With Karen

I really miss this wonderful lady. This photo was from one of our many trips across the bridge to a doctor's appointment in Philly for Karen. We are taking a smoke break on the roof of the parking garage and I am wearing the super groovy scarf that she knit for me. I know that Karen prefers her solitude and isn't always the best at reaching out. I've given her space but let it be known that I am here and think of her always. I hope she's happy and well and will one day realise that she is a beautiful, warm, generous, funny, and fascinating woman with an immense amount of style and excellent taste in all things.

Posties from Lauryn

Songs for the Jet Set

Tony Bennett's Instagram page mentioned the album If I Ruled the World: Songs for the Jet Set and I clickety-clacked myself to Apple Music and downloaded it. It's a terrific album and I love that each song, at least those on the original record, is designed to take the listener to a different spot in the universe.

Samba do Avião - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro 

Fly Me to the Moon - The Moon

How Insensitive - Rio de Janeiro

If I Ruled the World - London

Love Scene - Harlem

My Ship - Paradise

Then Was Then and Now Is Now - Hollywood

Sweet Lorraine - Chicago

The Right to Love - Dreamland

Watch What Happens - France 

All My Tomorrows - Florida

Lazy Afternoon - Cloud Nine

Snoring Beauty

Our poor wee lady is sick again and her lovely Mama captured her sawing wood on the sofa. I'm sure when Lucy is fifteen and discovers that her lunatic spinster auntie posted a video of her snoring she will be livid, but alas, that day is not today.

(ps - I think she sounds like an old Nokia phone that's set to vibrate only and it's going off on a glass tabletop.)

Joseph Conrad

Home in Benton, PA

Look at this darling, funky little home I saw on Cheap Old Houses' Instagram page! It's not too far away, in Benton, Pennsylvania and all that land means blissful quiet, something I am in desperate need of these days. I love the kitchen but would definitely change the red to coffee and cream. It's not perfect but it is adorable.

Ask Someone (Xavier)

In what part of the world do you imagine me being the happiest?

California

What would you use to lure me into a trap?

Leonidas

In a perfect world, who would I end up marrying?

Ryan Gosling

What is your favourite moment we've shared?

Ted Lasso night

What name do you think suits me better than my own?

Sylvia

What things remind you of me?

falafels - shitty customer names - movie quotes

What do you hope I will always remember about you?

Even though we disagree on a lot of things, I am still the wonderful boy you have always known and I'm usually right.

My answers for Xave:

In what part of the world do you imagine me being the happiest?

I see you in a cozy and plush cabin, some place secluded with a lake and tons of fabulous stars at night.

What would you use to lure me into a trap?

Free beer!

In a perfect world, who would I end up marrying?

You already have your perfect gal but if I had to pick a celebrity I choose Uzo Aduba.

What is your favourite moment we've shared?

Ted Lasso night and touring Antwerp

What name do you think suits me better than my own?

Daniel "Danny" Marcus

What things remind you of me?

Beer, Leonidas, Joe Rogan, pick-up trucks, “Eastbound & Down” by Jerry Reed, hedgehogs, Skittles, Airheads, Sixpence None The Richer, metal bands, broccoli raab, Burt Reynolds, and the saying "Nothing is Impossible". 

What do you hope I will always remember about you?

That although I made a lot of mistakes and wasn't always kind to you when you were little, that I genuinely love you, I always have, and more than anything, I want you to be happy, healthy, and keep on living your best life.

Chess Time

Last night Jackson taught Lucy how to play chess. He was very thorough as he slowly went through the rules and then their first match began. Jax gave her a few pointers as well as confirming which moves were legal. She declared loudly at one point "I LOVE CHESS!!" And even though she caught on quickly, she still wanted reassuring and asked, "Am I better at chess than Nanny?" I could tell Jax didn't want to say anything since his grandmother was within earshot but I heard him whisper that she actually was a bit better at chess than Nana Rose. Lucy then shouted, "NANNY! I'M BETTER AT CHESS THAN YOU!" I was smart enough to sneak in and get a couple photos and a mini video of their first match.

A Card from Mel!

Look what I found in my mailbox!

The Old Man

Mid-February I watched Jeff Bridges turn in another exceptional performance in the FX series The Old Man. And just to make it even better, it also stars John Lithgow. It's a fantastic series that doesn't leave a ton of loose ends at the last episode but leaves you wanting more. Here's hoping they can pick up where they left off and give us more.

(photo kidnapped from imdb)

American Gigolo

Last September I caught the first two episodes when I had Showtime for the month. I thought it was a solid series and Jon Bernthal was absolutely mesmerising. I didn't want to stay signed up for the rest of the season and figured I'd wait til every ep was available and then pay for a month, binge it, and cancel my subscription. Yeah, then Showtime pulled it from their streaming. Blah. So I bought the series off Amazon, watched the whole thing in one go and thoroughly enjoyed it. While Richard Gere played Julian in the film as polished, cool, and distant, Bernthal's Julian was emotional, raw, and very real. He played it to the hilt and never looked back.

(photo kidnapped from showbizjunkies) 

Two Little Monkeys

The afternoon of March 21st, 2010 I went with Marina and her brother, Jason, to help him pick out a new bed. The salesman told them that they could test out the mattress by jumping on it and they took full advantage. I, naturally, caught the moment on film.

Black Gables A-Frame

This beautiful home in Ohio is listed on Airbnb, but sadly it's a fortune for just one person. Regardless, it's still fun to look through the photos by Levi Kelly and daydream that this is my very own home in the woods.

Ask Someone (Dave)

In what part of the world do you imagine me being the happiest?

I imagine Lisa sitting in an airbnb in a small town somewhere in Europe.  Enjoying local faire and reading a book.

What would you use to lure me into a trap?

I would lure Lisa in to a trap by telling her that a friend or family member needs her help.  She would drop everything to be there to help.

In a perfect world, who would I end up marrying?

A person that has complete respect and love for Lisa’s uniqueness, someone that makes her laugh until she pees herself.

What is your favourite moment we've shared?

Our trip to Ireland was one of the best trips I have ever been on, mainly because it was with Lisa.

What name do you think suits me better than my own?

Lisa Star is the best name as it is the one SHE chose.

What things remind you of me?

Discussions of traveling abroad, jazz music, choc chip cookies, Christmas, scarves, movies of any kind.

What do you hope I will always remember about you?

I hope Lisa remembers that despite me being an asshole, I truly do love her and that she needs to know how incredible of a person she is.

My answers for Dave:

In what part of the world do you imagine me being the happiest?

A cozy, but high-tech, smart house built into a hillside in Colorado.

What would you use to lure me into a trap?

The newest, latest, raddest gadget that no one else has seen yet.

In a perfect world, who would I end up marrying?

No slight to my sister-in-law, who I love, but for a celeb match? Elizabeth Banks

What is your favourite moment we've shared?

The Greg Louganis conversation

What name do you think suits me better than my own?

Alexander "Lex" Kent

What things remind you of me?

iPhones, new devices, beer, The Cure, Depeche Mode, MacGyver, Sammy Hagar, talented musicians, organisation, Marlboro memorabilia, H.R. Giger, fancy tools, Greg Louganis, and anytime I ever need something fixed, because you can do it all.

What do you hope I will always remember about you?

That even though I'm weird and never fit in, I really like you and always wanted us to be good friends.

Brunchtime at LesbiVeggies

Today I met up with my brother from another mother for a gabfest and grub at our fave place. This time Bish ordered the Breakfast Tostadas, I, naturally, got my Zuke Frits, and we split (as a sort-of dessert) the newest menu item: Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes. They were out-of-this-world delicious. Best pancakes I have ever stuffed in my gob. We caught eachother up on Pax, Picard, Bella's May wedding, my upcoming trips to Ohio and Boston, Lonnie getting a full-ride scholarship to Tufts, Tanya's scripts, Paul's crazy Summer shin-digs and the price tag that still blows our minds, plus lots of talk of new music: Depeche Mode's Memento Mori, Young Fathers, Jessie Ware, Samara Joy, Cleo Sol, and I told Bishop about my new love: Gepe. We immediately made plans to do this all over again on May 28th. Since that's his turn to pay, I am definitely getting two entrees. But he knows I'll share!

Breakfast Tostadas - refried beans, chickpea scramble, mozzarella, pico, sour cream, lettuce, avocado, scallions

Zucchini Corn Fritters - pan seared fritters, sriracha remoulade, fresh spring mix & plum tomato salad

Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes - chai batter, strawberry compote, cashew cream, carmelized pecans, Grade A maple syrup

Bishop & Star in Dreamland

Came across this old text between me and Bish when I was creating yesterday's post a few minutes ago. I had completely forgotten about this dream! I'm so glad I messaged Bishop about it.

Abbott Elementary

I am beyond hooked on this show, all thanks to Bishop. He told me last January what a hoot it was and so I added it to my list of "to-watch next" and finally got around to signing up for Hulu in June and haven't looked back. So many fantastic characters, funny as hell story lines, and the writing is phenomenal. Oh and it takes place in Philly, my hometown! All the local references make me feel like I'm in with the In Crowd since I know the places and slang that they are talkin' about. This week we met Janine's mom played by the incomparable Taraji P. Henson, who I have loved since she was in Smokin' Aces all those years back. She was freakin' hilarious as a dead-beat mom. I hope Abbott Elementary is a series that continues to soar for several more seasons before ending right at the top of their game. 

(photo kidnapped from tvinsider)

BONUS! Texts between me and Bish:

The Night Agent

Binged this series today and it was really pretty good. Oddly enough I re-watched The Kings of Summer yesterday and today saw the kid who played Patrick in that, all grown up and impressing the hell out of me as Agent Peter Sutherland. Definitely worth a watch.

(photo kidnapped from imdb)

36 - The Night

The Night

We can no longer tell the difference between day and night. Our lights blaze around the clock. Streetlights, porch lights, lamps, and the blue glow of televisions and thousands of tiny screens. Midnight looks a lot like noon these days The old-timers will tell you there was a time when we used to enjoy the dark. Although it was mysterious, the night gave our minds room to breathe and we would rest our eyes while contemplating the stars. Then someone turned on a light because they did not like the unknown. They were frightened of things they could not see. The stars dimmed a little and the sky faded from black to blue, and we decided the night was ruined so we switched on our lamps too. This is how our nights turned into days. But last night our neighbor turned off his lights and we admired his quiet patch of dark so we did the same. The sky is beautiful tonight and if somebody turns on a light we will ignore it, knowing sooner or later they will want to see the stars again.

Our actions are contagious. We must not follow others blindly. Accepting the light and the dark leads to sound judgment.

Ask Someone (Amy)

In what part of the world do you imagine me being the happiest?

Ireland

What would you use to lure me into a trap?

a large bearded man

In a perfect world, who would I end up marrying?

animal and movie lover, generous, funny, good-looking is a bonus, intelligent -OR- David Bowie

What is your favourite moment we've shared?

UB40 at The Mann and trip to Chicago

What name do you think suits me better than my own?

Lola

What things remind you of me?

octopuses, stickers. Band Aids, Mini Coopers, Fancy cigarettes, Ani DiFranco

What do you hope I will always remember about you?

That I was a good friend.

My answers for Amy:

In what part of the world do you imagine me being the happiest?

I think you are happy with where you live, although I would personally prefer you to live in South Jersey. Maybe swap out the old place on Oxford for the 519 house.

What would you use to lure me into a trap?

Front row tickets to the Stones with optional back stage access.

In a perfect world, who would I end up marrying?

Donald Glover came to mind because he's handsome, not afraid to be silly, is talented, likes music and seems fun and outgoing. 

What is your favourite moment we've shared?

The infamous floaters moment all those years ago, playing on the driveway at the old house on Goodwin, dancing in your mother's lingerie to Cyndi Lauper, and any time we've met up to see classic movies on the big screen: Rocky, Jaws, White Christmas, and Road House.

What name do you think suits me better than my own?

Holly Rebecca

What things remind you of me?

Rolling Stones, recycling, Oreo's, GTOs, farms, Star Wars, football and anything Philadelphia Eagles, Stephen King, Jaws, raisins in cookies, floaters, dinosaurs (we heart brachiosaurus/brontosaurus), turgid, and Squishmallows.

What do you hope I will always remember about you?

That through the decades and gaps in time where we would see one another, we have always come back together with complete ease and that I have always considered you to be more than just a bestie. You've been my constant.

Three Years Later...

...and I finally went to the Bikini Kill show! In truth, I had been excited at first and then when it sank in, I was dreading it. I originally bought the tickets as a bday adventure for me and Zach. Well, he was 15 then and now, at almost 19, I know he's not remotely interested in seeing a band he doesn't know just for the fun of an evening with me. So I realised last year that I was gonna end up going solo. I mentioned the concert to Bella and Kay but could tell they didn't want to go and were too embarrassed to say no thanks. Sooooo....April 7th at 2:45pm I decided to text Marina and just see if maybe she was free for the evening. To my insane delight she was!! We got there at twenty after eight, chatted/shouted at each other during the opening act (Brontez Purcell) up at the bar on the second floor, then waited and waited until Bikini Kill hit the stage a little before half past nine. Marina made the best of it (sidebar: she got all dolled up for our night out - skinny jeans, black boots, black tank, 90s flannel shirt, full face o' makeup and did her hair in sassy curls!), seeing as she couldn't understand a single word that was sung, and we hung around until the end of Rah! Rah! Replica. I knew that they would close with Rebel Girl and felt like I could leave and feel no regrets. I didn't wanna stay, fight through the line of cars trying to leave a very dodgy parky lot, only to hear one song. I was ecstatic that they played Feels Blind and felt that Marina had stood on an uncomfortable floor through music she didn't like for long enough. So we headed back to her place and got in two more episodes of The Last of Us. All this, plus Goldie's with Kay for lunch, made today damn near perfect.

Ha! Our view was bird's-eye at best, but it was still good to see the band on the telly!

This blurry blob is an ultra-zoomed in shot of Ms. Kathleen Hanna. 

Why they felt the need to stamp the wrist of a grey-haired old lady is beyond me. Do I look underage?? I say nay-nay. But it was the next best thing to getting a free sticker so yay for me!

Setlist:

New Radio

This Is Not a Test

Don't Need You

Alien She

Feels Blind

I Hate Danger

In Accordance to Natural Law

Carnival

Resist Psychic Death

No Backrub

Capri Pants

For Tammy Rae

For Only

Demi Rep

Reject All American

Jigsaw Youth

Sugar

Rah! Rah! Replica

Hamster Baby

Tell Me So

Magnet

Lil' Red

Suck My Left One

Encore:

Double Dare Ya

Rebel Girl

Poe in Philly

My Favourite Falafel

Kay and I had lunch yesterday at (where else) Goldie's Fishtown. On the way out I  noticed they had one of those stick-yer-face-in thingies. Kayla, being the wonderful, sweet gal that she is, posed as the third, and cutest, falaf!

Vintage Texts from Marina!

From when we were on the train from Jersey to NYC to see Hugh Jackman on Broadway.