Lian Dolan's Blog, page 28
July 24, 2012
Colorado Shooting, The Summer of Nagging, and Ann Curry: Chaos Chronicles 520
Tue, 24 July 2012
Chaos Chronicles 520: The Summer of Nagging, plus Suri Cruise & Ann Curry
The Colorado Shooter: Is he mentally ill? Let’s hope so. But maybe not. For an interesting perspective, read this story from The New York Times Magazine by Scott Anderson. He profiles a man in prison for shooting his parents 19 year ago. He’s sorry, he’s reformed, should he go free?
Women in the news: Suri Cruise and Ann Curry
And The Summer of Nagging: Hello, my name is Lian and I’m a nagger. Please help me as I nag my 17 year old son the summer before his senior.
Plus, To Do List
Direct download: chaos_520.mp3
Category:2012 — posted at: 6:19 PM
Plus, want more? Julie and I did a Satellite Sisters how today as well! We covered a lot of ground, including:
The Penn State Sanctions
Is it okay to root against Tiger Woods? [image error]
Yahoo’s CEO Marissa Mayer
Click on the Satellite Sisters Logo to connect to satellitesisters.com
July 15, 2012
Ralph Lauren! Katies Holmes! and What does the New York Times have against Moms? Chaos Chronicles Podcast 519
Chaos Chronicles Podcast 519! The new show is up!
Lian is back from vacation! And she got news, opinions, stories and an audio book give-away!
Lian breaks down her three weeks off: Funerals, Fun and Mulch
New Rounds-up: American Idol opportunity; Katies Holmes; Ralph Lauren’s Olympic gaffe and What does the New York Times have against Mothers? Read the NYT article about single motherhood vs. married motherhood here
Plus, women and sports, the Penn State scandal and What does the NCAA have against Caltech?
Direct download: Chaos_519.mp3
Category:2012 — posted at: 12:21 AM
Related Post:
Audio Book Give-away and Summer Reading List from Lian Dolan at chaoschronicles.com
July 13, 2012
Summer Reads! Rainy Day Books! Audio Book Give-away!
You want books? You got books! Recommendations, Night Stand names and an Audio Book Give-away!
Over the last few weeks, I’ve done some heavy reading, a lovely way to pass the time on vacation. I’ve also done some heavy book-buying, in airports, at regulation book stores, even public library book sales. To top off my list, I won one book on an author’s website! Here’s a list of what I’ve been reading and what’s in the on-deck circle for this summer. Plus, an Audio Book Give-away thanks to MacMillan Audio featuring titles by Jane Green and Mary Kay Andrews!
Books I Read on My Summer Vacation
Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan Just out in paperback! I never got to this one last summer, but was happy to dig into this family story told from 4 female character POVs. Sullivan wrote Commencement a few years back, a juicy fun read about 4 Smith graduates and a Satellite Sisters Best Beach Bag Books pick in honor of my Smithee sister Julie. This time, Sullivan takes on an Irish Catholic family from Boston who lives revolve around each other and their summer house in Maine. Maybe I liked this story because the writing is sharp and observant, crossing generations successfully and nailing the details when it really matters. Or maybe I liked it because I felt like Sullivan was writing about the Boston Cousins we never had– one of the male characters was Class of ‘48 from Holy Cross ( like my dad, Class of ‘50) and she refers to the fact that “Grandmother Dolan” had tree trunk legs that, sadly, her granddaughter had inherited. hahaha! Hmm. That sounds familiar! Satisfying. http://jcourtneysullivan.com/site/
Shout Her Lovely Name by Natalie Serber In a short story mood? Then pick up this wonderful collection by Natalie Serber, a Portland, Oregon writer. The namesake story, Shout Her Lovely Name, is a mind-blowing, visceral take on a mother dealing with her daughter’s eating disorder. It’s a wow! I read it twice. Other stories in the collection bring together more domestic scenes and relationships with depth and skill. Loved this one. I can’t recommend Shout Her Lovely Name highly enough . http://www.natalieserber.com/
If Looks Could Kill by Kate White An oldie but goodie! I found this at the Bend Public Library sidewalk sale for a buck, but enjoyed it like a million bucks! Kate White, the editor in chief of Cosmo was a guest on Satellite Sisters few years back to talk about her Baily Weggins mystery series. She was there in the studio, fun and fab and I loved meeting her. Her writing is sassy and contemporary with a good mystery baked in! The one I read was her first effort from 2001, but a new Bailey Weggins book, So Pretty it Hurts, is out now. Yeah, Kate. Katewhite.com
Wallflower in Bloom by Claire Cooke This is the book I won, thanks to an author give-away! How great is that? Dancing with the Stars fans, this one’s for you. Claire Cooke always taps into cultural zeitgeists for her work ( Cupcake baking, home staging) and this new book is no exception. The younger sister of a self-help guru finds herself a last-minute replacement on DWTS, but the fun comes when she’s dealing with her crazy family. We can all relate. Thanks, Claire! http://clairecook.com/author/Home.html
The Island by Elin Hilderbrand Another SS interview vet, turns out another rich read about Nantucket. Headed to an island vacation spot this summer? Then you’ll enjoy reading about the rich, famous and normal island dwellers. There is an excellent portrayal of a mother with an autistic son that will resonate will any parent in that position. Solid effort. Available at airport bookstores everywhere!
Books I Bought on my Summer Vacation and will Read Next
Canada by Richard Ford Richard Ford was my first full-blown literary crush. I read The Sportswriter and then Rock Springs at age 22 while living in Jackson, Wyoming and fancying myself as a free spirit. I spent the next few years imagining myself as Mrs. Richard Ford. Okay, I’m over that now, but I’m looking forward to digging into his new book Canada which is getting fantastic reviews. We are having some unusual rainy weather here and now that my son has come down with mono, I feel like I’ll be spending some time inside with my honey and Canada. http://www.richardfordbooks.com/home
The Leftovers by Tom Perotta I love Tom Perotta’s books.: Little Children; The Abstinence Teacher; Joe College. He nails domestic life from a man’s point of view and always has something interesting to say about women, too. Thanks, Tom. His latest, now out in paperback, is The Leftovers which was named on all sorts of “Best Of” lists for 2011. Apparently it’s the suburbs with a touch of supernatural which sounds like something those of us who live in the suburbs could use! I also confess to a litcrush on TP. http://www.tomperrotta.net/
Audio Books Give-away!
Thanks to MacMillan Audio, I have two fantastic summer reads to send off to one lucky winner. Comment to win. Leave a comment below and if you feel really inspired, share what you’re reading right now! One winner will be drawn at 12:00 pm PST on Friday July 20th, 2012. Winner will be contacted for address. Thanks, MacMillan Audio ! Up for grabs are:
Bestselling author Jane Green reads her own book Another Piece of my Heart . Love Jane’s work. She nails suburbia in her novels and this time she takes on step-motherhood. And, the courage to read your own book on tape astonishes me! Way to go, Jane http://www.janegreen.com/
Spring Fever by women’s fiction fave Mary Kay Andrews Oh, this one looks good and satisfying like all of Mary Kay Andrews’ previous bestsellers like Summer Rental and Savannah Breeze. This book features an ex-husband, a small town and a family cherry soda biz. Looks like a winner. Perfect for a road trip Down South.
Embracing my Chaos,
Lian
Related Post:
Ten Books to Read This Summer 2011
July 11, 2012
Katie Holmes! The Olympics! Covert Affairs! Random Post-Vacation Thoughts!
Back in the saddle after a couple of weeks of traveling. Been collecting some Random Thoughts over the llast few weeks and I thought I’d share:
This year’s vacation theme: The Year of the Blueberry. Wow, the berries coming out of the Pac Northwest turned me into Veruca Salt.
Vacation is great. Re-entry in hard.
My dog looks fantastic after her ten days at The Ranch. Maybe I should go there next year and chase around the mini horse as a weight loss strategy.
I find myself giddy at the Triumph of Katie Holmes, as if one of my own sisters had managed to break free from a really bad relationship.
Too bad Oprah isn’t really on the air anymore. Katie needs a couch to jump on.
I spent one night watching the gymnastics trials on TV. I’ve now fufilled my every-four-years gymnastics viewing quota.
I will never forget the sight of Nastia Lukin face-planting off the uneven bars. That is a metaphor for something. I’m not sure what, but I know it’s not good.
The kid who set the world record in the decathlon, Ashton Eaton, is a Bend, Oregon boy. His dad has coffee every afternoon at Thump, according to the barrista. Reason alone to root for Ashton.
I read a study yesterday that most women only watch sports because their husbands or boyfriends watch sports and they want to “spend time with them.” And, if women do watch sports on their own, it’s football or Nascar.
Based on the number of passionate and knowledgable Facebook responses I generated from women ( and men) with a bunch Wimbledon and Euro 2012 posts, I don’t believe that study at all.
Nascar? Really? When you can watch Roger Federer?
Covert Affairs is back. Impossibly attractive female CIA agent who speaks 8 languages and wears really high heels. It’s no Alias, people, but it’s worth tuning for this year. They have stepped up the story quite a bit this season.
I tried reading the bestseller Death at Pemberly, a Jane Austin-inpsired mystery. No thanks. Not working for me.
After reading David Brooks column in the New York Times about how the current education system is stripping our boys of their Henry V bravado, I’m thinking I can put up with all the germs at my sons’ all-boys school in exchange for a little “let boys be boys” spirit.
The Plastic Bag Ban went into effect while I was on vacation. First trip to the store and as predicted, shoppers are now leaving with armfuls of groceries and throwing them in the trunk of their car. So pathetic.
16 days to London 2012.
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
Related Posts:
Random Thoughts on The Oscars, The Dresses and Brad Pitt
Random Thoughts on the Golden Globes
July 3, 2012
Fourth of July Recipes: Ice Cream Watermelon! Blueberry-Mint Lemonade! Watermelon, Feta and Arugula Salad!
Hello from Bend, Oregon…
Gearing up for the Fourth and I woke up with a start this morning, recalling that I had failed to repost my recipe for Lian’s Famous Ice Cream Watermelon! Oh, no!
Click here to be take to the Satellite Sisters site where there is a step by step photo how-to for Lian’s Famous Ice Cream Watermelon Honestly, I can’t believe I was ever so organized/ambitious that I did a photo recipe! So even if you aren’t going to make this crowd-pleaser, at least admire my effort.
You’ll also find a link to My Mother’s Blueberry Muffin Recipe which I will be making this year because the berries in Oregon are SO CRAZY GOOD!
And, speaking of CRAZY GOOD blueberries, this delish recipe for Blueberry-Mint Lemonade came from my new favorite food site the Ocean Spray site. (No, not every recipe features cranberries… but what would be wrong with that?) The teens in my house– my boys and their cousins– are fellow cranberry juice enthusiasts who I think will enjoy celebrating the Fourth with their new friend, the Blueberry. I’m also putting Watermelon, Arugula and Feta Salad on my menu for tomorrow. For lots more patriotic recipes like drinks and festive salads, head over to Ocean Spray.
Off to the market. Bring my own bags because It’s Oregon….
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
June 24, 2012
Chaos Chronicles 518: Chaos Chronicles/Satellite Sisters Mash-ups
Sun, 24 June 2012
Chaos Chronicles 518: Satellite Sisters/Chaos Chronicles Mash-upLian explains why half the Chaos Chronicles is actually a Satellite Sisters! More chaos:
Plus, TV News, How to be an Emcee and why would anyone buy Reille Hunter’s book
Direct download: chaos_518.mp3
Category:2012 — posted at: 11:57 PM
June 22, 2012
Write Outline, Host Gala & Fly to Boston: To Do List for Friday
Hi, all…
We received the sad news this week that my wonderful Uncle Harry had passed away suddenly. Uncle Harry was married to my Aunt Patty, my mom’s youngest sister. Aunt Patty and Uncle Harry and their 3 boys represented one-half of our “Boston Cousins.” My Aunt Virgina ( oldest sister) and her husband Uncle Dick and their kids lived right across the street from Aunt Patty and Uncle Harry. It made visiting our Boston Cousins very convenient and lots of fun. Two sisters+ two uncles+tons of cousins= good times.
Uncle Harry was a swimmer, a Yalie and an engineer. We always met in New Haven for a tailgate before the Holy Cross-Yale football game. He taught my brothers how to body surf on the Cape and carved Turkey #2 next to my Dad on Thanksgiving. At one point in the 70′s, electric carving knives were all the rage and my father and Uncle Harry carving the birds sounded like lumberjacks bring down an old growth forest.
I’m off to Boston for the funeral on Monday, representing the West Coast Dolan contingent. My sister Julie is flying to Boston from Dallas and taking care of our hotel and ground transportation, because that’s what Julie does. My brother Jim will be driving up from Connecticut and together we’ll celebrate our Uncle Harry’s life. It will still be fun to see out Boston Cousins ( because that’s how we roll, putting the “fun” in funeral.). But knowing, too, that an era is ending.
Also on my To Do List:
Turn in my outline: That’s what happens when you sign up for a writing class, you have deadlines. And I aim to keep them, regardless of the situation. So my outline for book 2 gets turned in on Sunday.
Host a Charity Gala: I will be the Mistress of Ceremonies at a wonderful gala to raise money for an organization that helps kids and families get on their feet. I’ll also be able to taste the handiwork of some star chefs because it’s a food and wine extravaganza. Many thanks to my team pulling me together: Trina my hair stylist; Lani the make-up person who shellacks my face into place for 6 hours on stage; my friend Sally who lent me some smoking accessories and Jergens tanning solution, so I don’t have to wear panty hose.
Go on Vacation: The unexpected trip to Boston leads right into a (semi) planned vacation. I say semi-planned, because the situation with my parents made doing any long-term planning tough. But we will have some coverage here in Southern Cal, thanks to Julie and Monica, so my family and I are off to Oregon next week. I’m going to take a few weeks off the podcast, but I’ll be reposting some classics. Thanks for your patience. I’m hoping to get in a recording this weekend to explain all.
Embracing my chaos,
Lian
Related Posts:
June 20, 2012
Do the Work Wednesday # 11: Re-Booting your Efforts
I’ll admit it, the last six weeks of family issues ( aging parents with serious health issues) has wreaked havoc on my well-intentioned writing schedule. I thought I’d be done with my first draft of my next book by now. I’m not. Not even close. It’s hard to write comedy when your life is not funny.
It’s eerily similar to the situation I found myself in when writing Helen of Pasadena. I was cranking along, happy with my 30 pages a week when my then 81 year- old mother broke her hip. She spent ten days in the hospital and then a month in rehab. I spent two months shuttling back and forth to Santa Monica to care for my dad, cook meals, go to doctor’s appointments and the like. My writing suffered then stopped. Again, hard to write comedy when life isn’t funny.
At the time, I eventually accepted my situation, put the writing aside without guilt and then set a firm date when I would pick up the writing again, no matter what was happening around me. It worked.
As someone whose worked at home for a long time and balanced my creative life with my real life, I was pretty good at compartmentalizing my time. Even if chaos was really happening at home, I could go on the air or sit down at my computer and Do The Work without whining/crying/bringing everyone down with me. But sometimes, the situation is too big to compartmentalize. Moving my father into a care facility and then helping my mother transition to living alone is one of those situations. So I set the writing aside and then set a date to pick it up again.
But it feels like the fog is lifting and the clock is ticking. I have been forced to turn down some great promotional opportunities for my next book because it’s NOT DONE YET. That is muy unfortunate. So last week, I did what I did with the first book: I signed up for a writing workshop to push the work through, force me into my seat and give me a great excuse to get the work done even if my life is chaotic.
First class tonight. I’m ready to do the work. You?
Embracing my Chaos, Lian
Related Posts:
Do the Work #10: In the Zone
Do the Work #9: It all counts
June 15, 2012
What I learned in Middle School, Panini Generation update, Sandusky Trial: Chaos Chronicles 517
Look at me! Friday afternoon podcast. Oh, yeah.Fri, 15 June 2012
Lessons from Middle School, the Sandusky Trial and Father’s Day Gifts: Chaos Chronicles 517On the show this week:
Panini Generation Update: transition not so smooth, thanks.
Middle School Graduation Observations and What I Learned in Middle School
In the news: The Sandusky trial
To Do List: Father’s Day Gift Items Click here for the complete list of Podcasts, Audio Systems, Tools, Leafblowers
Embrace my Chaos,
Lian
Related Posts:
Chaos Chronicles 516
June 12, 2012
Podcasts! Audio Systems! Books! Tools! Six Things to Like this Father’s Day
Cue the Golf Cliches and the BBQ Aprons! It’s Father’s Day this weekend. Inspired by a couple of male members of the Chaos Crew, I’ve put together a list of gift items and ideas for the men in our lives. Feel free to add your own ideas…
Mental Stimulation for Readers:
The Book Guys Podcast: Our own Professor Alan has been promoted to a regular on this entertaining, informative show. Get your guy a iPod and pre-load a few podcasts for him. The Book Guys is a blog and podcast dedicated to books and anything related to books. The Book Guys cover book events and publishing news, but also audio books, audio dramas, podcasts, comic books, and even movies — but only if they’re based on a book or comic. The podcast – hosted by Paul the Book Guy, Greg the Book Guy, Sir Jimmy, and Professor Alan – features author interviews, book reviews, and a round-table discussion of book news.Click here to find The Book Guys Podcast at iTunes.
Great Summer Reads: Chaos Crew guy Josh Bingham put together a great list of summer books which look to appeal to all readers, but particurly to men. Thanks for sending along this link Josh. You can click through here to see his blog and recommendations.
Sports Illustrated: I know, this suggestion is hardly out of the box. But, despite my objections to the swimsuit issue, I continue to subscribe and read Sports Illustrated because the writing is great. (Even if the art direction is a mess.) Every week, there is at leas one great piece that moves and informs me about human nature as seen through the prism of sport. Recently, a look back at the baseball steroids scandal was one such piece. Click here to subscribe to an All Access subscription( digital and print) with a free NFL T-shirt thrown in for about $40 a year. That’s a good deal.
Tools for the DIY-er
My husband has been on a DIY tear over the last year, re-doing a bathroom, re-landscaping the front yard and painting the kitchen. And then, there are the countless re-organization days of various closets, storage areas and garages Here’s a short list of tool that appear to make him happy:
Electric Leaf Blower : I don’t know, maybe he thinks it’s a jet pack, but nothing has made him happier than his new electric leaf blower. He purchased this after a giant wind storm in December, but uses it almost every weekend to blow away his cares. Quietly, I might add. His leaf blower of choice is the Toro found here on Amazon.
Re-Chargeable Work Light: I can’t tell you how many times over the past year I’ve stood and held the portable rechargeable work light while my husband tightens a screw in a dark corner somewhere. Handy, Hanging, Works great. His is a Coolite from Northern Tools. here is a similar model for under 30 bucks.
Ultimate Audio System:
Sonos Wireless HiFi System: My husband has been coveting this system for a while now. It’s compact, great looking and using the word HiFi in the name is brilliant for people of the LP generation who are suspicious of “wireless music.” Sonos promises easy set-up and heart-shaking sound . But what’s a guy to do with all his Roxy Music cds? Oh right, download them to an iPod! The time has come to convert to all-digital. We are ready to make the emotional leap to wireless audio and this elegant little system checks a lot of our boxes. I’ve watched the video several times now and I think I understand how it works. Take a look at the video:
Interested? Target is running a promotion with Sonos. Order the Sonos Wireless HiFi System through Target.com and receive a Target gift card. Purchase the Sonos Play 3 System and receive a $30 card. Purchase the Sonos Play 5 System and receive a $40 card. For details on the Target promotion, click here.
Thanks to the One2One Network for letting me know about the Sonos Wireless Hifi system and the Target promotion. All opinions stated are mine. I have been entered in a drawing for participating.
What’s on your Father’s Day List?
Embracing my chaos, Lian
Related Posts:
Ten Things to like this Father’s Day 2011
