Monday night, Ryan and I went with a friend to see David Sedaris at The Long Center in Austin. I was still sick with bronchitis, but I over-medicated myself and took an entire bag of cough drops to sooth my hacking cough during his performance. I’m a big Sedaris fan and have read quite a few of his books, so I was not going to miss his appearance in Austin. It turns out that Sedaris was in bad shape, too, having had an emergency root canal two days before and, if you can believe him, a large fatty tumor cut out of his side by a doctor that he met at his El Paso performance. Still, he was in rare form, and I laughed so hard all night long.
This was my first experience with David Sedaris in person, and though I’ve read his essays and heard him on NPR many times, I still wasn’t aware of his fondness for dirty jokes. I’m certain he can’t get away with a lot on the radio or even in print, so we were fair game as his captive audience Monday night. Lena Dunham counts Sedaris among her many influences, and it’s easy to see that they share a fondness for vagina jokes. I learned later that Sedaris keeps a notebook with him and fills it with jokes he hears from people he meets at book signings, on airplanes, and in taxis.
Sedaris has the amazing ability to find something funny in really mundane, everyday occurrences, and some of his stories meander on for a while, before coming to ridiculously hilarious ends. He shared a lot of material from The New Yorker and every piece was new to me. At the end of his reading, Sedaris took a few questions and then recommended a current favorite book, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, by Ann Patchett. That was a really nice touch, and now I’m eager to read her book.
If you ever get the chance to hear David Sedaris in person, go! He is incredibly charming and funny, and you never know what kind of joke he’ll pull from his pocket. We didn’t stay for the book signing, but I’m sure that is just as much fun as his reading.
(A few treats from Paris.)
While Ryan was in Paris last week, I dealt with a dead car battery, a broken microwave, and a nasty case of bronchitis. But he’s home now, the car and microwave are fixed, and I’m on the mend, too. Ryan also brought back a few beauty items that were on my list, and I’m excited to share them with you.
(Roger & Gallet Oeillet Mignardise soap.)
Roger & Gallet soaps were on my list when Ryan went to Belgium in October, and he brought back a large selection. But he wasn’t able to find the Oeillet Mignardise soap, a carnation scent, that has become quite hard to locate in recent years. I first read about this lovely soap on Bois de Jasmin and immediately added it to my list of French pharmacy items to try. Luckily, Ryan found two bars in Paris and brought them both home. There are also a few bars for sale at ShopLondons, though they are going quickly.
(NUXE Travel Set.)
He also found a lovely NUXE travel set that provides the perfect opportunity to sample some of the line’s well-known products. I’ve read so much about Huile Prodigieuse, and now I completely understand the hype. This dry oil is incredibly moisturizing and has the most beautiful scent. I’ve been using Lierac’s Sensory Oil for months and enjoy it, but I’ve quickly become a NUXE convert. I’m planning to order a full size bottle soon, along with some Fondant Shower Gel, too. The NUXE line is available in the United States, so I’m able to stock up as needed.
I’m thrilled that Ryan’s home for good now and he won’t have to travel again until next spring, but at least I got to try a few new products to make up for my crazy week.
(Ryan sent me this photo of a replica of Degas’ Little Dancer of Fourteen Years.)
Ryan was in Paris this week and Mrs. Murphy’s Law struck again. My car wouldn’t start and had to be towed, but thankfully, my parents were here when it happened. Everything is fixed now and Ryan will be home tonight. Needless to say, I’m ready for a weekend. I didn’t get as much reading in this week, but here are a few things that caught my attention.
Goodbye to Tom Magliozzi. I always enjoyed “Car Talk.”
I’m sad about Wendy Davis’ defeat. But really proud of her, too.
Lena Dunham’s apology, which I think is completely unnecessary.
The Berlin Wall then and now. An interesting photo essay.
How to understand an introvert, via Design Mom.
Have a wonderful weekend!
