In honor of the fact that I just saw my Shakespeare professor on the F Train, let’s talk a little William. Last week I went to my downtown book club on The Tempest. We discussed the Renaissance Man and his insurpassable talents as a playwright that set up the remainder of the history of literature as we know it. Suddendly, characters and storylines became complex structures one could never summarize into just one theme or thought. I could go on, but I’m not sure Shakespeare really needs another endorsement from little old me. But one thing I do want to mention is Shakespeare’s aptitude for a postmodern-like ability for breaking down the fourth wall. For those of you who are unaware, this basically means that a writer or playwright is exiting the constraints of the work, leaping off the pages, and off the scene to speak to the audience or reader one-on-one. I always found this tool of breaking down the fourth wall particularly exciting in my own writing because it empowers the reader to feel as though they are as much involved as the piece itself. One could say it was the genesis of the blog – writing for the people, from the personal. Me and Will share a little something in common! Woo hoo! Also, now that we mentioned my Shakespeare professor, let me just add that once upon a time I went to her office to discuss my final paper and she asked me if I could babysit for her kids. Definitely one of the funniest moments of my Brooklyn College life.
As for the “bake” part of the title, I had no plan coming in, other than a play on words featured in The Air Up There, which is a really great movie for someone who hasn’t seen it. The Mint Juleps are a personal favorite of mine. Also, if you’re living under a rock and haven’t listened to the radio in the past few months, it’s also featured in Drake’s “Bedrock,” which has been played over and over and over again, almost to the point of ridiculousness. The only real baking I do is a from-scratch chocolate cake with frosting. It is my specialty, although I wouldn’t say it is particularly “special” in any way. It is a recipe I can recite off-hand, and whip up faster than I can drive to the nearest bakery (parking time included).
Other stuff: Did anyone look up flash mob on You Tube, because I can’t stop watching clips. These ImprovEverywhere people are hilarious! I think we should get together and do one in Times Square – wadya think?! Very excited. Feedback is welcome.
Rachel Lily
P.S. Feedback is really welcome. My “comments” sections have been lackluster, as in nearly non-existent except for my biased mother, and one or two others. Let’s change that por favor? I want to hear from you!