larger view

I always get very overwhelmed with emotion during the last few chapters of Divas Don't Yield. I dont' know why?

 I've read it three times now and each time I get so invested in the characters. At first I thought it was because I could relate to some of their struggles.

Then I thought it was just the great writing.

This time around I think it's because I hope that when or if my daughter ever feels the same way they did, the same way I DID at their age or whatever... I hope she's able to make the same good choices the characters in Divas did.

OR if she makes bad choices like I did, I hope she survives through it all.



Anyways...

What do YOU think? Is there a book that makes you feel the same way?

I was really surprised to see a LINE in front of Fish Lips Monday night. Well, not really surprised. I mean, they had a great line up. And it WAS St. Patricks Day. But still.

It's MONDAY for Pete's sake.

While waiting in line Sal "El Patria" Placencia and his lovely honey were passing by on their way to get something to eat. They stopped and chatted for a bit.

I gave them St. Patty's Day buttons from my goody bag and off they went. It was really great to see them. They're good people!

The line stood still for a while and my sister The Raven sorta hinted that maybe we should go somewhere else, but I was happy right where I was. IN LINE at Fish Lips.

See, through the doors you could hear some awesome music and through the windows you could sorta see Hectic Films clips playing in the background. I was excited!

That was my mission that night! To witness the genius short films of two very talented local film makers.

My other mission was to watch Black Dog perform but that didn't happen. I got there too late. I also missed the Dalloways which I was dying to see since they came out with their new CD called Dirty Money and Filthy Love. (which you can buy now off their myspace page)

Oh well, I still had a chance to watch the films, and Mento Buru later that night. In the meantime, we were in line, listening to the very talented 80's cover band, Mystic Red. I have to admit, I'd never heard them before and I was really impressed by them!

My friend Goocher got there late as always, but luckily she caught me and The Raven while we were still in line. She walks up to us and proceeds to CUT to the front of the line to stand next to me so we could walk in together.

I immediately glance at the people behind us to see their reaction.

It wasn't good, I'll tell you that! They were mouthing foul words at us and I think one of them was getting ready to shank us. NAH, just kidding! After I apologized for my friend cutting in front of them and offering St. Patty's Day buttons they were all smiles!

"You're lucky you're too adorable to kill, Goocher, otherwise I would CHOKE you right now!"

We finally walk in and catch one or two of Mystic Red's songs then the genius mixes of DJ Mikey! After that was the Iron Outlaws. I'd seen them one time before, when they first got together and I have to say that they've really found themselves.

They sounded like they've been playing together forever! The Bakersfield sound at it's finest right there!

My sister The Raven was happy to see Nick Belardes. She hadn't seen him for a while and he's always interesting to talk to.

They met at our Chicana Book Club meeting, when we discussed Nick's book Lords: Part One. That was probably our longest and most interesting discussions of a book other than the one when we discussed Caramba, A Tale Told In The Turn of the Cards, by Nina Marie Martinez.

HEY! Who's the dude standing next to Nick? Oh yeah! It's talented Mr. Jason from Hectic Films! As soon as he saw me he said, "Hey Norma! Rickey has a t-shirt for you!"

COOL! FREE STUFF ROCKS!

I gave him and Nick a button for being so nice! Nick's button says, "GET LUCKY" I wonder if he did?

My cousin Annabelle and her lovely hubby met us there. They got there earlier so they didn't have to wait in line. She's my sister's age which would make her ten years younger than me and I have to admit, I don't think I've ever really "hung out" with her. So it was really nice to spend some time with her outside of the "family" gatherings we may have been at together. I hope we hang out again soon! Hey ANNABELLE! CALL ME!

Like I said before, I was really bummed I didn't get to watch the Dalloways perform. BUT at least I got to say "hi" and LOOK!!! A picture.

It's funny how you forget you don't really KNOW certain people just because you're on the same networking site and have mutual friends. I went right up to them and started talking to them like I'd known them forever!

I mean, I've met Gary before, at the Noveltown Mixer and even took a picture of him but that was AGES ago. Anyways, I think Courtney thought I was a groupie and was after her man because she put me in a headlock and screamed, "GET OFF MY MAN BIOTCH" then she smiled and said "Sure" to my picture request and we posed! Ok, it probably didn't happen quite like that, but it definitely could have. She's one tough chick and can kick my ass in one karate chop, I'm sure of it.

Gabby's brother and his wife also met us at Fish Lips. Unfortunately I didn't really get to hang out with them too much because I had to go. I had a long drive ahead of me and I didn't want to get home too late.

Here's where it gets tricky, see. I walked out of Fish Lips, turned left and started walking. WAIT!!! Where is my car? I could have sworn I parked it RIGHT THERE!!!! On Eye Street.

"DUDE! WHERE'S MY CAR?"

It took everything in my power for me not to panic. As I'm trying to calm myself down I see Kindra!Before I even get to ask her where my girl scout cookies are, she informs me she forgot them.

It's ok! I know what it's like to forget stuff. After all, right now I can't even remember where I parked my car! I took a couple of deep breathes, thought for a minute, then remembered that I parked on H St, not Eye. What a dork, right?

Ah well! I got in my car, laughed a little, and headed home.

OH Wait...

P.S. Goocher, in case you're wondering... YES it IS freaken annoying when you're texting the WHOLE TIME we're hanging out.

larger view

I just want to publicly thank Nina Marie Martinez for the FREE signed copy of her book CARAMBA! A TALE TOLD IN THE TURN OF THE CARDS she donated for the MAS BOOK CLUBcontest winner, our very own MAS book buddy, veronicamct!
Thanks so much Nina!!!

Just because we're no longer discussing CARAMBA by Nina Marie Martinezdoesn't mean you can't go out and buy the book and read it, yah here!!!


And now it's also available in Spanish. So if you know anyone that reads only Spanish here is your chance for a great gift!

Click HERE for more on Caramba and my book club.

I'm having a lot of fun with it and I'm thankful to everyone that has participated so far. It's only getting better and better and every month presents itself with a new chance to join so keep asking what book we're reading, maybe the next one will be the one you're interested in, right?

~twinkie