The Sign for Drowning

I finally made it to the beach this summer! I got an invite from one of Drew's oldest friends, Bill, and his lovely girlfriend, Rachel, and after meeting them at their place in Brooklyn, we drove out to Riis Beach yesterday for 6 awesome hours of sun, sand, and beer — three things I've been way too short on this summer. As we were leaving the beach at sunset, someone told me it was Black (gay) Pride day at Riis, which totally explained the high percentage of black dudes with perfectly groomed eyebrows and neon pink speedos.

Anyhoo, Bill and Rachel are quite the literary couple (and totally sweet to boot, proving you don't have to be mean and miserable to find success as a writer). Bill just sold a screenplay for a nice chunk of change, and Rachel! Rachel just published her first novel earlier this summer and you should totally check it out. The Sign for Drowning is the story of a woman who learns to heal her heart years after the childhood drowning of her younger sister. Rachel is a fantastic writer, the story is beautifully told, and the characters so likable and complex, you can't help but root for them and hope even after the novel ends, they continue to find happiness for years to come. You can order the book online, or find it on the shelves of Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

In other news, time seems to have accelerated into high gear, which is kind of great and kind of not. Two of my BFFs will be here Friday for a whole week, and just a few days after they leave, I fly to China for my Asian Adventure 2008. I'm so excited about all of it, but freaking out over everything I still need to get done. Fortunately, I've gotten my vaccinations and my visa, so two out of three of the most important stuff is out of the way. I'll cross off item number three from my list this Wednesday when I finally get my hair cut and styled. It's such a mop lately, I've been pulling it back in a ponytail every day for the last two months.

God, is it really already August?

Comments

[Amber]

New haircut? Pictures, please!

[Michael Blank]

It's been a long while since I've commented on this blog, let alone read a post. Congrats on moving to New York! I heart that city ad infinitum. I guess this means no more "City Wendy in the Windy City." Sniff.

Your blog is hilarious, as per usual. I might check back in another 2 years (hopefully sooner).

Good luck,

Michael Blank from Memory Bank

[teahouseblossom]

Hey, sounds like a great weekend! I'll totally check out that book.

I'm so excited about your trip to China. It's going to be such an adventure. When you come back, let's get together for lunch again and you can tell me all about your time there. I was there in 2004, and I'll be really interested to hear what you think!