Cybils

Operating Under the Influence of ABBA

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I had to wait until I got home (yay for home!) and could load up the pictures off my camera to share this story with y’all…

First a confession: I’ve gone to see Mamma Mia twice in the past three weeks. I suppose that’s not that bad — it could be worse — but I have to admit that I’ve had more fun than is probably reasonable for a 35-year-old to have at the movie. The first time, I went with a group of gal pals (eek, did I just write that?) here in Wichita. And it was lots of fun; I giggled all the way home. But the second time took the cake. Not only did I go with four sisters-in-law (as “payment” for letting our husbands play D&D the entire day before) but I had the experience of sitting next to a gay guy who was as infatuated with Mr. Darcy as I am. It truly made the movie. (Me: Sigh. Him: “Ah, Mr. Darcy.” Me: “That’s why we’re all here.” Him: “I just LOVE Mr. Darcy!” and at the end… Me: *laughing* “That is just priceless!” Him: “I’d pay $20 admission to see Colin Firth dressed like that!” I just about died laughing.) He even didn’t mind the singing, toe tapping and giggling from the five of us. In fact, he shook our hands and thanked us for the experience.

Anyway, whether it was the goofy fun of the movie, Meryl Streep dancing and singing at 59 years old (we were all mightily impressed), or the fact that we were all intoxicated from laughing too much (no alcohol, if you can believe that!), but one of the SILs suggested that we do a lip synch to Mamma Mia for the family talent show the following night. We all — still on an ABBA high — thought that was a brilliant idea, and headed over to Claire’s. At 8:55 p.m. We had more fun than should be allowed for a group of mostly 30-something women (toting two infants, too!) and spent more money than should be allowed for a family talent show number. We made the cashier’s night (the store closes at 9, but the cashier kept the store open for us until we were done…); she laughed at us the whole time, gave input on what would “work best” and said that she wished she could come see our final product. After much searching and trying on, this (and this is the whole point of the story, because I thought this was so wonderfully tacky that I had to share it) is what I came up with:

We did, in fact, go through with the number — we rehearsed for two hours! — and blew the “house” (well, our parents, our husbands, Hubby’s oldest sister and her husband, and all the grandkids) away with the number. I told Hubby that I only wanted stills and not a movie, and I have to admit that I regret that decision. But here’s a still one of the other husbands took of our dance:

(I’m there on the far end…unfortunately, I’ve taken off my glasses. I think they’re the best part…)

I’m back on the wagon now. No Colin Firth. No ABBA. Life is nice and boring and predictible now. (But isn’t it delightful to be completely crazy once in a while?)

Cybils

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Not exactly a new announcement (sorry, preschool was here today, and I spent the morning dealing with annoying active four year olds), especially for the kidlit bloggers. But for the rest of you: The winners of the Cybils (the awards nominated by readers and chosen by bloggers) were announced today. I’ve read two, heard of a few more, but only one really caught my attention: The Professor’s Daughter, which won for YA graphic novel. It sounds fascinating. At any rate, head over there and check them out.

Hoppin’ October

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I love this time of year… I like that the days are turning cooler (well, here in Kansas, the days are still dang hot, but the nights at least are cooler, which I appreciate)… I like the buildup to Hallowthanksmus, the festivities, the stuff, the fun… My inner baker rears it’s head and realizes that it’s cool enough to begin baking cookies and muffins and bread without turning the house into an inferno.

And the kidlit blogosphere is hopping. There’s, for your enjoyment this month, the 31 flavorite YA authors at readergirlz… they’ve managed to nab a bunch of talented YA authors — including Meg Cabot (tonight), Lisa Yee (October 22) and Stephenie Meyer (October 31) to “chat nightly at our group forum at 5 PM PST/8 PM EST (with the exception of the Halloween chat, which will be held at 9 PM PST/MIDNIGHT EST).” Sounds like fun.

And, for those of us not on a Cybil panel, there’s the opportunity to nominate our favorite poetry, picture books (both fiction and non), middle grade books, YA books (both fiction and non), graphic novels, and fantasy/science fiction books for the nomination process. What? You haven’t heard of the Cybils? From their web site:

Like all revolutions, this one started small, with a single post on a blog devoted to children’s literature. The Newbery Awards seemed too elitist and the Quills, well, not enough so. Was there a middle ground, an annual award that would recognize both a book’s merits and popularity?

The Cybils found that middle ground. The public nominates their favorite children’s books from 2007 in seven categories: Picture Books; Non-fiction Picture Books; Middle Grade fiction; Poetry; Young Adult fiction; Non-fiction (YA/MG); and Graphic Novels. Nominations open on October 1.

When we say “the public,” we mean it. Anyone with an e-mail address may nominate one book per category. Then groups of bloggers get to work. First, a nominating committee reads ALL the titles in a given category. After nearly two arduous months, this committee winnows the nominees to five finalists. A second committee of bloggers considers the shortlist and, after much debate, chooses the best of the best for 2007.

If that isn’t enough for you to do… this week is BOTH Buy a Friend a Book Week and Banned Books Week. Hey… you could buy a friend a banned book, and kill two birds with one stone! I’m not sure I’ll get around to reading a banned book this week; there are too many other books on my bedroom floor waiting for me. Ah, well. I’ll have to plan better next year.

So, what are you doing still hanging around here?