This was such a fun read, one that I understand completely. As a freshman in college, I went to a Bette Midler signing for a children's book she had written, asked a few questions, wrote an innocuous feature for a college newspaper, and damn near fainted — especially after she smiled and wrote "Let's do it" on the copy of my book. (I had been a huge fan of "The Rose" and "Divine Madness" in high school, which was another pockmark on my wannabe "cool kid" persona in my Texas Gulf Coast town.) The glow from her inscription faded, however, when I realized she had done the same for a friend's book later in the evening.
Also, and I may write about this one sometime soon, Beyonce's album is great.
I would have dragged my own chair over to your Team Bette table! YOU are the coolest!!! She is legend. I think she REALLY meant that inscription for you. Your friend got the rerun. Truth! Agreed on Queen CowBey. Is there nothing she can’t do? I hope you write on the album 🙏🏻💗
Also me: (meeting Stephen Rannazzisi in the terminal) "I THINK THE LEAGUE IS REALLY NEAT." Did I half yell at this poor guy while he was waiting out a flight delay? Yes, yes I did.
Is there a world where our unfortunate choices are endearing? I would REALLY like to think so! And yes, I still feel the awkwardness every time I look at those books on my shelf. Some of us are born carrying the watermelon 😉
There was an author signing event once at a comic book store near me. The author,Danielle Corsetto, wrote the comic strip "Girls with Slingshots" and I had at that time read a fair bit of her work. But I went into that store for a different reason. I was there to play chess in a back room and I hadn't known beforehand that she would be there. So walking in I saw someone who's work I liked and generally wanted to support but I was broke and I had nothing interesting to say and people who were waiting on me.
I let that opportunity pass me by. You took the opportunity. Good for you! I hope one day to be as brave.
Awwww Mike!!! I'm sorry it didn't quite line up for you to say hello to Danielle. I bet just saying how much you enjoyed her work would have made her whole experience. At the end of the day, these people are still just people. If you're genuine in what you're saying, that shines through. I hope there's a next time for you...you never know! :)
I'm slogging through Barkskins...almost done...so far its the second most depressing book I can remember reading, next to "The Road." Fascinating, and depressing.
Proulx does not make it easy for her characters. Barkskins was heartbreaking. She's one of those writers who dares you to flinch. But I love her work all the same. Good luck on the home stretch! Maybe grab a book like Less or something by Kevin Wilson (heart and humor) to cleanse the palette :)
Agreed! She wrote a short non-fiction book about environmental concerns that came out in 2022. It is a tough read--climate change, so not cheery at all. I would love for her to drop another short story collection or work of fiction. She is always worth the wait. Definitely check out Kevin Wilson's stuff. He is humorous, but also very touching. I'm also a big fan of Karen Russel's work. Her short stories, Vampires in the Lemon Grove (hello that title!!) are fantastic!
This was such a fun read, one that I understand completely. As a freshman in college, I went to a Bette Midler signing for a children's book she had written, asked a few questions, wrote an innocuous feature for a college newspaper, and damn near fainted — especially after she smiled and wrote "Let's do it" on the copy of my book. (I had been a huge fan of "The Rose" and "Divine Madness" in high school, which was another pockmark on my wannabe "cool kid" persona in my Texas Gulf Coast town.) The glow from her inscription faded, however, when I realized she had done the same for a friend's book later in the evening.
Also, and I may write about this one sometime soon, Beyonce's album is great.
I would have dragged my own chair over to your Team Bette table! YOU are the coolest!!! She is legend. I think she REALLY meant that inscription for you. Your friend got the rerun. Truth! Agreed on Queen CowBey. Is there nothing she can’t do? I hope you write on the album 🙏🏻💗
Gee... do you like Annie Proulx?
Is Beyoncé striking fear in the hearts of white, country music dude-bros?! So that’s a yes and YES! 💗🙏🏻📚
I can't say that I understand your comment.
Just responding that yes, my respect and enthusiasm for Annie Proulx and her work is very genuine. Thanks!
Me: "Oh man, that had to be awkward."
Also me: (meeting Stephen Rannazzisi in the terminal) "I THINK THE LEAGUE IS REALLY NEAT." Did I half yell at this poor guy while he was waiting out a flight delay? Yes, yes I did.
Is there a world where our unfortunate choices are endearing? I would REALLY like to think so! And yes, I still feel the awkwardness every time I look at those books on my shelf. Some of us are born carrying the watermelon 😉
This is the nichiest of niche references, and I am 100% here for it!
I thought you might be, Kevin. I’ve long suspected that you are my people-real Topeka people 💗
Good people looking for a good time...
Call your mother! And don’t take drugs!!!
Note to self: Rewatch this movie immediately!
There was an author signing event once at a comic book store near me. The author,Danielle Corsetto, wrote the comic strip "Girls with Slingshots" and I had at that time read a fair bit of her work. But I went into that store for a different reason. I was there to play chess in a back room and I hadn't known beforehand that she would be there. So walking in I saw someone who's work I liked and generally wanted to support but I was broke and I had nothing interesting to say and people who were waiting on me.
I let that opportunity pass me by. You took the opportunity. Good for you! I hope one day to be as brave.
Awwww Mike!!! I'm sorry it didn't quite line up for you to say hello to Danielle. I bet just saying how much you enjoyed her work would have made her whole experience. At the end of the day, these people are still just people. If you're genuine in what you're saying, that shines through. I hope there's a next time for you...you never know! :)
I'm slogging through Barkskins...almost done...so far its the second most depressing book I can remember reading, next to "The Road." Fascinating, and depressing.
Proulx does not make it easy for her characters. Barkskins was heartbreaking. She's one of those writers who dares you to flinch. But I love her work all the same. Good luck on the home stretch! Maybe grab a book like Less or something by Kevin Wilson (heart and humor) to cleanse the palette :)
I love her work too, I just wish there were more of it. Thanks for the palette/palate cleansing recommendation!
Agreed! She wrote a short non-fiction book about environmental concerns that came out in 2022. It is a tough read--climate change, so not cheery at all. I would love for her to drop another short story collection or work of fiction. She is always worth the wait. Definitely check out Kevin Wilson's stuff. He is humorous, but also very touching. I'm also a big fan of Karen Russel's work. Her short stories, Vampires in the Lemon Grove (hello that title!!) are fantastic!