Twelve years ago today, I adopted Emily, a shy and scared Jack Russell Terrier who quickly took over my life and ran through my heart. The one year anniversary of her death is looming large, but I forgot about this date until this morning when Facebook reminded me (gee thanks).
I adopted her from the Animal Welfare Association where today I am taking Annie to have picture taken with Santa. I already cried twice today. I know it's OK to be sad, but I still feel weird getting upset about it. But, as my mom said "you lost a loved one." I did. I still miss her, every day.
I don't want to be too morose on your Saturday though. So let's get to it, shall we? I'm going to have some kind of year in review newsletter before…the end of the year. So stay tuned for that.
Recent Bylines
"How to Make (and Keep) Your New Year's Resolution" for The New York Times
"How to get late payments for your freelance work – no crowbar required" for Poynter
"City fish-farm prototype set to prove itself in Minnesota" for Global Aquaculture Advocate
"Running Gift Guide" for The New York Times
What I'm Reading
Drive thru review time:
- On Writing by Stephen King. I didn't know about this book until Pop Culture Happy Hour did a segment on King (an overall segment because they thought the movie version of The Dark Tower, which they had originally planned to discuss, was that bad). Everyone talked about the book like it was standard reading and I went back to figure what the heck I was doing when it first published. Answer: I was in college, working on an English degree and as the features editor of the student newspaper and not seriously thinking I would write for a living. Anyway – I bought the book after that segment and saved it for when I thought maybe I'd go on a writing binge again, which I have. It's directed at fiction writers, but I found enough in here for me that reading it was worth my time. It may be worth yours too. I agree with him on adverbs.
- Two from the Heart by James Patterson. My grandmother told me I should read this because the first half is about a woman who is forced to leave her house and, in response, goes on a road trip. It's…well, I could at least call my grandmom and tell her I read it. That's about what it's worth to me.
- Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. Random, right? I studied Shakespeare at Oxford University for a semester in college, so maybe not. I picked it up at Aaron's Books in Lititz, Pa. because I'd been looking at the illustrations of the new Penguin series on Out of Print. I had never read Twelfth Night, so I bought the book. I also ordered the Macbeth shirt because I'm weird. Anyway, my Shakespeare is rusty. Shall I brush up on it?
- Chasing the Dime by Michael Connelly. I am ordering used copies of his books on eBay in bulk now. I can't get enough of them. They are so good. Creepy but good.
- Feels Like Far by Linda Hasselstrom. I just started this memoir about ranching in South Dakota this morning. So far so good – and it appears it will be an excellent used bookstore find.
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel! I burned through that way too quickly, though, in my defense, it was only eight episodes. It was funny with gorgeous coats and, aside from too much of that drip of a husband Josh, delightful. Highly recommend.
- Spiderman Homecoming. I watched this with my dad on Thanksgiving (and forgot to put it in the newsletter). Also delightful! I was wary of starting up Spiderman YET AGAIN, but I enjoy it. Related: will I need to go to a midnight showing of the next Avengers movie? Perhaps.
- Girls Trip. This was as good as everyone said, and I am here for the push to get Tiffany Haddish all of the awards. I watched this and Magic Mike XXL with my mom. A bit awkward on both counts, but they are funny, sexy movies that don't pander to dudes. Cheers all around.
I have not started The Crown. I want to and I know I'll watch it, but the advance reviews that it's heavily about Philip, especially after my one complaint about Mrs. Maisel having too much Josh, has pushed it down my priority list.
Until Next Time,
Jen A. Miller
jenamiller.com
runningalovestory.com
twitter.com/byjenamiller
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