When the mail arrived Thursday it included a welcome bonus, a mix CD from James. It’s chock full of indie rock gems and classics, whimsical, yet tinged with sorrow. Just the way I like it. Many tracks are from artists who have been languishing on my “to hear” list (or “to purchase”). But one of my favorite inclusions is Pure Imagination, from Willy Wonka. Today my response was to create one heck of an oddball mix (more details after it’s been mailed off). I played it back through a couple of times, to ensure I was pleased with it. This had the unexpected side effect of inspiring the little man to dance giddily around the kitchen for at least a half hour. So at least it meets with his approval. Though to be honest, he was equally excited about the sammiches I was making for dinner. Tofu au jus on French “flutes” with baby portabella mushrooms (recipe called for porcini, but I didn’t have any on hand) and vegan mozzarella. Mmmm.
Various newsflashes from three good friends. Going, going and gone:
- Miss Delia Jane came home from the Peace Corps last summer, then quickly moved to Chicago to teach at a charter school. Sadly they’ve just found out they won’t have funding for next schoolyear, so the director has decided to shut the school down. Like right now. Meaning everyone on staff is suddenly jobless, and the students school-less. Which sucks. But Deedee is taking it all in stride, and considering going back to Africa. Again.
- David is going to London next month. To see Parts I & II of His Dark Materials, at the National Theatre. While I’m extremely jealous, I’m excited for him. Especially as this will be his first trip out of the country, and he is in dire need of a vacation. I’ve suggested the hotel I called home while in London, back in 1999. At £46/night, Time Out calls it “Cheap” - cheaper still would be a youth hostel, but not by too much really. And it’s very easy to get from High Street Kensington (hotel) to Covent Garden (theatre).
- Lastly, my dear April…who has been living in Beijing the last two years. Just received an after-the-fact email, outlining her adventures over the holidays, flying from China to Jordan, to be with her family (who had flown there from the states). And she and her brother took a little side trip to Lebanon, home of my ancestors, to go skiing. Again with the jealousy…but at least I have such lovely friends to live vicariously through.
It’s turned out to be a much quieter weekend than anticipated, due to copious amounts of snow appearing all of a sudden. But we’re all shovelled out (tag-teaming efforts and all), and the plows have been through. So I’ve foregone two events, in nearby locations, well, out of sheer laziness I guess. One was a Vietnamese Tet New Year Festival, the other some South American thingie, both downtown St. Paul. I guess it’s all or nothing with me. Globetrotting or living the life of a shut-in. Sadly more of the latter than the former these days.
Bonus: Tim Burton’s new film, Corpse Bride, looks fabulous. In a similar vein, so to speak, the Wallace & Gromit full length, Curse of the Wererabbit, is due out around the same time.
