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ISSUE #37
September 20, 2022
Hello Wonderful!
Photo by Roberto H on Unsplash
7 Things for September
I know I'm reading a good book when I try to ration it, which is how I read Three Women, a 2019 book of non-fiction that covers the sexual and emotional lives of three women from different backgrounds and regions of the United States.
There is Maggie, a North Dakota teenager in love with (and seduced by) her teacher; Lina, a homemaker from Indiana whose husband won't kiss her but who fills the gaps with a torrid affair; and Sloane, a sleek Rhode Island restaurateur whose husband likes to watch her have sex with other people, though she isn't sure she likes it much herself.
Three Women received mixed reviews. The book does have some problems. The author switches tenses, and some of her metaphors don't make sense. With that said, it's a great read.
Tadde sets out to explore sexual desire and all its complexities. It's a study of female desire and the ramifications of getting what one wants. It doesn't always end well.
The sex scenes are worth the read, especially those described between Lina and her ex-boyfriend from high school, who is a bit of a loser, yet she can't see him for what he is. He is only available sexually to her. Nothing more. The desire Lina brings to each secret meeting is palpable and accurately described.
The Doc - The Last Movie Stars.
As a child, the only time I saw my mom gush over a man other than my father was when the name Paul Newman came up. He would grace our TV screen by chance, or we'd pass his face in the grocery store, blue eyes popping off the cover of People Magazine. My mom turned into a blushing teenager "those arms," she'd squeal, "those blue eyes."
As a child, I recognized Newman's good looks. From my juvenile perspective, he seemed very old. But I got it. Even before hormones raged, I understood that he was beautiful to look at.
When my siblings and I were forced to watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, I understood the Newman appeal even further.
The way he moves on and off the screen. His cool facade attempting to hide emotions simmering right below the surface (women love this, I’m not saying it’s right, or healthy, but some of us do), the angular jaw, and, yes, the piercing blue eyes.
Women wanted to take care of Newman and be his girl. Men wanted to be him. He was likable on and off the screen.
The six-part documentary from CNN Films and HBO Max chronicles Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s iconic careers and decades-long partnership.
It offers up more information than ever before about Newman and his relationship with his second wife, Woodward, based on transcripts of recordings by the Newman clan obtained by the filmaker, Ethan Hawke.
I had no idea Joanne Woodward was the bigger star when the two met. Newman was married to his first wife when he met Woodward, scandalous at the time.
The two had an instant physical attraction that is obvious to the observer when they are on screen together, acting out a scene or talking about their lives in an interview.
I knew Woodward was a great actress, but I had no idea she built and crafted such a large body of quality work early in her career.
In an age when there are *not* a lot of star couples — or any regular couples - to look up to, emulate, or admire, I relished getting a small glimpse into the marriage of Woodward and Newman.
It wasn't a perfect union. No such thing exists.
Newman had a drinking problem, and Woodward was conflicted about her "choice" to stay home and raise their children, which impeded her rising star. At the same time, Newman's shot to the moon. But someone has to stay home with the children, and I admire her not farming it out to a stranger.
According to both Woodward and Newman, they had a solid sexual relationship throughout their marriage. The chemistry between Woodward and Newman is unmistakable when you see them in photos, on-screen acting, or interviews.
One of their daughters described not one but two doors protecting her parent's bedroom from the intrusion of the rest of the house.
In another scene, Newman describes coming home one day to find Woodward painting one of the rooms in their house where she added a bed. Newman, "You know it's true love when she redesigns a room in your house and renames it 'The Fuck Hut.'"
Woodward and Newman are often touching the other in interviews and photos, which tell a thousand words. And all of those words say these two were very much in love.
Finding a relationship in which you still want to have sex with your partner a decade later is a good sign. I currently have one of those.
Still desiring a long-term partner intimately after decades is indeed a relationship worth investing in.
The Article - “Why People Are Acting So Weird" By Olga Khazan
This article spoke to me. I can't go one day without someone randomly lashing out in an aggressive way with their car as a weapon.
In general, it’s drivers who own BMWs or males in huge Ford trucks who feel it’s perfectly OK to use their vehicles to bully others on the road.
I sit.
A lot.
I can go for long periods working and not look up from my computer. Not only is this bad for my eyes, but it's also not good for my body.
The Pomodoro app adds a tiny clock to your desktop to remind you to change position and take your eyes off the screen every 25 minutes.
After years of hearing about the Pomodoro technique, I finally downloaded the app.
Now, every 25 minutes, an indiscrete timer on my Mac pings lightly.
I take a forced five minutes break.
Another pleasant sound bings when that five is over, and I stand for 25 minutes and write.
Rinse and repeat.
The Song "Televised" by Tully.
This song just makes me happy. That's enough for a song to be great.
The Drink - A low sugar recipe
I like to have a drink once a week, but I don't do carbs. Sugar makes me tired and grumpy. Most clear alcohols like vodka, gin, rum, and tequila have zero carbs. Tequila and Mezcal are my go-to's.
Here is a low-carb cocktail with tequila:
Mix coarse salt (like kosher salt) and the zest from grapefruit and lime on a small plate.
Wet the rim of your cocktail glass with water. Turn over the glass and place the rim in the salt mixture. Try to coat the whole rim with the zest and salt.
Fill the cocktail or highball glass with ice cubes.
Pour 2 oz (4 tablespoons) of your favorite tequila, ½ ounce lime juice (1 tablespoon), and a low sugar grapefruit juice into a cocktail shaker (there are several on the market with no or low sugar content). I suggest Sparkling Ice grapefruit soda.
Shake well, then pour into your glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge or grapefruit wedge if you want.
The Sport - Pickleball.
I play Pickleball at least three times per week now. It's a workout that doesn't feel like one. I end a game thirsty and drenched in sweat and have met nice people on the courts obsessed with the game as well.
There is no “sorry” in pickleball, which I love.
Try it. You'll love it.
It's a fast game to learn and hard to master.
See you next Tuesday. Have a great week!
Jessica - xoxox
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BTW, welcome back. I haven't received any newsletters the past couple of week. :(
Yeah, I'll be skipping that book. But I liked the Atlantic article!