Slow Down You Crazy Child

Slow down you're doing fine, you can't be everything you want to be before your time. - Billy Joel, Vienna

It has been 23 days since my last post. Between theatre rehearsals, coordinating programs outside of work, teaching (with all the paper grading), and the holidays, having a life has been pretty nonexistent. That includes any sort of writing here at Certainly Candid until today.

Just One Day

I am long overdue for a book review. Because of all the hype about the critically acclaimed book (and movie adaptation) of If I Stay, I have decided to review another of Gayle Forman's books: Just One Day.

There is a reason I picked up this book. The page before the story begins, there is a Shakespearean quotation from As You Like It, one of my favorite plays. It is famous: "All the world's a stage / And all the men and women merely players: / They have their exits and their entrances; / And one man in his time plays many parts." I don't know if you're like me, fellow literature enthusiasts, but an author who quotes the greats from the beginning has my attention immediately.

I suspected right away that I would enjoy this book. I was right. It is written with poise and grace. The story focuses on the life of Allyson Healey and her post-graduation trip to Europe. While there with her tour group, she meets Willem, a traveling actor who performs Shakespeare in the park. She is entranced by his performance of Sebastian, a character in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. In a whirlwind of activity, Allyson and Willem take a "just one day" trip to Paris.

Happy December 1st!

Happy December, dear readers! Christmas is just around the corner!

In order to encourage readership and broaden my audience, I am once again holding a giveaway! There will be a total of two giveaways this month (both winners to be revealed on New Year's Eve). Thanks to some wonderful sponsors, I have some great items for you this month. For those who need a reminder, here is how the giveaways work:

30 Days of Gratitude: Writing (Day 30)

Today is the last day in my 30 Days of Gratitude series here at Certainly Candid. It's been a fun 30 days of writing, but I will be glad to return to writing book reviews and cultural posts. That being said, I will continue to be grateful for the things life has given me.

Writing (Day 30)

I am grateful for these 30 Days of Gratitude and the writing it has allowed me. Sure, there were days when I hit a writer's block, but daily writing has helped me. It has also shown me that even in my busy life, I can make the time for writing.

I am grateful for writing and my blog here at Certainly Candid, as well as the writing I do for GenTwenty. As I continue to work on my side novel projects, I am happy that I have the opportunity to do something I love everyday (and hope for the day that I can be published!).

Finally, I am grateful for all of you lovely readers who continue to read the writing I do online. You are the best.

Even though November is now over, stay grateful.

30 Days of Gratitude: What's in a name? (Day 29)

Have you ever thought about your name? If it has family significance, or if your parents chose it because they liked it for various reasons? Is it a name that has been in your family for generations, or something more modern?

What's in a name? (Day 29)

I love my name. Olivia. It's simple, yet elegant. It dates back many centuries. Being the nerd that I am, I love that I can read Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (one of my favorites!) and see that Olivia was a name in Shakespearean times. As a result (and again, nerd speaking here), I think I was destined to be an English teacher.

I am grateful for my name. Growing up, I was the only Olivia in my class. Not kidding. The only time I ever had another Olivia in class with me was junior year of college (when I was twenty). The name is rising in popularity to be sure, but in my day and age, it was a rare name.

I am grateful for the interactions that have occurred as a result of my name. I've had many people, when I'm first introduced, say, "Oh I love the name Olivia! It's so pretty!" I also like that there are a few nicknames associated with it. Liv. Livi. My little cousins used to call me Livi because Olivia, being the 4-syllables it is, can be a mouthful for a kid. I've never minded Liv or Livi, even though most people simply call me Olivia.

Finally, I am grateful that my name is easily spelled (I feel bad for the people who have to go to coffee shops and spell their name 3+ times before the barista gets it right) and that there are some famous Olivias out there. Olivia de Havilland, the famous actress. Olivia Newton-John, the singer (Grease, anyone?). Olivia Langdon Clemens, wife of famous writer Mark Twain. And the more modern figures: Olivia Wilde, Olivia Munn, Olivia Palermo.

Good work, parents. I'm grateful for my name. 

30 Days of Gratitude: The Lazy Mornings (Day 28)

I can't remember the last time where I woke up past 9AM, sat around in my PJs sipping coffee, and watched "Kelly and Michael" on TV. My life is so busy most days (and I love it!) but I also love the rare lazy mornings.

The Lazy Mornings (Day 28)

I'm a very motivated individual most of the time. My life revolves around the personal motto of: If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself.

But some days, it is nice to be lazy (for lack of a better term). Sure, I have a million other things I could be doing this morning, but for the sake of my well-being I'm going to take the next 1-2 hours to just do something I love. Read. Play the piano. Decorate. Whatever it may be.

I am grateful for the lazy mornings off. They are rare, and because of that, I savor them. Sometimes I miss the simplicity of my teenage years (or even college years!) when these days were more frequent, but then I think of the life I live now and wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Finally, I am grateful for the lazy mornings because they allow me to relax before the hectic busy days begin again. I have more energy to tackle the early mornings, the meetings, the days of never-sitting-down, the early evening rehearsals, only to go home and grade papers, cook supper, and clean the apartment. It's a never-ending process, but deep down, I love every minute of it.

Do you have lazy mornings in your life?

30 Days of Gratitude: Happy Thanksgiving! (Day 27)

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers and friends! I hope today finds you happy, blessed, and safe if you are traveling. Enjoy the day with your family and friends, and remember to give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving! (Day 27)

While yes, today is Thanksgiving (which for some, would logically mark the end of this series), I will still be continuing the final 3 days in the 30 Days of Gratitude series here at Certainly Candid. There is always more we can be thankful for.

I am grateful for Thanksgiving itself. It is a reminder for me to slow down and enjoy life, if only for the day. I'm a very busy person, and the holidays remind me to take joy in the everyday things.

Finally, I am grateful for Thanksgiving because it lets me enjoy the anticipation of my favorite holiday: Christmas! Even though one holiday will be over today, another is soon on its way.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may your blessings be endless.