The American Dream

Facing an unemployment crisis, Natalie and Diego form a startup (homemade cookies and hand designed cards).  When traffic at the original location (pictured here) proved to be too meager, they moved over to Bill's office where they immediately sold out.

Ah, small business is alive and well.

In the Beginning . . .

Creation myths are powerful things.  Mess with them at your peril.  Chris Rock learned this last week when he called the Fourth of July "the white man's holiday."  And,  when he added: "the slaves must have enjoyed the fireworks."  That was enough to bring out the outrage army.

Adam and Eve has inspired many more paintings and poems than the Big Bang Theory.  But, maybe that will change a little now that they're calling the beginning of mass "the God particle."

Today I saw a remarkable film: "Beasts of the Southern Wild."  It's not exactly a creation myth but it addresses all of the primal themes.  It explodes with visual and emotional intensity.  I'm going to do some research into who made it and who funded it.  Films like this are so rare.  Don't miss it.

Fourth of July Tiebreaker

Some people remember the moon landing, the Kennedy assassination,  Obama in Grant Park as great moments in history.  Since I'm a tennis nut, my history takes me to the grass courts at Wimbledon on a memorable Fourth of July.

This was the 1980 tiebreaker between John McEnroe and Bjon Borg.  It was the fourth set,  went for 22 minutes, produced 34 contested points.  Set point and match point went back and forth endlessly.

I was visiting friends at their cottage on Lake Michigan.  The hosts kept calling that "dinner is ready."  They sounded more and more annoyed with each call.  I simply couldn't tear myself away, and I never regretted being a rude visitor.  They ate without me.

Now, it's the Fourth again and I'm happily watching the matches.

By the way, do you remember who finally won that match?  (No fair googling.)

The Wardrobe

I went to the memorial event for Jerry Stern at his home.  It was a grand party that Jerry would have loved.  A few days before,  I asked Kathy if I could have one of Jerry's wonderful hats.  Something to remember him by.  I came away with a great Borsalino.

Anyone who ever saw Jerry would remember how he dressed.  Phillip said: "He would put on a suit and tie to watch TV."  What some don't realize is that Jerry seldom bought any of his clothes at retail.  He combed the thrift shops and vintage stores for his choices.  His genius was in putting it all together for his unique look.

One time Jerry was at a party and met his friend Don.  Don complimented Jerry on the "beautiful shirt" he was wearing.  Jerry chuckled and said: "You should like it Don, it used to be yours."  Sure enough, Don''s name was on the laundry tag on the collar.

I'm going to love wearing that hat.

This is my first blog at this site.  Elsa set this site up for me awhile ago.  I intended to use it for business, but now I will used it for my personal blog as well.  I'll play around with it to get better at including some photos.  Thanks to everyone who let me know that they were looking forward to my blogging again.

Memoir Writing Workshop

My Memoir Writing Workshop was yesterday at my local library. It was a big success. The emphasis of the workshop was that "you can do this!" Think of it this way: Writing is a wonderful way of expressing your emotions safely. Don't worry about how "good" you are. Everyone can hum a tune, and then some of us are opera singers. Don't let the opera singer model be in your face!

Joan Chandler

It's An Event

Today, I paused and took a deep breath and broke out into a wide smile. I had just clicked on the Chicago Public Library web site that lists my upcoming Memoir Writing Workshop as an "event."

http://www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/58723/

There's something about that word "event" that got to me. I've been attending events at the Harold Washington Library for years and heard many great writers talking about their new books. I've browsed the stacks at my local library. I'm using the business section to help me in the marketing of this freelance business.

And now, here I am. How cool is that?

Joan Chandler

identity packages . resumes . web sites . blogs . press releases . brochures . memoirs. edit your materials

Memoir Writing

One of the ways I am helping people with their writing is when they want to write a memoir. Memoirs can take many forms and address many subjects. All you need is your memories, your perspective and some time to get it down on paper.

Don't think you have to be a professional writer. You can create a memoir just for yourself or for your family. The act of putting your ideas and opinions out there is enormously liberating!

Memoir writing inspires reflection, sparks connections, creates meaning. As I have said from the start: "Everyone has a story to tell."

Joan Chandler

identity packages . resumes . web sites . blogs . press releases . brochures . memoirs . edit your materials