I am searching for what I want to do with the next 25 years of my professional life. After 25 years in the Financial Services Industry, I decided to explore what life has to offer. Since quitting the corporate world, I have been having more fun than ever. I have found time for my two passions: music and literature. I have been volunteering my time to Street Teams and other organizations. I will eventually hit upon the ideal new career for me.
I am an avid fan of Los Lonely Boys. Since becoming a “lady of leisureâ€, I have been to 19 of their concerts and have plans for attending 9 more by July 21. Please check out their music at Los Lonely Boys , Los Lonely Boys TV or visit their web site at loslonelyboys.org . Don’t forget to attend a concert. You can’t experience this Band until you see them live. Their CDs are great, but they are phenomenal in person. (By the way, if you are over forty or even sixty, don't hesitate to come to a show. You will find plenty of other boomers. The fan base ranges in age from 7 to 70.) Other fovorite current bands include deSol and del Castillo .
In terms of Literature, Please see my comments to the left. I do want to mention that I love Re’enev by Mike Maranhas. Mike is an extremely talented writer and story teller. He tells a fantastic story and make you think at the same time. The language is lyrical, without being pretentious. I know I am not going to do this book justice, so I recommend that you download for free the first 6 chapters from his web site and make up your own mind. Also read the great reader reviews on Amazon.com . You will see that many people agree with me.
Other contemporary writers that I enjoy include Caleb Carr, Andre Dubus III, Richard Russo, David Guterson, Sue Kidd Monk, etc. My list of non-contemporary writers is way too long to post here but here are some favorites: Ayn Rand, C.S. Forester, Kenneth Roberts, Ben Ames Williams, Victor Hugo, Sir Walter Scott, Erich Maria Remarque, Jane Austen, Henry James, etc. I have read just about everything written by the above writers. I don’t just read the one famous novel by the person; if I love a writer, I will read everything he or she has written. I often find that my favorite novel is not necessarily the best know. Just as with music, with authors you have to dig deep to find the best. Unfortunately, popularity is not a sign of greatness. In many cases, quite the opposite.
I am currently reading David Guterson's East of the Mountain. I love the way he writes but the story moves a little slowly for my taste. I will withhold final judgement until I finish it.
Yes, I am a fanatic when I find something or someone I love. I love to promote what I believe in—spread the love. I love to discover new talent in both music and literature but have very definite ideas about what I will listen to or read. I do welcome recommendations.