last Saturday afternoon

a reunion

It was towards the end of the party, at a lovely home in a sleepy village west of Chicago, that the parents, all old friends, started herding their children together to take a picture.

The children took their places standing in front of, or hanging on the hips of, their parents, who made sure their children faced the cameras. The parents, who all met long ago in that magical time known as the 1990s at a magical place called Hogwarts the University of Chicago, looked much the same as they did when they first met. The children, of course, looked just like their parents.

One slightly bashful looking auntie, childless herself, was prodded into place. Shutters (do digital cameras have shutters?) clicked or flashed, and the auntie tried to ignore the fact that she bore more than a passing resemblance to a certain Mrs. Potatohead in this very important photograph.

The picture made, the children sprung back into action, climbing and clambering, and time started forward once more.

imma read

So I read this post last week at Solo in the Second City: Live at Transistor with Melinda and Carly. I think the reading went well. We had a nice crowd of people, and there was wine. I didn’t have any, but it was nice that it was there.

I think I read aloud okay, but I feel I can always stand to read louder, slower, and stronger. Maybe try some of the jokier bits on people and see how they feel about them, because maybe the bits are just a little too jokey. Tighten up my sentences, remember to breathe. I’ll try not to forget these should I get the opportunity to read, either for Solo or for another party, in the future.

Annabel Garcia of ChicagoTalks.org wrote this lovely piece about Solo in the Second City. Please read it, especially the bit about me:

Jasmine Davila, 36 a software tester is one of those authors who was approached. She said that she had never read at another event but has read at Solo in the Second City and will be doing it again in May.

“I think reading for the series has helped me figure out how to write for performance,” said Davila. “It also reminded me that I love reading to people and I love being read to.”

solo in another city

Below is what I read tonight at Solo in the Second City: Live at Transistor. Or something close to it. I may have added some stuff, or sung a bit less. That is to say, prepared for delivery, as speechwriters like to say, instead of as delivered. Enjoy, and thanks for reading.

The following is a list of shit that I do by myself:

Go to the movies. Eat at restaurants. Go to my friends’ weddings. Choose a health care plan. Have sex.

Please. Hold your applause.

After years of going to movies, dinners, and weddings by myself, I had determined that I was a pretty good date so why not take it a bit further and really go somewhere alone?

this is jasmine, reading for solo in the second city, live at transistor

This totally killer poster was designed by Chien-An Yuan.

I’m reading something (that I have yet to write) for Solo in the Second City: Live at Transistor.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to write something about: recent solo trips to the movies, my first solo vacation three months ago, how some grown-ass men on the bus act all delicate when my allegedly gigantic self sits in the vacant seat next to them, and how I think my brother and I may be turning into Matthew and Marilla from Anne of Green Gables.

It’s gonna be swell. There will be readings from Carly, Melinda, and me, and a musical performance by Jon & Carly. Afterwards, maybe we can all go get a hamburger or something.

• Solo In The Second City: Live at Transistor [FB]
• TRANSISTOR [www]
• Solo in the Second City [tmblr]
• Chien-An Yuan (designer who created the gorgeous poster)

this is jasmine, assembling

Adrienne took this photo of me a few nights ago. We were at an after-party for a screening of The Avenger. The movie and the party were awesome. Adrienne is great company.

I could have probably used a little translucent powder. Otherwise, I think I look fine.

There was a guy at the party that Adrienne thinks was flirting with me, but I’m not so sure as he was wearing a wedding ring. I guess that shouldn’t stop people from flirting with each other but I’m old fashioned about that sort of thing.

may the broads be ever in your favor

Katniss says thank you for your support

I want to start a podcast called “May the Broads Be Ever In Your Favor” where I would talk about The Hunger Games with my grown lady friends who also want to talk about the books, the movie and, most importantly, PEETA.

I finished reading Mockingjay earlier today. As soon as I put it down, I tucked The Hunger Games into my bag to start reading all over again tomorrow.

west end girl day 0: delirious

Time to Destination

So. London.

I’ve been back a month and I’ve told some pals my trip was good. That’s true enough, but I still felt weird for, like, the first half of my trip. I was travelling alone so for some reason I thought that meant I shouldn’t talk to people because what if they find out I’m American and alone and start making fun of me or something.

Then I remembered I was a grown-ass woman and started to enjoy myself and then I got incredibly sick on my last full day, which was also the day I spent hanging out with my old friend Drew, which was awesome except for how I felt like I wanted to die.

a word from little H; or, so happy to be home

Excerpts from a text message convo between me and big J (little H’s mother):

mama J: And you will be happy to know little H will be relieved you’re home. I told her you were on vacation, and she’s been telling everyone her “aunt jasmine is far away for a long time.” awwww… Sad!

me: Awwww! My heart is breaking!

mama J: It’s not like she sees you SO often… I think she just likes knowing you’re around.

Admit it, you’re crying too, aren’t you?

London trip report coming soon.

Solo in the Second City: sentimental journey

Melinda and Carly are bloggers and the founders of Solo in the Second City, a reading series which debuted tonight at the Cobra Lounge. When they asked if I’d read something, I was flattered and confused. What could I possibly have to say about being single?

Quite a bit, as it turns out. My piece (as written, though not exactly as delivered) is below. Happy reading, and happy Valentine’s Day.

Dear Fassie

Dear Michael Fassbender:

The Oscar nominations were announced this morning. Alas, your name was not among those listed for the category “Actor In a Leading Role”.

I’m sure you’re probably feeling okay — let’s face it, I think any nomination for Shame from the Academy was a long shot — but if you find you need to be consoled (read: make out a little bit), let me know.

Your friend,
Jasmine