Say Anything

I first saw Say Anything at the Valley View Twin Cinema in Cypress in 1989. I had just turned 20 and had been engaged for a little over a year. My fiancee refused to see this movie so I went alone. By choice, man. Conscious choice.

I left the theater so in love with this movie and pining for a Lloyd Dobler of my very own (sorry, Jake Ryan).

Things happened like they happened ... married at 22, divorced at 23 and while still pining for Lloyd Dobler, I met Malcolm at age 27.

On our first date, we spent hours doing the "me toos!" -- you love Calvin & Hobbes? Me too! Usual Suspects! Princess Bride! I swooned when I found out that he was also looking for a dare to be great situation.

We ended up back at my house and watched Say Anything till 4 in the morning - and yeah, we made out a little [a lot].

I don't know why, but I was thinking about us and our Say Anything connection this evening - maybe because our first date happened 12 years ago on August 16th. Whatever the reason, I realized that I had used Say Anything as a kind of test. If I wasn't going to find a dude to hold up a boom box for me, I at least wanted one who liked the movie.

And 12 years later? Lloyd Dobler, eat your heart out. I'm only pining for Malcolm now.

Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper

SARK's newest book, Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper: Gifting the World with Your Words and Stories and Creating the Time and Energy to Actually DO It is available today. [insert confetti and noise makers here - YIPEE!]

I had the pleasure of being in one of SARK's Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper workshops at Celebrate Your Life in 2005. It was an amazing workshop and I am so glad she wrote the book. I highly recommend both the book ~ and her workshops (I'm intending on the Big Sur workshop in November - at the Henry Miller Library! - yum!). I'd also love to get to one of the book tour events. That's right, I'm a groupie for SARK! :)

One thing I really like about Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper is, while it's the perfect book for someone who wants to write a book, it's not just a book full of "tips". In fact, "this book is for anyone who wants to write and share what's in their heart." It's full of games and exercises but also, as always, SARK shares herself throughout the book and you see yourself in her brave sharing. I especially love the story of her parents meeting and a peek at "how SARK books are made".

As SARK says, "write and share what's in your heart" ~ and I say, do it in whatever form inspires you - blogging, poetry, journals, books, rocks, etc. Just write!

Happiness

is a 9 year old neighbor who sidewalk chalks your driveway.