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A March 2023 check-in from me...with an update, a book rec, and a surprise for YOU!
An Update
Happy spring, y’all.
March has been moving along like a mad rabbit. In some ways I feel like I haven’t been very productive. COVID was in the house when the month rolled in. Then came the rains and overnight freezes. Still, I found time to re-work my novel synopsis and query, divide and swap hostas and iris shoots with a friend, attend a writing workshop in Atlanta, and continue work on my humor essays about my years of traveling with Rice. And the month’s not over yet.
An extra special moment: I overheard my grandson pass down a family lesson to his little sis. It stems from my aversion to hearing kids whine about having nothing to do. I felt this way when I was a mom to little ones, and the sentiment continues even now that I’m a JJ.
By the way, I wasn’t eavesdropping—honest! This just floated within my earshot from one room away:
Charli (4): JJ, I’m bored.
Britton (10): Shhhhhhhh, Charli, don’t say that.
Charli: Why?
Britton and Charli: [mumbled whispers]
Charli: Never mind, JJ. I don’t need you to put a toilet brush in my hand.
Me: [laughing…but not so anyone else could hear]
Coming up: I’m working with my four sibs to pull together a Sistas’ Getaway before 2023 ends. It’s for just the five of us—no husbands or pets, no kids or grands. It should not break the bank, but it CANNOT be at any of our houses. In other words, none of us should have to figure out sleeping or eating arrangements for anyone but ourselves. And, definitely, none of us should have to strip beds or clean—or put a toilet brush in our hand—any more than we usually do when the fun is over.
We’re looking at November getaways, probably in Florida. Suggestions welcomed!
Meanwhile, back to spring, which has returned. Finally.
Cheers ~ J
A Book Rec
Do you enjoy rom-coms?
If so, check out Leanne Treese’s newest novel, FUN LESSONS, which officially hits the shelves on April 11, 2023.
It lives up to its name as a lighthearted good-time read. But it’s not without substance.
The main characters, Rebecca and Ian, clash immediately upon meeting but grow closer as they barter their skills to help each other meet some personal challenges. Ian teaches Rebecca to play the guitar for a music competition she’s dying to win. In return, Rebecca coaches Ian on how to be more fun so his ex-girlfriend will want him back.
True to its genre, FUN LESSONS delivers a happily-ever-after. But not before introducing us to vivid characters navigating very real challenges ranging from dyslexia to gender identity to personal acceptance—of themselves and others.
Go to leannetreese.com to learn about more of her books and how to buy them.
A Surprise
FX/Hulu’s Fleishman is in Trouble surprised me.
The first few episodes came off like a show about a fortysomething having lots of app-based sexual hook-ups when his marriage implodes. But by the end, I found myself ruminating over its themes—no-win balancing acts (marriage…career…family?), gender roles, classism, the need for love, saying goodbye to youth…. Tough stuff.
The ambiguous ending worked for me—at this stage in my life. I’m not so sure I would have liked it had I watched the show in my forties.
Interesting and messy. Just like life.