{that girl, the one with the braids in her hair? what do they call them, corn husks?}

"Hopefully as you get older you get more selfless. That would be probably a good goal.

 I don't know if we do, though". John Cusack

{a day without laughter is a day wasted}

Charlie Chaplin was a wise man. He understood de importance of doing comedy and how it made an impact in people´s lives. Funny, comedy, laughter, jokes... basic needs. There is nothing in the world I would trade for a good laugh. A movie, falling on the street, sharing moments with your friends (the funny ones, obviously). I cant account for the amount of times Ive gone home with a big ache in my rib cage after a long session of giggles or as wikipedia explains it as audible contractions of the diaphragm. I was just recalling with a close friend about the time we got a laugh attack at a taco shop the day of her birthday. Nothing would make it stop. Nothing. And we couldn´t even figure out what had caused it! Needless to say what a great night it turned to be, our chuckles turned the whole place on, you see, laughter is contagious!

Luckily Im an easy target, I find humor in most things. Sometimes its a nervous reaction, true, but most times Im simply enjoying myself to the max. I believe in the power of cracking up, theres no sport, drink or stress reliever that can have the effect of this old fashioned immune system booster that not only relaxes your entire body but triggers the release of endorphins and even protects your heart. Now tell where to find an old piece of fish that can do all that! So much for Omega3 promoters!!

Go and have a laugh old chump and if your Seinfeld dvds are not cutting it and you´ve already watched all the Christopher Walken movies out there (It´s his birthday you know)...give me a shout, Im positive Ill find a topic of conversation that will give you something to smile about...

For the brainiacs: source for theories on laughter

{try using it in a sentence: callous}

{a little thought on what love really is}

These are words expressed by my mentor Barbara, I admire her vision and the way she expresses herself so logically yet profound... And you guessed it, she´another guest @ my fictitious dinner party!

"Do you know what love really is? Not that romantic stuff that nature tricks us with. To love is to be able to see, but to really see. To love a person is to see that person. Not as someone that can make you happy and give you what you need, it can even be someone who you can´t stand to be near or it´s someone that causes you trouble. But they are unique and astonishing. Some of us see colors that way, or animals, or furniture, time or words." - Barbara Sher

I ♥ WORDS

{art cannot be modern. art is primordially eternal}

Egon Schiele Autoportrait

I was invited to an exhibit at a local museum this week. Sadly it´s not really worth commenting about it... At the same time I bumped into an article regarding detailed information on Wes Anderson´s new film "Grand Budapest Hotel" and the art work that appears as a center piece of the film. You can read the article right here. There is an appearance of some work by Egon Schiele, one of my favorite artists of all time which Im quite eager to see...

This Austrian expressionist, protege of Klimt, despite dying at a very young age (just 28) left behind a grand amount of art work to be admired by generations to come. Intense, erotic and tormented are the 3 words most used in all his biographies, accompanied by a profound need for understanding of his technique... -"His jagged lines arose more from psychological and spiritual feeling than from aesthetic considerations"- Controversial, disturbing, passionate, eclectic, compassionate, progressive, emotional.

"Excess of life" and "agony of thinking" are just as present as dark forces: "demons! – brake the violence! – your language, - your signs, - your power!", proclaims Egon Schiele. The range of his contradictory feelings culminates in the paradoxical and final finding: "Everything is lively dead".

If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Vienna, don´t forget to visit his atelier at 101 Hietzinger Haupstrasse

Here are some of my favorite E.S.pieces: 

Reclining Women

Four Trees

And the very well known (even replicated by Julianne Moore and Daisy Duck) Seated woman with a bent keen... also referred to as Seated woman with legs drawn up. This painting was completed in 1917 so they were bound to play around with the name a little!

www.egon-schiele.com

{cherish forever what makes you unique, 'cuz you're really a yawn if it goes}

Bette Midler is also on my pretend dinner guest list. (Now you´re just dying to know who the others are... Im gonna need a bigger table, that´s for sure...). I admire this woman for so many things, she´s done it all, the music, the movies, the words, the interviews, Broadway and the -making the world a better place-. The Divine Miss M starred in 2 of my all time favorite motion pictures: Scenes From A Mall and Big Business, and yes Ive probably seen Beaches about a hundred and twenty times. This woman can´t help but stand out, with that distinctive pitch and her incendiary curls, this is a born star...

But beating the drums at her own rhythm, that is the quality I most admire. How many people in the world (stars and other species) are doin´their own thing? Admit it, you know it and I know it, most people on this planet are followers. Im not objecting, just stating. It would be very chaotic if everyone decided to lead, we couldn't even dance tango! Personally I cant be like everybody else, Im a bit too rebellious to simply get in line. Ever since I was a child I wanted to do things differently from the rest, I didn't even like wearing the same clothes as my friends. I didn't strive to look or be different, I simply was. And that has only been reinforced as I got older and closer to myself, all this that we talk about self esteem and respect, the more you know yourself, you can make changes and become that individual that you love wholeheartedly. So in a way it goes hand in hand, the only way to be comfortable drawing your own path is really knowing yourself, strengths and weaknesses... and most importantly care 0.1% about what others think of you. That´s why I love Bette, she can be genuine and you can hear her screaming in all her performances, interviews and even on her website : "This is me in all of my splendor, take it or leave it". I wanna be Bette! Seriously take a look at her website, it´s to die for:

www.bettemidler.com

Whenever I speak about Uniqueness, two very particular quotes come to mind. The first is Oscar Wilde´s famous 'Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.'. The second is one that I found in Marie Forleo´s twitter that says something like: "Comparison is creative kryptonite. Stay in your own game". Wow, thats some powerful stuff right there. I had a huge crisis when I came across this, I mean, how can you help but copy those you admire and have made such an impact in my life (in my case many writers, Ive been wanting to be the next Salinger for as long as I can remember). But whats interesting is that I never contemplated the idea that I could perhaps be better than Salinger... Now, hear me out for a minute, Im not saying that I am, if you wanna know the truth. What I mean is it seems as though we are terrified of putting something different out there, copying others is a bit like staying in our comfort zone (not that there´s anything wrong with that- for some). But what better way to contribute to the world than finding your own voice, in whatever you do. You're basically doing what you were born to do, your way, because there is no one else out there quite like you...

I personally have never met someone like me, with my life experience and my quirky ways of viewing the world. And I strongly believe that you don´t know what you're capable of until you access and open the master gates of your being and let loose a flood of ideas and spontaneity. The people I most admire in the world are those who make it their life´s work to separate themselves from the herd. The best teachers in the world are those who encourage you to think for yourself, create and make your own decisions, right? Perhaps you do need to be a bit of a rebel and maybe its not a place of easy access. But it it your natural state, it´s just about being honest with yourself which we all know it´s hard after we´ve grown up hearing things like: "Why can´t you be more like the Miller boy?" . So it´s not up to our parents and teachers, this is a decision that we need to make for ourselves. But when you let go of everything and you start being you, that´s when the magic happens. After all who can sing "Wind beneath my wings" better than Bette?

{art cinema in the 80s: james gunter}

Im kind of an art freak.. If I had my way, Id create a tv comedy set in a Sotheby´s Auction House. In fact, and please dont tell anybody, despite passionately disliking tv novelas, I incidentally got hooked, HOOKED, with a Korean show called "Auction House". Before you say anything, take a little peek right here. I couldn't take my eyes off the subtitles but I was able to enjoy an interesting plot, good performances and the visuals, whoa the visuals! Worth every minute...

As I was saying, I love art and like navigating through the internet trying to find artists I would buy pieces from. That is how I came across James Gunter, don´t know too much about him yet but I was really tempted to share his work. It´s bloody fantastic matey!

 Look at this guy´s great artwork right here:

http://www.jamesgunterstudio.com/

{there´s a new app in town.. and Im scene-past it}

You could say Im a bit of a geek, Ill allow it. Ive never done Star Wars role play but... I have been tempted to dress up as Galadriel when Im informed of a comic-con convention and have Sheldon as my roommate. I know many of you find that annoying (the possibility of him being in the other room) but I believe it would be a very enlightening experience. In the meantime I enjoy apps and gadgets. I make smart use of a traditional and quite popular selection but every now and then magic happens and we are presented with a gift of innovation and desirability that only the very strong are able to resist. Its time to present the SCENE PAST - Movie Location app.

There was a time when iOS time travel was not even a concept yet so I had to resort to other imaginative ways of reaching further dimensions. However I had to come to good terms with the universe to realize that going back in time was reserved for the chosen people, for the Bill and Teds of the world, so I settled for just traveling to the spots where "once something had happened". I had the opportunity of engaging in historial type voyages. Going to countries, cities, villages and islands where there had  been a succession of relevant events, such as world wars or literature hot spots... But one thing that has always captured my attention... movie locations. I remember the first time I went to Universal Studios, I went crazy over the scenery and the actors. I loved the feeling of being "inside" a movie, living it. I suppose my enjoyment for film set scouting only grew bigger after that.
So off I went and had the great adventure of stepping foot on some memorable cinematic planes. Its important to clear up that I only go to locations that have a certain meaning for me, of movies that have become part of my personal history... Such as, The Goonies! But you already knew that, right? How could any Goonies fan not want to visit Astoria (OR) and be up close and personal with the landmark that brought us The Fratellis, Chester Copperpot and One-Eyed Willie´s rich stuff! Duh! No brainer... and Cannon Beach, whoa! Simply magical....

Here´s the Walsh House

The Home of Phyllis Dietrichson

And as a mad film noir fan, there was no way I would miss out in seeing The Dietrichson house up close and personal. The set of Billy Wilder´s masterpiece and the spot where Barbra Stanwyks character meets Fred McMurray´s for the first time.... (Glendale, CA)

Heaven on Earth

Another site, which is really heaven itself, with or without movies, Shakespeare and Co. . How I love visiting this site whenever in Paris. Hours of dust and musk, piano playing and words, words all over. It had been a main character in several movies like Julie & Julia and of course the one that made it ultra famous, Before Sunset... Celine and Jessy meeting after 9 years...

And the story continues, lost of amazing celluloid worthy scenarios to get on a flight and direct myself to. But this gadget, Scene Past allows you to check out these places and travel in time... and for only 2 bucks!!! I have to take advantage of this. I found out about it on this blog that I log into every day, Geeksugar (I know...). It gives out the following info:

{As it turns out, San Francisco 50 years ago looks just like San Francisco today! A new time-traveling app for iOS called ScenePast ($2) takes movie buffs to the filming locations of their favorite motion pictures. Enter a year, a zip code, or a city, and see what old sets from Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco look like in 2014. The app reveals over 650 past and present scenes from famous American movies. ScenePast's creators have watched over 20,000 hours of movie footage in search of identifiable film (and some TV) locations.

That old house from Mrs. Doubtfire? Still there. The schoolhouse from The Birds? Exactly the same. The ivy-covered frat house from The Graduate? Going strong. Scroll down for a look at 10 iconic movie sets — some locales are surprisingly identical.}

What are you waiting for? Which movies sets are you looking forward to visiting?

{once there really was a man named joseph (john) merrick}

Its incredible the way our brain works and the process of how we save information, regardless of whether the information is accurate or not. And thanks to the media, we share the wrong data with generation after generation. A clear and very famous example of this is the famous line in Casablanca "Play it again, Sam"... Bogie never said that! Wikipedia refers to it as a "misquotation", I call it, someone made a mistake once and it took like 100 years for someone else to check out the fact that he actually said: "Play it, Sam". Funny thing is, despite this correction being made, we still use the original quote on our everyday lingo! And how many more like these?! Probably thousands! 

This came to mind when a friend of mine commented on a quote in the movie The Elephant Man, directed by David Lynch. The words were something in the lines of "I am not an animal, I am a human (being)"... We couldn't remember if it ended in human or being... And his final comment regarding the veracity of the story sent my mind on a very rocky trip. Im not the type of person who can just drop something like that, so naturally I brought it upon myself to investigate. Well, for starters the quote ends in being. Phew! That´s one less thing to worry about in my life but... and here´s where it gets interesting... Ive always though this story was fictional, based on a play, and so does everyone else I know! And guess what? Its not!!! There really was an "elephant man"....

It appears as though the movie is much more accurate to the actual facts than to the play. So I suppose the term "adapted from the play" is a misquotation in itself? This is a movie from 1980, so I have been deceived for over 30 years! Im over the shock now, things had to go back to normal at some point but Im still quite intrigued by all this. Did you know, and you never told me?!

You can read all about the real thing right HERE.

{try using it in a sentence: trite}

{the girl who loved kisses}

Im finishing up a short story called The Girl Who Loved Kisses. Here´s a little taste just for you...

On the quest of experiencing the perfect kiss. 

A short story about (Karina Kates), a young woman who loved to be kissed. She wasn't looking for love or sex, she wanted to find that sensual, moist, delicious, soft pair of lips which would advance this glorious kiss. Just the right amount of pressure and the proper wetness. And that had to come from one special man, she hadn't met him yet...

{an image says a thousand words}

For more pictures click here:  Facebook Photo Album

{dolly & em}

HBO. Surprise surprise, I didn't even know about this show. I wasn't planning on doing much tonight so I couldn't resist my curiosity of taking a look at this tv production starring Emily Mortimer. Ive had a thing for her since I saw her performance in Match Point, remember sweet Chloe? So proper, so English. I believe thats why I like her, she´s genuine, non pretentious whatsoever. And that shows in her work which is why I was excited to watch this proposal. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I saw it was a short delivery, just 6 episodes (of which I only watched 5, I couldn't find the last one yet) so I went for it and what a sweet surprise it turned out to be! Ok, so its not the traditional over achieved HBO "standarette" but... Its good! Its funny, entertaining, both stars, who are best friends in real life manage to portray that trust, devotion and jealousy all in one take, as real friendships happen! I don´t want to give to much of it away, spoilers piss me off but I do have to bring up the fact that something woke up a state of amazement in me, can you guess? Ill give you a little clue...

Here´s Johnny! You know his appearance brought a smile to my face. Funny thing is, he doesnt have to do anything, in fact, he doesn´t do anything!! But he´s there, call it moral support on his behalf, fate on mine. But hey, everything tastes better with Johnny! Plus, had the arduous task of playing... well, John.

I really enjoyed the plot, it takes you into the world of cinema in a very precarious way, taking all the glamour out of the equation. Which makes it even more appealing, it even touched a little nerve around my acting bug which objectively I have to surrender to. Reality is it will never go away, and who knows, I may return to the spotlight one of these days...

You can watch the show live streaming on several sites which I trust you will have no problem finding. Its a feel good kind of show, perfect to watch with a big pint of ice cream. That would be the jealousy part on my behalf, it´s all part of this new diet! Bon appetit... 

{because it´s march, lets talk about the march girls}

I couldn't sleep last night trying to find the 1949 movie version of Little Women to watch online. The one with Elizabeth Taylor and the rest... I found it but then it was so late I fell asleep and dreamt about the March girls... BTW, the prose is turning out to be a bit romantic because in order to shut out the unpleasant high noises of the city Ive been listening to a very soothing soundtrack. I believe someone was facing my exact same dilemma and decided to put all the greats together, Chopin, Mozart, Bach. If the decibel levels in your current town are annoying the hell out of ya, click on this link and enjoy as the quietness is delicately reestablished...

Back to our theme of the day, Little Women. Im not going to review the novel (right now) though I might as well share with you that it´s an all time favorite, and was rather embarrassed by this fact back in college. I mean, first day of class, professor points out at the young girl who appears quite confident adverting this attitude as a facade of some rather uncomfortable feelings of inadequacy. Spot on, smart man! I tried to sell, no one bought. So next thing I know, the subject of favorite books and Little Women surfaced. I did avoid the seemingly foolish declaration that a first edition of that book was gifted to me and was possibly the most thoughtful present I had ever received. He never knew. Well if he happened to discover my blog I suppose he is now well aware of this and can finally find relief and understanding regarding this powerful affair between Miss Alcott and Miss Neumann, I bet he´s even having that Eureka moment right now....

I wonder if there ever was a time in which witty, chatty, fashion driven, slightly cultured, lunch eating, club loving, city contained women debated whether they were more of a Jo, or a Beth. The same way as our current culture intrinsically divides women into four very clear and concise categories: Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. There are NO OTHER OPTIONS so pick one and move on! Despite Sex and The City being over for so long, reruns do not count, many aspects of this amazing series have been heavily imprinted in our hearts and our souls. Its going to take a very potent contender to knock them down and erase the chip in our memories.

Im a late 80s/90s gal so I missed the Mary and Rhoda competition but thanks to a very creative piece of cinematography delight referred to as Romy And Michelle I have learned a great deal about our female ancestors and the variety of stereotypes that was available back then. Thanks to this movie, I also know who invented Post Its, but that´s for another post (it). I do imagine that history has offered plenty more choices but I would need to do a lot more research and Im getting of the page entirely...

In the end, I am A JO, the book nerd, author who rejects the pretty boy and falls for the old decrepit and infirm version of what was once a pretty boy. She takes charges and takes no BS from anybody. A feisty little creature with strong beliefs of righteousness and well, the hair thing, nah wouldn't cut my hair for all the money in the world... I said "a Jo", not just call me Jo.

It just makes me think about the values that stand in our present societal system. If we could just find the right balance between consumer frenzy and well, those things that really matter... I dont know, just sending the question out there...Wouldn't we be in a better place if our choices were as simple as choosing if we were a Meg, Jo, Beth or Amy?...

I read an interesting article by Dana Stevens regarding the subject of as she likes to call them "tradition of plucky female heroines". You can find it right HERE...

And today (3/31) I go and find an article titled - Was Jo March a lesbian? Right after Im comparing myself to Jo!! Im not a lesbian, not that there´s anything wrong with that... But I love theories so I wanted to share this one with you...

{the accidental tourist}

"The camera makes everyone a tourist in other people's reality, and eventually in one's own."

Today I got lost.

I panicked for 12 minutes and frantically manipulated my GPS.

I couldn´t find any response or way out.

I became a tourist...

In my own town.

Here are the results:

(1) Sat outside a cafe, watched people go by, caught up on reading...

(2) Looked up, hadn´t done that in over a year

(3) Waltz into a bookstore.. Oh surprise, right?

(4) Crossed many avenues

(5) Found the church of my religion.

(6) And the church of some other religion...

(7) Played photographer

(8) Took the cliche-est shot of them all

And finally found my way home...

Now Im home.

Today I got lost.

I had a wonderful day.

Next time Im planning to do this ex profeso and if you want to give it a go, check this great article from The Sensationist. 3 STEPS TO BECOMING A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN CITY.

{conversations with an underdog}

I was once asked who would be my pick for 6 people (dead or alive) to come over for dinner, among my guests was John Cusack. When I was questioned about my all time celebrity crush, I instinctively responded John Cusack. When asked about favorite people I follow on twitter, I said, you guessed it, John Cusack. Needless to say he is one of my favorite people in the world... And believe me you will hear plenty more about him, his work and his words.  But for the time being Im just focused on a quote I recently read regarding all this astrology seeking knowledge and it said something like this: 

"Aquarius natives pride themselves on being the champions of the underdog"

And the ultimate underdog is my Johnny, always throwing the curve ball and getting involved in the most unusual projects. We have so much in common, you see... Marry me J.C. ...

{True by Spandau Ballet playing in the background...}

{the dark side of the moon... in pisces}

Awaiting destiny... That´s taking a wrong turn. In exchange, I create, provoke and take action. This wasn't an easy thing to do. It took me a long time and a lot of research to reach this day. A day in which Im fully aware and content with who I am and that also means all the things I like to do... and not do.

I have shifted paths so many times in my life, its my nature. But what I wasn't "getting" is that that was ok, it was me, period. I was concerned instead of delighted. Interestingly enough, part of my investigation was a thorough education regarding my zodiac sign, I even visited an astrologer for some answers... And new things keep popping up each day and its amazing how these specific qualities are more and more attuned with my current lifestyle and mindset. Don´t mock pop culture but please don´t discount astrology all together! I am a geek, and very proud of it! Im sometimes sociable, others a loner. I like "smartish"things but I can be quite shallow if the circumstances allow it...
A lot has being said on the subject and you may be a non believer but in my case, it has very much helped me to understand myself better and it´s not always the good stuff! Once in a while a run into articles like this one from Love To Know Horoscopes:

Aquarius is often thought to be the sunniest sign of the zodiac. When Aquarius is found in certain planets and houses and encouraged through favorable planetary aspects, its most positive qualities are revealed. However, every sign has the potential to reveal a darker nature and Aquarius is no different.

Aquarius isn't always a loquacious social butterfly. The main energies pouring into this archetype are:

• The triplicity of Air
• A fixed quadruplicity

Understanding the energies that rule the signs and planets of the zodiac will help an individual to more easily assess both the negative and positive potentials of an archetype.

The Direction of Air

Air energy runs heavenward. This upward motion when paired with a fixed quadruplicity can greatly affect the motivation and intellectual prowess of an individual. Air signs are often thought to be the intellectuals of the zodiac because of this upward energy. These signs manifest themselves through a great deal of thinking. Their approach to life can be heavily theoretical, in contrast to the earth signs who are mostly practical.

The dark side of air can manifest itself in too much theory and a lack of inapplicable knowledge. Individuals who are caught up in their heads may have a difficult time exercising empathy. Air can also inflate the ego, leading to arrogance and disdain. Both these qualities are common enough in Aquarius.

Aquarius can be a very rational, but also a theoretical sign. This sign is characterized by its ability to maintain a distance from vital issues, so as to ensure that he can see things objectively. Though Aquarius garners the intellectual abilities from the air triplicity, this distance and grounded approach to life are attributed to its quadruplicity.

The Fixed Quadruplicity

Aquarius is a fixed sign and can display all the positive and pessimistic traits of the fixed quadruplicity. Fixed signs are grounded and practical. A fixed nature makes Aquarius objective and critically minded. A good judge must look at an issue from all angles before making a verdict, and Aquarius excels at keeping the world at an arm's length away.

The dark side of fixed signs is easily apparent. Fixed energy is stable and, therefore, not easily moved. Aquarius is distant and stable, and this can often lead to a cold, hard individual who has a difficult time becoming emotionally invested in both people and circumstances. At worst, it can foster a violent extremist or sociopath whose mental theories have no consideration for the good of others, but only for personal gain.

When Aquarius Goes Bad: The contrasting aspects of the Aquarian character are as follows:

The Good	The Bad
Unconventional	Extremist
Logical	Will not act
Easy-going	Temperamental
Easy to please	Easy to upset
Upbeat	Annoying
Intellectual	Closed-Off
Decisive	Stubborn

Aquarius and the Planets: Saturn is the ruling planet of Aquarius. Saturn's didactic, success-driven and hardworking archetype is a perfect home for Aquarius' intellect and objectivity.

Unfortunately, Aquarius can be found just about anywhere in the natal chart, and it is not always placed in Saturn. Aquarius is not the ideal sign to occupy an individual's Venus or Moon. Such a placement combined with negative planetary aspects and environmental circumstances can have some harsh effects on interpersonal relations.

The dark side of Aquarius can truly manifest itself when it is found in an individual's Venus. Without nurturing aspects and loving childhood, an Aquarius can grow into a person with little to no ability to connect with other individuals. Partnerships can become impossible due to Aquarius' unorthodox view of love. Common problems include:

• An aloof and inconsiderate lover
• A loner complex
• Personal freedom overshadowing domestic partnerships
• Inability to understand the emotions of others
• Fostering the Dark Side

Why is it that one Aquarius is the lighthearted life of the party, while another Aquarius is a gloomy, strident extremist?

Natal charts are complex. They outline many governing energies and also the way these energies intersect. Adverse planetary aspects can cloud a positive energy or cause it to intersect with an uncomplimentary sign. Adverse aspects include:

• Square
• Conjunct
• Opposition

Negative aspects and angles combined with environmental factors can cultivate the negative traits of a sign. Inadequate attention or affection during childhood may set the stage for Aquarius' worst capabilities.

What to Watch: When archetypes begin to manifest more of their bad traits than good ones, there is almost always a combination of poor environment and planetary placements. Studying a natal chart carefully can help you understand why a certain Aquarius exhibits mostly the worst of his definitive traits. Unfavorable planetary aspects can also give you some insight into the individual's potential for change. This is why it can be extremely helpful to preempt a relationship with a natal chart assessment. Though an individual's chart should never be the coffin lid on a partnership, it can often give you ample preparation and insight into future conflicts.

Whoa! That´s a lot to take in but many aspects are true and lets face it, when it comes to the "bad" things, better get the message from someone else!!

{used books, letters and friendship}

84 Charing Cross Road. It could´ve been Anne Bancroft´s enchanting smile or witty remarks or perhaps it comes down to the simple story and how Helene Hanff managed to takes us all on that compelling journey of over 20 years. Nostalgia, Dickensian bookshops, New York and London in the 50s, it has it all. I cant recall the amount of times Ive watched it, if i could only add up the scratches on the dvd I might get a clue! Needless to say plenty, I know the dialogue by heart and the works of every writer that is mentioned throughout the film.

This 100 minute jewel about a script reader from New York city buying used books from a little shop called Marks & Spencer in London, has contributed to shaping me into the person that I am today. I started craving a life of books and old fashioned correspondence. I became a writer and my first novel (which you will have the pleasure of reading if I ever finish it) is practically a distant cousin of this story. There are letters and stamps in the plot. And lots of British references.

This movie strengthened my eternal love affair with the city of London. The longest love story I have ever been a part of. Before I had the opportunity to step on Trafalgar Square or Tower Bridge, I had a dream, just like Helene.  I felt such a strong connection to London I felt as though I had lived there in a past life. And I too started a snail mail friendship with a person from London. As a matter of fact we spent 7 years writing to each other back and forth. And I would get so excited and emotional every time a package or envelope arrived. it was from the other side of the Atlantic! We got to know each other so well, exchanging news, photos, magazines and stories, so many stories…

However, unlike Helene Hanff and Frank Doel, we did get to meet and luckily that friendship has survived time, distance and new means of communication…

Im a little embarrassed to confess that I too wished at some point to live in a brown stone New York building, dress in wool clothing and walk to the post office. But as it turns out Im a slightly bit more sophisticated than that and Im much more comfortable in jeans and t-shirts, but its the essence that remains.

I too love watching people through my apartment window, hosting dinner parties with neighbors and friends, reading Elizabethan love poems in the park and drinking hot tea. Im fascinated by used books, those that belonged to someone else and have margin notes and underlined favorites. Ive made a hobby out of “literary tourism”, going to different parts of the world to find those special bookshops with volumes that go up to the ceiling and the smell of dust and employees with curious Hogarth noses.

If  one of these days you happen to be in London and pass by 84 Charing Cross Rd, you will currently find a Pizza Hut but know that once there was magic in that spot, not too long ago it was a  little bookshop called Marks & Co...

{that polonius guy did}

You remember Cher Horowitz´ ingenious response regarding who had To thine own self be true... (Clueless circa 1995) Please, once again lets not dismiss pop culture entirely and consider its content for all our Hamlet references from now on...
With that in mind I thought of this quote right here, on the left <--, did you see it already? And Im sure you're pretty familiar  with it. But what in the world does it mean? Wit has a soul? Well Ill let you in a little literary secret... it´s all about The Comeback. You know when you make a comment and someone else´s remark is just plain out clever? Its quick, its inventive and you just die of envy because you wish you could've thought of it yourself! I have a feeling that this is something that you´re born with, I mean you can obviously work on it and become sassier by a degree or two but you either have it or you don´t. I know a lot of people, most of them don´t. I have been told repeatedly that I have a pinch of "cleveriwitty"but I honestly think it has to do more with wanting to have the last word in a conversation than any special talent but that´s just me. You have something to add? Too late, I have already spoken....

...Brevity, so quick you don´t see it coming... 

{"do you feel lucky, punk?"}

Seneca, a first-century Roman philosopher, allegedly said: "Luck is when the crossroads of opportunity and preparation meet".

{the social network}

Despite what many people think regarding my social skills, including those very close to me, Im quite the introvert. Its hard to explain, I can be the life of the party at times, the wing man, the improviser, the spontaneity princess. As a matter of fact, the photo above was taken with people I met last night! So it´s easy to stereotype me into the outgoing, traditional aquarius social butterfly which from time to time becomes a real necessity as a means to get out of my head.

But Im not comfortable walking into a social setting. All these weird thoughts go through my head, insecurities, over thinking, et which is characteristic of an introvert (not to be confused with shy, lazy or procrastinator of the saints). Social anxiety? Call it what you want, I refer to it as Moments of Discomfort triggered by the unknown and change of scenery.

There´s nothing I enjoy more than staying home and watching movies or reading, honestly. And not to avoid this so called change of scenery, I really love it. Its fun, entertaining, replenishing and relaxing. I always ask myself if I think I could live somewhere out there, completely isolated (this includes a boy a dog and maybe baby)... and be happy, away from it all. I have a feeling I would start getting Social Urges here and there... They have become less frequent as Ive gotten older so its just a matter of time I suppose until I figure out if this is the way I will be forever and ever...

Networking is amazing though, it´s a great way to meet people and the opportunities, wow, endless. You never know who you're gonna bump into. Take last night, I was invited to a party and met a head hunter with whom I had a very interesting conversation about Venezuela, his hometown, business plans, ideas, it was very powerful and I don´t think I would have met this man in other circumstances...

I came home with lots of numbers and business cards, now I have to work on the follow up, that´s the hard part, don´t you think? - Hey, it was great meeting you, wanna get together for a cup of coffee? - I wonder if this strategy still works, Ill let you know...

I also came across a whole bunch of very interesting characters so the social circle expands, and who knows, perhaps one of these people becomes a close friend or boyfriend someday... I sometimes feel like a "people collector", very few close friends and a million acquaintances. I like knowing that I know people, you know? Imagine living in a huge city like this one, its very comforting to have these connections and also fun to be able to have brunch with someone one day, dinner the next and visit the Cinema Museum accompanied by someone  who shares your interests. But what makes a close friend? Well, that´s a whole other story....

“Never miss a party...good for the nerves--like celery.”

― F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gatsby Girls