My Britney Book Review

Well, I ordered the audio book because I love Michelle Williams as an actress.  Everyone is saying she deserves a Grammy for her reading of this book. I'm going to be controversial and disagree.  I found her reading a little monotone.  There were highlights, like making fun of Justin Timberlake trying to speak to inner-city rappers. Hearing her break into "Fo shizzle" was entertaining. He definitely comes off like a dork in the book. 

I'm a big reader of memoirs and this one was really nothing special for me. It just made me feel sad. Her childhood was full of chaos and an alcoholic father, but Britney is never what I'd call a neurotypical child. She is driven from day one. She wants to be a star and stops at nothing. That kind of drive/ambition combined with talent, would be hard to parent. She gets very codependent on a lot of different people. First, her mother, then her brother. Then, the different boyfriends/husbands. All while being ruthlessly independent. Her personality would make me exhausted. 

When she gets into discussing her marriage, it really explains why she married Kevin Federline. Once she gets to be a parent, I can understand how she loves her boys, but she is really incapable of being a present mother figure.  It's troubling. Kevin really is a hero for parenting those boys and whatever she pays him, she should be grateful for his consistency.

I think Britney is a lovely soul who has been done wrong by a lot of people, but I also can't imagine who could handle some of her left turns. The whole book sounds a bit like my 13-year-old diary with sex and parties added. I appreciated that she apologized to many in her past wake, but it wasn't a very interesting "read" for me.  Since she had $9 million in preorders, I doubt Britney will be worried about my review. 3/5 stars.

Dear perfect parents of the Internet: Please mind your business.

I don't know why I read comments on videos, but I do. Why are all cute kid/dog/cat/farm videos laced with toxic comments on how to be the perfect parent? Like you never made a mistake.  Get over yourselves. I'd love to hear their kids tell the stories of these so called perfect parents who want to suck the joy out of life.

Yesterday, there was a darling video of a little girl (about 2 or 3) and she wanted to jump in the swimming pool.  Her mom stood over her with the camera telling her, "The water is cold. You don't want to jump in." Naturally, the kid jumps in anyway and immediately dashes out of the pool, looks up at her mom and says, "It's cold."

This is how kids learn. A cold pool warning now means something to her.

The comments were awful, but most of them said, "She needs water wings." Arrgh. No, she doesn't.  Water wings teach kids they can float and give them false confidence.  This kid knew how to swim and that's what kids need. But mostly, people need to mind their own business. Her mother was keeping her safe. 

In California, the leading cause of death for little boys 1-4 was drowning. I had a swimming pool and three little boys under four. Of course, we had an alarm on the back door. We had a fence around the pool.  But none of that helps in a momentary lapse, so I taught my boys to swim early.  All of them at their young age. Still, I say, there but for the grace of God go I.  None of us is perfect. Not one -- and accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, so I don't say this as an "I'm a better parent than you" commentary.  I say it as a reminder that parenting isn't easy. Kids do crazy stuff. Pets do crazy stuff. Let us enjoy those moments on the inter webs. As for me, I'm done with the comment section.

If you feel the need to NOT mind your own business and get involved, maybe you should adopt a dog or something.  Keep yourself busy. But don't use a retractable leash.  Because apparently, that is the new "Karen" cause. Retractable leashes are from the devil and should be banned.  (Here's an idea, if you don't like retractable leashes, don't use one.) I especially love this argument in Arizona where guns are on a lot of hips.  Walk around with a Colt 45, but go to jail for a retractable leash. The irony.

 My baby boy even spent summers as a lifeguard. He saw lots of stupid moves. 

 

Britney Spears: The Woman in Me

Well, have you read Britney's new book?  Will you?  Are you interested? I really missed the whole Britney era. My kids were young and in Christian school so she wasn't on my radar. As a mother, I have grieved for her inability to trust anyone around her. Knowing people with mental illness, I was very against the "Free Britney" movement. In this country, mental illness is not taken seriously and once you're 18, because of privacy laws, we allow the mentally ill to be in charge of their own treatment.  Unfortunately, that is not a good decision for society. For example, in bipolar people, mania feels good. Who would take pills that dull your senses during that wonderful high? 

We've all seen the TikToks of Britney dancing, and I honestly want to hurt anyone who took advantage of her for money. They'll answer to God. How we treat the least of these does not go unnoticed. Why can't people just be decent? Arrgh. 

Anyway, even though I missed the Britney era, I did see her in concert when my daughter bailed on my son's friend. It was some kind of Christmas concert and it had Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, and the Backstreet Boys. Britney and Justin were both very late and clearly being pushed out on stage like dancing monkeys. I felt awful for contributing to this mess. 

I love a good autobiography though, so I will probably be buying the book. I heard Michelle Williams is doing the audio so maybe I'll make the transition to audio with this one. Are you interested in this one?  I'm mostly interested because of how corrupt the entertainment industry is, and I hope there will be some insight into that. 

Nylons are coming back...

I lived through the opaque nylon era and may I just say, this did all of us a favor. It gave us shapely legs without the dimpling and paleness we've been left with since fashion decided we'd go bare.  Oh, and also took our slips away from us as well. I practically cheered when I saw "sheer tights" are returning.  We have waited long enough!

Thank you, Vogue. It's about time!!Sheer Tights are Back

 

This is Halloween...

My neighborhood takes Halloween decor to the next level. I have one neighbor who has a different theme every year.  Last year, it was "Harry Potter" and this year it's the headless horseman.  But we have one neighbor who decorates for both Christmas and Halloween and he has it set to music.  He has a few shows a night on the weekends, but I love to take the dogs by this house. They are absolutely mesmerized. I don't even think the pics do this place justice. I just love that anyone can be this organized for the enjoyment of the neighborhood kids.

#GoldenBachelor -- Down to the Wire!

That didn't take long to get rid of all the women. We're at the end of the Golden Bachelor and it feels like we've only begun. I was sad to see Joan go, but Joan was apparently married to a major league baseball player. Those WAG wives are different. I don't know if she could handle the quiet life on the Indiana lake anyway. 

Leslie grew on me last week with her story, but I saw on Reddit she actually dated Prince back in the day. Prince is a far cry from Gerry.  That being said, if her "picker" is off, maybe having Gerry choose her would be a good thing. She also said she'd been single a long time, so she's obviously good on her own. They might be a nice couple after all. 

Theresa seems to be the favorite because she is also a widow. I'm still holding it against her that she didn't know Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."  Literally, what planet do you have to be from to not know that song? They seem to have good chemistry, but I have trouble with that with Gerry. He genuinely looks so interested in what everyone is saying, no matter how mundane. I truly need to practice that gift. My emotions are always on my face. I could never be an actress. 

Ellen is sweet, but I don't think she is enough of a spitfire for him.  Prove me wrong, Gerry. I think Ellen would be lovely for Indiana lake living. 

I'm not going to lie, I'm glad Kathy is gone. Listen, do I think she was wrong about Theresa? No. I think that innocent act is just that on Theresa's part, but Kathy reminds me of every schoolteacher who tried to make me conform. You know how there are the teachers who love the "oddball" kids and teach individuals differently?  Then, there are the teachers who are "my way or the highway?" The latter is Kathy to me. I had an inner prejudice from the start. 

Sandra was taken out by ice cream and the "Never have I ever" game. Relatable and I love her. Hometowns are coming up!

Regardless of who Gerry picks, I liked this kinder, gentler version of "The Bachelor." Now, give it over to the Golden Bachelorette because that will be fun. My son and I were watching some TikTok where women were dissing the dating app picks with bachelors and their fish. I say, go for the fishermen.  The fishermen and the golfers. They're gone all day and you can read. (Also, don't take dating advice from me.)

Rewatching "My Brilliant Friend" & it's better the second time around... #MyBrilliantFriendHBO

Elena Ferrante wrote the Neapolitan novels that the HBO show "My Brilliant Friend" is based on.  I loved the series so much, I quickly read the books because they weren't producing the shows fast enough. The series is set in Italy (near Naples) and takes place after WWII. The small neighborhood is ruled by what amounts to a mob and escaping one's situation is no easy task. Women are rarely educated in this society and yet, Elena and Lila, the two protagonists happen to be the smartest people in town.

The story follows them as their paths diverge and come back together again. It's a complicated (maybe toxic) relationship and the characters themselves are hard to understand. One minute you're rooting for one and then she'll do something awful. However, in Ferrante's capable hands, she'll make you understand the character's actions, no matter how unsettling. 

After a five-year wait, there's a new book in the series, "The Lying Life of Adults." So I wanted to revisit the series before I read the follow-up. This book/series can be a little rough, so be warned. I would call it "gritty" and definitely rougher than I would normally read.  It does remind me of some less-than-stellar memories at the Italian club, so I have no doubt it's pretty true to form. Anyway, it's motivating me to write, and for that I'm grateful.  Anything you're rewatching to avoid the news?  

Princess Diana as handbag bait...

I'm going to Las Vegas to write next month. I'm staying in a friend's room while she attends a conference and I'm going to work. This third book in the Pacific Avenue series, which I'm calling "The Things That Matter" is at that crucial stage where I need momentum. However, while scrolling Instagram, I came across the "Princess Diana" exhibit. I'm not big on the royals, but I LOVE ME some Princess Diana. As a fellow INFP, I'll always believe she got the raw end of the deal. She didn't marry a man. She married into a couple that had no room for her. So cruel. It's like marrying Kody Brown without consent. This is also the reason I lost interest in royalty after Diana's death. People who argue that point always say she was "crazy."

Well, even if that's true, who wouldn't be? She was nineteen-years-old when she met that ancient dude -- the most eligible bachelor in the world. The Windsor family makes my Wentworth family from my books, look like saints.

I digress. 

So I'm booking a ticket to see the Diana collection, but I found out that the exhibit is in the Shops at Crystals, which is a very dangerous place for me as a handbag aficionado. In order to get to the Princess (and that revenge dress) I must first pass Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Celine, Hermes (which admittedly, doesn't tempt me), Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Luckily, Loewe, which is my current obsession, is in another hotel. So I do have the ability to not go there. Will I take it?  I make no promises. I probably can't afford to window shop, so I may just put my eye on the prize and get to that exhibit. Though it is in the Aria, which has my favorite restaurant: Din Tai Fung. (Also costly, but delicious and reminds me of home.)

This is me there last time. 

Maybe I should just stay at the hotel and work...but look at that joy!

 

Is it Fall where you live? And #GoldenBachelor commentary...

I'm not going to lie. I am ticked that it's still 100 degrees in Phoenix. Not slightly annoyed, but downright irritated to the bone. I am moving back to California soon, but I'm stuck here for at least a few more months. It is October 16th and today it's supposed to be 102 degrees. Listen, I know what I signed up for in the summer, but it's OCTOBER. It's officially Autumn.  My neighbor has two giant 20 foot skeletons in their yard and that's how I feel. Like all the skin on me has been scorched off by the devil of a sun. I've had it. It really affects my health and I'm sad I can't escape over the hill to Santa Cruz. 

Next month, I'm going to Las Vegas to stay in my friend's room and write while she attends a conference. I doubt I'll get much heat respite there, but I am signing up to see the Princess Diana exhibit! As far as I'm concerned, the monarchy died with her. Most looking forward to the "revenge dress."

I'm finally in the zone with book three, which is about Quinn Wentworth.  She's been the hardest for me to write because she loves English horse riding and has lived a life of privilege, but I think I finally get her and now it's flowing. YAY!

THE GOLDEN BACHELOR

Well, our wise older women have begun to get catty. What are your thoughts on the Theresa/Kathy debacle? I don't think Kathy is wrong about Theresa, but I hate when women get the bachelor involved in the drama. No one cares. The fact that Gerry gave Kathy a pity rose shouldn't make her feel more comfortable, because everyone on this track gets friend-zoned. It's like taking yourself out of the competition.

I was sad to see Joan leave, but I feel like she needs a more sophisticated man. She's also only 60 and she's already buried one husband. 72 seems a little old after already going through that. I think Gerry is healthy and has a good life ahead of him, but she just seems a little vibrant for a man that old. Is it me?

Leslie, who I'm sorry for those who love her, is my least favorite. The lap dance at the talent show was cringe-worthy and I'd say the same if she was 25. Gross. But Gerry seems to like her so, I have a feeling she's sticking around. I half-watched this week, but I'll pay better attention as we get closer and I learn everyone's name. I could never be a teacher!

 

 

"Look for the helpers." Fred Rogers

When the world is filled with ugliness, it can be easy to get angry, but I really love Fred Rogers' take on this. Here's the full quote:

"When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

This is just an updated version of Scripture: 

"Finally, brothers and sisters whatever is true, whatever is none, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovey, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8

 

My heart and prayers are with the innocent victims in these ugly battles. While evil sits on its loft and plans, innocents die and must witness atrocities. Keep your eyes on heaven and focus on the light. I've been listening to Steven Curtis Chapman. I used to run to "The Great Adventure" and dance my kids around the kitchen to his music and it takes me back to simpler times when prayer and faith were easier. I want to encourage you to focus on the lovely. Pray for the helpers. Pray protection over the innocent and lift up your voices with gratitude. I've been walking to praise music, so that I can come home and write in that happy place where I know love wins. 

 

This is all I'll say about the conflicts in the world. I want us to keep things light here. A place where people can go to escape the world. This is a great video on TikTok about those praying in NYC. There is power in prayer. Love is always more powerful than hate, so focus on love.  Christians praying in Manhattan

 

Be encouraged. Be still and know that He is God.