What Ally Forgot: A Different Kind Of Book Review

July 19, 2016August 28, 2018 / Ally Bean / 49 Comments

• Introduction •

A few weeks ago Akilah at The Englishist wrote a post titled, “Top Ten Books I Have No Recollection of Reading.” Her point, which is excellent, is that we all read lots of books, but not all the books stick with us.

We forget about some books entirely– and only remember odd tidbits in other ones.

Inspired by Akilah I decided to figure out what books I’ve read, enjoyed enough to keep a copy around here, but now can’t tell you much of anything about the characters, the plot, the setting.

• My Top Five Books That I Have [Almost] No Recollection Of Reading •

1. And Only To Deceive by Tasha Alexander

I know that I read this book when it was cold outside because I remember looking at the cover and thinking how much warmer I’d be if I had on that red dress. As for the story, couldn’t tell you a thing about it, but that dress…

2. Dangled Carat by Hilary Grossman

Someone on Twitter suggested this book so I got a copy of it and read it. My impression is that I thought the story was cute. The only specific I remember is that there was something about grilling steaks [?] in it. Must have been hungry when I read it.

3. Then Again by Diane Keaton

I’ve enjoyed Diane Keaton’s work as an actress, so I bought this book hoping to learn about what makes her tick. Apparently that didn’t happen because all I can tell you is that Diane’s mother was seriously ill. There might have been more insight, but I’ll be darned if I know what it was.

4. The Buddha Walks Into A Bar: A Guide To Life by Lodro Rinzler

I bought this book at Anthropologie thinking that I could use some self-improvement, and with a title like this one, I’d find the meaning of life within the pages of this book. No idea what this book was about, but the cover is cute. So there’s that.

5. Four Souls by Louise Erdich

A few friends recommended this book to me. There was a character with a French first name, and I remember thinking that there was a lot of history going on in this story. Guess I forgot all the facts, just like I used to do immediately after taking any history test.

• Some Fun Bookish Things To Do •

Want to laugh about books you don’t want to read? Go to Awful Library Books.

Want to learn about books you will want to read? Go to What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel.

Want to read like an incoming freshman at Harvard? Go to Malia Obama’s Essential College Reading List.

Want to get a book reading list customized for you? Go to whichbook.

Want to keep up with books that aren’t popular? Go to The Neglected Books Page.

• Question of the Day •

What are you reading now?

Is it something that you think you’ll always remember reading? Or is it a filler book, good in the moment, but destined to be on your very own Books I Have No Recollection of Reading List?

Blogging Tip #88: When Your Writing Mojo Melts Away, Colorful Photos Work

June 1, 2016August 28, 2018 / Ally Bean / 49 Comments

Personal blogging is difficult when your writing mojo melts away.

This problem may, or may not, be a result of your air conditioner breaking as June begins, and the temps + humidity skyrocket.

Said lack of coolness in the air could leave you hot + cranky, without the inclination to sit down, to write something pithy, to fulfill your personal blogging goal to show up to your blog at least once a week.

If that should happen to you may I suggest that fussing around with your words isn’t worth it; instead post a few photos, preferably colorful + pretty.

And then promise your gentle readers, who you hope are an understanding lot, that you’ll be back next week after the AC is fixed– and, we can only hope, your writing mojo returns.

If We Were Having Coffee On This May Morning…

May 14, 2016August 28, 2018 / Ally Bean / 55 Comments

THE SETTING:

We’d be sitting in my living room, watching a rabbit watch us through the window.

We’d be drinking espressos that I made with my Nepresso Pixie machine, an indulgent acquisition that I’m really enjoying more than I thought I would.

We’d be listening to SiriusXM 40s Junction because I’ve been in a weird mood lately and have taken a fancy to this old music. It’s fun.

THE CONVERSATION:

√ We’d be chatting… about the grocery bag, filled with canned goods, that you saw by our mailbox post when you drove into the driveway. The bag is for our postwoman to pick-up today as part of the 24th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. I’d be snarking about the half-assed neighbors who don’t give to this cause. I notice, I remember.

√ We’d be sharing… our latest TV obsessions, which in my case is watching The Gilmore Girls from beginning to end, anticipating the revival. I only saw the show occasionally when it ran on TV, so I decided that as a treat throughout Spring and Summer, I’d watch all the episodes in order. So far, so delighted.

√ We’d be talking… about my question: if you have a blog, do you have a page for it on FB? And if so, is it worth the bother? Some friends in real life have suggested I should put The Spectacled Bean on FB to get more traffic. While I like this idea in theory, because more people in real life NEED to be following me, I dunno if I believe it would work. What say ye?

√ We’d be laughing… about how I know who I’m going to vote for in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. I’m voting for myself because I’m the perfect candidate who can make both sides happy. For Republicans, I have no experience in politics. For Democrats, I’m a woman who knows a thing or two. See what I mean? Presidential.

THE CONCLUSION:

We’d linger today because neither one of us has much to do today. Go figure. And it’s a Saturday, even.

However, eventually we’d need to go our separate ways so we’d hug and promise to get together sometime next month, if summer vacations don’t interfere.

And we’d thank each other for listening to & commenting on our joys and woes. Like friends do. Everywhere. Over an espresso.

• • •

Idea for this post came from Diana at Part-Time Monster.

• • •

Sharing My World, As One Does When One Keeps A Blog

March 2, 2016August 29, 2018 / Ally Bean / 29 Comments

Thanks to joey of Joeyfully Stated I’ve become aware of Cee’s Photography’s Weekly Share Your World Questions.

I’ve decided to answer them this week because I like to keep things fresh and vibrant around here. No same old, same old for me.

Variety rocks.

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Q1: Have you done something you truly want to do today?

A1: Yes, I have. I started sorting through my clothes, accessories, shoes, focusing on getting rid of things I don’t like and/or things that don’t fit properly.

I’m not a clothes horse and would enjoy having less stuff to deal with every time I need to get dressed. Which is to say, every day. So this is a step in the right direction for me.

Q2: What can you help the world with?

A2: I’m better than the average bear at figuring out solutions to problems involving, but not limited to: understanding family dynamics; planning for any event; and decorating your home in a way that reflects your personality.

Yep, that’s what I can do for the world. Facilitate understanding about what makes people tick; get things done in an organized way; and support you as you make things pretty.

Q3: If life was “just a bowl of cherries”… which fruit other than a cherry would you be…?

A3: Difficult question. I’m torn between being a blueberry which would snuggle up smoothly against the cherries, OR a slice of kiwi which would contrast in color, shape and texture with the cherries.

Probably going with kiwi, but here’s an idea: we could kick the fruit salad up a notch by putting it in a carafe and pouring white wine sangria on top of it. Then it wouldn’t matter what kind of fruit any of us were.

Happy fruit is the best fruit, you know.