Putting Fresher, Prettier Faces on the McCain Campaign

Dear Mr. Larson,

I would like to introduce myself as a consideration for a position of makeup artist with the McCain-Palin campaign. I hope this letter will impress you with my qualifications and my ability to transcend politics in order to help put a more attractive face on your campaign, which seems to have been erupting with certain "blemishes" lately (beauty pun intended!).

;-)

I hope you don't mind, but I got your name from the RNC's Schedule F that lists you as the recent purchaser/stylist for Sarah Palin, which seems to have been causing a bit of a flap lately due to the amount of money spent on her clothes, and now her makeup, too. (If you don't mind some friendly unsolicited advice, you should really consider Loehmann's next time for some deep discounts on designer women's clothing...just a little helpful tip there!) And you might want to take a tip from the competition, because it looks like the Obama's are getting a lot of their clothes off the rack (The Gap, White House/Black Market, H&M)... just an fyi.

Anyhow, I can't help noticing that the McCain-Palin ticket has been, quite frankly, overpaying for their makeup application services. Granted, Palin has been sporting some pretty heavy blush lately (which I see as a big no-no and is making her look very 80s) but extra product alone shouldn't raise the cost of services. Blush is fairly inexpensive. $13,200 is really a lot of money to pay for makeup application in a month's time.

I am writing to you because I think I could do a superior job for a fraction of the price. My cost-saving methods will help improve your standing with the "liberal" media and also help me earn some extra money this year, since the situation with the economy may prevent my employer from giving me a raise. I understand that some GOP donors want their money back after this little brouhaha with the clothes and perhaps if they know that you're more receptive to spending in a budget-conscious fashion, they won't be so upset with you.

Before I continue with any further advice, let me make you aware of my qualifications for this very important position in the campaign:

1. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Industrial Technology and a minor in English from a major California university. Granted, I did not go to five different schools before obtaining my degree or graduate at almost the bottom of my class, but bear with me. When studying for my degree in Industrial Technology, I was only one of two girls in my entire major. So I know what it is to have to prove yourself in front of a lot of guys. However, I didn't rely on my looks to get ahead. I did it by getting better grades than anyone else.

For the record, I do not know how to kill and dress a moose, but in school I did learn how to run a printing press, do some fabrication with sheet metal, and use a lathe. So this way, I figure Sarah might relate to me because I too can compete in a man's world, and also provide some reassurance to any Joe the Plumbers you might have hanging around who might need their noses powdered before those impromptu "questions" with Barack Obama. And because I'm fairly familiar with the duties of the Vice President, I'd be happy to do some light quizzing or maybe even flash cards to help Sarah prep just in case any more third graders are going to ask what she might do as VP.

But what does this have to do with being a makeup artist, you might ask? Please let me elaborate.

2. I also have an esthetician's license from a state accredited school, which I got after my college degree. This means that not only can I do Sarah's makeup (although you don't need a license to do makeup), but I can also wax her upper lip, to prevent another unfair representation, like when Newsweek did not Photoshop out Palin's facial hair and wrinkles. (I am also a great brow shaper.) So you would not have to hire a separate person for her lip wax.

3. As a makeup artist, I have learned from the best. Laura Mercier herself. Now I know what you're going to say--that she's elitist, she's French, she lives in New York and she's friends with Madonna. Yes, that is all true. But she is also one of the best makeup artists on the planet and my technique come from her enlightened tutelage. Also, I learned a lot from Matin Maulawizada, another extremely gifted and charming makeup artist, who is also now the celebrity makeup artist for Neutrogena. He taught me some amazing tricks, like how to mix bright orange lipstick with concealer to disguise discolorations under the eyes. This trick is amazing for people of color (African American, Southest Asian/Indian) who have dark circles under their eyes and can't find a good undereye concealer.

I realize that you don't seem to have any people of color associated with your campaign, but maybe you'll pick up a token ethnic person along the way in the next few days, who also happens to have bags under his/her eyes, and then I can really do some magic there.

4. I am not snobbish about brands, which is how I can also help you save money and make you a winner with the "real" American ladies who wear makeup, too. For example, even though I have the spendy Shu Uemura eyelash applicator, some of my favorite makeup brushes come from Costco. Seriously! They have some really fantastic brush sets. And since Sarah really is fond of blush, then I can suggest Jane Blushing Cheeks as a great product. They make wonderful colors that are highly pigmented to give her that stripey look she seems to favor but they are also very inexpensive. I may be a huge elitist fan of YSL Faul Cils mascara, but I also love the Wet 'n Wild eyeshadow palettes and the Rimmel Black Jet Kohl pencil.

So by being egalitatarian with my makeup kit, not only will I save your campaign money, but I will use products on Sarah that women who don't have very much money (ie., $13,200) can afford to buy, too. And then they'll be able to relate to her better.

5. Now if these qualifications haven't impressed you, let me share one more talent with you that might also come in handy. Not that I'm bragging, but some people have told me that I have a very sexy phone voice. I am just putting it out there...hear me out...but since you've also been responsible for that robocall campaign that even Sarah Palin has admitted wasn't such a great idea because it's really pissing off more people than turning them over to your way of thinking, maybe you need a change there too.

I thought maybe I could kind of "sex up" your calls and then maybe some of the men (at least) would listen to your robocalls without hanging up in disgust before you've delivered your potent messages. I realize that you are counting on some men to be attracted to Sarah and perhaps take advice from those other little friends they keep in their pants to help them decide who to vote for, but if you want someone with a hot voice to help get the message out, let me know.

(Sarah might have the bod for the job, but her voice is grating. I know this is might be coming from left field, so if you just want to consider me for the makeup artistry and get someone else for the robocalls, that is if enough Republican senators have not denounced the practice already, then I'll understand.)

Anyway, thanks for your patience in reading this letter. I realize that you're really in a crunch now and it might be too late to change the negative appearance of your campaign. But I wanted you to know that I'm a hard-working, patriotic American even though I don't live in a small town, so I thought I'd see if I could be of some help. Best of luck with your future political career! I'm sure Karl Rove is so proud of your accomplishments lately!

Very best regards!

Julie

ps. At first, I was going to say that you could also recommend me to Michelle Bachmann because she needs all the help she can get after making a total asswipe out of herself in front of the whole country... but since the GOP looks like it's pulling back from supporting her, her opponent has raised almost $500,000 in a single day since she opened her big Mc Carthy-esque mouth, and now there's an active campaign for her censure, it's probably not much use in trying to help her at this point.

Sometimes you can't put lipstick on a pig. And I mean that exactly how it sounds.

***

Tara, doll, this one's for you! Thank you for being my inspiration and my enabler. xoxo

How to Run a Real Fashion-y Campaign

When I woke up this morning, I was so jazzed about the idea of starting my fact-finding commission so that I could consider being on a ticket for the 2012 elections.

I hate picking out what to wear in the morning because some of my clothes are looking pretty tired and it takes a lot of effort to pull together a cute outfit with last year's H&M sweaters.

So imagine my little fashion bubble being burst when I read this statement from the McCain campaign:

"With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it's remarkable that we're spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses," said spokesperson Tracey Schmitt. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."

That statement totally bummed me out. Sarah doesn't get to keep the clothes! Man, if I were her, I'd drop out of the race right this instant. Ladies, you know how it is--when you finally get some awesome clothes that fit you perfectly and make you look like someone you're not, only better...and then--you have to give them back?! That is a fashionista's worst nightmare!

But who wants used Vice Presidential candidate clothes? What, are they going to make her sell the clothes on eBay, like that plane? (Oh, I forgot. That didn't really happen.) Or maybe she can donate the clothes to "real" Americans like Joe the Plumber's wife (if he has one, I'm being hypothetical here) and that poor old lady (Gayle Quinnell) who told McCain that Obama was a Muslim terrorist. You know, like dividends to people who helped with the campaign.

***

BUT, then I thought: Hey, in some totally warped space-time continuum where Palin really does make it to the second most powerful job in the country, she'll be in charge of Congress! I bet she could use that power to work with Congress to change the laws regarding how campaigns spend their funds! With enough winking, she could get those dowdy senators to let her keep the clothes.

And then that would pave the way for me to run my exploratory commission. Because I'm only interested in running if I get to keep the clothes.

***

Just so you know, if and when I decide to run for office in 2012, I will buy my starter campaign wardrobe from the Back Room at Loehmann's because, let's face it, "real" Americans wouldn't know a last season's Valentino suit from this season's, and I don't want to abuse their trust. I would rather spend their money with much foresight and discretion than blow it all in a single whopping orgasmic spree.

Once I get into office though, then I'll be shopping full retail--no sales!--after I wrangle Congress to give me a raise.

ps. Just so you know, I would like to express my flexibility in thinking by going more with Donna Karan than St. John and Valentino for my campaign wardrobe. I want my candidacy not to require me to have to wear Spanx all the time.

FREE Wardrobe Giveaway!

Girls! GIRLS! Listen up!

Not only have we made a million trillion cracks in the glass ceiling with our Aqua Nett'ed beehive hairdos, but now we have a surefire way to get an incredible new designer wardrobe in LESS THAN A MONTH! And it includes shoes, too!

Sound too good to be true?

It's NOT!

All you have to do is become a candidate for the Vice Presidency in 2012! And then you can have more clothes and shoes than you can shake a Hermes Birkin bag at! (Although you might want to pick accessories that are not so, well--you know...French.)

Let's leave the option for this fantastic clothing and political giveaway open to both parties because we don't want all of those poor Republicans we've been picking on lately to think that they get to corner the market on the most ludicrous news and incredibly poor judgement forever.

I wonder if all of those "real" Americans (you know who you are) thought all of Palin's new clothes came from the Wasilla Wal-Mart. (To be frank, I thought Cindy was being the ultimate gal-pal and footing the bill for Palin's duds. Clothes, I mean. Not "duds," as in what comes out of the candidate's mouth.)

Saks Fifth Avenue, New York and St. Louis: $49,425.74
Neiman Marcus, Minneapolis: $75,062.63
(To be fair, they only spent a few grand in Barneys and Bloomingdales, but those stores do kind of suck in comparison, imho.)
Total: over $150,000!

Now, if they had made this shopping spree a reality TV show, maybe called something like "Dressing Sarah: Forget the Lipstick!" or "Race to the Fashion White House!", they would have gotten ginormous ratings! Hell, I would have tuned in!

Thank goodness for campaign finance reporting! Thank goodness this spreading the wealth of people's campaign donations on clothing is enhancing the free market and American capitalism and not anything resembling that nasty socialism. Whew.

***

ps. I would totally consider running for office if I could finally get a pair of Christian Louboutins. I know some others of you would too. I could even save a campaign money because I can do my own makeup, and even do some touchups for my running mate.

pps. I know some of you might think that I'm a little jealous and bitter because I'm sitting here in a hand-me-down Dittmer's Sausage Haus t-shirt and some old sweat pants, and you might be a tiny bit right about that. But I really want some new clothes too. I'll even settle for Zara right now.

Photos stealthily lifted from neimanmarcus.com.

Don't write

Don't write.
It's too powerful.
It might tell someone how
you feel. How you hurt.
What you don't understand.

Don't write.
It's too powerful.
It will show who you are
on the inside to the outside.
It'll blow your cover,
your nice reputation.

Don't write.
It's too powerful.
You might hurt someone's feelings.
People may not like your words.
They may attack you, or abandon you.

Don't write.
It's too powerful.
It might give others hope.
Let them know
they're not alone.
It might change minds.
Change directions.
Change the world.

So, whatever you do,
don't write.

***

I wish I had written that poem.
But I'm not there yet.

I read this poem fairly often now, since Tara first posted it on her blog. It's a little mental shock to the system, and I don't mind that. "It'll blow your cover, your nice reputation." I'm still working on that one.

This poem is by Jen Lee and I think it's a very important reminder given current events and how people decide to censure themselves... or not.

For those of you who want to visit Tara's post and leave a comment, you can enter to win one of Jen Lee's journals. Her drawing will be held on Saturday.

Science Dweeb

"My theory of evolution is that Darwin was adopted." ~ Steven Wright

Yep. You're looking at one. Science dweeb.

But this one had very nice eyeshadow on today. It was her first visit to the brand spankin' new California Academy of Sciences, practically in her backyard, in Golden Gate Park. She thought this outing was definitely worth dressing up for.

She's been loving this place since she was like six or seven years old, and especially was a big big admirer of the two-headed snake (it's dead now, sadly). And then the building was damaged in the 1989 earthquake, and the city slooooooowly designed and built a new one.

And now it's finally open, beautiful and perfect and crawling with lots of other science dweebs of every age.

You really don't know about the whole dinosaur fetish, but she's had it since she was about three years old and her mom used to take her in her little stroller to the Smithsonian.

Seeing a giant T-Rex looming overhead gives her such a thrill, still.

There's a very large and important exhibit on climate change, global warming and the rapid extinction of plant and animal species.

It's incredibly moving, impressive and depressing. And a must-see for anyone who wants to keep living on this planet, and not under a rock.

Downstairs in the Steinhart Aquarium, she found some friends who wanted to say "Howdy!" to you guys.

Like the...

Pacific spiny limpsucker

We don't know who this is but he lives with the limpsuckers.

The albino alligator

Waxy monkey tree frogs

Sea anemones and starfish.

OMG! Seahorses!

A tiny male homo sapiens reading an important book.

***

The science dweeb did not get to go to the planetarium or the rain forest aviary today.
The lines were a little too long and she was already too overcome by it all to continue.

So she had to retire to her fainting couch to recover.

Ah. Soon, soon.

Four Eyes

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” ~ Tennessee Williams

***

I really enjoy my photowalks alone: having that time to just wander at my own pace, stopping on a dime, maybe standing in the middle of the street once in a while, staring at the tops of buildings or at junk on the ground. Things you don't really feel like you can do with someone else as you might cramp their style. Or that sometimes you can't talk because you're too busy concentrating on looking about.

But when you have a friend like Ms. Red Shoes, it's like having a second brain and another pair of eyes, in addition to having serene and lovely company.

Without her eyes, I wouldn't have had any of these pictures today.

(says "Mr. Seahorse knows that no one is illegal.")

Tired pup in door.

Devotional candles. Spells.

Good luck yarn and colorful lights.

***

And without Ms. Red Shoes, there would have been no pear and ginger pie at Mission Pies.

You know this was gooood.

So was the hot dog wrapped in bacon.


That was my pie chaser.

Thank you for the date, my sweet friend!

One Year Ago Today

"I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs; A palace and a prison on each hand; I saw from out the wave of her structure's rise As from the stroke of the enchanter's wand: A thousand years their cloudy wings expand Around me, and a dying Glory smiles O'er the far times, when many a subject land Look'd to the winged Lion's marble pines, Where Venice sate in state, throned on her hundred isles." ~ Lord Byron

***

One year ago today, when I woke up in the morning, when I opened my eyes... I was in Venice.
Nowhere near the Bridge of Sighs, but that was okay. I loved my little apartment in the Dorsoduro.


Oh, to have had the camera or the eye that I have now, what photos I would have captured!
(I guess I'll just have to go back.)

big big big big BIG *sigh*

***

And now I'm going to have my crazy wanderlust all day.

This song makes it better and worse at the same time.



Or at least I should get a copy of The Darjeeling Limited. I can't believe I don't own this movie yet.

Quick Movie Trivia

Yes, this was a deleted scene from A Christmas Story.
John McCain plays Growly, an older child who has to repeat fourth grade three times and gets beaten up by Randy for whining.

That photo from the debate? It was a flashback to his audition for the movie.
All of you guys who laughed--you're totally mean.

Mental Stimulus Package

So, if you're like me, you filed an extension on your taxes and waited until the last minute to send in the paperwork.

Me, I don't end up like this because I'm unpatriotic. To the contrary, I think taxes are necessary to have the things a society needs to sustain itself. I just wish my tax dollars went to the most beneficial and practical places to help us be the best nation we can (I won't go there... you know what I mean).

Nah, I just wait until the last minute because it stresses me out with all of those forms and then I have to hire someone to do it for me anyway. So this year, the nice CPA tells me that I'm eligible to get that $600 for the "economic stimulus package" that was bandied about in the springtime. I just figured this refund was either an urban legend or something that I wouldn't qualify for.

The CPA assured me that yes, I do qualify. I asked him if the government still had $600 to give me and he laughed. I don't know if that's a yes or no, so I'll just be positive about the whole thing, but then try not to be disappointed if the government changes its mind about stimulating me.

***

I know that I'm supposed to run out like a banshee and spend the theoretical $600 (see how I'm not getting emotionally attached to it?) on clothes and stuff so I can boost the economy, but the economy is probably so much in the crapper now that I have another idea.

I'm going to have what I am calling a Mental Stimulus Package, starting tonight. This election season has worn my brain out and I need some recharging.

I saw this event being held at the Herbst Theatre, called "Benjamin Franklin and the Invention of America." Just the idea of sitting in a beautiful theatre and learning about men who really broke the mold when it came to making this country sounded like a good way to spend a little bit of the stimulus package that I may or may not get.

I don't know too much about Benjamin Franklin, really. I probably know the things you do. I had a little bit of an imaginary camaraderie with Ben when I was in college. I got my degree in printing, and in my classes, I had to learn how to run a 2-color printing press. The whole deal: making printing plates, setting up the press, running it. I wore the little apron and everything. Watching paper being transformed from blank sheets to printed page in a whirring, breathing, noisy piece of real machinery (and an HP laserjet does not count) is kind of a rush. You feel slightly rabble-rousing and free-pressian and it's cool.

Anyway, that was my very slim association with Benjamin Franklin. But I'm looking forward to learning more about him, as an inventor, diplomat, philosopher, printer, athlete, musician. I hope it's going to make me feel good to hear about people who really did things to build and shape our country, in ways that we don't ever see now. I guess this event will be really inspiring or really depressing.

So, now you know another thing you can do on a Friday night in San Francisco. Be a history geek! I love that idea. I'm looking forward to my Mental Stimulus Package. I hope it helps me be a better American.

For more details about the event, looky here.

I Got My Lizard Tongue Update

And just when I thought there wasn't going to be a tongue image from last night.

I'm sorry to do this to you. But I can't have people just send me these things willy-nilly and then keep them from you. And I have got to start wearing waterproof mascara.

***

Yes, I am totally juvenile.
But this is what I have been reduced to. Plus, it's still McLovin Day.

Not the Love Thursday You're Thinking Of

When I first discovered Shutter Sisters, I was so excited about Love Thursday. I still think it's an awesome idea... it's just that I never seem to have my sh*t together when it's Thursday lately.

I get so distracted. I dunno.

Anyway, this isn't really a Love Thursday post. It's a McLovin post.


***

I just thought you should know that I am not always watching F.W. Murnau films or going to the ballet. Sometimes I am watching my Superbad Collector's edition DVD. (Spoiler: f-words in clip.)



Sometimes I am all about McLovin.
Do I have any McLovin lovin' friends out there? I know I have some Big Lebowski sisters! (debi)

Just Mellow Here

"Being a photographer is making people look at what I want them to look at." ~ Ruth Orkin

***

I'm working on my book about the Mission (damn, gotta love that blurb!), listening to my Aimee Mann CD again (and hoping some of you will make me a mix CD of your favorite smart girls). Smelling the marijuana that comes through the vent next to my desk, from the guy upstairs. (He must have a hydroponic farm up there--this is a nightly occurrence.)

And I'm sitting here, kinda laughing, because if you never looked at any other photos of San Francisco except for mine, you'd think that the city was completely decrepit and falling to pieces.

I guess maybe it is (or at least the parts of the city I happen to take photos in).

***

"All photography is propaganda." - Martin Parr

This urban decay sure fascinates me. Lucky this book is not a scratch-n-sniff though. Some of these places look cool on paper, but in real life, the smells could knock you over. The "nicer" parts of town don't have the urine smells, but they also don't make for very interesting photos, either.

***

The other day, Amber and I were just beside ourselves discovering battered doors, peeling paint layers and general disintegration. I told her about a favorite ancient keyhole I found, backlit perfectly to show the myriad of spiderwebs inside, and she shared her love of rust and how she befriended all of the graffiti artists in Salt Lake City.

Who knew that taking a bunch of photos would lead to such bizarre admiration?

***

Also, I found a really fantastic site for photography quotes, which might be inspiring to some of you, my fellow photography mavens.
That's all. Nitey nite.

***

OH! I remember what I wanted to tell you. Those of you who preordered your Chinatown book with me, the shipment came in! So now I'm just working on your special thank you prints to send, and then I'll be popping your books in the mail.

I can't believe I forgot. It must be the second-hand pot smoke.

Vote Blinky-Winky!

If you watched the debate, I don't need to relive it for you. You know your own mind.

But I have to ask you, between the incessant winking and smirking, what was McCain really saying with his face? I was so distracted by the winking that I didn't notice if he was sticking his tongue out like a lizard. There must be a psychologist out there that can explain these facial tics.

The guys at FiveThirtyEight.com, which I've been frequenting more and more lately (even though some of the statistics are way over my head), had some fun live blogging, btw. And I like Andrew Sullivan's too.

***

My little tangent for tonight was inspired by McCain's blinking, and then realizing that his running mate is fond of a'winkin'.

It reminded me of one of my favorite nursery rhymes. Do you remember "Wynken, Blynken and Nod?" (I bet my little dutchbaby does!)

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe---
Sailed on a river of crystal light,
Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
The old moon asked the three.
"We have come to fish for the herring fish
That live in this beautiful sea;
Nets of silver and gold have we!"
Said Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

The old moon laughed and sang a song,
As they rocked in the wooden shoe,
And the wind that sped them all night long
Ruffled the waves of dew.
The little stars were the herring fish
That lived in that beautiful sea---
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish---
Never afeard are we";
So cried the stars to the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

All night long their nets they threw
To the stars in the twinkling foam---
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
Bringing the fishermen home;
'T was all so pretty a sail it seemed
As if it could not be,
And some folks thought 't was a dream they 'd dreamed
Of sailing that beautiful sea---
But I shall name you the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
Is a wee one's trundle-bed.
So shut your eyes while mother sings
Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
As you rock in the misty sea,
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

***

Time for bed, Blinky. You behaved like someone who didn't get his nap today.

Seeds

"The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning." ~ Adlai E. Stevenson

I took this photo a while ago, for a woman I've never met. My little Christina of Soul Aperture, who tells it like it is. The world as seen through her soft brown eyes and large, wonderful heart.

Christina is a professional chef.
She's a photographer and artist and writer.
She's a mother of two beautiful children who ask the right questions.
She's the wife of a self-made man who is working to make the world a better place.

Christina and her family live in Milwaukee, in a neighborhood that knows poverty and the ills that come from lack: lack of education, lack of opportunity, lack of hope.

***

Christina wrote a post after the last debate, and on the eve of this one, I wanted to share an excerpt with you. No matter what your opinions are about the candidates, whether you feel smug or bitter or tired or hopeful, know that what is happening in the drama-inducing headlines is obscuring what is happening on the front lines.

Christina has taken it upon herself to go door to door, talking with neighbors and people in her neighborhood, to make sure that they understand their rights as citizens. That they can and should vote.

From Christina's post, No Title:


I respect that you may not share my views or opinion so I give you the option to stop reading now. Please save the hate mail, the N. word and whatever else. Been there, been called that.

I want to pass on some information to you.

1. If you wear an Obama shirt to go vote in Nov., it is considered campaigning and your voting rights will be taken away.

2. If you have warrants out for your arrest do not go vote! If you go to vote in Nov. there are undercover officers waiting to apprehend you!

3. If you have unpaid parking tickets you will be arrested in Nov. if you go to the polls to vote.

Everything I just typed is bullshit!!!!!

These are just some of the messages printed on flyers and being distributed through urban, inner city neighborhoods.

It's called Voting Fraud and that is illegal!!!!!

Please, please let anyone you know that these flyers are only being passed out to low income neighborhoods and they are a ploy to keep people from voting.

Sad but true!

***

Hearing from Christina first hand what she sees around her was shocking. I don't expect much from the media, the spin doctors and the pundits. Part of my solace comes from the people that make fun of it all.

But when you really are confronted with the truth that corruption exists at every imaginable level, it's almost mind-blowing. I want my America back.

***

When I took that photo above, I immediately thought of Christina, since it's a photo of sesame seeds and as a chef, I know she likes our foodie conversations as much as I do.

But then I saw the photo differently. It made me think that we are all those little sesame seeds: white, brown, black. All little seeds, just in different colors.

All little seeds.

Seeds of hope? I hope.

***

"I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them." ~ Adlai Stevenson, campaign speech, 1952

Thinking Girls' Music

I'm sitting on my duff, but I'm working.

Book #2: The Mission. And it's looking gooood.

Right now, I'm listening to Aimee Mann. She's my go-to singer for smart girl music. Her soft voice and quirky lyrics keep me going while I sort through a zillion photos, editing, thinking.


I went through my Indigo Girls phase, my k.d. lang phase, my Natalie Merchant phase, but Aimee's the one I listen to over and over again.





I'm sure you've heard this one before:



What smart girls do you listen to? I'm always open to suggestions.