.” I fell in love with Soviet History, studying for a first year European History exam, and listening to “Winds of Change” by Scorpions, which in my mind is the official soundtrack to the Russian Revolution. And most recently, in April I read “Eleanor Rigby” by Douglas Coupland, which was marvelous. Was listening to “Get Along With You” by Kelis at the time, which could be the saddest song I’ve ever heard, and the loneliness in both works just gelled and they’re forever related in my mind.
June 3, 2005
Dinky tweet
More on the literary gender divide, but in children’s books. An article from The Guardian on “the aggressive marketing of books for young girls as this dinky, tweety area where boys are completely unwelcome”. India Knight goes one better in the article from a few months back, on how boys are disadvantaged by being cut off from good stuff like Jacqueline Wilson, on the basis of pinkified book covers. She also sings the praises of Judy Blume, so of course we’re on her side.
I picked up Budapest by Chico Buarque from the library yesterday. I think you can tell a book by it’s title. It looks wonderful. Wedding plans are going well, though transporting twenty four people to the beach photo shoot here in the land of no-transportation is our latest hurdle. Also, bridal bouquets are extraordinarily expensive. We have reasoned that if you want to price any wedding item, take its actual value and multiply by four. Finally, today’s biggest surprise was Pickle Me This being quoted at Slate!
June 1, 2005
News and gerberas
Lynn Crosbie reviews a new book by Melissa Bank. Deep Throat is revealed! Mike Barrenger visits Seattle. The Guardian remembers the end of Rhodesia on June 1st 1979.
In other news, the red gerbera is the official flower of Kerry and Stuart’s wedding, and all plans are going beautifully. I am over the top excited! Our venue is beautiful and there are really only fun things left to do. Plus I get to marry Stuart.
May 31, 2005
Schmedding
Did I tell you our Mini-Honeymoon is in Brighton? I’m so excited, as I’ve never been there but always wanted to. Weddings are all consuming. Check out some details and links to our fantastic photographers at Our Wedding Details Website!
May 30, 2005
Bank Holiday Monday
Bank holidays are not so exceptional when you don’t work. We spent this afternoon flying kites on the beach and it was wonderful. I am quite good with the small kite, but the power kites are too difficult for me. Stuart was dragged halfway across the beach with his. Wedding preparation in full force. We’re burning our CD party favours right now. I’m currently reading The Whistling Woman by A.S. Byatt, which is rich with knowledge and thick of plot. I still prefer Drabble, but this novel has Drabble-istic themes.
May 28, 2005
Quote of the Week
I think this is a bonafide quote of the week from a Guardian survey of French voter intentions.
Aziz, 32, Oyster opener, Le Wepler brasserie, Place de Clichy: I won’t vote because I’m not French, I’m Moroccan. But my kids are French, and for them I would vote no if I could because with this constitution people will come from abroad and take the jobs in France.
In other news, my novel is 75,000 words long since last night.
