Julia London's Blog, page 22

Far From Home

Let’s not dwell on that awful Hurricane Sandy that trapped me in Florida for longer than intended, but fortunately caused no serious damage to my family or house.

Instead, let me tell you about what I did while I was away. I wrote. Yes, that I did. And it takes discipline (major!) to work when you’re so close to your favorite place, Disney World. There were days that I actually left parks to go back to my room and write. And even though I didn’t get as much done as I wanted (exhaustion!), I did manage to put in some time with the manuscript. Which, to my way of thinking, earned me this little treat:

The King Cupcake.

Image courtesy of the disneyfoodblog

I stayed at a place called Pop Century, one of Disney’s value resorts (which, considering Disney prices, honestly is a good value), a resort that celebrates pop culture through the 50s-90s. I was in the 50s building, so… bowling pin staircases, a giant jukebox next to the bowling pin pool, enormous Lady and the Tramp statues at either end of the pool area (Lady and the Tramp, released in 1955). And in the resort’s food court bakery, a cupcake dedicated to Elvis Presley.

This little beauty had moist and delicious chocolate cake, banana custard filling, peanut butter frosting, a chocolate drizzle, and… BACON! Crispy candied diced bacon sprinkled over the top. Over the top indeed! This cupcake was amazing. I’m still dreaming of it.

And because I believe in treating myself for work well done (a little too self-indulgent, I am), I also tried the tie-dyed cheesecake. It’s cheesecake with all these fabulous colors on a red velvet cake base. Yes!

And besides indulging in delectable treats ( I also visited the World Showcase Food and Wine Festival), I met some amazing people and made some new friends. Hopefully new friends who will run out and buy all my books, but hey- I will love them even if they don’t. I was at Disney World for the 15th anniversary party of a group called INTERCOT. If you love Disney, or even just need a little Disney trip advice, pop on by and we’ll help you out over there. I’m known as SBETigg in INTERCOT circles. Oh, I’ve revealed my secret identity. Yes, it’s true, my Disney geekdom really runs that deep.

Strawberry-lime margarita, shrimp taco.

Do you have any secret identities? If you had to pick a resort building based on a decade, which would you choose? Love bacon? Think it belongs on a cupcake? Or would you rather have that cheesecake? What’s your favorite indulgence?

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Rooting for the Bad Guy

 

See? There's just something sexy about a guy in a mask. (Leatherface, Michael Meyers and Jason being obvious exceptions.)

A few weeks ago, I was watching the 25th Anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall.  And as the Phantom was standing before Christine (just a homicidal maniac, standing in front of girl, asking her to love him), she kissed him out of pity.  And then, realizing that she did have a little bit of genuine love for the Phantom, Christine really went in for an all-out, knee-bender of a make-out session.  The camera panned back to, the very handsome actor playing Raoul, who appeared to be crying at the abandonment of his lady love.

And I burst out laughing.  I yelled, “Suck it, you useless fop!”

It’s not that I have anything against foppery in general.  I love all versions of Phantom, particularly the movie staring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum.  But even though I know that the Phantom has to relinquish Christine and Raoul has to sweep her away, just once, I would like the Phantom to say, “You know what?  I don’t need redemption that badly.  This is the woman I love.  And Raoul has to die.”

And then drop Raoul into the catacombs.

I have this perverse habit of rooting for the bad guys in movies and books.   I am both Team Sawyer and Team Damon.  While reading Twilight, I kind of wanted James to eat Bella.   While watching The Witches of Eastwick, I wanted the girls to forgive Daryl so they could live as one big happy demonic family.

But I’ve come to realize, this isn’t my fault.  Good writers make their villains just as multi-dimensional –and, occasionally, sympathetic – as their protagonists.   A love triangle without tension on all three sides isn’t a love triangle.  It’s just a couple falling in love, while an annoying third party hovers around, messing things up for them at the end of the second act.

I’m supposed to root for the tortured, strategically scarred, but somehow still hot, Phantom*.  Because as safe and pampered as life with Raoul would be, we all wonder what it would be like to live in the shadows with a deranged genius who’s in to cosplay.   The writers wanted to me to want that.  So really, I’m just being considerate.

I had nothing to do with my personal psychology, really.

So which villains do you root for?  Which book or move endings would you change for the “badder,” if you had the Writer Fairy magic wand?  Discuss below.

 

*I’ve made my feelings about Gerard Butler very clear in my novel, THE CARE AND FEEDING OF STRAY VAMPIRES.  He’s a beautiful man, but has single-handedly murdered the romantic comedy.  And for that, he has been removed from my Imaginary Celebrity Boyfriend List… and replaced by Tom Hardy.

Sorry, Gerry.

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

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STORM CHECK-IN

Given that all the news is about hurricane Sandy, in lieu of a regular blog post, let’s do a storm check-in. Is everyone safe? Did anyone have to evacuate? Any family members who needed to? My in-laws live on Long Island and their power went out around 8pm last night, but the complex where they live has a generator so everyone is okay. I live in Atlanta and we’re fine, but lots of high winds here.

Check in with us and let us know you’re storm story–or if you’re lucky enough to be out of range.

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The joys of being back home

I just got back from six days in Manhattan and another four days in White Plains at the Novelists, Inc. conference, and although I had a great time, it’s wonderful to be home. Why? Not because I wasn’t having a good time (it was awesome…I even got to hang out with fellow Whiners Dee Davis and Terri Brisbin), but because I now have a NASTY COLD.

Yes, that was the souvenir I brought back with me. I’m feverish. I have chills. And my throat feels like it’s wider than my hips.

Sigh.

That is the price I’m paying for traveling. And it seems like I always get sick upon return from long trips, especially if they’re to go-go-go destinations and not someplace lazy like, say, a beach. I think I ward off the evil germs with adrenaline and then it fades upon return.

But it was worth it. The family and I had an awesome time in the city, and the girls were sufficiently exhausted that they were cool mostly hanging in the room after their dad left and they went to the conference with me. Hey, they even got to rent those really reasonably priced (cough cough) movies from the On Demand system.

The only glitch in our trip (other than the germs that followed me back) was Sandy, our uninvited counterpart. The girls and I were fortunate to get out on Saturday (we’d planned to go back to the city and spend more time there before heading home to Texas). I know some folks at the conference weren’t so lucky; their Sunday flights were delayed or canceled.

To anyone in Sandy’s path, I’m thinking of you. Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe.

How about you? Does your body melt down after returning from a vacation? Are you safe from Sandy? What are your plans for this week? (I had big ones … now those plans have been amended to involve Dayquil and Ibuprofen and lots of Vitamin C!)

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Weekend Reading: Perks of Being a Wallflower

I was at the airport looking for a book for my flight, and I picked up Stephen Chbosky’s debut The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which was turned into a movie (out now) starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman. It looked short. I wanted short. It’s a young adult novel, but a quick, engrossing read. I finished it on the 2 hour flight. 

According to the Amazon review:

Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor. This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

This is the story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie’s letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

My assessment: If you like YA, or you’re looking for a good quick read, or you prefer to read books before you see the movie, Perks of Being A Wallflower is a good choice. Even better, pick up something by John Green.

Do you like coming of age stories? Don’t you just love Emma Watson? Do you read Young Adult books? Have a favorite YA recommendation? 

 

 

 

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On the Road Again

The view from the retreat B&B front porch

I’ve been traveling a lot of late.  In fact, as you read this, I’ll be on my alma mater’s college campus attending a function there.   Over two month period, I’ve been in or will be in London; Iselin, NJ (conference); Ocean Beach, NJ (writer’s retreat); Little Rock (college function); Albuquerque (my mom) and despite being cancelled earlier…still possibly Kenya (please, please).

So although I’ve been having a grand time (and hopefully will be having even more!) I am also exhausted (have a book due in there too), and sleep deprived and slightly unsure of where I’m supposed to be from one minute to the next.

Hampton Court

All of which has made me very away of the little things about home that I love the best.  Like a full pitcher of iced tea in the fridge waiting for me any time, day or night.  The fact that my dog will pick up anything edible I happen to drop and therefore eliminate the need for cleanup aisle 11.  All of my wardrobe at my fingertips and no chance of mismatching shoes, socks, clothing etc.  (okay a little chance but only really early in the morning when I have to dress before I’m fully awake).

 

Home Sweet Home!

The necessary bits and bobs that allow me to handle a wardrobe malfunction without necessitating finding the nearest Walgreens.  The ability to spend the day in jammies and not have to get dressed before breakfast.  A full range of coat options for no matter what the day might bring (and did you know, Julia London, that my coat has a lining?)

So there you have it.  Turns out I’m a homebody.  Or at least I’d prefer for most of my time to be spent there.  What things do you miss when you travel???

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It’s Me Again!

Sick of me yet? Yes, this is why we’re bringing in new whiners. You’ve met Wendy and Jenni, and you’ll meet Molly and Terri in the next few weeks. In November, we go back to a regular Whine schedule, less of me, more of everyone else. As much as I love you all, I’m beginning to see why Julia London needed a break. I’m running out of things to say.

From Disney Food Blog

No worries. I’m headed off to refill my well. My not-so-secret other identity (the Disney Geek side) has been asked to attend an anniversary party for Disney aficionados known as INTERCOT 15. How could I say no? I’ll meet friends I’ve been talking to for years but haven’t met in person. And I’ll be in my favorite place, just in time for the annual Food & Wine Festival and Halloween parties. Disney, here I come!

Spicy Salmon Tuna Roll- Disney Food Blog/Epcot F & W Festival

But it’s not all fun and games. I’m on a tight deadline. I’ll be Disney partying and checking in by day, and writing all night. Sleep, who needs it? But speaking of Julia London, I happened to see her mention that she’s heading off to run another half marathon this weekend, when I’ll be wining and dining. It reminds me of all the working out I’ll have to do when I get home.

Which brings me to my friend 50.

For years, I’ve been joking with my kids that rapper 50 Cent is actually a close friend of mine. It started when he moved to CT and personally went to drop off bottles of Cristal to win over all the neighbors. I said he was the kind of neighbor I could get used to, if that’s how he rolls. And it went from there. If I see him on a show or mentioned in gossip columns, I will say something to my kids about “my friend 50,” like, why didn’t he tell me he was dating Chelsea Handler? Or how can he sell his house just as I’m moving to be closer to him?

Today, I saw a promo for his new workout book, Formula 50. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

in which he specifically addresses my cupcake habit. He looks at the camera and says, “And then you decide to have cupcakes. Why’d you have to have cupcakes?” I’m sorry, 50. You’re right. Why, 50, why? I showed it to my son as proof of our connection, but he just rolled his eyes.

Who are your celebrity “friends?” Do you have family jokes to share? Do you belong to any clubs or groups online? 

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Where I’m From: The 413

I could tell you all about growing up in western Massachusetts– which is way different than eastern MA, and we’re the same state. They have the accents. We don’t. They’re the ones who pahk the cah and drink beeyah. We park cars, and drink beer (on rare occasions). They get all the good state money because they have Boston. We scrounge for funds and try to make our lawmakers remember us out here. Area code 413.

High school proms are never at the school, but at local restaurants or catered wedding venues. We have a few diners (but not like New Jersey, now they have diners). Everyone has been to the White Hut for burgers (with grilled onions, the only way to go at White Hut). We’ve had cider donuts at Atkins Farms.

We’ve smelled Bondi’s Island (not a vacation destination). We’ve boasted that we have the Basketball Hall of Fame. We’ve been to Holyoke (my birthplace, pronounced Hoy-oke if you’re down with the 413) for the St. Patty’s Day parade, and we’ve spent days at the Big E (Eastern States Exposition).We’ve shopped, dined, or bar-hopped in Northampton. We’ve partied at the Res (reservoir, water source) and hiked Mt. Tom, the inspiration for the Grinch’s mountain home. The Whos down in Whoville actually live in Easthampton. Dr. Seuss grew up here, too.

As kids, we all gathered fall leaves and pressed them between two sheets of wax paper, or climbed trees for apple-picking. We hung out at the mall. We saw Santa at Yankee Candle.

As adults, we’ve gone looking for antiques or visiting outlets in Deerfield, Brimfield, or the Berkshires. We’ve listened to Beethoven while picnicking on the lawn at Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Yes, I’ve moved to CT, but my heart is still in the 413.

I could tell you all about it, but I will let my friend Dr. Westchesterson show you. It’s way more fun. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Where did you grow up? What are your fondest memories of your old hometown? Or do you still live there?

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Pumpkins and Witches and Ghosts, Oh My!

It used to be that the biggest household holiday decorating took place in December, but nowadays it seems that Halloween is also a major decorating event. You know the Christmas villages with the light-up buildings and those huge blow-up lawn figurines? Well, they have them for Halloween, too. Everywhere I look houses are decorated with fake spider webs, gravestones, ghosts and witches. To which I can only say I must be the Halloween Decorating Grinch because with the exception of pumpkins (which I really like) I just don’t like Halloween decorations. Why? Because they’re scary. Now, if you give me a CUTE ghostie (think Caspar) or an ADORABLE witch, I might consider it. But those scary-looking ghouls and goblins are not my thing. If that stuff was in my house I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. Here’s now I decorate for Halloween, aka Photographic Proof of My Love of Pumpkins.

The centerpiece on my dining room table

Another Halloween thing I’m a Grinch about are those haunted houses that you walk through where slimy stuff touches you and things jump out at you. I can sum that up in one word: yucky. I don’t like slimy and I hate it when things jump out and scare me. Which explains why I don’t care for scary movies. I suffer from BFC Syndrome–that stands for Big Fat Chicken (insert clucking noises here )

But, on the plus side, there are now Halloween Peeps–they’re not just for Easter anymore! Yay! And I love Halloween candy! Of course, I can’t buy it until the day before or it doesn’t make it to trick-or-treating time. My favorite Halloween candies are Almond Joy and Three Muskateers. So, that’s how I’m decorating this year–with pumpkins, Almond Joys, and Three Muskateers. All treats, no tricks. And that’s just the way I like it.

Do you decorate for Halloween or are you more of a Grinch? Do you like haunted houses and scary movies? What are your favorite Halloween candy treats? 

 

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The Highlander’s Stolen Touch

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