santa cruz

Reading...

I finished reading Middlesex this week. Finally. I say finally because I started the book some time ago and although I thoroughly enjoyed the book I managed to prolong completing it by reading 4 other books at the same time. I shouldn't do this, I know, because I feel like I don't fully enjoy any of the books I am reading when I pile them up like, this especially since my time for reading is so scarce. But I digress, Middlesex. Have you read it? I liked it. I really liked it. And I recommend it. It's good. But. There is a but. I have to say that the last 50-100 pages were slightly disappointing. Not disappointing enough for me to not recommend it (again, I do recommend it) but I just started to feel that maybe the author, who did such an amazing job throughout the book, did not know quite how to finish it. It felt a bit rushed at the end. I wanted more. At one point early on while reading about Detroit, I thought for a second that it was sorta like watching The Wire and learning about Baltimore and what the city was like and learning about a different life. But in the end it was sort of like if The Wire had been cancelled during the 4th season and you were left feeling like you didn't get to fully know all the characters and how things turned out. So it's not perfect. But hey, 4 seasons of The Wire are a hell of a lot better than most of what is out there and the same goes for Middlesex. And hell, it won the Pulitzer Prize. So you know, what do I know anyway? Read it and tell me what you think. Okay?

Now I am off to finish reading the parenting books and cookbooks that were distracting me during Middlesex. Once they are completed and out of the way and I am the best parent and cook you ever met my next two books are: Once Upon a Time in the North and World War Z. Excited!!!!

What are you reading?

Perfectly Phony

What goes into photoshopping photos of attractive human beings into forms of unattainable perfection? Answer here.

Loving

It's Sunday, which is family day and computer-free for me. But while the family is napping I thought I would sneak away and let you in on two shows that I am currently in love with. I would even go as far as saying, I am obsessed with. Mad Men and Louie. Oh, swoon. Yeah, I know I am a little late to the Mad Men party. But that's okay because it is divine catching up on three seasons worth of radness. If you, like me, were trying to resist, do yourself a favor and stop right now. Give in.

As for Louie, man, it's just good. If you aren't familiar with Louis C.K. then go ahead and netflix his two comedy specials now. They are hilarious. Knee slapping, guffaw inducing. You might even pee your pants a little. And when you are done with those, I think, you will be as eager as I am to hang out with him for the measly 30 minutes we get with his new T.V. show. See, cause the show kinda feels like you are hanging out with him. Which I would love to do. I mean, seriously, can I please have plan a play date with Louis C.K.? That would be a dream come true. Because he is awesome and funny and normal and cool and wouldn't try and talk to me about how the tutu his 2 year old daughter is wearing in dance class "washes her out". (Ugh.)

You had me at Bill

This man makes me weak in the knees. Swwooooon!

Thank you, Sara, for sending this my way.

(via GQ)

At Long Last...

At long last, we finally have an answer...the chicken came first!

Summer List

I thought it would be a good idea to make a list of a few things I want to do this summer, so that I can fully enjoy the season. I know I will be adding more to the list but here is what I have so far:

Have a picnic

Ride bikes

Make popsicles

Knit

Make sun tea

Enjoy catching up on Mad Men

Go to the beach (weekly if possible)

Make peach cobbler

Make lemonade

Have 2 ladies dates

Have 2 adult dates

Finish reading the 3 books I am currently in the middle of reading

Have an energy free day (no stove, no lights, no TV) (The no fan part might be kinda tricky though)

What's on your list?

Dennis

I did not comment on the passing of Dennis Hopper here on the blog because I felt like there were plenty of people out there who could say what needed to be said far better than me. And because I never knew the man, I really didn't have much to add to the chorus. However, I will say I am a great admirer of Dennis Hopper. Yes, I know he was far from perfect and had a pretty tumultuous personal life. That really is of no concern to me. I think we was a tremendous actor and filmmaker. But what most gets me most about Mr. Hopper is his photographs. I couldn't possibly tell you how many hours I have spent pouring over his photos books. I own two of of his books and seriously covet this one. Oh boy, how I love these photographs! (This much to be exact.)

This past weekend we went to the MOCA exhibition of Dennis Hopper: Double Standard, in L.A. I was so excited for the exhibit. It was curated by Julian Schnabel and featured Hopper's artwork since 1961. To me, his photographs were definitely the highlight of the show and if you have never seen them I highly recommend you make the trip. The exhibition is not large, which I was a little disappointed by, but it is an interesting look at Hopper's creative output up until his death and worth seeing.

Now, after finally seeing the exhibition, I think it is a good time to say goodbye, Mr. Hopper. Thanks for sharing your memories and for inspiring mine.

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

This little girl is awesome. I want to know her. I want to be her.

I think we could all use a little bit of this and thought it was a good way to start the week.

Here is a little bit of what I love, things that I could stand on the sink and yell about...

I love my family, books, navy blue, holding hands, movies, to eat, music, holidays, the fall, dancing, chocolate and peanut butter, awesomely bad movies, halloween, bill murray, summer nights, sunday dinners, mid-century, heather grey, vacations, ruth gordon, fruits and vegetables, girl dates, museums, chocolate chip cookies, walking, dennis hopper, baking, everything french, singing loud with s.c., laughing, sunday mornings, joan didion, making lists, clothes, pottery, making great meals, geeking out and banana milkshakes.

July in July

I find Miranda July endlessly fascinating. No matter what, when I see her name I always stop to see what she is up to because she never ceases to surprise and amaze me.

I found this article saved in my bookmarks and thought I'd share.

Also, I love (!) this project that she did a while back which was also saved in my bookmarks. (Yeah, I have a lot of bookmarks.)

And for more on Miss July...see here.