Chick-Chick-Chick

I went into Hobby Lobby today and happened to find these two metal chickens. Ordinarily, I wouldn't take a second look at them. But today I happened to remember, Daughter is remodeling her kitchen.

Seeing the chickens under the lens of slightly demented totally devoted motherhood, I knew Daughter simply had to have a metal chicken for her kitchen. I examined them both thoroughly and compared the two side by side. The taller chicken (at least 18 inches high) is full of sharp pieces of metal. A person could literally slit open a finger on those wings. H'mmm. Daughter really doesn't need another mess to clean up.

The shorter chicken is more rounded. Even a child couldn't get hurt on it. (Unless he/she decided to taste it. I'm pretty sure the paint is full of lead).

It was quite a dilemma as each chicken had a certain charm. But sometimes you simply have to be ruthless and make a decision. Not everyone can be a winner.

So, the little chicken came with me and will soon travel to its new home. It even has a name...Little Beyonce. Those of you who have read Jenny Lawson's book, Let's Pretend this Never Happened, know exactly what I'm talking about.

Those of you who haven't read it, why not?  I gave the book a glowing review two years ago. Don't you ever listen to me? If you want to laugh out loud, take my advice and read it. You're welcome.

Meanwhile, Little Beyonce and I are planning a wonderful weekend. Hope you are, too!

Note to self: Remind Daughter to let no one lick the chicken.

A Mostly Funny Memoir

Normally I don't review a book on Critter Alley unless it is specifically animal-themed. However, I've made an exception for "Let's Pretend This Never Happened" by Jenny Lawson. Though the book isn't technically about animals, it does feature quite a few of them. Usually post mortem.

You see, Lawson's dad was a taxidermist and I don't believe it's an exaggeration to say that her father's sometimes unnerving sense of humor helped to shape Lawson into the person she is today. Stories on her "growing up" years will help you understand a little bit better some of what you'll read in the book. And maybe it will also help you understand Lawson's penchant for collecting fancifully taxidermied critters. Or maybe not.

Jenny Lawson originally gained fame for her blog aptly titled, "The Bloggess". It has followers in the thousands and posts that generally prompt hundreds of comments. Her first book, published in April, 2012 contains new material along with some of her best blogs, such as a chapter about a giant metal chicken named Beyonce, obtained after her long-suffering husband, Victor, told her not to buy any more towels. You get what you ask for, Victor!

In addition to her childhood, marriage, and attempts to become a mother, Lawson also discusses her battle with depression in a way that is both honest and humorous. Humor helps to heal even the most ragged edges of pain and Lawson is a master of satiric humor.

I devoured this book like a child gobbles cotton candy at a carnival. But don't expect it to be a serving  of frothy light sweetness. My advice to you is DO NOT read this book if you:

a) are easily offended by vulgar language or less-than-pleasant situations

b) don't enjoy off-beat humor

c) are overly squeamish

DO read this book if you enjoy a writing style that may ramble around the block a bit, but is laugh-out-loud funny. I read it on an airplane. My seat-mates looked at me in horror when I nearly snorted my soda out my nose (more than once). Guess I should add a disclaimer that you really should be careful where you open this book.

Are you looking for a highly entertaining summer read which will go quite well with any flavor of wine slushie? Try "Let's Pretend This Never Happened". 

Two thumbs up from me. If you've read it, what's your opinion?