Superbowl Sunday! What are your plans? I am looking forward to a party at a friend's place later today - mostly looking forward to drinks, good food and some quality time with friends. I am not a big football fan but love to get in on the action on Superbowl Sunday. Of course, I will need to be home in time for Downton Abbey - I missed last week's episode but have seen spoilers around all week. Even though I know the outcome, I still can't wait to see the episode. Downton vs. Superbowl? Downton wins! Apparently, I am not the only one asking the Downton vs. Superbowl question - check out this pic posted to Facebook by blogger Grown and Flown.
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Have YOU Danced Today?
A friend on Facebook shared the video below last week and it really gave me pause. Jennifer Goodman Linn was diagnosed with sarcoma in her thirties and battled the disease on her terms. The video below was taken on her 40th birthday and she was celebrating having reached that milestone - throughout her illness, she had gained an appreciation for every year and didn't dread the milestone birthday as many do. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with the disease later that year. While alive, she started Cycle for Survival which raises money for rare cancer research (rare diseases make up 50% of cancers including pancreatic and metastatic melanoma) and the event is now one of the most successful events of its kind.
I turn 40 this year and sometimes am a little melancholic about getting older - this video reminds me to cherish all these days and to celebrate the milestone. Thank you Jennifer for the reminder! For every share of the video, Jennifer's widow will donate $1 to Cycle for Survival and he will donate $5 for everyone that posts their own dancing video.
Immigration
As you know, I host The Immigrant Stories Challenge because I have a special interest in immigrant stories in literature. I am the child of immigrants and can relate to many of the stories of struggle and of the attempts by their children to live between two worlds - the old and the new. There is a lot of rhetoric about immigration in the news these days as Congress puts forward plans to address immigration. I thought this article (My Grandfather The Outlaw) by Frank Bruni hit the perfect note - I didn't focus on the political position being advocated but on the story of struggle and ultimate success of his Grandfather. This is the story of immigration I choose to focus on a midst the debate.
On the Blog
This week I posted a collage of favorite winter book covers - based on the comments, I think most people prefer beach covers! Ha! Maybe the collage would be more popular during the dig days of August!
Yesterday, I posted my review of American Dervish by Ayad Aktar on audio. Based on some twitter chat, it seems I was not alone in how much I loved this book. Highly recommend!
Those are great covers! I loved Blackberry Winter, Time of My Life, and Winter Garden. The Good House is on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
I adore these winter covers - guess I'm in the minority.
ReplyDeleteWe battled cancer in 2011. Every time there's a setback, we look at each other and say "it beats the hell out of the alternative." The birthdays since that battle are a bigger celebration than ever. So great that Jennifer Linn's spirit lives on to continue the fight.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that Lisa. It sounds like you have great perspective.
DeleteDownton *always* wins--especially when it's up against the Super Bowl. I'm heading to a friend's apartment in a bit for food, drinks, and fun times; none of us really like football, but the game gives us an excuse to make football fare and hangout for a few hours. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not crazy about pro football but have to watch the Superbowl - for the commercials as much as anything.
ReplyDeleteI thought you were in your 20s!! 40 is actually a great age - you're confident and strong!
my 20's! You are officially my favorite person, Kathy!
DeleteWhat an inspiring (though ultimately sad) story. I am loving my 40s. I find it very freeing -- you can just be who you are and not worry about stuff so much. At least I'm finding that to be true. Embrace it!
ReplyDeleteLinn's story was inspiring if sad. Yes, we should be happy that we are alive not counting the days. If you want to turn 40 quietly don't blog about it. I was a top google image hit for turning forty for months - ha! I think the 40s is a wonderful age. I know what I want in life and am pleased with what I have already. I was less sure in my 30s. Happy Almost Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI reviewed a novel on immigration today that you would love: Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian. It's YA but would cross over well to an adult audience. It focuses on post 9/11 prejudice toward Muslims in the USA, looking at Somalis in Maine.
thanks for this post. my 40th birthday is coming up soon and I definitely try to appreciate each birthday for what it means- life!
ReplyDeleteHow sad. She seems like she was an amazing woman. I'm 37 this year so I'm not far behind. With each year I celebrate and am thankful for the greatest gift of all, health.
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