Like to Know it – Page 2

The Little Book of Lost Words by Joe Gillard

November 14, 2019 RaeAnna

Worth A Read Absolutely
Length 192
Quick Review A compilation of words from ye olden days that should be brought back forthwith.

20191114718043704530797994 — Reading The Little Book of Lost Words by Joe Gillard in New Orleans, Louisiana | Sweater | Jumper | Boots | Tights | Socks | Watch

DSC_1209-01 — The Little Book of Lost Words by Joe Gillard in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana

201911144919723867719533111 — Reading The Little Book of Lost Words by Joe Gillard in New Orleans, Louisiana | Sweater | Jumper | Boots | Tights | Socks | Watch

I love words. I should; I’m a writer and a linguist. My job is literally words, words, and words. This book lives up to its name The Little Book of Lost Words. At less than 200 pages, there are 88 old yet oddly modern words. Joe Gillard chose 88 words from across time and languages – but mostly English – to include in this amalgam of linguistic precision.

Words are fascinating. So many included sound familiar or similar to modern terms because of the way language evolves over time to suit the needs of people. These words are oddly specific, but many could have a place in modern usage: fabulosity or doundrins, for example.

The Little Book of Lost Words is a short and sweet book to read, but would make the perfect coffee table book. With one word per two pages, it is easy to peruse. The word is given with its origination and date of usage. A phonetic pronunciation is included, followed by the word used in a sentence. The sentences are usually comical and always modern. Gillard probably has an obsession with cats, or grimalkins, because he brings them up repeatedly and uses them in example sentences. Each word is illustrated by classical artwork, which drives home the humor of language and historicals need for certain words.

I read so much old literature. I even found I found a few words I really do use in real life… If you have a love of old literature or a familiarity, almost all of these words will not come as a surprise because they were actually used.

Memorable Quotes
“There are very few treasures that we can dig out of the ground, dust off, and put into use as if they were brand new. Words, of course, are an exception.”
“It’s hard to define exactly why we love these dusty, musty archaic words.”
“Practicality may chip away at our language, but the magic of the lost words in this book ought not to be forgotten.”

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Title: The Little Book of Lost Words
Author: Joe Gillard
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Copyright: 2019
ISBN: 9780399582677

Houston, In My Own Words, Lifestyle, On the Town

Tuesday Date Day #2

November 9, 2019 RaeAnna

Enjoying a root beer at Saint Arnold’s Brewery. | Dress | Blazer | Shoes | Watch | Earrings

I loved this paint job. | At Saint Arnold’s Brewery

Oh, this game kept going. It was very top heavy.

I was doing my very best. | Dress | Sunglasses | Shoes | Watch | Earrings | Purse

Last month, I surprised Dylan with a day trip to Dallas to experience the Texas State Fair because it had been on our list of things we need to do as Texans. We had such a blast, we decided to incorporate it into our monthly routines. Not a trip to Dallas or the State Fair, but a fun day for the two of us to enjoy each other. Tuesdays are the easiest for us to both get away because he doesn’t have class or work, and I can plan my work schedule to make that day empty.

The first Tuesday of every month is henceforth blocked off for couple time. We rotate planning. The State Fair was my surprise. Last Tuesday was Dylan’s day to plan for me. I was a little anxious because he hasn’t planned anything for me since the first…. week we dated over three years ago. He did well, though. It might be a new chapter in our coupledom.

I woke up and started working because that’s who I am. He told me I needed to be ready to go by noon.

I found the first Christmas tree of the season! | Dress | Blazer | Shoes | Watch | Earrings | Purse | Sunglasses

By ready, he meant: put on comfy clothes and don’t do your makeup. I was a little nervous; he might be taking me to workout… which would have been the opposite of a happy surprise. We ended up at Cryo Recovery in Vintage Park. I had never done cryo nor had Dylan, so it was a really fun first time experience. They’re great! I would absolutely do it again. Dylan broke his back in the Marines, so we try a lot of things to help ease his pain. This worked so well for him. I have aches and pains from past injuries, and boy did I feel bouncy and ready for the day! We also did compression and freeze facials. My skin felt so good!

We bopped home after Cryo to let Beau out and put on pretty people clothes before heading to the next activity. Obviously food. Most of our activities involve or revolve around food. Indianola was a great place to load up with yummy food. Try the brussel sprouts; they’re great!

Getting ready to watch Casablanca at the Rooftop Cinema Club. | Sweatshirt | Jeans | Boots | Purse

I’m not a drinker, but Dylan loves beer, and I’m always up for a good root beer. I do love brew tours and wine tours; I just can’t participate. We headed over to Saint Arnold’s Brewery and enjoyed a tour of the brewery and some drinks. Dylan would like you all to know he beat me at Jenga. It was a very good game, but I did lose.

North Italia has great desserts, so we enjoyed a coffee and dessert there before heading to Rooftop Cinema Club to watch Casablanca. I LOVE old movies. They’re gorgeous and wonderful, but I’m ashamed to say, I’d never seen Casablanca. Now I have!!! We had so much fun cuddled under warm blankets watching a great movie.

It was such a fun day. I absolutely loved it. Next month, I have to plan something for him. I’ll keep you updated on what we do! After the fact because sometimes he reads this, and I don’t want to spoil the surprise.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Books, Fiction

You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld

November 6, 2019November 6, 2019 RaeAnna

Worth a Read Yes
Length 256
Quick Review A collection of short stories chronicling and eviscerating characters navigating everyday problems of the modern era and socioeconomic status, gender, and love.

You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld | Dress | Earrings | Basket | Watch | Flower Crown

You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld in a basket of flowers.

Curtis Sittenfeld is one of my favorite authors; I have several of her novels sitting on my bookshelves – only one is unread. I came upon her writing in The New Yorker a few years ago, and I have been a huge fan ever since. In my opinion, she is one of the best contemporary writers. There is no hesitation in her stories to put words to thoughts, emotions, and judgements just about everyone can identify with. Her short story collection, You Think It, I’ll Say It, is no different.

I was familiar with one of the stories in the book because The Prairie Wife had previously been published in The New Yorker, but that didn’t stop me from reading it again.

Every story is told from the first person perspective. Sittenfeld has the ability to really bring the reader into the mindset of the character in that moment of their lives without having to spell everything or give an overwhelming amount of backstory. There is a rare artistry in the way she portrays each person with their own way of speaking, thinking, and processing the situations they find themselves in. Every story and character is a critique on the modern world and society; in one way or another, there is an essence of You Think It, I’ll Say It.

Sittenfeld tackles the subjects of marriage, emotional infidelity, class, education, gender roles, sex, finances, and so much more. Each story creates a picture of what living in today’s world looks like and our unique ability to silently watch and judge the entire world’s actions from the comfort of our own homes.

Relationships are at the center of You Think It, I’ll Say It, whether they are romantic or platonic relationships. Relationships are at the center of being human. Sittenfeld has no problem completely eviscerating her characters, their choices, and their motivations. It’s entertaining to read, but is entirely all too relatable.

I really loved reading this collection of short stories. They’re beautifully told. Perfect for the moments you don’t have time to emotionally invest yourself in a novel, but you want something engaging and thought provoking. You Think It, I’ll Say It has everything I want in fiction.

Memorable Quotes
“It’s not that she’s unaware that she’s an elitist asshole. She’s aware! She’s just powerless not to be one.”
“It turned out that simply by celebrating this particular birthday, I’d crossed some border of nonconformity, and while I still could – can – turn around, retrace my steps, and assume citizenship in the nation of wedlock, the expectation seems to be that I won’t.”

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Title: You Think It, I’ll Say It
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Publisher: Random House
Copyright: 2018
ISBN: 9780525508700

Blog + Dog

Happy Halloween: Farmer and A Pumpkin Patch

October 30, 2019 RaeAnna

Happy Halloween!

Being a farmer is a drag… | Overalls | Flannel Shirt | Boots | Watch | Pumpkin Costume

It’s that time of year again. Everyone’s looking for costumes. Last year, Beau and I were ballerinas. I had a plan for this year, but weather and a last minute trip made that plan impossible to carry out.

This year, we’re a farmer and a pumpkin patch.

Last night at midnight, Dylan and I ran to Walmart because we didn’t have any costume ideas, it was midnight of Blog + Dog before Halloween, and where else is open and shoppable that late? This costume pairing was a last minute thing to say the least. Walmart had a cute pumpkin costume for Beau. Sold. There were wearable short overalls. Not necessarily my thing but fine. I have boots and flannel at home. Farmer it is.

I’m embracing my agricultural heritage this year. Beau is embracing her destiny as my punkin’.

Honestly, I don’t give a crap about Halloween. I think it’s fun to dress up with Beau. I mostly see Halloween as the gateway holiday to the holiday season I wait for all year long. Happy Halloween now bring on Christmas!!!

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna & Beau

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Blog + Dog

Cheating on Beau

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019 RaeAnna

Loving on my nephew, Frank! | Puppy Pumpkin Costume | Sweater | Jeans | Scarf

I love traveling with Beau, but sometimes she has to stay home.

So I cheat on her.

I can’t help it.

I NEED my puppy loves; I’m an addict.

I will cheat on Beau even if she’s at home and I’m right outside the door. If there’s a dog in my vicinity, I want to pet it and love it and hug it and kiss it until it tires of me or the owner calls the cops. Dogs bring me joy, and I pretend I bring them joy.

Luckily, most of the people in my life have dogs. My parents didn’t have a dog for two and a half years, but they just caved and rescued Barneveld Wout Bose von Rekemeyer. I named him; you’re welcome. He’s a cutie. I got my dog cuddles with him.

My brother has the cutest pupper!!! Frank. Frank is in the pictures. My brother and sister-in-law just moved to Chicago with their dog and cat. I’m lucky and got to spend last Sunday with them. I spent the entire time chatting but also giving Frank all the cuddles. I made my brother take a picture of us because Frank has a pumpkin costume. We’re obviously related.

I’m currently at my surrogate parents’ house in the Chicago area. I lived with them for three years before moving to Houston. As I write this, I’m cheating on Beau with Dexter and Anna. Dexter is a 150 lb. Great Dane. Anna is a 20 lb. mutt. My lap is full. I am happy; even though Beau is far away from me for a few more days.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna & Dexter & Anna & Frank & Barney

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11..., Lifestyle

11 Reasons I Can’t Give You Autumnal Vibes on Instagram

October 7, 2019October 7, 2019 RaeAnna

201910065236941932191214024 — Having a gourd time at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas. | Skirt | Bralette | Blanket |

These photos were taken at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas, where there were lots and lots of cute pumpkins, so I took some pumpkin pictures.

I love autumn. It’s my favorite season. Pumpkin spice isn’t my jam, but apple cider sure is. After moving to Houston, fall is one of the things I miss about my Northern life. Fall here in humid Houston regularly visits the 90s. Yay.

I keep it real. My Instagram is a reflection of my real life, and my real life takes place in Houston. Instagrammable fall doesn’t exist here, so unless I’m traveling, I would be lying to you if I posted all the autumnal vibes.
Beach photos almost never end up looking anything but warm and tropical.
Other Houston bloggers, mostly of the fashion variety, are posting fall outfit inspo pictures, and I feel like I’m going to die for them. It’s hot. I’m not putting on a sweater for a picture. Nope.
Changing of the leaves is beautiful, but non-existent here. If I find myself somewhere it’s occurring, you’ll see it. Until then, you’re gonna see skirts, green grass, tank tops, pools, and bright blue skies.
I hate pumpkin spice. I took a taste of the Starbucks drink when they first came out with it or I first became aware of it, and I hate it.
Pumpkins are amazing. I have nothing against them; other than the spice capitalism and consumers have forced upon it. The pie is delicious. Roasted, soup, puree, and stuffed is all up my alley. I just don’t post them because everyone else is, and I’m here to be different.
Mood often sways the way my pictures turn out, and it’s hard to be in the autumnal, sweater, scarf, and cozy socks kinda mood when it’s 90 degrees and as humid as Satan’s crotch after hot yoga.
Houston winter feels like a casual fall to me, and it doesn’t come until after the new year, so you’ll see cozy from me for three weeks in mid-January or February, then it’s back to your regularly scheduled shorts and tees.
Being uncomfortable in a sweater or scarf in Texas is not worth a cute picture. I’ll do a lot for pretty photos but not that.
Houston
Houston

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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