I like the beard

Yesterday I had another dual crown lengthening.* The oral surgeon and I have been down this route at least twice before. This was our smoothest procedure yet – minimal bleeding, my face isn't swollen, the anesthetic and pain meds worked.

What disturbed me was my reaction to the surgeon. A man I've seen at least three times since 2023. 

When he came into the room, it was like a rom-com. Under the harsh fluorescent light, surrounded by picks and scalers and drills, I heard music swelling and birdies singing. I was in love.

He's grown a salt-and-pepper beard since last year. It's changed his look completely and for the better.

My reaction was disturbing, but not unpleasant.

 

*From Healthline: The periodontist cuts the gums to pull them away from the teeth, exposing the roots and bone. In some cases, only the gum tissue needs to be removed. The surgeon then washes the surgical area with salt water before suturing. They suture the gums back together, sometimes placing a bandage over the area for additional protection. 

Photo by Caroline LM on Unsplash 

Thursday Thirteen #442

My mom would approve of this TT. She took our holiday cards very seriously. I was taught that you never, ever, just sign your name to a card. You begin with a "Dear So-and-So" and close with some  personal sentiment. 

 

In some ways, I am my mother's daughter. This is one of them. And so here are 13 sentiments for you to use as you sign off on your holiday cards. 

1. May your holidays be merry and bright (mine for 2025)

2. Enjoy the wonders of the season (I've used this one in the past)

3. Sending holiday cheer

4. With love and hope for the year ahead

5. Have a cool yule and quench your thirst on the first (I always signed my cards to my late friend John that way)

6. Thank you for a wonderful year (good for doctors, my hair stylist, etc.)

7. Happiest of holidays 

8. Peace and joy

9. Cheers!

10. Season's greetings (simple and elegant, like a little black dress or single strand of pearls)

11. Here's to a holly, jolly holiday season (I've used this one, too)

12. Happy Krimble (suitable for Beatle fans. IYKYK)

13. Sending love and blessings 

What about you? Did you send cards this year? Have you received many yet?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

WWW.WEDNESDAY

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up

1. What are you currently reading? Deck the Hounds by David Rosenfelt. Bruce Springsteen's memoir (below) was so intense, brimming with passion and dysfunction and ambition and rock and roll, that I wanted something simpler and more straightforward. And Christmas-y. Christmas-y would be nice. So I picked up this Andy Carpenter mystery.

 

I love Andy. An independently wealthy, super-talented defense attorney who is constitutionally unable to shut up, he's one of my favorite "cozy mystery" protagonists. This time around, Andy finds himself going into the Christmas season by walking it like he talks it and helping a homeless man. A homeless man who, of course, has a dog. Every Andy Carpenter mystery begins with a dog. 

  

2. What did you recently finish reading? Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. When it comes to music, my personal airwaves are ruled by THE THREE B's: The Beatles, Babs and Bruce. I could probably go the rest of my life without listening to anyone else and still be pretty happy. 

 

Last year I read Barbra Streisand's memoir and was fascinated. Often annoyed, never bored. Which is something when you're talking about a memoir of 900+ pages. So when I picked up Bruce's 500-page autobiography, I expected to zip through it with a similar reaction.

 

I didn't. I am shocked to report that, at times, I was bored by Bruce. The man who has held me entranced onstage for up to four hours, the Boss who led the soul-shaking, earth-quaking, heart-stopping, pants-dropping E Street Band bored me at times! His book is, objectively speaking, better written than Streisand's. But he just didn't have her audacity and indefatigable need to be understood. Really, at times in her book, I felt like Streisand was gripping me by the collar and yelling, "HEAR ME!" With Born to Run, I felt like the very literate Professor Springsteen was trying to impart his hard-earned wisdom. And I got bored! (Not often, mind you. But the fact that it happened at all surprised me.)

 

But I'm glad I stuck with it. Bruce is surprisingly candid about his own shortcomings as he takes us from boy to man, from musician to celebrity, from loner to family man. It's a journey that includes many bouts of depression and hour upon hour of therapy. I admire his courage and his honesty about needing and getting help. It's hard to imagine a more male American specimen than the Boss. I think he may be able to destigmatize mental health issues for men with his memoir and the bio-pic Deliver Me from Nowhere.

 

I also loved hearing how some of my all-time favorite songs came to be. I can't thank Bruce enough for the music that moves my soul. I now know "Bobby Jean" is not about a lover but a friend, Steve Van Zandt. As one whose most solid relationships have been with my friends, it adds a new and poignant dimension to a song I always loved.

Now let's see if Sir Paul writes his life story. Somehow I'm not holding my breath. The Cute Beatle has always been more opaque, played it closer to the vest, than either Babs or Bruce. 

3. What will you read next?  I don't know.

 

  

 

Use it. That's what it's there for.

I keep my money in different "funds," all within my savings account. Every month I earmark money for the dentist, for insurance, for vet bills, etc. Then I don't touch it until it's needed for that purpose. Since I am the keeper of both the funds and the calculator, I can move the money back and forth if I need to. (That's how my kitchen remodeling fund became my Paul McCartney concert ticket.)

When my friend Henry had his accident back in 2018, I began a "fund" for him. $15/week went into it. I knew how he and his husband Reg struggled financially in the best of times, and Henry's medical bills were an additional, almost unbearable burden. I used the money from this fund to help Henry with "extras," especially at Christmastime. I sent postage stamps, so Henry could afford to send the holiday cards he lovingly created. When I visited them for the holidays, I took Henry shopping so he could have something for Reg under the tree. Their dogs received a Chewy delivery or two. Lots of little things, paid for out of this "fund" so my own budget felt no strain.  

Henry's been gone a year, but I've kept the fund up, just changing the heading in my spiral notebook from "Henry" to "Friends." It's up to $880. 

No, make that $780.

I just sent Joanna a Target gift card with $100 on it. 

When she paid for my birthday lunch on 11/22, she jokingly expressed relief that there was still credit available on her Visa card. I was surprised – she chose the restaurant (the iconic Walnut Room) and as soon as we sat down she asked what alcoholic beverages we were going to toast with. She told the waiter that "of course" we were having Frango Mint cheesecake for dessert. We could have done the Walnut Room for less, or we could have dined at a more affordable restaurant. But this is what Joanna chose ... for me. Because she knows how hard my birthday is without my friends Henry and John. She wanted to make my birthday perfect and it was.

Joanna is 70. Her business is struggling and she has no retirement savings. She is very matter-of-fact about her "life on the edge." Of course, Joanna is matter-of-fact about big things. The woman is conversational about losing everything in Katrina! Two divorces. The slow, painful cancer death of her older brother. Her lover's dementia. Things that would have knocked other women on their asses, Joanna absorbs and then gets on with life. As was said of that other formidable daughter of the South, Scarlett O'Hara, Joanna "takes her fences cleanly, like a good hunter." She doesn't falter or show fear, she just goes ahead with no fanfare.

I admire her. I appreciate her.

So I sent her $100. It will be enough to give her a little wiggle room, but not enough to cause her embarrassment. After all, we don't exchange Christmas gifts and she hasn't asked for my help, making her dignity is a consideration.  

Perhaps she will use it as Henry would – to buy a gift she couldn't otherwise afford. Or maybe she'll spend it as I would – to pick up stuff for my pantry. 

It won't have any long-term impact on Joanna's finances, but it will make next week easier.

I happen to be reading Bruce Springsteen's memoir as I post this and think of him exhorting "Rosalita" – Use it, Rosie! That's what it's there for! 

I heard you, Boss. I used the "Friends" money. That's what it's there for.

 

PS Henry would approve. He was the most loving person I ever met. I like that I was able to spend what was originally "his" money this way.

Sunday Stealing

Stolen from Tom

1) What was the scariest thing in the world to you when you were a kid? Does it still scare you now? When I was really little, I went through a period where I was terrified of escalators. It wasn't the motion, it was the sharp points on the steps. They looked like teeth. Every once in a while, as I step onto an escalator, I flash back to being that little girl and it gives me pause.

 

2) Imagine your 12-year-old daughter (or granddaughter) is hosting a sleepover at your home. A sudden storm knocks out cellphone service, wifi and cable. How would you keep these suddenly unplugged pre-teens entertained? We'd play The Story Game. The first girl begins by writing two lines of a story, but folds the paper so that only the second line shows. The second girl continues the story, based only what she can see. She writes two lines and again, folds the paper so only her second line shows. You go around the table and by the time you're done you have a very silly story that will make all the girls laugh. If my personal history is any indicator, they will likely want to do this again and again.

 

3) What piece of movie or TV memorabilia would you love to own? Roy Hobbs' Wonder Boy bat from The Natural.

4) You are gifted with the services of a personal assistant for four hours. What would you ask your assistant to do? Please restore order to my den! I just throw stuff in there, close the door, and pretend it's not there. I need help!

 

5) If literary characters were real, which one would you like to interview, and what would you ask? Either one of these two women. By the end of Gone with the Wind they were both so real to me that I have questions. Mostly I'd ask them their attitudes toward slavery. I have a feeling that Scarlett didn't care about it – she was so apolitical and incurious about the world that she accepted it without weighing the moral implications. I suspect she had less trouble adapting to The Reconstruction than Melly did. How could Melanie, the one who was always so good and always saw the best in everyone, wholeheartedly support The Glorious Cause? How could she square the circle of slavery with her Christian beliefs? Let's talk, Ladies. Maybe it would help me understand the fetish some Southerners still have for the Confederacy today.

 

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 

 

1) The lyrics tell us the melody is soothing. What calms you when you're upset or anxious? These two.

 

 

2) There was a lot going on in 1918 – like WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic – that left people upset and anxious. In those days, radio wasn't yet a staple in American homes so people received their news through newspapers. Today with podcasts and 24 hour cable news and social media and other news outlets available, do you ever feel like taking a break from current events? Yes. I'm tempted to dial back because current events can leave me feeling hopeless. But I'm haunted by something my friend John said: In Berlin before the War, they didn't know they were living in Berlin before the War. That reminds me that it's my duty as an adult and a citizen to know what's going on and to do what I can when I can.

3) In addition to newspapers, magazines were a big deal in 1918. Women turned to publications like Ladies Home Journal and McCall's for trends and tips about fashion and housekeeping. Do you have any printed magazines in your home now? Vanity Fair and the AARP magazine.

 

4) Today schoolchildren often learn "Ja-Da" because it's easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum? Yes. Some days we had music, other days we had art. 

 

5) Composer Bob Carleton published more than 500 songs in his career. He had no songwriting partner, handling the words and lyrics himself. What's your favorite song? Was it written by a single composer or a songwriting team? Well, it's credited to Lennon-McCartney, but I'm pretty sure it was all Paul.

 

 

 

 

6) Bob got his start in his hometown of St. Louis, playing piano in his parents' saloon. When you think of St. Louis, what comes to mind? The Cardinals! As a Cub fan, that's the only possible answer.

 

7) In 1918, Americans were buying more cars and Studebakers were a familiar sight on the streets and highways. Today that name is mostly forgotten. Can you think of a brand that used to popular but has disappeared? I remember when Sears stores were preeminent, but now they're all but gone.

 

8) During WWI, Americans were familiar with "Meatless Days." Back then we were encouraged to cut back on the consumption of meat as a patriotic gesture to help the American and Allied troops. Today "Meatless Monday" highlights health and the environment. Think about your diet. Do you try to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables? I try. I'm not altogether successful, but I try.

 

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now? I'm wearing a gold nightshirt. It was a gift to me from my dear friend Henry.

 

 

 

What a difference a day makes!

"I love your earrings." That's one of the first things Caroline said to me at work yesterday. I admit it frightened me. After all, as recently as Saturday Caroline was loud and proud in her contempt for me. I remembered the famous warning about killer dobermans: They always lick before they bite. 

However, she seemed so desperately sincere – and since her skin was marked by angry red zits that weren't there Friday – I tried to tamp down my skepticism. We were alone together for about an hour, with only a few customers straggling in, and she was chatty. Perhaps even manically. Clearly our store manager, Helena, had spoken to her seriously about how to treat people. (And explained that my possible HR complaint would not look good for the store ... or Caroline personally.)

Helena herself came in early – I think in part of check on us. When she was in her office, I stuck my head in and mouthed, "thank you." Helena told me that Caroline "really wants to be nice." I guess my face betrayed my doubt, because she quickly added, "I believe her." I said – truthfully – that I was relieved to see the change and that while I had dreaded working the shift, the time was zipping by. 

I found out that Caroline is a bit of a daddy's girl and that while her family is not religious, they celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah (for her mother's family). She showed me pictures of the Christmas decorations she made for her this, her first, apartment because she admits she's broke. 

I also learned that she's from Barrington, one of Chicago's wealthiest suburbs. That tidbit softened my heart more than the rest. I wondered, but obviously didn't ask, how her parents feel about their college-educated daughter making retail her career. Here's a truism about Chicagoland – tell me your neighborhood and I can shorthand your life.* People from Barrington live in McMansions, buy new cars every other year, and would prefer their kids go Ivy League but would settle for Purdue or Northwestern. If you're not white or perhaps Asian in Barrington, you're likely working in one of those big new houses, not living in it. So a daughter who splits her 40-hour workweek between a cosmetic store and a card shop was likely not on their bingo card. Maybe that's part of the reason for her hard-charging bravado.

When I ended my shift, Caroline actually thanked me and said she looked forward to working with me next week. Huh? What? Do I believe that Helena managed to change Caroline's heart? Not really. But if she's not constantly criticizing and judging me, complaining about me behind my back and sowing seeds of dissent among my coworkers, I'll take it. 

I'm reminded something a minister told us years ago – "Don't waste your dread." I was so worried about yesterday's shift that I literally wasted hours of my life being anxious and unhappy. After all, nothing bad happened yesterday. Not a thing! I know my wariness comes in handy sometimes, but in this case I depressed myself with my distrust of my fellow (wo)man. 

Will I learn from this? We'll see.

 

 

 *In the interest of fairness ... people in Barrington would dismiss my community as woke, sanctimonious, over-taxed and over-regulated. We cry the liberal tears that MAGA loves to drink. And you know what? I'm good with that.

 

Photo by Siora on Unsplash 

Thursday Thirteen #441

As seen on TV. I watch more broadcast TV than anyone I know. It's my companion. TV is now the "white noise" that dee jays once provided when I was in junior high through my early 30s.

Because the TV is on the all the time, and because I worked in advertising for 40+ years, I pay attention to commercials. My favorites are the direct response spots. They are not driving you to an insurance agent, retail store or grocery store shelf. They want you to buy directly from them, either by call or click.

Here are 13 items I've seen advertised recently: 

1. Superstar Santa Tree.  This pre-decorated pop-up tree "sets up in less than a minute!" 

2. Rice Robot. "Cook rice perfectly without under/over cooking."

3. Plexaderm. "Visibly reduces under-eye bags and wrinkles."

4. Framebridge. Custom frame "your most prized possessions." 

5. Alien Grips. "Locks down carpets mats and rugs."

5. Relaxium Sleep.  "For peaceful sleep and energized days."

6. Omega XL. "The joint health supplement made by nature and backed by science."

7. The Dream Cleaner. "Stain Remover of Your Dreams"

8. Kind Science. Ellen Degeneres' skincare line. I'm not crazy about Ellen Degeneres, so normally I wouldn't give this a second thought but I am considering it. Victoria Jackson is also behind it, and she has legit cred.

10. LegXercise. "Passive exercise" to strengthen your legs and improve circulation.

11. Patriot Solar Power Generator. Is this "Holy Grail of Backup Power?"

12. Purewick. "Brighter days are possible" with this urine collection system.

13. Hammered Copper Cookware.  "Non stick, scratch resistant, dishwasher safe!"

 

Have you seen any of these spots? Have you been tempted to call or click?  

 

 

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

She Hates Me

Not so sweet Caroline. She's been at the card shop for four months now. Every time I see that I'm scheduled to work with her, I feel a knot in my stomach. Because she hates me. Because I'm old.  

She reminds me that I'm old frequently. No, let me rephrase: from the moment that we met, she has highlighted to me that she is young. Her regular refrain is, "The reason Helena (our store manager) and I work together so well is that we're exactly the same age." OR "Helena knows I get this issue because we are exactly the same age." First of all, it's not quite true. Helena is 26 and Caroline is 23. Secondly, it's an HR violation. It would be the same as telling a black employee: "The reason Helena and I work so well is that we're both white."

Whenever we work together – she's the shift manager – Caroline makes it plain that I am inadequate for one reason or another. I don't work with her often, perhaps once every two weeks, so I have kept it to myself. I don't expect to like everyone I work with. I don't expect everyone I work with to like me. This job only pays $16/hour, so there's a limit to how much responsibility beyond my job description I'm willing to take.

In October, I heard from coworkers who had issues with Caroline, too. Zoey, a shift manager I work with often, asked me if I found Caroline "abrasive." Fuck, yes! Then I got a text from Rosa, another sales person, who asked me if Caroline was "mean" to me because she was mean to her. Both Rosa and Zoey spoke to Helena, so I could see no reason to pile on. Besides, I only work one or two days a week, and not always with Caroline. Rosa and Zoey feel her impact far more than I do.

Then Saturday happened. We had a major snowstorm here, so the store didn't get the foot traffic that was expected. Zoey, Helena and Caroline were alone in the store. Just the three of them, no customers. 

How Caroline sees me

Caroline began complaining about me. She said that because of my age I'm "barely competent." Zoey leapt to my defense, but Helena was "weirdly silent." I found out about all this in a series of texts, received when I was in the stylist chair getting my hair cut, from an infuriated Zoey. 

Zoey even sent me a photo of the card that's tucked in the drawer under the register. Titled, "We Listen," it has instructions for reporting HR violations. 

I texted back to Zoey that she should calm down, I would take it from here. I told her there was no reason for her to be involved with this.

That was Saturday. From Saturday to Monday, I had been upset. I resent this. I was upset about Caroline while writing out my holiday cards, and I usually love writing out my holiday cards! I can't let problems at this little job take my joy.

Monday I had an hour-long chat with Helena. I may be an old fart, but I can read an HR manual. I emphasized to her that, while I was not willing to go to corporate, Helena should know that Caroline is putting the store and indeed the corporation at risk.* I mentioned that it's not only spelled out in the printed guide we received, age discrimination and the definition of "a hostile workplace" are demonstrated in the videos we all had to watch. She thanked me for "the grace" with which I have handled this. We'll see if anything comes of our conversation. 

I only work with Caroline two more times between now and year-end. Unfortunately, the next time is tomorrow. Sigh. I am not looking forward to this. I wonder if, right now, Caroline is plotting where to hide my body.

I admit I'm suffering PTSD here. I have dealt with difficult bosses and fractious coworkers countless times since I entered the workplace as a secretary 50 years ago. When I was a creative director, there was a lot more at stake than there is at this card shop. This really isn't that big a deal.

Except that I thought this was all behind me. For the most part, I enjoy this little job. Most of the girls I work with – and they are girls, only one is over 30 – are welcoming and charming. My customers are great fun. I don't feel like dealing with workplace politics again. I resent it.

I hated writing this post. But I wanted to get it all down. I find that I sleep better and breathe better if I get it all down.

 

*Our little store is owned by a publicly held company worth $200 million. 

Photo by Valentin Balan on Unsplash 

Sunday Stealing

F.A.B.

F. Film: What movie or tv show are you watching? I am about to watch The Thin Man for my movie group. I love that movie.

A. Audio: What are you listening to? I'm now up to date on Joe Maddon's Book of Joe podcasts. 

B. Book: What are you reading? Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen's autobiography.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Thank You Girl (1964)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Who were you talking to the last time you said, "thank you?" I worked retail on Black Friday, so I thanked many a customer.

2) Paul McCartney recalls that "Thank You Girl" was inspired by all the female fans who had written them fan letters, pledging undying love. Have you ever written a fan letter? If yes, did you receive a response? Danny O'Shea played for the Chicago Black Hawks when I was in 8th grade. I loved him madly and was devastated when he was traded to the St. Louis Blues. The moment I heard, I wrote him a farewell letter. Imagine my surprise when I got a reply! On a postcard from a St. Louis hotel, which is where the Blues put him up temporarily. "Your kindness will not be forgotten. Danny O'Shea." I remember exactly what it said because I kept it tucked in my bedroom mirror for years.

3) Recording engineer Geoff Emerick remembered that John Lennon was easily winded while recording this song. John had a bad cold and went back to bed when they were done for the day. We're in cold/flu season right now. How are you feeling? So far, no complaints. I'm up on my vaccinations, so fingers crossed.

4) "Thank You Girl" is this week's song because November 27 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year? That I have enough. Three women in my circle are struggling financially and I can see firsthand that being over 60 and broke is stressful. I am not a wealthy woman – would I be working at a card shop for $16/hour if I was? – but when something comes up I can pay for it. I had to use funds earmarked for my kitchen remodel to see Sir Paul last week. That was unexpected and my condo will have to remain a hovel a bit longer. But I can afford Christmas in Michigan with my niece's family and the TCM Film Festival in Hollywood this spring. I don't panic when I have to make a dental appointment for myself or a vet appointment for one of my cats. While much of this is the result of my own hard work, I am not ignoring the role luck plays and I am thankful I'm getting by while others aren't.

5) While the big meal is referred to as Thanksgiving dinner, most Americans enjoy it earlier than they usually serve dinner. 3:00 PM is the most popular time for the holiday feast. When did you have dinner on Thursday? 5:00 PM

6) Cranberry sauce has been a Thanksgiving staple since the late 1800s. Was it on your menu this year? Yes. In fact, here was our entire menu:

• Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Pumpkin Seeds and Sour Cream
• Slow-Roasted Turkey with Pan Gravy
• Traditional Stuffing
• Roasted and Glazed Green Beans & Carrots
• Mary's Potatoes
• Cranberry Sauce
• Eli's Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake (I ate too much and brought this home. It's in my refrigerator right now.)

7) The Thanksgiving Turducken is said to have originated in New Orleans. Chef Paul Prudhomme is often cited as the first to stuff a deboned chicken into a deboned duck into a deboned turkey. Prudhomme's recipe has more than 85 individual steps and takes a full day to prepare. Did you face any challenges while cooking your Thursday dinner? No. Because I didn't cook. We went to Cooper's Hawk Winery again this year.

8) Leftovers are popular after Thanksgiving, especially turkey sandwiches. Some cooks recommend serving cold, sliced turkey on wheat bread, but white bread, pitas and flatbread are also popular. When you head into the kitchen to make a sandwich, what's your go-to bread? Wheat, I suppose. I'm not big on making sandwiches. Usually when I reach for bread it is to mop up the last bit of marinara sauce.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. Black Friday got its name in Philadelphia back in the 1950s to describe the traffic clogging both highways and side streets as consumers raced out in search of bargains. When is the last time you were stuck in traffic? I expect to be stuck in traffic this afternoon, as we are in the midst of the first big snow of the season.

 

 

 

Paul Got Back

Sir Paul came to Chicago for my birthday. It was a magic night and I'm so glad it happened, and that it happened at the United Center. Known as The House that Michael Built, the United Center replaced The Chicago Stadium back in the mid-1990s, when the Bulls were repeating and three-peating and MJ consistently proved that he was the best there ever was and the best there ever will be. 

The Chicago Stadium once stood right across the street from where The United Center is now, and it's where I first saw Paul McCartney and Wings during 1976's Wings Across America tour. That old barn is gone now, demolished. But Paul and I are still here.

Almost 50 years ago, I was a still in my teens, living in my parents' house. I was a secretary for Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Sears Tower.  My parents are gone. Sears – where I made the quantum leap from clerical/time-card employee to copywriter – is gone. The Sears Tower is now known as The Willis Tower. But Paul and I are still here.

Here's the SunTimes review

Of course, Paul and I go ever further back than the bicentennial summer. February 1964, I fell in love with him as he sang "All My Loving" on The Ed Sullivan Show. My mother recalled me saying, "He's so pretty it hurts." Those eyes, that voice! He was this six-year-old girl's perfect image of a romantic troubadour. He remains that today.

Paul played to 23,500 people, and I bet just about every one of us felt an emotional connection to him. I was sitting next to a woman of my age who brought her 80-something mother to the concert because the older woman was "giving up." Mom was moving less, going out less. The daughter (a mere 65!) hoped that seeing 83-year-old Paul perform for three hours without a break would inspire her mother to become more active and engage more with the world. In turn, she oohed and aahed over a photo of my darling little grandniece Violet wearing her Yellow Submarine bib. I was sitting in front of two twenty-something girls (sisters, perhaps?) dancing around in crop tops that revealed impossibly toned tummies. I thought, "I had a tummy like that once as I danced to these very songs."

At the end of the concert, Paul and his bandmates came out waving four flags: The stars and stripes, the Union Jack, the Illinois state flag, and the Rainbow Pride flag. At a time when it's become suddenly and regrettably fashionable to advocate taking civil rights away from gay Americans, I appreciated Paul using his influence for good.

It must be wonderful to be Paul McCartney. To bring all that music, all those memories, all that iconography, all that love wherever you go. 

As long as he's willing to keep performing in Chicago, I'll be here. Enchanted. 

 

Thursday Thirteen #440

After the feast. I never cook, and once again for Thanksgiving this year I will be taking advantage of the prix fixe menu at a local eatery. But I'm aware that often there is leftover turkey. So as a public service, I'm cribbing referencing the list from Taste of Home. If any of these appeal to you, you'll find the complete recipe here.

 

There are 40 recipes, so I've pared it down to the ones that sound tastiest to me, and italicized the ones I'd love to taste. (I admit it: I like turkey.)

 

1. Turkey tetrazzini

 

2. Creamy turkey soup (really, I think I'd love this one)

 

3. Turkey melt

 

4. Turkey noodle soup  

 

5. One pot Thanksgiving dinner (also looks fabulous)

 

6. Turkey shepherd's pie (yes, please)

 

7. Turkey stew with dumplings

 

8. Turkey lattice pie

 

9. Turkey macaroni bake

 

10. Turkey quesadillas with cranberry salsa (points for creativity)

 

11. Turkey pot pie

 

12. Turkey-sweet potato soup (I suspect I would either love this or hate it)

 

13. Turkey sliders

 

Do you have plans for your leftover bird? 

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

 

WWW.WEDNESDAY

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up

1. What are you currently reading? Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. I got this book for Christmas 2017 from my dear friend Henry. It was the last holiday we spent together before his accident changed everything. For a long time I couldn't pick it up, but now it's time.

 

If you saw the recent Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me from Nowhere, or heard Bruce talk about his dad during one of his concerts, you know their relationship with difficult and complicated. Now I understand that's only the tip of the ice berg. The Springsteens were at times a multi-generational household, and his grandmother made everything darker. It was a lot for a little boy to handle. He tells the story with tremendous compassion – he's very "everyone was doing the best they could" about it. But still, I want to give young Bruce a hug and reassure him.

 

Because it's so intense, I'm not consuming it in greedy gulps, the way I expected to. I hope to get it done by year-end, but I'm not sure I will.

  

2. What did you recently finish reading? Miami, It's Murder by Edna Buchanan. This was a very gritty book. Our heroine, Britt Montero, is a reporter on the crime beat for a major Miami newspaper. Set in the 1990s, newspapers were thriving and well-funded and always competing to get to the crime scene first, before the TV cameras arrive.

 

So Britt finds her plate reportorial full with a serial rapist and a cold case that may involve the current front runner for governor. Both stories are compelling and it's natural that she be at the center. Buchanan makes Miami feel like a very real place and at times I really did smell the sea air and develop a craving for a Cuban pork sandwich like Britt prefers.

 

But it was a little too intense for me. I would have preferred more attention on the plotting – which was very good – and a little less on the "action." The final plot twist caught me by surprise, and I appreciated it, but it could have been resolved more realistically and perhaps more impactfully without all that violence to distract me.

3. What will you read next?  Something Christmas-y.