AI is back

The regular Carobini viewing audience of American Idol has dwindled from five to two: young teen girl and Dad. Older teen girl moseyed in and out. I watched a bit of it tonight, but not much. I think I'll get into it when they whittle down the field to the top 12, but I can't stand the first nights of top 24. Two people (right?) will have to go - and what a bummer for them.

I watched the 17 year old boy with the Jason Castro hair wow the girls, and the guy with the punk mullet. Can't recall much else, but I've got a backache and a long day tomorrow, so maybe y'all can fill me in?

Any favorites yet? Any predictions? I'm listening!

Oh, and before I go ... not missing Simon. Are you? ;-)

Back in business, show business, that is ...

Billy did not disappoint. This is the first Oscar show I've watched in its entirety in ... years. I usually start the show, but walk out when it becomes too political, too self-important, too ... cynical. Yeah, usually within the first ten minutes.

Isn't Jessica Chastain beautiful in her Alexander McQueen gown? We loved her in The Help. If you've been reading this blog awhile, you know that my oldest daughter is a budding fashion designer. She'll be off to college next year to sketch and sew late into the night, so until then, we watch red carpet-type shows whenever possible. Jessica's dress was one of her favorites, and I have to agree. But there's another reason I appreciate Jessica ... and I'll get to that in a bit.

As for the show, Billy set the perfect tone: entertainment. Loved how the crowd didn't take themselves as seriously as they have in past years, like maybe it wasn't all about them. Fewer parade waves!!!

Emma Stone was da bomb as a presenter, da bomb! Is it just me or do those presenter skits usually fizzle like a warm Perrier? Emma nailed it though because she stayed in character the whole time. Hilarious. And not to leave out her stoney-faced sidekick ... Ben Stiller was the perfect straight man to Emma's giddy first-time presenter.

Other shout outs: Cirque de Soleil, Melissa she'll-always-be-sookie-to-me McCarthy making a play for Billy, and Christopher Plummer gets the most romantic acceptance speech nod for saying that his wife, Elaine, should get the Noble Peace Prize for "coming to my rescue every day of my life." Sigh...

I was so sad that Viola Davis did not win the Best Actress award for The Help, but happy that Octavia Spencer nabbed it for her portrayal of Minnie. What really brought tears to my eyes, though, was Jessica Chastain's reaction to Octavia's win. Jessica was up for the same award, but when Octavia's name was called, Jessica's expression was of pure joy. No mistaking it. And it was refreshing ...

Up next, I must see The Artist. My dad told me it was great and he should know ~ he wrote the book on silent movies (Really; I'm not kidding; he wrote, Navarro's Silent Film Guide.) So asap, I'm going to the movies.

Popcorn, anyone?

There's no business, like show business, like ...

The young 'uns don't know who he is (SAD!), but he's the reason (the only reason) I'm planning to watch the Oscars tomorrow. You in?

See you tomorrow ... when the mocking begins (of everything and everyone except Billy, that is =)

Sittin' on the dock of the bay ...

I missed my old website background, so my web designer, Kelli, restored it! She left some of the other color changes, but something about those rustic pilings in the background just feeds my nautical soul.

Did you even notice it was gone?

Another change to the site is that I closed the beach shop. Sigh. Sad, but true. But that's okay. T'was fun while it lasted ~ and I have some stock to unload on eBay ~ but this year's all about intentional living. With a job in broadcasting, a busy novel editing business, volunteer work with the Christian Authors Network, AND some writing of my own to do, the shop had become a drain. So, it's gone. Fini!

Have you ever done that? Just packed it all in and called it a day? Now that I've done it, it feels good. Now I'll have some time for ... the beach! :-)

Have a beachy three-day weekend, my friends ~ wherever you are!

Such a character ...

So the other day my husband and I are talking about my day job and he says, "They do know, don't they?"

I just laughed.

See, my husband has this notion that I somehow get my characters from people I know. Pish-posh. Everyone knows I like to make up stories, scenarios ... people.

Then again, I have regaled him a time or two lately with stories from the office, funny bits of dialogue, and offbeat observances. And the other day I met a famous person at work (I'd tell you who, but then I'd have to kill you ...), and his agent asked me if I was writing a story about the peeps in my company.

Without so much as a second breath, I told her, "It's ALL fodder."

At my boss' widening eyes, I quickly added, "But only heroes here."

Haha ... good save (right?)

Ah, well. The truth is, I do tend to write what I know, which is why hubby is a bit, uh, sensitive =).

Speaking of fodder, the photo in this post is a real snapshot of a conversation (if you can call it that) between my son and me via iPhone. Now I ask you ... with characters like this in my life, why would I need to look any further than my own four walls?

Very pinteresting ...

Those who know me know that I don't like not being in the know. Ya know? So when my daughter goaded encouraged me to sign up for Pinterest, I bit. Only thing is ... I don't really get it. Not yet. All I know is it's some kind of online pinboard, and if that's the case, I'll probably be pinning up beachy things once I'm given my golden entrance ticket.

If you're part of Pinterest, feel free to fill me/us in! And have a beachy evening, wherever you are ...

On friends and good times ...

Missing friends today. I've been so busy with work and home life, that I've not had a whole lotta extra time for friends. Drat!

One friend and I did get together briefly a couple of weeks ago. I was on my way home from work and she was driving the volleyball carpool into my hometown. We caught up over sliders and nachos and I learned that she too just took a second job. (We both have college-aged kids, oy vey!)

Another friend moved to grey-poupon Montecito and I miss her terribly! She's the one who introduced me to the restaurant in the photo ... must. call. her. this. weekend!

And there are a couple of longtime pals, close ones, who happen to be in the book biz too. These gals and I used to lunch it regularly (separately, as they don't know each other). Must do again soon! But when???

Ah, well. I found the photo on my phone and it spurred this blog post. Funny how one little photo can warm the heart with thoughts of friends and good times. Gonna try, hard, to let them all know that I care. It's the thought that counts. Right?

Here's to our beachy friends ~ wherever they may be ...