Hey There, It's Christa!

Yes, Sylvia Plath Was Right...

Let's face it: Sylvia Plath wasn't exactly the cheeriest of women. In fact, I remember watching the movie about her life as a wife, mother and writer (you know, the one starring Gwyneth Paltrow) and not only did I want to punch her ex-husband, but I felt depressed for days just thinking about her.

And don't even get me started on The Bell Jar. Great writing, but wow, was it ever bleak.

But when I was preparing for a talk I did at the Minnesota Christian Writers' Guild event this past week, I found this  most excellent quote from Ms. Plath about writing...and it's actually encouraging.

"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."

Now isn't that the truth, fellow writers?

For more on writing, be sure to check my latest post on Scribble Chicks, a collaborate blog project I do with a few fellow authors.

The Countdown to Thanksgiving Has Officially Begun!

Confession time: It's only November 3, and I've already poured through the latest issues of Food Network Magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Everyday With Rachael Ray and Better Homes and Gardens, not to mention a few cookbooks in search of the best Thanksgiving recipes.

Yes, I absolutely adore making Thanksgiving dinner...every single course of it. Really, it's like the Super Bowl of meals for the home cook, and I look forward to (and start planning) for the big day several weeks in advance.

Hence all those magazine articles...

Now I'll admit, if I had to cook for a whole army of people (usually, we have 2 or 3 guests aside from Will and I), I might not feel the same way. But because there's just a few of us, I love the challenge of trying to get everything done in time in our very tiny, apartment-sized kitchen.

This year, I cheated a little and ordered a smoked turkey (Will has always extolled the many virtues of a smoked turkey, so I surprised him by ordering the one from East Texas that Oprah likes), so that will definitely make things easier cooking-wise since the turkey tends to take the longest (and ours already comes all ready to go). But if you're making your own, I highly recommend Sunny Anderson's recipe for turkey with peach rosemary glaze. I made this last year, and it was delicious.

So without having to do all the roasting myself this year, that will leave more time for the my favorite part of the meal—the sides!!

While it's definitely not rocket science by any means (although I definitely add my own touches from the original recipe), Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without green bean casserole. So I will make that, along with garlic red mashed potatoes and gravy (a once-a-year indulgence), homemade cheddar buttermilk biscuits, homemade sausage and cranberry stuffing and, of course, I'll serve all that with Barefoot Contessa's old-fashioned cranberry sauce. I love this stuff sooo much that I wrote a review of it on Crate and Barrel's website, the only place where you can get it. Trust me, it's way better than the stuff with the can imprint still on it.

As far as dessert goes, I'm still deciding what I want to do. I'll definitely make something pumpkin-y, but maybe I'll offer something else, too (an apple tart, perhaps?), so I'm still brainstorming that. Thankfully, I've still got, oh, 23 days left, but it's never too early to start, right?

So now that I've revealed mine, what are your must-haves for Thanksgiving dinner and why? Also, any good dessert recipes I must try pronto?

Movie Comment: "Amelia"

Considering  that I'm already at the movies several times a month for work (and loving every minute of it...even if I'm watching sometime truly horrible like Couples Retreat because bad movies are still really, really fun to review), many people automatically assume that I don't like seeing movies for fun, too.

But that's definitely not true. Need proof? Just check out my ever-growing Netflix queue, not to mention my matinee-viewing habits, and you'll see. I love, love, love seeing movies...and if they're great, well, that's a huge bonus!

Sadly, I haven't seen a really great flick for a while, but I definitely had high hopes for Amelia, given the compelling subject matter, a talented director and an equally impressive cast with Hilary Swank (who is always far better at Boys Don't Cry-esque drama than P.S. I Love You comedy in my humble opinion), Ewan McGregor and Richard Gere.

While not a total dud, thanks to gorgeous cinematography and a killer score, Amelia still didn't exactly live up to my expectations. After all the time I spent with Amelia Earhart, I still don't feel like I really know her at all. Not only did the screenwriters skip most of the "why" for why Amelia had to fly (the flimsy "for the fun of it" line just wasn't doing it for me), but the storytelling just felt a little too clinical. I felt like I was getting the Wikipedia version of the story—all dates and facts, but little of the "heart of the story," which is what every movie needs to truly succeed. Ultimately, there's just not enough of that in Amelia to stick with you for the long haul, a shame considering what it could've been.

Rating: ** 1/2 out of **** stars

A Fireside Chat With Yours Truly...

Let's face it, Monday night isn't usually a very good TV night anyway (well, unless my Packers, Vikings or Will's Cowboys are on), so if you're looking for something fun (and quasi-educational, too) to do, why not stop by Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina on November 9 for my fireside chat?

The Minnesota Christian Writer's Guild has been kind enough to extend an invitation for me to talk about freelance writing (and all the fun that entails), the life of a writer and novel-writing, too, so feel free to bring those questions along...

And if I'm feeling particularly ambitious, I may even bake some cupcakes for the festivities, too, which is definitely worth the price of admission (which is free, by the way).

Now for the rest of the details...the event will start @ 7:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Edina Presbyterian Church is located at 6901 Normandy Road.

My, My, How They Grow Up!

It's always a happy, happy day in my world when my sister Lindsey sends me a new pic of her sweet 'lil Adelyn Grace.

Apparently, Adelyn is thoroughly enjoying the fall in Colorado Springs and is a big fan of the brightly colored leaves.

Must say that I'm already looking forward to Christmas so I can hang with this little cutie pie (I'm guessing she'll also get a kick out of the snow) and her parents, of course, too...

 

 

Gut Reaction: John Mayer's New Single "Who Says"

Ok, I'll be the first to admit that sometimes, although nothing is immediately springing to mind, a song that's thoroughly underwhelming at first listen can ultimately grow on you.

And I guess I hoped this would be the case with John Mayer's new single, "Who Says" from his upcoming album, Battle Studies.

But I heard it again this morning, and well, nothing...

Really, it's got all the makings of the John Mayer songs that I like the most...a stripped-down, pretty little melody that perfectly complements his voice. Musically, it almost feels like something from the Room For Squares or even the Heavier Things era, you know, before he had to start channeling his inner Stevie Ray Vaughan again and again and again. 

But then, just as I start getting hopeful, he makes the colossial mistake of actually opening his mouth and singing some of the lamest lyrics, which completely ruins the experience.

Case in point:

Who says I can’t get stoned?
Turn off the lights and the telephone
Me and my house alone
Who says I can’t get stoned?

Who says I can’t be free?
From all of the things that I used to be
Re-write my history
Who says I can’t be free?

It’s been a long night in New York City
It’s been a long night in Baton Rouge
I don’t remember you looking any better
But then again I don’t remember you

Who says I can’t get stoned?
Call up a girl that I used to know
Fake love for an hour or so
Who says I can’t get stoned?

For the record, yes, he's going on and on about wanting to get stoned, but apparently there's a slew of people trying to stop him? What? And I sure hope the part about "a girl that I used to know" isn't about Jennifer Aniston. Especially if he has to "fake love for an hour or so." That's not very flattering...

I guess it just seems like a waste of a good melody and someone who used to write much, much better songs. Guess I can only hope the rest of Battle Studies isn't such a waste of time. After all, my iPod space is rather limited these days, John. Got it? :)

Book Comment: "Italian for Beginners"

On my list (and yes, I really have one) of places I absolutely, positively must visit before I die, Italy has always reigned supreme (with Greece being a close second).

Since I can't just hop on a plane to Rome on a moment's notice (I'm hoping that Will and I will take a planned anniversary trip there in the not-too-distant future instead), I have to live vicariously through episodes of Giada DeLaurentiis' "Everyday Italian," my favorite movie "Roman Holiday," and now, "Italian for Beginners," some of the best escapist literature I have read in a while.

Not only is it clear from the get-go that the author Kristin Harmel really loves her subject (Italy), but the characters she has created here are thoroughly enjoyable, too. Even with the safe, bubble-like existence that she has expertly created for herself, (the clear antithesis of how I like conducting my own life) it's still difficult not to relate to leading lady Cat Connelly's plight. In fact, after the whole debacle with her mother and her fractured love life, you can definitely understand why going to Italy on a whim is a serious leap of faith.

But, of course, that's when her life story truly begins as she experiences love, heartache and reconnection (not to mention the requisite haircut that's a symbol of her new-found independence) during her own "Roman Holiday." And for fans of the Audrey Hepburn film (yes, like me!), there are plenty of parallels between the movie and "Italian for Beginners" that are so fun to discover along the way.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Comment: Nicholas Sparks' "The Last Song"

For me, a new Nicholas Sparks book is the literary equivalent of a big ol' bowl of chicken noodle soup when you have a cold (a pertinent analogy, considering I'm all sniffly and congested as we speak).

It's flavorful (but not overpowering), soothing and always reliable; really, it's just the thing when your body is chilled and in need of a little comfort. I don't know why, but I just can't say the same for Hemingway or Dostoevsky's work.

For the unacquainted, there's three elements that all of Sparks' novels have in common: A charming North Carolina setting, a sad (or at least bittersweet) ending that will sneak up on you and likely require a few tissues to recover from and a feisty female character who'll inevitably help an emotionally stunted man emerge from his proverbial shell.

Even knowing in advance how things will probably shake out once I've read the jacket copy, I still can't resist picking up whatever story that Sparks has dreamed up next—even The Last Song, which I know he wrote with (gasp) Miley Cyrus in mind for the future big screen adaptation. 

I'll admit it wasn't always easy blocking that Hannah Montana visual out of my mind as he described the lead character, Ronnie, a girl with a purple streak in her hair (how positively alternative...ha ha!) and a deep-seated animosity toward the father who left her family a few years before. But as difficult as it was to remove that cheery Hannah image from my brain on occasion, I mostly managed to think of Ronnie as Ronnie, not Hannah, and I still didn't connect with this story.

Unlike the majority of Sparks' other work where character development felt like more of a priority, Ronnie immediately felt like someone created for the big screen with far-too-little backstory to flesh out why she's the way she is. Of course, on the big screen, more literary elements don't often make it into a screenplay, and I totally get that. Yes, moviegoers (myself included) have a short attention span, so we have to keep the character development short and snappy. But it still has to be there nonetheless...

Other than having a "hot little body," something that Sparks mentions again and again, I still have no idea what exactly makes her so attractive to Will. Or why she prefers living in New York, even though we're told that she does several times. I mean, even when the "big reveal" happens at the end of the book, the moment that was supposed to bring on the waterworks, I wasn't moved in the least. And it's because I really didn't connect with, let along like, any of these characters.

Instead, I found the story trite, flat and boring, and I didn't even have that great of expectations. Really, I can only hope the movie won't end up faring the same way. Maybe Miley can make The Last Song something more than it was on the pages...who knows?

And now that I've voiced those unfiltered feelings in cyberspace, I'm curious...any other Sparks' devotees find The Last Song far less memorable than his other books? Or am I "on my own" here? Do tell.

The 10 Best Things About Fall

I know, I know...when Fall arrives in Minnesota, well, it's officially one step closer to six months of winter which for the record, is no fun at all. Not one little bit.

Even with that ominous event always lurking in the back of my mind, it's impossible not to love this amazing season that's way, way too short in my humble opinion.

Simply put, it's spectacular for a number of reasons—reasons I'll explain in "Letterman Top-10 list" style right here, right now.

Coming in at #10: No more shorts or capri pants. Given that I have ghostly white legs that don't tan, and I'm not a tanning salon kind of girl, I'm don't exactly love wearing shorts or capri pants. But when it gets hot—really hot— in the summer months, what choice do you have in the matter? 

You just gotta own it like Anne Hathaway does. Or give it your best shot, anyway.

Sadly, my legs hate the sun so much that I still have "redneck socks" (a.k.a. seemingly permanent tan lines) from a bad sunburn I got two years ago while sitting by the Four Seasons' pool in L.A. for 20 minutes. Yeah, 20 minutes and unsightly tan lines to show for it two years later. Goodness knows how bad it would've been if I'd stayed out any longer...

#9: Bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils. Sure, roses are a great gesture of romantic devotion, but I always loved it when Tom Hanks' character tells Meg Ryan's character in You've Got Mail (via e-mail, of course) that he'd send her a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils if he knew her name and address.

I must confess that line gets me every time. Yeah, I'm a dork who loves school supplies...and I haven't set foot in a classroom (other than as a guest speaker) for years now.

Every fall when kids are getting their new backpacks, glue sticks and Jonas Brothers' notebooks, it's my tradition to pick up a few new school supplies (for the office, of course), too. There's just nothing like a bunch of new pens, cute notebooks, paper clips and post-its to make working at home feel more tolerable, lemme tell ya.

#8: Soup, Soup and more Soup. On a chilly day, there's nothing more delicious with crackers or a crusty piece of bread in my opinion. Whether it's butternut squash, a hearty bowl of chili or simple tomato basil, count me in. And making it myself? Well, that just makes the experience more fun.

#7: Better Movies, Actual Must-See TV. After reviewing dud after dud at the box office this summer,   fall movies couldn't arrive fast enough. And I'm thrilled to pieces for new episodes of "The Office," and "Castle," too, which beats re-runs any day of the week.

#6: Are You Ready for Some Football? We Banisters have been for months now. And thanks to Favre signing with the Vikes (yes, I'm finally getting used to it), we have three teams (the Packers, Vikings and Cowboys) to root for. Fun, fun, fun.

#5: Scarves, Scarves, Scarves. I adore scarves, but I've never figured out a way to wear them in the summer without looking ridiculous. But in the fall? No problem at all. I'm already excited about sporting all my favorites, Burberry and otherwise.

#4: Two words: Halloween candy. Do I really need to explain this?

#3: Beautiful Scenery: Anyone who knows me well knows that nature and I don't always get along, but ultimately, who can deny the  beauty of fall? I absolutely love the changing leaves, the crisp feeling in the air and taking long walks with Will with such a gorgeous backdrop.

#2: Pumpkin spice lattes. Yeah, I still love my caramel macchiatos, but once these babies arrive in stores, I simply can't get enough. So delicious.

#1: Special occasions. But what takes the proverbial cake when it comes to fall is all that I get to celebrate...Will and I's anniversary (October 8). Will's birthday (October 13). My mom's birthday (October 21). My pal Krista's birthday (October 23).There's certainly no shortage of fun (or cake) in the Fall months, that's for sure...

Book Comment: "Under the Table: Saucy Tales From Culinary School"

I had a truly frightening dream the other night. Instead of writing, I'd decided to quit the biz and enroll in culinary school. And as I was getting ready for my first day of my new career, I was sweating bullets because I was convinced I'd forgotten how to use a whisk.

Really, a whisk?

Thankfully, when I woke up, all was right with the world, and I had a writing deadline that morning to prove it.

Now anyone who knows me well knows how much I enjoy cooking. Hands down, it's one of my favorite hobbies. Not only am I a bonafide Food Network junkie, but I read cookbooks just for the sheer fun of it, fawn over a ball of fresh mozzarella as if it were my own child and can't wait to get to a new city just to see what its restaurant scene is like.

But as much as I love to cook, I'm not likely to make an actual career out of it. I mean I have no interest in learning how to take a chicken apart properly (ewww!) or making my own pastry without the help of my food processor, so I'm guessing culinary school probably isn't for me.

I must say it was pretty fun living vicariously through Katherine Darling's experience in Under the Table, though. Without even getting my apron dirty, I got all the benefits of a culinary education without any of the hassle. Like me, Katherine used to work in publishing. But one day, she decided to jump ship (probably not a bad idea considering how bad the biz is in NYC these days) and try to parlay her love of cooking into an actual profession.

And I couldn't give her more props for doing so because that's a gutsy thing to do—especially when you have to go into some serious debt to do so. Unlike Julie & Julia, Katherine doesn't learn to cook the French way by whipping through her copy of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Instead, she goes the old-school route and has the memories of many wrecked omelets to prove it.

While there's nothing particularly flashy about Katherine's actual writing style, she does know her way around a good story, and there are plenty of memorable ones along the way. That, along with some mouth-watering descriptions of what she's making (complete with a few great recipes to boot) make this a really engaging read. So if you're into foodie memoirs, I'd highly recommend it.

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, however, I'm still glad my dream was just a dream. I'm not sure I'm professional cooking material—even if I do feel pretty confident with a whisk. :)