tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619956112660124882024-03-05T17:13:33.012-06:00L'EditriceReturn to <a href="http://clootsamini.com/">Sarah's Web Site</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-31202933135938254512019-01-03T17:03:00.005-06:002019-01-04T18:39:42.806-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dear readers (if any of you are still out there),</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been thinking about some things lately that I just wanted to get out there on (virtual) paper, and while they're very much not having to do with writing/editing/publishing, here I go anyway. . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday I was on the wedding website of some friends of mine, and in looking at their engagement pictures I was struck--definitely not for the first time, but more so yesterday for some reason--by how women in professional/"important" photos like these are always very made-up, much in contrast to their fiances next to them. Both of these friends are quite young-looking (even though they are very accomplished professionals in their 30s), and yet the bride-to-be's makeup was so "perfect" (you know, with the impossibly natural eyebrows that seem to be the standard these days, and a near-smoky eye despite the fact that it was broad daylight) that she almost looked like in a different world than the groom's--like they were members of different species or something. And it's not that she looked old by any means, but because he was just there chilling in his normal-skinned, bordering-on-unibrowed glory, the contrast of her perfectly airbrushed face (whether by thick matte foundation, photographer's airbrushing, or both), made it almost seem like she could be the polished mom to this average, happy-go-lucky teenager. I mean, if anything, I felt he could have used some foundation, too...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was talking to my husband about this, and he put forth a theory that part of these different grooming/appearance standards that society puts upon us may have to do with the fact that men (largely heterosexual) are expected to seem "confident" no matter what, which includes in the way they look (even though many of them might not be, but they're better taught/expected to fake it till they make it). And women are only allowed to be confident (or understood for being confident) if they look "perfect." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And of course this has turned into women being harsh on each other (while men are too, though most claim to like the "natural" look (which is really the "It-actually-took-2-hours-to-look-like-I-wake-up-like-this look")), but mostly <i>themselves</i>, to the point that most women wouldn't dare to take engagement portraits with a unibrow. (And to then insist to the photographer that, No, really, they do<i> not</i> want those PhotoShopped out!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add to this of course all the (valid) moaning about selfies, Insta filters, etc., and we have a big fat problem here, that I feel like only gets worse as the years go on, personally. (Not that I think the "gold old days" were anything but "old days," but we live in such a visual, "personal-brand" moment right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite makeup companies trying to convince us that phrases such as, "I am what I make up" and "You're not here to get beautiful; you're here because you already are" (WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN??) are "empowering" (I really hate how that word has been co-opted.) to us so that we buy their increasingly ridiculous products that tell us what to feel bad about. (Eyedrops because your eyes are not white enough?? What?! But men's eyes are fine all red and yellow?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>And it makes me maddest of all that I still am not able to resist most of this stuff, despite all my overanalyzing and awareness of it.</i> And all the B.S. self-love/self-care (I've also started to hate those words.) about "Everyone woman is beautiful" is still telling us that <i>beauty </i>is what is important. Our <i>looks </i>are important. Not what our bodies can do, think, and feel.</span></span><br />
<i></i><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think yesterday got me thinking about it a lot more because I went to see the new J. Lo. movie "Second Act," which was super ridiculous in many ways but of course fun <i>because </i>of that, but the fantasy/wish fulfillment such movies sell us I think do really start to make us feel bad about ourselves. If Lopez's character at the first part of the movie is supposed to be working class, then why is her hair and makeup always the sort of flawless that only at least 2 hours in the chair with a professional can give you? And why does she wear a Missoni dress to her job interview?? (I looked it up--it was indeed a Missoni. That brand retails for at least $600-$1600/dress.) And let's just ignore for now the ample cleavage she shows both in that dress and in every other outfit she wears at work. Not slut-shaming, just showing the unrealistic-ness of both her body type and job and the way she would be treated if she did wear such outfits to work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I definitely don't have a solution, I just felt like ranting in my usual style of run-on sentences, too many parentheticals, and lots of modified adjectives, but hey,<i> I am what I make up</i>, right??? And I made up these words out of my true thoughts, so they are real now and so am I.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If anyone is reading this, I'd love to hear your thoughts. In any case, happy 2019!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- L'Editrice</span><br />
<i></i><i></i><i></i><i></i><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-54382907617968507882018-05-17T09:10:00.000-05:002018-05-17T09:10:01.936-05:00Everything's better with a fake mustache<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My students and I had the great fortune of attending a presentation by author Shelly Brown at our school a couple of weeks ago. Shelly is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mustaches-Maddie-Chad-Morris/dp/1629723304/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8"><i>Mustaches for Maddie</i>,</a> which is based on the true story of her own daughter, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age twelve. As <i>School Library Journal</i> explains in its review of the book, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Maddie is a wonderfully thoughtful, creative, and funny protagonist, with whom readers will identify as she grapples with her social and physical challenges. The title comes from her love of fake mustaches, which she carries around to lighten the mood wherever she goes, and which become a viral sensation when she is hospitalized."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Not only did Shelly do her presentation for free (which is much appreciated at a public school with limited funds), she also did it </span>without a PowerPoint or even a microphone! (Which was my fault, as I wasn't able to get the AV system together in time.) She was so engaging from the get-go, and the kids really
connected with it. Right away I had students putting up their fingers under their nose in the style of a mustache to indicate that they were showing compassion (the theme of the book) for me and their peers by being quiet in class while others were speaking. I also had several order the book, along with another of Shelly's books, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghostsitter-Shelly-Brown/dp/1944452001/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Ghostsitter</a></i>, and attend her book signing that evening at a local bookstore. They also asked me for the book as soon as we came back to the library that day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although Shelly is not one of my authors (yet, ; P), I am very happy to recommend her book to everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- L'Editrice</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-60208403537687355532018-05-16T08:52:00.000-05:002018-05-16T08:52:07.346-05:00I'm back!, plus Great News from an Author<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello, everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apologies for the almost yearlong absence! I've started working as a librarian at an elementary school, so I took some time off from blogging (and editing) to settle into that busy role. But I'm happy to announce that I'm ready to take on clients again for this summer, and I hope to hear from you soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In author news, a long-overdue congratulations to Christa Conklin, who has the following (not-so-new) news:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) She is now represented by Jessica Schmeidler of Golden Wheat Literary.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) She's had a short story,<i> "</i>Moontail," published in an anthology.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3) <i>Tranquility</i> has found its publishing home at Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., and will be published fall 2018.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So proud of and happy for you, Christa!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- L'Editrice</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-39510260095032554842017-06-16T21:08:00.000-05:002017-06-16T21:08:54.805-05:00The trouble with trends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Flamingos, pineapples, succulents, cacti, tassels, pom-poms, palm prints. These are all over fashion right now (how do the brands make them all so quickly?!) and I get caught up in them like everyone else--even though I convince myself that I always liked them before and that everyone else is just catching up to me.<br />
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The problem is that--like even non-trendy aspects of my style--I glob onto a pattern and then find an affinity for everything in it, and have to consciously limit myself to one, or at maximum two, belongings with each feature so that I don't become Inspector Gadget with my wardrobe. (Who else remembers all those identical trench coats in his closet?) Especially in this era of fast fashion, trends come and go quickly, and familiarity for me can breed contempt--or at least over-saturation. Or, God forbid, I continue to wear what I liked even before it became mainstream (trendsetter that I am ; P) but now I just look like a follower who is late to the game or--gasp!--out of style. . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbshqDN0XOQ_fy4Y6MwJWcW1WF81dpTO1o93PUgs32dXUn4f55B_AI73Eurz68o5OLxdCcsBpldslrHCgw26P7a9CEhP-5IgTKZVJG50B15plL7FMkA29bHL913BKoioXS0CY2stGt8A/s1600/inspectorgagdetposes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="888" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbshqDN0XOQ_fy4Y6MwJWcW1WF81dpTO1o93PUgs32dXUn4f55B_AI73Eurz68o5OLxdCcsBpldslrHCgw26P7a9CEhP-5IgTKZVJG50B15plL7FMkA29bHL913BKoioXS0CY2stGt8A/s320/inspectorgagdetposes.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyone else have this problem? Or is it just obsessive (and, let's be honest, susceptible) me?<br />
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- L'Editrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-1229709297092564522017-03-27T19:31:00.000-05:002017-03-27T19:38:31.751-05:00Books and Bars (and not the fun kind)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP9qB85vxtGoWvhBTJwNUvUJvO3CuXJiLvJFtaIodgOk-ruhYq7OeCwyzrlnTTKliv23rczBb8blK92q2zz-GysbLdzYuQdF_vnO4B66fu5CTNGe2gFSvq194daa_LIBa7nXc7CUh4j4/s1600/Kids+in+Orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP9qB85vxtGoWvhBTJwNUvUJvO3CuXJiLvJFtaIodgOk-ruhYq7OeCwyzrlnTTKliv23rczBb8blK92q2zz-GysbLdzYuQdF_vnO4B66fu5CTNGe2gFSvq194daa_LIBa7nXc7CUh4j4/s320/Kids+in+Orange.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just came home to the loveliest surprise on my doorstep: a signed copy of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Orange-Voices-Juvenile-Detention/dp/0692830685/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1490648119&sr=1-1&keywords=kids+in+orange">Kids in Orange: Voices from Juvenile Detention</a></i>. It's a memoir by author Mindy Hardwick that I had </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the pleasure of copyediting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've worked with Mindy on a couple of her middle-grade novels (<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stained-Glass-Summer-Mindy-Hardwick/dp/0692393056/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Stained Glass Summer</a> </i>and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seymours-Secret-Mindy-Hardwick-ebook/dp/B01IC11RUA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Seymour's Secret</a></i>), and while I love them both, this is perhaps my favorite of her works so far. As her Amazon blurb says, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">In the middle of a career change from teacher to writer, Mindy Hardwick volunteered to facilitate a weekly poetry workshop at a juvenile detention center. By helping the teens write poetry about their lives, Mindy discovered strength and courage to grieve the loss of her father, find forgiveness and release the past. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be used as a grant for writers to work with teens at Denney Juvenile Justice Center."</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">So amazing. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Congratulations, Mindy!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">- L'Editrice</span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-30503333359237105582017-03-23T11:40:00.001-05:002017-03-23T11:40:30.617-05:00Red Nose Day on a red-flag movie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You've already heard my views on the movie <i>Love, Actually </i><a href="http://leditrice.blogspot.com/2009/12/indian-winter.html#comments">here</a> and <a href="http://leditrice.blogspot.com/2010/04/lame-actually.html">here</a>. But since <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/22/movies/love-actually-youngsters-grown-up-and-reunited-for-a-short-sequel.html?hpw&rref=movies&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well">it's being revisited for the very worthy Red Nose Day</a>, I thought I'd link to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/mar/21/love-actually-romcom-richard-curtis-tv">another great article</a> that underlines why I dislike it so much.<br />
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Curmudgeonly,<br />
L'Editrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-40363817389777571452016-08-22T16:12:00.000-05:002016-08-22T16:12:07.693-05:00Cascading toward success<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's some more great news from an author: Christa Conklin's as-yet-unpublished manuscript <i>Tranquility</i> has won a writing award! Find her under <a href="http://oregonchristianwriters.org/cascade-award-winners-2016/">Unpublished Speculative Fiction</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In her own words: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I continue to persevere, build a platform, and march forward toward publication."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are an example to us all, Christa!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- L'Editrice</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-88508467605356229742016-08-15T14:54:00.000-05:002016-08-15T14:54:35.644-05:00Long time no post . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
. . . but I'm back with a great announcement: my author Mindy Hardwick has just published her novel <i>Seymour's Secret</i> in both print and ebook! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seymours-Secret-Mindy-Hardwick-ebook/dp/B01IC11RUA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1471290552&sr=1-1&keywords=seymour%27s+secret#nav-subnav">Pick up a copy today.</a><br />
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Congratulations, Mindy!<br />
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- L'Editrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-51138530255160481932015-09-02T12:44:00.000-05:002015-09-02T12:44:17.114-05:00Halloween '15<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My ideas for this year:<br />
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- Gloria Steinem<br />
- cotton candy<br />
- Ugly Betty<br />
- ice queen<br />
- Cher Horowitz<br />
- Jimmy Carter<br />
- Mr. Rogers<br />
- a "Bob's Burgers" character<br />
- Tintin<br />
- "Chandelier" girl<br />
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- L'Editrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-20908904596060603462015-07-28T10:42:00.001-05:002015-07-28T10:42:14.225-05:00Tranquility = excitement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am proud to say that another of my authors, Christa Conklin, has secured representation! Her agent is <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Steve Hutson with WordWise Media. <a href="http://www.wordwisemedia.com/#!clients/c1fv9">Check out her official headshot and inspiring bio (kayak, anyone?) here.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With her manuscript, <i>Tranquility</i>, Christa has created a really intriguing world with </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">interesting characters and a truly compelling underlying allegory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations, Christa!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- L'Editrice</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-6211589499188305172015-02-27T10:44:00.000-06:002015-02-27T10:45:08.366-06:00From transfiguration to publication<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations to my author David Bock, who has just published his beautiful book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Transfiguration-Solomon-Shinn-David-Bock/dp/0986399426/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425054915&sr=1-1&keywords=transfiguration+of+solomon+shinn">The Transfiguration of Solomon Shinn.</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It's a truly unique story, kind of a mix between sci fi and new-age spiritual. It reminds me a bit of </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Little Prince</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, except I think the complexity of the concepts make it well suited for adult readers as well. I strongly encourage you to check it out for yourself, dear readers!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">- L'Editrice</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-45135382415043785112015-02-04T13:31:00.001-06:002015-02-04T13:31:22.046-06:00Well said<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://time.com/3689368/campus-sexual-assault-athletes-yes-means-yes/">What a great piece. </a><br />
<br />
- L'Editrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-28414875166179812572014-12-31T11:29:00.000-06:002014-12-31T11:29:31.338-06:00What a way to start the New Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Pop open the champagne: another of my authors has just been published! (Though be forewarned: this title is <i>definitely</i> not for young'uns.) </div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Leal's ambitious manuscript was one of my most challenging jobs yet, so I am extremely awed at the talent and perseverance it took to write it. I'll let him announce it in his own words:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
"After more than six years of non-linear effort, I am happy to announce that my first novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q5138UW" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>Constellations and Microclimates</i></a><i> </i>is finally published. It became available for download on the Amazon Kindle store this morning.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Also, I have spent the better part of a year curating a <a href="http://www.lealgarrison.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">personal website</a> in anticipation of this day. Please have a look."</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Congratulations, Leal!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
- L'Editrice</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-16967301476094553542014-11-19T08:25:00.000-06:002014-12-31T16:09:37.301-06:00Well suited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.today.com/popculture/australian-morning-show-host-karl-stefanovic-wears-same-suit-year-1D80296100">This is one of those experiments when you're validated in your hypothesis . . . but it's also kind of sad to be proven right, no?</a> <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I have little daydreams of becoming a politician or daily power-suit-wearing person, I imagine myself wearing the same suit every day and just switching up the blouses--like men do! Actually, I kind of did that exact thing when I had to travel for work for my old job and be at meetings in business attire: just wearing my one trusty suit (worn for every job interview since I started job interviewing) sure made life easier . . . and cheaper.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- L'Editrice</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-57946893587653800482014-11-18T08:11:00.000-06:002014-11-18T08:11:36.218-06:00Kickstarting the magic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of my authors (and friends!) <a href="http://www.julesgissler.com/">Jules Gissler</a> has started a Kickstarter campaign for her new book, <i>Jules . . . Getting Your Magic Back.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/198664290/a-gift-book-titled-julesgetting-your-magic-back">Read and watch all about it here</a>, and consider becoming one of her backers!<br />
<br />
Very proud of you, Jules!<br />
- L'Editrice<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-47939319644639773352014-09-22T17:10:00.000-05:002014-09-22T17:10:26.000-05:00Fancy dress in the U.S.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After being a Trekkie last Halloween, here are the costumes I'm considering for this one:<br />
<br />
- Lucille Ball<br />
- Carmen Sandiego<br />
- Pippi Longstocking<br />
- a mermaid<br />
- a Greek goddess<br />
- Daria and Jane (couple's costume!)<br />
- Daft Punk (couple's costume, take II)<br />
- a Single Lady<br />
- Tintin <br />
- Little Edie<br />
- Alice in Wonderland<br />
- Queen of Hearts<br />
- the Morton Salt girl (Coincidentally, I just found out it's her 100th birthday!)<br />
- Little Red Riding Hood<br />
<br />
And if any of my readers (i.e. my sisters) want tips or costume pieces for any of these, I'm your woman.<br />
<br />
Treatedly,<br />
L'Editrice<br />
<br />
P.S. I wrote this post months ago, and finally decided it was no longer an absurd time to publish it.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-7612132561365548122014-08-21T15:50:00.000-05:002014-08-21T15:50:10.589-05:00In my own backyard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just discovered the most charming little strip of shops that I have probably driven past hundreds of times without knowing what I was missing!<br />
<br />
First I stopped in <a href="http://www.surroundingshouston.com/">Surroundings</a>: I bought a cool ring made out of telephone wire, and I wanted to buy everything else as well. I'm definitely going to come back with my sister next week, and the awesome selection of unique lampshades and shower curtains will be a great source for my mom.<br />
<br />
Next door I found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pattywhacks-and-Company/183569258342834">Pattywhacks and Company</a>, where I bought the glammest wallet ever, which looks like fine leather but is actually made of <i>recycled water bottles. </i>They happen to be moving down the street tomorrow, right across from <a href="http://simoneonsunset.com/">Simone on Sunset</a>, which is one of my "locals." Wins all around!<br />
<br />
A few steps over brought me to <a href="http://www.hawkinsfurniture.com/">Hawkins Furniture.</a> My style is generally a bit more modern than what they had showcased, but I really admired the craftsmanship and made a mental note about the possibility of custom furniture from them in the future.<br />
<br />
Finally, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zapotec-Art-A-Southwest-Gallery/167108436638190">Zapotec Art Imports</a> had the most wonderful art and turquoise jewelry--including the gorgeous green kind that I have had my eye on for a while. One of these days I will find the perfect piece and treat myself. . . .<br />
<br />
The best part of visiting these local shops? They are all in old houses, which makes the shopping experience that much more magical.<br />
<br />
- L'Editrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-7883711928793698192014-07-14T15:49:00.002-05:002014-07-22T21:56:18.885-05:00H-town highlights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My youngest sister will be visiting soon from London, so we're starting to make a list of all the spots she wants to hit in her week back home. Her agenda is typically a mix of old favorites and newbies that have cropped up since she moved across the pond (many of which she finds out about before I do!). Here's what we've got so far:<br />
- <a href="http://snowblockshavery.com/">Snowblock Shavery</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.eatatgreen.com/">Green Vegetarian Cuisine</a> (Everything can be made vegan, and the desserts automatically are!)<br />
- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueLeafHouston">Blue Leaf</a> (Housed in an old bungalow with another chic little shack in the back, I fantasized a little bit about buying the property when it was for up sale a year or so ago, and enjoy strolling through it now as a shop--which is probably better for all of us.)<br />
- And I'm so excited to check out <a href="http://www.eatglazed.com/">Glazed</a> and their vegan donuts!<br />
<br />
Any suggestions from my readers?<br />
<br />
- L'Editrice<br />
<br />
Additions, 7/22/14: <a href="http://www.toutsuite.co/">Tout Suite Cafe</a> (I hope it's open in time!)<br />
<a href="http://www.truefoodkitchen.com/">True Food Kitchen</a> (I loved it in San Diego--so excited it's in Houston now!)<br />
<a href="http://www.myflamingheart.com/">My Flaming Heart</a> (Probably my favorite store in H-town, aside from<br />
<a href="http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/houston">Ten Thousand Villages</a>, of course.)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-4598082962948161402014-06-24T12:54:00.000-05:002014-06-24T12:55:51.661-05:00Noshing in Nashville<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrBNv3vbZuECgLfbchduLvNByhDkEiqKBal-IArRJNI81l93kerEtkHgjgjaGCjBJefJkc5KBjVYWM8YGQ8wz6nb-P3cDKirXziU5AkLnYprpwY_NbuO9qzncodSHMhLNCdpy76cBIfA/s1600/hr-0798-640-051--0798640051009+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrBNv3vbZuECgLfbchduLvNByhDkEiqKBal-IArRJNI81l93kerEtkHgjgjaGCjBJefJkc5KBjVYWM8YGQ8wz6nb-P3cDKirXziU5AkLnYprpwY_NbuO9qzncodSHMhLNCdpy76cBIfA/s1600/hr-0798-640-051--0798640051009+(2).jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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I got quite a bit of time to explore Nashville this past weekend, and I loved it--particularly the eating scene. Now, I'm sure most people who think of Nashville food think of barbecue, but as a vegan my food searches are a <i>little </i>different. And Nashville did not disappoint!<br />
<br />
My new recommendations for any veg heads visiting Music City:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://www.thewildcow.com/twc/">The Wild Cow</a> (they even had vegan queso!), </li>
<li><a href="http://www.sunflowercafenashville.com/">Sunflower Cafe</a>, </li>
<li>and the "V for Vegan" pizza at <a href="http://twoboots.com/TW2008/Nashville/Nashville.html">Two Boots</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
All were delicious <i>and</i> had cute locales and decor--something that can sometimes be hard to come by in veg/vegan restaurants. (In fact, they may be putting my Houston go-tos to shame in that respect.)<br />
<br />
As for the non-eating tourism, I:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>visited the Parthenon (really!) and Vanderbilt,</li>
<li>walked over the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge to explore the scene on Lower Broadway, then enjoyed the view and the Jazz and Blues Mixer happening on the bridge on the way back,</li>
<li>checked out the outside of the Grand Ole Opry House and (only some of!) the inside of the Las-Vegas-meets-Venice-meets-San-Antonio-meets-only-in-America Gaylord Opryland Hotel,</li>
<li>and went to the famous Hatch Show Print Shop and the Country Music Hall of Fame.</li>
</ul>
<div>
If I went again, I would skip the Country Music Hall of Fame and instead go see the "Grand Ole Opry"--I was really tempted to this time, especially since my favorite Pretty Little Liar, Aria (Lucy Hale), was performing, but I'd thought the ticket price was too much for standing room only, all that was available by the time I tried. I would also skip Woodland Vegetarian--yes, the food was good, but it didn't live up to all the hype I'd been hearing, plus it was a little chaotic in there.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
- L'Editrice</div>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-31332520597610127692014-06-20T10:22:00.001-05:002014-06-20T10:30:00.725-05:00In UtopYA<p dir="ltr">I'm so excited to be part of "<a href="http://utopyacon.com">Redacted Script: The Editing Panel</a>" . . . happening in just an hour and a half!</p>
<p dir="ltr">(This is my version of a live tweet. :-) )</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-57716448996903083872014-06-11T11:46:00.004-05:002014-06-11T11:46:59.087-05:00A discovery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've just discovered <a href="http://www.authoreditorclinic.com/an-author-on-editing/">this three-year-old interview</a> of one of my authors, <a href="http://www.mindyhardwick.com/">Mindy Hardwick</a>, talking about our work together. I am so happy to hear her lovely, unbidden comments.<br />
<br />
And what kismet in the timing--as she has just approached me to work on another manuscript with her! I can't wait to get started.<br />
<br />
- L'Editrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-42288414943825453462014-04-03T18:25:00.001-05:002014-04-03T18:25:27.359-05:00Boutiquing in Baltimore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whenever I visit a new city, I always imagine where I would spend all my time (and money) if I lived there . . . or if I specifically made a shopping-tourism trip there with a designated boutique budget. (I'm generally too cheap to actually spend the money in my real life.)<br />
<br />
In London, where I went in February, I would buy steampunk and Gothic/Sweet Lolita gear at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camden_market">Camden Market</a>, and do the rest of my shopping at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Spitalfields_Market">Old Spitalfields Market</a>. In Baltimore, my current locale, I would hang out on "The Avenue" in Hampden, and buy fair-trade clothes at <a href="http://milagrobaltimore.tumblr.com/">Milagro</a>, vintage/vintage-inspired at <a href="http://www.doubledutchboutique.com/Store/pc/home.asp">Doubledutch Boutique</a>, shoes and chocolate at <a href="http://mapetiteshoe.com/">Ma Petite Shoe</a>, and all the rest at <a href="http://trohvshop.com/">Trohv</a>.<br />
<br />
Smitten,<br />
Listetrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-29898058114720116632014-03-28T11:11:00.000-05:002014-12-31T16:09:37.330-06:00My review of "Veronica Mars"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It was definitely for the fans, and I am one, so I quite enjoyed it. And at least part of the ending made me really happy (the other part I could take or leave). However, three pieces marred me from loving it:<br />
<br />
1) Were they trying to compete with <i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i>'s F-bomb record by including as many B-words as possible? (Yes, I said "B-word." I am a feminist with strong feelings about the mainstreaming of anti-female putdowns.) I get that it harkens back to the series and how people reacted to Veronica as a strong woman, but at a certain point it felt gratuitous and like it was for cheap laughs. (The one great instance of non-cheap humor using it? Veronica's faux-hurt response to Gia and Cobb's conversation: "It's called curiosity!")<br />
<br />
2) The inclusion of "TMZ" in any capacity immediately sleazes up everything it touches. Ten thumbs down.<br />
<br />
3) James Franco. Blech, I am so over him. He was doing<i> yet another </i>stupid cameo as "himself," and that totally took away from the film's originality and indie cred.<br />
<br />
That is all.<br />
- L'Editrice</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-71473117627730619022014-03-27T10:48:00.000-05:002014-12-31T16:09:37.404-06:00Happy birthday, Ms. Steinem!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Tuesday one of my heroes, Gloria Steinem, turned 80. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last November, and <a href="http://msmagazine.com/blog/2014/02/27/gloria-steinem-why-our-revolution-has-just-begun/">her speech on that occasion</a> perfectly expresses all that is important about feminism.<br />
<br />
Gratefully,<br />
L'Editirce</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-161995611266012488.post-13928104983928975002014-03-03T16:26:00.001-06:002014-12-31T16:09:37.297-06:00Two things I learned from last night's Oscars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2on_bvlQxUYL_zMxEmrPFP2AOq85vIL6uJh70c9rG_LYb9Ifym2N25HasPVH1Lu7HDuqDqV0P7_C5edQmuaVp8WFOL0uBAPZctD9Fpyon5DtFelPyzqJ-zVWMrqUDHbuhHfO1qzrZyY/s1600/rs_634x1024-140302185505-634.levitt-watson.cm.3214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2on_bvlQxUYL_zMxEmrPFP2AOq85vIL6uJh70c9rG_LYb9Ifym2N25HasPVH1Lu7HDuqDqV0P7_C5edQmuaVp8WFOL0uBAPZctD9Fpyon5DtFelPyzqJ-zVWMrqUDHbuhHfO1qzrZyY/s1600/rs_634x1024-140302185505-634.levitt-watson.cm.3214.jpg" height="320" width="198" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1) Joseph Gorden-Levitt and Emma Watson would make the cutest couple ever. <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/516863/see-the-exact-moment-people-started-shipping-emma-watson-and-joseph-gordon-levitt-at-the-oscars">(I learned this along with everyone else in the world, apparently.)</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfJBsQnbyApkS5nrwEqHKrl-jSkc-rqruz3HHOGKBZArEAfnKGJmtewYJSUIXaqmjrG9uqo1Wlr4f_nuEja3vC7LCNQZpb24Y5y7vMrKGqnZwQukCoIB71unscuicGScgFdBW95tzgg4/s1600/lupita-nyong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfJBsQnbyApkS5nrwEqHKrl-jSkc-rqruz3HHOGKBZArEAfnKGJmtewYJSUIXaqmjrG9uqo1Wlr4f_nuEja3vC7LCNQZpb24Y5y7vMrKGqnZwQukCoIB71unscuicGScgFdBW95tzgg4/s1600/lupita-nyong.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2) After Lupita Nyong'o, Constance Leto was the most beautiful woman there.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m8Ru2Du9dvLc3JKNK3cA7xepDnseSO2yjviWCAlyRFp9cnS6zNagm0-wUfnzK4G3ydqW48gBkM_g3CTn-JPSfVvPvNpPg2bu9Fng5ffUGqvUSUHw1VdnvOszQg_httpGKTrtUFK0P30/s1600/mgid-uma-content-mtv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m8Ru2Du9dvLc3JKNK3cA7xepDnseSO2yjviWCAlyRFp9cnS6zNagm0-wUfnzK4G3ydqW48gBkM_g3CTn-JPSfVvPvNpPg2bu9Fng5ffUGqvUSUHw1VdnvOszQg_httpGKTrtUFK0P30/s1600/mgid-uma-content-mtv.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- L'Editrice</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0