"In the Lives of Puppets" by TJ Klune - A Hilarious and Heartfelt Adventure Book Review

Hey everyone! I've got an absolute gem of a book to share with you today—"In the Lives of Puppets" by TJ Klune. If you enjoy stories that are both hilarious and heartwarming, then you’re in for a treat! I read this book last year, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! The characters are so lovable, and I found myself laughing out loud so many times, especially with Nurse Ratched and Rambo. So, let’s dive into this fantastic adventure and see what makes it so special.

Imagine "Swiss Family Robinson" meets "Wall-E" in the woods. That's the vibe of this fantastic standalone fantasy from the beloved New York Times and USA Today bestselling author TJ Klune. He takes us on an extraordinary journey deep into the heart of a peculiar forest, following a family assembled from spare parts.

In this strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, we meet three robots: the fatherly inventor android Giovanni Lawson, a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, and a small vacuum desperate for love and attention. Victor Lawson, a human, lives there too, making them a unique and hidden family.

One day, Vic salvages and repairs an unfamiliar android labeled "HAP." He soon discovers a dark past shared between Hap and Gio—a past that involves hunting humans. Things take a wild turn when Hap accidentally alerts robots from Gio's former life to their location, putting the family's safety at risk. Gio is captured and taken back to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams.

Determined to save Gio, Vic and his assembled family embark on a journey across an unforgiving and otherworldly country. Along the way, Vic grapples with feelings of betrayal and affection for Hap, forcing him to decide whether he can accept love with strings attached.

Inspired by Carlo Collodi's "The Adventures of Pinocchio," "In the Lives of Puppets" is a masterful stand-alone fantasy adventure from TJ Klune, the author who brought us "The House in the Cerulean Sea" and "Under the Whispering Door."

If you’re into heartfelt, funny, and whimsical stories, "In the Lives of Puppets" is a must-read. It’s got a perfect mix of adventure, humor, and emotional depth that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

I hope you find my review of "In the Lives of Puppets" by TJ Klune helpful and inspiring. If you’ve had the chance to read the book, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—please leave a comment below. Your feedback helps build our wonderful reading community.

If you feel inclined to support this ongoing effort, your contributions are greatly appreciated. Additionally, if you'd like to show some love and support in other ways, feel free to do so—every little bit helps in continuing this literary journey. Thank you! 

From Homeless to Prepared: A Peek Inside My Manbag

Ever wonder what it's like to carry everything you own with you at all times? Well, let me take you on a journey through the world of a self-proclaimed packrat with a touch of OCD—me! From backpacks and lunchboxes in my younger days to the latest and greatest manbags, my journey has been one of overpacking and overthinking. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the quirky contents of my trusty manbag.

Most people who know me in real life are well aware that I'm somewhat of a packrat. Actually, if I'm being honest, it's more than just "somewhat." This OCD thing touches every aspect of my world. When I was younger, I had backpacks and lunchboxes to stash all my stuff. But when I hit the streets in Atlanta and NYC back in 1992, carrying a backpack seemed to draw a lot of attention from store salespeople.

I quickly found it best to downsize to the bare essentials. That way, I would rarely be asked to check my bag, and if I was, they wouldn't have any reason to question why I had so much stuff. One thing I learned quickly was to never tell the staff at FAO Schwartz or Sam Goody that I was homeless and carried everything I owned with me. That is, until I discovered the place I tricked out behind an abandoned house in New Jersey, and then the amount of my belongings grew substantially. If I did have to check my bag and the clerk asked why it was so heavy, my standard response became something like, "I'm visiting my uncle or dad." It totally worked, especially because of my Southern accent—it was a real kicker. This was before I learned to cover up the accent.

Once I left NYC, I found it hard to part with "the essentials." To this day, I still carry stuff around with me as I did when I was homeless, but my carry-all bag is now known as my manbag. I have four manbags—one is technically a laptop bag, and another is a laptop backpack.

Have you ever noticed that when you ask someone, "What's in your bag?" most people won't tell you? In fact, they'll go out of their way to avoid further conversation on the topic. What's in there? Government secrets? People can be so touchy about petty stuff. It's just that—STUFF. So, what's in my manbag? Let's break it down:

Contents of My Manbag:

• Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping germs at bay, especially after touching public surfaces or before eating. Remember, it's not just for Covid.

• Epi-Pen: A lifesaver for someone with severe allergies. Luckily, I've never had to use it, but it's always good to be prepared.

• Prep H Pads: Handy for relieving any discomfort or irritation. Not glamorous, but practical.

• Pain Meds: For pain management. These are something I keep around just in case I have a severe headache or any other sudden pain. During my homeless years, I never bothered with meds and suffered through toothaches, migraines, colds, the flu, and nausea. I would rather die than go through all of that without some sort of assistance.

• 4 Color BIC Pen: Super useful for organizing notes or highlighting different things in my journal or planner.

• Mechanical Pencil: Always good to have for making notes or sketching ideas on the go.

• Notebook: This is my portable idea bank. I jot down thoughts, to-dos, and anything else that comes to mind.

• Out-of-Date Penny Press Word Search: A fun way to pass the time and keep my brain active during downtimes.

• Rechargeable Portable Fan: A lifesaver on hot days. It’s small but mighty and helps keep me cool.

• Mini Mary Hanson Roberts Tarot Cards: Great for quick readings or just a bit of fun. They’re compact and easy to carry. I don't break out the tarot cards as much as I used to, though. Not that I've lost my touch, just not really interested in the attention a public reading brings.

• Lighter: Always useful, whether for lighting a candle, starting a fire, or just in case of an emergency.

• Swiss Army Knife: I used to have a Leatherman Mini, but it was stolen many years back. No matter which, they come in handy more often than you’d think, especially when I was homeless—cutting, opening packages, minor repairs, you name it. Except when I go to work—even though I am cleared to take necessary tools into the airport, this isn't needed for my job though it would come in handy at times.

• Lotion: Hand sanitizer dries out your hands, so it's always good to moisturize, especially when you never know when you're going to have to shake someone's hand. Dry hands are embarrassing.

• Gum or Hard Candy: Just because.

• Lip Balm: Keeps my lips from getting chapped, plus it tastes pretty good too.

Things that I Used to Carry but Have Been Outmoded by Other Stuff:

• Digital Camera: Now we all rely on our phones, and it took me a while to break away from a dedicated camera, but phones are just as good for higher-quality photos.

• Creative Zen Touch MP3 Player: My old-school music player. I loved it until Terry upgraded me to an iPod Touch for Christmas many years ago. Much like the Digital Camera, the iPod has been replaced by my phone.

Yup, I was once a Boy Scout. Their motto is "Be Prepared," and that, I am.

The thoughtful Christmas 2024 gift from Terry. ❤️

Now, let's talk about the fantastic gift I received this past Christmas. Terry gifted me an amazing large messenger bag. He was itching to give it to me before my trip to Orlando, knowing it would be the perfect size for me to travel with as my personal item on Frontier Airlines, but I didn't want to take away from his or my Christmas morning excitement. At first, I thought it was a little too big, but when I realized my 14-inch laptop that I use for almost everything, including this blog, fit perfectly, I knew it was just right. Though I love it, much like ladies with their handbags, you can never have enough things to carry stuff in. Given that I am required to carry clear bags to work, I've been searching high and low for a clear crossbody bag large enough for my larger 15-inch laptop and the accessories mentioned above.

So, what about you? Do you carry a bag or a manbag with you? My favorites are pretty much the standard waxed canvas bags, similar to the ones at Army Surplus stores. I wish I could find one large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop into, but no such luck for me. If I could carry my laptop around in one, I would, but it seems the typical messenger bags they make nowadays aren't really big enough. And if they are, they don't have enough padding to keep the laptop safe. What's inside your bag, and why do you carry those items? Let's swap stories—leave a comment below and share your essentials. You never know; you might inspire someone to add a new must-have to their own bag!

If you've got any cool ideas for must-have items or if you come across an awesome messenger bag that you think I'd love, feel free to let me know. Your suggestions and contributions are always appreciated. Thank you!

Lisa Vroman's Broadway Classic: An Enchanting Journey Through Theatre Hits

Lisa Vroman Broadway Classic

Today's music review is all about the amazing album by Lisa Vroman entitled Broadway Classic. I had to pleasure of seeing Lisa perform the role of Christine several times during her time with various productions of the show. Lisa Vroman performed as the original alternate Christine in the Music Box Tour of Phantom before moving on to San Francisco as the principal Christine for the show's five-year run. Miss Vroman went on to perform the role for several years on Broadway and again with the Music Box Tour. While I love most of the ladies I've seen as Christine (25 of them) if someone asks of the ones I've seen which is my favorite and I usually reply, I liked all of them for one reason or another so I couldn't narrow it down to just one. With that said, Lisa was consistently perfect throughout every performance I'd seen and her voice effortlessly flowed from her in a mesmorizing way. If any future Christine needed one to research for their role, Lisa is the one to take notes from.

Lisa Vroman as Christine

Lisa's Broadway Classic album, a sixteen-track CD produced in 1999, holds a special place in my heart. The moment I saw it in the Borders bookstore I frequented, the very same one I'd worked at for a few years, I bought the only copy in the store. Before I even left the store, I had already queued up her stellar rendition of "Think of Me" on my trusty Philips Portable CD Player, her mesmerizing voice flowing through my headphones. During the brief time I hosted an internet radio show, I frequently played tracks from Lisa's CD and was consistently asked by listeners where they could get a copy. To this day, Lisa's album remains one of my all-time favorite Phantom-related CDs. Backed by the San Francisco Radio Orchestra, the lush orchestrations can fill any room, depending on your sound system. Lisa's voice is nothing short of enchanting.

Lisa's Broadway Classic album isn't just about her incredible renditions of Phantom tunes; those are merely a fraction of what she masters. Some might argue that Julie Andrews' version of the legendary Rodgers & Hammerstein tune "The Sound of Music" is the definitive recording, but once you hear Lisa's rendition, you might find yourself reconsidering. Maury Yeston's "Unusual Way," a song I have cherished since hearing it performed by Dave Willetts, Elaine Paige, and my friend Jonathan Frank, receives a masterclass treatment from Lisa.

Lisa isn't just well-versed in modern theatre tunes; she delves into the works of Lerner & Loewe, as well as the iconic Leonard Bernstein. Her versatility shines through each track, making this CD a must-have for theatre music aficionados. Phantom enthusiasts will be particularly enchanted. I could sing the praises of this CD for days; it’s truly outstanding. Miss Vroman's performances of "Think of Me" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" make this CD worth every penny; the rest is just the cherry on top.

Though this is a CD review and I touch on the times I've seen Lisa live in The Phantom of the Opera, in the future, I will be featuring my thoughts and profiles on the ladies and gentlemen I've seen in The Phantom of the Opera over the years, just as I am doing with my Saturday GLOWcase series which features the cast, crew, and fans of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.

If you’ve had the chance to listen to this CD or see Lisa perform live, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your comments below! If you enjoyed this review and would like to support future content, your contributions are greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🎶

Buy & Save on this and other great NEW & used CD's, Records and Tape on eBay.

Boo: The Unexpected Emotional Support Cat

Not Boo but pretty close to what I remember

Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. During one of the most challenging periods of my life, while staying with my dad and striving to overcome addiction, I found myself yearning for a pet duck. Despite not being a bird enthusiast, I felt an inexplicable connection to the idea. Unfortunately, our living situation wasn't suitable for a duck. Little did I know, my dad's alternative gift would change my life in ways I couldn't imagine—a solid white kitten named Boo.

In our rented trailer on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, Alabama, I now had a little ghost kitty with the brightest blue eyes. He was adorable, and being solid white, I named him Boo. I took care of his litter box daily, brushed him, and essentially did everything I would normally do with a dog. Somehow, Boo turned out to be more dog-like, exhibiting very few feline traits. Sometimes, while I was reading in the bathtub, Boo would jump in the water with me, as if he wanted to relax and enjoy the warm water too. He slept next to my pillow every night, often touching my face with a paw or his tail. It felt like he knew I needed companionship; he was doing what his instincts told him to, keeping me in check and reminding me that he was there. Boo became my emotional support kitty, even though that concept wasn't widely recognized back then.

When the landlord, a portly redneck woman, discovered we had a cat in the trailer, she said we broke the lease and needed to move out. Getting rid of Boo wasn't an option for my emotional state, so we moved back to Florida and lived in a rented doublewide trailer with a fireplace. Boo enjoyed the cool breeze that blew through the fireplace and spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to get into it. I was always afraid he would get in, and attempt to climb up the pipe and get stuck.

Boo stayed by my side, especially during the nights when my urges to drink or use substances were the strongest. Each morning, he would wander in and out of the little pet door on one of the two back doors in the trailer, choosing to do his business outside, which saved us a lot on litter. Eventually, we stopped buying litter altogether because he preferred going outside—yet another trait that made him seem more like a dog than a cat.

I can't remember which hurricane it was, but we rode it out in my mom's apartment in Pensacola with my dad's golden retriever, Pat, my sister Becki, my brother-in-law Andy, and their orange cat, Peanut. Boo got along well with cantakerous Peanut. When my dad, Boo, and I returned to find our trailer park flooded with about two feet of water, my dad drove his pickup truck through the water to reach the front stairs of our trailer. Boo wasn't interested in going inside; when we opened the door of the truck, he jumped into the water and started swimming, exploring his surroundings. I knew he would come back home safely.

As I prepared to leave Florida for my next adventure, I was looking for accommodations that would allow me to bring Boo along. He wasn't just my pet; he was my sober buddy and my conscience when it came to staying clean. Tragically, one afternoon, my brother-in-law brought devastating news: Boo had been hit and killed by a neighbor speeding through the trailer park in the type of truck men drive to compensate for their manhood. The neighbor claimed Boo was already dead or asleep in the driveway, but I knew that wasn't true, Boo was a smart little boy. My kitty, who kept me sober and even swam through the trailer park, was gone.

After that, I vowed never to get attached to a cat again, until many years later wheen Terry and I ended up with my mom's kitty, Callie. Sadly, after five months of caring for Callie, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and had to be put to sleep.

Boo was more than just a pet; he was a lifeline during a turbulent period of my life. His companionship provided me with the emotional support I needed to stay on track and face my challenges. While losing Boo was devastating, the bond we shared left a lasting impact on me. Pets like Boo remind us of the importance of companionship and the strength we can find in unexpected places. Even though my journey with Boo ended tragically, the memories and lessons from our time together continue to inspire me to persevere through life's challenges.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with pets who've made a difference in your life. Please feel free to leave comments or share your own stories. If you enjoyed this story and would like to support my writing, any contributions are greatly appreciated and help me continue sharing these heartfelt tales. Thank you for your kindness and support!

From Mama's Kitchen: The Story and Recipe—Celebrating My Mama's Spaghetti

Hello, dear readers! (and my sister, Becki),

Today, I want to share a special entry dedicated to my mama's spaghetti, a dish that was loved by many in our family, even though it wasn't my personal favorite due to my aversion to tomatoes. This story is meant to highlight the uniqueness of my mama's cooking and to clarify that her spaghetti was truly cherished by those who enjoyed it.

A few days ago, I wrote about my humorous journey with spaghetti and how it was never really my thing. If it seemed like I was making fun of my mama's cooking, I want to set the record straight, that was not my intent. The story was not about her cooking, but rather my general dislike for the dish, no matter who cooks it. While I may have a love-hate relationship with spaghetti, I have great respect for my mama's culinary skills. She excelled in Home Economics during her junior high and high school years, and many of her recipes were based on what she learned during the 1950s and 1960s. Her spaghetti sauce was homemade, and though ketchup was added sometimes, it was never the main ingredient. This addition of ketchup was likely due to the occasional absence of tomato paste, adding a bit more acidity and texture to the final product.

To be fair, my dislike for spaghetti somewhat stems from my dislike of tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions—all of which my mama loved and used generously in her cooking. Despite my distaste for these ingredients, there were some dishes my mama cooked that I absolutely loved, like her fried pork chops, tuna casserole, and even liver and onions, which I enjoyed despite my usual dislike of onions.

Back to the tomato thing—although I didn't like tomatoes, I did love lasagna and pizza, both of which my mama and my sister were amazing at making. My sister, Becki Manning Dannelly, especially loved our mama's spaghetti. This post is dedicated to her.

Pheroldine “Dee” Manning Lyons' Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef (the ratio doesn’t matter because we got whatever was on sale or cheapest)

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 cup of bell peppers, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (she usually just used minced garlic from a jar or garlic powder)

• 1 14-ounce can of whole tomatoes, drained and cut up

• 1 14-ounce can stewed tomatoes, cut up, reserve the liquid to add to sauce

• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste

• 1/4 cup parsley (I don’t think she ever had any on hand and since you don’t taste it, it’s not important)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (dark or light, she used whatever was on hand)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed

• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine onion, bell pepper, meat, and garlic; cook until meat is browned and onion is tender.

2. Skim off excess grease; add the rest of the ingredients along with 2 cups of water.

3. Simmer, uncovered, until sauce is thick, which usually takes a few hours. Your house will have a distinct tomato-ish smell; stir occasionally.

4. Remove bay leaf.

Serve over hot spaghetti pasta, or like my mama would do, just dump the hot spaghetti into the pot as a one pot wonder and stir it all together then serve on a plate…with a squirt of ketchup on top or grated parmesan cheese if we had it (and if the container wasn’t empty from my sister and I randomly eating handfuls of it).

Don't forget the garlic bread! Mama would use whatever bread we had on hand for garlic bread—hot dog buns, hamburger buns, sandwich bread, and if we were lucky, she made some from her delicious homemade sourdough bread.

This sauce recipe was sort of the same she used for her lasagna but without the bell pepper, which we didn’t get often because it involved a bit more work. But when we did, it was basically party night for our family. Especially since she doubled the ingredients to ensure she had enough meat sauce to fill her 9x13 baking pan that she used for everything from cake to casseroles. I’ll share her actual recipe for lasagna in the future, but for now, enjoy my mama’s spaghetti and feel free to make your own tweaks.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I'd love to hear your thoughts and memories about your own family recipes in the comments below. If you enjoyed this story and recipe, feel free to share it with your friends. Your support, whether through comments or contributions, means the world to me and helps keep this blog going!

Happy cooking!

Saturday GLOWcase: Celebrating Angel - The Badass Biker Chick of GLOW

Angel, played by Andrea Laird Micheil, was a gymnast from the age of six through high school and a Theater Arts major in college. She was working with a casting firm, performing as an extra in various TV and film productions when she went to an audition for athletic women for GLOW.

At the audition, she asked, "What does GLOW mean?" When they said, "Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling," she replied, "I can do that." They asked, "What makes you think so?" and she said, "I don't have to land on my feet anymore." The rest is history. Shortly thereafter, she was in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel, and two weeks later, she was teaching girls how to do somersaults.

Unlike most of the ladies, Andrea created her own character. She knew she would be a bad girl, and her badass persona really fit the character she became. "Angel, don't let the name fool you!" became her tagline. She performed as Andrea Jackson (a good girl) for one fight in Germany and as Hot Rod Andie for various promotions, including POWW, another David McLane promotion. Andrea made her debut during the second season of GLOW and quickly realized that many of the girls had no athletic ability whatsoever. Just two weeks after arriving, she was literally teaching them how to do somersaults. Doing backflips off the top turnbuckle was no easy task for most, but for Andrea, it was a breeze. She wasn't a wrestling fan and had no idea how to wrestle; aside from learning moves by watching wrestling on TV, she and many of the other ladies would have been lost in the ring. TV was their trainer.

The ladies watched wrestling moves on TV and then tried to figure them out in their hotel rooms or during rehearsals before taping days. Andrea would come to the ring and start teaching the ladies wrestling moves she barely knew herself, but she had confidence in spades. Some of the season one girls knew a bit thanks to their brief time with Mondo Guerrero and were able to learn from them as well.

I started watching GLOW after Andrea had already left the promotion, but I had the pleasure of meeting her in 2016 on the Queen Mary. We spent a week on the Carnival Imagination with her and many other GLOW ladies. I not only learned about her wrestling career and the friendships it afforded her, but I also got to know the real person behind her GLOW persona and her incredibly sweet husband, Stephen.

The first night I met her was the only time I talked to her about GLOW. After that, I was more interested in Andrea than Angel. She was more than the badass biker chick; she was intelligent, outgoing, and one of those people who isn't happy until everyone around her is having a good time. The night we met, she shared with me insights about her time with GLOW and the fact that she was one of the people involved in "selling" the show to TV stations before it aired. She also talked about the fate of a few of her fellow wrestlers, including her GLOW & POWW tag team partner Attache/Genie Beret.

Andrea shared a story about Matt Cimber and David McLane giving the ladies the choice to vote on whether they should go on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters or a solo tour of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. The show had just started airing, and they weren't yet well-known. Wrestling was becoming popular again, and characters were coming to life. Before the vote, Andrea gathered the girls and said, "If we want to be taken seriously as wrestlers, we should go on tour by ourselves." The Globetrotters, despite being good players, were more about comedy. They voted to go solo, but Matt Cimber wasn’t happy. That decision led to David McLane leaving GLOW and taking many of the ladies with him to start a new promotion while Matt continued GLOW with season 3 and 4, featuring a new cast and a handful from seasons 1 and 2.

Upon leaving GLOW, Andrea and the other GLOW ladies weren't allowed to use their GLOW names due to a tight contract. Andrea's character remained basically the same, though her name became Hot Rod Andie instead of Angel. Tina Ferrari was known as Nina, and some of the other GLOW ladies either used similar characters or created totally new ones. Michele Duze, who created the first Dementia in GLOW, played the Russian character in POWW.

She got yelled at for this but this is one of my favorite moments with Angel

After wrestling, Andrea did stunt work, acted in movies, and moved to Reno, NV, where she worked as a liquor sales rep. Sadly, Andrea passed away from Covid-19 on January 18, 2022. Andrea's presence in and out of the ring will be fondly remembered by all who encountered her unique persona.

As we reminisce about the legacy of Andrea "Angel" Laird Micheil, I invite you to share your own stories and memories of her. Whether you had the pleasure of meeting her in person, watched her dazzling performances, or were inspired by her strength and charisma, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave comments and share your cherished moments. Let's celebrate the life of this remarkable woman together!

Confessions of a Tabloid Enthusiast: Crafting Fantastical Stories

I've always loved fantasy stories and things that are too good to be true. My life reads a lot like that, but it's totally true. So, it should come as no surprise that I love tabloids. Not the celeb news though—I’m not a Perez Hilton, National Enquirer, or Star fan. I couldn't care less if Britney’s snatch is blue, Lady Gaga fired her crew, or they found Michael Jackson’s nose in Bubble’s poo. I don’t know those people, and I’m not interested in their drama. I don’t read much in terms of newspapers or watch the news unless something important is going on in the world that I need to be informed about, and even then, I somehow know what’s going on. Tabloids are just so much more fun to read anyway.

Give me Bat Boy or stories of a 500-pound infant and his mom who’s a mere 97 pounds. I don’t mind GLOBE or National Examiner—they feature stories of real people along with a little bit of celeb fluff. My favorite was Weekly World News, but the only thing that remained in print similar to WWN is the SUN and it's no longer printed wither. WWN is online now, but it’s just not the same as when I was a kid. When I was younger, I’d secretly ride my bike down to the Jr. Food Store, where other kids spent their money on candy, sodas, Slush Puppies, and bags of potato chips, while I spent mine on the Weekly World News and a cheap Faygo Root Beer. It would take me a week to read the stories in the paper completely and then a day or so to reskim it and enjoy the advertisements.

Did I care if the stories were made up? Nope. I loved that part of them. There was something magical about headlines like "Woman’s Breast Implants Explode Thanks to Low Flying 747." Did I believe it? At the time, yes. And even now, I’m sure there was some truth to some of the stories. The point of a tabloid is to go into them knowing there is a requirement to suspend your disbelief. You can’t deny the entertainment value in stories with headlines like "Grossed Out Surgeon Vomits in Patient" or "North Korean Sub Probing US Lake: Is Kim Jong Il Poised to Attack?"

Silly purchases? Definitely. Waste of money? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

During a period in my life, I even became a content provider for a tabloid paper. It was an incredible experience to let my imagination run wild and create the most random, outlandish stories. There was something so satisfying about concocting tales that were just on the edge of believability, playing with the fine line between reality and fantasy. I loved the process of making up these stories, knowing they would entertain and astonish readers, just as the Weekly World News had done for me as a kid. It was a dream come true to contribute to the world of tabloid journalism, even if it was just for a while.

What about you? Do you have any favorite tabloid stories or memories of reading them? Have you ever worked on something similarly creative and whimsical? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below!

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall - Hilarious LGBTQIA+ Romcom Book Review

I can't believe it's taken me this long to review "Boyfriend Material" by Alexis Hall, but I have to say, it's a hilarious and heartwarming read! Terry gifted me this book for Christmas 2022, along with the sequel "Husband Material," and I absolutely fell in love with the characters. 🌈

This LGBTQIA+ romantic comedy centers around Luc O’Donnell, who’s reluctantly famous thanks to his rock star dad. When Luc ends up in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, he needs some serious damage control to save his reputation. That’s where Oliver Blackwood comes in. Oliver is everything Luc is not—handsome, successful, and scandal-free. He’s an ethical vegetarian and totally put together. Basically, he’s perfect boyfriend material.

To fix his public image, Luc comes up with a plan: fake dating Oliver. But as their fake relationship starts to feel a lot more real, both Luc and Oliver have to decide if they’re ready to fight for their new romance, despite the scandals and consequences that might come their way.

The chemistry between Luc and Oliver is off the charts, and their journey from fake dating to real feelings is full of laughs, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments. Alexis Hall does a fantastic job of blending humor with genuine emotion, making this book an absolute delight to read.

I actually read this back in April 2023 and just got around to writing my review, but the story has stayed with me ever since. If you’re into romantic comedies with a twist and loveable characters, "Boyfriend Material" is definitely a must-read. Huge thanks to Terry for this amazing Christmas gift—I flew through both this and its sequel, "Husband Material," pretty fast and can't wait to see what Alexis Hall has in store for Luc and Oliver in the future!

Rekindling a Love for Model Building: From Childhood Memories to Carnival Rides

As a kid, my sister Becki was always fascinated by cars and vehicles—a passion that far surpassed my own interest. I vividly remember our time in the little yellow house at the end of Easter Lane in Mobile. I was just about to start kindergarten when Becki began building model cars from kits she or our parents bought from TG&Y or K-Mart.

Becki was meticulous and fast when it came to building her models. I loved watching her progress; from box to completion, it never took her more than a few days before she moved on to the next project. These weren’t the snap-together models that started appearing in stores towards the end of the 1980s and early 1990s; these were the kind that required real effort and skill. I remember the sound of the plastic pieces being removed from the sprue, the bright light she aimed at her workspace, and the distinctive smell of Testors enamel paint and modeling glue. Once you smell Testors enamel paint or modeling glue, you'll never forget it.

Personally, I never had a strong interest in car models, but I appreciated the hobby for others. I loved that model kits were so accessible. There was usually a whole aisle dedicated to models, with kits and the tools to build, paint, and display the finished product available in stores like K-Mart, TG&Y, and Woolco. For many years, Walmart also carried a good selection of models, paint, and glue, but it seems they have since discontinued their model section. Thankfully, stores like Hobby Lobby, Hobbytown, and Michaels still carry a decent supply of paints, glues as well as model, ship, airplane and car kits.

Bobe's Hobby House, sadly permanently closed

Some of my best memories involved walking through Bobe’s Hobby House in Pensacola, Florida, which was owned by my friend Katie’s grandfather. There, I saw a box with a model of my absolute favorite carnival ride, the Skywheel. I begged my mama to buy it for me, but she flat out said no and bought me a small balsa wood airplane instead, which I destroyed within a couple of minutes of playing with in our backyard. A few years later, I saw the same model in the “Things You Never Knew Existed” catalog printed by the Johnson Smith Company and added it to my Christmas list. Unfortunately, model kits would never be part of my childhood. I'm not sure if my parents thought I didn’t have the attention span or feared the models would just sit and collect dust if they even made it to completion.

It wasn’t until the late 1990s, when Terry and I were living in Smyrna, Georgia, that I walked into a hobby shop on South Cobb Drive and saw that exact same model kit sitting on the shelves among thousands of others. The brand was called IHC, and the packaging looked quite basic with a drawing of a Skywheel and a brief description of what’s inside the box. It also mentioned the model could be motorized—how cool is that? My sister’s model cars were static and just cool to look at but never moved. While browsing the section, I realized that IHC not only created the Skywheel model kit but a whole line of carnival ride models like the Spider, a Flying Bobs-type ride called Thunderbolt, as well as a regular Ferris Wheel and other rides, games and concessions like one would see set up at a fair. I ended up buying the Skywheel, Thunderbolt, and Spider, along with some modeling glue, paint brushes, and other tools to work on my new models.

Out of the box, the models didn’t look like the pictures. They were basic colors that didn’t even match the actual rides, and the artwork that came with them was not self-stick decals but crudely drawn and colored renderings of generic art. However, the directions were good.

I assembled my Thunderbolt within an hour of getting home, but something about it bothered me—the colors, the artwork, the way the ride cars hung from the center point. Not sure what it was, perhaps a bit of everything, so I decided to disassemble what wasn’t permanently glued on and see about making it more realistic. Then my attention swayed over to the next model before I could really get it together again. Perhaps my parents knew I would do this, but I still enjoyed working on each one of them on and off. That year, Terry gave me several models that I hadn’t yet purchased as well as several motors for them. He’s always been good at picking up on what I want for Christmas and did a great job that year.

Though the IHC models weren’t exactly realistic, they were good for learning what modeling is about, and I soon discovered another brand called Faller. Faller not only made carnival models but detailed ones that looked just like the real thing, some even coming with lighting. Faller offered more than just carnival rides; they had roller coasters too. I purchased two roller coasters, completely assembled them, but unfortunately, they were destroyed during an incident in our old apartment.

IHC and Faller weren’t the only players in the carnival ride model game. Some individuals began creating their own kits, such as RAH Models owned by Ronald Hamm and Renauld's Midway Miniatures built by Warren Renauld, as well as the incredibly detailed working models made by Don Cummins. While the RAH models involved a bit more knowledge in what’s known as “kit bashing” to make assembly and theming more realistic, Ronald offered an array of rides that could fill an entire state fair if they were full-sized rides.

Over the years, I’ve not touched my models, many of which are unfinished or even taken apart for retheming but just not completed. I have, however, followed many groups dedicated to the hobby and am friends with many very talented men who create their own carnival models from various items as well as IHC, RAH and Faller kits. My friend Kenny Littlechild, for instance, has created a layout of rides that are elaborately detailed yet made from long matchsticks, cardboard, and other basic items.

Being that I enjoy working with my hands, writing, and a million other things, I have decided to start working on the old ride models I already have, get them complete, and move on to more—perhaps even recreating a classic layout of my favorite years from the fairs I have attended.

I will be sharing photos of my completed models as I finish them. Though I wouldn't hold my breath too long, as it will probably take me a while for some of them since many have suffered damage from being shuffled around and stored in closets and under beds. Stay tuned for updates and progress pictures!

Black Box Dreamland & Mixed Up

Black Box's debut album Dreamland (1990) and its follow-up Mixed Up! (1991) are iconic gems of the Italo house and Eurodance genres. This came out when I was in high school and I happened upon it in a used CD store in Pensacola and the cover drew me in. Dreamland features the unforgettable hit "Ride on Time," which became a global dancefloor anthem. The album also includes the biggest tracks of Black Box's history "Everybody Everybody" and "Strike It Up," both featuring the powerful vocals of Martha Wash, who was initially uncredited. The album was produced by Groove Groove Melody and released under RCA Records.

Mixed Up! is a remix album that builds on the success of Dreamland. It includes remixes of popular tracks like "Ride on Time" and "Everybody Everybody," offering fresh takes on these dance anthems. The album showcases the production talents of Groove Groove Melody and features additional remixes by artists like Steve "Silk" Hurley. The vocal contributions of Martha Wash remain a highlight, adding depth and energy to the remixes. This one flew under my radar until I took a stroll through Camelot Music in Lenox Mall in 1992. Realizing it was an album of remixes, this was a no brainer for me to pick up.

Both albums are essential listens for fans of house music and Eurodance, capturing the vibrant club culture of the early '90s. The combination of infectious beats, memorable hooks, and powerful vocals makes these albums timeless classics that continue to resonate with listeners today.

Buy & Save on these and other great NEW & used CD's, Records and Tape on eBay.

Spaghetti Chronicles: From Depression-Era Dishes to Casserole Bliss

Spaghetti seems to be a classic "Italian-American" dish, despite its Italian roots. I've never understood the draw of this generally bland and uninspiring meal that is found in typical American homes, I'm not talking about the ones that do it right with actual Italian recipes but the ones that do it with few ingredients. I guess the appeal lies in its simplicity: a cheap, three-ingredient, one-pot wonder. Boil pasta, brown meat, add sauce, mix together, and eat. A blessing for the time challenged or those clueless in the kitchen.

As a kid, I dreaded the nights I'd walk into the kitchen and see a boiling pot of pasta and a bottle of ketchup next to the stove. This always meant one thing: I would be eating garlic bread for dinner and essentially going to bed hungry. I'm not exactly sure where my mom picked up her recipe for spaghetti, but I assume it may have come from her mother, a woman not known for her culinary skills. Of course, my mom's recipe included more than just ground beef, pasta, and ketchup; it also had LOTS and LOTS of bell peppers and onions. The sight of ketchup was enough to make me lose my appetite.

This could have been me

While working on this blog, I discovered that ketchup-based pasta dishes date back to the Great Depression. In fact, it's a main ingredient in a dish known as Depression Spaghetti, which was more widespread than I thought. I have a feeling it may have been featured in a swanky magazine like Good Housekeeping or Harper's, possibly as an ad for a ketchup brand disguised as a recipe.

My disdain for spaghetti was solidified at a Cub Scout Camp-o-ree. I walked into the main bathroom and my spaghetti days were over. Some kid had puked and left what appeared to be two pots of spaghetti in the restroom. It must have been a violent ordeal because it was EVERYWHERE, and the smell was a cross between Spaghetti-O's and... well... vomit. I couldn't imagine why there was SO much in the bathroom. It was almost like he came directly from a spaghetti eating contest or that's what he had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a few days, perhaps the reason his body rejected it.

Terry loves spaghetti, but we rarely have it. I hate it to the point that I have to clear my mind of everything and hum while I eat it. It took me a long time to overcome my aversion to spaghetti pasta. I mainly poured meat sauce on garlic bread and called it a meal.

Just for shits and giggles, here's a copy of Depression Spaghetti I found online. Brave enough to try it?

Depression Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 lb ground meat, browned with diced onion

• Spaghetti noodles, boiled and drained

• 1/2 stick butter, melted

• 24 oz bottle of ketchup

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil spaghetti noodles until tender, then drain.

2. Mix with browned meat and onion.

3. Add melted butter, ketchup, sugar, and salt & pepper.

4. Stir well and serve.

If you hate it, don't blame me... I don't eat that stuff. It's a meal for less than five bucks anyway. Now if you're looking for something that's an amazing no-fail meal, follow the recipe below and let me know what you think!

Easy-Bake Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package of spaghetti

• 1 pound of lean ground beef

• 1 (16-ounce) jar of spaghetti sauce

• ½ cup butter, sliced (divided)

• 1 (8-ounce) container of cottage cheese

• 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese (softened)

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1 (8-ounce) package of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of lightly salted water and cook the spaghetti until it's done but still a bit firm (about 8 to 12 minutes). Drain it.

3. Cook the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5 to 7 minutes). Drain off the grease, then mix in the spaghetti sauce.

4. Layer it Up: Put half of the butter slices in the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread half of the spaghetti over the butter. Mix the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream in a bowl, then spread this mixture over the spaghetti.

5. More Layers: Cover with the rest of the spaghetti and top with the remaining butter slices. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the top, spreading it out evenly.

6. Bake and Finish: Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and nicely browned.

7. Enjoy: Serve it up and enjoy your delicious, easy-bake spaghetti casserole!

I hope you found this story entertaining! If you did, I'd love to hear your thoughts and any fun spaghetti stories of your own in the comments. And if you happen to try any of these recipes, a little token of appreciation in the form of a comment or whatever would be most welcome. 😊

Minibar Madness: A Wild Night of Thievery in New York, 1993

Back in 1993, I had quite the experience that I shared on the Steve & Vikki morning show in Atlanta a many years ago. Over the years, I have told abbreviated versions of the story and I've been asked to elaborate on it, so here it goes. As I've mentioned before, I was a hustler in New York when I was 16. Toward the end of my time being a big ol' ho and homeless, I found that the easiest marks, aka "Johns," were the out-of-towners.

I was wearing something that looked like this, in January

One night, I noticed a sad, alcohol-ridden couple partying it up among themselves at the Ninth Circle on a slow night. They ended up gravitating towards me—well, the woman did, really. She started talking to me for her friend, her breath reeking of Frangelico. She then asked what I thought of her friend. I said something like, "His shoes are small and don't match his outfit," which she apparently thought was the most hilarious thing ever said. Next thing I knew, her tongue was in the back of my throat. LADY, BACK OFF! I ONLY ALLOW DICKS THERE!!! Apparently, this warranted her friend to troll over and feel me up. Then she asked the question, "Are you a hooker?" and I replied, "Me? Why would you think that?"

Perfect casting if my story were made into a movie

Next thing I remember is my friend Sunny Oz yelling across the bar, "Have fun with the breeders," as we made our way up the stairs and outside into a cab. What the bloody hell have I done? I am in a cab heading to a hotel in the financial district, sandwiched between the two oddest people I could ever have met in a gay bar. I had visions of blowing the Iron Sheikh driving the cab to get out of this mess.

We ended up at the Marriott Hotel in the financial district and into the elevator we all went. When the doors closed, the elevator went up and stopped. She got off and screamed, "Have fun!" He and I went up another floor and into his room. He passed out almost instantly. I was bored and hated the Marriott TV channels. I looked around and saw the minibar. It's like a vending machine—you pull, it dispenses, and apparently charges the room. I found this out by flipping channels to the room info screen on the TV and seeing $375 in charges to the minibar after I'd filled my backpack with random crap like candy, nuts, and airplane-sized liquor bottles.

A few hours later, I showered before he got up. Once he was up, with a hangover from hell and ready for his shower, I told him I needed to get home before my parents realized I didn't come home. I loved the fact that he didn't know I was homeless and could use the "I'm in high school" approach to get out of there quickly. He said he thought I was at least 21 up to this point and offered me "hush" money. Who knew being underage could be so lucrative? I hit the door ASAP without the contents of my bag clinking together and power-walked out of the hotel and down the street to the train uptown to hang out and blend in with the rest of the city.

I often wondered if he disputed the charges and how he explained it all. There was a little more to this story, though it will be in the final draft of my book. Anyway...Good times for sure, but definitely not for someone over the age of 18.

I hope you enjoyed this wild tale from my past. Do you have any crazy or memorable experiences you'd like to share? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Your stories make this journey all the more special. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support my storytelling journey, any small token of appreciation is always welcome. Let’s keep the joy of sharing memories and stories alive together!

Saturday GLOWcase: Rick Howard Jr.'s Passion for GLOW

Today, I want to shine a spotlight on my friend Rick Howard Jr., a devoted fan of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) and someone I've had the pleasure of knowing online for many years. Rick and I finally met in person in March during a cruise with the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, and it's a memory I'll always hold close to my heart. Here's Rick's captivating story about being a GLOW superfan, based on the information he shared with me.

Rick with Hollywood

When GLOW debuted at midnight on a Saturday night, Rick's dad waited until his mom fell asleep and woke him up to watch the new show with his firstborn son. Little did Rick's dad know that this would spark an obsession that would shape Rick's childhood and beyond. From that night on, Rick's life revolved around the vibrant, action-packed world of GLOW.

Rick and GLOW's Lightning

Rick immediately fell in love with Spanish Red, who resembled his fourth-grade teacher—a woman he had a childhood crush on. It wasn't long before Rick had all the neighborhood kids hooked on GLOW, thanks to the episodes he faithfully recorded on VHS every Saturday. Every Sunday morning before church, Rick would dash to the living room to rewind the tape, ensuring they could watch the latest episode right after church.

Rick's dedication to GLOW was evident in every aspect of his life. He had his boom box ready to record every rap from the show, which he and his friends used during their reenactments. One day, Rick's dad had a special surprise for him and his siblings—he had built a wrestling ring in their basement, allowing them to transform into GLOW wrestlers more effectively. Rick's 10th birthday party was even a battle royal wrestling party, a testament to how deeply the show had integrated into his life.

Rick's favorite character recreations were Spanish Red, complete with a towel as a cape and a plastic rose, Hollywood, with a feather hair clip he won at the fair, Debbie Debutante, and Sally the Farmer's Daughter, complete with his crop top. His brother often pretended to be Ninotchka, with a fake cigar, and his little sister played Little Egypt, Little Fiji, a Southern belle, or a character they created named Ballarenor.

Despite his love for GLOW, Rick's school performance suffered. He frequently daydreamed about the show and sketched cartoon drawings of his favorite wrestlers, including Hollywood and Vine, Spanish Red, Debbie and Susie, and Sally. Even when he joined the wrestling team, Rick couldn't resist incorporating GLOW moves, which often got him into trouble for using the leg scissors.

GLOW wasn't just a show for Rick; it was a source of courage and inspiration. It taught him to stand up for the underdog and to never let anyone tear him down. Much like Rick, hundreds of miles away, I was also impersonating GLOW wrestlers as a kid, drawn into the same thrilling world. Rick's story is a testament to the profound impact that a TV show can have on a person's life, fostering creativity, resilience, and a sense of community.

Rick's "Mama Bear" GLOW Character

Having shared these memories and bonded over a mutual love for GLOW, Rick and I have developed a strong friendship that will hopefully withstand the test of time. Meeting Rick in person on the GLOW cruise was a highlight, and our connection only grew stronger. I hope our friendship will always remain as robust and vibrant as the GLOW stories that brought us together.

Rick with our good friend James, waiting to board the Norwegian Encore

Rick Howard Jr.'s journey as a GLOW superfan is a heartwarming reminder of the power of passion and the bonds formed through shared interests. It's been a joy to feature his story and to celebrate the incredible world of GLOW that continues to inspire fans like Rick. Our enduring friendship is a testament to the community and connections that GLOW has helped create.

I hope you enjoyed reading Rick's inspiring journey as a GLOW superfan. Do you have any memorable experiences, personal stories, or favorite GLOW memories? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Sharing your stories makes this journey all the more special. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support my storytelling journey, any small token of appreciation is always welcome. Let’s keep the joy of sharing memories and stories alive together!