Thing 2 turned me on to this artist, and I’m so grateful she did. I love his voice!
He lives in Philly and Sundance’s nieces play with his kids at the playground.
How cool is that?!?
This morning I want to play his new song for you.
This is Kurt Vile with Loading Zones.
Please listen responsibly.
September was a difficult month.
That wretched therapy appointment started it off.
YBW and I spent a great deal of time focused on the lack of effort Thing G spends on being responsible for his own life.
I didn’t realize how disappointed I would be when the time came for us to be holding a new baby and there was not one to hold.
That said, there’s much to be grateful for!
Boyfriend J’s birthday.
My therapist.
Our therapist.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company’s production of Gloria.
All three of my alternative healthcare providers.
Fall decorations!
Amber. (She does my hair, and it looks GOOD!)
Meaningful conversations with Sally.
The sun finally showed up!
Ridiculously fun meme sharing with Sundance.
The easiest blood draw I’ve ever experienced! (my veins roll and that makes for bad times)
Double date at the art festival with M and J.
Phone calls with Jessica.
Being in the park for the last home game of the season. (Nats won 9-3!!)
Sirius XM Broadway.
Cocktails with YBW.
Sitting in the sun at the Naval Academy watching our nephew play Rugby.
Spending time with great friends-as-family in Annapolis!
Talking with my girls.
Cooler temperatures. (Only by a smitch, but I’ll take it!)
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Comedy of Errors.
Finishing a successful school term.
Did I mention the sun finally showed up?
Currently obsessed with this song by sixteen year old Billie Eilish.
you should see me in a crown
Please listen responsibly.
Every single time I hear it, it makes me think of this guy:
The Alexandria King Street Art Festival was this weekend.
It just happened to coincide with our monthly date with friends. So the four of us went in to Old Town, had brunch at Union Street Public House. I ate some mediocre shrimp and grits and had two French 75 cocktails!
After a quick visit with, and a whimsical art purchase from Patti Ballard, we left Alexandria for dessert and coffee in Vienna.
Of course while we were in Vienna, I had to take our friends to Bards Alley.
Cocktails, art, coffee and dessert, and books. So many of my most-loved things squeezed into one day. And date days/nights with our friends are some of my favorite days, but on this gorgeously sunny, first Saturday in Autumn, I was content to simply walk down the street holding the hand of my precious husband.
I’m currently obsessed with this song!
According to songfacts.com:
The lyrics detail someone fighting a losing battle.
Frontman Matthew “Murph” Murphy told Annie Mac at BBC Radio 1 the song came after a huge argument on Mulholland Drive with his wife.“I was watching kind of a lot of David Lynch, and my wife and I were driving on Mulholland and we had this big kind of raging argument (…) Arguing with [his wife] is similar to kind of arguing with a dragon, like a Game of Thrones-style dragon: you just open your mouth but before you know it, you’re like burned to a cinder. So yeah, the title I guess is a metaphor for going into a situation that I knew 100% I was going to lose but I went into it anyway.”
This is Lemon to a Knife Fight by The Wombats
Please listen responsibly.
According to songfacts.com:
The song’s music video was directed by Finn Keenan (The Strypes’ “She’s So Fine”, The Wombats’ “Greek Tragedy”). He described the clip as “David Lynch meets Power Rangers.”
Keean added: “I wanted to make something that started off dark, surreal and a little bit disturbing but then flip it on its head with a big ol’ twist that led to a ludicrous ending.”
I didn’t like the vid at all, I get it conceptually, but for me it has absolutely nothing to do with the song…but I’m neither the artists nor the director.
Here is is in case you want to watch it:
Gloria (by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins) was our first show of the season at Woolly Mammoth Theater Company. When choosing our subscription, we purposely choose Talkback Sundays shows.
About which the theater company has this to say:
“Complete every show with an in-depth conversation. Talk with the artists who create Woolly’s season, and help us turn every audience into a community.”
I find sharing questions and thoughts with the actors and other audience members make these post show conversations an excellent way to learn more about the subject matter. To stimulate thought. To simply enjoy the show even more.
Here’s what I carried with me from the theater.
The importance of making human connections.
Without this ability, we’re missing out on the opportunity to further our own human development. If we can connect with the people around us, we continue to learn important social and emotional skills. Empathy, communication, cooperation, and patience. Not to mention honing self, and social awareness, responsible decision making, and the simple ability to feel comfortable in a variety of situations. When we see other humans as competition, or road blocks to our ambition, we create a toxic environment. Toxicity is bad for all humans.
And
Who’s story is it? How is it decided? Who has the ‘right’ to a story? Who ‘gets’ to tell it?
Now this is powerful stuff!
And in some ways is directly related to a human’s social-emotional skills.
Let’s say an event impacts a group of five humans. Each human receives the event and reacts to it differently. Each of those humans share their story of the event…you get five different events. Makes sense, right?
Why?
Because we see things through the filters of our own life experience, the event is shaped to fit what we are capable of understanding and relating to.
Here’s where empathy comes into play.
If we are connected to the other humans around us, we are able to at the very least, hear and accept their points of view. We will always view everything through our own filter, but we’ll have the ability to have feels, and some sort of understanding for the other humans that shared the experience. The event itself will create more connection instead of division.
When it comes to sharing the story, there will always be different versions, but they’ll be more closely related.
But who has the right to share this story?
Those ‘most’ impacted? What does that mean? Who decides what that means?
The meaning of ‘most’ to one is not the same as to another…
Who has the right to decide one is not worthy of sharing the story?
Who has the right to profit from the sharing of the story? Does anyone have that right?
Is the power in the story, or in the telling of it?
Who has the right to the power?
Y’all, I needed this reminder!
I’ve been feeling puny of late.
Digestive issues of more ridiculousness than usual. Emotional struggles. Figuring out life plans. Actively concerned for my family in South Carolina. And to top it all off, I blew a blood vessel in my left eye to such proportions that I look like some sort of cosplay ghoul!
I’m having one of those “I’m kind of over life” situations.
Of course, I know it’s temporary. But I’ve hit the wall and haven’t anywhere else to go at the moment.
Life can kick the shit out of you. But the way you handle it is what makes you who you are.
I have had my share of tough times. But, I’m stronger for them. What’s going on with me currently is really nothing on the scale of what I’ve lived through.
It’s just that I’m weary. Physically and emotionally, and that’s when it begins to feel overwhelming.
I think the trick is admitting it. Saying it out loud, however insignificant it may sound. Once you admit where you are, how you’re feeling, you suddenly regain control.
So instead of me fretting, or being pathetic, or having to explain to one more elementary school kid why my eye looks like this, I can express it directly and hit it head on.
I feel like ass. I don’t want to adult today(s). I’m so f**king sick of being sick to my stomach. My eye really hurts and is scary to look at. I’m mad I can’t wear mascara because of it! I’m so stressed about finishing this term. I want the people I love to be safe in this storm. I worry about them on the coast, staying put or evac-ing. I worry about the rain Thing 2 will get further inland, home alone, will she have power? I cannot believe how much time and energy on YBW and I spend figuring out how to help Thing G learn how to be a college student, learn how to take responsibility for himself. Can I get everything finished this school term? Am I just being a whiny crybaby?
Of course, directly expressing it really does feel whiny. But I’ll handle that too. I’m so past the point of judging myself right now. I’m just going to lie my head in my own lap and pet my hair. (What? *shrugs* Makes a kind of sense in my head.)
Here’s what I know.
This will pass.
I’ll soon feel better physically.
My family will weather this hurricane and remain safe and sound.
No more gut wrenching therapy visits for a bit.
Thing G will get his shit straight and YBW will let out his breath and the new normal will be more bearable.
I’ll survive this school term.
I can handle it.
Because I’ve handled so much worse. And on the scale of what I’ve handled, this is nothing. A minor irritation, a fly buzzing round my head.
It’s all very ‘so the drama’, but it’s where I am in my world.
However insignificant it may sound, it is very real to me.
Even if I’m a whiny crybaby, at least I’m honest.
I am a Warrior Goddess.
My strength is deep in me.
I know how far I’ve come.
“You see, bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.”
― Jen Campbell, The Bookshop Book
Bookshops are really and truly magical.
I’m fortunate to be able to frequent some seriously
Used bookstores are a fascinating combination of the scent of excited humans and the slightly mildewy smell of old paper. One thing I love about them is using mad detective skills while searching. There’s a sort of Indiana Jones feeling about it, never knowing what treasure you’ll find mixed in with dog eared paperbacks.
Right here in Manassas we have McKay’s. Y’all this place! From vinyl to blu ray discs, from board books for babies to fat biographies. McKay’s is our go to for donating and shopping. They’ll take your old books and give you store credit. (Much to Thing 2’s chagrin, you can’t use it to buy vinyl.) They also have this free bin out front, that if you time just right, is filled with the most random collection of books you can imagine. Occasionally I’ll choose some with cool fonts just to use for future projects. As a matter of fact, I have a stack under my work table, waiting for the perfect project.
I don’t get to Capital Hill Books as often as I’d like. But, it’s one of the coolest used bookshops I’ve ever entered. And the truth is one could actually get lost in this shop. Not because of the size, my God, it’s teeny and so packed with books you almost can’t get around them, much less other browsing humans, but because of the sheer volume of merchandise in the store! The owner is knowledgeable but crotchety, so be prepared to ask well thought out questions, he suffers no fools.
Prospero’s Books is here in Old Town Manassas. I don’t really like visiting this shop as much as McKay’s. There’s something about it that feels…well, off, somehow. I’m not sure how to explain it. I always feel like something bad is going to happen when I’m in there. But, it does have that delicious mildewy smell about it, and you know you’re in a building that’s seen a century of life in Manassas. This shop has an excellent first editions section, especially if you’re interested in the American Civil War.
Second Chapter Books in Middleburg, and Page Master Used Books in Front Royal are also good for a look.
In the five points area of Columbia (SC) there’s a little shop called Dr Books. Y’all this store has it’s own kitty! The people who run it have been doing so for a couple of generations. Eight or nine years ago, I was tickled to find a f.e. of Homage to Clio here for less than ten dollars!
Sometimes it’s simpler to get on the internet and search. I buy loads of books from both Abe Books and Alibris.
And while Amazon is handy for online shopping, and and B & N has a in store selection, I’m much more inclined to visit independent booksellers.
I adore Bard’s Alley! Vienna is a quick trip and grabbing a glass of wine and a snack in the bookshop is pretty much Heaven! The ladies here are well read and seriously helpful! I’ve been delighted by the books I’ve picked up in this shop. I swung by recently because I was early for an appointment and had just enough to browse, make a selection, and purchase before arriving on time at my appointment. Sometimes those are the best moments!
Politics and Prose has two locations in DC. The one at the recently revitalized Warf is chock full of great reads, fun little gifties and a knowledgeable and well read staff. They’re displays are playful and interesting. I love that! I think it makes it more of an adventure finding your next read! And I’m all about book adventures! The other location hosts some seriously cool authors on a fairly regular basis.
When spending time with Jessica, a trip to Kiawah to visit Indigo Books is always on the schedule. This shop has a small, but well thought out children’s section. The staff is helpful and can order pretty much anything into the store for pick up. This shop feels more casual than the ones in VA and DC, I mean of course it does! It’s on an island. It’s laid back atmosphere makes you want to search for beach reads and books to spark your imagination, but I’ve found some pretty cool serious reads there too. A mystery book for Thing 1’s Christmas Eve book came from this shop. My girl loves mysteries!
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
Dude knows what’s up.
I love to find my portable magic in these unique spaces!
Where do you get your book on?
What do you love about those spaces?
Let me know in the comments!
After a two and a half hour rain delay, the Nats beat the Cubs 10-3. YAY!
Then it was time to celebrate the Hobo!
This lady was ready to go with her sign. (autographed by Werth at some point in the past)
Patiently waiting.
Standing O!
“You go, Dan Kolko.”
Newest addition to the park.
A gift from the players for the Hobo’s retirement, presented by Ryan Zimmerman.
Retirement suits him.
Ted and Mark Lerner (father and son, they own the team) presented him with a literal ring of honor.
It looked like a tryhard world series ring. Joke’s on them because Werth has one of those. (with the Phillies in 2008)
Seriously though, it was a nice gesture, and the first of it’s kind.
Peroud, yet humble after watching vids of former teammates sending their best.
Speech!
“Harper, you’re an idiot.”
Cheers from the dugout.
The Hobo was gracious and humorous and emotional. He thanked his family, his wife and two sons, and got choked up when he thanked his momma. He reflected on his seven years as a Washington National and his 22 year career. The fans and the team were fully supportive and did not hesitate to show it! I ‘wooooooooed’ till I was hoarse!
Jayson was honored to throw the first pitch, caught by his son, Jackson.
Last standing O of his career!
Hugs for Max.
Love to his team.
I love baseball.
Even though I’ve been frustrated this season, I still love baseball. I’ve loved it since I was a little girl.
Cal Ripken, Jr was my first baseball bae. I was hooked at the age of 10. Jayson Werth became my baseball bae in 2011. Now they’re both retired, but will always have a little bit of my baseball loving heart.
Goodbye, Hobo. I’ll miss your left field shenanigans.
Thank you, and goodnight.
P.S. Nats beat the Cubs 6-5 in the post-tribute second game!
Ain’t baseball great?
Check out what MLB had to say about #werthday at Nationals Park.
http://mlb.mlb.com/r/article?ymd=20180908&content_id=293888306&vkey=news_was&c_id=was
Baseball and I are on a break.
My Washington Nationals are a steaming hot mess this season. Not because they’re getting their asses kicked all over the NL East, but because of “restructuring” in the organization.
What that means is they’re trading guys left and right. Good guys. Guys that make legitimate contributions to the team.
Mike Rizzo is an absolute ass, and I think the Lerner family has lost their damn minds. And I just don’t like Davey Martinez in any way, shape, or form.
These people have taken an exceptional ball club and kind of kicked the shit out of it.
I’m so over it.
But I’m putting all that aside to go to the ballpark today to celebrate the Hobo!
It’s Jayson Werth day at Nats Park!
He is beloved here in DC, and the fans are going nuts! Getting tickets to this game was no easy feat. But got them we did. And wild horses couldn’t keep me from cheering my baseball bae one last time!
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