My last mail out I had asked my subscribers which upcoming book they would like to read of mine, given a choice of the three works currently in progress. The results are listed below in order of popularity:
I Don’t Drink Alone and Other Lies-a hilarious essay collection
Draft Book Cover
Between Midnight and the Moon-Poetry Collection
Daughter of the Moon-a Novel
So I did have a set back with editing my novel. But I am getting back on track with that and I Don’t Drink Alone is pretty much ready to format. So looks like I will have a few new releases in early 2024.
In other topics; The strangest thing has been happening to me. I come up with an idea to write about here on the blog and then moments later, I forget what my brilliant idea was. What the heck?! Also, I re-read my post on “Ten things Covid Made Me Do”. I looked for it on the blog because there was a Leonard Cohen special on HBO which triggered my memory. I thought of the time during Covid that I tied my Beau to the kitchen chair. You know what came next.
I broke his throne and cut his hair. And from his lips did NOT come a hallelujah.
Anyways, Covid lockdown seems like a long time ago in some ways. But my point is, the post reminded me that I can be funny. I have a sense of ‘haha’. Lately, though I haven’t felt very funny. Do you go through that?
“Oh, I’m not funny. I’m too serious,” she said as she finished putting her eye shadow on. That’s me talking to me.
Well, anyway, I’m currently reading the two worst books I’ve ever cracked open. Okay, that’s an exaggeration.
The Quest for Mary Magdalene by Michael Haag and Galatea by Madeline Miller. I’ll write a review for each on Good Reads when I’m finished them. Good thing I didn’t buy them. I loaned them from the library so I can return them hence they came.
“Libraries are the last sign of civilization. You make a promise to return.” Elf-All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews.
Have you seen the movie adaptation of All My Puny Sorrows? It’s damn good. I recommend a viewing. I actually thought the movie was superior to the book which is a rare occurrence. I should mention that the subject is heavy. It is about sisters though.
And I miss my sister. I thought we were going to grow old together like the sisters on “The Waltons”. But no. She’s gone and I’m left with reminders in my own face of her. You know? I never thought we looked alike but as I age I see, no, feel the similarities to her and it makes me ‘reconsider’ our differences. Then I recollect the little moments together–laughing, frowning, not understanding each other yet still loving each other. Sometimes I childishly wish she could come back simply to ask me “What are you wearing?”
source; Pinterest artist: Michael Carson
I had this amazing dream about a year ago. I was sitting in a large audience in front of a spot-lit stage when my sister walked out. She wore a brilliantly golden dress. She was beautiful and looked like she did when we were young. Maybe she was 25 or 30 years old but I was not young–I was me right now. I clapped and shouted out to her. I’m not sure she could see me there in the dark, sitting on the floor. Then the whole scene changed. I remember that dream because I wrote it down. I like to write down my dreams, especially good ones like that. It also serves as writing practice.
Have you ever tried telling someone your dream and it sounds dumb? Well, try writing it down. It isn’t the easiest thing to do but it will eventually sharpen your writing skills.
Never mind silly dreams.
I’ve been thinking a lot about my own puny sorrows and how easy it is to wallow (I even have a playlist for that). It’s ridiculous too when I think about what other people go through. And here I am with a hot coffee, a hot shower and my health. There’s truly nothing to complain about.
Well, the darkness is coming down but I have books, wine, and candlelight. Besides, I miss the rain in the summer so why not embrace it in the fall? Just do it. Hunker down. Get under the blanket. Turn the pages. That’s what the season is all about.
Tell me, who are you missing? What are you enjoying right now?
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Shivam Shrivastava
April 1, 2024 at 12:25 amHi Lisa!
I have tears in my eyes from reading that you lost your sister! This is the very harsh reality of this world that one who was born in this world has to die one day and when the day comes we feel the value and importance of their existence. The one we love the most leaves this world. That person becomes a part of our life. I would like to also express my sincere appreciation for the captivating posts that are consistently published on this website. The quality of content is truly commendable, as each article provides valuable insights and knowledge. After reading your posts it touches my heart and soul.
Great Job Lisa!
lisa
April 24, 2024 at 6:23 pmThank you, Shivam. Appreciate your reading and sharing your thoughts.
lisa
May 4, 2024 at 7:01 amThank you, Shivam.
Lynn C. Callahan
February 4, 2024 at 10:47 pmThis personal blog post provides an intimate glimpse into the author’s life, discussing setbacks in editing a novel, the challenge of forgetting brilliant blog ideas, and reflections on humor during serious times. The post touches on the author’s current readings, library loans, and a poignant dream about her late sister. The narrative is heartfelt, weaving between lighthearted observations and deeper reflections on personal sorrows.
Mabel Kwong
November 29, 2023 at 3:57 amI really enjoyed this light-hearted post, Lisa. It is good to see and read you again. That happens to me too – I come up with a brilliant idea for my book or a blog post, and the next moment it’s gone! I normally tell myself I’d write it down right away be it on paper or on my phone…but I put it off for a few minutes and take such flashes of brilliance for granted 😄
I think we all miss people all the time. We go through different stages and seasons in life, everyone does. People come and go and naturally, you miss those who you had a good time or a connection with. Hope all is well with you, Lisa ❤
Kevin
November 5, 2023 at 7:38 amHi Lisa: Great post — Luv the wine recommendation – one of my fav’s!
I “think” i can be funny too. I can smile to myself, but i can laugh with others.
I haven’t seen “All my Puny Sorrows” I will take your movie recommendation – let you know when i see it. As of late I seem to be caught up in my own complications and puny sorrows – places I visit rather than reside.
Great Miriam Toews quote — clever funny — i hope it’s not the last…
Who do i miss? — Best friend in High School, My “what if”, and my 1st love — all i lost to time.
What am i enjoying — moments/routines, the gym at 4, a cocktail at 6, first sip of coffee, pondering the future
K
lisa
November 11, 2023 at 4:27 pmHi Kevin, Ha, good stuff—the ‘fuck it’ wine. It’s important to maintain a sense of humour, right? I find mine goes away when I most need it.
It’s definitely human nature to ‘visit’ our puny sorrows. Not staying there is the trick but I have to admit, that I return too frequently lol. Your ‘what if?’ might still be a live question. The years surely put a distance between us and those connections from the past. Who knows? Maybe one day you reconnect.
The first sip of coffee is such a wonderful small thing. Pondering the future!
Tamara
October 31, 2023 at 9:50 amI write down my dreams a lot! I used to keep a journal but now it’s a blog post or Facebook post starter when needed! I’m sorry about your sister. I have two and I get it – I think we’ll grow old together.
COVID haircuts were hilarious..kinda!
lisa
October 31, 2023 at 1:09 pmHi Tamara, yes dreams can be good blog post prompts! I enjoy your Friday, ‘dreamy’ posts! Thank goodness we don’t have to do home haircuts anymore!
DGKaye
October 30, 2023 at 2:18 pmI know what you mean about remembering our good ideas. Must write it down within 5 minutes or it’s gone. Congrats on the books Lis. I look forward to reading them all. <3
lisa
October 30, 2023 at 4:29 pmHi Deb, so true! I used to be able to retain an idea for quite a while without writing it down. No longer. Ha.
Thank you so much, Deb. Cheers. xo
Marie Kléber
October 30, 2023 at 10:01 amHello Lisa,
Nice to read you and have a chat!
It’s always hard when we see somenody we love leave this world. It’s like we are left with something missing in ourselves.
I do make strange dreams, I used to write them down but it does take some time and I got fed up trying to understand the meantime of all my inside chaos…
Anyway can’t wait reading your book – looking forward releasing news soon.
Till then, sending you much love Lisa. ❤❤
lisa
October 30, 2023 at 4:28 pmHi Marie, so nice to see you. That’s exactly what it does feel like. And just the finality of it. The end. Writing down dreams can be tedious, for sure. I only write down the really good ones or the ones that make me happy.
“Inside chaos”! that’s about it.
Thank you, Marie. <3 <3
Ellen Shook
October 29, 2023 at 4:50 pmI had a therapist years ago who set great store in recording dreams. I really wish I had saved that journal because I am quite sure a Freudian or Jungian would have had a field day with it. I do find though that I get some of my best creative inspiration from that half sleep state. Looking forward to your book about drinking alone. I can relate. 😇
lisa
October 30, 2023 at 4:25 pmHi Ellen, nice to see you here. Haha, I bet it would be very telling to look back on that journal. I do do, Ellen. Half sleep state is perfect for having ideas come into my mind. That’s often when Nora (my pseudonym) breaks through. Angel emoji! Yes, our wings come out with our second glass of vino.
La Contessa
October 29, 2023 at 1:22 pmI have tears in my eyes from reading that you lost your sister! I’ll be your sister! I’ll try to be a new sister an older sister anyway as far as forgetting things yeah that happens in your 50s! you in your 50s yet? I don’t think so if you are, you’re a young 50 it happens all the time now! it’s an age thing And I love the fact that you cut your MANS hair‼️
I dream a lot lately since they put me on all this medicine but I can’t remember, I had friends in Italy that belong to a dream group. They would meet once a week and share their dreams and discuss. I thought that was fascinating. You may want to try that.!!!xxx
lisa
October 30, 2023 at 4:23 pmHello LA CONTESSA, no tears for me. The grief is not fresh by any means. It’s been three years since her passing which is hard to believe. But the grief is just ‘there’ like a constant shadow. Sometimes noticeable and other times less so.
You can definitely be my sister! Love that!
Yes, I’m in my late 50’s and indeed the instant memory failing is due to that. Retaining ideas isn’t as easy as it once was. Must keep my notepad handy at all times, LOL.
A dream group?! That sounds interesting. I’m sure there could be a few laughs in the group too. Sounds like good therapy to me. xxx
Jeff
October 28, 2023 at 4:53 pmI can’t wait to read “I’ll Drink Alone.” Let me know when published.
I am sorry about your sister, but that dream sounds wonderful. I have found that more and more I dream of those not here. Just a week ago, I dreamed about a good friend who died in 2006. I have had dreams of my mother (who died 3 years ago) and other friends. I also write down my dreams (or most of them) and probably average 2-4 dreams a week recorded.
lisa
October 28, 2023 at 6:50 pmHi Jeff, aw, thank you! I will definitely send out a message and probably post here when I Don’t Drink Alone and Other Lies is published!
That particular dream was quite amazing.
Jeff, your dreams sound vivid and there are messages there for you from those long gone. Do you think your friend was ‘visiting’ you in the night? Not to sound creepy but it is close to Halloween, so why not. I’m sorry about your loss of your mother. I think I recall you wrote a blog post about her. I love that you write down your dreams, too. I thought I was a bit strange doing that so I’m delighted to hear you do as well.