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

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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!)

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.

I was asked by the One2One Network to review Once in a Blue Moonby Eileen Goudge.  And HA!  I got to see it before y’all.  The book officially releases October 6th.

However – I have to disclose something.  I love Eileen Goudge.  So.  I have to admit that this review will be biased.  Unless she totally tanks the book – the review is bound to be positive from me.

Here’s the synopsis:

Sisters Lindsay and Kerrie Ann have known hardship from an early age. Without guidance from their neglectful mother, their only aid came from an unlikely source, a retired exotic dancer by the name of Miss Honi Love. When the girls’ mother was sent to prison, Miss Honi tried unsuccessfully to save them from being separated and sent into foster care.

Thirty years later, Lindsay is still trying to reconnect with her sister. The owner of a bookstore in the sleepy California seaside town of Blue Moon Bay, she was lucky enough to have been adopted by a loving couple. Unbeknownst to her, Kerrie Ann has suffered a very different life. Bounced from one foster home to the next, she ran away as a teenager before becoming a drug-addicted single mother. Now, newly sober, Kerrie Ann is fighting to regain custody of the little girl who was taken from her.

Neither sister’s expectations are met when they’re finally reunited. But as the two sisters engage in the fiercest battles of their lives, they are at last drawn together despite their differences, restoring belief in the unshakable bond of family.

So – what did I think?

Without giving away the plot, I loved it.  It really resonated with me.  Granted some of the plot resonated a little TOO well with me given my family history and brought up some old stuff for me, but I think that’s a gift of the author’s.  In addition, I think a strong theme of the book as a whole is “family is what you create it to be,” which is something I believe and live every day.

The characters are well rounded and you really get to know them, warts and all.  What’s more – you grow attached to them, you start rooting for them.  A definite sign of a good book.

An aside: I want Miss Honi Love to come and live with me, please.

For the record, had I not been in on this, I would have bought the book when it’s released.  Translated – I loved the book and you should buy it.  If you’re already an Eileen Goudge fan?  You’ll love this one.  If you’ve never read her?  It’s a great example (although you’re then going to have to read the rest of her stuff.)

Did you know that Eileen Goudge has a FaceBook page?  And Twitter?  Check her out and then check out the new book.

This review is my personal opinion. I received the book gratis.

Rock of Ages

Some info on the CD:

New Line Records just hammered the in-store release of the Original Broadway Cast Recording of five-time Tony Award nominated “ROCK OF AGES.” For those of you not in the know, Rock of Ages is the new Broadway musical starring American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis. Set in 1987 in a legendary Sunset Strip rock club, a small-town girl meets a big-city dreamer and they fall in love to the greatest metal songs of the 80′s. The musical is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and more.

I’ll be honest… I wasn’t sure what this was. I agreed, because, well, Rock!! When I agreed, I didn’t know that this was a Broadway show. It also took me checking out the artwork and such to realize that Constantine Maroulis is a castmember. At that point I realized that I would have to add a disclaimer here, because I am no longer objective. I had a serious (totally married, pious) crush on Constantine on American Idol. I wanted to pet him and put him in my pocket.

Once I found out this was a musical, using already established rock, I was a little concerned. I was really really hoping it wouldn’t be like those covers you hear, where a really rocking song ends up sounding like Muzak. But this is… Amazing. While they changed the songs a smidge to fit the storyline of the musical, the music is straight on. And in fact I want to see if they use a live orchestra, because it is GREAT. And then I was concerned about the voices. Nothing would be worse than a wimpy version of rock. I was amazed by them!!

And seriously – I thought it WAS Jon Bon Jovi singing “Wanted Dead or Alive.” By the way – My husband was a HUGE Young Guns fan, and this song sold him on the CD. And of course “Final Countdown” reminds me of every 80′s martial arts movie there ever was. Heh.

So, this CD took me completely by surprise. I absolutely loved it. And I maybe might have made an idiot out of myself headbanging singing to it. My husband has learned to just smile and nod. If you’re into rock (think leather and hair and slow dancing in junior high) than this is for you.

I want you to buy it. No, I do have a giveaway, but since only one of you will win, you should totally buy it. See the bottom of the post for the giveaway…

Tracklisting:
Just Like Paradise / Nothin’ But A Good Time
Sister Christian
We Built This City / Too Much Time On My Hands
I Wanna Rock
We’re Not Gonna Take It
Heaven/More Than Words / To Be With You
Waiting For A Girl Like You
Wanted Dead Or Alive
I Want To Know What Love Is
Cum On Feel The Noize / We’re Not Gonna Take It (Reprise)
Harden My Heart / Shadows Of The Night
Here I Go Again
The Final Countdown
Any Way You Want It / I Wanna Rock (Reprise)
High Enough
I Hate Myself For Loving You / Heat Of The Moment
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Oh Sherrie
The Search Is Over
Don’t Stop Believin

If you’d like to enter for a free CD of Rock of Ages for your own, I have a simple giveaway here… Nothing fancy. No extra entries for tweets or writing about it (I simply don’t have the time to do a full blown thing right now,) just a straight up comment giveaway. Comment on this entry, and make sure you leave your email address in the proper slot. That’s it. One entry each, please. Giveaway ends (and your comments must be there) by Sunday, 8/16 at 11:59pm pacific. Good luck!

Jay and I

Actually, that’s not true – I know exactly where my mind has been. Building my business, my husband’s unemployment, and the fact that due to summer and aforementioned unemployment, I am never alone. Ever. It’s starting to make my brain cells deteriorate. Mea Culpas to both Yanni Voices and One2One.

Anyway. I got to go to a Real! Live! Concert! With my husband. Date night, woot! When I was asked to review the Yanni Voices CD, I was very pleasantly surprised, because I loved it. Although, I can be a little critical when it comes to music. I was REALLY surprised, though, when my Eminem-loving husband loved it too. So, I was excited when this opportunity presented itself. It almost didn’t happen – my mother had been admitted into the ICU 2 days prior. And since my dad was a little, oh, distracted (ya think?) we abruptly didn’t have a babysitter! Our kids both have special needs, and so we can’t just call up the local teenager. However, my best friend, Amy, came to the rescue, and watched the kids for us.

Someone wore some very Kicky Boots to the concert.

Here’s an aside… Why do people act as if no one else exists? We were directed to our parking spots by attendants. We then had to hold up the entire line, because we couldn’t pull into our spot, as our neighbor decided to adjust his suit, and mess with other stuff in his car, while leaving his car door open all the way. He saw us. He didn’t care. Rude.

Anyway – we had no problem getting our tickets, and in we went. It was a HUGE crowd. I don’t know why I expected less, but it was HUGE. And alcohol was sold. $13 beer hurts my husband. Funny, it didn’t stop him from buying it – heh.

Nokia Theater in Los Angeles

Ok – two things bugged me about the concert. One, totally a Yanni thing, the other, a stupid people thing.

The only criticism I have of the concert itself? Part of their set lighting. There was this one middle spotlight that every once in a while pointed straight out, at us, the audience. We were nearly directly in the middle, and so that was a light beam that pierced straight into our skulls… This is a problem when you and your husband are migraine sufferers. We actually thought for the first five minutes that we would have to just leave, but then the lighting changed and we were good. That light came back every so often, but not enough that we had to leave. But we both had to take our meds to make sure we didn’t get a migraine.

The other thing? The crowd. The dude behind us talking – loudly – on his cell phone? Should be shot. And also? I don’t know who the first chair violinist was (I can’t find musician info on the website,) but the crowd went wild when he soloed. Now, the first time? Great! Show your appreciation, ’cause you obviously know who he is! Not that we did, but I can appreciate love of talent. However – every.single.time. is not welcome, because then I couldn’t hear most of his solo.

The rest of it though? Amazing. Simply amazing. The talent, the musicians, the lighting (other than that one,) the singers, the compositions – just a fabulous wonderful, exciting show.

My favorite part though has to be Yanni himself. When you watch him during… He just glows. You can see that he is having just such a wonderful time. I felt… I don’t know… Happy for him I guess. You could just see how much everyone and everything meant to him. Like a kid at Christmas. It was something special to be able to observe.

Afterward, I was invited to the VIP backstage thing. However, we couldn’t figure out how to get there from where we were, and the ushers and other Nokia staff just looked at us blankly. We just decided to go home and count our blessings, rather than make an issue of it. We hung out outside for a little bit (I needed the air after the crowds) and I took some pictures. Then, we headed home – and totally got lost on the way to picking up the kids. Sigh.

Thanks, One2One and the peeps at Yanni Voices! It was a special date night for my husband and I, and I appreciate the opportunity.

I have another one from the people at the One2One Network. They sent me the new Yanni Voices [CD/DVD] to review. I should add that it comes with both a CD and a DVD – I’m just reviewing the CD.

EQUATION: Yanni – a memorable name in instrumentals and composition is known for his sweeping music. This time around, he threw a curveball… He has brought vocals to the forefront. The CD takes some of his classic stuff as well as new music – but introduces four vocalists: Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas, and Leslie Mills. All of them were discovered and mentored by Yanni. The album was released on March 24th. The Yanni Voices world tour kicks off in the U.S. on April 10th.

PLUS: There’s music and then there’s music. Due to my background, I’ll admit, I’m biased to this kind of orchestral music. I just am – can’t get around that. The composition is gorgeous, the instrumentals amazingly executed, and the vocalists are so talented I’m surprised we’ve not heard of them until now. There’s a little of everything tempo wise, so it’s not the same feel throughout. Each piece feels as though it’s a complete story – so when you move on to the next, it really feels like a new story. As for the individual tracks – while all of it is great: Track 1, Omaggio (Tribute), made me cry. Tracks 3 & 4, Our Days and Never Leave the Sun, both made me want to dance for my husband. Track 5, Before the Night Ends, is just plain beautiful.

MINUS: I’m not sure if it’s a plus or minus, but my husband listened to it with me, and his response was, “You can’t tell it’s Yanni.” The other minus I would say is – really – you’ve got to love it. I don’t think it’s a “so-so” kind of thing. I think you’ll either love it or hate it, it feels like that kind of extreme to me.

EQUALS: A positive review. A rave, actually. I simply love this CD.