Dispatch from the Home Office

[sun_set_bravely]

All is well here in my world. I ripped the tape from the windows today, and they're cracked open now. The smell of spring is seeping into my apartment. It's not distracting me (yet); instead, it reminds me that everything regrows, the leaves will come back soon, and maybe Merrell will even start to sing again. And all this information helps me work with more concentration, with more ease.

Bits and pieces from the last three weeks:

• I've fallen madly in love with the public library system. I need to do research for my book proposal, and when I started, I had no idea what resources the library offers. So I took a tour of two NYPL libraries, and I was floored. So Much Information. People with MLS degrees who are available at all open hours to show me how to find what I need. And -- this is the truly revolutionary part -- it's all FREE! Can you believe it? It's so radical! Free information! The tour guides loved to emphasize this. The only things you'll pay for in the research libraries are photocopies. Now, I know this is elemental, and we all learned this in elementary school. But -- it's free! You can earn twenty degrees with the information available in those buildings. WOW!



• In related news, I'm learning a lot about researching statistics and census data. Cool!



• Taxes are done! I made a startingly small amount of money this year. My tax preparer called it a "lean year." I like this much better than a "broke-ass-broke year." I'm not worried.



• CL took me to see Over the Rhine at the Mercury Lounge a couple of Sundays ago. They were fantastic. Kim Taylor sang with them. Both band members and Kim looked a lot like other people. I swear, it looked like this line-up: an abused/exhausted Sigourney Weaver on guitar, lolliejean mixed with Lisa Kudrow on vocals, and the male version of schpahky on keyboard. Bizarre, and yet strangely comforting to see all these half-familiar faces onstage.



• I'm not sure that I want to have children. Ever. It's nothing against kids. It's just -- I'm not sure.



• I banged out a Shitty First Draft of my first book proposal EVER in four days last week. Big up to freak1c and schpahky for quick-editing it for me. I now have many, many great suggestions and ideas, and I will absorb and create!



• Why didn't anyone tell me that the Smashing Pumpkins' "Adorn" was so beautiful?



• I heard "Passionate Kisses" by Lucinda Williams on the radio this morning, and I thought the lyrics were post-worthy:
  
  Is it too much to ask?
  I want a comfortable bed that won't hurt my back
  Food to fill me up
  And warm clothes and all that stuff
  
  Shouldn't I have this
  Shouldn't I have this
  Shouldn't I have all of this, and
  Passionate kisses
  Passionate kisses
  Passionate kisses from you
  
  Is it much to demand
  I want a full house and a rock and roll band
  Pens that won't run out of ink
  And cool quiet and time to think
  
  Do I want too much
  Am I going overboard to want that touch
  I shouted out to the night
  "Give me what I deserve, 'cause it's my right"
  
  Passionate kisses
  Passionate kisses
  Passionate kisses from you
  

I think that's all I've got for now. Still reading, still absorbing. I suddenly find my workdays short and full, and my nights are spent chilling with friends and loved ones, so my writing is happening elsewhere. I'm turning into the poetry-posting queen here on LJ, but I'm okay with that.

Spring is coming.

Much love.

Comments

[oceanic.livejournal.com]

Yay! *hugs* Sounds like things are going well in your land. :)

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

They're groovin' and shakin'. Also, I'm coming to SF soon! Whee!!

[oceanic.livejournal.com]

I know, man!! I'm so excited. Send me more info on when you think you'll have time free (oceanic/gmail). I'm completely looking forward to hanging out with you again.

[chaptal.livejournal.com]

'Bout time you figured out the wealth of information available at your local library!

Over The Rhine are pretty darn spectacular.

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

I know! And all this time, I thought libraries were just for masturbating in the stacks and irritating the librarians! Geez!! ;)

[chaptal.livejournal.com]

Does this mean you've abandoned your former ways ;)

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

Those plane tickets to Columbus were just getting too expensive!

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Yay for all of this! If I can dig out the picture of me at 14 with long hair - well, I'll just say I'm wearing bright white sneakers and playing a Casio keyboard. COINCIDENCE???

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

I THINK NOT!!!

[curmudgeon.livejournal.com]

Y'know what else rocks about the NYPL? The Rose Reading Room. I'm just sayin'.

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

It overwhelms me every time I sit at those beautiful old tables. There are so many people just... thinking in that room. The energy is spectacular.

Also, laptop docking to free internet! Cool!

[lolliejean.livejournal.com]

I love Over the Rhine! You lucky girl for getting to see them live.

Passionate Kisses is my big karaoke number. I won a contest in Talladega, AL singing it! I sang it another time on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Mary Chapin Carpenter recorded it and I like it even better than Lucinda's version. I'll put it up if you want to listen. xo

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I may try it at karaoke next time I'm out on the town. Good idea! I'd love to listen to that version. I remember Mary Chapin Carpenter's version playing on the radio when I was in middle school, but I never realized that it was Lucinda's original song.

Passionate Kisses - MCP version

[lolliejean.livejournal.com]

Sorry it took me so long to get this to you! left click

Re: Passionate Kisses - MCP version

[sun-set-bravely.livejournal.com]

Awesome! Thanks!