Archive for the 'Pop Culture' category

Making an Old Favorite New Again

Jan 28 2012 Published by under Pop Culture, The Quest

JCPenney, photo courtesy Sam HowzitWhen I was growing up one of the things we most looked forward to about starting school in September (yes, we started in September in the good old days) was that end of summer trip to JC Penney’s to get our school clothes. We did all of our school shopping there – mostly because they had layaway. Those shopping trips for back-to-school clothing are among my fond childhood memories.

In the years since then I have barely given JC Penney’s a thought. I bought a few items there maybe two years ago and I thought to myself, ‘I should start shopping here again.’ But I haven’t been back since. I rarely venture inside the mall, preferring stores like TJ Maxx and the popular new shopping model, the lifestyle center instead.

So it was interesting to see the clip below where JC Penny is considered as part of a “What’s New?” segment on the Today Show. It also explains the new ad campaign they have with shoppers screaming in frustration over the sales ads we’ve become so used to seeing.

When I saw this piece it reminded me that the philosophy of making an old favorite new again is one that we can all make use of from time to time. Whether we are small business owners, freelance writers or just ready to revitalize our lives or careers in some way.

What old thing would you like to see get a facelift?

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Adele – Set Fire to the Rain

Jan 10 2012 Published by under Pop Culture, Recommended Listening

I bought Adele’s 21 CD earlier this week. I knew I’d like the album because I’ve liked everything I’ve heard of hers thus far. She has such an amazing, soulful voice and her lyrics are so easy to relate to. However, I was even more pleased with the album than I expected.

I hope she recovers quickly from her surgery. If she reschedules her concert in the Triangle I am so there.  Below is a live performance of “Set Fire to the Rain” – my current favorite song. If you don’t like this song, I may be forced to come and check your pulse. Seriously.


 

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Let the Rain. Let it Be.

Jul 12 2011 Published by under Pop Culture, Recommended Listening, The Writing Life, Tuesday Writing Tips

I am a huge fan of brilliant singer/songwriters. Maybe because they live at the convergence of two of my greatest passions – words and music. Reigning as Queen atop the list of brilliant singer/songwriters that I HEART is Sara Bareilles. She enchants listeners with clever turns of phrase and the ability to write songs that feel like they were written about your life, your experiences.

Sara talks about her song Let the Rain in the video below. She says she had to ‘let the song be’ and get out of the way. As a person who is prone to overthinking and overanalyzing everything, this definitely struck a chord with me. Sometimes a story almost seems to write itself. But our inner critics keep stopping the flow. This is particularly the case when writers get caught up in trying to write a book that is ‘marketable’ rather than just trying to tell a great story.

Editing and revising is an essential part of any kind of writing. But overthinking every scene, every chapter, weighs down the story. Sometimes we just need to ‘let it be.’ Let the words flow from your brain, from your heart, from the mouths of your characters. Let the story become what it will. You can always go back and revise later.

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Random Thoughts on Thursday: True Grit

Jun 16 2011 Published by under Pop Culture, Random Thoughts on Thursday, Recommended Viewing

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. We’ve heard it a thousand times. Yet when we are immersed in challenging times the saying becomes more than just a cliche. The light comes on and suddenly the saying really speaks to us. In recent months I had that light go on. I understood and felt what that meant in a way I really haven’t before.

It is times like this (to borrow another cliche) when we discover the stuff we are really made of. Not only are we tested, but so are the members of our team. The people surrounding us. Whether they be our family, friends, or co-workers. The funny thing about times like these is they are a catalyst. They are the fire that tests our relationships and our passion and commitment in a way that easy times cannot.

In the African Savanna seasonal fires play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Concentrated periods of rain followed by long dry seasons and scorching fires prevent the savanna from turning into either a desert or rainforest. Some animals are killed in the fires, but it is mostly insects with short life spans. Larger animals escape the area. Some animals burrow deep in the ground for the duration of the firestorm. Dry stems and grasses are consumed by the fire, but their deep roots are unharmed. Certain trees have thick, fire-resistant bark and the ability to store water in their trunks. When the rainy season comes again the savanna experiences an explosion of growth and new life.

Life is like that. Fires rage through our lives consuming the unnecessary, leaving only the things – and people – needed in our lives. Renewing our appreciation for every opportunity, every moment, every person in our lives. Renewing our passion to achieve our life’s purpose. In these moments we discover if we have the courage and determination to change our fortunes and achieve our goals. We discover if we have true grit.

Today’s post was prompted by a recent viewing of the Coen Brothers’ True Grit. Mattie Ross (played brilliantly by Hailee Steinfeld) tells Jeff Bridges’ character, Rooster Cogburn, “They tell me you are a man with true grit.” It is little Mattie Ross who most assuredly proves that she has true grit. For she will not allow her age, sex or the lack of support from those around her to deter her from her goal, even if it means losing something important in the process.

The wonderful thing about going through times that question the mettle of which we’re made is coming out on the other side wearing a smile on your face (even if it’s beat up and a little more weathered) and hand-in-hand with the people who are supposed to be in your life. It is a victorious feeling. A very Mattie Ross moment.

Check out the trailer for True Grit below. Then share your story or thoughts on enduring challenging times in the comments and add your link below.

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Choosing the Right Tense for Your Novel

Jun 07 2011 Published by under Pop Culture, The Writing Life, Tuesday Writing Tips

What’s your favorite tense? All writers have one. I think. Or maybe, like me, you believe the story itself best determines which tense is best.

I have three finished manuscripts and just as heavily-invested in, put partially complete works in progress. In two of those stories I started in one tense and about 40 pages in I switched. (I’ve also switched person 60 pages in, but we’ll save that story for another day.

Which tense would you choose?The manuscript I am currently editing is written in first person, present tense. One of the first debates we had in my novel writing group over my piece was the tense and person. The guys thought it would be exhausting for the reader and hard to carry off. The ladies felt it was typical to a lot of women’s fiction or chick lit we read.

One of the biggest issues was present tense vs. present continuous tense. Since my main character is conveying the action, as it happens, it would be correct to use present continuous tense. (Read the English Club info on tense here.)

However, my female crit partner and I both knew we’d read popular women’s fiction in present tense. She mentioned Sophie Kinsella, as an example of an author that uses present tense.

I haven’t read any of Sophie’s books yet – she is on my to-be-read list. However, I ran across a video of her reading from her book, Remember Me. It is written in first person, present tense and I think it works well.

What is your preferred tense when writing fiction and why?

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I.aM.mE from ABDC

May 19 2011 Published by under Pop Culture, Random Thoughts on Thursday, Recommended Viewing

As a Gen X’r (does anyone ever talk about Generation X anymore?) who grew up during the time that hip-hop and b-boying took flight, I am still fascinated by a good dance routine. GQ Jones (the hubby) hipped me to ABDC (America’s Best Dance Crew) several years ago. The earlier seasons were much stronger. Still there is usually a performance or two each week that makes me say, “WOW!” This performance by the Houston group, I aM mE did it for me a couple of weeks ago. It was so good I wanted to see it again. Let me know what you think.

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Why I Love How I Met Your Mother

May 12 2011 Published by under Pop Culture, Random Thoughts on Thursday, Recommended Viewing, The Writing Life

As a writer I’m a fan of good story with rich characters. That is why I love How I Met Your Mother. The story follows a unique premise, is filled with great stories, and funny, engaging characters.

The show first aired in 2005, but I only started watching it last year. Just seeing the names of my favorite episodes – like Swarley, How I Met Everyone Else, or The Stinsons – makes me laugh hysterically.

If you are one of the last hold outs and you’re wondering what the big deal is about this show, here’s a peek into what makes the show – wait for it…. LEGENDARY.

If you’re a fan – what’s your favorite episode?

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They’re Playing Basketball

Apr 10 2011 Published by under Pop Culture, Sports Observations

My favorite time of year is nearly here. NBA Playoffs. Life has been a bit crazy and I don’t get to watch games as often as I once did, but rest assured come playoff season I’ll be watching all the major games – even if I have to record it on DVR.

Today I plan to watch a highly anticipated game – the Boston Celtics vs. the Miami Heat. I fear the game will not turn out as I hope, but we’ll see.

As I prepared to watch today’s games I thought of a favorite classic hip-hop song, Kurtis Blow’s Basketball. So here’s an ode to the sport I love and to men everywhere (mostly Atlanta) with the guts to still sport jheri curls.

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Recommended Listening: Black Stax

Feb 12 2011 Published by under Pop Culture, Recommended Listening

I was introduced to this group – accidentally. I visited Blue Shoes Media because I’d been pitched one of their other artists for All Things Girl.

I fell in love with their sound instantly. Their music has been referred to as ‘avant-garde hip-hop.’ I call it grown folks hip-hop. These three veteran performers have a unique, soulful sound and thoughtful lyrics. I will interviewing Black Stax on All Things Girl in the next several weeks. Until then, here is the song that turned me into a fan. It’s called I Love My Life.

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Recommended Listening: Savio Rego

Feb 05 2011 Published by under Pop Culture, Recommended Listening

One of the many perks to being Senior Editor of All Things Girl is interviewing authors and artists I admire and discovering musicians previously unknown to me.

Several months ago I interviewed a talented singer/songwriter named Natalie Brown. Natalie has a video on YouTube that encourages music lovers to support independent and unsigned artists. After watching her video I became more aware of all of the talented, unsigned artists out there. Many of them had a purer sound, better material, and more talent that some of the commercial artists coming across the airwaves. So I started to pay attention. I was more open to featuring these artists. And I discovered wonderful songs and artists. Some of those artists have been featured in on the All Things Girl Blog. Others I hope we’ll feature soon.

One of the artists I discovered this week is singer/songwriter and guitarist, Savio Rego. He sent a friend request on the shiny, new, updated MySpace. This led me to check out his music. I was impressed and thought I’d share the video for his song Miss You here. Take a listen and let me know what you think. Then share your favorite unsigned or underrated artist in the comments below.


Miss You – Official Music Video

Savio Rego | Myspace Music Videos

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