Thank you. I remember decidedly not feeling that way at the time, though; I felt a lot more like, “Why were those little red flags from before not more obvious? Why didn’t we pick up on more? Did we not say enough?” But again, that just plays into Monique’s point; we were only seeing what she was willing or allowing…

Another fabulously solid and beautifully written article, Monique; I’m loving this series!

Yeah, when I think of even the concept of a service like this, all I feel about it is just a whole chorus of “No!”s. Do I live in a space equipped for someone to actually do my hair there? Hell no! Do I want someone I’ve never met before in my apartment? Fuck no! Like... why? Why?

So do I, but it’s so strange to me... she always looks so unnatural in photos, but every time I’ve interacted with her in person (she’s kind of a regular in my shop, when she’s in town), she looks lovely and way more normal than I ever suspected she would. I’m not sure why this is, still!

Kate Beckinsale is (a) one of the most hilarious people you can follow on Instagram, (b) one of THE all-time most delightful celeb customers I ever had at my old job (she was so, so lovely, and so excited to talk about books!), and (c) funnily enough, Michael and Sarah used to come into that shop all the time, too,…

I work in a secondhand record and bookshop, and we definitely sell more cassettes (and vinyl) than CDs. Most of our cassette buyers, though, are driving older cars that still only have tape decks in them, not CD players. So... that’s one reason!

You remain the best, Michael.

Same! I am on the floor over here.

Yes, exactly. I love him so.

Haha yes, same tour! (First time I got to see him, though I’ve been very fortunate to catch him about 5 times since then. He’s always incredible.) I think he rode the bicycle around the stage for... “Solsbury Hill”? Whatever it was, that was also impressive in its way, since that stage was not very big, so it was a…

Fair enough! I’m sure with the amount of tourist influx you get over there (just like here), there may be some weird and annoying shit going on.

Late to respond, but I’ve been thinking about this post ever since first reading it the other day. As always, wonderful stuff, Monique.

Rest assured, that choreo? Kicked my ass.

Right? It’s amazing to me when anyone has that kind of vocal control just about any time, but with the flu?

I’m looking forward to it! Plus, if my primary/ideal plan works out, and I just stay with my friend in Manhattan, I’m sure he’ll have some ideas for where he’d like to show me around, too.

I have been living for everything showing up in this tag on Twitter all damn day. So, so good.

I’m here for Janet Jackson appreciation day. The “If” video changed my life, watered my crops, and filed my taxes.

Truly, the trifecta, never to be outdone.

Oh hell yes, thank you!

I did (now that I’m a publisher myself, I’m always digging around for info about other indie and small presses), I think a few months ago, but didn’t know they had any US retailers, so that’s awesome, thank you for the tip! Will definitely have to check that out.