Just Kids

 I've always loved Patti Smith; she's one of those people who doesn't seem to have compromised much, with amazing results. I finally read Just Kids, her memoir about her early life with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe. She was/is tough, brave, and smart, and it was a great read. They basically hung out together, were totally committed to creativity, and lived on a budget of absolutely nothing. My favorite tidbit: Smith got a plum job working in the rare books section of a bookstore and used her knowledge of antique books to feed herself and Mapplethorpe during extra lean times.

After reading this book, it's clear that I have no idea what it is to truly sacrifice for art. I know it isn't the sixties anymore, but the atmosphere's different. However, I do know that the crazy friends you make in your early 20's can last a lifetime and continue to inspire, and all that time spent just hanging out is special, even when you're not a famous punk poet.

Reading

 {pic from A Better Oakland}

On Monday I got to show my support for the Oakland library system (the mayor is trying to shut down ten of the city's fourteen branches?!) by reading for a few minutes in front of City Hall.

I didn't want to be boring, and also wanted to read something that reminded me of how important libraries are. As an adult, I will admit to being a terrible user of the library, in that I don't utilize it enough. But as a kid? Oh, my god. It was the most important place. So I read from Harriet the Spy, which is just a truly genius book and so enjoyable to read again every few years. I don't think any other children's book asked the questions that it did (about religion, family, money, and human behavior) in such an honest way; the voice of HTS and its equally brutal sequel, The Long Secret, did a lot in terms of shaping me into the cynical but softhearted weirdo I am today.

It was fun to read aloud. I did an "old rich lady" accent that was enjoyable. I hope they don't shut down any libraries.

So, yeah...this exists.

 Obviously, I'm still obsessed with Jane Eyre, and was preparing a ReadyMade post for next week, when I came across this specimen. WTF! It's like a Keane painting starring Vincent Price as Mr. Rochester. Dude. Available on Etsy if you like your JE with that extra touch of pedophilia and inexplicably coral lip color.

"Wherever you are is my home..."

Because I am both cheap and resourceful (yay me!), I've been downloading as many free classic books as I can onto my fancy new Kindle. Last week I read Little Women, and this week I finished the Wizard of Oz (movie is way better) and Jane Eyre. I forgot how incredibly mesmerizing that whole book is; I think it may be the most romantic thing I've ever read, in the sense that it actually makes my stomach all fluttery to think about it.

City Livin'

I've been blessed with some great free stuff lately. At my temp job yesterday, where a lucky group of world-renowned "continence specialists" (read: pee doctors!) enjoyed a grand party at the Carnelian Room, there were tons of gorgeous and super-expensive flower arrangements left over. The event team basically forced an arrangement on each temp; they would have gone straight to the trash otherwise.

Mine was beautiful, a mix of purple dahlias and white orchids, but it weighed about 8000 pounds. I could barely lift it. But I had to take it, I just had to! As I tottered down Montgomery Street back to the BART station, it quickly became clear that my weeny little arms would not be able to carry it all the way home,. I looked around for a person to give it to, but the streets were mostly empty. I thought about leaving it on the ground or on top of a trash can, but that seemed depressing. I staggered on, hoping that I'd run into someone who looked like they might accept a huge flower arrangement from a stranger.

Turns out, the second I saw the BART workers in their little ticket booth, I knew they were the meant-to-be recipients of my floral burden. I went up to the window, said my piece, "This sounds weird, but..." and moments later, having handed the vase over to a totally stoked lady, ran down the steps empty-handed. It was awesome.

I also procured a free dining table and chairs recently, which made me excited about home decor again! Here are some pics of my little city cottage.

My brother and I.

Tin friends.

China collection.

Sewing station.

The table! I am a lucky lady.

The Dirty Post--NSFW, NSFMM (not safe for work or my mom)

More from last month's trip to the Northwest: I came across this enchanting display of vintage dirty books at Portland's best "alternative" bookstore, Counter Media. The owner let me take some pictures of my favorites.

These books are merely an intro to the most hilarious internet offering in a while. This video combines two of my favorite things: the Muppets and filthy music. Here's Miss Piggy singing a Peaches classic. You will be amazed.

A Brief Book Review!

Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
One of the few book/movie combinations that I feel complemented each other equally. Please don't confuse this with Twilight.


View all my reviews.