Golden Reflection(s)

“The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” — Lucille Ball

“The old believe everything; the middle-aged suspect everything; the young know everything.” — Oscar Wilde

“Middle age is when you still believe you’ll feel better in the morning.” — Bob Hope

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Mark Twain

“A man has reached middle age when he’s warned to slow down by his doctor instead of the police.” – Henry Youngman

“Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed.” — Charles Schulz

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” — Dr. Seuss

“When a man has a birthday, he takes a day off. When a woman has a birthday, she takes at least three years off.” – Joan Rivers


I had a good birthday this past year, unlike 2021’s ghastliness.  I’m way late on this post, but we had back to back visits with friends, my lovely step children, and family holiday gatherings… much joy, driving, food, shopping, more driving, Hornets and Panthers games, Ritz spa day, and more and more driving. With the amount of airport runs I made, I could easily be a Lyft driver. I need a vacation from ‘vacation’. November ’21 through March ’22, I’ll allow myself a small paragraph to trail back down to an all time low. I was in an isolated Covid restricted hospital room with my husband, Mark. We both had the virus, but my insane two week sinus infection like, low blood pressure (scarily fainted twice, fell on floor – intense forehead bruise for weeks), high fever for 10 days, chills, no taste, weight loss, debilitating fatigue symptoms that finally sorted itself out after a fortnight. Not so for Mark. Severe life & death threatening complications. I won’t recount all the trauma that will forever haunt us, but just having the ability to enjoy a meal together is significant these days. An oppressive side effect of being on a ventilator is you usually can’t eat solid food for months. Let’s just say enduring Covid booster side effects every four months is chump change (and worth every cent) compared to the pot of gold we endured for four months. Disease is unyielding. It always brings unique experiences, guaranteed. You would think we’d be bitter about this, but we’re not. We each had too many special and ecstatic moments for one lifetime, and one thing we’re not, is greedy.  Reflecting back, I see many triumphs through our unexpected hardships during the pandemic. Anytime I have a defining moment or uncontrollable laughter these days, I’m grateful. I know, I have no desire to sound like a new age guru wannabe, Christ, no. I just am, and yes it may be a little too cotton candy for some but these moments make the tough ones much more bearable. The recovery and long term effects of Covid are nothing short of cruel. The good days and bad days. But the rewards are worth it. Helping someone feel better throughout (many) a tough night is gratifying (huge thanks to the nurses who educated us on an advanced level. Our digital thermometer and blood pressure gadgets are part of the family now). One of our blessings in the aftermath is our humor, we are a comedic team that is making the best of a situation that categorically changed the course of our lives. I have to mention our beautiful and loyal dog, Stella. She has added such an indelible joy to us. The past few months of holidays and family / friend’s reunions were nothing short of wonderful, along with their constant support we are on gratitude overload.

After a dear friend visited us recently, one of the highlights for me was the reminiscing we all joyfully recollected our heydays along with the music of those particular times our memories traveled back to. And may I just say, it’s always fun to be reminded of just how popular my husband was and is with the ladies… the laughs and ‘the wee small hours’ conversations. My perfectly cooked and juicy Thanksgiving Turkey was a success. Catching a long overdue Basketball game, and endless World Cup viewings everywhere in Charlotte made for a glorious Thanksgiving / Birthday week… we had a ball at the many Generation Xers shin-digs!

I guess it’s inevitable, as you get older you think back to different points, places, and people in your life. What would you do to go back? And at which time. Who hasn’t asked that question? I can say I did cherish each day as best I could, and the energy was boundless. It makes sense. My mom recollected my toddler phase, describing me as an energetic jumping bean. She said I would constantly skedaddle in my walker, nearly running over our beloved dog, Spunky and my brother, Anthony lying on the carpet quietly playing with his match box cars and Hess trailers. It’s safe to say I was an annoying pre-schooler. I still have that energy strangely enough… and hope I always will. One thing is clear, no matter which daydream I’m taking a dip in, the music at the time of my captured moment is key.  I’ve found I am gravitating towards the genre of music during my denarian era, lately (last week it was my favorite era of my younger life, tricenarian… not the music per say). I guess it’s when I looked and felt my best, yet it had elements of pressure, that at times was less than reasonable. Although I still have pressure (who doesn’t?) They are strangely not debilitating me like the ones from the last two decades.

Nowadays I may not be as bright eyed as I once was, but I like who I am and how I look, my long term efforts have paid off and that’s half the battle with getting older. I’m more in tuned overall and confident. I like the people around me, all over our many stops throughout the year. Looking back on the last ten years, a shining light on my happiness is by helping others. Most recently was rescuing a homeless dog that we later found out was lost and named Heavy. Luckily the owners claimed him at the shelter within 24 hours, but I have to ask… how the hell did they lose that 100 lb beauty in the first place? And why would you give a shit name to a remarkable dog like that? I didn’t even get a thank you, none of us did… but it doesn’t matter because I along with the rest helped get that boy to a safe haven and it was a good day. But still, an Old English Bulldog deserves better than that. Just sayin’.
On another note, a bunch of us gathered around the table asking each other questions from the infamous Proust Questionaire, (because we had nothing better to do… 😉 we usually do this every five years for fun and to see where we all are on our evolving journey. I figured, what the hell I’ll share mine with you all. And on that note, I’ll end it here. Till next time, stay true.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Exploring, contentment, and a warm slightly under cooked chocolate chip cookie. What is your most marked characteristic? Getting a word in edgewise.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Making health and love a priority.
What is your greatest fear? Dependence.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Depends on the day. Lately it varies from Lucille Ball, Gloria Steinem, and Mother Theresa.
Which living person do you most admire? The past year, Dr. Jeffrey Glen Walls (Pulmonologist that saved Mark’s life)
Who are your heroes in real life? The man listed above with all the other lifesavers in the ICU / hospital.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Impatience.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Selfishness and irrationality – inexcusable behavior.
What is your favorite journey? The road of artistic excess.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Agreeability.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Jesus. Fuck off. A spades a spade, remember that.
What is your greatest regret? Not taking that MTV job at 22.
What is your current state of mind? Bravery.

Some notables from my lifetime playlist currently streaming on Little Mountain FM

The Things That Dreams Are Made Of, Love Action (I Believe In Love), and (Keep Feeling) Facination – three play by The Human League (In December 1978, David Bowie appeared in the audience and later declared to NME that he “had seen the future of pop music“)
The Good Life, Undone-Sweater Song, Hash Pipe – three play by Weezer (one of my favorite shows in ’94 with Angelfish featured as the opening act)
Bring On The Night, Voices Inside My Head, and Synchronicity II – three play by The Police (Tower Records circa ’93, my mom goes into the Carle Place, NY location to get me Message in a Box: The Complete Recordings for Christmas and asks “Do you have that box set by The Cops? The cashier chuckled and pointed her in the right direction… as my friend who was coincidentally buying records there overheard her and recollected to me)
Where It’s At, Debra, E-Pro, and Go It Alone – four play by Beck (Beck, Ben Folds Five, and Dave Matthews Band concert 6/7/98 was fucking fantastic!!)
Glass Onion – The Beatles
Give Me The Night – George Benson
Let Me Blow Your Mind – Eve (feat. Gwen Stefani)
Dumb – Nirvana
Buffalo Stance – Neneh Cherry
Everybody – Madonna
Ex-Girlfriend – No Doubt
Take A Picture – Filter
State Farm – Yazoo
6th Avenue Heartache – The Wallflowers
Uncertain Smile – The The
High & Dry – Radiohead
3X5 – John Mayer
Cherry Lips – Garbage
Girls and Boys – Blur
I’ll Be You – The Replacements
Two Hearts Beats As One – U2
You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
I Don’t Care Anymore – Phil Collins
Telephone – Lady Gaga (feat. Beyonce)
Personal Jesus – Depeche Mode
Goody Two Shoes – Adam Ant
Star – David Bowie
Poison Arrow – ABC
In The Waiting Line – Zero 7
Someone Great – LCD Soundsystem
My Favorite Game – The Cardigans
Pain Lies On The Riverside – Live
Piece Of Me – Britney Spears
Car Song – Elastica
U Got The Look – Prince
Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai
Bad Reputation – Joan Jett
Pressure – Billy Joel
How Do You Sleep? – John Lennon
A Horse With No Name – America
Crazy – Seal
D’You Know What I Mean? – Oasis
Seasons – Chris Cornell

Special Dedication to my brother, Tony (always with us ❤️)

Centerfold – J. Geils Band
Lights Out – Peter Wolf
Love Is A Stranger – Eurythmics
Why – Annie Lennox
Tusk – Fleetwood Mac
E=MC2 – Big Audio Dynamite
Since You’re Gone – The Cars
Touch Me – The Doors

P.s. I know I don’t write nearly as often as I once did, (read previous posts) but whenever I’m able to publish my soul wrenching scribble with all of you, well I thoroughly enjoy it. Likewise with all of your posts on WP! Keep up the bards work!! Thanks for your understanding and I can only hope when I do have the time to share, it’s worth the wait.

RIP John A. Brennan, one of the nicest gentleman and finest writer’s I’ve ever come across – till I hear and read your stories again.

Ciao for now and cheers to the happiest of New Years!
Li Li

 

Author Interview with Carissa Kopf

Hello, hello readers!

As with all the interviews featured here, I’m thrilled when my creative friends want to feature their work here on more occasions than one. This month Carissa Kopf has graciously answered my Q&A (last time we chatted for an interview was in 2014) promoting her new book Coffee, Wine, and the Magic Of Words. May I say it’s a thoughtful and eloquent read. I am so proud of Carissa, not only for her writing talents but she is one of the nicest women I have had the pleasure of knowing. We were in a fun and constructive writing group together 9 years ago (how time flies by…) that helped us tenfold. Cheers to Carissa’s latest endeavor!

1. When did you start putting pen to paper?

While I was taking a literary course in college, I was asked to write a poem about a hero and to my surprise, my poem, The Great Wanter was printed in the college magazine called Cassandra, (Spring 2005). After reading many poems and dissecting each word, I understood why the writer wrote it. I thought how wonderful it would be to put my thoughts on paper and into a poem or story, and have others enjoy my work.

2. What’s your literary poison – prose, poetry, etc.?

I love taking an idea, feeling, thought, and put them into a poem or story. Becoming part of the poems I write, or a character I create puts me right into my work. Poems and Stories are my poison.

3. Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Alex Cross, a fictional hero from author James Patterson books. Alex is determined in everything he does and will not stop, to get what he wants.

4. Which famous writer can you most identify with?

For poems, it would be Maya Angelou. Maya’s poem, Phenomenal Woman has taught me to stand up for who I am and what I believe. Also, to push through and make thing happen that I thought I couldn’t.

For Stories, it would be Brenda Novack. Brenda writes her stories with lots of feelings and real-life situations people go through every day. I feel I can identify my writing with hers in a way of making my characters learn through their mistakes and triumphs.

5. What are your current projects? (*Include books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.)

I am currently working on my second poetry collection now. The poems I am creating for this book are filled with lots of emotions that have to do with love, calmness, guilt, admiration, satisfaction, disgust, enjoyment, and joy.

I just finished my second story, an erotic mystery novel which is in the last stages of editing now. It is set in the present time and has to do with a B&B from the 1920’s. What can a beautiful inn in todays world have to do with a B&B from centuries ago?

6. That sounds intriguing, please send that to me when you’re finished. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book or writing piece? 

If possible, I would learn more about my characters I create. Dig deeper into them to be able to make them shine even more than they do now.

7. Same here, I feel like there’s never enough time. Do you have any advice for other writers? 

The best advice that I have learned and always love to share, is to just right your story or poem out. Even if you have to write it five times. You can always go back and make changes. You can’t change anything if you forget it.

8. What were your grades like in English class? (A, B, anything less than this is shameful 😉

Wait, with this question you want me to remember my English grades from thirty plus years ago. Okay hold on let me pull my transcript out. Eleventh and Twelve grade I ranged anywhere in the eighties. It wasn’t until college that I achieved high grades. Maybe because I was taking courses that interested me, like creative writing.

9. You know me, I love challenges and to pose them onto others (laughs) How much research do you do for your writing?

Research is the key to writing. Anything I did not know, I research online, asked friends and family about any law enforcement question I had, and I even visited a few places. I took plenty of notes and pictures to help me create my writing.

10. Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

I use my laptop. I have a huge whiteboard that is my newest friend. I love to let my ideas flow and be able jot them down as soon as I think about them.

11. What is the best advice you’ve been given? 

The best advice I was given was to read my work in front of a mirror. When speaking aloud, you get to hear any mistakes you made. Plus, you become the characters. You step into their shoes, feel them, speak like them, and act as if you are them.

12. That’s a good tip, I’m going to try that.  What book do you think everyone should read?

There are so many wonderful books out there, but of course my book, Time for Me is a wonderful romance suspense read. Oh, wait, you mean by other authors. Okay, The Jester by James Patterson has to be one of my favorites. Also, The Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak, Sisters by Choice by Susan Mallery, and I’ll Be Seeing You by Suzanne Hayes & Loretta Nyhan

13. Two-part question: Do you play a musical instrument? And what instrument would you like to learn to play?

When I was in school, I use to play the viola. If I were to learn an instrument it would be a tossup of a piano, a flute, or a saxophone. I think more of a saxophone. I fell in love with that instrument when I listen to many jazz bands before I created my poem, “Tap Out That Jazz” 2018, Beat-itude National Beat Poetry Festival 10 Year Anthology. p.107. 2020, Coffee, Wine, and the Magic of Words p. 24.

14. What process did (or are you going) you go through to get your book published?

When I first started to write in 2008, I was writing just to see if I can create a story. After joining a few writing groups over the years, I learned a lot through sharing my work with others and receiving feedback. It has helped me make my writing the best it can be. After writing, Time For Me I researched First Edition Design Publishing and I am happy to say, Time For Me is all over the world now. And so is my poetry book Coffee, Wine, and the Magic of Words.

5. Great efforts, Carissa! Who would you like to change places with… i.e. live someone else’s life for a week?

If I had to change places with someone it would be Oprah Winfrey. Oprah has so my positive influences on me from her book clubs, Oprah magazine, Oprah show, but what touched me the most is that she opened school for ones that need, Leadership Foundation Academy – a free school for young woman in South Africa and started a foundation that aids woman, children, and families. She is always helping with her own money. To be able to open a school and not charge to be a part of it, is a dream of mine. Just that alone is why I pick Oprah Winfrey.

16. Good answer. If you weren’t a writer, what would be your ideal profession?

I am fortunate to be doing my ideal job as a preschool teacher. I am teaching all I can to children that will grow up using the knowledge that I taught to them.

17. Two-part question: Bill Murray or Chevy Chase? And John Cleese or Michael Palin?

Chevy Chase for all the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies. John Cleese for the movie Rat Race.

18. What’s your most rewarding literary accomplishment to date (one that just blew your mind!)

A literary accomplishment that was most rewarding to me, was when I had to write a poem in a literacy course in college. My professor asked me to stay after class… that she wanted to talk to me. I was blown away when she said she like to put my poem in the college magazine. I was thrilled beyond words.

“The Great Wanter” 2005, Cassandra 20^th Anniversary Literary Magazine. Also featured in Coffee, Wine, and the Magic of Words. p. 50.

19.  What quote do you live by?

There are so many powerful quotes out there but the one that is my favorite is “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away.”

“All it takes is a moment to make a memory that will last a lifetime.”

Unknown Authors. 

20. What would be your ideal writer profession ambition? (famous Pulitzer Prize winning author, successful self-published author as a day job, etc.)   

Of course, winning a Pulitzer Prize is a dream. Even receiving an award of recognition for my work in story and or poem would be wonderful.

Just to become a well-known author. It would be wonderful for my books to come up in a conversation of, what is your favorite book or author to read.

I have had my book Time for Me discussed at a book club. I enjoy immensely sharing my time with a group of readers, answering questions and learning from each one of them. I am hoping my books will be accepted in other book clubs in the future.

21. Would you like to ask me a question?

First, I like to say thank you for asking me these questions. What made you be interested in making a blog and doing interviews? How did you get started?

Welcome Carissa, I truly enjoyed our second interview together and look forward to the next one soon! Keep up your extraordinary efforts.
In answer to your question, I love doing them. And of course featuring and promoting interviews are some of the ways I’m able to give back to our creative community by helping fellow writers and peers for their hard work and contributions. I know how much reviews, interviews, and overall outreach helps get our work exposed to the masses. Initially I started interviewing musicians years ago when I was a college radio DJ, local talents to some notable ones as well. When I started writing back in 2000, a few of my friends suggested I extend my outreach efforts to all creatives. I used the outlet of online magazines in the interim to present day. I started this blog in December 2012, the same month I joined our gifted writing group at The Book Review in Huntington and mainly feature interviews here.

For Carissa’s information and where to buy her work, please click on links below.

Ciao for now, LM-R

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=time+for+me+by+carissa+kopf

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Coffee%2C+wine%2C+and+the+magic+of+words+by+Carissa+kopf&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22542030-time-for-me

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarissaKopf

https://www.instagram.com/authorkopf/?hl=en

 

Quotes, Tunes, & a Vaccine!

I got my first Covid Pfizer vaccination today at NYU Langone Brooklyn Hospital, next one in 3 weeks. I’m happy to report all went well, timely, and thankfully no reaction to it. I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated, it’s safe and effective so no worries. Better days and benefits are unfolding. Safe wishes, L.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” Theodore Roosevelt

“You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.” Jan Glidewell

“A year from now you may wish you had started today.” Karen Lamb

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need.” Lao Tzu

Currently playing on Little Mountain FM

Fire For You – Cannons
Same Old Scene – Roxy Music
Seven Seas – Echo & The Bunnymen
Patience – Guns N’ Roses
Just Dropped In – Mickey Newbury
Save It For Later – Pete Townshend (live)
Just Like Paradise – David Lee Roth
It’s Different For Girls – Joe Jackson
Tonight – Tina Turner (feat. David Bowie)
Mercy Street / Solsbury Hill – Peter Gabriel

Special Dedication to Anthony💚

New York State Of Mind – Billy Joel
I Wish It Would Rain Down – Phil Collins
Kodachrome – Paul Simon
I’d Rather Go Blind – Etta James
Lovetown / Solsbury Hill – Peter Gabriel

 

Friday’s Quotes…

 

Thursday’s Quotes & Songs…

Currently playing on Little Mountain FM
Laura – Scissor Sisters
Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai
Deja Vu – Beyonce (Homecoming Live) Featuring Jay-Z
19-2000 (Soulchild Remix) – Gorillaz
The Big Burn – The Bogman
So Fresh, So Clean – Outkast
Insomnia and the Hole in the Universe – Live
Dear Prudence – The Beatles

Special dedication to Anthony ❤
Good Times Roll – The Cars
Money For Nothing – Dire Straits
Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan
Turn It On – Genesis
The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill – The Beatles

 

Author Interview with Robert Fall

1. When did you start putting pen to paper?

When I was ten I used to dream a ton and write what I remembered down. They were often fights in pirate ships, so they were like really short stories. However, this didn’t last for too long, a couple of months perhaps. After that, I stopped writing completely, until last year a family friend mentioned those stories back to me, and encouraged me to try and write again. I can’t stop now. 

2. What’s your literary poison – prose, poetry, etc.?

Prose. I’ve written some poems, but they aren’t my thing. To expand on this question, I must admit that I always aim for my prose to have a musical, almost magical edge to it. I’m working on it though! It’s quite hard to accomplish.

3. Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Does Goku count? If he does, then it’s him, otherwise probably Batman.

4. Which famous writer can you most identify with?

Oh snap! Quite the question you threw me here. To be honest, to even say that I even identify with any famous writer would be an exaggeration, but for the sake of the interview, I will say Patrick Rothfuss. His prose is exactly what I want mine to be.

5. What are your current projects? (*Include books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.)

I’m working on a novella, which I plan to submit to Tor Publishing. Besides that I have my subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/therobertfall — Shameless plug!) where I post prompts and short stories.

6. Nothing wrong with shameless plugs… if you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book or writing piece? 

No, probably not. I’ve learned to control myself and be happy with the end result of my works.

7. Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Read and write a ton. Don’t rush it, it takes time. Join critique groups if you can take criticism. Do read other famous writer’s advice but don’t take them as absolutes, distill your own interpretation of them instead and see how they the quality of your writing. 

8. What were your grades like in English class? A’s, B’s, anything less than this is shameful 😉

Well, I’m from Argentina, hehe. I had a class where we learned the English language, and I would say I was a B student. I was lazy in school, don’t judge me.

9. How much research do you do for your writing?

Depends on a lot of factors. I write fantasy, and I often can create my own rules there. However, when it comes to accurate details, like the techniques/means they used in the middle ages to cook, build, and such, I always research that a lot. I will say I’m a picky researcher, I only do research when I need to write something I don’t know anything about.

10. Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

Computer. 

11. What is the best advice you’ve been given? 

I read quite a bit of Stephen King. In his book ‘On Writing’ he talks about how the road toward Hell is paved with adverbs. When I read that I remember frowning, picking up a book of his, and spotting some adverbs in his work. This was the advice which taught me no advice should be taken as an absolute, rules are made to be broken. 

12.  What book do you think everyone should read?

I’m ashamed to admit that I wasn’t a reader until I started writing, so my repertoire isn’t so vast, specially because I read mostly fantasy. All things considered, my answer will be One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. It’s the first book I picked up and couldn’t put down. 

13. Two-part question: Do you play an musical instrument? And what instrument would you like to learn to play?

I don’t play an instrument, but knowing how to play piano would be fantastic.

14. What process are or did you go through to get your book published?

First of all, I have to finish writing this novella. Once that’s done, I will edit and polish the hell out of it, and then I will submit it to Tor, and hope to be good enough. In the mean time, I’m working on building an audience, which is proving to be quite tricky.

15. Who would you like to change places with… e.g. live someone else’s life for a week?

Another hard question, hmm. If I could see how the other person’s mind works, then I would choose someone like Stephen King. 

16. If you weren’t a writer, what would be your ideal profession?

I’m currently studying business administration while writing on my spare time. My ideal profession is definitely being a full-time author. However, I wouldn’t complain working on the stock market or growing my own business.
 
17. Two-part question: 1. Bill Murray or Chevy Chase? 2. John Cleese or Michael Palin?

Bill Murray and Michael Palin.

18. What’s your most rewarding literary accomplishment to date (one that just blew your mind!)

I don’t know if it counts, but to me—considering that I wasn’t a reader finishing three fat books in a month was absolutely incredible. Now, if we speak about my writing (I must clarify that I’m just starting so it won’t be anything incredible) the most mind-blowing thing that happened to me was having a story surpass 2.5k upvotes in less than 24 hours, and getting gilded, the same day, for another story. As I said, reddit is like my home, I write a ton in there. An upvote means that someone enjoyed what you posted, and if someone gilds you it means they gifted you a paid, premium version of reddit. The crazy thing about it, is that everything happened the night of New Year’s Eve. I woke up with 2018 over my shoulders, saw those things, and knew I had to pursue writing. 

19.  What quote do you live by?

“Success is not built on success. It’s built on failure. It’s built on frustration. Sometimes it’s built on catastrophe.” —Sumner Redstone.

20. What would be your ideal writer profession ambition? (famous Pulitzer Prize winning author or a day job as a writer, etc.)

If I can spend my days writing without worrying about my bills, then I will have made it.   

21. Would you like to ask me a question?

Of course! I will ask you two if you allow me. I’m feeling mischievous today.
-What’s your favorite book?
-What’s your favorite story of yours?

These questions are tricky to answer as each book I loved reading usually are different genres or have nuances that set them apart… that I admire.  I will go with a must read that can benefit all readers — The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh. A favorite story of mine? I’ll go with my non-fiction short story — Observations of a Native New Yorker as it was my first writing effort. 

Many thanks to Robert for sharing his work and ideas with us— a kind young talent to look at for! Please check out this humble writer here: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/therobertfall or @TheRobertFall 

 
 

 

The 10 Best Bookstores in New York!

https://bestthingsny.com/bookstores/

I’ve been to 8 of these, hope to scratch off Buffalo & Ithaca soon. Road trip anyone? Support your local bookstore gems 🙂

Happy Friday!
LDM

 

Wednesday’s Poem & Tunes

Romance 
by Edgar Allan Poe

Romance, who loves to nod and sing
With drowsy head and folded wing
Among the green leaves as they shake
Far down within some shadowy lake,
To me a painted paroquet
Hath been—most familiar bird—
Taught me my alphabet to say,
To lisp my very earliest word
While in the wild wood I did lie,
A child—with a most knowing eye.

Of late, eternal condor years
So shake the very Heaven on high
With tumult as they thunder by,
I have no time for idle cares
Through gazing on the unquiet sky;
And when an hour with calmer wings
Its down upon my spirit flings,
That little time with lyre and rhyme
To while away—forbidden things—
My heart would feel to be a crime
Unless it trembled with the strings.

Currently playing on Little Mountain FM

Fight the Power – Public Enemy
Something Just Like This – The Chain Smokers / Coldplay
Cold – Maroon 5
Suddenly – The Bogmen / Black Motorcycle Rebel Club
I Am The Highway – Audioslave
Ventura Highway – America
I Wanna Be Adored – The Stone Roses
Always On Your Side – Sheryl Crow & Sting
Everything Counts – Depeche Mode (101 concert version)
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band / With a Little Help From My Friends – The Beatles
Let’s Dance – David Bowie

Special dedication to Tony ❤

Contact – Big Audio Dynamite
Rock of Ages – Def Leppard
Don’t Come Around Here No More – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Blinded by the Light – Manfred Mann
Rocky Raccoon – The Beatles
Der Kommissar – After the Fire
Runaway Car – Audioslave
Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) – The Rolling Stones

 

Book Sale!

Who doesn’t love a book sale?

If you haven’t read the Pulitzer & Nobel prize winning… wait a minute… oops… what day is it today? I meant to say Pulitzer & Nobel prize worthy novel, Feedback (listen, I can dream can’t I?) than you need to and spread the word!

Amazon – Kindle version only $2.99 and paperback $12.99!
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lisa+montanino

From the 5 star reviews alone, you’ll ❤ it. Also, I’ll be announcing contests / prizes in the near future for new / old reviews so sit tight.

P.s. I can’t believe it’s been three years since I released this gem… full stop 🙂

Hugs,
Lisa

 

Wednesday’s Quotes and Tunes…

Currently playing on Little Mountain FM

Coldplay – Magic
Advanced Falconry – Mutual Benefit
The Box Tops – The Letter
The Replacements – I’ll Be You
Stone Roses – Fools Gold
Happy Mondays – Step On
Echosmith – Cool Kids
The Smiths – What Difference Does It Make?
Gary Clark Jr. – Can’t Sleep
Dance This Mess Around – The B-52’s

Special dedication spin for AM ❤
They Are All In Love – The Who
Funkadelic – Maggot Brain
Goodbye For Now – Eddie Vedder