The Fracture: November 2024
Talk-show flirtation, art in Spokane, and "Freaky Mom"
Lovelies, let’s get started. Hope you had a pleasant Thanksgiving.
The articles
Music. Controlled. Sex. Toys. Where have you been all my life?!
Are you able to let go and not let resentment affect your mental health? Well, if you’re doing better than the average crow, I guess that’s a good thing.
“Why Do I Care What Others Think? A Philosophical View of Self-Esteem.”
David + Gillian + their strained relationship while shooting The X-Files.
Three from NYT:
“‘Chicken Shop Date’ and the Art of Talk-Show Flirtation.” Really enjoyed this. I like to think I have pretty good game in this area.
“Dating App Fatigue? In Vermont, Personal Ads Still Thrive.”
A few book bars in NYC, including one where “laptops are banned after 6 p.m. on weekdays and after noon on weekends.” I want one.
“Dating coach says 'one word' will tell you if someone is actually into you or not.” Normally hate articles like these, but this one is very true.
We just celebrated our youngest turning 10, and her birthday dinner reminded me that she is so dang picky. Apparently, it’s not my fault.
Like we needed an article about this? Duh. But I still can’t believe some couples can’t do this in front of each other. Weirdos.
The music
Lady Gaga - “Disease”
Just love her. Want to copy this scene where she is chained to the pipe.
I could play the doctor, I can cure your disease
If you were a sinner, I could make you believe
Lay you down like one, two, three
Eyes roll back in ecstasy
I can smell your sickness, I can cure ya
Cure your disease
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - “Necessary Evil”
A very chill song for Saturday morning chores.
Lovin' me could be your fatal flaw
Just hangin' in here trying to be your
Necessary evil
Necessary evil
The art
I’ve followed Chaos Agenda for a bit. They will be at Not Your Grandma’s Craft Fair, held at The Guardian, next weekend in Spokane. I may have to take a trip up there.
The books
Still haven’t finished Gillian Anderson’s Want. Unfortunately, it’s just not tempting to me.
Yet again, a popular book couldn’t hook me. Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo. I didn’t care about these characters.
But I did finish another popular book! Jill Ciment’s Consent. As usual, creative nonfiction for the win. It gave me a lot to think about in how we boldly pursue in youth and subconsciously take advantage with the “wisdom” of age.
The random
My sixteen-year-old spouted off a random statistic: Only 2% of high school relationships move on to long-term adult commitments. I know he and his girlfriend have different college plans and we were talking about how me and Dad met, but… okay. Trying to resist the urge to dig deeper.
I went to my very first burlesque show which is overdue considering I’ve been going to classes for almost a year and a half. Loved the diverse bodies and music and boldness. Went with Dad (my husband) and met up with my friend and her wife. We left as soon as it ended because my body was still recovering from doing this 30 times:
My oldest has given me an affectionate nickname: “Freaky Mom.” (This should be the name of my memoir, but the front cover will hide the title in a classy, swoopy font, so people can read it in public.) My kids know I go to burlesque and have heard some of my adventures like the nude hot springs retreat, but this is only a sliver of their knowledge regarding my interests. We call Dad “Freaky Dad” when he does something wild like buy an Eddie Bauer pullover in orange. Calm down, babe.
I shouldn’t be here at work today, but I’m saving up my PTO for a number of reasons and getaways in 2025.
I’m applying for a writing opportunity I feel would offer fine-tuned guidance. And, I hate to say it, a bit of validation.
I got cranky during my latest therapy session. My therapist said, “How are you feeling?” I said, “I’m irritated. You’re asking me the same questions since March.” On my behalf, I was crying, itchy, and hungry but not for anything in my kitchen.