Turn the Page

Now I've always been a reader. This trait can be attributed to my mom. The yoga and wellness thing comes from my dad for sure. The travel thing comes from both of them. But literature? I can thank my mom, the editor, the english major 

(which I should have been damn it, didn't have the guts). 

 [Side psychological moment:

It makes me think, do we choose our professions based on what we grew up around? 

Or are our career decisions sometimes a way of getting that acceptance and admiration from our parents? A LOT of people do what their parents did. Just saying.]

I have to say, for me, the holistic wellness/yoga thing is something I enjoy so much, it makes me think it's the environmental/upbringing cause. Maybe even nature and nurture. 

The reading and writing thing? Definitely a love and passion. 

If I could, I'd sit on my ass and let someone feed me grapes (or right now, dark chocolate covered coffee beans) while I read without stopping (except to do some yoga) without bathing or sleeping. 

The only break I would take would be to write out of sheer inspiration when it hit me.

But alas, life is there. There is so much to do. I can't roll around on my mother's antique chaise lounge reading while someone brings fresh vegetable juice and probiotic drinks on a gold tray.

So the book pile builds. My own slush pile. I always read several books at one time. But now, it's just ridiculous. The leaning tower of Pisa on the bedside table has become daunting. There's stuff on the bottom I've been reading since this time last year. I do not relent, I will move forward. The pile will shrink.

Happy to say, I've taken one hefty baby off the pile.

Hate to make a hunting analogy, but this 770-page novel is my mount. My deer antlers or whatever. What I mean is, this has been an extremely busy time, what with all the biological nesting drive and stuff all around me. To credit Donna Tartt, in my opinion, it was a pretty easy kill. She writes like Fabritius painted (alluding directly to the masterpiece in the title). A true work of art.

While Will anxiously searched for a fabled buck that he saw around our house with a supposed beautiful something-point, I furiously fired through this thing, 

taking note of this woman's talent I truly admire. (Different strokes for different folks. Different hobbies for different bobbies. You get my gist. I don't know what a bobbie is. I made that up).

Nancy chose this for our book club. We had a great discussion. Not everyone loved it, which made for the great conversation. So glad we got this group together. Reading is so important, kids.

Then there are the baby books. Good-ness.

Ina May Gaskin gets to the point and tells it like it is.

I'm reading her breast feeding book now. 

Been through about 4 childbirth books since I found out I was pregnant. 

Geesh, you add that to the nutrition and yoga books constantly thrown about my house, the fun non-fictions and short story collections, plus the novels waiting in line under this month's book club book, and you need about 3-4 months of being on a deserted island to complete half of it.

Still the slushie pile grows. Working in a bookstore doesn't help. Yesterday at TurnRow, I started sweating when Jamie asked me if I have anything I've read to recommend for the spring. I almost had an anxiety attack. I got defensive as usual and said, 

"Maybe after I've read all the books I am reading that are already out there!" I'm surprised I didn't add, "I'm not a freaking machine!"

Dang. I'm that under-achieving employee. While everyone else reads at the speed of sound, 

I'm floundering around in last year's prize winners. I almost feel illiterate around those people. 

I feel like a 13-year-old when they are discussing authors, and I'm like, 

"Oh yes, I agree. Who is that again?"

But, hey, doing the best I can. And that's what I am doing.

Struggling to keep up? Whatever. Go at your pace.

Literally,

Liza Jane

All That Jazz

 I was one of those people who couldn't wait to get to English class 6th grade-12th grade. We'd put our desks in a circle and discuss the book we were reading, and while everyone else looked bored and tired, I was pumped. I talked everyone's ears off. I am a born book club leader.

I loved the symbols, the language, the depth of characters, the plot twists. In short, I am an avid over-thinker. Lucky me. Trust me, besides for analyzing books, it has not served me well. 

Favorite book of sophomore year at St. Cecilia Academy. Was my favorite book until I read A Tale of Two Cities.

The Great Gatsby was my first introduction to F. Scott Fitzgerald. And frankly, I was just excited that the nuns let us read something with some romantic intrigue, a little crime, partying and sex. 

I went on to read more Fitzgerald, Tender Is The Night ended up being my favorite. My mom was a big fan too. And I read more about the real lives of Fitzgerald, and his interesting wife, Zelda. You cannot differentiate her biography from his, but the whole story is extremely intriguing. 

So I love going to the movies. So naturally, last weekend, Will and I went to see the new Gatsby. 

I thought it was fabulous.

Here's the thing about movies: they've got to beautiful and action-packed with actors who know what they're doing. Baz Luhrmann did crazy, musically rich and colorful movies like Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet (the colorful 90s version with Leo). This new Gatsby is no different. Be prepared for Luhrmann's trademark elaborate settings, full of sparkles and color. Another Luhrmann trademark, be prepared to hear modern music in an older time. Also, the dazzling fashion. Also part of Luhrmann's productions, the beauty and quick-paced romance.

And you're going to love Carey Mulligan. Bottom line. 

You're going to wish you lived in the 1920s too. Forget being a Native American in the 13th century. I want to be a flapper. That's what I'll be when I grow up.

You're also going to want to go to a huge party.

I'm probably more infatuated with Leonardo DiCaprio than I was in 5th grade.

Here's to the sparkling beauty that's always around us! Have a good day, you.

Jazzily,

Liza Jane