Jane! Stop This Crazy Thing! 7 Random Things To Tell You On A Wednesday

/ Ally Bean

The Jetsons predicted the future more accurately than we ever could have imagined.

~ • ~

1. I am nuts.  I woke up remembering that in my dream an arrogant man told me I was a condescending cannoli. Where the heck did that thought come from? It makes no sense, I’m not a cannoli. However I admit I am tempted to start a new blog with that title, just to see who’d show up to read what a haughty Italian pastry had to say.

2. I am delighted.  I stumbled over this website that features 25 rarely seen photos from The Sound of Music film set. If you are able to look at these photos, snapped in Austria, and not start singing “Doe, a deer, a female deer | Ray,  a drop of golden sun…” then you’re AI, not human.

3. I am laughing.  I follow a few humorous accounts on Instagram [that I believe might also be available on other social media]. I’m entertained by: Call Me Kristen Marie who gently mocks her Boomer mother; Peaches ‘n Diesel who does a brilliant send-up of the fashion industry; and Lisa Pedace whose uptight sketch comedy characters are spot on. Never say I don’t share the best with you, my bloggy friends.

4. I am encouraged.  Over the years I’ve read numerous articles and books about how to be a better writer. Usually I shrug off the advice, not because I’m so accomplished but because the advice seems dithery and vague. However this article, a simple list of 40 things, spoke to me because it got to the point and as such may help me.

5. I am flummoxed.  A friend whose opinion I respect told me that she’s noticed that I’m less snarky than I used to be, that I seem to be, of all things, nicer than I once was. Putting aside the fact that I dislike the word “nice” I’m sorry to say I fear she’s right. I don’t know how this has happened, but I feel I owe an apology to anyone who started reading this blog because I was sassy.

6. I am watching.  We started watching Death and Other Details on Hulu. It isn’t the most compelling TV mystery show I’ve ever seen [Endeavour, the prequel to the Inspector Morse series, might win that prize], but if you like brain candy and enjoy seeing lavish sets, in this case on a Mediterrean ocean liner, this could be the show for you.

7.  I am agreeing.  As we slowly make our way to the end of winter here in the northern hemisphere, my soul is tired and this idea resonates loudly with me. Nature. Magic. Truth. Yes, more of these, please.

~ • ~

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

So what do you think, have I gotten too nice here? Should I lean into being more snarky again, bring back the sass? Go full on condescending cannoli, whatever that means?

Do you like to watch movies that are musicals? Do you watch TV mystery series? If so to either question, what do you recommend we watch next?

In general do you appreciate writing advice? It’s everywhere anymore with about a zillion books/websites available on the topic, yet I still wonder if all advice is equally useful or if some of it is self-absorbed gibberish?

How’s your soul doing? Need a little pick-me-up like mine?

~ ~ • ~ ~

268 thoughts on “Jane! Stop This Crazy Thing! 7 Random Things To Tell You On A Wednesday”

  1. I love a condescending cannoli! That should be in a book somewhere. I agree, Endeavor is one of the best TV Mystery shows ever. I’ve watched every episode two or three times and still find it compelling. Everything else pales in comparison so I can’t recommend anything. Sorry.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Darlene, the condescending cannoli just popped into my head and I think it’s a hoot, but what does it mean! /we need to re-watch Endeavour again. It was soooo fun seeing England in the 1960s, how people lived and dressed.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Over the years one hears wondrous titles like “master and commander” or “lord protector.” But you know what may top that list? Condescending cannoli! I love it, too!

      Haven’t seen Endeavor yet. What would you say it’s like?

      Liked by 3 people

      • EW, I wish I could explain how condescending cannoli floated into my dream, but I cannot. It makes zero sense so therefore it is wondrous.

        Endeavour is compelling, it’s about Morse as a young man finding his way as a young police officer who is brilliant and annoying and very much alone in the world. It’s complex, nuanced, with interesting murders and many glimpses into why Morse is as he is. Plus it’s set in Oxford, England, which adds some history into the story lines.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Maybe it’s what you said, that the secret to inspiration is being a little nutty? 🙂

          Endeavour sounds really great, thank you for the recommendation! I’ve been watching a few cozy mysteries, one set in Stratford-upon-Avon, one set in southern France, and I’ve been looking for … something. Thank you for making it so!

          Liked by 1 person

    1. I shall endeavor to watch Endeavor.

    2. My grandparents knew the Von Trapps ~ they ran an Inn in Stowe VT.

    3. You are less snarky than you used to be. Me too. Call us Mellow Yellow?

    4. Condescending Cannoli raises snark to a whole new level

    5. Write on!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Nancy, the last season of Endeavour ended last summer, so now it is time to re-watch it in full. Or at least that’s what I’m planning. I bet you’ll like it.

      I knew that the Von Trapps ended up in VT. Cool that you have a personal connection to them.

      I, too, think that condescending cannoli is delightfully snarky, but admit that we are, as you said, Mellow Yellow now. Donovan called it.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Condescending cannoli? Oh my my – but that would be a good blog title – a book title, too! But you would have to ramp your snarkiness! The Jetsons are great! Part of my day back in the day. I enjoyed the Sound of Music pics.

    I’m not much of a TV watcher – my wife is, so I watch more out of default – many times not knowing what I’m watching. Fool Me Once and The Night Agent (both Netflix) were interesting. Resident Alien is quirky.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Frank, that’s the thing about condescending cannoli, I would have to intentionally up my snark again. Can I do that? Do I want to do that? Remains to be seen.

      The Jetsons were/are great. Someone had a brilliant imagination back in the early ’60s. I’ve seen some of Resident Alien and it was quirky funny, not what I expected.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Condescending cannoli has me dying with laughter! I don’t know what it meas, but I’d personally take it a compliment.

    I’ve always loved The Sound of Music and came across those photos a few months ago. Incredible, and so fun!

    One of my favorites shows recently has been the Scottish sitcom, Still Game. It’s about a bunch of old pensioners talking about how is it was in the good old days. It’s really funny, if you need a good pick-me-up.

    Liked by 1 person


  5. I can just picture that little cannoli, peering down over his glasses at us. I was lucky enough to study abroad in Austria and saw where they filmed The Sound of Music, it is so so beautiful. I’m going to go look at those photos now! Have you watched American Nightmare yet? It’s so strange!!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Colleen, yes, you’re right. My condescending cannoli would have to wear glasses. That’d could make it haughtier!

      You studied in Austria! That’s wonderful and unique. don’t know anyone else who has ever been there which makes you even more special. In a good way, of course.

      I’ve not seen American Nightmares, so I’ll make a note of it. I know of it, and probably would enjoy it. Thanks for the idea.

      Like

    • Brian, you said it. Once you find advice, on any topic, that resonates with you the trick is to follow it. Maybe I’ll focus on one thought per week [for 40 weeks obviously] and see where it takes me. 

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Your post is giving me a soul boost! Thank you for the combo pick-me-up of the Jetsons PLUS pics from The Sound of Music. So, so good. Love the ‘behind the scenes’ snippets…fab photos. Smoldering Christopher Plummer? Who knew? 😎

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I think there is entirely too much snark in our culture. Look at social media – it’s all snark! That’s what gets the views and likes, I guess. “Nice” is underrated. I like nice.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Laurie, okay then, yours is one vote for me continuing to be nice, my less snarky self. I used to write with a lot more outrage here, but over the years I’ve become a mellower version of myself. I don’t know if it is age, or a pleasant sense of detachment, but I had to admit that my friend was right.

      Like

  10. As always, you deliver. Are you less snarky? Maybe. Does it matter? Good question. I LOVE Condescending Cannoli. I’m sure you have your moments, still 😉

    Thank you for the link to the photos from Sound of Music. I love musicals and I enjoy all sorts of series. We just finished Fool Me Once and if you can get past a military person running “like a socialite” and wearing nail polish, it surprised us in the end. I enjoyed “Unbelievable”. I haven’t heard of Endeavour, but I don’t have Hulu; I shall see if it plays somewhere else. Have you seen “Only Murders in the Building”? We enjoyed it very much.

    Your IG links are rather funny 🙂

    Like anything, writing advice has some take it or leave it in there. Everyone does what works for them. That said, I have bookmarked the article and will read it later.

    Yes, YES, my soul is tired and I definitely need a pick me up!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dale, thank you for the compliment about this post and for framing my less snarky personality in such a way that I could dip into it when needed.

      I’m not familiar with Fool Me Once so I’ll look for it. Never heard of Unbelievable either. Endeavour originally aired on PBS and still might be there somewhere, who knows? We’ve seen Only Murders… and loved it. Looking forward to season 4.

      You are right about how some writing advice hits you with its inspiration and that is the advice to attend to. I don’t mean to throw shade on anyone in particular, but sometimes feel like some writing advice is too idiosyncratic for general distribution.   

      Liked by 1 person

      • Absolutely! We are not one-dimensional women 😉

        We rolled our eyes a few times but the ending redeemed it 😉 Unbelievable is based on a true story. The only actor I really knew is Toni Collette and the girl from “DopeSick” (another really good one). I’ll eventually find Endeavours. Can’t wait for Season 4 of Only Murders!

        Yes. You’re not throwing shade but those who write these “how-to” books have to realise that their method does not work for everyone.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Clever format, Ally! And very instructive too. From this post I learned:

    1. Julie Andrews” ivory silk wedding gown was auctioned off in 2013 for $23,040.

    2. The simple list for writers was instructive. I got to # 29 and stopped because I ran out of time.

    Thank you, Oh, Less-Snarky One!  :-D

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marian, I remember being a girl and thinking that ivory wedding dress was the prettiest dress I’d ever seen. Still rather fancy it, seems like a bargain at that price.

      The list of writing advice is easy to dip in and out of. I read it once, then found myself later musing on a few points. More of a tool rather than an assignment.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Condescending Cannoli is the best name ever. If you don’t rename your blog, maybe you could write a book, or a substack, or whatever… I think a lot of us got all snarked out by living through certain experiences of recent years. I read somewhere that comedians struggled because real life had become so absurd they couldn’t outdo it.

    I am disturbed to find I must be AI, for I did not hum or sing while watching the Sound of Music pictures. What I did take from it was that Christopher Plummer didn’t seem to be in any that he didn’t have to. I wonder if that says something about what’s he’s like?

    I never watched Endeavour, because the actor playing the young Morse was the spitting image of an ex over whom I struggled to get. I may have to surreptitiously check out the water on my own before suggesting to Himself that we start watching. ‘Cos if it turns out I’m still not quite there, there’s a LOT of episodes to get through…

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, I do have a substack account that is sitting fallow so who knows… your idea about condescending cannoli is an interesting one. I hadn’t thought of how comedians would be having a time of it considering the absurdity of the world in which we find ourselves. That’s a smart insight.

      Good observation about who Christopher Plummer might be in real life. Who’s to say? 

      I understand your reason for not watching Endeavour and it is a valid one. The man who plays young Inspector Morse is handsome, adding to his character’s appeal in spite of how screwed up the character is. Which is why the show is so compelling. 

      Liked by 1 person

  13. I haven’t followed you long enough to know if you are less sassy, and I’m sorry to say I don’t care for mysteries or movie musicals. I do enjoy a live theatre musical, however.

    Having a tired soul, though. Oh my goodness, that does resonate with me. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the upcoming presidential election. I already eschew the news, but I don’t want to have to give up the internet altogether.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bijoux, oh I know I’m less snarky than I used to be and that my friend was spot on. The issue is do I continue down this pleasant whatever path, or do I go back to calling out the crap I see everywhere? I mean with this upcoming election cycle there’s going to be crap everywhere, right? And I am observant.

      I haven’t been to a live theater performance in years. The last musical I saw on stage was Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway. And that was eons ago. It was fun. 

      Like

    • Elisabeth, The Sound of Music is a classic that somehow hasn’t lost its appeal. Well, maybe the song “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” is a bit dated and insipid, but overall the story is great. Hope you and your daughter enjoy re-watching it.

      Like

  15. We should start calling you CC, for Condescending Cannoli. Hey, this is fun: Sarcastic Spumoni, Tendentious Tiramisu, Pretentious Pignoli, Screwy Semifreddo….

    Yes, I really, really enjoy musicals, especially the ones by Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II, Rodgers and Hart/Hammerstein, Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields… The songs they wrote for those shows are standards today. Have you seen You Were Never Lovelier, with Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth, music by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer?

    We haven’t watched TV since October, when ours bit the dust and we haven’t replaced it. Here are several we had watched and enjoyed (with links to IMDb): Death In Paradise, Inspector Lewis (especially if you’re a Morse fan), New Tricks, and Midsomer Murders. All British, all ran or are running on various PBS stations.

    Writing advice? I read enough of it. Sometimes follow it, often don’t.

    I look forward to the day I can get out of the house, where I’ve been stuck for almost a year. Had a fall last April and screwed up my back, knees are terrible. We’re working on getting a platform lift so I can get out of the house and go bye-bye car…

    Liked by 2 people

    • John, SARCASTIC SPUMONI is brilliant. I love spumoni ice cream, more than cannoli if I am being truthful.

      I’ve never heard of the musical You Were Never Lovelier! Thanks for the link, I’ll make a point to watch it. The most *obscure* musical I know of is The Pajama Game, which isn’t all that rare.

      You’re right we need to watch the Inspector Lewis series, just finished catching up with John and Sarah on Midsomer Murders last week. The other two you mention I’ve never heard of, so thanks.

      I hope you get your platform lift in time for a few car drives out and about in the springtime. I may sneeze through most of spring but it is darned pretty.

      Like

  16. I prefer nice to snarky, and you are naturally very funny so you don’t need the snark weapon. The old man in your dream was probably just your evil twin trying to insight you to the dark side.

    I love the old musicals, and thoroughly enjoyed the behind the scenes shots of the Sound of Music, especially that lovely candid of Christopher Plummer. I also love mysteries and we plowed our way through Brokenwood Mysteries this winter, getting to know all the characters. Loved Only Murders, and the first, and I hope not last, season of Mrs. Sidhu Investigates on Acorn. Unforgotten, and Grantchester, but the older ones are better even though they deviated greatly from the plots of the books.

    We’re in the middle of cabin fever, so I’m eating carbs.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dorothy, I like your reasoning for why the man in the dream said what he did. I shall remain firm, not going into the dark side, using snark judiciously.

      I don’t know about Brokenwood Mysteries, so adding to the list. We enjoyed Mrs. Sidhu too, hoping for a second season. It was encouraging and fun to see a smart woman in her 50s star in a TV series. Plus her son, what a character!

      I’ve been into carbs this month, too. I think I’m suffering from cabin fever as well. Good point. When’s spring?

      Like

  17. These days, I avoid snark as much as possible, so even though ‘condescending cannoli’ made me laugh, that could go in a couple of directions: snark, or delicious irony. I’m there for irony.

    Since I don’t have a tv, I don’t watch tv, and much conversation about programs goes right over my head. It’s the same with streaming services. I can name the series like “Yellowstone” or “The Office,” but that’s as far as it goes. I’m polite when friends start dissecting the last episode of their favorite, though. No snarky comments from me!

    As for writing, I almost never read books on the subject. I depend on Annie Dillard’s The Writing Life, and anything by John McPhee, like his columns and his book Draft No. 4. I read and re-read Flannery O’Connor’s collected letters, too. When I grow up, I want to be John McPhee.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, I like your irony angle on condescending cannoli because I’m good at seeing that, have a lifetime of experience.

      We have a TV but I’ve never seen Yellowstone and only a few episodes of The Office, so I’d be sitting there beside you not saying a word, nodding my head politely.

      I’m not familiar with John McPhee but did read Annie Dillard’s book once upon a time. Oddly I don’t remember a thing about it, other than I didn’t hate it, so glowing praise! Will look for JM.

      Like

  18. I don’t read self help books! Not because I know everything ( I do know somethings) but because I get an information overload and don’t do anything recommended in these books. Musicals aren’t on the top of my list.
    I like nice, and if someone told me I’m nicer than before- I wouldn’t know if I’d be flattered or offended ( because it’s implied that I wasn’t nice before)!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. I recently watched the first two seasons of Sneaky Pete on Prime. Pretty good.

    I used to be a fan of musicals when I was a child, but not since my 20s. I was in the military then and that changed my way of seeing many things.

    I would say that your condescending cannoli (I initially read that as canine cannoli and went off on a mental tangent about specialty dog foods) is a reflection of your friend’s comment. I, too, used to be able to lay on the sass, but my cannolis are getting brittle around the edges and definitely sweeter. Can you be patronising but sweet? For sureI think it’s age that allows the dichotomy.

    Write whatever and however you want to! Liberate that pen/keyboard/ quill/ cannoli/lemon pie!

    Cheers.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Lynette, your misreading of the dream words is hilarious. I can see how it took you off into an entirely different direction.

      I’ve not heard of Sneaky Pete, but we have Prime so I’ll look for it. Thanks for the suggestion.

      Excellent point about being patronizing and sweet simultaneously courtesy of aging and perspective and an attitude that has nothing about pleasing others. That’s why I don’t like “nice” it seems so passive.

      I love lemon pie, more than cannoli, so your writing advice hits me just right. Thanks for the encouragement.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. I’ve gotten much nicer, too. Perhaps it’s a side effect of aging or perhaps it’s because I don’t have the strength to summon up so much snark anymore. Or maybe it’s because I don’t want to add even a smidgen to the negativity already out there.

    But, like the quote by Hampton, I think my Soul is tired, too. I’d much rather look for the Loveliness and Small Bits Of Awe. I’m not ignoring the realities Out There by any means; I’m just choosing to focus elsewhere when I write for the audience I have whenever I can.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nance, I knew my friend was right when she described me now, but it did strike me as strange, too. I started this blog writing from a more strident point of view, but know I’ve mellowed over the years. And I also know, like you said, that in real life: I don’t have the strength to summon up so much snark anymore. Uh huh.

      I like your take on the Hampton quote. It instantly resonated with me, my soul is exhausted having been dragged along during a difficult time in this country’s history dealing with so much stupid I don’t know where to turn.

      Like

  22. I enjoyed the 25 behind the scenes shots of The Sound of Music. I really liked Christopher Plummer’s blue wool sweater coat and reminded me I used to have a red one with black trim and silver buttons but, I lost weight and it was way too big so I gave it away. Now I want another one that fits of course!

    I love murder mysteries, and musicals. I’m waiting for the latest Vera season to start, and the lasts new musicals I’ve seen were The Book of Mormon and Wicked. I thought both were fantastic. I own several DVD’s of old favorites and re-watch them every now and again…on rainy or snowy days and I feel like a “girl movie day”. 😀 I can easily switch to Jane Austin’s movies I have on DVD as well.

    I LOVE Condescending Cannoli and think you’d be brilliant writing a blog with that title.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deborah, I got a kick out of those photos, they made me remember seeing The Sound of Music for the first time. I hope you find a sweater coat that fits you and pleases you now. Funny what thoughts old photos elicit.

      I know of the Book of Mormon and Wicked but haven’t seen them, read Wicked though. We don’t have any DVDs anymore but I like your idea of girl movie day. It sounds delightful.

      The whole condescending cannoli dream scenario is almost too warped for my mind, yet it made me laugh out loud. How dare that man criticize me?

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Now I’m going to feel like a jerk if I say you’ve gotten nicer over time. I think, if you have changed, it’s been gradual. You know, the frog in the pot kind of thing. If you want to lean more toward your inner condescending cannoli!, I’m all for it.

    I like the old classic musicals. I don’t follow series as a rule (said the guy who wrote one) because I find it hard keep up, especially if I miss an episode or fall asleep.

    I read a lot of writing advice, but I find that it’s all over the map. I shy away from the advice that comes with an option to subscribe to more, especially if there’s a fee involved. I do read good blogs (such as this one) and think about what makes them interesting. So, don’t go drifting too far to that word you don’t want me to use.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dan, I do like your idea of me having an inner condescending cannoli on which I can lean when needs be. I can groove on that idea.

      I like the classic musicals, too. I’m smiling about your take on series, oh author person. To thine own self be true.

      Yes, I’d never pay for any writing advice in the sense of subscribing to a newsletter online or taking a course. I’ve bought books on the topic, and will occasionally read something like the article I linked to, but that’s it. I majored in English Lit in undergrad so I learned a bit about writing back then that holds true today. Thanks for the compliment, too.

      Liked by 2 people

  25. “Condescending cannoli” spurs too many images of Italian stereotypes and the offensive stigma associated with the culture historically, as well as a veiled *keep women in their place* vibe to me. I am not Italian but it irks me nonetheless. To answer your question however- and to use your own words “you do you boo” 🙂

    The last musical I watched on TV was Come From Away…the plane that landed in Gander Newfoundland during the terror attacks. It wasn’t a movie but the stage presentation filmed. I thought it was excellent. I do not typically seek out movie musicals or mystery series however. I am in a dystopian/fantasy phase while simultaneously catching up on PBS shows.

    I do not give a single thought to writing advice. I remember the Stephen King book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft was required reading when I was getting my degree. Hated it. I like SK books but not that one. In general I balk strongly at being told how I must do just about anything so self-help/personal guidance/how-to do ??? sorts of books do not ever go on my TBR lists.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I’ve no reason for why that phrase was in my dream. The nearest thing I can guess is that I made lasagna a few nights before, but even then it’s just a plain weird thing to hear in your dream. I take your point about the negative Italian stereotypes and how that phrase could imply them.

      I remember the plane that was forced to land in Ganders, but didn’t know there was a musical about it. I don’t watch dystopian/fantasy shows as a rule. I don’t know why that is, though.

      I’ve never read a thing by Stephen King. I know that’s unusual and he may be a swell person but his scary vibe is off-putting to me. I used to read self-help books often, but over the years I’ve gotten away from it, I may have been helped all that is possible.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Nice to hear you’re getting nicer, I think. It does depend on the objective.
    Our current mystery show is Unforgotten, and we also watch Lewis, the sequel to Morse. We might have to try Endeavour.
    I discovered that writing advice and criticism goes over better when you are more confident. Also the best writing advice I ever received was read well-written books. Don’t just read them for the story. Read them for the sentences and structure and character development. All the reasons they are considered well written.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jenn, I take your point. I don’t know what my objective is but as long as I’m not a pawn in someone else’s game, then I’ll be nice. Enough.

      I don’t know about Unforgotten so I’ll look for it. I really enjoyed Endeavor, but have never seen the Inspector Morse series so I don’t know how it compares. Once I watch that one I’ll move on to Lewis. So much to watch!

      Your approach to learning how to write is what my undergraduate degree was in, English Lit. That’s what we did all the time. Keep on asking *why* was the mantra and then dissect + deconstruct the writing.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. I LOVE this because…

    1. I am also nuts, in real life and in my dreams. Don’t dream as much as I used to, but remember the crazy ones…like when I drove a mail truck over a small hill and into a fence because the police were chasing me. I stole windshield wipers…

    2. Thank you for the link to those photos. The Sound of Music is probably my favorite movie EVER. I watch it once or twice a year because all of the songs and the love story make my heart happy.

    3. Here is an IG account I am currently enamored with: https://www.instagram.com/iammoshow/ This dude raps with and about his cats. If you need something to make you laugh and smile, this is the place.

    4. No comment about writing, other than I’ve read books and now I just make shit up as I type along.

    5. Do NOT be less snarky. Snarky is good, just like bad puns. I love both.

    6. Here’s another streaming series to consider: Night Agent on Netflix. Just one season so far, but it is so good!

    7. Considering I recently blogged about not sleeping, I absolutely love this quote. Yes, more nature, more adventure, more magic! Life at its best!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Mary, thanks for your enthusiastic comment. I love knowing in your dream you were a thief stealing windshield wipers, you miscreant.

      I haven’t watched The Sound of Music in years, I admit it. The photos made me smile, they seemed innocent and insightful. What a time it must have been to be in that movie.

      Thanks for the link to someone funny on IG. I like laughing, I like cats, sounds perfect. I like your pragmatic approach to writing. I don’t often read how-to write books or articles, but once in a while one calls to me.

      I don’t know about Night Agent, so thanks for the idea. The quote jolted me awake from my winter malaise with its common sense.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. I’ve only read your blog this past year and I think you are sassy enough. As for writing advice, I like Strunk & White, plus advice I received from Gerry Petievich who wrote “To Live and Die in LA” which became a cult movie. He told me two things, “Writers need buns of steel” and “Remember, the reader is a genius.”

    Liked by 2 people

  31. Well isn’t that a hoot – re: The Sound of Music – first off, the photos just bored me, no singing here but Wait! I’m reading along the comments and I’m thinking when did that movie come out, 1965, but I remember that we sang some of the songs at a school Spring concert in 1960! Had to Google and sure ‘nuf The Sound of Music opened on Broadway in November 1959. I guess that’s what comes of living in NYC.

    Death and Other Details? – I didn’t even make it through the first episode. Meh. Detective/murder mysteries/crime shows – the Brits win hands down. So many – we have Acorn and Brit Box, have had them since they first appeared and the list of great shows goes is endless. We started watching Midsommer Murders when Netflix was mailed DVDs and watched again on Acorn – but only the John Nettles’ ones. So many great shows including Balthazar which is in French with subtitles – great show that. Murdoch Mysteries is great fun and I think you can find it on a number of American streaming services – it’s Canadian.

    I don’t know how sassy you used to be, you are certainly very clever now, but I do find that my snark and sarcasm has softened with age, I’m just too weary of others stupidity to even summon up the mental energy to verbally rip them up into tiny pieces and flush them down the toilet.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Grace, I’m glad you know some of the songs from The Sound of Music, thereby confirming that you’re not AI. I don’t know the answer, but I wonder if the stage play had different songs than the movie.

      We like Midsomer, too, although we’ve stuck it out with John and Sarah. I feel sorry for the man who took over the lead role, everyone disliking him before giving him a chance. He’s different, but that’s good, too. We’ve watched Murdoch Mysteries so many times I’ve lost count. It’s more soap opera at this point, but we hang in there.

      You said it about not having the energy to be snarky anymore. So much stupid everywhere, yet so little enthusiasm to engage with the stupid. I can’t decide if that is prudent or rash.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I’m still watching the ‘new’ Midsommer and Murdoch – and yes they aren’t as clever as in the beginning. New season (the 17th) starts next week I think and that’s a long time to be clever. Didn’t we leave them in a cliff-hanger – trapped somewhere? As for The Sound of Music I’m sure the songs were the same in the Broadway play as in the movie – one doesn’t mess with Rodgers and Hammerstein. I had a solo on Climb Every Mountain…

        Liked by 1 person

  32. Oh golly, I read obits so I’m not one to comment on appropriate levels of snarkiness amongst the living. We didn’t have a television until I was in my teens so I grew up reenacting the musicals with my sisters in the living room. I can’t wait them without dancing like an idiot! I think of writing the same way I think of sculpture – it’s a process of adding and subtracting and smoothing out the edges that seems unending until the piece speaks to you and says “enough already.” Noah Lukeman is my go-to for writing advice! Hope your spring sprungs soon (outside that it – not your inner spring)

    Liked by 1 person

    • I grew up listening to record albums of musicals, my mother’s favorites. That’s why I know so many lyrics by heart, programmed into me at an early age. I’m not familiar with Noah Lukeman, will look for him. Here’s to us both having a good spring, very soon.

      Like

  33. Ally, you have me laughing out loud! What a terrific phrase and I bet it would make a very popular title for a blog! 🤣 The photos from The Sound of Music are precious and show the warmth and personality between all the cast – I have forwarded it to my mother who loves the film! Thank you for the link to simple writing lis; succinct but effective advice and I’ve printed it out for me to peruse later – and highlighting away! I’m with you on nature and more nature – on non-rainy days love to be out a bit but longing for sunshine!! Does it still exist? Britain is heading for its rainest February on record – and I can testify to that as our garden has not got an extra little pond which is not usually there!😀 As for TV series, I’ve watched so many on Netflix and currently re-watching The Durrells – cosy drama based on the famous author as a child and set in Corfu – where it is sunny!! Hugs xx ❤️

    Like

    • Annika, I’ve no explanation for why condescending cannoli was in my dream, but I started my day off with a laugh– and a bit worried about my subconscious. I liked The Sound of Music photos and am glad you’ve forwarded that link onto your mother. They’re a sweet flashback. 

      I like your idea of printing off the writing tips list then applying a highlighter to it. I’m going to do that, too. I didn’t know about Britain’s rainy February situation but I believe it. So many weather patterns are way off anymore. As long as your little pond causes no harm then enjoy it, I guess? 

      The Durrells is new to me. I’ll look for it, I like the idea of looking at sunshine. I like cozy. Sounds wonderful. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. I don’t think you’ve gotten too nice. I think you have a nice balance of nice and snark, perhaps a snarky niceness or nice snarkiness?

    Do you like to watch movies that are musicals? Do you watch TV mystery series? If so to either question, what do you recommend we watch next? I don’t really care for musicals although I always enjoyed The Sound of Music … but then, that movie was so much more than a musical. We watch a fair number of mysteries. The only think I don’t like about TV series is the ridiculously long interval between seasons and the limited episodes per season. Case in point: We’re still waiting for new seasons of Vienna Blood and Annika, and somehow we managed to zip the measly six episodes of Miss Scarlet and the Duke (these are streaming on PBS). We dropped Hulu a while ago. We only subscribe when there are new episodes of Only Murders in the Building. We recently subscribed to HBO Max so we could watch the current season of True Detective (starring Jodie Foster).

    Recently I did another purge of books (donating them to my local library), and I got rid of pretty much every book I had on writing craft. I enjoy reading about how writers write (e.g., Stephen King’s On Writing which I read more as a memoir than a how-to book), and I enjoy books that might help with a particular kind of writing (like poetry where some books are more about freeing your inner poet than in becoming the next Poet Laureate), but I don’t like craft books per se.

    Reading your blog is all the pick-me-up I need, but thanks for asking!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marie, I like how you think! Yes, I shall envision myself as having a nice snarkiness about my words, nothing too harsh, just pleasantly snided.

      Good point about the time lags between new series of a show you like. I sometimes say just “forget it” while other times I have to go to IMDB and review what I’ve seen, who’s in it, character names. In some ways it’s better to wait until the series has its finale then start watching it. That’s what we did with Endeavour.

      I don’t have many writing books anymore either. I kept a few, one of which is from Z-D’s work collection about how to write like a lawyer. I’ve yet to read it, but he claims I’ll like it.

      Aren’t you flattering? I’m glad this blog is a pick-me-up for you. I try to keep it light and informative here, nothing too deep or flakey.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. The Condescending Cannoli. I like it and would be among the first to visit the site just based on name alone.

    Good to be getting nicer and less snarky. As I slowly roll along through yet another decade, I find myself becoming a little more snarky.

    Good one today Ally.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Johnny, I have to admit that I like alliteration so condescending cannoli makes me happy. As to whether I could write a whole blog week after week based on this idea, I dunno.

      Maybe we all become more generous as we age and that’s why I am, you are, less snarky? Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.

      Like

  38. The Sound of Music is one of the few musicals I enjoy, so I look forward to revisiting it. I think snark has to be natural and can’t be forced. Perhaps you’re not finding as much to poke fun at? I love Endeavour. I also loved Lewis. I also have enjoyed Vera, Shetland, George Gently, Unforgotten, Magpie Murders and Foyle’s War among many others. Mysteries and detective series are my favorites.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, excellent point about being snarky, when it rolls off your tongue in the moment it is genuine, but if you’re trying too hard it’ll sound pathetic. I’ve yet to see Inspector Morse or Lewis and am looking forward to them. Z-D watched Foyle’s War and loved it. He’d like to see it again so I’ll join him this time.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Fun fact:  I once went on the Sound of Music tour in Austria, when my children were 4. My daughter sat in the front of the bus and enthusiastically sang along to every song, eventually softening the hard edges of our tour guide, who smiled at her. (And honestly, who can blame him for being a little tough? Would you want to listen to that music and give the same spiel and spend all day every day with people who are enough into SoM to go on a day-long tour?) At the end of the day, her brother confided to me:  “Mommy, I am Sound of Music sick.” Same, buddy. Same. But I loved all those photos! Thanks for sharing. 

    As for snark:  I used to be quite snarky. I still can be, but I am much less so. Recent years have opened my eyes to experiences of others I used to be unaware of. I like myself better with less snark. I think I’m kinder and more compassionate. I do not know if you’re actually less snarky or if any of this might apply to you. Just sharing my own journey with snark.

    Like

    • Rita, your story of going on a Sound of Music tour wins the prize for comment of the day, if I were giving away prizes. What a fun and crazy thing to do. I feel for that tour guide but am charmed that your daughter got him to smile. Also your son’s summation is perfect. Yep I bet y’all were Sound of Music sick.

      Thanks for explaining your journey. Interesting to know how, when, and why you changed from snarky to less snarky. I know sometimes kindness and compassion can seem like weaknesses to certain people, so you have to be snarky to stay afloat. That’s my story. New friends, less snark.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. My soul could definitely use a pick-me-up, and your post helped.

    I adore mystery series, but cannot think of any to suggest! I guess I just finished watching the latest season of True Detective, which had a lot to recommend it. (Didn’t love the finale, though… but it’s the journey, not the destination, right?)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, it’s been an unusually long winter for me. Glad this post lifted your spirits.

      I’ve never seen True Detective but I know of it. I agree in principle that it’s the journey that counts but sometime you just want the destination to be right, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. I enjoy your blog, your sharp wit and observations. I don’t think you need to try being snarky if you’re not feeling it – just be you in the moment! You always have something cool and interesting to say!

    Aren’t dreams hilarious? I love the condescending cannoli! A great title for a book or a blog!

    I love the Sound of Music pictures! Yes, I am singing!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Michelle, you make sense. I used to be more snarky, but now am not so why force myself to be anything I’m not. When the snark appears I’ll use it, but the rest of the time not so much.

      Dreams are hilarious and this particular phrase is off the wall. Thanks for proving you’re not AI, keep on singing.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. I hadn’t noticed you becoming “nicer,” but that doesn’t really sound like a bad thing to me. This is a fun hodge-podge list. I like it. This part, however, is my fave because I literally LOLed: “I admit I am tempted to start a new blog with that title, just to see who’d show up to read what a haughty Italian pastry had to say.”

    I will check out those writing tips!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Betsy, I agree that it’s not a bad thing to be kinder, less snarky, I just don’t like the word “nice” because I define it as being passive. However defined in other ways, like my friend meant it, I suppose I can own up to being nicer.

      The writing tips were my kind of advice, straight to the point and useful.

      Like

  44. I wouldn’t worry about the snarkiness or lack thereof. Snark is like the tide; it ebbs and flows. Writing advice is a tough one to me. I know there are things I need to learn but there is so *much* advice, much of it contradictory or over-the-top, that I tend to avoid most of it.

    Liked by 1 person

  45. The Jetsons nailed it, and we all laughed. George is getting the last laugh now. 🙂 I appreciate a little snark myself. We are on season three of Slow Horses on Apple TV and have really enjoyed it. If I was writing for a job, I always appreciate feedback. As for blogging, I just assume it’s more of a personal style of writing and don’t feel any compulsion to comment. My soul can always use a pickup because life is challenging these days.

    Liked by 1 person

  46. At the risk of being called AI, I’ve never seen the Sound of Music and I don’t really have any associations with it at all. But I promise I’m real. Of course, I suppose that’s what our computer overlords would say as well.

    I feel like the only writing advice that is really needed is to write and my eyes glaze over whenever I read anything else. Oh, so mentoring worked for you? So what? But I think it’s clear that I am the one who is too mean, not you!

    Liked by 1 person

    • NGS, well that is suspect. Never? I believe you that you’re not AI because you’ve been around before AI existed– and because you said so.

      I enjoy a good snarky person who is able to put life into perspective and make me smile in the process. I used to do that more often.

      Like

  47. I’m Team Nice. Not necessarily opposed to snark, but sensitive to emotion, and find myself suddenly snarky when exposed. However, perhaps the Condescending Cannoli could “guest post” on your blog from time to time and go full snark. I would get a kick out of that. I like to know what I’m in for.

    I still find myself drawn to writing advice, and I’ve been thinking about my own (so far it’s a list of two). What he says about white space is on my list.

    Liked by 1 person

  48. I must have joined in long after the snark. But I wouldn’t term you as “nice.” I would think you are more mellow with a side of snark and sass, as necessary. And we all need a side of snark and sass.

    Would you believe I have never seen The Sound of Music. I suppose I should rectify that situation one of these days.

    I’ve never been a huge fan of musicals…probably because I’ve never seen The Sound of Music.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gigi, thank you. Your way of describing me works for me: “mellow with a side of snark and sass, as necessary.” That’s perfect. That’s me.

      You’re the second commenter to say they’ve never seen The Sound of Music. I thought it was required watching as a child, but apparently not. If you watch it I’d be interested in your opinion of it, watching as an adult in today’s world.

      Like

  49. I have to say that at first glance I read this as JANET stop this crazy thing. Snarky or not, I’ll still read your posts. Either way they are always entertaining. My daughter and I are watching Death and Other Details. She moved out last September and it’s a way for me to keep bonding with her. We did the same with Only Murders. New ones? I’m not sure. Did you watch Elementary? That is an old one but it looks interesting to me. I love Sherlock.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janet not Jane, I’m laughing here. I can see how you thought that. I love that you and your daughter are bonding over Death and Other Details. It’s fun albeit not spectacular, but that’s okay. I like Only Murders… and am waiting for the new season. I never watched Elementary but I’ve heard of it, will look for it if we get it. I never watched Sherlock which seems like an oversight now that I think about it.

      Liked by 1 person

  50. I am bookmarking the writing advice! Thanks Ally. I will also check out the IG accounts you mention, I’m always up for a good laugh.

    Now, I think you’re still as sassy as ever and I would totally read your new Condescending Cannelloni blog!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicole, I don’t often read writing advice let alone find worthy of note, so this link was an unusual discovery.

      As for condescending cannoli becoming a blog… welp, I’ll keep that idea on the back burner. Too much cooking in this blog to abandon it quite yet.

      Like

  51. No, you haven’t gotten too nice. Your writing has just grown into the true you. I loved this post, especially the behind-the-scenes photos of The Sound of Music. You have no idea how many thirty-year-olds don’t know Rodgers and Hammerstein songs. Sigh!

    Liked by 1 person

  52. Jeez, by the time I got here to the end of the long line of comments, I couldn’t remember all of your questions. But the first one, about being nice: I equate nice with being kind, compassionate, empathetic So darn it all, why is “nice” a bad or neutral or boring word?? Why do we have to apologize for being nice? I appreciate your writing and your wry sense of humor (and observation). But if I didn’t think you were ‘nice’ I probably wouldn’t follow you. So. There. You are NICE! Live with it. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  54. I feel like the internet has gotten a lot meaner over the last 15 years, and while one used to be snarky, sometimes it feels mean now. Or else we’re just getting older.

    I like Condescending Cannoli. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, yes you’re right that people online have gotten meaner in the last 15 years, especially the last 5. I don’t know if I’ve gotten nicer or if my idea of what is snarky is now considered nice because people have gone so far beyond snarky into mean. Good observation.

      Like

  55. I do like some movie musicals – grew up listening to Dad’s records of various stage musicals. One of my all-time favorites is “1776.”
    Now, when in Salzburg, we were persuaded to take the ubiquitous Sound of Music tour, including out to Lake Mondsee. I do not recommend. Boy, were they ever trash-talking Christopher Plummer!
    I’d read your Condescending Cannoli blog, for sure. I think you still have plenty of sass, my friend. The Jetson’s intro was excellent!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Eilene, I grew up listening to records of musicals, too. My mom liked them. I remember 1776, seeing it, but not the music from it.

      I cannot imagine going on a Sound of Music tour. I fear that’d be too much depth for me, nor would I want to hear anyone trash talking any of the cast members.

      I like the Jetsons to this day so the image made me laugh out loud. Talk about spot on to today. I think I’ll continue to use my sass on this blog and let the condescending cannoli idea fade away. One blog is enough for me.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I know all the 1776 songs by heart! I did not sing Doe a deer, but the Lonely Goatherd was a bit of an earworm last night. That’s my favorite song from TSOM. They played the movie in Mom’s memory care, which I enjoyed since we’d recently returned from Salzburg. But then they played it over and over. Yikes!

        Liked by 1 person

  56. I grew up with the idea that being nice is great and that we want to be around nice people. But nice is only a starting point. After that, you want some spice, some fun, something interesting. When I was in college I dated one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. Eventually, he wasn’t for me. My husband, on the other hand, was on fire–interesting, challenging, smart, surprising.

    I grew up in the era of musicals, a new one every few months. I loved them, learned all the songs. I miss them. La La Land was fun, but it sure couldn’t compare to something like West Side Story or Oklahoma.

    Tonight I watched Will Trent. It’s a police story but also sort of a mystery. It’s better than “nice.”

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, I like how you’ve defined nice as a starting point. I grew up thinking of anyone being nice as a way of saying someone was weak and passive and lacking spunk. That’s why the word bugs me, but I also know my friend didn’t mean it like I define it.

      I’ve not seen La La Land and I need to see it. I’d forgotten it was even out there. As for Oklahoma I can sing along to that one as well as The Sound of Music.

      I’m not familiar with Will Trent. Thanks for mentioning it.

      Like

  58. The Jetsons – OMG, I can’t get over this. So funny.

    Are you less snarky? I don’t think so, but maybe I haven’t been around long enough to say. You make me laugh and make me think, so I think that counts for something. The condescending cannoli dream is awesome.

    The weather has been freakishly warm here and that has helped my soul. Also, basketball season is almost over, which for many reasons, will be a good thing. In other ways, I’m sad basketball season is almost over. It is always bittersweet – this year maybe more so.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ernie, I liked the Jetsons as a kid but hadn’t thought about how prescient they were. The image is spot on though.

      I know I’m less snarky in real life and I think it’s transferred into blog life, too. It was an astute observation on her part which, maybe, is related to the condescending cannoli.

      I’m glad your soul is doing well. Warmth helps. I understand what you’re saying about basketball season, for you it has been different this year.

      Like

  59. A condescending cannoli! That sounds like it should start a theme of alliterative food – a pleasant peach, an annoying avocado, a loquacious lamb shank. I can also imagine the cannoli talking out of the side of it’s hole, rudely. It would change the Godfather line to “forget about the cannoli (he’s a pain in the a$$!), take the gun.”

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kyria, I’m laughing out loud. I especially like loquacious lamb shank, I see it being snarky while wearing a frilly little white crown like fancy restaurant’s put on the boney ends of meat. Also, a line from the Godfather? Hilarious. Thanks for my morning laugh.

      Like

  60. I’ve never seen The Sound of Music, so I would not be singing that song. Maybe “My Favorite Things,” which I believe also came from the movie/musical. The Johnny Mathis version gets a lot of airplay at work during the holidays, and I’ve found I’m quite fond of it…

    Liked by 1 person

    • evilsquirrel13, a few other commenters have mentioned that they’ve never seen The Sound of Music, so you’re not alone. My Favorite Things is from the movie but I didn’t realize it’d become a Christmas song. Fascinating. Move over Julie, Johnny Mathis has it covered now!

      Like

  61. I’m a TV and movie buff as well. Right now I’m going through Six Feet Under and Silicon valley again. This is probably the first time I’ve visited your blog, but I loved this post, I hope you have more! I shall have a look around 😊

    Like

    • AM, thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Nice to *meet* you. I saw some of Six Feet Under when it aired, but only in dribs and drabs. I’ve never seen Silicon Valley, never heard of it. So many shows out there, so little time to watch ’em!

      Like

      • Yeah, that’s true. I haven’t seen everything either but I’d sure like to! SFU is available on Netflix in my country, but otherwise it’s on HBO. Same with Silicon Valley, HBO. It’s a bit old now, but it’s worth a watch.

        Like

  62. Better a condescending cannoli than a patronizing panna cotta or a dismissive donut, amirite?!

    Do you like to watch movies that are musicals? Chicago, Moulin Rouge, Little Shop of Horrors…that’s a solid yes.

    Like

  63. So what do you think, have I gotten too nice here? Should I lean into being more snarky again, bring back the sass? Go full on condescending cannoli, whatever that means?

    Ally, I think the entire planet can use a little more nice-ness. I prefer spicy to sassy, and I do think it is possible to be nice and spicy at the same time.😁

    Do you like to watch movies that are musicals? Do you watch TV mystery series? If so to either question, what do you recommend we watch next?

    I’m not a big musical person but did like Chicago, Moulin Rouge, and The Greatest Showman. I too will also recommend Elementary. Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu make a great Holmes and Watson in a modern world, and the show had a stellar supporting cast and guest stars as well.

    In general do you appreciate writing advice? It’s everywhere anymore with about a zillion books/websites available on the topic, yet I still wonder if all advice is equally useful or if some of it is self-absorbed gibberish? It IS everywhere. I think if someone can glean a few nuggets without getting lost in the noise that’s great, but ultimately in order to find your voice I think you have to tune out the other voices.

    How’s your soul doing? Need a little pick-me-up like mine? Just ran a full-on diagnostic check of my soul and it is operating well. That being said, anything good for the soul is welcome anytime!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bruce, nice and spicy, huh? Well now that’s a goal for me, a way of easing out of snarky into nice but not too nice.

      Elementary sounds like a show we’d enjoy and I have no idea why we’ve never watched it. Thanks for the suggestion.

      Good point about listening to that which helps, then tuning out the noise. I think the noise is why I usually turn a blind eye to most writing advice. Also, instead of reading about how to write, my suggestion is that it helps to, you know, write.

      I like your idea of a full-on diagnostic check for your soul. Made me smile with that, sounded like Data from Star Trek TNG.

      Liked by 1 person

  64. Who does’t need writing advice? I think all of us need it in some aspect or another.

    You? Too nice? Or she just said LESS snarky? I dunno my friend, I think you still have the same amount of sass, but being nice isn’t so bad. I mean, look at Mr. Rogers.

    Hmmmm…Coach and I started watching True Detective (HBO, the newest season with Jodie Foster) and it’s a good mystery, but It feel like it’s leaning into Sci-Fi territory (episode 4 currently) and I don’t know how I feel about that.

    Ally, I like my pastries to be on the same level as I am; not above me. 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, I like writing advice that gets to the point so the list rang true with me.

      She said I was less snarky now, much nicer, and that was all she really said. It was a comment in passing, not a whole conversation. So maybe I am nicer now and that’s okay?

      I’ve heard of True Detective but we don’t get HBO. I kind of like Sci-Fi, but tire of it quickly if it is anything other than Dr. Who. Good point about expecting to find your pastries on the same level as you. Well reasoned. 🙄

      Liked by 1 person

  65. It’s always amazing to me how the powers-to-be give us signs through programing of future events – “The Jetsons predicted the future more accurately than we ever could have imagined.” Should you bring back the sass – just be your wonderful self since everyone else it taken! 💖

    Liked by 1 person

  66. “Putting aside the fact that I dislike the word “nice” I’m sorry to say I fear she’s right. I don’t know how this has happened, but I feel I owe an apology to anyone who started reading this blog because I was sassy.” I am laughing so hard at this. You are mellowing. Like a fine wine. ❤️

    I’m not a big fan of musicals, but I want to love them. I will say that I am looking forward to seeing Wicked in theaters in November. I’m not looking forward to Ariana Grande playing Glenda. Oh well.

    Guess what? I’ve never tried a cannoli before.

    I love that quote you linked to.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kari, that’s a wonderful analysis. I’m mellowing like a fine wine. YES!

      I want to see Wicked, too. I read the book and loved it. I can go with whoever plays each part, but I take your point. Maybe a better person to play the part, but we’ll see?

      You’ve never had a cannoli? Oy vey, what a sheltered life you’ve lead. Yummy.

      Liked by 1 person

  67. I haven’t seen many musicals in my life Ally, just “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Sound of Music” I believe. I guess “Grease” could be a musical. Going through those photos on the link did make me want to belt out the “Do-Re-Mi” song. I can remember learning it in school and the whole class sang it while our teacher got us started using her pitch pipe. I was surprised to read all the trivia on that song at that link, like how many different places that the scenes for that song were filmed for example and how long it took to film them. But I really can’t remember much about the movie to be honest as I have not seen it since it came out. I remember my parents and I saw it at the show. I just remembered another piece of trivia, that Julie Andrews was hired because of her role in “Mary Poppins” which was indeed a musical and one I saw. Yes, go for a rebranding of your blog to “The Condescending Cannoli” – cannolis are good stuff even with the moniker of “condescending” in front of them. An Italian coworker used to make her own and brought them in for everyone at Christmastime every year. I don’t know you from your earliest blogging days. I don’t believe I have followed you that long so I will plead the Fifth on that. 🙂

    Like

    • Linda, I didn’t know much about the filming of The Sound of Music, just that as girl we listened to the album of its songs. I grew up with a mother who liked musicals so I saw many of them, listened to them on records. I remember seeing JA in Mary Poppins, but that movie didn’t land with me the way The Sound of Music did. 

      I haven’t had a cannoli in a long time. I’ve never made one, but if I could find the shells I might try it. As for rebranding this blog, while it’s fun to theorize what a condescending cannoli would write about, I’m going to stick with what I’ve got going on now. I’m too lazy to want to start a new blog.

      Like

      • I think I remember more of “Mary Poppins” than “The Sound of Music” but it was some beautiful countryside. I didn’t realize it was so rigorous for the film crews to get to some places so they transported gear by oxen (I think it was).

        I am not much of a cook with simple things – a cannoli would be out of my league to make. 🙂 I hope that they don’t make me change my theme as it is “2010 Theme” and WP keeps rolling out new themes – now that would be bothersome enough without changing sites too. In good time is soon enough for me, but I, too, am lazy right now.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Yes I worry about being forced to change my template theme here, too. Mine is an older one and I remember how much trouble it was to change from my original one to it sometime in the late teens. Fingers crossed we can keep using what we prefer.

          Liked by 1 person

  68. So what do you think, have I gotten too nice here? Should I lean into being more snarky again, bring back the sass? Go full on condescending cannoli, whatever that means? (Yes, yes, yes, yes, if you want to and miss that side of you! I think we’ve all been conditioned to be careful what we say so as to not offend, it’s hellish on us fellow snarky loving peeps.)

    Do you like to watch movies that are musicals? Do you watch TV mystery series? If so to either question, what do you recommend we watch next? (I did love watching Sound of Music. Nope, I don’t watch movies or TV much so I can’t recommend anything. But I did see those photos of Sound of Music too, they were cool to see.)

    In general do you appreciate writing advice? It’s everywhere anymore with about a zillion books/websites available on the topic, yet I still wonder if all advice is equally useful or if some of it is self-absorbed gibberish? (It depends upon my desire to read/learn at the moment I stumble upon it. I’m more concerned now if it is real or AI). 

    How’s your soul doing? Need a little pick-me-up like mine? (Yeah, there have been days like that for me this short year so far).

    PS I enjoy following Peaches too, her outfits and her spirit of snark are a delightful change of pace.

    Like

    • Shelley, good point about how in the last few years we’ve all been conditioned to be less direct in what we say. Snarking is, as you know, a more in your face, in the moment way of saying things. Perhaps I’m the same amount of snarky, just more circumspect about sharing it?

      I hadn’t thought about AI’s impact on the plethora of writing advice that seems to be everywhere I turn anymore. The link I shared is from long before AI existed so I feel it is valid in the sense of being from a real person. I know that for me writing advice often seems so obvious I cannot believe anyone needs to be told, but then I’m a wordsmith so I come into writing sort of prepared to write.

      Peaches makes me laugh out loud and that, I feel, is good for my soul. In fact all 3 of these IG accounts make me laugh, which is a kind of magic.

      Liked by 1 person

  69. I love snark…but it depends on the day and the subject. I trust you have the right balance. 2. I don’t mind musicals but I don’t go out of my way. I love mysteries but admittedly other than Death and the details and only murders in the building I’m stumped. I do watch masterpiece mysteries

    Like

  70. I like writing advice when it’s actually good for my writing. I’m in a class and I have a writing group. Sometimes my class gives opinions instead of critique….they forget that they are not the character and the character might not act like them. I do appreciate solid, logical writing tips though. There’s a difference between writing a nice paragraph and telling a atory

    Like

    • LA, I agree. If the writing advice comes from a reliable knowledgeable source I’ll at least entertain it for a moment, but when it’s an opinion disguised as advice from someone, then I’m all whatever. Smiling at your last sentence, so true.

      Liked by 1 person

  71. I am late to the party (again) but because you are sassy and cool you won’t say anything about that. Also I had to take notes — 7 things to answer about! Condesendign cannoli — really hey? That’s a unique line for a dream. We listen to an audio series by Stuart McLean about Dave and Morley. LONG story short — she’s in a book club and it turns out the main character in the book is a cheese and she missed that fact. It’s so funny! Anyway if a book can star cheese a blog can star a cannoli.
    I do not remember the wedding scene in the Sound of Music and after going down the rabbit hole in those photos think perhaps I should watch it again. At the time I wasn’t very old and now I am intrigued and interested that it is based on a real family.
    Ah the insta who “gently ribs” her Boomer mom. Yikes I watched about 4 and thought seriously about myself and my friend Marilyn and my friend … yea too close to home! I try to follow only people I know on there or I get sucked into a vortex.
    Hm… I probably need some editing and writing prompts but I just go ahead and write from the heart or the funny bone. I didn’t make it far down that rabbit hole and I have no idea what that says about me nor do I really care.
    How’s that for snark? I think you’ve still got sass and style, snark when you need it. But like someone else say you are aging like fine wine. Your interactions on here show you connect with folks and that’s what it’s all about.
    Watching… hm. over the winter we are trying to finish The Crown. I assume you aren’t interested in the Premier League soccer … that’s where most of our time goes!
    As to life — one needs sleep but one also needs sunshine, fresh air and outside time. I think, and it’s just my opinion, that people find winter long because they forget to go outside and embrace it. I love winter and it feeds my soul just like summer does, albeit in different ways. I cherish every moment of winter sunshine and love my walk/snowshoe.
    And it’s like I wrote a novel here in answering your questions…. I am so sorry to take up so much time and space! I didn’t reply the other day as I wanted to follow the rabbit holes and then I couldn’t remember all 7 and then I took notes…oops.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bernie, you’re the best. I am not familiar with Dave and Morley, but it sounds like a delight. You’re right, if a cheese can star in a book then why not let a cannoli blog?

      When I was a young girl I thought the wedding scene in The Sound of Music was so romantic. Now I might find it cornball, but at age 10… 😍

      Kristin Marie sometimes has her mother there with her to chat about *things* and her mother is a hoot, too. She takes the ribbing in good stride.

      If our winters were sunny and snowy I’d like them more, but we live in grayness and slush/sleet. I grew up farther north, as did Z-D, and we liked winters back then sledding and ice skating, but here it is just dreary.

      I love the novel you wrote here. Feel free to do that whenever the spirit moves you. I find out the most amazing things about my gentle readers when I publish one of these random list posts because everyone goes off in their own glorious direction.

      Like

      • I really must go watch The Sound of Music. And if you have some free time listen to The Vinyl Cafe where ever you hit podcasts up. I think you would enjoy it.
        Perhaps, now that Z-D is retired it’s time to go north or south in the winter and escape the grayness.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I’ll make a point to find The Vinyl Cafe. Thanks for the suggestion. Z-D is semi-retired so yes we could go elsewhere for a week but not for a month or so. As the joke goes, old lawyer don’t retire, they just lose their appeal. 😏

          Like

  72. I think you’re just the right amount of snarky, Ally, and I love the condescending cannoli, wherever that title came from. I’ve had some really strange dreams lately and wonder where my brain is picking up on these things. I have fond childhood memories of watching the musicals Cinderella and The King and I with my family. I do love a good musical on occasion.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Christie. I feel the same way about my dreams lately wondering where my brain is getting these odd, not awful, just weird ideas. I remember seeing Cinderella on TV when I was a girl. I’d forgotten about that musical. I don’t watch all the musicals, but they can be a fun distraction.

      Like

  74. You haven’t gotten nicer because you were plenty nice to begin with! And I agree about writing advice: most of it isn’t useful, but we have to keep wading through it to find the gems that really do exist. Personally, I found Stephen King’s ”On Writing” to be very helpful, even though I don’t particularly care for his fiction.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ann, thank you. I know my friend wasn’t being facetious but from her point of view I must seem different. I admit I’m mellower about things than I once was, but not to the point of losing all my snark. I’ve never read a thing by Stephen King, he kind of freaks me out just to look at him and know what he has written.

      Liked by 1 person

  75. There are lots of factors that go into my decision to follow a blog, but with a name like Condescending Cannoli, I’d at least give it a look.
    You sent me down a few rabbit holes here (don’t do that – I’m way behind with blog reading and I’m trying to catch up!!), but one resonated with me the most: The Sound of Music. I WILL get back to Austria one of these years and do the Sound of Music tour!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  77. I welcome writing advice (hence my new bookmark of the list you shared). I also like to think I glean good habits and creative writing tips from simply reading blogs like yours. If someone’s gonna make me a food, I wouldn’t mind being a cannoli. There are far worse choices in the supermarket. Thanks also for the Hulu recs; I made a note of both before my subscription expires next week 🙂 Finally, I envy your ability to remember the details of your dreams. Mine go “poof” the instant as I wake up. Maybe I need someone to get in my face and shout “HEY! What’d you dream?” the moment my eyes open.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dave, I’m flattered that you find my writing worthy. Thank you. I liked the list of writing advice but the thing about all advice is it depends on where you are in your life if it hits you right or not.

      Excellent point about being a cannoli. I have no idea where that thought came from so gotta give it up for my subconscious and its sense of humor. I rarely remember much from my dreams, but this time, bingo.

      Like

  78. So what do you think, have I gotten too nice here? Should I lean into being more snarky again, bring back the sass? Go full on condescending cannoli, whatever that means?

    Ally, I’m all for sassy salads and a condescending cannoli — because you still need to eat your veggies before dessert!

    Do you like to watch movies that are musicals? Do you watch TV mystery series? If so to either question, what do you recommend we watch next?

    Well, who can turn off The Wizard of Oz or The Sound of Music? I haven’t seen Mamma Mia, though. I like the music of Abba and I don’t want to ruin that — just in case I don’t like the movie. Yes, Love Endeavour even more than Morse. Never really got into Inspector Lewis, though. Maybe I need to give that another shot. We’ve been watching Brokenwood Mysteries of late, which is what I’d call a cozy mystery on the level of a Murder She Wrote or Death in Paradise. And we just finished watching all of the Only Murders In the Building. Loved that. It’s a little zany, though. Then again, so am I. We also just finished watching Monsieur Spade on AMC. And I’m finishing up Feud: Capote vs. The Swans this coming week.

    In general do you appreciate writing advice? It’s everywhere anymore with about a zillion books/websites available on the topic, yet I still wonder if all advice is equally useful or if some of it is self-absorbed gibberish?

    Yes and Yes. At present, I’m trying to figure out how to write a synopsis for a book of standalone stories based upon my life. If you have any fabulous tips or know where I can find out how to write one (not synopsis advice for novels), then I’d adore you forever!

    How’s your soul doing? Need a little pick-me-up like mine?

    HANGING IN THERE BY A THREAD! AND YES! ALSO, MY BODY! AND MY MIND! ALL OF IT!

    Great post, Ally, you condescending cannoli, you! Is it condescending to refer to someone as condescending? You do you, Ally — nice (nice is never nice, is it? — not a fan of that word either), condescending, snarky, something else … whatevs … all good! Also, you know me, I’m trying to clean up my snark and potty mouth on my blog a little. And also, shorten it. I think (and I may be wrong) that people are wanting/demanding different things from bloggers today. Most of the people I started blogging with who had more adventurous and humorous blogs (many of these blogger friends came from reading their comments from The Bloggess) have moved on, it seems, which has made me sad. Newer bloggers I come across seem to be into very positive and heartfelt blogs, which is great, but it worries me because I fear I’m going to lose my entire base. I mean, I can write a positive and heartfelt post (hopefully, I’ve written more than one), but I also need to let my snark monster come out and play for a while, too! Matter of fact, I wrote a blog yesterday that was over 1,800 words and I cut it down to around 700 and got rid of most of what I think others might find “offensive.” I think my 1,800 word story or essay is much deeper and richer and snarkier and uses expletives, but I’m not looking to alienate my readers and the edited version is fine. So, what do you think, Ally? Is it just the times we live in that makes me feel like I have to make adjustments aka keeping my audience in mind when I post? When I write something like I wrote about cleaning out my medicine cabinet a few posts back, I noticed that fewer people were willing to even comment on it because I think it might have made them feel uncomfortable in some way, maybe? Still, others enjoyed it. So, I’m glad for that. Anyway, is this gentler, kinder audience a newer trend, ya think? Have you noticed anything like I’m suggesting or am I just losing my mind? Sorry, this is so long. Mona

    Like

    • Mona, I love you. You know that right? Thanks for answering my questions and posing a few good ones of your own. “I’m all for sassy salads and a condescending cannoli — because you still need to eat your veggies before dessert!” No truer words have been spoken. It’s all about balance.

      I, too, have never seen Mamma Mia for the same reason you mention. I’ve never seen Inspector Morse or Lewis so Endeavour is my only foray into that world. We both adored the series, it had a depth that isn’t usually there on mysteries + interesting mysteries. I’ve not seen Brokenwood Mysteries and will look for it. Thanks for the idea.

      I’m sorry but I don’t know anything about writing a synopsis of any kind of book. I wish I could help you but maybe all I can do is say something encouraging like: you’ve got this! How? I have no idea.

      “Most of the people I started blogging with who had more adventurous and humorous blogs (many of these blogger friends came from reading their comments from The Bloggess) have moved on, it seems, which has made me sad.” Ditto. I used to just write shit and knew my bloggy friends would love it, not judge it, just go with it, BUT like you said blogging has changed and the newer bloggers are much *sweeter* than my original crowd. It’s a different vibe now, I understand it, however I do end up editing myself more now than even 5 years ago.

      Fun fact: The Bloggess left a comment on one my early posts and it’s because of that little bit of attention that I kept blogging even when I felt I was getting nowhere.

      As for your questions…

      Is this gentler, kinder audience a newer trend, ya think? Yes blogging isn’t cutting edge like it was when we started and the people who jump in now tend to be more articulate than spunky like we remember. Not a bad thing, just a different thing.

      Have you noticed anything like I’m suggesting or am I just losing my mind?. You’re not losing your mind, I’ve noticed this, too. Many people don’t comment anymore instead using the *like* button, not because you’ve offended them but because they don’t think of other bloggers as friends to engage with. Everyone is a follower now and with that relationship switch comes a different set of expectations. Not saying I’m fond of this change, but I see it and mutter about it.

      Liked by 1 person

  79. Well, I’ve been delayed.

    Snark. I’m not opposed to snark and sass. It’s when it goes overboard that it starts to bore me. I have said that I think I’m funnier than I actually am and I think that’s true of some comedians and bloggers. Shock value just doesn’t do it for me. But if some condescending cannoli is truly creative and fun in the snark, I’m all for it.

    Mama Mia, btw, was pretty much meh. It did not, however, spoil the music. It was just another movie that everyone was in love with and by the time I saw it, I had too high of expectations and it left me just shrugging my shoulders.

    I’m in agreement with you on the change in blogs and bloggers. It’s all about the follows and likes and less about the content and ideas. Except in the small community around here. I am at my maximum of trying to stay up to date, so I don’t try to follow everyone. Those I do, I consider friends.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Zazzy, I take your point. I notice some people using snark and a mocking tone too much so that what they say isn’t all that funny, it’s just mean. I can be snarky but not as my default, more like an occasional variation on a theme.

      I never even tried to want to see Mama Mia. Somehow it seemed more contrived than the usual musical which is saying something because all musicals are contrived, but I hope you understand what I mean.

      Yes, yes, you said it! Blogging used to be much more about ideas and authentic conversations and just letting yourself say things, but now the emphasis has shifted to being a brand, I guess. And brands have followers, not friends. Like you I can’t follow everyone and still think of blogging as a place for friendships.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Mama Mia was more contrived. I agree with you that musicals by their very nature are contrived. Perhaps it has to do with forcing popular songs into the action instead of having original songs that are about the characters and story. I like musicals in general. Except for Hamilton. I really want to like it but I’m just not a hip hop fan.

        And yes! So many blogs are a brand and I just don’t anything to say. It’d feel like sending fan mail. I enjoy watching a handful of YouTubers but I burn out on them as there isn’t really any relationship. They’re just entertainment. The best part about blogging is the conversation.

        Liked by 1 person

        • I couldn’t get into Hamilton either for the same reason, I found it tedious and difficult to understand.

          I know how you feel about not commenting on some blogs. I don’t think of myself as a fan, so what would I say to someone/a brand who may, or may not, reply to my comment? I’m not here to stroke anyone’s ego, I’m here for genuine engagement.

          Liked by 1 person

  82. You had me at The Jetsons. That used to be one of my favorite cartoons! When I watched the show, I used to think about what cool gadgets they were using! Now, look at us
    Go figure!

    Like

  83. It’s wonderful that your dreams feature alliteration! 😄 And dessert! But I think that guy was wrong

    What a delight to see the Sound of Music photos. What a great musical! I enjoy a good musical. I saw the movie Wonka which was a delightful musical.

    As soon as 2000 rolled around, I began thinking of the Jetsons and wondering when I would get my flying car!

    Like

  84. I’m late to the party but my main thought is it’s a good friend who’s willing to tell you that you seem to have become…nicer. 😂 That almost sounded like a four letter word in my head.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Laura, that’s how I define ‘nice’ too. To me it means passive and lackluster and being a doormat which I try to never be. I know that most people have a more positive definition of the word, but to me nice is… 😒

      Like

  86. I love how several of my favorite characters from books are being brought into tv series!! Must be my good taste? Snark is an important part of my favorite characters. I much prefer a slice of laughter from biting wit, than a boring ho hum niceness. From Author Michael Connelly: Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer (movie and new series). From Author Lee Childs: Reacher (the movies didn’t maintain the original character or plots, yuck). The new Reacher series is solid. For less violence centric/action mystery, and still snarky enough to be rad: Zero Effect: https://g.co/kgs/hFFFtDL
    Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries https://g.co/kgs/uahqpGT
    Deadloch is hilarious too, and is ironically throwing shade on the genre of murder mysteries. I liked that a main part of the theme was to me as a hetero male; authentic lesbian romance. I get tired of what I see as virtue signaling gratuitous diversity media, and was relieved that it felt genuine: Deadloch https://g.co/kgs/adqH6qP
    I hope Candace Fox keeps writing and love her pippi longstocking-esque detective in the Crimson Lake series: https://thrillingdetective.com/2019/03/25/ted-conkaffey-amanda-pharrell/
    Your post was rad, thanks; didn’t realize Candice Fox’s work had gone to screen till wanting to recommend her here!
    As far as “nice”, I am putting myself through the paces of delineating between compassionate kindness and enabling my people pleasing tendencies(and by default enabling others to not be accountable). I don’t appreciate vacuous platitudes, because empty compliments make me nervous. I want to grow!! Hit me with a hot critical note I haven’t considered! As far as snark…I’ve read that the original meaning of “sarcasm”, was “biting the flesh on the back”. I consider sarcasm as dishonest humor…but isn’t that the root of laughter on some levels? Absurdity is funny…but a lie? So maybe nibble the flesh on the backs of those with weak confidence, and chew voraciously on those with strong character? I love how brilliance correlates with snark…but condescension and scorn are to me like resentment: poisonous. Ditto to Cumberpatch as Sherlock. To me his snark finds a home directed at his lady landlord, partner in crime, dangerous lover, and the megalomaniac adversary…but falls flat to me when directed towards less adroit characters. So is snark only mean proportional to the audience? Reminds me of the advice to: “Spend your time in groups where you’re not the smartest person”.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Benjamin, I soooo agree: “I much prefer a slice of laughter from biting wit, than a boring ho hum niceness.” Well said. I’m not familiar with Zero Effect, but I love Phyrne and have watched those a few times through. A couple people have mentioned Deadloch so will check that out. Thanks for mentioning it.

      I’m not much for vacuous platitudes, but realize often the people who offer them mean well, so I go with the flow about that. Like the idea of spending your time where you’re not the smartest person in the room, which for me is fairly easy to do. No one accuses me of being brilliant! Thanks for joining in here.

      Liked by 1 person

  89. I zipped through the Poynter article with interest. The distinction between short sentences and (well -written!!!) long sentences appeals to me. Shortish sentences are the writer’s friend and as I get older and short term memory changes, even more so. See, that one was necessarily and automatically under 20 words: I get cunning. Thanks for a good read! And about being less snarky: I’m sorry but this is one of those age -related changes that may be coming your way.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.