blinks on thursday.

Listening To: Stars by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Line Obsession: "I like to imagine the ties between us as strands of spider silk: practically invisible, maybe, but strong as steel. I figure the trick is to spin enough of them to weave ourselves into a net." - from Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker

Happy Wednesday to you! Feeling clicky? I've been saving up some bli--

... hold on a sec.

*turns up volume on TV*

So, The Bachelor is on in the background (I'm not proud to admit this) and I'm pretty sure he's asking the tributes the contestants to fight to the death to compete in a roller derby challenge in order to win his affections. ...yes. That's exactly what he's doing. Is this show real? Or is it scripted? Why am I watching The Bachelor?! I don't even know.

Where was I? Blinks!

I've been saving up some blinks to pass along and, hopefully, chat about down in the comments. Here goes!

* In the past couple of weeks, we've had some fun discussions about Downton Abbey, in which I shared my astute thoughts on Broody Thomas (and why I'll fight for him until the end) and Ethel, the pirate's dough-tuh!. If you missed those posts, here's our first and second recap. The comments are the best part, so smart and fun. Because that's how you people roll. On the latest episode of Downton (No Spoilers Here), I was more moved by the reaction downstairs than upstairs. And I think Thomas proved yet again, to me at least, that he's the most interesting character on the show. I think the best part of the episode, for me, was after the BIG thing happened. I loved all the little moments the camera kept pulling me toward: the quiet, almost cathedral-like state of the house. Granny Violet's slow, sad walk into the receiving room (and the moment she flung her veil back before she walked in, which is logical but also such a subtle, and perfect little nod to her endurance), Branson's ghost-like silhouette in the window. Those are classic, beautiful Downton moments. The war was huge, but what makes Downton unique are intimate moments like that. (Another favorite scene like that from this season: when Edith threw her veil over the railing and it cascaded down to the empty reception hall. So hauntingly pretty.) Holler down in the comments if you'd like to discuss the last episode. I'm still drowning my sorrows in a Diet Dr. Pepper.

*If you're an artist or entrepreneur, this is a fascinating read (sent to me via the fabulous Jenny B. Jones). Here's a sample, from the author Steven Pressfield:

"That’s the way we humans roll. We’re comfortable in the Known, no matter how crappy it is or how much we hate it. When we feel ourselves entering the Unknown, even if that Unknown is way better than the Known, not to mention something we’ve have been striving for all our lives, we panic. We freak. We melt down." - Steven Pressfield

* Project Runway: Teams. Your thoughts? I kind of ... like it. A lot. They're still responsible for producing individual pieces, but they also have to critique and help out their teammates. It's actually kind of interesting so far. I don't have a favorite designer yet. I miss Michael Kors.

* I think Katie is my spirit animal.

* If you grew up in the 80's ... thiiiis.

* Awesome author Myra McEntire wrote a post about a famous stranger who showed her what true generosity can look like. It made my heart hurt, in a good way. It's amazing how brief, unexpected encounters can make such a permanent impression. (If you ever get a chance to go to one of Myra's book signings, you should jump at it. Besides being so crazypants talented, she's one of the most genuinely encouraging and funny writers you'll encounter.)

* I am intrigued by this cookie recipe.

* This is fantastic.

* This is what Harry Potter would look like if it were a teen comedy. So funny.

* Mean Girls ... The Musical?! You go, Glen Coco!

* I love the cover article Dean King wrote about Ralph Stanley for the new issue of Garden & Gun. This line is my favorite:

"I sing it the way I feel it," he says. "No put-on to it. I just sing, and it’s lonesome." - Dean King, Garden & Gun

and a few bookish links...

* THREE TIMES LUCKY, my favorite read in 2012, won a Newbery Honor on Monday! You can see my mini-gush about Mo and Dale on ye olde Pinterest. I've tried to write about the book on here as well, but I describe it with so many !!'s and :)'s that I thought you might doubt my sincere admiration for this lovely, lovely novel. The characters and the writing and the setting and all of it; it's a perfect storm of a storytelling. Mo Lebeau, rising 6th grader, is one of the coolest girls I've read in Children's Literature. Her story is smart, southern, funny and SO beautifully written. Every line had a shine to it.

* My nephew is going to flip for this series.

* VAMPIRINIA BALLERINA might be a series on the Disney Channel. That book is adorable.

* I wish this series could also be adapted for the Disney Channel. I want Mad Maxine on the big screen so bad!

* The enviably talented Sarah Wylie did an interview for hypable about her first novel, ALL THESE LIVES. I'm going to write a much longer post about Sarah's novel this spring, but the short version is that it's heartbreakingly beautiful. (If you love authors like Sara Zarr, Nina LaCour, and Sarah Dessen ... then Sarah Wylie's novel will settle in quite happily on your bookshelf.)

* One of the books I'm most excited about this spring is Mindee Arnett's THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR, which is described as Harry Potter meets Veronica Mars. Can you even?! It will be available in March, so I only have to wait another month to read it. If you're feeling lucky, you can enter here to win a copy from Goodreads.

* Liz & Darcy celebrated their 200th wedding anniversary this week. USA Today published a lovely article about the impact of Pride & Prejudice and why it has such an enduring legacy. This piece from Sunday's Parade is also interesting. Two. Centuries. I wonder if Jane Austen had any inkling of how special that novel was back when she was writing it? Why do you think the novel has so much staying power?

Let's have a moment, shall we? (I still prefer the BBC adaptation.)

Fact: Mr. Darcy wouldn't make his tributes his dates throw down in the roller derby rink for a rose.

But you know who would? Wickham. 

* Here's a picture of my critique partner in action:  

She's going to start demanding extra treats for all the work she's been doing lately.

* Any particular songs rocking your 2013 so far? I've been in a Grace Potter mood lately. One of my favorites: 



Happy almost Feb--

... hold on a sec.

*turns up volume on TV*

This is an actual quote from The Bachelor: "I don't think the girls were prepared for the physicality of roller derby. But they embraced it, and they gave it everything they had. And so tonight, I want them to be able to let loose, spend time with me, and not worry about cracking their jaw."

And people think chivalry is dead. Bah! (*sarcasm*)

(WHY are women fighting over this guy?)

(The Bachelor = Mr. Wickham)

Happy almost February to you! :) I'll catch you in the comments.