No, it really doesn't rock. I can't believe I considered moving there when I was a stupid, newly married 23-year-old. The things we do--or almost do--for love!
I mention Cleveland because I've watched "Hot in Cleveland" all weekend while in bed with the flu (throwing up in the middle of yoga class: not the highlight of my weekend, but hey, I'm not too proud to be self-deprecating). I watched it partly in honor of my mom because she loved this show and recommended it. I've also zipped through the first season because it really is funny and has a great cast: Valerie Bertinelli, who is one of the cutest people ever; Jane Leeves, one of my favorites from "Frasier"; Wendie Malick, who's always witty; and the timeless Betty White.
The show's references to LA, from which three of the characters hail, perpetuate my musings on California. I've been thinking about moving to a new city a lot lately, and San Francisco is one of my top choices. I realize it's ridiculously expensive, I have no acquaintances there, it's 1,500 miles from my closest relatives, and it's prone to earthquakes, but so what? Life is too short to wonder what could have been.
What I hope does not happen is that I end up a slightly bitter, lovelorn cougar who's compelled to start a new life in a midwestern town that is the punchline of so many jokes, and not just the jokes in "Hot in Cleveland." Ha! I'm so mean. Maybe San Francisco will open me up to experiences that aren't portrayed in a 22-minute sitcom. For now, it's still enjoyable to watch it and have some cheap laughs.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
You ought to hear my long snake moan
One of my favorite albums from the ‘90s is PJ Harvey’s To Bring You My Love. Lately, I’ve been putting “Long Snake Moan” on repeat. It’s a ferociously strong and sexual song that defies the waifish appearance of Ms. Harvey. Her desire for control, fueled by violence that pushes her to the brink of murder, turns the tables on the archetype of physically dominant men in the sexual realm.
To Bring You My Love twists and turns through the throes of a tumultuous affair. The narrator bars no holds against a man who evilly seduced her, jilted her, and left her with child. “C’mon Billy” wails the angst of pleading for a lover to stay by a desperate woman’s side. The accompanying string section weaves the agony and longing throughout the tune.
Another standout that saw radio release, “Down by the Water,” reveals the strength of a scorned woman who focuses solely on her young daughter. The narrator defines maternal instinct to the hilt as she goes to the depths of the ocean for her lost daughter.
A woman scorned is not necessarily dangerous but certainly powerful. To Bring You My Love represents the output of ‘90s female musicians as a standout in composition and feeling.
To Bring You My Love twists and turns through the throes of a tumultuous affair. The narrator bars no holds against a man who evilly seduced her, jilted her, and left her with child. “C’mon Billy” wails the angst of pleading for a lover to stay by a desperate woman’s side. The accompanying string section weaves the agony and longing throughout the tune.
Another standout that saw radio release, “Down by the Water,” reveals the strength of a scorned woman who focuses solely on her young daughter. The narrator defines maternal instinct to the hilt as she goes to the depths of the ocean for her lost daughter.
A woman scorned is not necessarily dangerous but certainly powerful. To Bring You My Love represents the output of ‘90s female musicians as a standout in composition and feeling.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Black Metallic
I recently rediscovered “Black Metallic” by Catherine Wheel and immediately fell back in love with its ‘90s ethereal beauty. Heavy distortion, smoky vocals and a hypnotic guitar solo mark this one as an early ‘90s, alternative classic.
The song speaks of the pained struggles of a floundering relationship. A man’s partner has become simply disinterested and disengaged. I often conclude the disinterest by one member of a relationship is more painful to the partner than direct abuse. Neglect hurts more than attack does.
Hearing Catherine Wheel triggered my thoughts of my grandmother, Catherine (not that I don’t think of her on a regular basis). She’s gone into a sudden mental decline since the death of my mother, and she’s all but been diagnosed with dementia. My heart is broken upon witnessing my funny, sharp, engaging grandmother become forgetful and easily agitated. It’s as if she’s a different person. I have to remember that her heart has not turned black, though. She remains the truly amazing grandmother I’ve always remembered.
In keeping with the theme of color of this post, I’d like to mention the wonderful efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association and their purple shirt campaign. I participated in two of the last Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Dallas and wear my purple t-shirt with pride. This year, I’ll walk focused on my grandmother, not out of pity but out of hope for a cure. The blackness of memory loss can be overcome with research and advances in medicine. That hope remains in my heart.
The song speaks of the pained struggles of a floundering relationship. A man’s partner has become simply disinterested and disengaged. I often conclude the disinterest by one member of a relationship is more painful to the partner than direct abuse. Neglect hurts more than attack does.
Hearing Catherine Wheel triggered my thoughts of my grandmother, Catherine (not that I don’t think of her on a regular basis). She’s gone into a sudden mental decline since the death of my mother, and she’s all but been diagnosed with dementia. My heart is broken upon witnessing my funny, sharp, engaging grandmother become forgetful and easily agitated. It’s as if she’s a different person. I have to remember that her heart has not turned black, though. She remains the truly amazing grandmother I’ve always remembered.
In keeping with the theme of color of this post, I’d like to mention the wonderful efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association and their purple shirt campaign. I participated in two of the last Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Dallas and wear my purple t-shirt with pride. This year, I’ll walk focused on my grandmother, not out of pity but out of hope for a cure. The blackness of memory loss can be overcome with research and advances in medicine. That hope remains in my heart.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
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