Butterviews

I recently read Here, Home, Hope, by Kaira Rouda.

I could really relate to this book. In my late 30′s, suffering from depression, kids not needing me as much. I, too, even started my own business. It’s rare I find a book that seems like my own life so much. That said, some of the story is a little out there, but Rouda really ties the varying oddities into the whole story, and brings the whole situation to a believable, if somewhat naive, place.

I liked the book, but it won’t make my “Must keep forever and ever” shelf. It was easy readying, without being dumbed down, which I like. If I’m escaping into fiction, I don’t want a novel to be too terribly cerebral, and this fits the bill. But it was intelligent at the same time.

All in all though, I did get annoyed by some of the characters. Kelly’s over-sentimentality of her children off to camp turned me off a bit. I was glad, however, that the book showed Kelly’s need for therapy and the help she got. I would have liked to have it fleshed out a bit more though. I think we, as readers, sit in on maybe two sessions, and suddenly she’s turned her entire life around. It doesn’t seem real – it’s NOT real. I’ve been there. Another unrealistic aspect was Kelly’s business becoming an overnight success. While it’s true, sometimes look that way, that’s because the business was under the radar during its building phase. In this case, you see the hard work after it’s already a success. Backwards. Again – I’ve been there. But you do get a chance to see the long hours and chaos that seems to surround new businesses. That’s something that’s not usually a topic of fiction, so it was fun to watch that unfold. Kelly’s husband, Patrick, seemed (and seems now – having finished the book) to be a little too perfect. I would have liked to see more of his faults. I think there was an attempt made, but frankly, his reactions were perfectly reasonable and not faulty in the least. He seemed to be more the caricature of a perfect husband, rather than delving into what made him Patrick.

Living in an affluent neighborhood, I can say that Rouda really nailed that one woman. You know the one – perfect, at all the school functions, rules the school, and seemingly genetically pre-disposed to passive aggression? Yeah, that one. I liked that even though some of the situations were far-fetched, you could still imagine them happening. And really, when you look back in life, you realize that things really sometimes happen this way. I was glad of that reminder.

Ultimately, this is a positive review. I was engaged by the book. After I was finished, I was left with the idea that it doesn’t matter your size or shape, age or gender, you can reinvent yourself. You can find your passion. You can love yourself. You can feel as though you matter. Reinvention can happen any time.

Kaira Rouda Events
Kaira Rouda’s Facebook
Kaira Rouda’s Twitter

I was recently asked by the One2One Network to review Yanni’s latest release, Truth of Touch. This is Yanni’s first instrumental release of original compositions in over eight years and is a return to the genre Yanni helped create and advance.

“I work the rhythms in this album,” explains Yanni about the new material. “There is a beautiful complexity in these rhythms, a new sound design. I think the melodic content is very strong and very memorable. I was having fun with this album and that’s going to become apparent.”

Track Listing:

1. Truth Of Touch

2. Echo Of A Dream

3. Seasons

4. Voyage

5. Flash Of Color

6. Vertigo

7. Nine

8. Can’t Wait

9. Guilty Pleasure

10. O Luce Che Brilla Nell’ Oscurità

11. I’m So

12. Long Way Home

13. Yanni & Arturo

14. Mist Of A Kiss

15. Secret

I love Yanni because all his songs are a little different than the next one. They all have a different feel which keeps it interesting. In Truth of Touch (I keep typing Touch of Truth, gr), some have a “classic Yanni” feel, some are more contemporary, some have a latin flavor, and some have a jazz flavor.

I listened to the entire album with the exception of track 2. I couldn’t listen to that one as it had scales that went from one headphone speaker to the other and back again, and due to some inner ear issues, it made me dizzy. Usually, I’m really into straight instrumentals, but on this album, surprisingly, my two favorites were with female vocalists; tracks 8 and 15. My least favorite was track 3. I just felt it didn’t go anywhere.

All in all, it’s definitely a keeper, and I’ll be putting it into my regular music rotation.

Yanni just kicked off his North American tour on 3/22. Check out the dates that are near you!

Disclaimer: I was given a free download of the album in exchange for an honest review by the One2One Network. There was no other compensation.

We know it, you know it: women love celebrity dirt. This Valentine’s Day, a new mobile campaign from Clorox® Regular-Bleach helps women clean up their own dirt while they enjoy their Hollywood news.

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I was asked to preview CMT’s first scripted sitcom, Working Class by the One2One Network.

Working Class premieres next Friday, January 28th, at 8PM ET/PT. It stars Melissa Peterman and Ed Asner. Here’s a synopsis of the new show:

The new 12 episode, multi-camera series follows Carli Mitchell (Melissa Peterman), a single mom from a rough and tumble background, trying to give her three kids a better life by moving them to an upscale suburb. She quickly finds that making the transition to “the good life” is harder than she thought. She’s unwittingly befriended by her cranky neighbor, Hank (Ed Asner), her only “career” prospect is a glorified deli job at the local grocery store, and the man she falls for not only already has a girlfriend – but he’s also her boss, Rob (Patrick Fabian). With her ladies-man brother, Nick (Steve Kazee), to help her out (when he’s not acting like one of thekids himself), Carli faces the challenges of parenting, dating, and making friends in her new community by doing more with less, staying true to herself and approaching each day with a touch of
working class.

The complete cast includes:
• Melissa Peterman – “Carli Mitchell”
• Ed Asner – “Hank Greziak,” Carli’s neighbor.
• Steve Kazee – “Nick Garrett,” Carli’s brother.
• Patrick Fabian – “Rob Parker,” Carli’s boss and love interest.
• Lachlan Buchahan – “Scott Mitchell,” Carli’s eldest son.
• Courtney Merritt – “Pam Mitchell,” Carli’s daughter.
• Cameron Castaneda – “Will Mitchell,” Carli’s youngest son.

The show will also feature multiple guest stars throughout the season, including recently-announced Reba, whose on-screen reunion with Melissa Peterman will air in February. Additional guest stars include David Faustino (“Married with Children” and Not Another B Movie); Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show” and “The
Secret Life of the American Teenager”); Martin Mull (“Roseanne” and “’Til Death”); John Schneider (“The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Smallville”); Ryan Stiles (“Whose Line Is It Anyway” and “The Drew Carey Show”); and Lesley Ann Warren (“In Plain Sight” and “Desperate Housewives”), as well as CMT’s own Evan Farmer from
CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWN. WORKING CLASS is executive produced by Jill Cargerman (“Spin City,” “Las Vegas,” “Gary Unmarried”) and Bryan Johnson of The Film Syndicate.

I jotted down a few notes as I watched the show:

• It is really nice to see Melissa Petersen as someone who is NOT a ditz!
• The show reminds me a lot of Roseanne in it’s appeal to me (and my family background) without the meanness I saw in that show.
• Very cute, and a little silly.
• Good mindless entertainment – which is exactly what I want out of a 1/2 hour sitcom.

So, what can I say in summary? Will it change television history? No. Does it appeal to my demographic? Yes. Is the acting worth watching? Yes. Will I watch it again? Yes. I’m curious how they’re going to take the story line. All in all, a positive review!

In early 2009, I attended BlissDom. This conference is everything I wanted in a conference. It’s smaller and more intimate than the other conferences I’ve attended, BlogHer and SXSW. I had a ton of fun. Considering my hatred of crowds, and my insecurities, it was fabulous. Whenever the people got to be too much, I was able to escape to my room and come back when I was ready. I talked to people. I had fun at their extras, like the pajama movie party. I wanted to go back this year, but our finances didn’t allow it. My finances don’t allow it for 2011 either, but I’m entering a contest. The grand prize – a full trip, airfare, conference, and hotel. I might can swing food and airport transportation. I am definitely entering. I doubt I’ll win – but the sure way not to is to not enter! Do you want to enter? No, you totally don’t, so I have a better chance to win, but I’ll give you the information anyway. I’m a member of the One2One Network, the folks holding the contest – so you have to be a member to enter. But that’s an easy and rewarding thing to do.

The Great BlissDom Conference Package Giveaway

One2One Network is kicking off a HUGE contest to bring you bliss! We are going to be giving away conference passes to three lucky One2One bloggers for BlissDom’11 in Nashville, TN January 27-28. There are three levels of prizing and all include a full conference pass ($399 value).

BlissDom is the premiere conference for women who find and express their bliss by publishing online. Speakers and panels feature the best blogging, public relations and social media pros gathering to mentor new and old friends alike.

This is Blissdom’s most exciting year, with even more incredible content, events, networking and surprises scheduled than ever before. This year’s mantra – Think Big. Be Bold. Create Your Bliss. Whether you are a blogging newbie or maven, BlissDom’11 is designed to superserve everyone!

BLISSDOM’11 PACKAGE GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Contest runs Tuesday, November 9 through midnight (EST) Monday, November 29, 2010.

The PRIZES:

GRAND prize: Full conference pass (includes Wisdom Workshops), 3 nights at the Opryland Hotel, AND airfare/travel to the conference (up to $500)!!! (~$1500 value!)
FIRST prize: Full conference pass (includes Wisdom Workshops), 2 nights at the Opryland Hotel!! (~$800 value!)
SECOND prize: Full conference pass (includes Wisdom Workshops) (~$500 value!)

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This giveaway is now closed, with a winner chosen.

The One2One Network sent me a download of the brand new Five for Fighting album, Slice, which was released October 12th. Keep reading for a giveaway opportunity!

I’m a fan of Five for Fighting and John Ondrasik, so I was looking forward to hearing the new stuff.

So – what are my impressions?  As a whole, very positive.  Catchy stuff that kind of gets into your head and you want to sing along (an example is Slice for that.)  Tuesday sort of reminds me (and this is a compliment, so if you’re like my husband, hush!) of a mixed song of Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond.  It has that feel of a song that might not be that popular now, but endures for years to come.  It’s just lovely.  The melodies through the album really feel good.  I didn’t love Above the Timberline – but I can’t quite put my finger on why.  I think it has to do with the falsetto used.  Transfer is such a rich song, I loved that one – I really want you to take a listen to that one.  The album as a whole is one you should buy.  I love it, and will add all the songs (except Above the Timberline) to my iPod.

The Giveaway! An autographed CD of Five for Fighting’s Slice!  To enter, it’s very very simple.  Comment here.  That’s it.  One per person, please -  Duplicate entries will be deleted.  Deadline is 11:59pm Pacific, Wednesday, November 11th.  I’ll post the winner and I’ll send the winner an email (so make sure you enter with the correct one!)  That person will have 24 hours to get back to me with their address or I choose a new winner.  I’ll pass that info on to the One2One Network to send the winning (autographed) music your way.

Links to Take you Away:

Five for Fighting Website

Follow John on Twitter

Five for Fighting’s YouTube Channel

Become a fan on Facebook

Buy the new Album!!

Album Tracklisting:
1. Slice
2. Note To The Unknown Soldier
3. Tuesday
4. Chances
5. This Dance
6. Above The Timberline
7. Transfer
8. Hope
9. Story Of Your Life
10. Love Can’t Change The Weather
11. Augie Nieto

I’ve been doing quite a few music reviews lately and it occurs to me that you might need to know my “process.”

I am by NO means a good critic.  I have an inbred appreciation for music having been a musician many years ago, with many years of instruction.  As a result, my tastes are rather eclectic.  I know what I like, I know what I don’t like, I’m just not very good at expressing it poetically with words that scream “music critic.”

So how do I do my reviews?  I sit and listen to the music while I do something else – usually work.  I have my blogging notebook open next to me, and when a thought pops into my head in regards to what I’m listening to, I write it down.  That’s it.  So while you’re not going to get flowery prose strewn about with musician’s vernacular – you ARE going to get my base opinion.

Moving on…

The One2One Network sent me the Michael Buble’ CD, Crazy Love, for my take.  If you’ve heard of Michael Buble’ the thought that comes to mind is a modern version of the old Rat Pack classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra.  And there is that feel on this CD, however, not in total.  It’s really a broad spectrum of songs.

The first song  – “Cry me a River” – does have that Rat Pack feel.  It’s a great version, and I love the opening.  This song (and really the whole CD) has this really sexy sultry feel, envisioning 3 inch heels, wrap dresses, hats, stockings with garters, cigarettes in long holders, dark back rooms full of music, and sexuality holding back.  When dancing was dancing, and that was a form of courtship and foreplay.  Sorry for the rather graphic display, but that’s really what this CD feels like.  Back when the air fairly hummed – and less was more.

I tend to keep music in sections.  Not Rock vs. Classical, but more along my moods.  These are for when I’m depressed.  These are for when I’m cleaning the house.  These are for when I’m feeling sexy.  These are for when I need to relax.  This CD is going in the section for when I’m on the prowl.

The album released on October 9th – Debuted at number 1 I believe, which is awesome.

Album Tracklisting:
1. Cry Me A River
2. All Of Me
3. Georgia On My Mind
4. Crazy Love
5. Haven’t Met You Yet
6. All I Do Is Dream Of You
7. Hold On
8. Heartache Tonight
9. You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
10. Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)
11. At This Moment
12. Stardust
13. Whatever It Takes (bonus track)

Here are some links to take you away:

Michael Buble’s Website

His Facebook Page

Buy the CD

The One2One Network sent me Brandi Carlile’s Give Up the Ghost album to review.

I’d never even heard of Brandi Carlile before this.  No one song really stood out to me.  However, my review is this – It’s great music to listen to while sitting with some wine and getting some work done.  Not that I would know about that.  She sort of reminds me of a mix of Heart, Melissa Etheridge, and Alanis Morissette.  Odd but true.  I received the music as a download, which I plan on adding to my iPod for sure. P.S. – be sure to check out Caroline – it’s really fun. You can also become a Facebook Fan.

Album Tracklisting:
Looking Out
Dying Day
Pride And Joy
Dreams
That Year
Caroline
Before It Breaks
I Will
If There Was No You
Touching The Ground
Oh Dear

The opinions in this review are all mine.  I received the album download gratis.

The marvelous One2One Network sent me Joshua Bell’s At Home With Friends CD to review.

The album released on September 29th.  Here’s the track listing for your perusal:

Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by): I Loves You Porgy featuring Chris Botti, trumpet
Come Again featuring Sting, vocals
Oblivion featuring Carel Kraayenhof, bandoneon
Cinema Paradiso featuring Josh Groban, vocals
Para Tí featuring Tiempo Libre, various
My Funny Valentine featuring Kristin Chenoweth, vocals
Maybe So featuring Edgar Meyer Sam Bush and Mike Marshall, strings
Grieg: Sonata No. 3 featuring Sergei Rachmaninoff (Zenph re-performance)
Eleanor Rigby featuring Frankie Moreno, piano & vocals
O, Cease Thy Maiden Fair featuring Nathan Gunn, baritone
Il Postino featuring Carel Kraayenhof, bandoneon
Left Hand Song featuring Regina Spektor, piano & vocals
Chovendo Na Roseira featuring Dave Grusin, piano
Look Away featuring Edgar Meyer, bass and Chris Thile, mandolin
Variant Moods: Duet for Sitar & Violin featuring Anoushka Shankar, sitar
I’ll Take Manhattan featuring Marvin Hamlisch, piano

I wasn’t sure what I would think about this one.  I mean, yes, I love music.  Yes, I love orchestral sounds.  But solo violins (well, solo strings, really) tend to annoy me.  But I gave it a listen.

A couple comments on a few tracks…  Track 2, Come again, with Sting?  I had NO idea it was Sting.  It’s a total departure, in my opinion, of his usual stuff.  Track 5, Para Ti, definitely makes you want to dance the ChaCha.  And track 6, My Funny Valentine, is by far my favorite.  I love this particular arrangement.  For such a tiny gal – she has a HUGE voice.

All in all?  I would say that the whole CD is incredibly calming and soothing.  The perfect thing to have in the background while you’re working (which is what I did.)  I highly recommend this one.  I truly enjoyed it.

Here are some links to take you on your way:

Joshua Bell’s Website

Joshua Bell’s Facebook

The opinions herein are truly mine.  The CD was sent gratis.