You Can Never Have Too Many

No. Not shoes. You all thought I was going to say that! Books, people. BOOKS!

I have to admit that these days I don’t buy a lot of books. But that doesn’t mean I don’t own a lot. I have enough of a book stash to keep me reading for many years.

Being in the book business affords me the opportunity to “borrow” books. And I do. A lot. Yes, I love to read, but I also need to be able to recommend titles to my customers.

So today, this blog will be all about recommendations. So many people have asked me for a good book. I have lots. Now remember, these are books that I’ve read and really liked. Some are mainstream, some are older titles, some are quirky and some are just Ellen kind of books. This is a very small list. I keep book journals that go back years.  Get out some paper and a pen. Here we go:

Best Staged Plans-Cook

Peaches For Father Francis-Harris

Heads in Beds-Tomsky

Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hr. Book Store-Sloan

Some Girls, Some Hats and Hitler-Kanter

Where’d You Go Bernadette?-Semple

Lamb-Moore

A Reliable Wife-Goolrick

Hemingway’s Girl-Robuck

Rules of Civility-Towles

The Personal History of Rachel Dupree-Weisgarber

Domestic Violets-Norman

Half Blood Blues-Edugyan

Those Who Save Us-Blum

Snow Flower and The Secret Fan-See

The Alchemist-Coehlo

Memoirs of My Melancholy Whores-Marquez

City of Thieves-Benioff

Retail Hell-Hall

Some Girls-Lauren

Summer at Tiffany-Hart

Nocturnes-Ishiguro

My Fair Lazy-Lancaster

Wench-Perkins-Valdez

The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared-Jonasson

These should keep you occupied for a little while. If you want descriptions you can look them up on Amazon.

Happy reading and have a great week!

What's in A Word?

Words are wonderful. I love putting together words to make beautiful, coherent sentences. Shaping, sometimes rhyming, repeating and pulling it all together in a tidy little bundle. No, not a blog. Not a poem. That my dear friends is what we call lyrics.

I’ve written many lyrics. I’ve edited many lyrics. I’ve also trashed volumes of lyrics.

Writing song lyrics can be child’s play or a tension mounting headache when there is a deadline and an album to complete.

There are many, many great songwriters out there. There are many, many really bad songwriters out there. I’m talking about contemporary pop/rock/folk. Lyrics for Broadway musicals are an entirely different blog. So many lyrics to consider.

Two of my favorite American songwriters are Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. Their music is good but their lyrics are stellar. The lyrics of their songs can stand alone without the support of the music. They are my inspiration when I create lyrics.

Writing song lyrics is similar to writing poetry. But not really. I know, it sounds like a confused mess. In fact, most of the modern poetry of today (in my opinion) is a jumble of random words thrown together in a pattern on a page. Look at this:

It’s cold outside

But I feel the warmth radiating

I am under

A layer of down

So cold, so warm

It’s crap, right? But let me tell you, I see new volumes of poetry on a regular basis. Award winning poetry. And my dears? Most of the time it’s no better than the drek that I just  wrote for you. In my opinion.

Back to lyrics. For the past few years I’ve been writing lyrics for an Italian rock artist. Hard rock. Not metal. Just good hard rock. The music is driving and I love it.

At first, I was correcting and editing his lyrics. The problem was the simplicity of the words. Easy rhymes. Why? Because the thought process was in Italian and then translated to English which didn’t work. Another problem was that the command of the English language was at elementary school level. And so, I’ve been given free rein.

Easy, right? No.

I write the lyrics to fit the music. I am given a quickly recorded music file and a title. And then, I write. No theme. No boundaries except for the musical phrasing. He always has a title in mind and that title must somehow fit into the song, usually the chorus. But it’s up to me to decide what the song is about and where it’s going. The songs are long. It’s a slow process and each song takes me weeks to complete. But I love it. And when it’s finished, recorded and performed I feel a great sense of accomplishment.

I’m no Leonard Cohen or Bob Dylan and I don’t think I ever will be. But then again, who knows?

Have a great week!

PS: Check out the new BookLink Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/BookLink/268651983208355

Hooray for Hollywood

I love movies. I mean I REALLY love movies. Netflix and on demand are the best thing since the invention of the wheel. And Imdb is so great at reminding me who is who. For those of you not familiar with Imdb, you should check it out. www.imdb.com

I don’t remember the first movie I saw, but I do remember standing in line at Radio City Music Hall waiting to see Mary Poppins. Now that was something. What a theater. Classic. And remember drive-ins? Summer memories.

I have no problem watching 2 movies in an afternoon. Days off are spent either reading (you knew that) or watching movies. AFTER the laundry, groceries and other assorted chores are completed.

Of course nothing beats GOING to the movies. The smell of movie theater popcorn is intoxicating. Sitting back in comfy seats and watching the big screen. Too wonderful.

Years ago, many years ago, the movies stayed in theaters for months. Now, if you don’t catch it within a few weeks of release, you can forget it. What is up with that?? Don’t blink your eyes because the movie you were dying to see on the big screen is now up for grabs on your local on demand channel. Some people have larger than life TV screens. That kind of justifies not being able to get to the theater. But still. Since the timing is not always in my favor I have to decide which movie is worthy of the big screen. I love chick flicks but I can wait to see those on Netflix. Action films NEED a big screen. Any movie with Johnny Depp needs a big screen. That also goes for musicals.

I will never tire of movies. I’m ready for my close-up.

Have a great week!

Saga of the Phone Part Deux

So now that I have my new phone I’m still working out the kinks. It’s more than a phone. It’s a whole new universe. It’s a tiny computer that fits in the palm of my hand.

So far I’ve been able to make phone calls, text people and surf the web. I’m trying to get a handle on taking photos. I’ve been able to download pics onto my PC from the phone. But trying to organize the pics ON the phone requires nothing short of a PhD. And Instagram? Not getting that concept at all. Tried it. If I want a real photo I’ll use a real camera. And if I want to manipulate said photo, I’ll use photoshop or paint shop pro. And since when did this symbol ### become a hashtag?? What is up with that??

And then there is the icloud thing. Not getting that at all either. It has somehow taken every contact from my facebook account and tossed them into my phone. Great. Tried to look up a number. I’ve got something like 700 names to scroll through. And birthdays are listed as well. Happy birthday one and all. I’d send a card but by the time I finish scrolling through all the contacts your birthdays will be long gone.

Everyone says Twitter is the way to go. Wrong. Do I really need to see what people are doing every waking minute of the day? I don’t care that you got up and brushed your teeth and 10 seconds later took a shower. TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!!

Now for the apps. This is the interesting part of the phone saga. I have only added around a dozen. News, navigation, facebook (of course), some games and a few other assorted fun things. I’ve also downloaded my music. Of course I did. That was the first thing on the phone agenda. I’ve put my apps into tiny little folders on the tiny little desktop of my tiny little computer, er, phone. It’s all very tidy. And tiny. I may need a stronger eyeglass prescription.

As a well rounded and informed woman of the world, I need to accessorize. Ah yes. Cell phone covers. I own a couple. Well, ok, more than a couple. Think of it as jewelry for the phone. Wouldn’t want my phone to be boring. And charger cables. Got a few to match the cases. Well come on…a pink case needs a pink USB cable. Sorry Apple. I can get them for $5 at the drugstore.

All of this stuff is new and exciting for me. And a bit frightening. Now I really know what it’s like to be connected 24/7. My advice to myself is to put down the phone, step away from the computer and pick up a book. Or cook something!

Have a good week!

Welcome to the 21st Century!

Well I did it. I got an iphone. And it was free, too (the power of upgrade). Pretty cool. My poor little cell phone with no data plan and limited texting has gone to cellular heaven. My beautiful new iphone will arrive tomorrow (Monday) with a nice data plan. And limited texting. Long story. Let’s just say that we’re taking it one baby step at a time. My husband does not believe in texting or data. He uses his cell phone for calls only. He still has one of those clam shell phones. I don’t like talking on a cell phone. This is why we have a house phone. I text. A lot. Apparently too much because I got a text from my phone carrier that I was at my limit until the 15^th of January. Oops. So I quickly told everyone…STOP texting me until Jan. 15. We’ll see how that goes. In the meantime, with my lovely new phone I can still pick up messages via Facebook or email. Sweet.

 

OK…so this will be the first time owning a smartphone. I am fairly clueless but I’m a quick learner. I’ve already purchased the standard accessories: car charger, case, e-gloves (it’s winter in New England after all). I’ve practiced somewhat on a friend’s phone so I know how to make a call and text (yes, yes…I’ll wait ‘till Jan. 15). Now for the apps.

There is a whole issue of Wired magazine dedicated to apps. Who knew? I’m not a game player so we can eliminate those apps. My needs are pretty basic. Email, Facebook, maps, weather and news. And where to get the best coffee. I’m sure as I become more proficient at navigating my way around the iphone world I’ll want more. For now, I’ll stick to the easy stuff. I’ll want to sync my itunes to my phone. That will take me awhile I think. I also want to set up all the photo stuff.

I really feel as if I’m entering a new realm. Ellen…welcome to the 21^st century and 2013!

Happy New Year everyone. May it be a wonderful year for you and yours!

Is the Grass Always Greener?

Next week my Italian bandmates will arrive in full force. We have concerts scheduled and lots of things to do. I love having them here and they love being here. More than once I have been told by one or two that they would rather live here, in Boston, than in Trieste. But why?

They tell me that Trieste is a city of old people. They tell me that Trieste is boring. They tell me that Trieste has no music scene or nightlife. They tell me that Boston is SO much cooler than Trieste. Well, it’s time for me to set things straight.

Trieste is an old city by Boston standards. There is a lot of history that goes WAY back. Think medieval. Boston isn’t quite that old. Look at the buildings in Trieste. Disregard the streets that look like ashtrays. Walk the winding streets and hills. Trieste is a city of stairs and little mountains. Have a coffee. Go to the top of San Giusto and look out over the Adriatic sea. Take a ride along the Miramare road. Absolutely stunning.

And what of the music scene and the nightlife? Well that last time I checked (a little over a month ago) there were events happening every night of the week. Clubs with live music all over the place. I need a scorecard to decide on which band to see.

A city of old people? I don’t think so. Yes, as in every city there are people of every age. But I am amazed that for a small city there is so much going on all the time. Especially music. Rock, jazz, folk, blues, classical. And the art and theater scenes are wonderful as well. And it doesn’t cost a mortgage to attend, unlike Boston, which can cost an entire paycheck.

Triestins are a tough group to please. They are set in their ways. Most are not in love with change and those who are, are hesitant in making it happen. Italian red tape.  A lot of young people go to colleges and universities in other cities. Many move away but just as many return home.

Trieste is not in the tourist guides. I just recently discovered that there is a whole group of ex pats living in Trieste. My close friends didn’t even know this. Each time I am there I learn something new about my beloved little city.

So I say to my bandmates and other friends who are looking over the fence: Embrace your little city. It’s a diamond in the rough. And remember, Boston will always welcome you. Just let me know when you are arriving so I can change the sheets in the guestroom!

A presto e tanti baci da Boston!

Memory of a Scent

The other day I picked up my friend Cathy and when she got into the car I said, wow, you smell like high school. She was wearing “Charlie” a perfume that we all wore in high school in the 70’s. For the next ½ hour we talked about the clothes we wore, the music we listened to and the boys we went out with.

Aromas. Fragrances. Good smells. Gross smells. So many are attached to a memory. Sometimes even a bad odor reminds us of a good time. So many people will tell you apple pie or freshly baked choco chip cookies bring back so many memories of childhood. My list is eclectic. Even kind of weird. But whatever. Here we go:

A few days ago I was waiting for the T (Boston’s subway system). I don’t ride the T very often, I mostly drive everywhere as long as I can find a parking space. Sitting and waiting for the train I breathed in the smells of the station. Oily and musty. Not terrible. But it brought back memories of my college days. We used to take the T always. No cars.

Hot french fries with ketchup. Reminds me of summer. Not the taste. Just the smell.

Fresh cut lemons. Always reminds me of being in Israel. I love lemon.

Fresh brewed coffee. Reminds me that coffee is the greatest thing since the invention of the wheel.

Campfire or fireplace smells remind me of late autumn, camping with my parents and of course Thanksgiving which has its own set of fabulous scents.

Grilled meats, country fair foods (peppers and sausages, fried dough) are also high on my list. Not necessarily to eat-just to breathe!

Cigarette smoke reminds me of sitting at an outdoor café in Italy. I hate cigarette smoke but it’s the culture of cafés and coffee.

Cold winter air reminds me of being in the city (New York of course, duh) with my Gram and going to the ballet.

Of course the food smells are constant. Each holiday has a special fragrance. Thanksgiving is sage. Passover is tzimmes (a big mess of yams, carrots, brisket-totally delish). Chanukah is fried latkes (potato pancakes) and hot homemade apple sauce.

Perfumes also bring memories. I don’t wear perfume anymore (my husband is allergic) but when I smell a certain fragrance it reminds me of a certain person or even me, when I used to wear perfume.

Our sense of smell is a wonderful thing. It can trigger an old memory or create a new one.

I probably won’t be posting every week. More like twice a month. Or maybe three times. We’ll see.

It’s turkey time! Wishing all of you a very, very happy Thanksgiving.