About Jonathan Franzen's recent novel: Freedom

"Painting the American soul within the framework of a novel"

- John DeForest ( a writer of the civil-war period, describing the great American novel in an article for The Nation)

Everyone knows Jonathan Franzen as the midwestern author of the corrections who snubbed Oprah and her book club. Franzen's new novel, Freedom is a brilliant novel and a must read for any newly married couple (or about to be). Click here to read a great review of the book by the economist.

Cheeky Charles Bukowski

Last night, my darling Hubby and I had our first official date night. That's right, our married bums set Tuesday as a night for each other. Not lame, but amazing. To kick off 2011 we had sushi and a poetry read-off. What, you ask, is a read-off? It's where you go head-to-head reading poetry from two different poets and appoint a winner based on what most "speaks" to you. Last night's contenders were Charles Bukowski and Pablo Neruda. Obviously Mr. Neruda is a favorite of mine.

The winner of the read-off was hands down Mr. Bukowski. How is that even possible you ask? I know, I know, Pablo Neruda is a lyrical genius who writes beautiful prose but Mr. B is also a genius. Bukowski's mastery of written word is undeniable and perhaps so enjoyable because you know he lived much of his life as a misfit. I think last night's win also went to Bukowski in part because of the racy nature of his poetry, his poems are about sex, drugs, and unspoken truths (at least the poems we read). Contrast that with Neruda's poems, which were about love, politics, and Latin American revolutions (so good too, I know).

In honor of Mr. B's win in last night's read-off, I present to you the Bukowski poem that most "spoke" to me. I dedicate this to any divas in distress out there.

no leaders, please

invent yourself and then reinvent yourself,
don't swim in the same slough.
invent yourself and then reinvent yourself
and
stay out of the clutches of mediocrity.

invent yourself and then reinvent ,
change your tone and shape so often that they can
never
categorize you.

reinvigorate yourself and
accept what is
but only on the terms you have invented
and reinvented.

be self-taught.

and reinvent your life because you must;
it is your life and
its history
and the present
belong only to
you.

So good!

"Excess, upon occasion can be exhilarating, because it prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit."

- Somerset Maugham

Anna would agree and so would Zsa Zsa!

Zsa Zsa's version of that would be: Excess at every occasion is exhilarating and necessary, because it prevents a lackluster life.

25 things every woman should know

1. How to plan a trip and enjoy it -  alone.
2. That your dream job is...? You need to know! So that you can avoid the DID trenches.
3. Your exit line (i.e. last words) for every situation. Every woman needs a proper exit.
4. How to embrace your own vanities. Pride in your own abilities and achievements is nothing to hide.
5. That it's important to enjoy life and not worry about being perfect. Tick tick goes the clock.
6. That love like that of Vera and Vladimir Nabokov exists. She was his muse, editor, and devoted wife.
7. Whether or not you enjoy children.
8. What book you would hide and covet in a Fahrenheit 451 situation.
9. That life holds only one guarantee: NOW.
10. How to make one good cake.
11. How to age gracefully. And not to forget to thank your Mom for the good genes. Thanks Mom!
12. Your fashion muse. Mine is Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Althought I'm not sure that Carolyn would wear this. 
13. This line from Breakfast at Tiffany's: "You could always tell what kind of person a mans thinks you are by the earrings he gives you."
14. That you should not indulge in jealousy.
15. What colors most flatter your skin tone. If you are anything like my sister, you can wear many splendid colors.
16. How to balance a checkbook, contribute to a 401K, and save for a rainy day.
17. That your self worth is not based on who likes you. Rather, it's based on whether or not you like yourself.
18. How to connect with your inner self, while remembering which side is most flattering for photos.
19. How to drive a manual- transmission vehicle. Why? For that driving trip through the alps.Trust me, if your man is anything like my city bloke, he won't know how!
20. The name of at least one fallback author for uninspired bouts at the bookstore or international departures terminal. Try Milan Kundera or Haruki Murakami.
21. To please your lover.
22. What you would do with a jackpot. Everyone needs a contingency plan. I've already won the jackpot.
23. How to enjoy the opera.
24. About Yale University's open lecture series on youtube. There is an entire lot on modern-American Novels. Amazing! And perfect for a confused Diva like me - who often needs a daytime distraction.
25. How to say yes! Yes to life, love, and flattering pants.

So tell me - what is your exit line? Who is your fashion muse? Your

I have a date tonight...

...with my books.

This is a photo of my suitors for the evening:

They are waiting for me at home right next to my bed; that is quite presumptuous of them wouldn't you say?

It was an inspiring week to say the very least, here is a quick summary:

I discovered this website dedicated to Japanese street fashion. Oh how I love Japanese street fashion. Harajuku girls! Need I say more? 

I met a nostalgist.

I received an early christmas gift in the form of a Tatler magazine subscription from my husband!

I overheard someone say, "See you next time, ta-ta." Love it! As a child, I thought this type of language was used by all British people.  I also thought the only way to order a cocktail was by using a British accent and saying, "More to drink! More to drink!"

I added several titles to the my now exhaustive reading list. Including this great new book on finding a creative (and fulfilling) career.

I found this picture on my iPhone of this spectacular painting:

That's all for now, ta-ta!

Hemingway

You may know this story, but apparently a young Ernest Hemingway won a writing contest the parameters of which were to write a short story in six words or less. He won with:

"for sale. baby shoes. never worn."

So good.

What would your short story be? Six words or less.