Shannon Ables's Blog, page 322
August 15, 2015
Au Courant Weekly: August 15, 2015
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #53
International
On Monday, residents of an east London neighborhood were alerted to a bomb in the vicinity – a German bomb from WWII that is. At a nearby construction site, a large undetonated bomb was discovered Monday afternoon resulting in a temporary evacuation. During the Blitz, Germans dropped more than 30,000 bombs on London in three short, yet unsettling, angst-ridden months. On Tuesday, the 500 pound aerial bomb was defused and residents were allowed to returned home.
National: United States
The 39th United States President, Jimmy Carter, announced earlier this week that he has cancer which has spread and will be adjusting his schedule accordingly. Carter, the longest living former President in history, now at the age of 90 is quite active. While there is a history of pancreatic cancer in his family, it is not clear what type of cancer Carter has.
Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Frank Gifford, and husband of Today Show host Kathie Lee Gifford died suddenly on Sunday morning of natural causes at the age of 84 in Connecticut. Married for nearly 29 years to Kathie Lee, he played his entire NFL career with the New York Giants and upon retiring joined the Monday Night Football program in its second season in 1971. He remained a host of the program until 1998. He is survived by his wife, their two children Cody and Cassidy and three children from his first marriage Jeff, Kyle and Victoria.
Politics
Democratic Presidential nominee Bernie Sanders made stops on the west coast this past weekend, and while due to protestors of the Hands Up United movement in Seattle he chose to not speak, he attracted nearly 19,000 and then 27,000 in Portland and Los Angeles respectively. The Vermont Senator repeatedly called for a “grass-roots political organization” discussing issues with the crowds such as universal health care, legal rights for undocumented immigrants, and higher minimum wages.
On Wednesday, Hillary Clinton volunteered her personal server, without subpoena to the FBI. The FBI is determining whether emails may have been backed up on another machine as the state department investigates whether classified information was handled on her personal server. The investigation is not criminal, but rather to determine whether classified information was exposed due to the use of her personal server. Bloomberg News reported on Friday that by obtaining the server the government will be able to learn whether or not “private communications thought to be deleted and evidence as to whether the device was hacked . . . or it could turn up nothing.”
On Monday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced a 10 year plan to make higher education more affordable. In Exeter, New Hampshire, Clinton’s $350 billion plan to curb student loan debt and the rising cost of college would include “about $175 billion in grants going to states that guarantee that students would not have to take out loans to cover tuition at four-year public colleges and universities.”
Science
Repetitive negative thinking can have damaging health effects. The Wall Street Journal reported that professors from the University of Oxford and the University of Exeter found that people who “worry uncontrollably or ruminate may practice an important mechanism underpinning psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse, and may even make them worse.” Solutions? Mindfulness, “in which people learn to observe but not judge or evaluate themselves”, and problem-solving rather than dwelling on the problem.
Arts
Pablo Picasso’s painting “Head of a Young Woman” will be remaining in Spain even though Jaime Botín, the owner of the painting, may have had other plans. Flying to the French island of Corsica earlier this month, a team of Spanish experts retrieved the painting believed to be worth €25 million and will be returning it to Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum. The action is a result of a ruling by a Spanish national court that the painting was a national treasure and must remain in the country.
People, Places, Things. The only downside of the lifestyle comedy starring New Zealand comedian Jemaine Clement is that it is in limited release beginning this weekend. As an official selection of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Clement stars as a graphic artist and professor living in NYC. The conflict? The mother of his young twin daughters, his long-time girlfriend, is sleeping with his good friend Gary, which is when his life begins an understandable tailspin. As he navigates single fatherhood, balances work and time with his girls, the comedy and quandaries ensue. Have a look at the trailer below.
Mistress America opens today in limited release as well. Learn more in yesterday’s This & That.
Bendite Event of the Week
The Bend Brewfest kicked off on Thursday August 13th and runs through this weekend. Located at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, and while you are certainly welcome to enjoy for free, if you’d like to taste, a mug will cost you $15 which also comes with 5 tasting tokens. If you’d like more tasting tokens, they are $1 each for a four ounce pour. Note, pets are not allowed and you may not bring last year’s mug. Gates open at noon on each day of the festivities and run until 11pm on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday.
French Word of the Week
Café gourmand
Bonjour, this is Géraldine from Comme une Française.com. I’m here to share the latest French Word of the Week : a simple very French word for your Simply Luxurious Life in France.
Ah le café gourmand, this wonderful invention when you’re not hungry enough for dessert but definitely want to end a meal on a sweet note
Gourmand is a cute adjective that means fond of food.
Un café gourmand is a dessert that’s made of “un café” and tiny “pâtisseries” on the side. We call them “mignardises” because they’re small and cute, or in French “mignon”.
Le café gourmand is delicious. And it’s a great way to try different specialties at once. Perfect for “le goûter”: the 4PM French snack.
Between you and me, it’s also a source of joke as it contains as many calories and sugar as a proper dessert, but you always choose it to have “bonne conscience” : a clear conscience.
You will love le café gourmand, I can guarantee it. If you’re lucky, your café gourmand will include un macaron !
If you want to add more French in your Simply Luxurious Life, join me on Comme une Française.com for weekly video tips to sound French, even to the French! And it’s free.
Thought to Ponder
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August 14, 2015
This & That: No. 171
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Film
~Mistress America
With New York City and the much-talked about college experience not being all that was expected by college freshman Tracy, she is befriended by her soon-to-be stepsister Brooke played by Greta Gerwig. The screenplay, co-written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach (While We’re Young, Frances Ha, Greenberg, Margot at the Wedding and The Squid and the Whale), spotlights the spontaneity and ambiguity that is being a young adult and figuring out how to live and direct one’s life. While only in limited release, if you’re lucky, it may be in your city today. Either way, look for it on Netflix in the future. It looks like a worthwhile way to spend a couple of hours at the end of a busy week.
Francophile Find
~The Parisian Style Guide: Shop, Eat, Sleep by Elodie Rambaud
If you are heading to Paris at anytime in the future and wish to find shops, destinations and accommodations that will enable you to return with a one-of-a-kind experience as well as perhaps a few items to add to your home to remind you of your storied trip, pick up Parisian native and interior designer Elodie Rambaud’s book. Filled with more than 200 recommended shopping destinations, such as gourmet food markets, antique boutiques and beloved cafes, your eyes and itinerary will be full and enamored.
Music
~At Least for Now by Benjamin Clementine
The self-taught 26-year-old London-born musician, Benjamin Clementine, who has been calling Paris home for some time, even literally the streets of Paris for a while as he was homeless, shines in his first album, At Least for Now, which was released earlier this summer. As you will hear in the video below of his song “London” which is filmed with the Parisian skyline as the backdrop, his voice is phenomenally unique and powerful. With song titles such as “Winston Churchill’s Boy”, “St. Clementine on Tea and Croissants” and “Adios” a homage to Nina Simone, critics are taking notice, as the Parisian scene has been applauding for some time. Have a listen.
Shopping
~Frame Denim Le Shirt striped washed silk-charmeuse dress
Stripes will never go out of style, but when Frame denim (I love their jeans as they cater to very long inseams) offered this lovely silk navy striped (white & burgundy) gem with a pussy-bow, I took notice. For a reasonable price, this investment item will be in the fall capsule wardrobe as well as the spring for years to come.
~Theory Gantrima K. Pencil Skirt in Tweed
Fall is coming and that means giving our capsule wardrobe a going over and determining what needs to be updated. Theory’s tweed pencil skirt would certain be a classic addition if you’re in the market. While they are only taking pre-orders at the moment, I have to say, I’m keeping my eye on this versatile piece.
Tea
~Palais des Thes Garden Herbal Teas
I will admit, I need my hot cup of tea year round to kick off the day and wrap it up in the evening, but it is fun to try new varietals as the seasons change. I was recently sent the Garden collection from Palais des Thes and have enjoyed allowing my tastebuds to dance with the fruity flavors of mango, kiwi, mint and papaya, just to name a few. Wanting to make a batch of iced tea for an outdoor dinner party, I seeped a couple of bags for an hour and then popped it into the fridge until company arrived, and oh, was it subtle and sumptuous. While there are many varietals to choose from, my go-tos have been the Tropical and Fruit Garden blends, or should I say, Jardin Tropical and Jardin Fruité.
~recipe for Key Lime Pie~
I am trying to control my excitement. There are so many reasons for this bottled up exhilaration, but one of them is the coming of the fall shopping season (the other are more personal and school related, but I’ll talk about those at another time). Vogue recently released a preview of its coveted September cover donning the ever-stylish Beyonce captured by Mario Testino wearing a sheer embroidered Marc Jacobs’ gown, and while this is her third cover for the fashion bible (April 2009 & March 2013), it is her first September cover. Look for the issue to hit stands and your mailbox August 25th.
Staying on the fashion topic, TSLL Fall Shopping Guide will be sent out to subscribers on Tuesday September 1st. If you haven’t subscribed to this bi-annual email subscription, click here to view this past Spring’s 2015 Shopping Guide, and if you’re interested, subscribe here.
Now, back to the weekend and that Key Lime Pie is something I’ve always wanted to make and just might have to in the coming days. While I will be staying close to home this weekend, I’m thinking about being a tourist in my new hometown. Why not? Who knows what will be discovered in this last few summer weekends. Below are a few articles you might enjoy weekend in your leisure time, but until next time bon weekend!
~15 simple conveniences that make a tremendous difference in our everyday
~The Atlantic’s recent cover story is worth reading, have a look here as it discusses political correctness and schools
~Two descriptors that will always remain mutually exclusive: pessimistic and successful. Read here to find out why.
~A simple checklist to make sure you’re not making your life harder than it needs to be from Marc & Angel
~Being a kid and being an introvert. Not always the easiest thing to be, but now that we know more, maybe we can make it better for the younger generation.
~And I’m wrapping up with an article I absolutely LOVED finding in my Sunday newspaper this past weekend, “I’m Too Old For This”. Hopefully you’ll love it too.
The post This & That: No. 171 appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
August 13, 2015
Decor Inspiration: A Cozy Kitchen Nook
A cozy kitchen nook punctuates a top-of-the-line galley kitchen. Located in Greenwich Village, New York, the brilliant natural light paired with the morning news and a hot cup of tea sounds like an ideal way to begin the day. View the entire apartment here.
~DECOR INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
~22 Tips for Creating A Grown-Ups Living Space
~Why Not . . . Use Simple Changes to Transform Your Kitchen?
Images via Dust Jacket Attic
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August 12, 2015
Word of the Week: No. 13
Click below for the pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/propinquity.m4a
~WORDS OF THE WEEK from the Archives:
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August 11, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Prepping for Fall
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~BCBG Jaelyn Asymmetrical Printed Kaftan dress~
~UGG ‘Claudine’ Tall boot or Frye Marissa Back Zip Tall cognac boot~
~Moon & Lola Cheshire Monogrammed bracelet~
~Rebecca Minkoff Small Monroe Tote~
The post Outfit of the Week: Prepping for Fall appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
Style Inspiration: Style At A Certain Age
This week’s Style Inspiration is slightly different, but I have a feeling nearly every TSLL reader, regardless of your age or body type will find inspiration when they go to their closets after having perused today’s selection of images. I am tickled to introduce to you Street Style blogger Beth Djalali, who is the talent and expert eye of knowing how to put timeless outfits together as seen on her blog Style At A Certain Age.
Why it took me this long to find her, I don’t know, but I am simply tickled to have stumbled across her blog while perusing my Pinterest favorites. Having grown up in Omaha, Nebraska, and now calling San Francisco home, Beth has been blogging since 2014 and at age 56 offers style that is thoughtful and stunning to offer inspiration no matter what your age.
While her blog’s title suggests a certain audience, I would argue we all, women that is, can find ideas and inspiration as she displays a true understanding for how classic, chic style works. For example, that pairing brown and black together is an absolutely must when done right, statement jewelry eliminates the need for excess and a pop of brilliantly selected color to complement one’s skin tone can do wonders. Nearly all of her outfits are ideas I gravitate towards in my own capsule wardrobe especially her Parisian flare in many of her ensembles. Bravo Beth, and keep up the amazing style.
Enjoy getting to know Beth Djalali and for each of the outfits, you can visit her Pinterest and blog for the shopping links.
~STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
The post Style Inspiration: Style At A Certain Age appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
August 10, 2015
15 Things to Do to Not “Feel Fat”
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #52
As with everything in life, our weight is a fluid and ever dynamic number. And because of this reality, which if we could be objective about it, is a very good thing. It means we have more control over our weight, health and livelihood than we sometimes realize. However, it just so happens that when we forget about this fact, and take our healthy self for granted for too long, we can begin to feel not our best selves.
During this past spring, there have been a lot of changes and new experiences in my life, from book signings, to traveling to new destinations around the country, working with a contractor, selling my house, finding and acquiring a new job and moving to a new town. And as diligently as I tried, the stress and reduction of my usual routine took me out of my healthy routine as well.
I began to feel “fat”.
The reason I use this statement is because that is often the phrase uttered, but was I fat, were any of us fat when we use this turn of phrase? No. What, at least in my case, and from those I have been in the presence of when they say such a phrase, is that we don’t feel our best selves. In other words, we know we can feel better in our bodies and between the food we choose to eat and the fitness routine that isn’t working or we aren’t adhering, we aren’t doing our best and we recognize that we need to adjust something.
Living simply luxuriously has never advocated for dieting as Americans use the term (elimination, odd combination and anything that we wouldn’t continue to do once the weight was lost). My approach to eating, as talked about on the blog, in the book and as you can see in my recipes, is that moderation is key, forget deprivation and most importantly, eat real food. The key approach to eating well and thus looking and most importantly feeling our best when it comes to our health was talked about in episode 8 of the podcast, as well as here and here.
Today what I’d like to talk about is when you haven’t even stepped on the scale, but you know, whether it is due to life circumstance or letting go of good habits, you’ve gained a few unwanted pounds that leave you not feeling your best. This feeling can be remedied rather quickly, but not overnight. Most importantly, if you are someone who pays attention to how you feel in your clothes, listens to their body and recognizes when it is energized or quite the opposite, you will most likely catch yourself slipping before anything gets too far gone.
Let me share with you today 15 ways to eradicate the “fat” feeling, as tried and tested most recently and in the past with successful results, myself.
1. Be honest with yourself
2. Set limits
3. Eat vegetables in at least two meals each day
Aside from the major benefit derived from vegetables such as staving off chronic diseases (heart disease being a prime example), eating vegetables provides your body with valuable nutrients: potassium, fiber, folate (folic acid) and vitamins A, E and C. As noted by the Dairy Council of California, broccoli, spinach, garlic and tomatoes are even more impressive, as they are coined super foods due to their additional benefits. And when our bodies have the nutrients they need, the metabolism keeps roaring at optimal speed, and here’s the rub, when it doesn’t have the proper nutrients, it . . . . slows . . . . down.
4. Eat lean proteins once or twice a day
Proteins have a high thermogenic effect. In other words, 30% of the calories the food contains are burned during digestion. Um, if that’s not motivation to eat more protein, I am not sure what else I can pull out of the rabbit’s hat. No, but seriously, make it a habit to have one source of protein in at least one, preferably two meals each day. The lean protein options are endless whether you are a vegetarian or vegan or not.
Here is a list of vegetarian/vegan options:
quinoa
buckwheat
soy
chia
rice (choose brown or whole grain)
beans
nuts (almonds, cashews, and click here for a detailed list of the best options for nuts as protein)
Preferred protein options for those of us who eat meat:
chicken
mahi mahi tuna
pork tenderloin
turkey
eye of a round steak (one of the leanest cuts of beef)
scallops
shrimp
tuna
salmon (wild caught, Alaska or freshwater Coho from U.S.)
oysters
trout
5. Give eating your full attention
Be mindful of what you’re eating and what you’re doing while your eating. If you’re driving, watching television or attending a concert, you most likely not truly enjoying or appreciating your food. And when you are mindful, you know if it tastes good or if you should not take another bite.
6. Reassess your workout schedule, make it fun again
Even with the best intentions and with responsibilities we love, the workout routine can be short-changed; however, this should immediately be reconsidered as we talked about on August 1st.
7. Select calorie-free drinks (water, tea, coffee)
Green tea especially is a wonderful option to sip throughout the day (hot or cold). A recent study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking four cups of green tea a day for eight weeks reduced participant’s weight by six pounds.
8. Reduce consumption of simple carbohydrates
So long as it is real food, everything in moderation. So begin to eat less of milk products and anything made with sugar: candy, sweet desserts, pastries, etc.
9. Have a salad a day
Spinach is my go-to salad of choice as it is a superfood As an anti-inflammatory and having been found to reduce the potential for cancer, as well as be a strong source of iron, I say why not choose a leafy green that packs a multi-powerful punch. I then toss it with my homemade vinaigrette, but there are many recipes for vinaigrettes that suit your taste. However, there are many different options and most grocery stores carry a wonderful selection. Arugula is my second favorite for it’s peppery flavor.
10. Don’t forget the strength exercises
Be sure to include 1-3 days of strength training in your weekly workout routine. As we’re trying to jumpstart our metabolism, when we hit the weights or use our bodies as the weight, our bodies continue to burn calories long after we’re done in the gym or off the mat in our homes. As discussed in this post and this post, you don’t have to have a gym membership to keep your body strong. I simply follow a basic strength routine and perform it in my living room on my yoga mat two days a week.
11. Eat whole grains
Start to reduce the pasta, but if you have to have a bowl of your favorite, choose whole grain options instead. In the morning choose oatmeal or steel oats (my favorite) and brown rice for dinner. Why? The body burns twice as many calories breaking down whole foods.
12. The Take Out Rule
Take out is absolutely fine. I’m not about to bash on it, as there are many healthy options that tie nicely into today’s list, but once you bring it home, do something very simple: use proper dishes and silverware. Why? First of all, so you can see the portion size you are going to eat and then save the rest for lunch or dinner tomorrow, but also, to slow down the eating. How to do that?
13. Eat “European style” or with the opposite hand
A couple of years ago I began eating with a fork and a knife, and what I have found is that eat slower. Initially, yes, it was because I was horrible at it, but even now, as I’m more comfortable with it, I found myself eating smaller bites and slowing down my eating time instead of shoveling in the food. If that is not appealing, try eating with the opposite hand to slow down your consumption. (Note: Why “European style”? One of my dear friends used the phrase, and it made me smile. Whether that is its proper term, please let me know.)
14. Add heat
If you have a predilection for hot food, you are in luck. Capsaicin, the compound found in red peppers and many other hot food items, heats up the body which melts extra calories. So, opt for the hot mustard, the hot sauce or the tried and true hot peppers. Your waist line will thank you.
15. A restful night’s sleep
Part of my issue was a shortage of sleep. Especially when I was traveling so frequently, but also when my mind was racing with all of the changes that were taking place, it was hard to get my needed 7-9 hours of sleep. Keep in mind, when we’re awake, our body needs energy, so it will want its food. But when it rests, it is not only detoxifying itself, but also not in need of calories to rev it up and keep it going.
Quickly, before wrapping up, while the above our 15 things to DO, I want to share four things NOT TO DO when you “feel fat”.
1. Obsess
I began with this one because it can be easy to become obsessed with our weight. The culture, if we don’t control have a handle on what we’re exposed to, can make us believe we are only our outer shells. Intrinsically, we may know that we are not, but we are rewarded for letting our mind be swayed. Rather put into place habits and routines that will yield healthy dividends. In other words, design a healthy lifestyle gradually you will see results. Obsessing and fretting every minute will not make it occur any quicker, and it will ruin the present moment. Put your plan into play and then get out of the way.
2. Whine to your friends and family
While we do need our social support system, and we may want to share with them that we are going to be watching our eating and workout habits, make such a statement to garner support, not pity. If you sit down to enjoy a meal, at the end of it, don’t whine about how much you ate. While it may help you in some odd way to say it out loud, you may be ruining the experience for those you are dining with.
3. Forget about what is important
Once you have put into place the steps needed to get your weight back on track, it is easy to stick to them when you direct your attention elsewhere. What do I mean by this statement? Focus on what needs your attention and get lost in your job, your daily schedule, your family, your friends, your goals. Before you know it, you will be feeling great in your skin.
4. Forget how fortunate you are to have food to eat and options to exercise
The frustrating part about gaining a few pounds is that we stopped paying attention to what we’ve been putting in our mouths as well as how much we move our bodies. The good news is we have endless options of food to eat if you live in any of the many countries with a rich food supply and dually, endless ways to exercise. Start with the simple basics of what we are afforded, and it will help put this “feeling fat” into perspective.
Many people may label the feeling we’re discussing today as a #firstworldproblem, but I would argue that without a healthy body, we can’t have a healthy mind, and without a healthy mind we cannot live our best lives. It’s a domino effect, and it starts with a realization that can be quickly remedied. And if we’re able to quickly remedy that we aren’t at our best, it is a good sign that we are living in the present, that we are paying attention to our body and recognizing that we have much to give the world and are much better able to do this when we are able to perform at our best. Tend to the 15 tips, allow them to become habits, routines, and then forget about your weight. In a couple of weeks or a couple of months, you will slip into a pair of your favorite jeans or that beloved dress and see that it fits exactly as it should.
~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~Why Not . . . Lose Those Last 10 Pounds?
~Why Not . . . Keep It Simple in the Kitchen?
~Why Not . . . Feed the Body Well?
And for all of the Health/Beauty/Fitness posts, click here.
Petit Plaisir:
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
What Would Jean Louise Do?
“I’ve killed you, Scout. I had to.” And perhaps Atticus needed to be killed as well, at least the Atticus that young Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird imagined and described and therefore, we as readers came to adore as well.
As Sam Sacks of The Wall Street Journal reminds in his review of the novel, Atticus as revealed in Watchman having “provincial convictions and bigotries actually make him a truer, more representative figure”. But as many readers and those adoring Atticus fans who have professed they will not read the novel as to not ruin their idealized idea of what a respected lawyer’s purpose can and should be, and what a person’s good deeds can do, lose sight of is the reality.
Abraham Lincoln by our standards today as stated by many revered historians describe his commentary, his own words and certain beliefs at the time racist, but does that require us then to either dismiss the actions put into place that gradually, albeit tortuously slowly, lead to a stronger, more unified, yet diverse nation, or does it gives us a truer picture of a human mirroring the time he was in, yet making decisions that would allow the baton to be passed on to others who would bring it ever closer to the finish line?
Atticus, based on the climate of our modern United States, cannot be applauded for his belief of viewing black citizens as “backward people”, and Jean Louise rightly points out his hypocrisy. Her felt betrayal perhaps mirroring our own, is palpable in their chapter long row that while having gaps and revealing itself ignorant for the time it was written before the Civil Rights Movement unfolded fully, depicts something that To Kill A Mockingbird never contained – Scout standing on her own two feet and having the confidence to stand alone with what she knew to be right and true without seeking the approval of her father.
One of the many lessons Atticus teaches Scout in TKAM is to stand in someone else’s shoes in order to understand them. While readers are never allowed to stand directly in Atticus’ shoes as Watchman is told in third person, Jean Louise finally sees Maycomb as it truly is and therefore as her father exists within it. She is now thinking for herself, having cut the apron strings when she chose to go to New York City. Nelle Harper Lee herself having done the same when she refrained from becoming a lawyer at her father Amasa Coleman Lee’s urging, lost her father’s financial support and confidence, and many biographers state that TKAM and the depiction of Atticus was an homage to her father or maybe a statement of defiant success.
Why Atticus became the figure he did in TKAM from the first draft we are now all confounded by today is something we will never know for certain, but the publisher wished to sell books and they knew their audience, what the country needed, or what the majority of the country wanted (remember it was published in 1960) was not someone as we would have expected to have existed in the south such as the Atticus we have recently been introduced to. But instead, with the final draft of TKAM they gave the country what they thought it wanted – hope. As Jean Louise points out to her father in chapter 17 of Watchman, “You deny them hope. Any man in this world, Atticus, any man who has a head and arms and legs, was born with hope in his heart.” And perhaps the publisher knew this. Would it have sold as many copies as it has and earned the Pulitzer? I would garner to say no for exactly the reasons the publisher edited and encouraged her to write it as they did.
The personal lesson, aside from the racist tensions that fuel the frustrations with once beloved characters is the relationship between child and parent. Atticus still did raise Scout to become the Jean Louise that ventures off and explores the world eventually returning to realize her sweetheart Henry Clinton and her father view and therefore live in the world in complete contrary ways than she. He never apologies for the upbringing he provided even though she seems to want his concession in their bellicose argument because it is her upbringing that allows her to stand strong in her convictions.
Uncle Jack, who is much more developed as a character in Watchman, acts as Jean Louise’s voice of interpretation of Atticus points out what we are all guilty of when it comes to Atticus, “fasten[ing our conscience] like a barnacle onto your father’s [conscience].” He points out to her that, “As you grew up, when you were grown, totally unknown to yourself, you confused your father with God. You never saw him as man with a man’s heart, and a man’s failings . . . you were an emotional cripple, leaning on him, getting the answers from him, assuming that your answers would be his answers.”
Not everyone evolves into thinking for themselves, rather to be safe many hang onto what a religion, a community, a parental figure or mentor has modeled and instructed. Even Jean Louise points out that she thought after her undergraduate studies that she had evolved as she should successfully making this break (which seems to be when the third person of TKAM takes place), but it wasn’t until she returned to Maycomb at the age of 26 when she truly detaches herself from her father. The second part of the equation that is necessary for both parties to move forward is to do what Atticus does, allows her to separate herself and still remains in a loving relationship with her. It must be pointed out that as she storms off after their now much discussed argument, he says “I love you.”
And while Atticus, who lives by the law and defends it to its teeth (in Watchman Tom Robinson was acquitted), he is unable to do what Martin Luther King Jr. states in “The Letter from the Birmingham Jail” we all must do with unjust laws, “I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.” Perhaps Jean Louise takes the baton where Atticus leaves off.
Nelle Harper Lee may have never meant for Go Set a Watchman to be read by the millions it has been this summer, but she reassured this fan why I adore Scout all the more. Perhaps Scout, or rather should I now say Jean Louise, will become the Atticus we much adored. And from now on instead of asking the question “What would Atticus do?”, we should inquire “What would Jean Louise do?”
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August 8, 2015
Au Courant Weekly: August 8, 2015
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #51
International
French investigators announced on Wednesday that the piece of a wing, known as a flaperon, from a Boeing 777 is from Malaysia flight 370 which went missing on March 8, 2014. Found on Reunion Island in late July which is located in the Indian Ocean, the announcement provide some closure to the families of 239 people who lost their lives on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. French investigators are continuing to examine the wing and other debris.
National: United States
On Monday, President Obama announced a major change to cut greenhouse gas emissions from coal-burning power plants. “The Clean Power Plan” already had its critics threatening to file suits against the government as the plan requires states to meet specific carbon emission reduction standards, based on their individual energy consumption. The plan also includes an incentive program for states to get a head start on meeting standards on early deployment of renewable energy and low-income energy efficiency as reported by CNN News.
The first Republican Presidential Debate hosted by Fox and Facebook aired Thursday and offered two hours of intriguing exchanges, Gov. Chris Christie and Senator Rand Paul engaging in one of the most heated with a back and forth over the fourth amendment and national security. In the Happy Hour forum that was held for the seven candidates not making the cut in the top ten, Carly Fiorina was the name to applaud for her preparedness and performance from many news pundits on both sides of the aisle.
On Wednesday a Texas Federal judge ruled that a Texas ID Law violated the Voters’ Rights Act of 1965. The Texas law in question requires voters to bring a government-issued photo ID to the polls. Accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, a United States passport, a concealed-handgun license and an election identification certificate issued by the State Department of Public Safety. Whether or not they will appeal to the US Supreme Court or adjust the law has not been officially announced.
Politics
Joe Biden, according to Maureen Dowd’s weekly opinion column, is seriously considering a run at the White House. While she is keeping her sources close to her vest as any seasoned journalist would, Joe’s son Beau is quoted as ardently encouraging his father to bring Biden values back to the White House just prior to his passing from brain cancer this past June.
Science
Delaying fatherhood is good for one’s health. The Los Angeles Times reported that men who wait until age 25, and with even better odds if they wait until 30, are more likely to live a long healthy life. The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health studied 30,000 fathers in Finland and found “that men who had their first child before age 22 were 26% more likely to die between the ages of 45 and 54 than men who waited until they were at least 25″. The sample of men where all born between 1940 and 1950, and they also identified 12,000 who had a brother who was also a father. Norming for marital status, education level, total number of children and region where they lived, the study brought to light the stress on men at a young age to care for their children financially as well as emotionally being ready to be a father. Cardiovascular disease was the primary cause of an early death.
Mediate to reduce the inner critic. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy performed a pilot study and while the number of participants were small (38 people), during 2011 and 2012, each individual had a high self-critical perfectionism score which identified them for the study. After seven weeks of 90 minute weekly sessions of a form of meditation designed to “cultivate feelings of warmth and kindness to all people, including oneself”, participants saw decreased scores in “self-critical perfectionism and inadequacy, while scores for self-compassion and self-reassurance increased”. The results lasted for three weeks if the meditation practice was not adhered to consistently. With self-criticism perfectionism having shown to be a source in a handful of psychological conditions such as eating disorders and depression, the researchers wanted to see how powerful the simple act of meditation could be. Turns out, it can have a positive effect.
Arts
After 35 years, a rare Stradivarius violin is reclaimed by its beloved owner’s family. If you listen to NPR and hone in on any Supreme Court story, you know doubt know the voice of Nina Totenberg. Well, her father, the talented violinist Roman Totenberg’s Stradivarius violin was stolen from his office at Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts, more than 35 years ago and on June 30th of this year, Nina and her sisters received the news that it had been found. Stolen by whom her father had suspected, a young aspirational violinist Philip Johnson, who later died at the age of 58 while Totenberg lived to be 101, dying one year after Johnson, Johnson’s ex-wife found the violin four years after his death. The 1734 violin made by the most famous violin-maker of all time — Antonio Stradivari (only 550 violins are believed to have been made), was authenticated and on Thursday returned to the sisters in a formal ceremony the United States Attorney’s office in New York. The sisters have said they will be selling the violin so that it can be used to its full potential by the talent during our time. (The bow was not recovered, but the FBI is hopeful it too will be returned.)
Women’s Issues
Planned Parenthood funding is receiving a backlash recently, as controversial undercover videos are being released, and while it has been the topic of discussion on Capitol Hill, it has also caused a bit of back and forth with the Presidential candidates. Prompted by the funding of Planned Parenthood and the videos, on Tuesday Jeb Bush while speaking to Southern Baptist Convention event in Nashville, made a comment, regarding funding stating he was “not sure we need half a billion dollars for women’s health issues.” Both Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina criticized him, and by the end of the day Wednesday Bush quickly stated that he had “misspoke”.
Bendite Event of the Week
Have you finished Harper Lee’s Go Set A Watchman? If you have, and you would like to hear what others are thinking about the story as well as how it changes the reception of To Kill A Mockingbird, stop by the Smoke Room at McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School on Wednesday August 12th between 5-6pm at 700 NW Bond St in Bend. The discussion is free and open to the public. I’ll be getting there early.
French Word of the Week
“En terrasse”
Bonjour, this is Géraldine from Comme une Française.com. I’m here to share the latest French Word of the Week : a simple very French word for your Simply Luxurious Life in France.
La terrasse is THE place to be in summer. La terrasse is the outside part of “un bar” or “un restaurant”.
Une terrasse is a terrace. En terrasse means outside in front of a bar. Notice that we don’t say “sur la terrasse”, even if in English you say “on the terrace”.
From May to October, your favorite phrase will become “Apéro en terrasse ?”.
And if you’re booking a table at a restaurant ask “Vous avez une table en terrasse ?”.
Une terrasse can also be a huge balcony in a house, like a patio.
But, in a city, we mainly use it to talk about the outside of a bar or restaurant.
In winter, for the ones who really like to eat outside, there are “des terrasses chauffées”” heated terraces.
Remember: “En terrasse”
If you want to add more French in your Simply Luxurious Life, join me on Comme une Française.com for weekly video tips to sound French, even to the French! And it’s free.
Thought to Ponder
~AU COURANT WEEKLY posts from the Archives:
~What is Au Courant Weekly? Find out here.
The post Au Courant Weekly: August 8, 2015 appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
August 7, 2015
This & That: No. 170
Book
~The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey
A book that is wisely being released just as the new school year is about to begin. Receiving high acclaim, teacher and writer Jessica Lahey focuses on the need for children to fail and struggle so that their confidence can soar and their education can be as rich as possible. Certainly an intriguing focus.
Cooking
~Barefoot Contessa in LA
Ina Garten finally returns to Food Network with a new hour long episode taking viewers with her to Los Angeles. Stopping to cook with Wolfgang Puck, Jennifer Garner, The Wilson Sisters, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, set your DVRs for Saturday (August 8th) at 11 am (EST).
~Valerie’s Home Cooking
Valerie Bertinelli’s talents do not stop at acting. She now has her own cooking show on Food Network kicking off this Saturday. Valerie’s Home Cooking kicks off with her co-stars from Hot in Cleveland: Betty White, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick where the food is just as delicious, it appears as the conversation. Tune in at Noon (EST) August 8th.
Film
Jimmy’s Hall
Based on a true story, set in 1930s Ireland, Jimmy Gralton’s Hall was built in 1921 to offer locals a place to dream, dance and learn. Eventually, it was forced to close by local politicians and the religious faction, but when Jimmy returns ten years later, he decides to reopen his beloved haunt and come what may. Does this remind anyone else of Footloose? It was released in the UK last year and more recently (early July 2015) in the states at certain small theaters. Look for it in your local listings or have patience, and look for it on Netflix soon.
~Ricki and the Flash
Meryl Streep truly is a chameleon, no? Starring along side her daughter (Mamie Gummer) and Kevin Kline (who plays the role of her character’s ex-husband), Ricki Rendazzo (Streep) returns to Indiana after a long absence having chased her dream of rock and roll stardom. With her daughter’s marriage on the rocks and her son embarrassed to have his mom at his upcoming wedding, Ricki has the opportunity to mend fences and perhaps provide finally give her children the chance to know who she really is. Released today in theaters, go and enjoy.
Shopping
~Clare V Sale (30%)
One of my favorite classic clutches was purchased at Clare V. It is an oversized leopard clutch and is of wonderful, lasting quality. The good news is that Clare V’s entire Spring Collection is reduced 30% off the already reduced prices. Simply use promo code SPRING30 to receive the additional discount at checkout.
~Petit Bateau stripe cotton dress
One of the shops I enjoyed stepping into during my last visit to Paris was Petit Bateau. I stocked up on stripe tees and sweatshirts. Top quality cotton, you will not be disappointed with the finish as they are classic cuts and superb craftsmanship. Reduced at The Outnet, this navy stripe cotton dress is now less than $110, and be sure to peruse the rest of the collection on the site as there is a maxi dress and other tops as well you might like. (Please note, that I usually buy one size larger than my typical US size as Petit Bateau runs small.)
~recipe for Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Tart with Shortbread Crust and Peaches~
A weekend to chill, relax and go absolutely nowhere is what I have in store and cannot wait to enjoy. With all of the chores done and responsibilities at a minimum, I must admit, I’m looking forward to reading, napping and doing whatever else tickles my fancy.
Perhaps tinkering in the kitchen with new recipes that have caught my eye, taking an extra long hike or well, I just don’t know and I love that. What will you be up to this weekend? Can you believe we’re beginning the second week of August? The weather is slowly receding from the excruciating high temps, and the days are simply lovely here in Bend. I hope they are as well where you are. Whatever your weekend plans, have a wonderful time, and below are a few articles and a video you might enjoy. Until tomorrow morning with the Au Courant Weekly, bon weekend!
~A few worthwhile reminders . .. . 6 Steps for Living Intentionally Each Day
~What we eat and the effects on my mind, a powerful TEDtalk here.
~The New York Times is talking money, Secure Your Future with Money You Didn’t Even Know You Had
~And in more money topics, 10 Money Mistakes Successful People Don’t Make
~Sheryl Sandberg has 7 Powerful Books She Wants All Women to Read
Image: (2)
The post This & That: No. 170 appeared first on The Simply Luxurious Life®.
August 6, 2015
Decor Inspiration: Function & Beauty
When it comes to decorating, similarly when it comes to designing our daily lives (regarding happiness, as was discussed on Monday’s post and our wardrobe) quality choices yield a much better result than many items on the cheap. In the June/July issue of San Francisco Cottages & Gardens, interior designer Heather Hilliard put her talents to use in this Hillsborough home in California for a family who had just relocated from New York.
What captures my attention immediately is that there isn’t any clutter, but rather statement pieces that are functional and beautiful. Even the small touches such as the Anjou Cocktail Table from Jonathan Browning Studios makes a tremendous difference as they are beautiful, yet serve a purpose as well. Photographed by John Merkl, enjoy the tour and learn more about each item captured here.
~DECOR INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
~French Normandy in the Hamptons
Images vis San Francisco Gardens & Cottages
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