Addendum to Yesterday's Rant

Late last night, Penn State football Joe Paterno was fired, as was university president Graham Spanier.

Good.

And to you students who took to the streets, destroying property while decrying the firing of both men, namely the coach, shame on you. Let's talk in a few years when you become parents. You'll see the world in a completely different light.

I think public relations professional Susan Young's commentary on the events at Penn State says it all. Kudos to you Ms. Young, who said, "One final observation: Football does not trump the safety of children or any human being—ever."

Image from the Patriot News

Here Comes My Soapbox...

Alright, there are some events taking place in the news of late that are weighing on my mind or just plain bugging me. So, I’m going to take a brief moment to pull out the ol’ soapbox and offer up a brief rant. Thanks for indulging me.

Penn State Coach Joe Paterno: Glad you have decided to retire. It’s time to go. Whether or not you knew of only the one incident involving piece-of-trash assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, in my opinion, you didn’t bird dog it enough. It’s definitely time to step down amid this ugly time at Penn State.

I may take some heat from the Penn State faithful on this, but there’s a time to support your football program and there’s a time to take a moral stand and do the right thing. So, fans, do the right thing. (And this is coming from a diehard University of Kentucky fan who adores her team. Believe me, had this happened at my alma mater, I’d be leading the charge for heads to roll.)

As for you Sandusky, there’s a special place in hell waiting for you. Had that been one of my children you assaulted, you would be glad to be in police custody. Because I would have made sure they never found the body. Just sayin.’

To the Duggar family: While I do value the sanctity of life, please stop. You’re having your 20th child. Jim Bob, back away from your wife.

And, to all of the Kardashians: Please go away. While I don’t watch your show, you’ve unfortunately seeped into every mainstream media outlet and I can’t escape any mention of you. You’re famous for being famous, nothing else, and I’m tired of seeing Kim and the entire family in my face 24/7. GO AWAY NOW.

Okay, I’ll put the soapbox away. We now return to regularly scheduled blogging.
Image from storytellingmag.com

Random Thanksgiving Thoughts

Did you vote today? Our gubernatorial election, among other state/local races, is today. I stopped by the elementary school in our neighborhood and cast my vote, behind the woman in line with her pug dog. Really, lady?

After that, I made a quick stop by Fresh Market to pick up a bag of cinnamon pinecones to be placed in a decorative bowl in our foyer. I love the smell of these pinecones and I was so excited that Fresh Market featured them again season. They carry a very harvest-into-holiday smell. You know what I mean.

I also placed our order for Thanksgiving. Yes, friends, we’re having a Turducken for the big day. If you’ve seen Paula Deen’s Thanksgiving special, you’re familiar with it. If not, here’s the 411: it’s a boneless duck breast, stuffed inside a boneless chicken breast, stuffed inside a turkey breast. Herb stuffing and Andouille sausage are layered throughout. Hubby also will make his grandmother’s oyster stuffing recipe. Jealous?

If you're looking for a Thanksgiving-themed centerpiece, consider one of these decorative turkeys, available at Cartwheels in Louisville (the owner is a former classmate of mine).

So, for those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving in the good ole’ US of A, what’s on your menu this year? Will you be hosting? Heading out of town? For many of us, it will involve eating ourselves into a food coma and falling asleep in front of the football game on TV. Ah, the holidays!
Images from Fresh Market and Cartwheels Paper & Gifts

Book Review: 'Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner'

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a representative for the author, Diane Meier, asking me to review Meier’s latest release, “Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.” If you’ve read my blog long enough, you may recall the review I did last year of Meier’s delightful Season of Second Chances. She has now released a collection of short stories and I was more than happy to get a fist look at her latest release. 

Quick aside: My husband and I are both English majors. He has always said that the short story is his favorite genre. I, on the other hand, like to get lost in a big, fat novel. But, I recall a professor in college saying that the short story is the most difficult to write. It must draw the reader in, say as much as possible, and then close, all the while keeping the reader engaged. While some may say a novel is tough to write – and most certainly is – a writer can continue a novel for a very long time without having to wrap it up quickly and concisely. It takes a special talent to write a good short story.

That being said, I think Meier did an excellent job in telling each story, drawing you into the moment, giving you glimpse into the characters and then closing the narrative at the right time. Yes, I would have liked some of the stories to last longer, but perhaps that’s what Meier accomplished. She coaxed me in and left me wanting more.

“Breakfast” finds a group of New York magazine creatives on a photo shoot in a small town. I enjoyed the witty, sometimes catty and colorful, commentary of the “sophisticates” stuck in a Midwestern town. The variety of conversations, the push and pull among characters and the collective dislike of one troublesome outsider impacting the fold, made this story an engrossing read.

The reunion of childhood acquaintances occurs in “Lunch.” Of the three stories, this one was my favorite. I won’t give too much away, but it does illustrate how some things change, some stay the same; some people evolve, while others don’t, and unfortunately, years of experience doesn’t always result in enlightenment.

“Dinner” focuses on another group of artists, writers and “creative types,” dining at an inn. Quick-witted banter and observations of the world are batted among this group. Meier said this story is an homage to My Dinner with Andre, and that comes across through Meier’s delicious words, full of intellectual statements and questions.

If you’re looking for a smart read, I highly recommend this collection from Diane Meier. If you add it to your book club line-up, make sure your hors d-oeuvres and bottle of wine are top notch.

Last night, I finished the novel "Sarah's Key." Tragic, sad and haunting, it was a tough read emotionally. It will drain you. But, it was wonderfully written and I did make it through to the end. I plan to write about it in a future post.
Image from Amazon

Give Thanksgiving Its Due

Courtesy of my brother.

I totally agree. I must have my turkey and dressing on Nov. 24 before turning my mind toward Christmas. Of course, I'll start pulling out the Christmas decorations and playing my "Charlie Brown Christmas" CD on Nov. 25. But, not before then. I will wait!

It's Friday, friends. Can I have an AMEN?
Image from the Bare Knuckled Pundit

A Screened Porch

I love my house. We’ve been there for close to 15 months and while there is still plenty to do with decorating, new roof, etc., we’re very happy there. But, the one thing I really miss about our old house (besides our fantastic neighbors) is our screened porch.

We spent about three of the four seasons on that porch. It was wonderful to open the French doors off the kitchen and let gatherings flow into the porch area. Maybe, someday, we’ll build a similar porch onto our current home. Hey, the Power Ball Lottery is up to $245 million (I haven't checked yet if we won - I'll keep you posted). That could certainly build a kick-ass porch.

Anyhoo, what got me thinking about our old porch was the November issue of Southern Living, which featured a wonderful porch addition to a historic Mississippi home. It’s not only a screened porch, but it’s an extended living space of the house, complete with outdoor kitchen, fireplaces and other amenities.

The owners host their Thanksgiving dinners there  each year. What a great place to gather with family and friends.

What’s your favorite room in your house?
Images from Southern Living Magazine

Goodbye Halloween, Hello November

The kids and their friends loading up on candy at our neighbor's house.

Batman proudly showing off his loot.

Batman and Little Red Riding Hood enjoying the Halloween festivities.

Another Halloween has passed. Little Red Riding Hood, Batman and their friends had a ball sprinting from house to house, loading up on treats. Ugh, I need to get this candy out of my house, pronto. We're heading into the holiday food slide. If I'm not careful, I'll be eating my way into the new year.

Hard to believe it's November. Thanksgiving is about three weeks away! I'm sure we're all looking forward to a few days off. And, of course, plenty of food.

How was your Halloween? Did lots of ghosts and goblins come to visit?
Images property of JMW A Place to Dwell blog