John Irving, at BEA

While at Book Expo America, I attended a little talk that included John Irving. I’ve read several of Irving’s books, and with rare exception, find them insightful and enthralling. Here you see Irving on the video screen.

JohnIrving

The Cider House Rules and A Widow For One Year are at the top of my list of Irving books. I’ve read both of them twice, although it has been a long time since those readings. Listening to Irving talk about story telling and his take on the content of his own books was fascinating. It’s a rare opportunity to hear an author speak in person and thus get their opinions unfiltered by the likes of reporters or TV talking heads.

Keep reading. It’s good for you.

Published in: on May 31, 2009 at 1:43 pm  Comments (2)  
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Bucks County Designer Show Home

The Bucks County Designer Show Home offered me and several other authors the opportunity to hold a book signing during their annual event. It was held in Solebury and featured several buildings, all creatively decked out by various designers. Here are a few photos of the outdoor spaces which were impressively done.

bucks3Below you’ll see a comfortable outdoor spot, complete with fire pit, seating, and lights draped around a woven cluster of branches and vines.

bucks4Of course, flowers must be everywhere and here is a good look at the variety around another welcoming outdoor space.

bucks2I saved the interiors for your actual visit, which can be made through the 31st of May. It’s worth your time and travel expenses. Plus, the admission fee helps support a local hospital, certainly a worthy cause. My thanks to the team that puts this event together. I appreciate the opportunity to meet book lovers as well as to enjoy the show home.

Limón y Sal

Limón y Sal is the title of a Julieta Venegas album that I’ve been listening to for several years now. I discovered Venegas while listening to a radio station somewhere around New York City and subsequently downloaded much of her music. I’ve written before about the music I listen to while writing and Julieta Venegas songs have become a staple.

The title track (Limón y Sal) is the type of song where honest lyrics and straightforward structure bring the message home. The layering of the instruments provides a richness absent from typical tracks without being overbearing. The same can be said for several other songs on this album including Canciones de Amor, which is a bit of a comic piece about love songs and how things just don’t work the way they claim. The irony is clear, made all the more poignant using an economy of Spanish words that deliver the punch line in the most clever fashion. Another favorite is Andar Conmigo from her album Sí. Here Venegas gives us a dialog about two people getting together, and if things are to work out, they’ll have to share each other’s stories. The allegory presented is insightful and wise, something sadly lacking in modern popular music.

Take a listen to the excerpts of Julieta Venegas’ music on iTunes. You’ll find these catchy tunes worth your pesos.

Published in: on May 18, 2009 at 12:20 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Writing Letters

Letter writing seems to have fallen off in this age of email and the text message. (Forget stuff like twitter, facebook, and such). However, there are still those people out there who take pen in hand (or typewriter or word processor) and scribe a message to someone. I happen to be one of these people, employing my fountain pens to good use. For stationary these days I’ve taken to recycling old nautical charts that are out of date. I have the good fortune to have made the acquaintance of several people with whom I exchange letters regularly. They are an excellent way to concentrate your thoughts, learn something new, and enjoy a friendship.

But if you want to see a master letter craftsperson, check out The Missive Maven’s blog. Here is a direct link: http://missivemaven.blogspot.com/. She corresponds with many people from around the globe and encourages others to write to her. Plus, her letters are written on various types of paper, her stamps are varied and interesting, and she uses all manner of writing instruments and inks. The creativity shown here is stunningly impressive. Take a look at her blog. I’m sure you’ll find it fascinating and perhaps inspirational. Maybe you’ll write to that old friend, college roommate, or favorite relative as a result.

Besides, isn’t it a thrill to get something in the mail? Of course! I send literally hundreds of postcards each year, but that’s the subject for another post soon. In the mean time, get a pen, some paper, and write. It’s good for your brain and your relationships, whatever they may be.

Published in: on May 9, 2009 at 3:04 am  Comments (2)  
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