SOCIALLY DISTANCING ON THE SOFAS

Summer 2020 is coming to an end and I am not sad. I always look forward to the crisp fall air, the changing color of the leaves, pumpkins, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. This summer was an odd time for all of us. I am so grateful for my ability to spend an abundance of beautiful days and evenings at our country club. For me, being able to remain socially distant while enjoying delicious meals and magnificent views to boot was key. It helped create a feeling that everything was "normal". On occasion, I have been chastised for refusing to sit at a table with others where I cannot maintain a social distance of six feet. If this is something you choose to do and you are fine with joining others at a table or dining out at a restaurant, I totally support you. I don't judge your preferences. I don't have any expectations of others and I want you to be happy. But I too, do not want to be judged for my choices or what makes me feel comfortable. Betraying myself to make others feel better is too stressful for me, and not something I will do. So that being said, school is back in session. People are returning to work and their offices. We are going more places and coming into contact with more people. Please continue to stay safe, mask, and wash hands often. As we all know, children are often asymptomatic and carrying the virus. I have once again started masking inside my grandchildren's home. By masking, I am trying to keep others and myself well. It's a courtesy and a respect that all of us must continue to do. As the cold weather approaches, I assume we will have lots more time to read and watch television. Before you are glued to the television set solely watching the election results and becoming totally depressed, I have many suggestions to keep you occupied and distracted from politics. BOOKS Sex and Vanity-Kevin Kwan's new book. The author of Crazy Rich Asians. A light, easy read filled with comic footnotes that tells the story of a woman torn between two men from completely opposite cultures. Writers and Lovers-Lily King. A very well written novel about a 31 yeare old woman trying to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Excellent-Loved it. Friends and Strangers-J.Courtney Sullivan. Yet another novel about a writer who is also a mom and wife with secrets(that I haven't read about yet). The Gifts of Imperfection-Brene' Brown. This book has been around a long time. Basically, the key idea is to live a life that is authentic and true-don't try to conform for others. Have self confidence to embrace your uniqueness and not feel judged. Very relevant to today even though it was penned in 2018. Memoirs and Misinformation-Jim Carrey. I'm listening to this on audible. This is semi-autobiographical about a successful actor's lonliness, and need for constant afirmation. Kooky and interesting...not sure! Unlocking Us-Brene' Brown. This is a Podcast about vulnerability and courage. Many helpful words to help us balance the hard "stuff" with humor and hope. And for those of us who haven't gotten enough of President Trump and his family, there are some juicy tell alls with much of the information we've already heard infinite times during his presidency. Too Much Is Never Enough-Mary Trump. Trump's niece reveals the dysfunctional background of the Trump family. Disloyal:A Memoir-Michael Cohen. Again, nothing that we don't know. Granted, Cohen, Trump's lawyer was as crooked as Trump. But, he documents that they spent a lot of time paying off people to hide affairs, tax evasion, and to vanquish rivals. Melania and Me-Stephanie Winston Wolcott. I find her to be a very credible source and an interesting read. As a close friend of Melania's, and an accomplished woman, she was hired to produce the Inauguration. My take away from this book-Melania, is in fact, happy to be in the White House and is totally complicit with Donald's words and actions. MOVIES I AM WOMAN-9/11 release on Amazon Prime. The story of Helen Reddy. COASTAL ELITES-9/12 release on HBO. Comedy about the pandemic starring Sarah Paulson and Bette Midler. ANTEBELLUM-9/18 release on demand. Janelle Monae stars in a movie about systemic racism. Horror movie-sort of psychological thriller. Same producers as Get Out and Us. MISBEHAVIOUR-9/25 release in theaters only. About a team of woman trying to disrupt the 1970 Miss World Competition. Starring Keira Knightley and Greg Kinnear. BOYS IN THE BAND-9/30 release on Netflix. A remake of the original film produced by Ryan Murphy. Starring Jim Parsons and Andrew Rannells. ON THE ROCKS-10/23 release on Apple TV Plus. Written and Directed by Sofia Coppola. A young mom reconnects with her playboy father in New York. Starring Rashida Jones and Bill Murray. OVER THE MOON-10/23 release on Netflix. FOR KIDS! Animated musical about an adventurous girl who builds a rocket to meet a mythical goddess on the moon. SOUL-11/20 released in theaters. FOR KIDS! Animated adventure about a middle school music teacher who dreams of becoming a jazz performer. Starring Jamie Foxx. WONDER WOMAN 1984-November release in theaters. FOR KIDS! Wonder woman battles Maxwell Lord and the Cheetah. LET EM' GO-11/06 release in theaters and then Netflix. Retired Sheriff and his wife try to rescue their grandson from a dangerous family. Kevin Costner(My favorite) and Diane Lane. SERIES AWAY-Streaming now on Netflix. Fabulous story about astronauts taking a 3 year trip to Mars, with back stories on their families. Hillary Swank stars. RACHED-9/18 release on Netflix. The back story of Nurse Rached from One flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Produced by Ryan Murphy, this 8 episode series stars Sarah Paulson and Sharon Stone. EMILY IN PARIS-10/02 release on Netflix. Created by Daren Star. Emily moves to Paris and experiences culture clashes. Lily Collins stars. If you are a fan of Sex and The City, you'll like this. THE UNDOING-10/25 HBO. Psychological thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. Looks great! COBRA KAI-streaming now on Netflix. FOR KIDS and adults too! Ralph Macchio, the karate kid stars. Three seasons. Everyone is loving this! THE RIGHT STUFF-10/09 on Disney+. Drama based oin Tom Wolfe's 1979 novel about astronauts. THE DUTCHESS=9/11 release on Netflix. A semi-autobiographical comedy on comedian Katherine Ryan's life in London. Looks great! THE CROWN-11/05. Season four begins! The life of Queen Elizabeth II from 1940 to the present. Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter. Can't wait! THE GREAT HACK-Now on Netflix. Facebook Cambridge Analytica Scandal. Private companies harvest information on us. The dark side of social media. Very scary and interesting. THE WHITE QUEEN-Now on Starz. Historical Drama. Blood Feud between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Takes place in 1464. I hope I have provided you with enough entertainment until we have a vaccine for the virus. In these times, it is so important to acknowledge the strange sadness we are all sharing; but to also have the ability to move far away from it for periods of time. Hopefully, these suggestions will aide you in this journey! Until we see each other again-PEACE OUT-ONE B