It’s open-mike day here on the blog. Today, let’s hear about you.
In a recent comment, Jodi reminded me that we did this before and there many interesting comments. I just read through them and it’s like reading an old diary. I know, from your comments, that so much has happened in your lives since that post and I’m looking forward to hearing updates. There are always far more lurkers than commenters on any online forum, so if you don’t usually comment but feel like chiming in we will give you lots of “welcomes” and virtual handshakes and thumps on the back, but no {{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}. Promise.
Who wants to go first? (Pursing lips and waiting, Nurse Ratched style)
haha, Love the Nurse Ratched comment.
What advice would you give to new writers? Agent first or publisher?
This is such a hard question for me to answer. I sold my first book before I had an agent, but it was nonfiction and there was a celebrity in it so I have to admit that I had what they call a “platform.” It’s always a catch-22. You usually need an agent to get publishers to take notice but hard to get agent if you haven’t been published. Maybe others can share their experiences.
So.. Just keep writing and knock down doors?
What did you think about Rescue Me Anne ?
I mean of course, it’s your husband, but did you and/or Denis think it was realistic ?
I have been a city firefighter for 17 years and it is BY FAR the most realistic show about Fire Houses/Crews I have ever seen. (Other than the ghost stuff and actually being able to see anything inside a structure fire) lol
Do you think they will ever do a movie ?
Hi Scott, I really liked the series, though there were times when I got a little tired of all the sex scenes. “It’s in the script,” was always his line, which was meant to be funny, and it was, because he wrote the scripts.
But if you’re a firefighter you are going to love the documentary BURN, which Denis helped produce and which will be coming out this year. It’s about firefighters in Detroit. Because the city is now filled with abandoned building, there are fires raging every day. But the city is broke. There is virtually no budget to fix all the ailing engines and equipment, the firefighters are overworked and underpaid and of course, there are people who want to make the union the scapegoat. But these men are incredibly inspiring and so heroic. The movie sounds like it’s a downer and there are some very tragic things that happen but ultimately it’s a wonderful tribute to all firefighters and to the city of Detroit.
I look forawrd to seeing BURN. I lived just outside of Detroit for some years and was both amazed at beauty of many of the old homes and boulevards, and horrified by things like Devil’s Night. The night before Halloween where they set hundreds of abandoned homes on fire in the city each year.
Sorry…wifes name is Ann with an E. My apology
I want to share a fabulous book that I just finished–The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. Finished last night–it was funny, creepy, mystical, historical, romantic, sad and bizarre all at the same time. Ann, you are such a fan of books that I thought you might enjoy this one. I would never have picked it up normally but at this moment I am so sad I finished it and can’t go back to it tonight.
Thanks Christine!
I second that rec. so good! This is the book I bought 3 times in a month without even realizing!
Hi Ann. Could you please help us spread the word? My 14 month project is now complete. 100% of donations go directly to animals in need all across the country. We are all volunteers. Our winner from our Twitter for the Critters Celebrity Challenge will have a chance to win a 1 of kind, not to be duplicated, original poster signed by 89 actors, musicians & athletes. For every $5 donation they get a chance in the drawing, for $10 they get two, etc. A portion of the funds raised will go to purchase medical equipment for a local rescue. http://www.onyxandbreezy.org/fundraiser Ken is the National Spokesperson & we are both on Ex. Board. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Big hugs to both you and Denis. xo
What a great cause Linda! Thanks for all you do for the critters!
I’ll be brave and emerge from *lurkdom*, although I did chime in on Super Bowl Sunday (about Namath, etc.) after many, many moons since I last posted. (I always try to read your posts, Ann, and listen to your Hash Hags podcasts, but I don’t often have pithy or otherwise scintillating comments to add, I just enjoy reading about your adventures, your readers’ comments, and listening to your interviews with interesting writers. It’s good stuff!
What’s new? Well, I was about to say not much, but I just realized something kind of neat happened this week. I just had a photo I took and short caption included in a group of images about “cultural pilgrimages” published in the NYTimes online for their Sunday Magazine feature “You Were There”. The feature is part of the upcoming “Voyages” issue of the magazine, now online and to be published in print on Feb 12. http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/02/06/magazine/voyages-reader-submissions.html?ref=magazine
It was a treat to see they used my photo since I was rather late in spotting the invitation to submit online. My photo is among the group along the far left margin, beige building with a dark arched window – click on the photo to enlarge it and read the caption. The photo is of the front facade of the Sunset Center in Carmel, CA – a gem of a venue in a gem of a town – to which I made a “cultural pilgrimage” from upstate NY last September. It was a special trip and so fun to have a chance to share the image and the reason for my trip in the Times.
So, come on other lurkers…out from behind the curtain!
Leslie, that is so cool about your photo. Have you ever had other photos published or is this your first. My computer is very slow and wouldn’t open link. I’m going to try again.
Thanks so much, Ann. I haven’t had photos published before (although I once considered briefly studying to be a professional photographer), but I have had my writing published several times in the past few years on the Times’s horse racing blog, The Rail, to which I contribute periodically, which was totally unexpected and has been a great treat. I was so thrilled to be invited to contribute there. One of my posts last year on The Rail, “The Art of Horse Power”, features the work of a friend who is a superb fine art photographer, Juliet Harrison. She has self-published several beautiful books of her gorgeous horse images, including a book of dressage photos that you and your readers might enjoy seeing: http://julietrharrisonphotography.com/
Thank you , Leslie. I admit to being another perpetual lurker here. In response to the earlier comments about book publishing. All of my books are self-published, although it makes them nearly impossible to market in a retail setting due to their price. It is harder to get a publisher to pick up a Fine Art photography book in this day and age. Even harder when they are as specialized as mine. But like the fiction and non-fiction authors out there, I still keep trying. After 20 years in independant bookselling, I hold great store by seeing my work in book form.
Lurkdom was comfortable…but okay. Just a question or two about writing. Did you always know you would write, or was it a conclusion you finally came to ? Also, are you a disciplined writer with a certain amount you like to cover every day, or is the creative flow more sporadic with dry spells in between ? And thanks, by the way, for sharing yourself in such a cool way. You inspire ! L.
Hi Lila, I always wanted to be a writer and I’m more sporadic than disciplined. When just starting a book it can be really hard until you really find the tone, narrative voice and understand your characters. I started this last book a few years ago, and I wrote quite a bit, then hit a roadblock and put it away for months, then came back to it.
Well — it’s snowing outside right now here in Calgary.
I am SO excited because my dear hubby and I have booked one of our “dream” vacations — we will be flying to Washington, DC on June 29th to see the city in all of the July 4th celebrations.
We have both wanted to go for so long and we finally said the heck with it — let’s do it — so that’s what we will be doing as our birthday gifts — his is July 15th and mine is July 31st.
Our list of sites to see is incredibly long but we know it will be hot, humid and busy but we agreed it will be worth it.
Any “must see” sites that anyone can recommend??
And who knows –maybe NYC will be next!
Have fun Joletta! I have been to DC many times as I have family in the area. The best thing is to take the Tourmobile which just drives around to each monument and you get on and get off when you want. Since you can’t tour the White House any more there is an offsite place that you can visit and see many historical items that were moved out of the White House so people can still enjoy them–my uncle had a huge part in this project. Mount Vernon is very cool too and that is not right in DC. You can also go to the Capitol Lawn to see the rehearsal for the 4th celebration and avoid the crowds on the actual day. It is a wonderful place to visit and most sites are free–the Smithsonian and the Zoo for sure. Arlington Cemetery is a very moving place to tour. We are going this summer too!
hi, joletta -
we went to d.c. this past september and the most interesting and fun thing we did was take this walking tour:
http://www.walkofthetowndc.com/Meet_Tim.html
i’d highly recommend it! have fun!
Joletta, Have fun! (from your fellow Calgarian…)
Hi Joletta! You will love your trip. The last time I was in DC I took a nighttime tour of all the monuments. It was incredible. Especially moving was the Korean War Memorial. You’ll know what I mean when you see it. Have fune!
catherine – i agree… incredible!
Hi Lisa! How are things with Kibble Cupboard?
Hey, cat! Things are awesome – so far we’ve handed out three tons of food and litter. We’re working with about 25 families – adding more each month. We’re sponsoring a lot of spay/nesters and doing outreach, too. Next up is getting a storage unit – our basements and garages aren’t enough room now… Thanks for asking
.
2 more things–the field where the Washington Nationals play is super nice if you take in a baseball game and the rehearsal for the Capitol 4th is usually on the 3rd.
Ooh, I’ll bite.
My son turned 16 months old today and decided to wake up at 3:30AM. Today also marks my golden retriever’s 4th Gotcha Day. We have three rescue dogs, two with special needs, and they keep me busy. I love reading your blog and live a little vicariously through your experiences. I, too, reside in CT, have a hockey player husband, love animals and books, live for being someone’s mother.
You have a very famous husband–we love his shows, movies, books–and I’ll confess that when I first started reading I would scan your posts for a glimpse into Denis’ life, but now I come here just for Ann. Sometimes being a stay-at-home Mom makes my brain feel a little mushy. I was an English major and I feel as if I can’t form a simple sentence most days. And then I come here and become inspired. I stay up reading the books of HH authors and I feel the way I did leaving my creative writing classes back at UConn. So thank you for being such a wonderful muse.
Also, I’m sort of in love with Gomer.
Lauren, I just had to comment quickly on your post. I don’t have kids, but on Saturdays I babysit my six-month old God-son so his mom can have a break. It’s usually for only about 3 hours. It is the hardest work!! And I only do it for a few hours. All you moms out there who do it 24/7 are incredible! After my grueling three hours, I need a four hour nap! And he is an easy baby! Kudos to all of you!
Six months was a tiring age for sure and you sound like an angel for giving that mama a break, I bet you make her whole week! There’s some sort of dizzying effect that comes with motherhood, I think, so that you forget the bad and only remember the wonderful. Take last night for instance. My little one is learning how to sleep in his big boy bed and so I have to sit next to him holding his hand so that he’ll stay in bed. He would not sleep and I sat there on the floor for almost two hours while he yelled “WHEEEEEEEE!” like the pig in the Geico commercial. I wanted him to go to bed so badly. Then right before he fell asleep he took my hand in both of his tiny hands and cuddled up in my fingers. Today, on less than four hours of sleep, all I can do is laugh about all of the wheeeing and remember the sweetness. If women didn’t have that dizzying gene I think we’d never give birth more than once. Enjoy that Godson, they grow too fast.
Lauren, two special needs dogs and a toddler? And you had the energy to type that comment? There is a Mommy fog that happens to your brain when the kids are little. I forgot about that.
Happy 16 months to your son!
There’s a Mommy Fog?! OH NO.
What have I gotten myself into?!
Lauren, you are my hero. I can learn a lot from you!
Cat, when you’re here in the Fall I just may kidnap you and keep you captive in our nice 2nd floor suite…and you can babysit your heart out!
KC, you’ve got a deal. I’m in training with Teddy (my godson), so hopefully by the Fall my endurance will have improved!
Don’t worry, Ann, typed while the baby slumbered with me on the couch. KC, it’s a good fog. I’m happy to lend any tips and advice possible, although I’m discovering that the best person to go to for motherly advice is yourself. I let my baby sleep in bed with us, still breast feed him, don’t use those material shopping cart covers, don’t make him cry it out. Everyone will tell you how they raised their kids and how not to do such and such, but in the end you’ll know exactly what is right for you and your baby. Get ready to have your heart explode with the most intense love for the rest of your life. I’ve never been so tired, or so happy.
I wrote a children’s book and discovered that it is easier to write a book than it is to sell one. I have more stories written but I remain concerned about the bottom line.
I spoke about my being the daughter of a compulsive gambler for the first time on this blog. It was a huge accomplishment for me since very few people know about that aspect of my life.
Thanks for offering your readers this opportunity to vent on your blog. I appreciate it.
That took a great deal of courage Gina. What type of childrens book do you write?
Homework Time With Charlie which was written because of my experience with my own child during homework. The other stories have evolved from experiences I have had with my son.
Gina, I really thought I would like to write a short story based on that brief comment of yours about your parent and the Super Bowl. Maybe you should write a memoir!
Ann, I am flattered that you would consider writing a piece based on my comment. I have written an essay which I am trying to publish about my experience. Thanks.
As Lauren mentioned above, I arrived at your blog under pretense, but not because of Denis – my daughter and your son attend Emerson College and I was curious if you had insight into their college life! I love reading about your adventures – you write so well.
With facebook and everyone asking, “what are you up to” I often have to search for something exciting. I’ve found that sometimes the smallest experiences excite those around us into great conversation(such as leaving my coffee on the kitchen counter after leaving for work!) I have some famous friends and often feel “small” being “just a secretary.” But I was pleasantly surprised when a college friend published his first novel and used my photo for his bio on the back dust jacket! His 5th novel is coming out in April and he is still using my photos (the same ones from 20 years ago I think!) So I thought I would share Wally’s information with you so you can go read his books http://wallacestrobycom.blogspot.com/ – he is a great crime novelist.
Please don’t feel the need to convince me that secretaries are important — I definitely know that and am quite comfortable with my job – I work at a small college and help students all day and know that my work is meaningful . . .just wish it paid like a rock star!!
Wow, another published photgrapher! Donna, is your daughter graduating this year?
No, she is only a sophomore and hopes to spend a semester in LA (probably Fall 2013). She is a journalism major, hoping to work for ESPN in sports broadcasting. Her good friend Nash from high school also attends Emerson, so she stays in touch with his drama side of the school. Is your son graduating this year? Such an exciting time – does he know what he wants to do?
Photography is my hobby and I think I have a good eye, but not the technical side – so it will probably stay a hobby unless I really put in the effort. One of my favorites is of Roy Orbison the day before he died at his last concert in Boston at The Channel! Give Holly a hug (my younger daughter is named Holly!) All my best, Donna
Open mike…okay…ahem…
I’ve loved this blog for what seems like forever. It took me awhile to realize Ann Lembeck was Ann Leary and that Ann Leary was married to DL. (I’ve mentioned before that I’m a “way homer”…I usually figure jokes out or plan witty retorts on my “way home”.) Anyway, I’m a boring accountant for a non-profit and Ann’s blog has opened up so many parts of my brain and heart. I’ve learned about horses and dogs and EMT training and writing and kayaking and Italy and humor and hair color and so much more. I’ve become long distance friends with some wonderful gals (shout out to KC and Aislinn, who keep me in stitches) and feel a real sense of community on this blog with so many smart, witty and fun women (and men, Alan). I’ve read books I never thought I would (Dracula!), supported films I never would have known about (Burn), and found a real joy in donating to causes close to Ann’s and her readers’ hearts. I’ve even written poetry when my competitive side came out and signed copies of Ann’s books was the prize. So thank you to Ann and all her readers. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Cat, We love you!
Catherine and Aislinn, you, like so many others, have been such good and loyal friends to this blog. I’m going to “out” you both now by mentioning that, more than once, you have contributed to a charity that I’ve mentioned here. You’re are also both wicked funny
I’m cutting out and laminating your comment above, Ann. To quote your Twitter comment from earlier…I’m swooning. I think wicked funny is the nicest thing I’ve heard all week. Thank you!
Cat & ais – you guys make me laugh out loud!
What a lovely post, and ditto from one who has won a signed book from Ann…yippee,skippee..
Awwww, you guys!
Hi Candy!
Very well said Catherine. I feel as though I know many of you although I have only met the fabulous Lisa in the flesh and never would have if it wasn’t for this blog. So many more of you are my FB friends and even though we haven’t met face to face I feel a connection. So many funny, warm, supportive women. (and Alan,too!)
i agree! i’ve met a lot of the northeasterners but also am so happy to have met courtney and amanda… wish everyone lived closer (you, too, catherine and jane porter!).
Hello from a Brazilian lurker! I just would like to say that I´ve been reading your blog for a year, I think, and I enjoy it a lot. Intelligent, great humour and dogs!!! Hashhags is great! Great people, great chats. I look forward to a new one every week.
I just LOVE internet. To have access to such good things is amazing.
Thanks!
I almost said “Hola Virginia.” I don’t know how to say hello in Portuguese, but HI VIRGINA!
We say “Oi”, and believe it or not there´s some sort of interjection in English (MacMillan dictionary), but they say it´s not polite. Our “Oi” is your Hi!
Nice weekend for you all, ours will probably be scorching hot!
Anyone read any Fern Michael books? Opinions please. I have not but have a friend who told me I should read this author and follow the series. I just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy and loved it. Also been reading a lot of Jeffrey Gitomer books.
You and I have had many chats on Twitter. I made a random comment how I liked your comments over Denis. Then I realized it was Denis Leary. Momnesia at its finest. Just thought you would get a smile that I only new Outakes of A Marriage at that time. You are a wonderful lady. I hope we can talk again.
@just_d_world
Candy, I have read Fern Michael’s books and I have to say, she’s not one of my favorites. Her writing style is just odd for some reason that I can’t put my figure on. There are a couple of authors with series that I really enjoy, Deanna Raybourne’s Lady Julia Gray series, and Karen White’s The House on Tradd Street, etc. I also really enjoy Sara Addison Allen, The Garden Spell was one of the first that I read, I think. Anyway, books are very subjective and everyone definitely has their own taste but just putting these out there. BTW, long time lurker – I’ve been reading for a bit but never posted, mostly because what I read is far more interesting than anything I might have to say! I live near Annapolis, MD and commute to work to Washington every day. To anyone planning to visit DC and ride the Metro – when you’re on the escalators, stand to the right! The left is a passing lane. There are no signs telling you this and Metro doesn’t announce it but it’s an unwritten rule amongst us admittedly grouchy commuters – yes, Washington was recently voted the rudest city.
Cheryl,
I found your post very interesting, thanks for sharing.
Wait, I thought Boston was supposed to be the rudest. There must be some way for Boston to challenge this.
I’m also usually a lurker but I thought I should come out of hiding today. Today I’m trying to figure out how to coordinate 3-4 friends for a 40th birthday trip to Nantucket. We all have jobs and kids to deal with. I live in Maine and I usually vacation up here. Have you ever been to Nantucket? Any recommendations on where to stay or what to see? I’m not a big Massachusetts expert since Maine and Mass. tend to have a cranky relationship with each other.
I think Massachusetts likes Maine more than Maine likes Massachusetts but I might be wrong about that, Kate. We love Nantucket. Try to go slightly off-season. The rates are lower and much less traffic. And you’re used to cold water so the water in May and September will still feel warmish to you. It’s a pretty small island so you can see most of it in a short stay. The Whaling Museum is fun. Cisco Brewery is you like beer. Beaches are great.
Looking through the posts, glad to “see” everyone is doing well. I’m Still doing the CNA job. My “baby” will be 16 on Wed. Where does the time go? WELCOME to all the new people who posted. Can’t wait until the new book is out Ann.
Thanks Rose
I’m generally a lurker too, but this is an opportunity for me to say…I LOVE this blog for its humor, its horsey and literary bent and for the occasional glimpse into the celebrity world.
I am a librarian. Books are my world. We are coming to a big crossroads soon. As I walk down the aisle of my branch I see so many original titles first published in trade paperback, not hardback. Why? It is cheaper. E-books are increasing in market share. Will our beloved hardcover book disappear? Art books and children’s picture books will most likely be with us for a long while, I think. But really, no one knows. Libraries today are buying e-books to circulate. Yes. We have free access to e-books for Kindles, Nooks, etc.
What will your public library look like in two years? In five years? We are community centers, early literacy centers, computer centers, resume and job hunting centers, learning centers, purveyors of local history, and and reading mavens. It is our great challenge to remain relevant in the new digital world. And I believe we will do it.
Ann, you are a supporter of your local library, I know. They are so fortunate.
Any comments from the avid readers and library lovers?
Gail, that is a super scary thought! But so true. I must confess that I read books in my phone when I’m in the dark and everyone is asleep. However, there is nothing like the smell and feel of a hard copy.
I LOVE books and am very scared that they will become extinct. I work at a college and one of the students joked about the library as being “the book museum”. I got my daughter a membership to the Boston Atheneum (private library) while she is in college and sadly, she never set foot in it all year! As a child she loved libraries but once she got a laptop, that is all she uses. I hope people like us will keep books alive!
Gail, I love my local library, we are very fortunate to have one of the best in the state of TN. I go several times a week to check out books, DVD’s or do research. I know I’m old school but I would never want a kindle. There is nothing like getting a nice, big hardcover book, actually holding it and turning it’s pages. But as you said, the library is really a community center. I have taken knitting, CPR, and genealogy classes and have also gone to countless lectures on history, health and local candidate forums. I really wish more people had access to quality libraries.
I got a real copy of “The Help” and couldn’t put it down. Everything else in life stopped while I read it, and the feel of paper lingers as part of that intense experiene.
My mom likes to read but now sees backlit screens better than real pages, so we got her a Nook, and use my account to buy ebooks for her.
The Nook came with a free edition of “Little Women,” and I read the entire 560 pages on my phone–in small doses. Lol.
I had begun the book numerous times in my youth, but never got very far. Reading it on the phone didn’t take all that long, and now I’ve finished the classic that every girl used to read as a rite of passage!
I love ebooks on my phone for travel too, since there’s no extra bulk or weight to carry. My painting gear is enough of a burden!
There’s room in my heart for both.
Love your stuff, Ann. When is the new book coming out?
Thanks Dan, early 2013.
In the beginning there was no beginning
There was eternal love between the Father, Son and Spirit.
Then there was the desire to create
The angels, man and the universe.
this is the beginning of a poetic summary of the bible, as I see it, that I wrote. It’s kind of long. If you want more or all of it, I’ll submit it.
Yes, lets see it, Dan.
Ann, just want to say thanks for this blog, it is such a respite. Such a supportive community of truly genuine people.
As for me, I turned the big 50 in December….some days feel like I am still in my 20′s, some days the body feels as though it is 100. 50 has spurned thoughts about how quickly this life is passing by……I can remember moments that happened years ago, with such clarity it seems like yesterday. I find myself worrying about how many good years I have left, how fast the last 20 zipped by, and in 20 more, I will be 70!!! How is that possible? Sigh. My mind can be a scary place sometimes.
I have been sad this week, tomorrow is the one year anniversary of the passing of our beloved dog Murphy. Can’t help but relive the days leading up to that, and how tough it was. Though my husband and I now have another dog, whom I love to bits, we still cry over the last one. I don’t think I will ever get over that dog.
Amazed at all the new names I am seeing here on this topic, and wonder how many readers are really out there, but never post. I enjoyed all of these entries, what a great idea. An annual event, maybe?
Maureen,
I am right there with you on the 50 feeling.
Hi Maureen, only about 1% of viewers to this blog comment, according to webstats. Lurkers are all welcome but it’s nice when they sometimes say hello. I’m turning 50 in August. Sigh.
There were 99 comments in less than 24 hours. That must be a record!!
Nantucket is fabulous. I haven’t been there in years (about 25) but I still remember the best omelet in the world that I had at the Morning Glory restaurant. I’m sure it has changed tons but would go back in a heartbeat.
Tried to reply to Kate above–I can’t understand why it won’t go under her comment.
Not sure either but thanks for the tip!
Hello Ann…
I have been your lurker, made one post and decided to write…
What’s new with me. Today is the 10 month mark of me leaving Ohio and moving to Long Island to start my “new” life. I also interviewed for my dream job as an ED nurse. It is also the 10 year anniversary of me getting my EMT-P license. I was a FF/Medic in Ohio for 8 years, but got burnt out, became a flight attendant and realized I missed EMS but didn’t want to go back to the streets, so I became a nurse. This month is my one year anniversary of getting my RN.
Last year was probably one of the hardest years of my life and one of the ways I coped was to watch “Rescue Me”, read Denis’ book and your books. (Boy I feel like a stalker) It helped me get my mind off of stuff. But don’t worry, I did throw in some “Nip/Tuck” and “Sons of Anarchy”. (Now I feel like I stalk FX). I also liked Charlaine Harris. Sometimes you just need brain candy to detach from the world.
Thanks for giving me a place to unplug and for letting me see that in a year things can really change.
PS – If you ever need a girls view of FF/EMS, let me know!
Kristen, I hope this year is better than last year for you.
Great to hear from everyone here.(Sooo interesting). And of course, thanks to Ann for making it all happen. Have a great weekend everyone!
Nice to see so many familiar faces here (you know who you are!), and some new ones, too.
As I’ve previously noted on at least a couple of occasions, this is without question one of my favorite places on the entire Internet to spend some time. I make it a point to check in nearly every day, looking forward to a new blog entry from Ann or a bunch of thoughtful, funny, interesting, informative, touching, and/or silly comments from my fellow blog mates.
It’s not an overstatement to make the personal observation that discovering this website some three years ago had (and continues to have) a profound, positive impact on my adult life. I hope that doesn’t sound TOO dramatic…but it’s true. This place – and the people who populate it – make me pretty darned happy (which, I assure you, is quite an accomplishment!).
Thanks, Ann.
what Alan said
LOVE this blog, you, your writing, your wicked good life, your dogs, horses, kids, house….all of it….thank you, Ann, for creating such a warm online community
Alan,
I love to read your posts especially when you slip in one of your zingars. You will always be the man of the blog.
Awwww, Man of the Blog, thanks!
Yes, Alan. Love all your zippy contributions.
My mind replays your piano collision as if I was there, btw.
This blog has such intellect and fun!
All you witty types are a blast, and I want to be there if you’re ever in the same room. You know who you are.
I want to say “Ditto” to what Catherine wrote above about the blog. If you substituted “boring English teacher” for “boring accountant for a non-profit,” I swear you’d be reading my post. But I’d like to add a little something about the ways in which Ann’s books and blog have had an impact on a group of students I teach at a small college in East Hartford. The majority of the students I teach are single, working mothers who are returning to school to earn a degree in nursing. Our students don’t have a lot of extra time to read or write in their daily lives, so the time I ask them to spend doing so I try to make it worth their while. Needless to say, Ann’s book, An Innocent, a Broad, offers such an opportunity. Moreover, the students don’t even mind writing about her book because they loved reading it so much.
I’ve sent Ann a few of the comments from students’ papers, but she’s too modest to post them here. So, as a way to out her contributions to literacy education, I thought I’d share them here with you during our open mic blog. Below are a few of the blurbs from my students’ essays. I typed them verbatim–typos, grammatical mistakes, and the like. The first one is from the only man in the class.
1. The way Ann Leary is able to talk so truthfully about what happened in her life is amazing and really lets the reader grasp what was going through her head during her time at UCH. I am not one who normally reads books like “An Innocent, a Broad,” but I found myself mesmerized from start to finish. The way Ann was able to intertwine all of these different styles; truth, humor, sadness and self-deprecation, is what kept me wanting to read more. There were so many different emotions running through my head while reading “An Innocent, a Broad” that I did not have time to stop and think that I was actually reading a book about pregnancy.
2. Leary’s tone was humorous, which kept the seriousness of her book light-hearted. I never thought about having kids, but after reading her book, I started to actually envision what it would be like to be in Ann’s shoes while she was going through this traumatic occurrence. Time after time I thought to myself, “there is no WAY I would have been able to do that.” I think I might have kids if I could make it as funny as Ann did.
3. I know I’m supposed to be writing about Leary’s tone and its meaning regarding Jack’s birth but I just want to say my favorite part, when she met Denis’s family for the first time: “Seated on the toilet, I was enjoying a nice solitary pee when Denis’s father flung open the door.” This cracks me up (please don’t mark me off for saying this but it’s too funny not to talk about).
Okay, now I’m blushing. Thanks, Colleen.
A word from another regular commenter who enjoys Ann’s blog.
I’m missing a few regulars who used to leave frequent comments….Guadalupe, and Gloria, where are you? Hope all is well.
My latest news is I lost my youngest sister to cancer a few weeks ago, and had previously lost the sister a year younger than myself about 5 years ago. A bit disheartening!
Hmmm, what else, must brighten this post up a bit.The husband and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary in a few months.Looking forward to a little romantic getaway.
Thanks Ann for the enjoyable blog.
Annie,
Sorry for your loss.
annie – so sorry to read that.
So sorry, Annie.
Annie, so sorry for both your losses.
Congratulations on 50 years. That’s quite an accomplishment, and so refreshing to hear, in this age of what seem to be so many “disposable marriages”. How touching and sweet that you still do romantic getways after 50 years. Hope it will be special for you. Happy Anniversary.
I am so sorry to hear of both losses. Sisters are so special.
Congratulations on your upcoming 50th wedding anniversary, and wishing you a beautiful getaway celebration.
Okay I confess, I too am a lurker, I comment on a rare occasion but I just enjoy reading your posts Ann, you are a very gifted writer and I love your sense of humor.
I am an Interior Designer and I have a little blog that I try and update once a week on design projects…My pics are better than my writing, so I try to fill each post with pics.
I am married to an awesome man and we have a rock star dog named Calvin Dane…He’s a mix of a great dane, border collie, whippet…Not sure how that happened, but he is adorable!
We travel whenever we can, I ride horses whenever I can, and paddleboard in summer…Ummm, oh I am a Californian living in Austin, Texas…Tough switch with no ocean here but everyone keeps telling me it’s a mini LA here, is that good?
Okay I have officially “come out”, thank you for the invite, ha!
)))
Welcome Marie! How about linking us to your blog?
I tried to post earlier and I guess it went into “space”, ha!
Anyway, my lowly blog is http://www.decoratorondemand.blogspot.com
Not sure if I can post a website on here, maybe that is the reason it didn’t show up…?
Thank you for:
*Opening my eyes to real poetry
*Beautiful photos…I especially love Moses’ photos
*So many different causes
*Touching stories
*Great videos…love the doggie ones!
*Hilarious stories (It’s War..Learys vs Mice and The Eyesore. The post on the town meeting about The Eyesore had me laughing so hard! I should go back to find that post and remind myself to read it anytime I feel blue!)
*Your childhood stories…’we can’t have nice things!’
*Creating a wonderful family of blog friends
*And just being you! You have so graciously welcomed all of us into your ‘home.’
PS I, too, have written a book, but it was several years ago. I know it will never be published, but I will always be proud of it! Love to hear your stories of the publishing process.
xxoo
I have gotten behind on the blog and am catching up, so sorry to be late to the party here … Christine, you put it very well, and you touch on many things that are favorites of mine too!
I am eagerly awaiting “The Good House,” and enjoying “Hash Hags” while painting, painting, painting.
Preparing for my December show in Washington, CT to benefit Steep Rock Land Trust. The trails suffered major damage from the 2011 floods and Snoctober, depleting resources and staff.
There will be paintings of Steep Rock and assorted subjects, including animals and people, at assorted prices.
Carol, where will the show be and what are the dates?
Marty’s Cafe. It’s near Steep Rock, has good lighting, good food, and is open every day. Show runs from Dec 1 through 31.
Carol, I will be there with bells on. Christmas bells, no less!
Cool! Can’t wait to meet you.
I just re-started my little blog–again. Will be posting images and info re the Steep Rock benefit and other stuff.
Here’s the link. Http://www.carolbrightmanjohnsonfineart.blogspot.com
I’ll be joining Ais and others with bells on, too! Carol, I love your work, and best wishes for the show to be a wonderful success!
I love reading your blog, which I always save for a curl-up-with-my-coffee moment.
As a fellow dog fanatic,you might get a kick out of a blog I recently started in the voice of my 2 poodles. Domino (a mini) and Dash (a toy) have often complained to me that they are sick of people underestimating their intellectual abilities. They wanted a public forum; how could I say no? A blog was born.
http://whatdogsreallythink.blogspot.com/
Hope it brings a smile.
I’m a very lapsed Catholic married to a Jewish guy and I took exception to the attacks on the Affordable Care Act this week. Got the most hits ever on this post! Let’s keep the pressure on people. Love your POV Ann, by the way
)
http://mountainmornings.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/theres-somethimg-about-catholics/
I have just read through all the comments this morning, and I am so in love with all of you! Ann’s blog has the smartest, funniest, kindest readers, which I believe is a reflection of who Ann is. I think one of the things I like about the commenters is the wide range of ages, and I enjoy the different perspectives age brings. To those of you turning 50 this year, 50 is young. Don’t start thinking in terms of how much time you do (or don’t have) left. I just turned 64, and while I know I have more years behind me than in front of me, I refuse to think in those terms. I do take the Senior Discount whenever I can, though.
Thanks, Ann for the open mic. Love.
In the beginning, there was no beginning
There was eternal love between the Father, Son and Spirit.
Then there was the desire to create
The angels, man and the universe.
All things were created by God’s will
Everything and everyone obeyed God’s will
Then there was one who said, No, I will not obey!
Then there was one who said, No, let us do as we please.
This one came to the woman who had been one with the man,
As the Father, the Son and the Spirit are One.
This one said to the woman,
“In whose image do you want your children to be?”
“Do you want them to be slaves to the Almighty?
Or do you want them to be free!”
The woman considered the matter, the man as well,
“Freedom is best, no doubt about that!”
But with freedom came shame.
Freedom could not change facts.
We were created by God’s will.
We were created in God’s image.
Then God came to the couple, whose bonds of love were already breaking,
What shall I do with you?
Shall I condemn you to hell with the one who spoke to deceive?
No. I must punish your sin, but you I will save.
My creative, loving will has been broken.
There will be death and pain for that.
But I too will endure it.
I will become One of you, One with you.
I will undo the worst of the deceiver’s work.
My eternal anger, I myself will bear.
I will overcome his work.
I will restore life to My Creation.
“And Adam named his wife Eve,
Because she would be the mother of all the living.”
Life is a mystery because it comes from God,
Who is Himself a mystery to His Creation.
Mysteries are hard to figure to out.
There must be a simpler way!
Why bother oneself with God’s Word?
Let us do as we please!
So spoke Cain to Abel who believed in God,
Who brought a sacrifice acceptable to God.
How about I sacrifice you instead!
Will God be pleased with that?!
No, God wasn’t.
“Where is your brother Abel?”
I sent him to heaven to live with You!
What do I care where he is?
Yes, he is with Me.
But you have no one and nowhere to go.
Yea, whatever, I got plenty of this and that
Just don’t kill me yet, till I get it all.
I won’t kill you yet,
Nor will anyone else.
But for a different reason than you think,
So that you may repent and turn back to God.
And then Seth was born,
“And men began to call upon the Name of the Lord”
Who had created them in His image, by His will
And promised them One who would crush the serpent’s head,
One who would give them rest.
Could it be Noah?
Will he give us rest?
No. He will save his family in a boat.
No, we do not choose who the Savior will be.
The Lord does. So He called Abram
And promised him a son.
But I and my wife, we are too old for a son!
I create life, do you think I cannot raise the dead?
Do you doubt Me? Do you doubt My Power?
Do you think I cannot do what I say I will do?
Do you think I cannot restore my Creation?
Do you think I want to give you a son, just for you?
Do you think, he is only going to make you smile and laugh?
Don’t you think I want everyone to rejoice in what I am doing,
Like the angels laughed and danced when I said, “Let there be.”
“All nations on earth will be blessed in Him.”
But who is He?
It wasn’t Noah or Shem.
Could it be Isaac?
Isaac carried his own cross
But no it wasn’t him.
Could it be Jacob, who saw a way to heaven?
Jacob saw the Way, but it wasn’t Israel either.
What about Joseph?
Here is one who saves the whole world
Here is one devoted to God
Pure in heart, in life, in speech, in truth, in love, in faith.
“Take my bones with you when God leads you up from here.”
So Joseph knew it was One yet to come.
One who would raise up His own bones from death,
without the help of another.
But Moses, surely it must be Moses!
“The Lord will raise up a prophet for you
from among your own brothers, like me,
you must listen to Him!
For this is what you asked of the Lord at Mt. Sinai,
“Let us not hear this voice anymore
Or see this great fire
Or we will die.”
The Lord said to me,
“What they say is good
Oh, that they would always fear Me.
I will do as they ask.”
So then Joshua is the One.
The One who gives them rest and victory.
The One who gives them the promised land,
where they can fully obey the Law of the Lord.
Yes, let us stop the story here.
Why go on anymore?
The story is over,
Or if it is not over then it must be a broken record of never ending repetitions.
Yes, the story becomes an endless cycle.
Let us disobey the Lord,
let us go our own way,
let us make our own gods.
And then the Lord hands them over to their enemies.
And then the Lord sends them a deliverer to save them out of the hand of their enemies.
Doesn’t it become boring after a while?
Surely there must be something more interesting than the Word of the Lord.
And so, the Word of the Lord became a rare thing in those days.
And when Samuel heard It, he said of It,
Like they had said of the manna in the wilderness,
What is It?
What is It all about?
Is It about a beautiful curtain and tent?
Is It about a priest and a sacrifice of animals and grains and wine?
Is It about killing the heathen who know not God?
Why surely It is about all those things and more.
And Samuel himself killed the king of Amalek.
Because God just couldn’t forget or forgive
What Amalek did to Israel as they came out of Egypt.
So that is it then.
Vengeance is Mine says the Lord.
I will destroy My enemies.
I am a burning, jealous Fire.
And I anoint David My Servant.
He will carry out my Will.
He will destroy the heathen.
He is a man after My Own heart.
But he will not build Me a house to live in.
I, the Creator of the Universe, can’t live in a house
built by human hands.
I will build him a house.
I will give him a son to reign forever.
And so, Solomon builds the Temple of the Lord,
out of gold and silver and stone
and jewels and cedar.
But Solomon’s heart is divided
like he once threatened to do with the baby.
He does not reign forever.
Neither does Rehoboam.
Or Jeroboam. Or Jehoshaphat. Or Asa.
Or Ahab. Or Hezekiah. Or any of the others.
Well then, the Lord is a liar after all.
It all must come to nothing.
For here comes the king of Assyria,
And the king of Egypt,
And the king of Babylon.
And the king of the Persians.
But wait, maybe the Lord isn’t a liar.
This is the message of His Prophets,
Like Isaiah and Jeremiah in whom
the Word burns like a fire.
Maybe the Word of the Lord is absolute Truth,
More sure and certain than life or death.
Yes the Lord will fulfill His Word.
A son of David will reign forever.
This is what Gabriel tells Mary.
You have read what it says,
“The virgin herself will be with child.
And they shall call His Name, Immanuel, God is with us.”
“In the beginning was the Word.
And the Word was with God and the Word was God.
In Him was life. Without Him was nothing made
that has been made.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
We have seen His glory,
The glory of the Only begotten who came from the Father
Full of grace and truth.”
And so we baptize in His Name,
The Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Because we want all everywhere
to partake of His eternal Love,
The Love He showed on the Cross,
The Love incarnate in the bread and wine of His Holy Supper.
Go you forth and preach the Gospel to every creature.
Until I come again, He says.
For I am with you always until the end of the age.
Until the resurrection of all flesh,
Until judgment Day,
Until a new Creation of Heaven and Earth comes,
Until the elect be gathered in,
Until the Word have speedy course,
Until I send forth the Angels,
Until all stand before the Son of Man,
And His own reign with Him
in endless power and glory,
in endless joy and wonder,
in endless feasting and drinking.
In the end, there will be no end.
Only the eternal Love of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
And the Saints and the Angels in endless praise,
Praising the Lord
Wow Dan, that’s a long poem! And a beautiful testament of your faith.
Thanks. I told my daughter (sophmore h.s.) to read all your books. She said she would, (after telling me she couldn’t believe Ann Leary had actually talked to me.) My son, (8th grade) said to tell your husband, he loves the Ice Age movies.
I do so enjoy this post. I remember it fondly from last year. I don’t come out from hiding often as I am not witty enough to keep up with the pros on this site.
I think like a lot of you, my life has been a rollercoaster. I worked for many years at Borders books and unfortunately they shut their doors. I’m still really sad that it came to that. I was lucky though and now work for IKEA doing marketing. It’s so different from books but a wonderful challenge. It’s also nice to be with a company that is succeeding!
I do have a project I’m working on that would tie into those of you that appreciate firefighters. IKEA is giving a $25,000 kitchen makeover to one firehouse. There are 5 finalist (stations in NYC, Yonkers, Redondo Beach, CA, Palos Park, IL and Sheridan, OR). You can vote for your favorite at http://www.rescueremodel.com through 2/28. I’m sure they would appreciate the support. I live in Chicago so of course I’m hoping the Palos Park stations wins but all 5 of them are incredibly deserving.
Ann, thank you for all you give us. I always look forward to your blog and tweets and I can’t wait for your new book to come out. I will be first in line if you tour in Chicago!
Wanda, your post lifted my spirits
I have spent the last 23 years working for a company that has been in Chapter 11 for over a year. We are on the verge of going down the same road as Borders. I couldn’t help but fixate your point about working for a company that is succeeding.
It is very tough and emotionally draining to work in the atmosphere I am in daily. There is such an impending sense of doom. It is so sad to give your blood and guts to a company for 23 years, only to watch it be mismanaged into oblivion. You have made feel, for the first time in a very long while, that there is light at the end of this tunnel I am in.
BTW, I have IKEA furniture in my bedroom. Took me several YEARS to convince my hubby to go for it, as he was completed opposed to the whole assembly thing. I have to say my bedroom furniture looks just like something I saw at Ethan Allen, even better, in some ways, for THOUSANDS less. And now, I don’t have to feel guilty if I am sick of it in a few years. My taste changes, but I kept my last bedroom set for 25 years, even though I grew to despise it, because I paid a small fortune for it. Going to that site to vote now. Thank you Wanda!!!!
I’m so sorry for what you are going through Maureen. I do sympathize and understand how hard it is. To see all of your hard work slip away into oblivion is heartbreaking and knowing there isn’t anything you can do to stop it. There is absolutely light at the end of the tunnel, it just takes some time to get to it. The scary part is getting out of the comfort zone.
I do enjoy it at IKEA. I’m learning an entirely new business. People think the furniture is for college kids but it’s really grown and they have something for everyone. I think I’ll always miss the book business but at least there will always be books to read. It may not be a physical book but the words and stories will always be there.
Hang in there and I wish you nothing but the best.
I have to admit that I’m mostly a lurker on this wonderful blog, the only one I actually follow. You guys are such a nice little gathering of people, you’re like a small community of friends. Every time I read, I try to become more familiar with everybody’s stories and names. So here’s a bit of my story. I’m originally from Lebanon and I’m married to a Syrian so I’ve been following the news on the Middle East very closely. Still have family there. Everything is not as black and white as the media would like it to be. I’ve always been addicted to books and reading, but I find that with the Internet, I’m reading much less and wasting a lot of time on FB, Twitter, etc. Does anybody feel the same way? So Ann, thanks for giving us the opportunity to express ourselves, keep up the good work, I love what you do.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all my blog buddies, have a great day.
Happy Valentines day to you Candy, and the rest of the bloggers
Back atcha, folks!
Isthe comment store about to close? Hope not. I just got back from a trip with my college girlfriends (we are all over sixty now) to New Orleans and I have to say this blog is the virtual equivalent of the good food, good wine, great laughs we had there.
Changes in the past year-retirement from practice after thirty five years as an adoption lawyer years has led to writing about adoption issues on my website and blog, and maybe someday a book.
My daughter Laura (L.A. comedy writer, Emerson grad and horse lover) turns 25 today and her goal in life is to be Ann Leary. My other daughter ‘s goal in life is to be an extreme snowboarder. No lawyers, thank goodness.
Love to all my fellow commenters and lurkers too.
Hi Paula,
My daughter Holly turned 15 on Valentine’s Day and she wants to be a lawyer!! My other daughter Sammy attends Emerson and wants to write about Extreme snowboarders! Happy Birthday to your Laura!!
Hi All, My update is so dreary so feel free to pass, Moved to NJ in August from CT after buying a cute little cottage due to hubbys job loss, (now rented out to a nice Veterinary professor) . Taking a while to settle in but it is nice to explore different places, I have met some nice new people and i am close in distance to some old friends.
I am also a hop skip an a jump away from my middle daughter, Sophia who is doing very well in Manhattan, though further away from my Daughter Amalia who is in New Hampshire. The exciting news there is, Amalia who is gay is marrying her partner in P town Mass in September and I for one and very excited to wear feathers and rhinestones at my daughter’s big greek gay wedding.
My youngest child is turning 12 and not much to report there other than *eye rolling*
HELLO to all the Lurkers great to see you!!!
Bev, congrats to your daughter and her upcoming marriage.Wishing all the best to her and her partner.
hi ann:
what can i say? i have lurked here for a little under a year. you make me smile, for i too am a broad. i enjoy your sense of humor and your commitment to having a positive outlook and offering a supportive word.
i am all of 41 years old, have a lovely 11-year-old daughter and a job i really like as a field reporter for a legal website.
i’m going to travel more this year and in the future. i want to go to moscow. have you ever been there?
it’s a good, lucky life overall. thank you for the smiles!
So I wrote a whole post the other day about my ex-boyfriend dying and it giving me writer’s block on my own blog. And then I posted the comment and forgot to answer the anti-spam question and totally lost it. Which cracked me up because here I had spent all this time carefully crafting something about not being able to write on my own blog and then it disappeared on yours. Ironic. Which also made me laugh because it used to make the dead ex crazy when someone used the word irony incorrectly.
Dear Ann,
I am new to the blog and am so grateful there are no (((((((((((((hugs))))))))))) allowed; between those and well, all the “oooooooooooooo’s” people like to add to words like “so” and “no” and well, anything with an “o” ending that needs overkill on the exclamation for no important reason!
ok, i digress, let me continue with “hello”….
yeah, for now it’s all i have…i’m gonna read on and hope to keep up with the latest on this thread, so far so good.
thanks for the invite…
Fondly,
Megan