1. Nanowrimo
Yes, it is that time of year again, and yes, I have tried many times, and failed, perhaps that is why this time I have been quiet in my intentions, well, until now, I suppose. This year feels different which probably has a lot to do with the fact that I have been ignited with new writing inspiration lately, as well as a supportive family who is giving me space and time to write interrupted (I am very lucky). So, any inspiring words, coffee and tea recommendations, and songs sent would be greatly appreciated.
2. Karaoke at New Wave Bar & Restaurant
We have been meaning to pay a visit to the all-80’s themed bar and restaurant, New Wave, for some time now, but it is a bit of a drive which has been more than a bit of a deterrent. With a friend in town visiting who is a fan of the era we decided to make the trek and visit on one of their karaoke nights. It was big fun to get to sing, and listen to other singers, work their way through an primarily 80’s songbook which was heavy on the new wave and dark wave songs that I have always loved, it is not often you get to hear Bauhaus, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Sisters of Mercy back-to-back, in karaoke.
I have fallen for this show so hard and fast, enough so that I am having to hold myself back from doing a full-on binge watch of all the available seasons. Some of it is reminiscent of The Sopranos to me, some of it hits on how I recently felt about Orange is the New Black, and then there is these other parts that spark more personal memories of people and places I have known in my own life. Fringe life and unconventional family stories, and strong female roles are always a big win for me, as is great storytelling.
4. Sierra Madre Playhouse and Live Theater
On Halloween night, the Sierra Madre Playhouse put on a zombie themed free 20-minute play that ran aired every half-hour, called Hollywood Zombies Save America. It was low on scares (meant to be good for all-ages), but high on laughs, and was a nice introduction to live theater to many who attended. A theater lover and ex-theater major myself, my love for the stage is a long-standing affair, and I strive to share that love with my kids. My son’s reaction of “Mom, I like plays” was priceless.
5. Charlie and Dorothy, Supernatural
The Charlie (Felicia Day) episodes of Supernatural are some of my all-time favorites. The fact that she has only been on 3 episodes, yet her character is so well-written that she feels like a cast regular, a character who is complex, layered and bad-ass, Charlie steals every scene she is in. It is refreshing to see a female role that isn’t a “love interest” or a victim of the next “big bad“. I loved Charlie and Dorothy’s connection, and the adventure that they are off to live (can we hope for THIS to be the rumored Supernatural spin-off? Please?).
6. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
It is embedded deeply into my consciousness, and in so many Halloween childhood memories, and my love for the special never seems to wane. I used to have these great boxer shorts with images from the special that I used to wear over crushed velvet leggings (oh the 90’s!). Is it Linus’ persistence that I love most? Charlie’s ghost costume with all those holes, or the “I got a rock” sentiment (all of the above, most probably)?
One of my favorite horror movies, this one is over-the-top filled with scares, strong female leads, unique story, social commentary, and a myriad keen guest stars (Cassandra Peterson, Mink Stole, drag queen Peaches Christ, Ashley FInk). Natasha Lyonne is fantastic in this, playing out a dark coming-of-age story. She is evil, but I adore her.
8. Mazzy Star
Whether it be their past albums that I love and cherish, or the new album, which is becoming a new favorite of mine, Mazzy Star has been my soundtrack most of this past week. It may be due to a rather blue funk I have been in, or my persistent fight against all the stress that I work around (sometimes music is the only thing to combat chaotic office stress), or just a need for Hope’s lush and luscious voice. Whatever the reason, they have been my musical solace all week, especially this song:
Blue Light (live)
9. Katy Perry
Guaranteed to put me in a good mood every single time, Katy Perry’s music is pure pop goodness, infectious, addictive and fun, and no, not in a “guilty pleasure” kind of way. There are many a morning that you can find me having a car-concert-sing-a-long to a Katy-song on my long commute into work. I love her humor, her style and something that is both uplifting and vulnerable in what she shares with the world.
This Moment (live)
10. Captain Hook, Once Upon a Time
It took me some time to warm up to Hook, even though he is admittedly “easy on the eyes“. His character grew on me though as the writers revealed cracks in his exterior slowly, as they worked their way into an actual recent back story to fill-in some of what was hinted at. I was on-board (pun-intended) with this pirate before the back story broke, pretty much finally finding affection for his character as the season ended last season (and it has grown exponentially this season, so far).
