#LoriG

[andrew-excelleen]

How to Lace and Tie a Wedding Dress by Lori G Bridal Derby

[guy60660]

Steffanie Lorig

[soracities]

I try to rest at points. I go outside, and I try to put it on the ground. I try to put my devastation on the ground. I try to put it on the ground and pay it. My devastation, I pay it.

Carrie Lorig, from “IV. Dreadful Contact”

[razorsadness]

Trauma and its aftermath is the subject of so many of the books we write, the books we read, the poems and work that our students turn in. A bold note, an endless lake, bone / blooming in the desert / the parking lot. The impossible floral stench of reaching out / of our desire to speak / on something like our own terms. I think this is part of why / we try to do this / to write what is unspeakable / unquotable. A desire to try to insist on what an event or events cut out / from under us / the possibility of control, of memory, of time, of why. Writing about what happened to you / the happening of you / feels like giving each other / you and a ghost that is also you / fruit.

—Carrie Lorig, from “In Which We Give / Each Other / Fruit” (The Volta, Molly Brodak: in Memoriam, December 2020)

[teathed]

Excerpt from Carrie Lorig’s review of Ella Longpre’s How To Keep You Alive (CCM), 2017

[thatswhywelovegermany]

German news anchor Susanne Daubner gets a laughing fit live on air after being handed the word by morning show host Sven Lorig with a joke.

[muskegs]

lorig ingellvar

[mercerislandbooks]

50 Years of Island Books: Cindy Corujo

Cindy Corujo has been a bookseller for 36 years and has the longest tenure of any Island Books employee. Nothing before that matters or counts. She must have started young because she looks no older than 40. June 2023 marks her 30th year at Island Books. While Cindy likes to say that her plans for the future are so up in the air she calls them her future planes, she really only hopes to be gift-wrapping kids' books for birthday parties while Nancy Stewart sings Sticky Sticky Bubblegum every Saturday for the next 30-50 years.

Miriam: Let's start at the beginning, Cindy. How did you come to work at Island Books?

Cindy: I'm pretty sure I was the first off-Island, no Mercer-Island-Connections person to work at the bookstore. Actually maybe Mark who worked in receiving and who was there when I started was—though I think he actually had a Carol Kelly connection through her daughter, Emily. 

I do know that I answered Roger's first ever "help wanted" ad either in Seattle Weekly or in the The Seattle Times—It was 1994.  I had experience, I had worked at a bookstore in Chicago for 6 years. I was a bartender before that, I had a BA in English and had taught English for a very little bit before that—I was pretty sure I was on track to be a famous writer but that hasn't quite panned out... yet. But hey, I wanted to be a Marine Biologist in 4th grade and that hasn't panned out yet either. 

I knew no one in Seattle when I moved here.  I found an efficiency apartment on First Hill and unloaded the contents of my crammed full 14-foot Pemske into it, plopped all my savings into the hands of my new landlord for three months rent with deposit and immediately set out to find work.  Something I never had a hard time finding.  Until Seattle.

I applied and interviewed everywhere for everything.  Even a bridal boutique. Even an artificial limb company. I was just in conversation with "Annie's Affordable Art" in Ballard where I would be framing commercial posters interspersed with customer service in a windowless space when I saw Roger's ad. I think Roger would be the first to tell you that I walked into the bookstore blatantly desperate for the job.

Miriam: Tell me how your work as the store artist grew and bloomed. For those who don't know, the placards, quotes, window displays, and much of the store lettering and aesthetic came from Cindy's artistic hands. How did the rest of the staff discover your gifts?

Cindy: It's touching that you would say this. I will agree that I helped changed the look and feel of the store over time to help Roger build a "fun with purpose" (I stole that from Highlights magazine) environment. I did do the signage, and windows and displays for most of those years. I would never call myself the store "artist." I was certainly the store "scribe" and brought the first blackboards to the space to share fun quotes and event information. The blackboard up front to the right of the front door as you're leaving was the first, and I purchased it for $7 at Goodwill on Dearborn after a day-long and determined hunt for that exact thing. I wish I had kept a record of the quotes I've found over the years—everything from Cicero commenting on kids to my mother opining on wind chimes. Fun Fact: I have never used the same quote twice.   

When I think of the store's true artists, I think of Andrea Lorig, whose art adorned the newspaper advertisements and created the logos in the early days, and of Poo Putsch who painted the play house with such care and loving detail that I only just this past weekend discovered a tiny fairy in the grassy garden painted on the north face and Dr. Deane who built the playhouse and of course, Roger, who imagined and executed a series of fun remodels to transform the floor plan of the store into the interesting maze of steps and nooks and ramps and platforms and throughways that it is and whose personal collection of three typewriters were the seed ("Hey I've got one of those at home--I should bring it by") of our community collection now thirty years in the making. More recently, Brad, who's been here about a year now, has been doing some gorgeous blackboards and signs that completely outshine mine. Sigh. To my credit, a famous publisher once said I should have my own font. Caitlin can testify to that.

Miriam: I would use a Cindy font! I'm a huge fan of the store aesthetic and have loved watching it evolve over the years. Switching gears now—will you tell us about any store memories that are particularly memorable for you? Bloopers welcome, or go heartwarming...

Cindy: When I started, the bookstore was a different place. Stuffed with books.  All the space where we now display all of the beautiful miscellaneous stuff we house today was for the display of books.  All the general sections were divided into subsections.  The place had a classic bookstore vibe and a formal feel—way more formal than me and I wondered how I was going to fit in.  The women who worked there were all ten to twenty years older than me, there were a lot of employees working part time and they were for the most part, really well-read, really well-educated and really well-dressed when they went to work.  I really did not think I was going to fit in. What I learned pretty quickly was that I didn't have to fit in. That Island Books was a place that made room for people. It still is. Since then, I've had the good fortune to spend my entire work life with an evolving cast of fun and interesting colleagues and customers, some of whom I count among my best friends (Hi Wendy!).

We were open when the Nisqually Earthquake hit—All twenty NYTs hardcover bestsellers shuddered and toppled off the bestseller shelf. That was my first clue before running through the store shouting Duck! Though I think I really shouted F*****ck!!! Either way, I'm sure I saved lives that day.

The midnight release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix—three long years of waiting after Goblet of Fire was published, our modest midnight release party plan grew into a huge happening because of Nancy Page's imagination while on the phone discussing our "plans" with a Tacoma reporter.  We rose to the occasion of Nancy's imagination with the help of Youth Theatre Northwest,  and a bunch of creative and handy customers along with staff all pitching in to make it happen. We had probably one of the best midnight release parties in the United States. In history. Bar none.

I've been through several significant anniversary parties here but I think my favorite was the Pie Social we had for our fortieth (I think). Our spin was—It's our birthday, what are you gonna do about it?  We want pie.

And we got a storeful of pie. So much fun!  So many people came bearing so much pie!

Fast forward to Laurie's tenure. Roger was relieved, ready to retire and stoked to strike out for the territory. Laurie was ecstatic and enthusiastic, did a cartwheel in the main aisle, hosted a wonderful welcome party and brought a new era of being an even more events- oriented bookstore. Laurie and Victor added the comfortable overstuffed reading chairs and beautiful throw rugs. The twinkling lights to the display cases came later.  

Lowpoint:  First author signing ever with no books to sign—we botched our order timing and had no books for the signing. In spite of our eternally mortifying gaffe, it was one of the funnest "signings" we'd ever held.  Everyone was cool with getting their signed copies later and the author (Claire Gebben) couldn't have been more gracious and good-humored about it. We still sell her novel and her memoir.

Miriam: You've seen it all. Let's finish with what you're looking forward to at the bookstore in the year ahead. Besides the big anniversary, of course.

Cindy: Re-opening the play house happened recently, but I'd been looking forward to it for a long time. That little structure has meant a bit to people over the years and it had been closed to kids since Covid.  We did a cleaning, an inspection, and a little facelift. As Laurie said: We're having an Open House.

Also, Anna, an intern, and I are working on the one and only official Island Books Golden Jubilee 2023 Typewriter Fixation Calendar—14 months of sexy typewriters from the Island Books Typewriter Collection with bonus All Inclusive Centerfold. You can read more about our typewriter project here. If anyone cares to pre-order, please let me know. I think it will retail for $23, in honor of our 50th year (2023). I'm pretty excited about how it's turning out so far. We expect it to be ready for press in September and for the release of at least 100 signed and numbered copies in October/November.

Miriam: I want one! No seriously, I am so excited about this calendar. I'm getting one for all my friends too. I hope it's typeset in Cindy font.

To our Island Books community: In the next 50 Years of Island Books installment, I’ll be talking with one of our favorite authors, Erica Bauermeister. Stay tuned!

—Miriam

[444names]

german and irish forenames BUT excluding "k"

Adarnán Adear Adhan Adhna Adnalbhal Afrair Aibhilhel Aicharich Aimele Airchta Aithar Amhan Andás Annas Ansinnian Aoibhind Aoimín Aoine Aoiriese Aoldeard Aomhna Aomhín Aorbhfhla Arnalen Atrinna Aximhe Aximher Baidhanz Baoilix Barcán Barghilín Bassaoil Beirgaric Benear Berhaghna Beteán Betrí Bliang Bodhuilís Briel Brigmut Briona Bréan Bríonn Bróir Bualbhach Buath Bébhann Bébhe Cachre Caigna Cainníle Cainza Caitz Calver Caoda Caoiltán Caoleach Carbhín Carla Cathala Cathar Catjacán Catya Cearal Chaidhla Chell Ciana Cinth Ciobóis Ciodhón Cionch Cliann Clirea Clouilín Cobinier Coimh Coiselm Comhnel Comhíona Conah Coniam Cornort Corsta Cosalber Criann Criust Cuadh Cuaig Cuing Cuirlha Cyrindán Cyris Cúmhg Cúmhuir Daghan Dalbhín Dannait Dartas Davenja Deanz Deanán Dearigh Dearlev Deart Declouinn Degarnach Delda Demich Dernán Dertann Dertrine Didianual Dieda Dighal Digis Dinann Disanán Distín Dithy Doibhar Domáith Dubhadh Dubharóna Dubhfhonn Dubhilín Dubhiona Dubhna Dubhíon Dáithch Déanait Dóirnán Eachaev Earghalm Edred Eidemirna Eigise Eigín Einnall Eirain Eiral Eleán Emaoda Emiach Emild Emilin Emines Emingot Eminne Emirey Emmarra Eorchel Eornán Erislinn Ertand Esench Ewallas Faoirete Feach Feachéada Fealph Feamhgh Feardiete Feariodhg Feibhango Felsa Fiang Finneach Fiobna Fiodh Fiodhle Fiodo Fionathín Fioniamhí Fionárd Flainnán Flormaise Flouir Flouira Franárd Freach Fretelm Frine Frisla Féill Féimhaidh Fétall Gaina Gandás Geargan Gebast Gernam Gerostia Gisbean Glait Gober Gobhen Grinhober Gréaf Gus-pete Gusald Güntán Haelia Harnán Heach Heacán Heado Heari Heith Helipp Hellian Hermaic Hiann Hiardghar Hilingha Huall Hundán Hustóild Iandan Ilber Imhubhana Inatja Iseallait Iúdán Janne Jereald Jerinn Joach Joachard Johair Johall Johne Josephin Jutto Jürga Jürgham Jürgus Laislait Learne Lenja Limhón Linhen Lisnese Lonnert Lorig Lormirch Lottele Louibhad Louinaico Luirin Lumheld Machtnah Maelgann Maglaill Maimellas Mainn Maise Maith Maldeann Manah Mande Mangot Maodh Maoibherd Maola Maolph Maoltán Marainza Marbhilín Marcual Mardt Marichta Marlan Marne Marnoth Marnín Marthmar Martrí Mattefan Meachinm Meacober Mearn Mearst Melacht Meliede Micain Milheigh Milín Minach Minadh Mioni Monach Monghann Muird Muiriarne Muise Mundrain Muntachín Musaoir Muten Mutte Máirnán Móirfhín Naith Naithar Niamhóg Nichain Nicht Nioch Nivid Nuelmuirs Nóirla Odalgena Oinne Olchán Olfra Ormaine Othmaith Othriana Othín Ottscait Ottsch Paust Peigne Pethacham Pilireann Pilín Póidh Racht Radbhárd Radhach Ramal Ramha Ranth Reachelís Reachias Retel Richt Rielsarle Riona Robhghal Roiben Roimhann Roirín Roliestín Rolinchán Rolmiand Rolmutz Romás Ronna Rosch Roseárd Rotte Ruall Ruathann Rudea Réadh Ríogán Róilís Róina Saever Saith Saodhles Saola Saothghín Saral Sarbhala Seach Seachal Seamann Seogán Seárlen Shelvin Siasamar Siodh Siolgaith Sionghna Slainéig Steas Sternait Steárt Stoignala Sulina Séadh Séadhan Séadhna Séaglán Séalarnán Séamhna Séamhín Séasth Tachth Tastenzel Tiamonnán Tiedid Tigislaus Timhach Timheroch Tinaith Tiodh Tonait Tonna Tuadh Téadha Téalph Uadhnassa Uairga Uanghselm Uasterna Uatrictof Uirrac Uliain Urcán Urcárd Utthy Vichachan Vinne Volgertúr Wiliamha Wilian Wilín Winna Wisna Wolaf Wolmhghil Xenchlian Yvenina Ágand Ágarchlan Áicto Áithín Árdhbhán Éalmuir Éanne Éarnán Éastias Éibhfhil Éidhn Éimean Éimhach Éirmlaoir Órlenz Órlorido Únluguno

[jarry]

Søren Mau: Stummer Zwang. Eine marxistische Analyse der ökonomischen Macht im Kapitalis-mus, Berlin: Dietz 2021 (29,90 Euro).

[richardmury]

Lorige new swatch (à Paris, France) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoK03nfr58_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[apsny-news]

Demirtaş’ın röportajı - Hüseyin Şengül

Fotoğraftakiler: Selahattin Demirtaş, Deniz Naki, alt kutu sırasıyla: Can Dündar,  Fulya Canşen, Frederike Geerdink Edirne F Tipi Cezaevi’nde Kasım 2016’dan bu yana tutuklu bulunan Demirtaş, Alman yayın kuruluşu Westdeutscher Rundfunk(WDR) COSMO aracılığıyla yönetmen Fatih Akın, yazarlar Günter Wallraff ve Navid Kermani, gazeteciler Can Dündar, Fulya Canşen, Frederike Geerdink, Sven Lorig, Dunja…

[buryme-makeoutcreek]

Notes on self-objectification: featuring women who were used, abused, and then discarded for their sexuality.

Fleabag// “Shame is an Ocean I Swim Across”Mary Lambert //Brittany Spears-Rolling Stone//“How to be Sexy” M.D//Brand New City, Mitski// Mad Men// “The Robber Bride”Margaret Atwood//Meghan Fox-GQ//Sheila Jeffries//“Townie”Mitski//“Real Men” Mitski//Janet Jackson-Rolling Stone//“The Blood Barn”Carrie Lorig//Sylvia Day//Fleabag

[bostonpoetryslam]

Writing about what happened to you / the happening of you / feels like giving each other / you and a ghost that is also you / fruit.

Carrie Lorig, “In Which We Give / Each Other / Fruit,” published as part of The Volta’s memoriam for Molly Brodak

[lifeinpoetry]

few women ever experience themselves as real few women ever experience themselves as real few women ever experience themselves as real few women ever experience themselves as real few women ever experience themselves as real

— Carrie Lorig, from The Blood Barn

[many-gendered-mothers]

I want to say something about bad writing. I’m proud of my bad writing. Everyone is so intelligent lately, and stylish.       / Fucking great. I am proud of Philip Guston’s bad painting, I am proud of Baudelaire’s mama’s boy goo goo misery. Sometimes the lurid or shitty means having a heart,       which is something you have to try to have. Excellence nowadays is too general and available to be worth prizing:  I am interested in people who have to find strange and horrible ways to just get from point a to point b.

Carrie Lorig, The Book of Repulsive Women