Today is a very fun post for me as I had the opportunity to interview my friend, very talented writer, and fellow Smalltownista, Lauren Sisson. Being a die hard Jimmy Buffett fan or parrothead I should say, Lauren has recently launched the blog Life Lessons from JB and it is sure to be a place for you to find fun, quippy, and informative posts.
Moi: What was your inspiration for Life Lessons from JB ?
LS: The idea came from a conversation I had with my mom and sister a few years ago about one album in particular, Fruitcakes
. We joked that anything you needed to learn about life could be found in this album. I'm just kind of expanding the thought with the blog. Moi: How long have you been a Jimmy Buffett fan?
LS: My entire life. I grew up in a family of Parrotheads. We're not really given a choice at birth. Some kids get lullabies, we got JB.
Moi: How many live shows have you been to?
LS: Not nearly enough. This show coming up in May will be my fifth show. I didn't go to my first one until I was 20!!! My parents, though they love JB, have never really been concertgoers. Myself, on the other hand, would go to a concert every day of the week if I had the time and funds....Tickets to Buffett are not exactly what I'd call 'cheap', but worth every penny. I'd LOVE to catch an impromptu show somewhere. He's known for randomly popping into his favorite haunts all over the world and playing an acoustic set or two.
Moi: Any pet peeves when it comes to Parrotheads?
LS: Sigh....Yes. Nothing irks me more than when someone claims to be a parrothead and I ask them what their fave album is and they say Songs You Know by Heart : Jimmy Buffett's Greatest Hit(s)
. Not that it's not a great collection of songs, it is. I'm just saying, you are short changing yourself if that's the only one you've ever listened to. Moi: That begs the question, what is your favorite album?
LS: My fave album......I probably have three that rotate through the top spot depending on my mood. Coconut Telegraph
, A-1-A
, and Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes
. My favorite song though is easy and never changes, Coast Of Marseilles
. That harmonica hits me and I'm on the beach where ever I am. Coincidently, though....that song isn't on any of the three aforementioned albums, so go figure....That's the beauty of being a JB fan. There is literally a song or album to accompany any mood or occassion.Moi: What would be your ultimate JB dream come true?
LS: *Checks her Bucket List... I would really love to watch a show from front row center. The closest I have come so far is 3rd row right. And that was amazing!! And to meet JB of course and have a convo about books we've read. But I'm guessing the former has a better chance of happening.
Moi: Interesting, why would you want to chat about books rather than music?
LS: I don't think a lot of people realize that JB is a pretty good fiction writer. And his autobiography is VERY good! I'm as much of a literary fan as I am of the music. It's very interesting to see how much more life is brought to the music and the books when you realize they share characters and stories.
Moi: Where would one begin on the journey into JB's written world?
LS: On the non-fiction side of things, A Pirate Looks at Fifty
is a MUST READ!!! This man has led a pretty remarkable life. And if you are a book enthusiast, keep a notepad handy while you read to jot down references he makes to books he loves. I hear he is working on a follow-up now that he's seen sixty and I'm waiting not-so-patiently. On the fiction side, start with Tales from Margaritaville
. It's a collection of short stories, half true and and half sort of true. It's fantastic! And a very easy read. Perfect for margarita=sippin', lounge chair lazin' days. Moi: What do you hope readers will gain by following "Life Lessons from JB"?
LS: Wow....I hadn't really thought about it. I guess for me, this blog is a way to combine a passion for writing and a passion for all things JB. His work has always been such a big part of my life. As cheesy and obsessed as that sounds. It's hearing songs that trigger memories of riding in my mom's convertible screaming the words to Volcano....And imagining my dad's mustache when I hear "Little Miss Magic"...You know? I just think it's a great thing that most people have heard of but probably don't fully understand. I think it's natural for most people to want to share things that touch their lives and to help others understand the influence. Maybe that's what I'm doing, here. Creating a new perspective on a great thing.
Moi: Thank you so much for sharing your JB knowledge, insights and enthusiasm. I am anxiously awaiting future posts from you. Keep the life lessons coming.
LS: Thanks Kristin! This is fantastic! You are the first person to show any interest in my depth of JB knowledge....Ha!!! Thanks for letting me share.
On a personal note, I have to thank Lauren for inspiring me to write my first blog post back in the myspace days (remember those). Before that introduction to the blogosphere all my thoughts and ramblings were stored in stacks of journals. Her posts were an inspiration to me and I am sure they will be for you as well.
Find Lauren's blog at lifelessonsfromjb.blogspot.com and follow along to see what life lessons you can learn from Jimmy Buffett.
Toodles from one Blog Happy Smalltownista.
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