Becky's Excellent Vacation

First let me say some of the things I did NOT do.

I did not scare these children out of their wits. I merely amused and appalled them. Note my elevation. For me, it was a little like the Winslet/DiCaprio signature scene in TITANIC. Does it remind anyone else of that? No? Yeah, that's what the kids said too. "Kinda weird," one of them commented.

I'm very sorry to say I did not actually have a DQ ice cream. We had just come from dinner somewhere else and I was stuffed. [note: Emily Post says it's not polite to say you are stuffed. Okay, I was full up to my eyeballs.] But we had to make the symbolic DQ stop. These boys will remember me but hopefully not identify me in any kind of lineup.

As stated earlier, I did not get arrested. I was, however, well and truly (if subtly) censored at the College Light Opera Company in Falmouth. We saw a most hilarious production of Gilbert and Sullivan's PATIENCE. I'm telling you it was side splitting. But every few minutes some rich matron would turn around and give us the fish eye.

Yeesh. Lighten up, folks. If you can't laugh at G&S, what's there to laugh at? And please. I'm as sensitive as the next person to obnoxiousness. I swear we weren't. But I felt as though we were sitting in an audience of hall monitors. A pox upon them. The performers were fantastic.

I/we did not have the friendliest or most helpful of wait staffs. The restaurant where this pizza was served was very good. Pepperoncini is listed on the menu, but if you ask for it on your pizza, the waitress will give you a perplexed look. However, artichoke hearts WERE available and they are NOT on the menu. Who's on first, dear reader? I couldn't figure it out either.

Good grub, though.

I did NOT make friends with geese. Talk about obnoxious. They are everywhere in some places and terrible scavengers. This one wanted my coffee and was miffed that he couldn't have it. I think he'd had word from the College Light Opera audience and felt entitled. We were sitting right next to the harbor area with all kinds of yachts. It's incredible to see all the money floating around.

Wow, I'm getting closer to the Titanic shot, wouldn't you say? This is Gunning Point Beach, one of the few that looks westward and so one of the few where you can watch the sunset nightly. It's so gorgeous it gets almost ordinary.

"Do you feel like walking down and seeing an incredible purple and orange, heartbreakingly brilliant sunset?"

"I'm right in the middle of Sex and the City. It's the one with the fireman and the pole."

"Okay, forget it."

Well? What would Bette have said? Keep three feet on the floor, girls. Those Light Opera broads are on the way

I have no idea what that means.

Our official drink was champagne mixed with blue Curacao. Did I spell that right? Somebody saw this on a recipe, but couldn't remember exactly what it was called. They were right tasty, dear reader.

We watched The Prestige, which I thought was okay. I'm not into movies where the men wear top hats or are magicians.

The visit to Betsy's Diner is required. It's a breakfast outing and sets the tone for the rest of the day, mostly of disgusting, shameful , and sometimes gross, well, most of the time gross, overindulgence.

Butter! More butter! Cream! Keep it coming!

I'm home now and getting back to work. Cleaning the house, working on my syllabus for summer school, organizing paperwork and bills.

IS ANYBODY BUYING THIS?

HAH!

I'm lying around wondering when I can go to the Cape again and how long I could last if I sold my house and all possessions.

Now THAT would be Living the Dream.

A bientot

love,

becky

Jolie Madame Brazilian Bikini

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Wild Thing Demi Bra

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Jezebel: Wild Thing Demi Bra Content:
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Embroidery Base: 100% Nylon.
Mesh: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex.
Cup Lining: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex.
Exclusive of decoration.
Country of Origin: Made in Thailand

Awesome Vacation and Tanya Stone

I will post next time about what I did on my vacation. I promise I did not get arrested.

Meanwhile, check out this terrific book from Tanya Stone. And don't let the title scare you.

A BAD BOY CAN BE GOOD FOR A GIRL is a cautionary tale. Teens are dealing with sex, whether we’re ready or not. This novel is about three very different girls who date the same player guy. About how the choices they make shape who they want to be. About empowerment.

Meet Josie, Nicolette, and Aviva. Three very different girls who all meet the same bad boy with an irresistible knack for getting into their blood and under their skin. Three girls. One guy. Who will come out on top?

In A BAD BOY CAN BE GOOD FOR A GIRL, Tanya Lee Stone takes a hard look at love and sex and asks the questions: “When can a bad boy be good for a girl?”Tanya says, “I get lots of email from teens thanking me for ‘being honest,’ saying my book helped them, or they ‘gave it to a friend who needs it.’ What’s better than that?”

Since the book came out, Tanya has been outspoken about censorship and the need for tackling tough topics in teen books. Check out her VOYA article: “From Forever to Today: The Importance of Sex in Young Adult Literature” and a recent interview with AS IF! (Authors Support Intellectual Freedom) in which she discusses sex, censorship, and Judy Blume. The new paperback includes a bonus Reading Guide.

Book Club Folks: If you have chat software and want Tanya to do a virtual book club visit, let her know. For a free bookmark and signed bookplate, email her at tanyastone@tanyastone.comRead an excerpt here. Download the Bad Boy Reading Guide here. In addition to her website, Tanya blogs at Live Journal and MySpace. But I think you should just buy the book!

Living the Dream

A bientot
love,
becky

Seamless Bikini

Seamless, stretch fabric - Moderate coverage - Tagless for comfort - Comfortable bikini - Daringly low, 4.5 inch rise
Maidenform: Seamless Bikini Content:
Body: 90% Nylon, 6% Spandex, 4% Other Fibers.
Country of Origin: Made in China

What A Lift Seamless Cup Camisole

Molded, seamless cups - Constructed of microfiber - 2nd layer of mesh in front
Nancy Ganz: What A Lift Seamless Cup Camisole
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Country of Origin: Made in Costa Rica

Florence Classic Bikini

Classic-fit bikini panty - Scalloped lace trim at legs - Satin trim - Constructed of semi-sheer mesh
Delicate embroidery and subtle ribbing on front panel - Sweet bow and keyhole detail in back - Modest, 6 inch rise
Simone Perele: Florence Classic Bikini
Content:
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Country of Origin: Made in France

Jolie Madame Triangle Bra

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La Perla Glamour: Jolie Madame Triangle Bra
Content:
Body: 70% Nylon, 15% Spandex, 10% Rayon, 5% Polyester.
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Belle Low Rise Bikini

Pretty floral embroidery throughout - 3 inch stretch, mesh waistband - Moderate coverage bikini panty - Constructed of sheer, stretch mesh - Daringly low, 4 inch rise
Cosabella: Belle Low Rise Bikini
Content:
78% Nylon, 15% Rayon, 5% Spandex, 2% Cotton.
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Belle Thong

Full front panel with bow - Minimal back with mesh - Satiny thong panty - High-cut thin sheer side panels - Constructed of satiny microfiber and mesh - 8-inch rise
Fantasie of England: Belle Thong
Content: 52% Nylon, 37% Polyester, 6% Elastane/Spandex, 5% Cotton
Country of Origin: Made in Tunisia

Hidden Charms Bikini

Stretch lace front panel and double-lined mesh body - Scalloped lace trim - Classic fit bikini panty
Constructed of stretch lace and mesh - Daringly low, 4.5 inch rise
Wacoal: Hidden Charms Bikini
Content: Back: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex. Lace: 91% Nylon, 9% Spandex. Gusset: 100% Cotton.
Country of Origin: Made in Thailand

Clara Bella Brief

Delicate bow on thin elastic waistband - Hand clipped French lace appliqué - Daringly low, 5 inch rise - Chic, sophisticated and truly luxurious - Moderate coverage, hi-cut brief - Constructed of silk and lace
Leigh Bantivoglio: Clara Bella Brief
Content:
Body: 100% Silk.
Lace: 100% Nylon.
Country of Origin: Made in China

Eyelet Lace Wide Side Thong

Delicate floral lace with eyelet detail at front - Soft mesh at back - Minimal coverage thong panty
Sheer, stretch lace and mesh - Pretty bow accent - Daringly low, 4 inch rise - Chic and flirtatious
Betsey Johnson Intimates: Eyelet Lace Wide Side Thong Content:
Lace: 78% Nylon, 18% Spandex, 4% Rayon.
Mesh: 94% Nylon, 6% Spandex.
Exclusive of elastic and decoration.
Country of Origin: Made in Philippines

Romantic Cosmos Tanga

Lace trim throughout lower portion - Sweet satin bow accent on center and back waistband - Alluring, minimal coverage tanga thong - Constructed of soft, stretch microfiber and lace - Modest, 6 inch rise
Aubade: Romantic Cosmos Tanga
Content: 60% Polyamide, 12% Cotton, 28% Elastane
Country of Origin: Made in France

Romantica Brazilian Bikini Brief

Delicate embroidery throughout - Really low, 5 inch rise - Constructed of sheer, stretch lace
Flirtatious, modern fit, bikini brief
La Perla Glamour: Romantica Brazilian Bikini Brief Content:
Body: 50% Nylon, 35% Cotton, 5% Spandex.
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

TAGGED!

I'm it!! I've been "tagged" by my good friend Chief Biscuit in New Zealand, celebrating a birthday today by the way. I now must do the following:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.

2. Each participant posts eight random facts about themselves.

3. Tagees should write a blogpost of eight random facts about themselves.

4. At the end of the post, eight more bloggers are tagged (named and shamed).

5. Go to their blog, leave a comment telling them they're tagged (cut and run).

All rightie then!! (Did that sound like New Zealand? More like Jim Carrey?)

I confess this will be hard to do if I am to avoid facts I have already given...maybe I can slide one or two in there. Maybe they won't be remembered. I'm sneaky sometimes. Also I invariably forget to keep the thing going. I was never any good at chain letters either. Here goes.

Fact #1: When I was in the second grade I ended up on the ground inside a circle of other children who were playing Little Teapot, or at least I think that's what it was, though I can't remember how to play it. I somehow got kicked in the front teeth. I was fine, but a few years later had a terrible abscess in my front tooth, which could have been caused by this teapot kick.

[GOOD GRIEF, is this the best she can do? Let's hope the pace picks up]

Fact #2: I hate superhero stuff. Comic books, movies, whatever. There's something wrong with me, I guess.

Every time I have let myself be lured into a Batman movie --oh Becky, you will love it!--I have regretted it. As soon as the movie starts, I am wondering what time it is. I am never going to another one.

Fact #3: I have rather cheap taste. Seriously. I think it's from my upbringing. Sorry, Mom. I got her leftover furniture all these years ago and have never replaced it. In fact, it's still sitting in the same place decades later. My reaction to this is: whatever.

Fact #4: I used to be a competent waterskier. I am not lying. I harbor a secret urge to try it again, though I'd probably end up with abscessed teeth and worse.

Fact #5: I am named for my great aunt Becky. I grew up being "little Becky" to her "big Becky." Big Becky was one of the first female linotype operators in the country at the Elmira Star-Gazette. She never married and was a union member. She used to visit us every year and cause trouble. I am very proud of my connection to her.

How am I doing? Do I have three more?

Fact #6: The first boy I ever kissed was a college kid (I was in high school). We drove up in my driveway, he put his arm around me (I knew it was coming) and stuck his tongue out as he aimed. Gross.

Fact #7: I now own a cell phone. I will post on this later. Civilization is coming to an end.

Fact #8: I can walk on stilts.

Probably won't be posting for a few days, dear reader, as I enjoy my vacay.

No doubt my hair will revert to its preferred restive state.

A bientot

love,

Becky

Jolie Jarden Demi Bra

Lace details at bustline - Ultra sheer mesh side wings and front straps - Constructed of ultra-sheer lace - Underwire, demi cups provide comfortable support - Molded bra - unlined, shaped, underwire cups - Signature logo printed on back straps - Back adjustable, stretch straps 1 column, 4 row hook and eye back closure
Malizia: Jolie Jarden Demi Bra
Content:
Body: 70% Nylon, 20% Spandex, 5% Rayon, 5% Polyester.
Country of Origin: Made in Italy

Embellished Underwire Bra

Foam lined cups for a natural-looking shape - Sweet bow accent on center gore - Constructed of mesh fabric - Delicate, pretty floral embroidery - Contour, molded bra - lined, shaped, underwire cups - Rigid, non-stretch straps for added support - 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure
Wonderbra : Embellished Underwire Bra
Content:
Cups: 54% Nylon, 36% Rayon, 8% Polyester 2% Other Fiber.
Back: 77% Nylon, 23% Spandex.
Cup Pad Lining: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton.
Center Belt and Straps: 43% Nylon, 43% Rayon, 12% Polyester, 2% Other Fiber.
Country of Origin: Made in Indonesia

Living the Cape Dream

I always think Cape Cod looks something like a guy holding his muscled arm up in the air. Provincetown would be his hand, Hyannis I think the elbow, and Falmouth the fleshy underarm. One of those Dr. Seuss dudes like the Grinch or Cat in the Hat, except we can't see his head. We're looking at him from the back.




Right?





Here's another look. It also could be someone's crooked finger, stuck out in the ocean beckoning someone over in England to get over here forthwith.



Really, I just wanted to say "forthwith" publicly and I'm over it now.














Here we are at one of our favorite places, Betsey's Diner in Falmouth. The advice in Betsey's window reminds everyone to "EAT HEAVY."


And it's in neon, folks, so what choice do we have?

The hash at Betsey's is divine (if you are my student, I'm referring to a meat dish, not an hallucinogenic substance, although you might see a few spots in front of your eyes after eating it).


We also like driving past the Nobska lighthouse in Falmouth. I think it's called the "Nob." It's very starkly beautiful as I guess are most lighthouses, but this one isn't difficult to get to, like many that you see on PBS. We like that. We're not into that "over hill and dale" thing.








You have to cross the Bourne Bridge to get to the Cape. Personally, I don't like bridges. I don't like to see them looming out of the distance. They scare me. Interestingly, I have talked to other people who say the same thing.




I pretty much have to grit my teeth getting across, especially if I am driving.







This is what you see when you first come across the bridge (over the Cape Cod Canal), this fun sort of topiary memorial to the cape. My friend's husband says he feels relaxed as soon as he gets to this point.



I am not a Massachusetts or New England native, so I am less relaxed and more worried about which road to take off the rotary.


There are restaurants and beaches, little shops with fabulous earrings and scarves, bookstores, statues and plaques (you gotta love statues and plaques).



And of course the really important stuff. Fellowship with my friends and a cone dipped in chocolate.



Almost Heaven. Wait. Is that slogan taken?

Living the Dream at the Cape

A bientot

love,
Becky

Betty Said It Best

Oh God, she said. What a dump. Did anyone tell the truth like BD? A friend of mine told me that long ago a news item on TV prompted her young daughter to ask what a prostitute was. My friend told her it was someone who liked to go to parties.

Well?

That's not wrong, is it?

My parents never said a word about sex. I had to figure it out from my friends, who told me some good ones.

I sat at the kitchen table doing homework with my friend Judy in the eighth grade. EIGHTH GRADE!!!

Enter Betty again.

GOD.

My mother left us for only a minute, disappearing down the basement stairs to get something, probably from the freezer.

"Do you know how a woman has a baby?" Judy said in a whisper.

"Yes," I said with confidence. "The sperm fertilizes the egg." I had just read this somewhere.

"No," said my friend. "That's not it."

Let's have Betty enter again, shall we?

GOD.

"It isn't?" I asked. In the time it took for the basement door to open, my friend told me the secret of life, the birds and the bees, the thing that every kid learns.

"The man puts his blah blah blah into the blah blah."

With that, my mother walked back into the kitchen. Judy and I sat there for a while. I think she nodded at me smugly. I said to my mother, "Judy's leaving now. I'm going to walk her halfway home."

I don't remember what my mother said. I'm sure her thoughts were on dinner.

My thoughts were on WHAT A TRAVESTY!! THIS CAN'T BE TRUE!!!

Judy explained it all by saying, "That's why the man gets on top of the woman."

I didn't know this.

I knew there was no Santa Claus. Hey. I found that out in sixth grade.

But this seemed really secret. It wasn't on television, there was no hint of it in family life, how could it be true? Nowadays of course, it's totally on television.

The only thing I can compare it to is the secrecy surrounding childbirth. And that is a BIG secret. Stay tuned.

Oh dear reader, I am deep into my novel now. It's giving me thoughts and making me think.

Oh god.

A bientot

love,

becky

Palatine String Bikini

Pretty lace with velvet trim waistband - Ruched detail on front panel - Minimal coverage thong panty - Constructed of stretch sheer mesh and lace - Daringly low, 4 inch rise
Aubade: Palatine String Bikini
Content:
Body: 72% Polyamide, 12% Cotton, 2% Viscose, 14% Elastane.
Country of Origin: Made in France

Modern Bride Chemise

Back self-tie for a fitted silhouette - Mesh trim at neckline - Flirty and sexy, pleated chemise
Constructed of ultra-sheer chiffon - Fully adjustable, non-stretch straps - A Wedding Day must-have
Flora Nikrooz: Modern Bride Chemise
Content:
Shell: 100% Polyester.
Back: 97% Nylon, 3% Spandex.
Country of Origin: Made in China

Florence Sheer Demi Cup Bra

Scalloped lace trim at front straps and bustline - Sweet bow at non-stretch center gore - Constructed of semi-sheer mesh - Delicate embroidery and subtle ribbing on cups - Molded bra - lightly lined, shaped, underwire cups - U-back for additional support - 3 column, 2 row hook and eye back closure
Simone Perele: Florence Sheer Demi Cup Bra
Content: Body: 79% Nylon, 14% Polyester, 7% Elastane.
Country of Origin: Made in France

Woman Conquers Lawn

How satisfying to know that I got this done in time for my Family Event last week. This of course is not my actual lawn, but IT LOOKS PRETTY GOOD, dear reader. If it weren't so dark out right now, I'd go take a picture of it.

So now my semi-annual entertaining is over until the second part of the semi--that being the hated holiday season (still six months away).

BOO

HISS

STAY AWAY!!!

I am writing a steady 500 words per day on the nun book. That isn't much, I know, but at least I am getting the story down. I am taking advice from a friend and not giving away too much in the beginning. Let 'em beg for it, that's what my friend says. And there's truth there.

FUN WITH TITLES

The Man Who Wore Underwear on His Feet

The Smile Inside

Insider Smiling

Twilight in the Bleachers

One Big Ice Cube

The Other Side of Summer

You Are Here

I am staying the course. Keeping my eye on the prize. Or at least the lane ahead of me.

Summer is nigh, dear reader.

Still Living the Dream

love,becky

GCC: Megan Crane

What a great concept for a book and one I can't wait to see explored. A "frenemy" is one of those supposed "friends" who really sabotage and backstab you--maybe with a smile on her face. Grr.

Just a few months shy of her 30th birthday, Gus discovers Nate, her “Mr. Right,” hooking up behind her back with her so-called “friend” Helen. Soon it seems despite working too hard to appear all grown up, Gus is still living the life of a teenager.
Gus is left with more questions than answers: Can she win Nate back before she turns 30 (And if so, does she really want him?) Is Helen really as devious and manipulative as she seems, or, worse, is Gus more like her frenemy Helen than she’d care to admit? And is she ever going to grow up? With the clock ticking down to her birthday, Gus discovers that sometimes the best thing about best-laid plans is trashing them altogether.
In FRENEMIES, Gus experiences first hand what happens when you reach that inevitable point in life when you must surrender yourself to adulthood and the big 3-0.
What People are Saying:
Jam-packed with hilarious one-liners and amusing scenarios, this is a quick, albeit very satisfying, read.”—Romantic Times BOOKClub Magazine

“FRENEMIES is a hugely enjoyable novel with brilliant, convincing characters and dialogue. It’s romantic, funny, intelligent, believable, and gripping. I couldn’t put it down and am now very sorry it’s finished!”— Marian Keyes, international bestselling author of Angels and Last Chance Saloon

About the Author:
Megan Crane is a New Jersey native who graduated from Vassar and got her MA and PhD in literature from the University of York in England. She is the author of Everyone Else’s Girl and English as a Second Language. She currently lives in Los Angeles. Take a trip over to Megan's website.



A bientot
love,
becky