Slowly, but surely, I'm catching up on blogs. My mom went to the doctor for a routine test. About an hour after my mom arrived at the doctor's office, my phone rings.
Me: "Hello?"
Mom: "Hi, honey! I'm at the doctor's office. You know, you're right, they really do smell...doctor's offices. Anyway, they did the test and we are waiting on some preliminary results."
Me, trying to keep the worry out of my voice: "How do they think you are doing? Have they said anything at all?"
Mom, gasping: "Well, I didn't have any pain or swelling or anything like that. Pushed all over me. Wasn't thrilled, but was very happy when nothing hurt! They said my symptoms sound pretty basic."
Me, relieved: "Well, that's good news! Basic is good, right?"
Mom: "Yes, but..."
Me, frantic: "But, what?"
Mom: "My doctor is a woman. Damn it."
Me, perplexed: "Um, what?"
Mom: "I was hoping for a single man, kind-of like Keanu Leeves--"
Me: "Reeves."
Mom: "Oh, yes, of course...anyway, you know, from the film Something's Gotta Give? But, no, I get the woman. She's very nice, though."
Me: "You wanted Keanu Reeves. How did Dad take that one?"
Mom: "Oh, sweetie, not for me...although I wouldn't stomp my feet, whine, and run at the prospect of him treating me...might be the only time I'd willingly slip into one of those hideous little gowns, but...no, no, for you."
Me: "For me? What?"
Mom: "Don't you worry, I've got my eyes peeled."
I just couldn't help but laugh. Only my mom goes in for medical stuff and makes it her intention to sniff the place out for a single man for her daughter. After receiving a new medication, my mom left the doctor's office and called to let me know she was unsuccessful at spying a single man. Alas, there weren't any single men that she saw. In fact, I believe her exact words were, "All women. Unbelievable. Not a man in sight. Very unlucky. If I have to go back, you can bet I'm asking!"
I love my mom. Not loving the need for her to try and set me up, but I think that's just Mom 101...it's in their DNA. Comes with the territory.
Hark Go The Blog Awards!
I have two utterly amazing blog awards to give thanks for and to pass to other wonderful, deserving blogger buddies.
First, I know I am so far behind on blog reading--between everyday life, my seemingly perpetual sentence in Singletonville, cooking a Thanksgiving dinner, and worrying about my mom 24/7, I've had little time for much else...other than sleep, which I have tried to squeeze in when possible...but I do believe I'm taking on a zombie-like quality. Please forgive me.
Okay, first award: I'm A Shiny Turkey. No, really, I am. And I cooked one, too (yeah, I know, lame joke).
My wonderful friend, J. Day, over at The Ramblings Of Charlie Brown (Check out her blog--it is vastly entertaining and she is just a truly wonderful person) awarded me this yummy award--thank you so much. *hugs*
The rules are simple: Pass it to 3 or 4 bloggers and tell a story relating to any of the following--intoxication, food, kitchen, cooking/baking, or holiday.
Well, I reckon my recent Thanksgiving cooking adventure qualifies...especially the part where I inadvertently burned up my mom's stove top, rendering it completely useless. Or, maybe, I could talk about the time we had an ice storm in Dallas during the Christmas holiday. Ice storms happen in Texas, but for it to happen just in time for Christmas was pretty cool. Hmm, maybe I could talk about friends. You know, how REAL friends call to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. My BFF called first thing at 8:30 a.m. Wasn't (who is quickly turning into He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named a.k.a the snake-like Voldemort) doesn't. Nope. Pretty revealing, if you ask me. Heck, I wish everyone a Happy Anything every year--it's just...polite...and nice...and the human thing to do. Anyway, I digress.
Here you go fellow bloggers--a turkey award for you (I figure it still counts because turkeys are tradition throughout the whole of the holidays): Juliana, Alessandra, Ms. Caboo, Jewels, and Martha
My second blog award comes from another dear blogger friend: Average Girl (Tracy) at It's An Average Life. She is such a sweetheart and whenever she comments or blogs, she just makes my day a little brighter. You will want to visit her blog. This award is called...are you ready...love this...The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. Thank you so much Tracy. Um, is it wrong that I really want a piece of that strawberry pie?
There aren't any rules that I could see with this one, so I will do what Tracy did and pass this forward to three bloggers (though I could pick everyone!): Yvonne, Jen, and Rebekah
Two yummy, delicious blog awards that, quite frankly, are making me hungry.
Thank you again for thinking of me. *hugs to you both*
First, I know I am so far behind on blog reading--between everyday life, my seemingly perpetual sentence in Singletonville, cooking a Thanksgiving dinner, and worrying about my mom 24/7, I've had little time for much else...other than sleep, which I have tried to squeeze in when possible...but I do believe I'm taking on a zombie-like quality. Please forgive me.
Okay, first award: I'm A Shiny Turkey. No, really, I am. And I cooked one, too (yeah, I know, lame joke).
My wonderful friend, J. Day, over at The Ramblings Of Charlie Brown (Check out her blog--it is vastly entertaining and she is just a truly wonderful person) awarded me this yummy award--thank you so much. *hugs*
The rules are simple: Pass it to 3 or 4 bloggers and tell a story relating to any of the following--intoxication, food, kitchen, cooking/baking, or holiday.
Well, I reckon my recent Thanksgiving cooking adventure qualifies...especially the part where I inadvertently burned up my mom's stove top, rendering it completely useless. Or, maybe, I could talk about the time we had an ice storm in Dallas during the Christmas holiday. Ice storms happen in Texas, but for it to happen just in time for Christmas was pretty cool. Hmm, maybe I could talk about friends. You know, how REAL friends call to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. My BFF called first thing at 8:30 a.m. Wasn't (who is quickly turning into He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named a.k.a the snake-like Voldemort) doesn't. Nope. Pretty revealing, if you ask me. Heck, I wish everyone a Happy Anything every year--it's just...polite...and nice...and the human thing to do. Anyway, I digress.
Here you go fellow bloggers--a turkey award for you (I figure it still counts because turkeys are tradition throughout the whole of the holidays): Juliana, Alessandra, Ms. Caboo, Jewels, and Martha
My second blog award comes from another dear blogger friend: Average Girl (Tracy) at It's An Average Life. She is such a sweetheart and whenever she comments or blogs, she just makes my day a little brighter. You will want to visit her blog. This award is called...are you ready...love this...The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award. Thank you so much Tracy. Um, is it wrong that I really want a piece of that strawberry pie?
There aren't any rules that I could see with this one, so I will do what Tracy did and pass this forward to three bloggers (though I could pick everyone!): Yvonne, Jen, and Rebekah
Two yummy, delicious blog awards that, quite frankly, are making me hungry.
Thank you again for thinking of me. *hugs to you both*
That Deathly Hallows Symbol
In celebration of Deathly Hallows' release, I'm going to do something I don't usually do on this blog. I'm going to indulge myself in a post that is truly more fan speculation rather than writer analysis. What can I say? I came to Harry Potter as a fan first and foremost!
Back in the summer of 2007, after the cover for Deathly Hallows had been revealed, but before the book had been released, I, like many other HP fanatics, was caught up in exploring and speculating on every aspect of the cover for possible clues toward the forthcoming story. I was especially fascinated with that mysterious, geometric symbol on the spine of the Bloomsbury UK cover.
Having already spent a good deal of time analyzing and presenting workshops on the alchemical and Egyptian mythological underpinning of the series, I of course looked there for an understanding of the symbol. I completed an editorial analyzing it as the last segment of a 3-part essay on Egyptian mythology in Harry Potter that was published on Mugglenet.com.
Unfortunately, the editors at Mugglenet were so busy posting an onslaught of last minute theories before the final revelation, that they didn't get the last two parts of my series posted until the comment section had been shut down ahead of DH's release to prevent spoilers. So, I never got feedback on my, of course, brilliant theories! ;-)
But now that I have a blog of my own, I can subject you all to this last, lost speculation! So, if you're ready to revisit those long-gone wonderful times of plastering the Internet with wild theories before the next Harry Potter release, then sit back and grab something good to drink, because when I dip into fan speculation, I tend to get long-winded.
Harry's Sacred Egyptian Triangle
In the introduction to the essay linked above, I said:
My argument was thus:
1) the triangle represented the sacred Egyptian Triangle or Golden Triangle, a symbol of the goddess Isis, her deceased husband Osiris, and their child Horus. These three together were the sacred, holy family and thus symbolized eternal love and the new life that is born of that love. (Through earlier parts of my editorial, I'd already analyzed how Isis = Lily, Osiris = James, and Horus = Harry).
2) the circle inside the triangle represented the Eye of Horus, a symbol of Divine protection and restoration, and ancestor of the Eye of Providence watching out from afar, giving guidance.
3) the line bisecting both triangle and circle from top to bottom represented the Tree of Life, a symbol of life, obviously, but also of a central pillar that had roots in the underworld, a trunk in our world, and branches into the realms of the gods.
Now, as it's been over three years since Deathly Hallows has been released, read, reread, and digested, I can look back on this speculation and see how my original theory fit in with the reality of the book (or at least my opinion of it!).
How JKR used this Egyptian symbolism in her created Hallows:
1) The invisibility cloak was the one Hallow handed down from father and son through the generations. It represented love and protection and for Harry was almost always shared among his only living family -- his friends Ron and Hermione. Notice that it was quite frequently the three of them under that cloak, Harry's own golden triangle of friendship and love.
2) The Resurrection Stone had the ability to bring the dead back, just not to real life. For Cadmus, it drove him crazy to be with a love he could never truly possess again. But for Harry, who sought not to possess but to be counseled, the stone brought him the comfort from the guidance of those who had gone before him. Lily, James, Lupin, and Sirius truly gave him divine loving guidance and protection on his walk to meet Death. And of course, we must not forget Dumbledore, who through the blue eyes of his brother Aberforth in the fragment of a mirror, still watched out for Harry throughout this last book.
3) If you look at that line on the Bloomsbury cover representing the wand, you'll see that it's actually a spear, with a pointed tip at its head. As the most powerful wand created, the Elder Wand had the ability to pierce the Veil of Death by both sending its master's adversaries across the veil, and supposedly preventing its master from making the trip himself. Of course, it failed to do the latter. However, the elder wand, this stick from a tree, is an ironic symbol of the Tree of Life in its human-mangled transformation into a Death Stick.
Even back in 2007, I never believed that JKR in her actual text would use any of these words: Egyptian Triangle, Eye of Horus, Tree of Life, but rather that these meaning were subtextual, hidden below the surface, to provide an extra layer of depth and meaning to her rabid readers. Of course, all this is conjecture on my part, and I may be totally off the mark in the meaning and images she was drawing upon when she created her Hallows.
But there is one thing I am sure of...when dealing with an author of JK Rowling's caliber, she most definitely had carefully, thought-out meaning and well-researched imagery behind each of those symbols. And when she finally issues the Harry Potter Encyclopedia, I'm hoping we'll find out these final secrets!
PS: I have more to say on this and will probably add a few more thoughts into the comments as they go. But this post is already very long and not sure how into this stuff anyone else but myself will be!
Back in the summer of 2007, after the cover for Deathly Hallows had been revealed, but before the book had been released, I, like many other HP fanatics, was caught up in exploring and speculating on every aspect of the cover for possible clues toward the forthcoming story. I was especially fascinated with that mysterious, geometric symbol on the spine of the Bloomsbury UK cover.
Having already spent a good deal of time analyzing and presenting workshops on the alchemical and Egyptian mythological underpinning of the series, I of course looked there for an understanding of the symbol. I completed an editorial analyzing it as the last segment of a 3-part essay on Egyptian mythology in Harry Potter that was published on Mugglenet.com.
Unfortunately, the editors at Mugglenet were so busy posting an onslaught of last minute theories before the final revelation, that they didn't get the last two parts of my series posted until the comment section had been shut down ahead of DH's release to prevent spoilers. So, I never got feedback on my, of course, brilliant theories! ;-)
But now that I have a blog of my own, I can subject you all to this last, lost speculation! So, if you're ready to revisit those long-gone wonderful times of plastering the Internet with wild theories before the next Harry Potter release, then sit back and grab something good to drink, because when I dip into fan speculation, I tend to get long-winded.
Harry's Sacred Egyptian Triangle
In the introduction to the essay linked above, I said:
And now for what I consider the most exciting part of this three-part editorial -- that symbol on the spine of the Bloomsbury children's cover, the one that has inspired much discussion, sparked such controversy, and appeared as the key into the last round of W.O.M.B.A.T. questions. That sign, in my opinion, is a decidedly Egyptian symbol with some mixed-in alchemical and Masonic esoteric meaning. Essentially, I think it is a composite sign of JKR’s own creation -- an Egyptian Triangle with the Eye of Horus and Tree of Life layered on top.(My editorial is very long, but if you're interested, it will give you greater insight to the theories below).
My argument was thus:
1) the triangle represented the sacred Egyptian Triangle or Golden Triangle, a symbol of the goddess Isis, her deceased husband Osiris, and their child Horus. These three together were the sacred, holy family and thus symbolized eternal love and the new life that is born of that love. (Through earlier parts of my editorial, I'd already analyzed how Isis = Lily, Osiris = James, and Horus = Harry).
2) the circle inside the triangle represented the Eye of Horus, a symbol of Divine protection and restoration, and ancestor of the Eye of Providence watching out from afar, giving guidance.
3) the line bisecting both triangle and circle from top to bottom represented the Tree of Life, a symbol of life, obviously, but also of a central pillar that had roots in the underworld, a trunk in our world, and branches into the realms of the gods.
Now, as it's been over three years since Deathly Hallows has been released, read, reread, and digested, I can look back on this speculation and see how my original theory fit in with the reality of the book (or at least my opinion of it!).
How JKR used this Egyptian symbolism in her created Hallows:
1) The invisibility cloak was the one Hallow handed down from father and son through the generations. It represented love and protection and for Harry was almost always shared among his only living family -- his friends Ron and Hermione. Notice that it was quite frequently the three of them under that cloak, Harry's own golden triangle of friendship and love.
2) The Resurrection Stone had the ability to bring the dead back, just not to real life. For Cadmus, it drove him crazy to be with a love he could never truly possess again. But for Harry, who sought not to possess but to be counseled, the stone brought him the comfort from the guidance of those who had gone before him. Lily, James, Lupin, and Sirius truly gave him divine loving guidance and protection on his walk to meet Death. And of course, we must not forget Dumbledore, who through the blue eyes of his brother Aberforth in the fragment of a mirror, still watched out for Harry throughout this last book.
3) If you look at that line on the Bloomsbury cover representing the wand, you'll see that it's actually a spear, with a pointed tip at its head. As the most powerful wand created, the Elder Wand had the ability to pierce the Veil of Death by both sending its master's adversaries across the veil, and supposedly preventing its master from making the trip himself. Of course, it failed to do the latter. However, the elder wand, this stick from a tree, is an ironic symbol of the Tree of Life in its human-mangled transformation into a Death Stick.
Even back in 2007, I never believed that JKR in her actual text would use any of these words: Egyptian Triangle, Eye of Horus, Tree of Life, but rather that these meaning were subtextual, hidden below the surface, to provide an extra layer of depth and meaning to her rabid readers. Of course, all this is conjecture on my part, and I may be totally off the mark in the meaning and images she was drawing upon when she created her Hallows.
But there is one thing I am sure of...when dealing with an author of JK Rowling's caliber, she most definitely had carefully, thought-out meaning and well-researched imagery behind each of those symbols. And when she finally issues the Harry Potter Encyclopedia, I'm hoping we'll find out these final secrets!
PS: I have more to say on this and will probably add a few more thoughts into the comments as they go. But this post is already very long and not sure how into this stuff anyone else but myself will be!
A Happy Thanksgiving...With A Dash Of Panic And A Sprinkle Of Nausea
I hope everyone had a wonderful, safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving Day.
Ours was wonderful (minus the Cowboys loss--will cover in a moment). My mom felt well enough to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. She was overwhelmed and proud that I undertook the whole dinner on my own (with her as my coach, of course--really, the Cowboys should hire her) and actually pulled it off. Seeing her happy and smiling made my day.
The sweet potatoes turned out just right, thank goodness. My mom eyeballs the ingredients, so I didn't have real measurements to go by with this one...I had to guess--really not a good idea for me. Maybe I had Thanksgiving luck on my side or something. Whatever it was, I am grateful.
Turkey: Well, no one told me just how grotesque it is to remove the, um, insides of the thing. Ick. It took everything in me to keep from gagging. Couldn't stop the watery eyes and the slight curl of my lip, however. Anyway, when the moment of truth arrived....
He turned out just right.
Um, except for one nearly catastrophic mess-up. When moving the turkey from the oven, I bobbled the pan and some of the juices spilled over the edge and onto my mom's old stove top. More specifically, the juices went down into a fan switch on the stove. Next thing I knew, a strong electrical wire-like burning smell filled the kitchen area and smoke started rising from the stove.
My mom began panicking, while my dad calmly went to shut-off the circuit breaker to the stove and lower oven.
Result: My mom's stove is now no more. Broken. Destroyed. The plus side? She's been wanting a new stove for a loooong time, so I guess, in a way, it's a good thing.
It's just not Thanksgiving without something to make your stomach lurch into your throat and out your eyes.
Speaking of lurching stomachs...
Dallas Cowboys: Well, we won the game...it was in the palm of our hand...then Roy Williams coughed it up. There is a difference between smart football and selfish football. Roy Williams caught the pass for a first down, setting us up for a score. Did he protect the ball? No. Did he just fall down after catching the ball and getting the first down? Heck no. Did he carelessly hold the ball in one arm, continue fighting for unneeded yardage and fumble in the process? Naturally.
We won't even talk about our sporadic kicker.
So, all in all, the Cowboys put on a show and put up a fight against the defending Super Bowl champs. I'm proud of them...despite a little post-game nausea.
Survived cooking Thanksgiving dinner--Mission COMPLETE. And you know what? I actually enjoyed cooking. Maybe I'll audition for Hell's Kitchen next. Just kidding. Ramsay couldn't handle me...and I'd probably break his stove. ;)
Now we can officially say....HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Ours was wonderful (minus the Cowboys loss--will cover in a moment). My mom felt well enough to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. She was overwhelmed and proud that I undertook the whole dinner on my own (with her as my coach, of course--really, the Cowboys should hire her) and actually pulled it off. Seeing her happy and smiling made my day.
The sweet potatoes turned out just right, thank goodness. My mom eyeballs the ingredients, so I didn't have real measurements to go by with this one...I had to guess--really not a good idea for me. Maybe I had Thanksgiving luck on my side or something. Whatever it was, I am grateful.
Turkey: Well, no one told me just how grotesque it is to remove the, um, insides of the thing. Ick. It took everything in me to keep from gagging. Couldn't stop the watery eyes and the slight curl of my lip, however. Anyway, when the moment of truth arrived....
He turned out just right.
Um, except for one nearly catastrophic mess-up. When moving the turkey from the oven, I bobbled the pan and some of the juices spilled over the edge and onto my mom's old stove top. More specifically, the juices went down into a fan switch on the stove. Next thing I knew, a strong electrical wire-like burning smell filled the kitchen area and smoke started rising from the stove.
My mom began panicking, while my dad calmly went to shut-off the circuit breaker to the stove and lower oven.
Result: My mom's stove is now no more. Broken. Destroyed. The plus side? She's been wanting a new stove for a loooong time, so I guess, in a way, it's a good thing.
It's just not Thanksgiving without something to make your stomach lurch into your throat and out your eyes.
Speaking of lurching stomachs...
Dallas Cowboys: Well, we won the game...it was in the palm of our hand...then Roy Williams coughed it up. There is a difference between smart football and selfish football. Roy Williams caught the pass for a first down, setting us up for a score. Did he protect the ball? No. Did he just fall down after catching the ball and getting the first down? Heck no. Did he carelessly hold the ball in one arm, continue fighting for unneeded yardage and fumble in the process? Naturally.
We won't even talk about our sporadic kicker.
So, all in all, the Cowboys put on a show and put up a fight against the defending Super Bowl champs. I'm proud of them...despite a little post-game nausea.
Survived cooking Thanksgiving dinner--Mission COMPLETE. And you know what? I actually enjoyed cooking. Maybe I'll audition for Hell's Kitchen next. Just kidding. Ramsay couldn't handle me...and I'd probably break his stove. ;)
Now we can officially say....HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Mad-Eye's Prize Winner
I'm sorry to be this slow announcing a winner. I had a bit of a family emergency on Halloween that set-off three weeks full of delays and emergencies, some good, some not so good.
But I would now like to announce the winner in the Mad-Eye's Magical Eye contest. Congratulations to Heather Faesy of Lost in the View blog!
Heather, I hope you have a good door to nail this on. Just use it for good luck and not to spy on people like Umbridge! :-)
Thanks to all who entered, and I hope to have another contest around Christmas, so check back soon!
You can follow Heather at her Twitterfeed hfaesy.
But I would now like to announce the winner in the Mad-Eye's Magical Eye contest. Congratulations to Heather Faesy of Lost in the View blog!
Heather, I hope you have a good door to nail this on. Just use it for good luck and not to spy on people like Umbridge! :-)
Thanks to all who entered, and I hope to have another contest around Christmas, so check back soon!
You can follow Heather at her Twitterfeed hfaesy.
Thanksgiving Cooking Part III: Swiss Green Beans; Sweet Potatoes; Fruit Salad
I'm done! Well, except for the turkey tomorrow morning, for which I am setting an alarm clock. Doubt I'll sleep in with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on so early. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the parade!
I panicked a little when the turkey wasn't thawing fast enough. My mom told me to add some water to the pan with the turkey--that seems to be working nicely.
Mission: Swiss Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, and Fruit Salad.
Swiss Green Beans: This yummy dish has it all. The green beans are cooked in a mixture of sugar, butter, pepper, onion, and sour cream. The mixture is poured into a casserole dish then topped with grated Swiss cheese and warm buttered corn flakes. (Note to self: Open sugar bags with caution. Had a most unfortunate incident with the sugar)
Note to self: Figure out the best way to cut an onion--started while cutting for the stuffing. Clearly didn't figure out a better way for this dish. We're talking seriously burning tears.
This one requires you to add the ingredients super fast, so I had a couple of issues with nervous hands, but managed getting it all together without spilling too much.
Sweet Potatoes: My all time favorite dish (I was so afraid of messing this one up). After placing the sweet potatoes in a large, flat dish, I added a mixture of butter, brown sugar, pecans, and orange juice. It wasn't bad at all, although my mom doesn't know exactly how much brown sugar and orange juice she uses (she can eyeball it). We'll find out tomorrow if I got it right or not. It sure smelled good. I'll take a pic when I give it the final touch before warming it: marshmallows.
The last thing I did was a kid friendly fruit salad my mom told me about...um, yeah, it's pink--couldn't be a better color for me! It's fun, colorful, and a great way to get kids and non-fruit-eating adults to eat the healthy stuff. It has fruit...and marshmallows, whipped cream, and jello. Didn't I say it was kid-friendly?
Well, day one of cooking is done. No major catastrophes; nothing burned. I've had a fantastic coach: My mama.
Mission: Swiss Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, and Fruit Salad--COMPLETED
Tomorrow: Turkey and final touches. I really hope I don't dry the turkey out too much--that's my biggest concern...a Griswold Turkey.
I panicked a little when the turkey wasn't thawing fast enough. My mom told me to add some water to the pan with the turkey--that seems to be working nicely.
Mission: Swiss Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, and Fruit Salad.
Swiss Green Beans: This yummy dish has it all. The green beans are cooked in a mixture of sugar, butter, pepper, onion, and sour cream. The mixture is poured into a casserole dish then topped with grated Swiss cheese and warm buttered corn flakes. (Note to self: Open sugar bags with caution. Had a most unfortunate incident with the sugar)
Note to self: Figure out the best way to cut an onion--started while cutting for the stuffing. Clearly didn't figure out a better way for this dish. We're talking seriously burning tears.
This one requires you to add the ingredients super fast, so I had a couple of issues with nervous hands, but managed getting it all together without spilling too much.
Sweet Potatoes: My all time favorite dish (I was so afraid of messing this one up). After placing the sweet potatoes in a large, flat dish, I added a mixture of butter, brown sugar, pecans, and orange juice. It wasn't bad at all, although my mom doesn't know exactly how much brown sugar and orange juice she uses (she can eyeball it). We'll find out tomorrow if I got it right or not. It sure smelled good. I'll take a pic when I give it the final touch before warming it: marshmallows.
The last thing I did was a kid friendly fruit salad my mom told me about...um, yeah, it's pink--couldn't be a better color for me! It's fun, colorful, and a great way to get kids and non-fruit-eating adults to eat the healthy stuff. It has fruit...and marshmallows, whipped cream, and jello. Didn't I say it was kid-friendly?
Well, day one of cooking is done. No major catastrophes; nothing burned. I've had a fantastic coach: My mama.
Mission: Swiss Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, and Fruit Salad--COMPLETED
Tomorrow: Turkey and final touches. I really hope I don't dry the turkey out too much--that's my biggest concern...a Griswold Turkey.
Thanksgiving Cooking Part II: Stuffing
The stuffing was a massive undertaking.
Tasks: Chop vegetables; cook sausage; cook veggies & sausage in melted butter; mix in large pot with dry foods (cornbread, toast, spices--sage), periodically add chicken stock.
Tricky Part: There is no real science to how much stock or spices/sage to use. I had to keep adding until it tasted like my mama's.
After lots of trial and error....I finally got it!
I give you Sausage & Cornbread Stuffing! Tomorrow, after going into the oven for a bit, the top will have a nice, brown, crusty top.
Mission: Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing--COMPLETE
Up Next: Swiss Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, & Fruit Salad.
The Mission: Sausage & Cornbread Stuffing
Tasks: Chop vegetables; cook sausage; cook veggies & sausage in melted butter; mix in large pot with dry foods (cornbread, toast, spices--sage), periodically add chicken stock.
Tricky Part: There is no real science to how much stock or spices/sage to use. I had to keep adding until it tasted like my mama's.
After lots of trial and error....I finally got it!
I give you Sausage & Cornbread Stuffing! Tomorrow, after going into the oven for a bit, the top will have a nice, brown, crusty top.
Mission: Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing--COMPLETE
Up Next: Swiss Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, & Fruit Salad.
Thanksgivng Cooking Part I
Wake-up: Much too early after going to bed much too late. Will only sleep an hour more.
Wake-up II: Oh Holy Turkey! Slept over 6 more hours!! Very bad start to first Thanksgiving cooking spree! Will now be a cooking sprint!! Oh Gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh. Must not panic.
Haven't slept much since my mom hasn't been well...usually can go on very little, if any, sleep. Why my body chose today to pass out for extra hours I will never understand! Unbelievable!
Lunch: Mission-Cornbread for stuffing recipe.
Okay, so, I use Jiffy cornbread mix--it's what my mom uses for the stuffing; she makes stand-alone cornbread from scratch.
Directions: mix with 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk.
Sounds simple enough.
Will appear slightly bumpy.
Er, what's slightly bumpy?
Stirring ingredients...see bumps...um, okay, so, at what point is it just slightly bumpy? Reckon if I mix it a bit longer, that will suffice.
After about 5 minutes of stirring, mixture appears about right--little bumps, but mostly smooth.
Pour mixture into pan; bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
With my trusty Ove-Glove firmly in place, I approach scary oven, shaking ever-so-slightly. (yes, I have a fear of the oven...no idea why).
Done. In. Cooking.
20-25 minutes later: Voila! CORNBREAD! Hurray! It smells delicious and is a perfect golden-brown.
Mission: Cornbread--COMPLETE.
Next up: Stuffing.
Wake-up II: Oh Holy Turkey! Slept over 6 more hours!! Very bad start to first Thanksgiving cooking spree! Will now be a cooking sprint!! Oh Gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh. Must not panic.
Haven't slept much since my mom hasn't been well...usually can go on very little, if any, sleep. Why my body chose today to pass out for extra hours I will never understand! Unbelievable!
Lunch: Mission-Cornbread for stuffing recipe.
Okay, so, I use Jiffy cornbread mix--it's what my mom uses for the stuffing; she makes stand-alone cornbread from scratch.
Directions: mix with 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk.
Sounds simple enough.
Will appear slightly bumpy.
Er, what's slightly bumpy?
Stirring ingredients...see bumps...um, okay, so, at what point is it just slightly bumpy? Reckon if I mix it a bit longer, that will suffice.
After about 5 minutes of stirring, mixture appears about right--little bumps, but mostly smooth.
Pour mixture into pan; bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
With my trusty Ove-Glove firmly in place, I approach scary oven, shaking ever-so-slightly. (yes, I have a fear of the oven...no idea why).
Done. In. Cooking.
20-25 minutes later: Voila! CORNBREAD! Hurray! It smells delicious and is a perfect golden-brown.
Mission: Cornbread--COMPLETE.
Next up: Stuffing.
The XXX Annual Thanksgiving Grocery Trip
Every year it's the same: someone trips and falls on their face, unloads a load of apples, oranges, or some other produce all over the floor, or slams into a display...you know, the usual embarrassing grocery store stuff.
Last year, while passing the fish market section, I began gagging...massive, borderline hurling-type gagging. I'm not a fan of the smell of fish. In order to stop said gagging, I hurried down the cereal aisle where, I'm sorry to say, I terrified an elderly couple, who were simply trying to say hello. I gagged--badly--in their faces. After a brief explanation, they laughed and went on their way. I continued gagging into baked goods.
Today was no exception. Dressed in my very favorite one-size-too-big jeans, I was ready for this year's Thanksgiving adventure.
Absent gagging, I had to deal with a very cranky dad in canned goods. Eventually, he did shed the cranky pants somewhere around the cookies...where I left him to indulge in a treat, while I went to find sage, almond extract, and jello.
Jello moment: Squeezing between two men and their talkative wives, I grabbed two boxes of jello...while knocking about a half dozen more off the shelf, into a display, and onto the floor. It was one of those moments where everyone stops what they are doing to point, stare, and laugh. I had to laugh too. The irony? It was cherry jello. Sigh. Cherry. The jokes are endless.
XXX moment: Turkey gravy will forever be my nemesis. The particular brand my mom uses was sold out. I swiftly called Mom and began listing all sorts of alternatives. This listing took me from the top shelf all the way to the bottom, where I had to stoop down. I felt a strange breeze along my lower back, but brushed it off. After nearly five minutes of crouching tiger, I realized I had non-hidden-butt-crack-dragon. That's right. My one-size-too-big jeans slipped down, exposing the top of my bum cheeks and a little crack.
Mortified, I jumped, yanked up my jeans, and found two men smiling to my left...to my right, one smiling man...and yet another grinning man stood perched by a display of soft drinks, talking on the phone, watching me as I turned to leave. The look on his face was something between "Should I tip her" and "I need a Viagra."
Great. Am now a stripper. Why didn't I just start grinding against the gravy display while I'm at it?
What's worse? My dad, in between hysterics, informs me that the guy on the phone--the one who I swear contemplated tipping me--is a store manager...and knows my dad.
So, in summation: The virgin in me sends a not-so-subtle signal by knocking off multiple boxes of cherry jello, while the slut in me apparently decided it was time to air a little out.
Another classic shopping excursion in the books.
Time to cook...I can only imagine what this will be like...actually, I can't, I really can't.
Last year, while passing the fish market section, I began gagging...massive, borderline hurling-type gagging. I'm not a fan of the smell of fish. In order to stop said gagging, I hurried down the cereal aisle where, I'm sorry to say, I terrified an elderly couple, who were simply trying to say hello. I gagged--badly--in their faces. After a brief explanation, they laughed and went on their way. I continued gagging into baked goods.
Today was no exception. Dressed in my very favorite one-size-too-big jeans, I was ready for this year's Thanksgiving adventure.
Absent gagging, I had to deal with a very cranky dad in canned goods. Eventually, he did shed the cranky pants somewhere around the cookies...where I left him to indulge in a treat, while I went to find sage, almond extract, and jello.
Jello moment: Squeezing between two men and their talkative wives, I grabbed two boxes of jello...while knocking about a half dozen more off the shelf, into a display, and onto the floor. It was one of those moments where everyone stops what they are doing to point, stare, and laugh. I had to laugh too. The irony? It was cherry jello. Sigh. Cherry. The jokes are endless.
XXX moment: Turkey gravy will forever be my nemesis. The particular brand my mom uses was sold out. I swiftly called Mom and began listing all sorts of alternatives. This listing took me from the top shelf all the way to the bottom, where I had to stoop down. I felt a strange breeze along my lower back, but brushed it off. After nearly five minutes of crouching tiger, I realized I had non-hidden-butt-crack-dragon. That's right. My one-size-too-big jeans slipped down, exposing the top of my bum cheeks and a little crack.
Mortified, I jumped, yanked up my jeans, and found two men smiling to my left...to my right, one smiling man...and yet another grinning man stood perched by a display of soft drinks, talking on the phone, watching me as I turned to leave. The look on his face was something between "Should I tip her" and "I need a Viagra."
Great. Am now a stripper. Why didn't I just start grinding against the gravy display while I'm at it?
What's worse? My dad, in between hysterics, informs me that the guy on the phone--the one who I swear contemplated tipping me--is a store manager...and knows my dad.
So, in summation: The virgin in me sends a not-so-subtle signal by knocking off multiple boxes of cherry jello, while the slut in me apparently decided it was time to air a little out.
Another classic shopping excursion in the books.
Time to cook...I can only imagine what this will be like...actually, I can't, I really can't.
Thanksgiving Should Be Interesting
First, I promise to catch up in the next couple of days. I was hit hard with a marathon headache today. Yuck.
Anyway, I've made what could be a terrible decision.
Since my mom hasn't been well, I've decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner.
Um...for the first time.
Now, Mom doesn't know this just yet...not entirely sure she will be open to this--she ALWAYS cooks Thanksgiving dinner and never accepts help. But I really don't want her to overdo; she needs to take it easy.
I'm not exactly a kitchen buff.
So, I'm hoping you will send me tons and tons of blog-support as I take on Thanksgiving dinner.
Did I mention I'm afraid of the oven?
Oh, Lord, help me.
Cheering section needed.
Anyway, I've made what could be a terrible decision.
Since my mom hasn't been well, I've decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner.
Um...for the first time.
Now, Mom doesn't know this just yet...not entirely sure she will be open to this--she ALWAYS cooks Thanksgiving dinner and never accepts help. But I really don't want her to overdo; she needs to take it easy.
I'm not exactly a kitchen buff.
So, I'm hoping you will send me tons and tons of blog-support as I take on Thanksgiving dinner.
Did I mention I'm afraid of the oven?
Oh, Lord, help me.
Cheering section needed.
Dallas Cowboys--That's 3 Wins, Baby! Mavs--Thank you! Jimmie Johnson--Just Wow.
Wonderful weekend for my Texas teams!
Dallas Cowboys: Yes, yes, it's only 3 wins for my Cowboys, but, hey, they're wins. The Cowboys handily defeated the Detroit Lions today before heading into their annual Thanksgiving Day game this coming Thursday. This year will be a test for my 'Boys--we have to face the reigning Super Bowl champs, the New Orleans Saints. Yeah. I may want to have my turkey well before the game. I'm already a little gag-ish.
Dallas Mavericks: After losing to the Bulls, the Mavericks came back and defeated the Atlanta Hawks, making my family very happy. Dirk is just pure joy to watch.
NASCAR NEWS: Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team won their 5th STRAIGHT NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. That's 5 in a row, folks. Whether you are a 48 fan or not, it is hard to be anything other than completely gobsmacked by what he has accomplished. He and crew chief Chad Knaus are one heck of a dynamic duo. Congratulations to the 48 team and Hendrick Motorsports for a 5th consecutive title.
As for my driver, well, we just have to look to next season. I imagine there will be some changes to the 88 team. Something has got to give there. If given the cars (and that special kind of chemistry between crew chief and driver) Jimmie has had, I have no doubt Dale would be celebrating wins...and probably one or more championships. I'm a believer in timing--when it's right, it will happen. 'Til next year.
Dallas Cowboys: Yes, yes, it's only 3 wins for my Cowboys, but, hey, they're wins. The Cowboys handily defeated the Detroit Lions today before heading into their annual Thanksgiving Day game this coming Thursday. This year will be a test for my 'Boys--we have to face the reigning Super Bowl champs, the New Orleans Saints. Yeah. I may want to have my turkey well before the game. I'm already a little gag-ish.
Dallas Mavericks: After losing to the Bulls, the Mavericks came back and defeated the Atlanta Hawks, making my family very happy. Dirk is just pure joy to watch.
NASCAR NEWS: Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team won their 5th STRAIGHT NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. That's 5 in a row, folks. Whether you are a 48 fan or not, it is hard to be anything other than completely gobsmacked by what he has accomplished. He and crew chief Chad Knaus are one heck of a dynamic duo. Congratulations to the 48 team and Hendrick Motorsports for a 5th consecutive title.
As for my driver, well, we just have to look to next season. I imagine there will be some changes to the 88 team. Something has got to give there. If given the cars (and that special kind of chemistry between crew chief and driver) Jimmie has had, I have no doubt Dale would be celebrating wins...and probably one or more championships. I'm a believer in timing--when it's right, it will happen. 'Til next year.
My Mama Is My Best Friend
Yes, I have a BFF and he's wonderful, like the brother I never had. But my real best friend is my mom. Yesterday's faux-husband incident had us laughing hysterically late last night after the games that we just had to complain about (mainly the Mavericks losing).
My whole life she has said or done things that only happen in movies; things happen to my mom that are just unbelievable--either jaw dropping amazing or seriously embarrassing, but always hilarious.
I inherited the seriously embarrassing, but sometimes hilarious gene. Yeah, not as good, but it keeps life interesting.
My parents and I are so close--they are good, strong, southern people. They've lived their lives doing things the right way...being good to people, even though they haven't always received the same in return. I've seen their hearts break and all I want is to give to them what they have always given me: hope.
When one of my parents isn't well, I fall to pieces. I just cannot imagine my life without them. They are all I have in this world. I want my daddy to walk me down the aisle; I want my mama to see her baby girl in a wedding dress; I want my mama and daddy to be grandparents...they deserve to be.
But with each passing year, I worry I may fail my parents...and fail my heart. Though I know they are proud of me, I feel I owe them more...no, I DO owe them more. And, boy, would they protest if they knew I was thinking this way. They just want me to be happy.
I'm probably not making a bit of sense right now...that's what happens when my heart takes over. Reckon what I'm trying to say is this: I love my parents with all of my heart; they are everything to me.
So, today, when my mama wasn't feeling very well, I couldn't help but wonder if I'm doing the right thing...what if this rather unpopular choice of mine keeps every chance of real love away and my mama never sees me as a bride or a mother? I went through this same thought process earlier in the summer with my daddy.
I begin to think I'm walking down this endless, dark tunnel with no light in sight. I'm panicked.
Then I hear my mama say she's proud of who I am, the choices I've made, and, once again, she gives me hope.
My whole life she has said or done things that only happen in movies; things happen to my mom that are just unbelievable--either jaw dropping amazing or seriously embarrassing, but always hilarious.
I inherited the seriously embarrassing, but sometimes hilarious gene. Yeah, not as good, but it keeps life interesting.
My parents and I are so close--they are good, strong, southern people. They've lived their lives doing things the right way...being good to people, even though they haven't always received the same in return. I've seen their hearts break and all I want is to give to them what they have always given me: hope.
When one of my parents isn't well, I fall to pieces. I just cannot imagine my life without them. They are all I have in this world. I want my daddy to walk me down the aisle; I want my mama to see her baby girl in a wedding dress; I want my mama and daddy to be grandparents...they deserve to be.
But with each passing year, I worry I may fail my parents...and fail my heart. Though I know they are proud of me, I feel I owe them more...no, I DO owe them more. And, boy, would they protest if they knew I was thinking this way. They just want me to be happy.
I'm probably not making a bit of sense right now...that's what happens when my heart takes over. Reckon what I'm trying to say is this: I love my parents with all of my heart; they are everything to me.
So, today, when my mama wasn't feeling very well, I couldn't help but wonder if I'm doing the right thing...what if this rather unpopular choice of mine keeps every chance of real love away and my mama never sees me as a bride or a mother? I went through this same thought process earlier in the summer with my daddy.
I begin to think I'm walking down this endless, dark tunnel with no light in sight. I'm panicked.
Then I hear my mama say she's proud of who I am, the choices I've made, and, once again, she gives me hope.
Apparently, I Have A Faux Husband. Terrific.
Wake up: I fell out of the bed. Haven't done that since I was seven. In all fairness, my foot was wrapped up in the sheet. Thinking it would just slip free, I crawled out, kind-of flew forward, and...THUD.
This little mishap set up the rest of my day. Sadly, I was blissfully unaware of that fact.
Lunch: Picked up a few things for mom at the grocery store. Traditional family Thanksgiving grocery trip forthcoming. Said grocery excursion is almost always reminiscent of the Griswolds.
Delivering items to mom was eventful. Walked in and mom started talking about an episode of House Hunters from last night.
Me: "Ooh, what was the situation?"
Yes, I do like House Hunters...and Property Virgins--don't say it.
Mom: "She's a grandmother looking to move closer to her daughters and granddaughters. After the grandmother picked her house, she talked about how lucky she is to be near her daughters and have so many grandchildren...with another one of the way--one of her daughters was noticeably pregnant."
Mom, under her breath: "Ugh, witch."
Oh. My. God. There goes the flashing single sign over my head, sirens blazing.
Me: "Um, what did you say?"
Mom: "Huh? Oh, nuthin' darlin'. Nuthin."
Me: "Mom, you called her a witch. It's because she has grandchildren, isn't it?"
Mom, looking like she just got caught with her hand in the cookie jar: "Well, yes, in part. I just know I would rock as a grandma."
Me: "You would. I would love nothing more than to see you as a hip granny."
Mom: "I would love nothing more than to see you as a beautiful, sweet, adoring, wonderful mama."
Okay, trying to keep from crying. Won't cry. Won't cry. My clock isn't ticking yet, so the tears are solely for the fact that my mama thinks I would make a wonderful mommy.
Mom: "The most important thing is for you to be happy. Never jump into anything just because...it has to be right in your heart and your instincts have to be there. You are always perfect to me, married, unmarried, whatever."
Me: "I love you, mom."
Mom: "I love you too, my baby girl."
I love these moments.
Mom: "Um, there is one little thing..."
Oh, Lord.
Me: "Mom, what have you done?"
Mom: "I meant everything I said but...there is a possibility that...I...may have...inadvertently...well...I have a son-in-law."
Me: "What?"
Mom: "You're married."
Me: "Huh?"
Mom: "Well, I was nervous. There were these big guys, so I told them my son-in-law was here and would help me."
Me: "When have you ever been nervous? And what big guys?"
Mom: "That's neither here nor there, my lovely, just know I accidentally said you have a husband."
Me: "I have a faux husband. That's just terrific. That's the only thing you could think of?"
Mom: "I can't control what my mouth does...it was the first thing that flew out."
Me: "Yeah, doesn't that worry you just a little? The first thing that enters your mind is to craft a faux husband for your daughter? I mean, why couldn't you have said Dad was with you?"
Mom: "Huh. That would have made more sense."
Great. My mom's subconscious is now acting out.
Night: Watching the Longhorns (basketball) and NASCAR Camping World Truck race on SPEED...with my faux husband. Well, hell, why not? He's as invisible as air, right?
Reckon I'll watch Ghost Adventures later, mourn the end of NASCAR's season this weekend--hope Dale can end the season on a high note. I've got my Dallas Mavericks starting soon. Mainly, I will sit here this Friday night--date night--alone with my chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
Oh, wait, I have my faux-friggin' husband to keep me company. Yippee.
This little mishap set up the rest of my day. Sadly, I was blissfully unaware of that fact.
Lunch: Picked up a few things for mom at the grocery store. Traditional family Thanksgiving grocery trip forthcoming. Said grocery excursion is almost always reminiscent of the Griswolds.
Delivering items to mom was eventful. Walked in and mom started talking about an episode of House Hunters from last night.
Me: "Ooh, what was the situation?"
Yes, I do like House Hunters...and Property Virgins--don't say it.
Mom: "She's a grandmother looking to move closer to her daughters and granddaughters. After the grandmother picked her house, she talked about how lucky she is to be near her daughters and have so many grandchildren...with another one of the way--one of her daughters was noticeably pregnant."
Mom, under her breath: "Ugh, witch."
Oh. My. God. There goes the flashing single sign over my head, sirens blazing.
Me: "Um, what did you say?"
Mom: "Huh? Oh, nuthin' darlin'. Nuthin."
Me: "Mom, you called her a witch. It's because she has grandchildren, isn't it?"
Mom, looking like she just got caught with her hand in the cookie jar: "Well, yes, in part. I just know I would rock as a grandma."
Me: "You would. I would love nothing more than to see you as a hip granny."
Mom: "I would love nothing more than to see you as a beautiful, sweet, adoring, wonderful mama."
Okay, trying to keep from crying. Won't cry. Won't cry. My clock isn't ticking yet, so the tears are solely for the fact that my mama thinks I would make a wonderful mommy.
Mom: "The most important thing is for you to be happy. Never jump into anything just because...it has to be right in your heart and your instincts have to be there. You are always perfect to me, married, unmarried, whatever."
Me: "I love you, mom."
Mom: "I love you too, my baby girl."
I love these moments.
Mom: "Um, there is one little thing..."
Oh, Lord.
Me: "Mom, what have you done?"
Mom: "I meant everything I said but...there is a possibility that...I...may have...inadvertently...well...I have a son-in-law."
Me: "What?"
Mom: "You're married."
Me: "Huh?"
Mom: "Well, I was nervous. There were these big guys, so I told them my son-in-law was here and would help me."
Me: "When have you ever been nervous? And what big guys?"
Mom: "That's neither here nor there, my lovely, just know I accidentally said you have a husband."
Me: "I have a faux husband. That's just terrific. That's the only thing you could think of?"
Mom: "I can't control what my mouth does...it was the first thing that flew out."
Me: "Yeah, doesn't that worry you just a little? The first thing that enters your mind is to craft a faux husband for your daughter? I mean, why couldn't you have said Dad was with you?"
Mom: "Huh. That would have made more sense."
Great. My mom's subconscious is now acting out.
Night: Watching the Longhorns (basketball) and NASCAR Camping World Truck race on SPEED...with my faux husband. Well, hell, why not? He's as invisible as air, right?
Reckon I'll watch Ghost Adventures later, mourn the end of NASCAR's season this weekend--hope Dale can end the season on a high note. I've got my Dallas Mavericks starting soon. Mainly, I will sit here this Friday night--date night--alone with my chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
Oh, wait, I have my faux-friggin' husband to keep me company. Yippee.
Deathly Hallows Review
First and foremost, I LOVED it!
My family and I saw it at midnight last night -- and I must be getting old because I'm still recovering from lack of sleep. :-( But it was worth it. I do think this is my favorite Harry Potter movie yet.
The thing that impressed me the most was the depth of the acting. These kids have really grown up. With the earlier movies, sometimes I winced with the young actors' performances (and not just the Trio). But not so now. They've truly been put through a top-quality acting intensive with the wonderful adult actors they've shared the stage with over the years and the fabulous directors. It shows. There was not a miss in anyone's performance to throw me out of the fantasy.
Second, the level of the pacing. For me, I did not notice that odd delayed reaction thing which I talked about in Wednesday's post. The pacing kept my attention and didn't slow down. Even though it was often not a fast-action movie, it was still gripping.
And then the faithfulness to the books. Maybe because of giving more time to the story by splitting it into two movies, or maybe because it's been a while since I read Deathly Hallows, but I did not leave the theater with a lot of frustration about what had been cut or changed from the books. Some additions I quite liked, such as Harry and Hermione's dance.
I'll be honest and say it's the first Harry Potter movie I've seen in quite a while where my initial reaction wasn't a mix of complaints and frustration along with the pleasure. I've always liked the movies better the second and third time around, but for some reason, that first viewing left me somewhat disappointed. Not at all with Deathly Hallows!
The only complaints I will offer is that 1) while I loved Dobby's scenes at the end, I think his monologue before disapparating with the Trio went on just a bit too long, and 2) in contrast, I think his death and Harry's reaction was just a bit too rushed. Likewise, I would have liked something a bit more with Mad-Eye's death, but honestly, am not sure exactly what. My son says he wished they had shown Nagini/Bagshot "talking" with Harry more, and we both wished they'd shown the statue in front of the Potter home in Godric's Hollow.
But, honestly, these are mostly minor details that I had to think about. For the most part, for me, it was a flawless immersion in a wonderful fantasy world! I loved seeing the seven Potters, the whole Godric's Hollow sequence, the emotional interactions between the Trio, the spectacular scenery, and the intensity of the Malfoy Manor scene near the end. Well done!
I hope you enjoy it as much when you see it, if you haven't already!
My family and I saw it at midnight last night -- and I must be getting old because I'm still recovering from lack of sleep. :-( But it was worth it. I do think this is my favorite Harry Potter movie yet.
The thing that impressed me the most was the depth of the acting. These kids have really grown up. With the earlier movies, sometimes I winced with the young actors' performances (and not just the Trio). But not so now. They've truly been put through a top-quality acting intensive with the wonderful adult actors they've shared the stage with over the years and the fabulous directors. It shows. There was not a miss in anyone's performance to throw me out of the fantasy.
Second, the level of the pacing. For me, I did not notice that odd delayed reaction thing which I talked about in Wednesday's post. The pacing kept my attention and didn't slow down. Even though it was often not a fast-action movie, it was still gripping.
And then the faithfulness to the books. Maybe because of giving more time to the story by splitting it into two movies, or maybe because it's been a while since I read Deathly Hallows, but I did not leave the theater with a lot of frustration about what had been cut or changed from the books. Some additions I quite liked, such as Harry and Hermione's dance.
I'll be honest and say it's the first Harry Potter movie I've seen in quite a while where my initial reaction wasn't a mix of complaints and frustration along with the pleasure. I've always liked the movies better the second and third time around, but for some reason, that first viewing left me somewhat disappointed. Not at all with Deathly Hallows!
The only complaints I will offer is that 1) while I loved Dobby's scenes at the end, I think his monologue before disapparating with the Trio went on just a bit too long, and 2) in contrast, I think his death and Harry's reaction was just a bit too rushed. Likewise, I would have liked something a bit more with Mad-Eye's death, but honestly, am not sure exactly what. My son says he wished they had shown Nagini/Bagshot "talking" with Harry more, and we both wished they'd shown the statue in front of the Potter home in Godric's Hollow.
But, honestly, these are mostly minor details that I had to think about. For the most part, for me, it was a flawless immersion in a wonderful fantasy world! I loved seeing the seven Potters, the whole Godric's Hollow sequence, the emotional interactions between the Trio, the spectacular scenery, and the intensity of the Malfoy Manor scene near the end. Well done!
I hope you enjoy it as much when you see it, if you haven't already!
Some Christmas Commercials Should Be Banned
Watching football, flicking to basketball. Wouldn't think I'd have to endure too many icky-love Christmas commercials. Wrong. Suppose they are trying to send "messages" to the husbands and boyfriends out there--here, buy our jewelry, see how happy she will be. Blucky!
Thing is, I can take it or leave it...jewelry as a present, I mean. I'd be happy with anything. So, it's not that these women are getting sparkly things that's getting under my skin...it's just the whole setting...the mood...the feeling...that love stuff.
And it's not just Christmas when single people are inundated with this tripe. New Year's Eve, Valentines, the entire month of June, and even Fourth of July tend to fall into the puke pot.
The one they just shoved up my buttocks involves the adorable skating couple; she's solid on skates, he isn't. She gracefully glides to him when he nearly falls; he whips out the ring; she, in turn, gets all wobbly in the knees. Sweet, huh?
Let's see, then there's the global "Will you marry me?" ad where the question/answer is posed in different languages. Darling, huh?
What else? Ah, the one where mommy is rocking newborn baby by the tree and daddy wakes up to give her a special sparkly gift. Precious, huh?
I love the holidays, I do. It's my favorite time of the year. Must say, I could do without the singletonville-hating commercials. We singles are well aware of what happens between couples this time of year; we do not need reminding, trust me.
And it's not like those ads represent reality. From personal experience watching my friends, I've observed the following:
1. Boyfriend buys girlfriend jewelry that isn't even her style. This after one year of being together. He still didn't know her taste. He bought it because he thought he had to. No romance.
2. Husband gives wife a pair of earrings. Said earrings featured feathers. Yes, feathers...that tickled her face. I do believe they were the most hideous things I have ever seen. Turns out, they were the first thing he could find on Christmas Eve...he completely forgot to get her anything for Christmas.
3. Good guy buys gorgeous diamond bracelet for soulless girlfriend. Soulless girlfriend asked if he got her the matching earrings and necklace, then pouted when he didn't. What did he do? Found a way to buy the matching items after Christmas to make her happy. What did she do? Nothing. Took them, thanked him, then never wore them. Oh, and she wanted rubies for Valentine's Day.
So, either he forgets, doesn't care, or he genuinely cares for a soulless witch.
I'm so totally screwed.
Thing is, I can take it or leave it...jewelry as a present, I mean. I'd be happy with anything. So, it's not that these women are getting sparkly things that's getting under my skin...it's just the whole setting...the mood...the feeling...that love stuff.
And it's not just Christmas when single people are inundated with this tripe. New Year's Eve, Valentines, the entire month of June, and even Fourth of July tend to fall into the puke pot.
The one they just shoved up my buttocks involves the adorable skating couple; she's solid on skates, he isn't. She gracefully glides to him when he nearly falls; he whips out the ring; she, in turn, gets all wobbly in the knees. Sweet, huh?
Let's see, then there's the global "Will you marry me?" ad where the question/answer is posed in different languages. Darling, huh?
What else? Ah, the one where mommy is rocking newborn baby by the tree and daddy wakes up to give her a special sparkly gift. Precious, huh?
I love the holidays, I do. It's my favorite time of the year. Must say, I could do without the singletonville-hating commercials. We singles are well aware of what happens between couples this time of year; we do not need reminding, trust me.
And it's not like those ads represent reality. From personal experience watching my friends, I've observed the following:
1. Boyfriend buys girlfriend jewelry that isn't even her style. This after one year of being together. He still didn't know her taste. He bought it because he thought he had to. No romance.
2. Husband gives wife a pair of earrings. Said earrings featured feathers. Yes, feathers...that tickled her face. I do believe they were the most hideous things I have ever seen. Turns out, they were the first thing he could find on Christmas Eve...he completely forgot to get her anything for Christmas.
3. Good guy buys gorgeous diamond bracelet for soulless girlfriend. Soulless girlfriend asked if he got her the matching earrings and necklace, then pouted when he didn't. What did he do? Found a way to buy the matching items after Christmas to make her happy. What did she do? Nothing. Took them, thanked him, then never wore them. Oh, and she wanted rubies for Valentine's Day.
So, either he forgets, doesn't care, or he genuinely cares for a soulless witch.
I'm so totally screwed.
Blog Blonde Returns--UPDATE--FIGURED IT OUT! YAY!
Okay, I can't post comments on some blogs.
I type a comment, press the button, it sends, but doesn't appear on the blog. I don't get it.
So far, the blogs I cannot post on are as follows: Jules, Martha, J. Day, and Average Girl. Any blog asking for me to chose between Google Account, Wordpress, etc., just won't let me post.
HELP!!!
I can't even reply to comments on my own dang blog!!! What the heck??? I've tried selecting the "Google Account," because I assume that's what it is, but when I try to post, it just disappears.
I tried the Name/URL on Jewels' Vampire post, but still nothing!
HELP!!!!
UPDATE: Okay, I've read about quite a few people having this problem. Here's what you need to check--make sure that under tools, you have "Accept 3rd party cookies" checked.
Phew. Now I can post comments!!! Hurray!!!!
I type a comment, press the button, it sends, but doesn't appear on the blog. I don't get it.
So far, the blogs I cannot post on are as follows: Jules, Martha, J. Day, and Average Girl. Any blog asking for me to chose between Google Account, Wordpress, etc., just won't let me post.
HELP!!!
I can't even reply to comments on my own dang blog!!! What the heck??? I've tried selecting the "Google Account," because I assume that's what it is, but when I try to post, it just disappears.
I tried the Name/URL on Jewels' Vampire post, but still nothing!
HELP!!!!
UPDATE: Okay, I've read about quite a few people having this problem. Here's what you need to check--make sure that under tools, you have "Accept 3rd party cookies" checked.
Phew. Now I can post comments!!! Hurray!!!!
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting [Review]
Written by: Kimberly Derting.
Published by: Headline.
Format: Paperback.
Released: 11th November 2010.
Rating: 4/5.
Official synopsis: "Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies – or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world...and the imprints that attach to their killers. Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift, but now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer – and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling in love, Violet is getting closer to discovering a killer...and becoming his prey herself."
I have to say, when I first got this book, I was kind of worried about whether or not I'd like it. I'm not really a big fan of romance paranormal books, and I've already been converted to Maggie Stiefvater and didn't know if it'd happen again. But The Body Finder proved to be a very very pleasant surprise.
I loved it. The story. The characters. All of it just appealed to me. From start to finish, I didn't once thing "this is naff". And as far as I am concerned that's a good book! I loved the plot as a whole. Violet being drawn to the murdered by, what she calls, echoes. This book is hugely clever and very very entertaining!
The writing is beautifully crafted and styled. It reads really nice and smooth. ReadingThe Body Finder kind of reminded me of watching a film. It was such an effortless yet brilliant read!
I cannot recommend it enough! You seriously need to read it! I'm sorry that there's really not much more to say! It's just too brilliant for words! I couldn't believe how much the book changed my mind after my initial thoughts!
(Also, I should say, that I adore the cover. It's so cool and stands out for sure!)
My thanks to Sam at Headline for my copy! :D
A Fun Harry Potter Film Survey
With the end in sight of the Harry Potter film franchise, I thought it might be fun to do a brief survey comparing the films to the books. I'll list the questions below and then answer them myself. You can answer in the comment section, and please forward to any of your friends who are Harry Potter fanatics as well!
1) What did you discover first, book or movies?
Me: the books!
2) What moment did you most enjoy seeing come to life on the big screen?
Me: So many to choose from! I think the ice imagery for the Yule Ball was spectacular and was deeply moved by Mr. Diggory's grief in Goblet of Fire.
3) What aspect of the movies looked the most different than your imagination had pictured it?
Me: Lupin. I think David Thewlis is a wonderful actor and characterized Lupin well, but he just didn't look at all like I'd imagined Lupin.
4) Which actor did you think best embodied the character?
Me: It will be hard for me to choose just one. I loved Emma Watson as Hermione and, of course, Alan Rickman as Snape. But I also think Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter was fabulous as well as Gary Oldman as Sirius. Really, so many!
5) Which movie-only element did you like the best? (meaning something added to the movies which was not present in the books)
Me: I know Prisoner of Azkaban the movie was really a bit weird, but I loved it. It's one of my favorite movies. I loved the added elements with the shrunken heads. In Order of the Phoenix, it was really cool to see them Order whizzing by various London landmarks.
6) Which element from the books that did not make it to the movies did you most miss?
Me: All the stuff with the Marauders. There was just so much to this backstory which had to be cut to fit into the shorter movie. But I missed it, and I think it left non-book fans confused. I know this goes a bit against my answer to five, but there you have it.
7) What surprised you the most about the movies?
Me: that all the major actors, really, even the minor ones, made it through all 8 movies! Except for the death of Richard Harris (the first Dumbledore), I don't know of any significant actor change mid-stream. Incredible.
***
I'm stopping at 7 as that's the most magical number. :-) I'm sure I'm forgetting many tidbits, and will probably be doing a lot of me-too'ing with your answers!
One question I have for anyone who might know: The pacing of the movies, especially near the beginning, have always seemed a bit odd to me. I don't know how to explain it, but it seems like the pacing of a person's response to an action is always just a beat off. And, for me, this is not just one movie but several.
For a good example, in Prisoner of Azkaban, after Harry has blown up Aunt Marge, he lingers, watching her for a few seconds longer than I think is necessary so that his running away seems almost late, an after-thought.
I'm wondering if this pacing thing is something that's just different with British pictures rather than American, or if it's just me! ;-)
Photo credit
1) What did you discover first, book or movies?
Me: the books!
2) What moment did you most enjoy seeing come to life on the big screen?
Me: So many to choose from! I think the ice imagery for the Yule Ball was spectacular and was deeply moved by Mr. Diggory's grief in Goblet of Fire.
3) What aspect of the movies looked the most different than your imagination had pictured it?
Me: Lupin. I think David Thewlis is a wonderful actor and characterized Lupin well, but he just didn't look at all like I'd imagined Lupin.
4) Which actor did you think best embodied the character?
Me: It will be hard for me to choose just one. I loved Emma Watson as Hermione and, of course, Alan Rickman as Snape. But I also think Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter was fabulous as well as Gary Oldman as Sirius. Really, so many!
5) Which movie-only element did you like the best? (meaning something added to the movies which was not present in the books)
Me: I know Prisoner of Azkaban the movie was really a bit weird, but I loved it. It's one of my favorite movies. I loved the added elements with the shrunken heads. In Order of the Phoenix, it was really cool to see them Order whizzing by various London landmarks.
6) Which element from the books that did not make it to the movies did you most miss?
Me: All the stuff with the Marauders. There was just so much to this backstory which had to be cut to fit into the shorter movie. But I missed it, and I think it left non-book fans confused. I know this goes a bit against my answer to five, but there you have it.
7) What surprised you the most about the movies?
Me: that all the major actors, really, even the minor ones, made it through all 8 movies! Except for the death of Richard Harris (the first Dumbledore), I don't know of any significant actor change mid-stream. Incredible.
***
I'm stopping at 7 as that's the most magical number. :-) I'm sure I'm forgetting many tidbits, and will probably be doing a lot of me-too'ing with your answers!
One question I have for anyone who might know: The pacing of the movies, especially near the beginning, have always seemed a bit odd to me. I don't know how to explain it, but it seems like the pacing of a person's response to an action is always just a beat off. And, for me, this is not just one movie but several.
For a good example, in Prisoner of Azkaban, after Harry has blown up Aunt Marge, he lingers, watching her for a few seconds longer than I think is necessary so that his running away seems almost late, an after-thought.
I'm wondering if this pacing thing is something that's just different with British pictures rather than American, or if it's just me! ;-)
Photo credit
I Hereby Curse Technology...
Technology is awful! My laptop screen has spectacularly died. Well, the light has. If I want to see I have to hold a lamp up to it which is so annoying and awkward. Sadly this means the blog is going to be mighty mighty quiet and I am so so sorry! :( I hate it. I have to snatch whatever time on a computer I can! Mostly when I'm at work so I can't even do reviews or anything. Argh! :(
I get paid at the end of the month and will be getting a new laptop ASAP so hopefully things will return to normal then! I hope! I'll try and get some reviews up but in the meantime just know I haven't forgotten about you all, between work and blooming technology!
Ryan
Why Wednesday: Why Waste All This Time Being A Virgin?
Her: Why are you wasting all this time?
Me: Are you seriously asking me this?
Her: You're not going to be young forever...why waste all this time when you could be having sex with guys, find out what you like, see what different guys have, you know? It's crazy. There's nothing wrong with screwing around until you find the one. You should just go pick a guy up, get crazy, and start having fun.
Me: Well, thanks for your opinion. The one I didn't ask for...why do people always do that?
Truth: With every bad date--every nightmare date--every birthday, and every empty New Year's Eve and/or Valentine's Day, the idea of wasted time more than crosses my mind. Sometimes, I cry. There, I said it. I cry. Don't we all from time to time? Anyone who answers 'no' to that question is a flat out liar, by the way.
Thing is, I don't want to have sex just to get it over with and start "having fun." If I starting having sex to avoid wasting time, wouldn't that be another way of wasting time? Laying down with someone just to have sex is, in effect, wasting time--there would be a lack of feeling, love, something deeper.
Conclusion: Maybe I am wasting time, but I'd be wasting time either way--having random sex or not having sex at all. What I want is love. Period.
Me: Are you seriously asking me this?
Her: You're not going to be young forever...why waste all this time when you could be having sex with guys, find out what you like, see what different guys have, you know? It's crazy. There's nothing wrong with screwing around until you find the one. You should just go pick a guy up, get crazy, and start having fun.
Me: Well, thanks for your opinion. The one I didn't ask for...why do people always do that?
Truth: With every bad date--every nightmare date--every birthday, and every empty New Year's Eve and/or Valentine's Day, the idea of wasted time more than crosses my mind. Sometimes, I cry. There, I said it. I cry. Don't we all from time to time? Anyone who answers 'no' to that question is a flat out liar, by the way.
Thing is, I don't want to have sex just to get it over with and start "having fun." If I starting having sex to avoid wasting time, wouldn't that be another way of wasting time? Laying down with someone just to have sex is, in effect, wasting time--there would be a lack of feeling, love, something deeper.
Conclusion: Maybe I am wasting time, but I'd be wasting time either way--having random sex or not having sex at all. What I want is love. Period.
The Unidentified by Rae Mariz: Review
By: Rae Mariz
Review copy provided by publisher
Synopsis (from Goodreads): Kid knows her school’s corporate sponsors not-so-secretly monitor her friendships and activities for market research. It’s all a part of the Game; the alternative education system designed to use the addictive kick from video games to encourage academic learning. Everyday, a captive audience of students ages 13-17 enter the nationwide chain store-like Game locations to play.
When a group calling themselves The Unidentified simulates a suicide to protest the power structure of their school, Kid’s investigation into their pranks attracts unwanted attention from the sponsors. As Kid finds out she doesn't have rights to her ideas, her privacy, or identity, she and her friends look for a way to revolt in a place where all acts of rebellion are just spun into the next new ad campaign.
My Review: I was so excited about this book. Dystopia, a nice message about the dangers of consumerism, and a dialogue on privacy. I read reviews from Lenore and Steph Su, and I thought I would love this book. I imagine you can see where this is going. I was pretty underwhelmed. I wasn't able to connect with Kid, and if I can't connect with the main character, it just doesn't work for me.
But, I think this book will have a lot of fans, so I want to highlight some of the things that I think other will like about this book.
While Kid's character didn't work for me, I think a lot of people will like her. She's just an ordinary girl who likes to hang out with her friends and play music. She likes to stay under the radar, doesn't have a lot of ambitions to get "sponsored" and doesn't challenge things in her life. So, while a lot of people could relate to her, I just wanted more from her.
I also wasn't fully convinced of the purpose of The Game. I was told that it was supposed to be a solution to the budget crises of the public school system. But, the story didn't show me that that was the case. They had a few text message questions and some other projects, but I really didn't think a lot of learning was happening. No one in their right mind would think that this was an adequate substitute for school.
But, if you can buy into the concept of The Game and see it as a commentary on consumerism and privacy, then you will probably really enjoy the book. One of the things I really liked about the book was how few of Kid's relationships were genuine. Social networking and branding were so important in this society that you never knew the real motivation behind friendships.
So, while this book only left lukewarm feelings in my heart, if you give it a try, I hope it lights your fire.
My Rating:
Profanity: Mild
Sexuality: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol: Mild
Violence: Mild
The Book that Broke the Mold
Of all the 7 Harry Potter books, Deathly Hallows stands unique in a crucial role which it plays in the series. It is the book that broke the mold.
Through the course of the prior 6 books, JKR had established story patterns to help set her readers' expectations and advance the plot. These patterns included:
1) beginning and ending with the Dursleys
2) maintaining Harry's POV
3) each book a school year at Hogwarts
There are also a couple of patterns she established early on to hide clues, but that's a topic for a different post. :-)
Of the three patterns listed, for the most part, JKR established and then maintained them consistently through the first 6 books. She didn't always have the Dursleys on set at the end of each HP book, but she always had Harry returning to their loving home. Also, there are a few places where she presents a scene outside of Harry's POV, such as "The Riddle House" in Goblet of Fire, and "The Other Minister" and "Spinner's End" of Half-Blood Prince. These are also places where she technically does not start at the Dursleys' home. However, she presents these scenes at the very beginning of the book, then switches back firmly into Harry's POV, who IS at the Dursley home, and remains in his POV for the rest of the story.
Finally, each book of the first six follows a year at Hogwarts. You know as a reader what to expect with the school calendar. A major twist is happening with Halloween, a key turning point around Christmas, and the climax with final exams.
These patterns that JKR established helped set the pacing and expectations for the reader. Smashing these patterns in the last book was a dramatic way of showing the reader that everything in Harry's world had turned upside down...or gone Levicorpus.
In Deathly Hallows, while Harry starts out at the Dursley home, it is made clear to the reader that he is leaving there for good. Dumbledore's protective blood charm has worn off as Harry attained adulthood, and he will not return. But what is most significantly different in this last book is that Harry is not happily on his way to another year at Hogwarts. This jarred fans tremendously, but it demonstrated clearly how serious the war had become and how determined Harry was to accept his responsibility and fate. Harry’s world had changed completely, and Harry, now an adult, was forced to change with it and accept his new responsibility.
As writers, we should also notice when JKR chose to dip outside Harry's POV. She carefully selected scenes to present from a POV different than Harry's, and they were always at the beginning of a book with a situation which Harry would have no access to view, even through his Voldy-connection. However, what is most revealing about these POV breaks is whose head she did NOT get into. Neither in "Spinner's End" nor "The Dark Lord Ascending" did she choose to present from Snape's POV. To be inside the head of the master trickster would entail revealing info she was not yet ready to reveal--or else cheat her reader. And thus these scenes were presented from a more traditional, omniscient narrator POV.
Breaking a well-established pattern gives a jarring impact to your faithful reader. Used properly, this can provide a powerful punch and demonstrate that your world is changing, darkening, coming to a climax.
Take a moment to look at your story, especially if you're writing a series. Have you established any patterns within its frame? And if so, have you plotted how and when you will break your patterns to help your reader experience critical changes in your world and to your character?
Through the course of the prior 6 books, JKR had established story patterns to help set her readers' expectations and advance the plot. These patterns included:
1) beginning and ending with the Dursleys
2) maintaining Harry's POV
3) each book a school year at Hogwarts
There are also a couple of patterns she established early on to hide clues, but that's a topic for a different post. :-)
Of the three patterns listed, for the most part, JKR established and then maintained them consistently through the first 6 books. She didn't always have the Dursleys on set at the end of each HP book, but she always had Harry returning to their loving home. Also, there are a few places where she presents a scene outside of Harry's POV, such as "The Riddle House" in Goblet of Fire, and "The Other Minister" and "Spinner's End" of Half-Blood Prince. These are also places where she technically does not start at the Dursleys' home. However, she presents these scenes at the very beginning of the book, then switches back firmly into Harry's POV, who IS at the Dursley home, and remains in his POV for the rest of the story.
Finally, each book of the first six follows a year at Hogwarts. You know as a reader what to expect with the school calendar. A major twist is happening with Halloween, a key turning point around Christmas, and the climax with final exams.
These patterns that JKR established helped set the pacing and expectations for the reader. Smashing these patterns in the last book was a dramatic way of showing the reader that everything in Harry's world had turned upside down...or gone Levicorpus.
In Deathly Hallows, while Harry starts out at the Dursley home, it is made clear to the reader that he is leaving there for good. Dumbledore's protective blood charm has worn off as Harry attained adulthood, and he will not return. But what is most significantly different in this last book is that Harry is not happily on his way to another year at Hogwarts. This jarred fans tremendously, but it demonstrated clearly how serious the war had become and how determined Harry was to accept his responsibility and fate. Harry’s world had changed completely, and Harry, now an adult, was forced to change with it and accept his new responsibility.
As writers, we should also notice when JKR chose to dip outside Harry's POV. She carefully selected scenes to present from a POV different than Harry's, and they were always at the beginning of a book with a situation which Harry would have no access to view, even through his Voldy-connection. However, what is most revealing about these POV breaks is whose head she did NOT get into. Neither in "Spinner's End" nor "The Dark Lord Ascending" did she choose to present from Snape's POV. To be inside the head of the master trickster would entail revealing info she was not yet ready to reveal--or else cheat her reader. And thus these scenes were presented from a more traditional, omniscient narrator POV.
Breaking a well-established pattern gives a jarring impact to your faithful reader. Used properly, this can provide a powerful punch and demonstrate that your world is changing, darkening, coming to a climax.
Take a moment to look at your story, especially if you're writing a series. Have you established any patterns within its frame? And if so, have you plotted how and when you will break your patterns to help your reader experience critical changes in your world and to your character?
Things Guys Say: The "I'll show you I care" line.
My friends have inspired me to start a new blog topic entitled, Things Guys Say. I don't know why it is so abundantly clear to me when my friends' boyfriends are feeding them empty words. They never see it...or they turn a blind eye.
Here, I'm going to reveal as many lying lines men like to feed us in the hope of helping women--young, old, inexperienced, experienced-- recognize when they're getting played. At the very least, maybe these posts will help fine tune the built-in b.s. detector all women have.
The Beginning: George treats Lola like gold for the first two months of their relationship. Lola sleeps with George for the first time on their 3rd month anniversary.
The Middle: George starts treating her poorly thereafter, yet still expecting sex every time they are together. Lola confronts George about his behavior, they fight, and she walks out.
The Hooking Line: "I hate what just happened. I need to see you, please. Come back."
First Red Flag: He needs to see her, hates that they fought, but won't GO to her; he makes her COME to him. Accountability, guys, it's called accountability.
Lola gets back in her car, goes to George, and, upon arriving, finds herself in his warm embrace as he gently strokes her hair.
The Sinker Line: "I hate what happened. I've just been stressed. I haven't been sleeping well. I do care about you...and I'm going to show you how much I care all night."
Lola stayed the night with George.
Second Red Flag: George never actually apologized. Notice how often he said "I." I've been stressed...I haven't been sleeping well...I'm going to show you how much I care. He never once made this about her. Beware of the "I" guy.
Bottom Line: He wanted to get laid. He said as much as necessary to keep the sex around...and it worked. Sorry, but it's true. Guys will fake caring for you, loving you, etc. to get what they want. Some guys can get pretty creative. Look at George: I can't tell you how much Lola valued his "I'll show you I care" statement. It was just a clever way to confuse her heart, while getting what he wanted.
The End: Within a week, George dumped Lola, leaving her confused and brokenhearted.
Keep your ears, eyes, and instincts open...you'll see more than you expected.
Here, I'm going to reveal as many lying lines men like to feed us in the hope of helping women--young, old, inexperienced, experienced-- recognize when they're getting played. At the very least, maybe these posts will help fine tune the built-in b.s. detector all women have.
The Beginning: George treats Lola like gold for the first two months of their relationship. Lola sleeps with George for the first time on their 3rd month anniversary.
The Middle: George starts treating her poorly thereafter, yet still expecting sex every time they are together. Lola confronts George about his behavior, they fight, and she walks out.
The Hooking Line: "I hate what just happened. I need to see you, please. Come back."
First Red Flag: He needs to see her, hates that they fought, but won't GO to her; he makes her COME to him. Accountability, guys, it's called accountability.
Lola gets back in her car, goes to George, and, upon arriving, finds herself in his warm embrace as he gently strokes her hair.
The Sinker Line: "I hate what happened. I've just been stressed. I haven't been sleeping well. I do care about you...and I'm going to show you how much I care all night."
Lola stayed the night with George.
Second Red Flag: George never actually apologized. Notice how often he said "I." I've been stressed...I haven't been sleeping well...I'm going to show you how much I care. He never once made this about her. Beware of the "I" guy.
Bottom Line: He wanted to get laid. He said as much as necessary to keep the sex around...and it worked. Sorry, but it's true. Guys will fake caring for you, loving you, etc. to get what they want. Some guys can get pretty creative. Look at George: I can't tell you how much Lola valued his "I'll show you I care" statement. It was just a clever way to confuse her heart, while getting what he wanted.
The End: Within a week, George dumped Lola, leaving her confused and brokenhearted.
Keep your ears, eyes, and instincts open...you'll see more than you expected.
Guest Post: What Harry Potter Has Taught Me About Writing
Please help me welcome Jo Hart to Harry Potter for Writers as my inaugural guest blogger! When I first joined Twitter and started this blog a few months ago, Jo was one of the first people to respond to me and welcome me in.
Jo is a writer, teacher and mum living in Australia. She has stories featured on the Australian Literature Review and Smories (stories for kids). She's been a fan of Harry Potter for nearly 10 years and has several fan fiction stories posted on HarryPotterFanFiction.com under the pen name Joanne K.
Her Blog: http://thegracefuldoe.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gracefuldoe
And now...on to Jo:
As it tops mine as well! Thank you Jo for such a wonderful post and for sharing your experience on learning through Harry!
If anyone has any questions for Jo, or would like to comment on what you've learned about writing from reading Harry Potter, please post them below. And be sure to visit Jo's blog at The Graceful Doe and follow her on Twitter at @GracefulDoe.
Jo is a writer, teacher and mum living in Australia. She has stories featured on the Australian Literature Review and Smories (stories for kids). She's been a fan of Harry Potter for nearly 10 years and has several fan fiction stories posted on HarryPotterFanFiction.com under the pen name Joanne K.
Her Blog: http://thegracefuldoe.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/gracefuldoe
And now...on to Jo:
How I Met Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling is undeniably a great writer. Her Harry Potter series introduced a generation of video-game obsessed kids to books. But Harry Potter is not just a series that appeals to children, it is a series that appeals to all ages, including adults. I was already an adult when I discovered Harry Potter and it has since had a big impact on my life, and in particular, my writing.
There have been several authors who have influenced my writing over the years. The earliest would have been Enid Blyton who first introduced me to the magic of story writing. Later, as a teen, John Marsden convinced me I wanted to become a published author. I discovered Harry Potter as a young adult while studying teaching and creative writing at university. I started dabbling in fanfiction as a way to relax between studying and because I felt a connection with the characters J.K. Rowling had created.
Fanfiction
I know there are mixed feelings from writers when it comes to writing fanfiction (J.K. Rowling has said she has no problem with fanfiction). I'm happy to admit I once wrote fanfiction because it taught me so much about writing and in the end has made me a better writer. J.K. Rowling gave us well rounded characters to work with and through writing fanfiction, and through the feedback I received from reviewers of my fanfiction, I developed my writing skills to a new level. The skills I developed writing fanfiction have carried over into writing my own original works, skills like voice, description, showing vs. telling and creating tension.
Aside from my experiences writing fanfiction, I have learned a lot from J.K. Rowling's writing in the Harry Potter series. I'm going to talk about two important elements of writing I have learnt from reading Harry Potter: Character development and a well planned plot.
Character Development
J.K. Rowling writes well developed characters whom the reader can relate to. She doesn't spend pages describing every physical detail of the characters, but instead weaves the details throughout the story. She gives each character their own unique voice. When I used to write fanfiction I found it easy to get inside the characters' heads because J.K. had given them such a strong voice, in turn this taught me how to get inside the heads of my own original characters when writing them and develop their unique voices. She made the characters real through their voices, their actions, their relationships and their motivations, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
Well Planned Plot
I've seen some of the sheets J.K. used to draw up her plot for the Harry Potter books. For a series like Harry Potter, which involves not only a plot arc for each individual book, but an overall plot arc as well, planning is absolutely necessary to tie all the threads together. J.K. did a masterful job with the plot arcs and overall plot arc for the series, she threw in red herrings, planted clues and wove in meaningful pieces of information throughout the story. To do this she needed a well detailed plan. When I started writing my current wip I took a page out of J.K. Rowling's book and wrote up plans and outlines before I started. I have found planning helps keep my plot straight as I write and weave in little details that will become important later.
I owe a lot to the Harry Potter series for helping me develop my writing skills. There have been a few writers over the years who have influenced my writing, but J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series certainly top the list.
As it tops mine as well! Thank you Jo for such a wonderful post and for sharing your experience on learning through Harry!
If anyone has any questions for Jo, or would like to comment on what you've learned about writing from reading Harry Potter, please post them below. And be sure to visit Jo's blog at The Graceful Doe and follow her on Twitter at @GracefulDoe.
Funny Thing About The Fickle Fiddle
Been thinking (dangerous pastime, I know), but you know what's ironic about Wasn't's (my English teacher would hurl if he saw that word) current situation?
He's her fallback...he's playing second fiddle to her ex-husband AND ex-boyfriend.
I can't claim utter brilliance in coming to this conclusion on my own accord...my mom led me down the path when she said in her thick southern drawl, "Honey, he's never gonna be first with her. He'll be miserable. The fact that he's once again callin' you is proof of that. He's her fallback."
My mom is always right, I swear. Wasn't goes out of town, and his gf welcomes her ex-boyfriend into her home with open arms, while allegedly treating Wasn't like dirt.
So, if by some unconscious (or possibly conscious, the devious wad) desire Wasn't holds me as his fallback, isn't it fitting that he, in essence, is the real fallback? See, I can't be his fallback when I've never chosen that role...perhaps I was unwittingly in that role a few years ago, when I legitimately believed something may evolve--given his empty words and invites--but I put an end to the back-and-forth.
He's laboring under a delusion with regard to me AND with his current gf. Ironic.
Wanna hear something interesting? His gf told him she's not sure she can fully trust him yet. Well, well, well.
What's that old saying...you reap what you sew? Yeah, that.
He's her fallback...he's playing second fiddle to her ex-husband AND ex-boyfriend.
I can't claim utter brilliance in coming to this conclusion on my own accord...my mom led me down the path when she said in her thick southern drawl, "Honey, he's never gonna be first with her. He'll be miserable. The fact that he's once again callin' you is proof of that. He's her fallback."
My mom is always right, I swear. Wasn't goes out of town, and his gf welcomes her ex-boyfriend into her home with open arms, while allegedly treating Wasn't like dirt.
So, if by some unconscious (or possibly conscious, the devious wad) desire Wasn't holds me as his fallback, isn't it fitting that he, in essence, is the real fallback? See, I can't be his fallback when I've never chosen that role...perhaps I was unwittingly in that role a few years ago, when I legitimately believed something may evolve--given his empty words and invites--but I put an end to the back-and-forth.
He's laboring under a delusion with regard to me AND with his current gf. Ironic.
Wanna hear something interesting? His gf told him she's not sure she can fully trust him yet. Well, well, well.
What's that old saying...you reap what you sew? Yeah, that.
Deathly Hallows Week
Usually in this blog I try to focus on the books rather than the movies. It is, after all, JK Rowling's writing that I'm most interested in. But the release of the first part of the last movie is huge, and I'm just as excited as any other rabid fan. We've already got our tickets for the midnight premiere!
So, in celebration, I'll post something every day relating to the books or the movies, whether through links to other blogs, guest posts, or my own.
First up, a question for you all: When did you first meet Harry? Was it through a book or a movie? And which one?
I found Harry by way of a recommendation from my local used bookstore owner. My son was about 5-6 years old at the time, and we used to go into his store a couple of times a week to pick up kiddie books for me to read aloud. The owner pointed to a paperback of Sorcerer's Stone and said, "This one's been very popular with the kids. You might want to try it."
But, it looked a bit too old for my son, so I didn't get it at first. It was still there a few days later, and the next week, so I eventually got it and read it aloud to him. We were both hooked.
From there on, I bought all the books new. We quickly went through Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban as they were already out, and then picked up Goblet of Fire as soon as it was released. I read each one aloud to my son, even after he got to the age where he could read them himself. Until the last book, Deathly Hallows. I'd attended a fan conference in London where I'd presented a couple of workshops and had to read the whole book overnight without him there. So, when I caught up to him on a family vacation in Turkey, he read that one on his on during the car rides.
We went to release parties for Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince as well. It was a great bonding experience for us that included my younger daughter as she got old enough.
So, what about you?
Photo credit
So, in celebration, I'll post something every day relating to the books or the movies, whether through links to other blogs, guest posts, or my own.
First up, a question for you all: When did you first meet Harry? Was it through a book or a movie? And which one?
I found Harry by way of a recommendation from my local used bookstore owner. My son was about 5-6 years old at the time, and we used to go into his store a couple of times a week to pick up kiddie books for me to read aloud. The owner pointed to a paperback of Sorcerer's Stone and said, "This one's been very popular with the kids. You might want to try it."
But, it looked a bit too old for my son, so I didn't get it at first. It was still there a few days later, and the next week, so I eventually got it and read it aloud to him. We were both hooked.
From there on, I bought all the books new. We quickly went through Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban as they were already out, and then picked up Goblet of Fire as soon as it was released. I read each one aloud to my son, even after he got to the age where he could read them himself. Until the last book, Deathly Hallows. I'd attended a fan conference in London where I'd presented a couple of workshops and had to read the whole book overnight without him there. So, when I caught up to him on a family vacation in Turkey, he read that one on his on during the car rides.
We went to release parties for Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince as well. It was a great bonding experience for us that included my younger daughter as she got old enough.
So, what about you?
Photo credit
COWBOYS BEAT GIANTS, GET SECOND WIN! 2-7! Whoo! Hoo!
Yes, I'm elated with 2-7. Why? Because today, we looked like a football team. Jason Garrett looked like a head coach. We improved. Dez Bryant is the real deal. Kitna shocked me. AND we beat a damn good football team in the New York Giants ON THEIR HOME TURF. Hey, we're just returning the favor, Giants' fans.
I loved seeing a young, enthusiastic head coach walking on the sidelines. What's more, I have no doubt Jason Garrett loves the Dallas Cowboys--he WANTS more than anything for them to succeed.
One big way to win points with fans? Consult Jimmy Johnson. That's exactly what Jason did. Smart move.
Our offense moved the ball beautifully on the mighty Giants' D, while our own defense looked fiercer than I've seen them all season.
Winning a division game against one of our biggest rivals...I've just got one thing to say--HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!
Bring it back, 'Boys, bring it back.
I loved seeing a young, enthusiastic head coach walking on the sidelines. What's more, I have no doubt Jason Garrett loves the Dallas Cowboys--he WANTS more than anything for them to succeed.
One big way to win points with fans? Consult Jimmy Johnson. That's exactly what Jason did. Smart move.
Our offense moved the ball beautifully on the mighty Giants' D, while our own defense looked fiercer than I've seen them all season.
Winning a division game against one of our biggest rivals...I've just got one thing to say--HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS!
Bring it back, 'Boys, bring it back.
Stop Shoving, 'Cause I'm Not Eating
Is it just me, or does there seem to be a climate of rewarding or celebrating bad behavior these days? Almost daily, I turn on the news, a sporting event, the computer...you name it...and I hear/read nothing but justifications for someone's bad behavior or questionable character.
It's like "they" are trying to sell America on a new standard: It's okay to be a snarky, cruel, money-grubbing, immoral, alcohol-happy, lying, stealing, cheating turd because those things bring in ratings and sell books, t.v. shows, sneakers, etc.
This does not a role model make.
For me, I haven't bought said books or sneakers, although I may have been guilty of watching the shows in the past. I don't watch them anymore because it became glaringly clear what, as a society, we seem to be becoming...what we seem to so easily accept as okay, while downing those who don't fit this new mold.
I honestly don't think the vast majority of us are buying the bull. I tend to think we still value what's intrinsically good and right, honest and true. Can't convince me otherwise.
I'm not trying to sound like some stick-in-the-mud--I just think things have gone a little too far in a very bad direction.
Just sayin'.
It's like "they" are trying to sell America on a new standard: It's okay to be a snarky, cruel, money-grubbing, immoral, alcohol-happy, lying, stealing, cheating turd because those things bring in ratings and sell books, t.v. shows, sneakers, etc.
This does not a role model make.
For me, I haven't bought said books or sneakers, although I may have been guilty of watching the shows in the past. I don't watch them anymore because it became glaringly clear what, as a society, we seem to be becoming...what we seem to so easily accept as okay, while downing those who don't fit this new mold.
I honestly don't think the vast majority of us are buying the bull. I tend to think we still value what's intrinsically good and right, honest and true. Can't convince me otherwise.
I'm not trying to sound like some stick-in-the-mud--I just think things have gone a little too far in a very bad direction.
Just sayin'.
Cover VS Cover: Lex Trent
LEX TRENT VERSUS THE GODS / LEX TRENT FIGHTING WITH FIRE
Normally, Cover VS Cover takes one book and compares the UK cover art against the US, or the hardback vs the paperback should they differ. Well this week, it's taking two books! The first two Lex Trent books by Alex Bell. Lex Trent Versus The Gods published earlier this year, and the sequel, Lex Trent Fighting With Fire out early next year which I cannot wait for!
The cover for Fighting With Fire was revealed earlier today over on Alex's blog (http://www.alex-bell.co.uk/blog/) and is amazing. Look at it. So cool. Orange. And the actual image in the disc. The dragon, and EVIL RABBITS! It's just awesome. I love it.
I love the UK cover. Blue is my favourite cover but the winner this week has to be Fighting With Fire. However, I like the way the title is written on Versus The Gods more. It looks like stone, giving it the feel of epic legendaryness (is that even a word?). I love both covers but Fighting With Fire is immense and I cannot wait to read it. Roll on February! :D
Which one do you prefer?
Update - I Have Not Fallen Off The Face Of The Earth...
Hi everyone.
This is just a quick update. Just to let you know I haven't forgotten about you all! I started my new job last Wednesday and have had pretty much no time to blog! It sucks but I've been so tired and by the time I've done what has to be done for the day, it's too late and there's too little time to blog! As it is, I am hoping to get caught up this weekend and have some stuff scheduled!
Also thank you to all the publicists sending me books! They make coming home even more of a pleasure! Had some great books this week (which you will see on Sunday in In My Postbox!)
:)
Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein: Review
By: Lisa Klein
Copy received from Bloomsbury for review
Synopsis (From Goodreads): The greatest unsolved mystery of American history--what happened to all the colonists who landed on Roanoke Island in 1587? This novel traces the fortunes and misfortunes of one Cate Archer, banished to Virginia by a jealous Queen Elizabeth because of her dalliance with Sir Walter Ralegh. What will be her fate in this dangerous New World?
My Review: I love good historical fiction. And this was good historical fiction. Lisa Klien did a fantastic job of walking that fine line between fact and fiction. I was so excited about the concept of this book. The Roanoke colony mystery captured my interest when I took American History in High School. I really had high hopes for this book that it would fill in some of the blanks that my textbook left behind. Cate of the Lost Colony
definitely delivered.Cate reminded me a lot of Kit from The Witch from Blackbird Pond
. She was spunky, doesn't quite fit in, but has a heart of gold. I really enjoyed reading her story, and how she went from being a girl who would do anything to please the Queen, to a girl that can take care of herself and her friends. There was no task to great for her, whether it was learning a new language, or befriending a person or entire culture that was foreign and unfriendly.I wasn't as interested in Ralegh's story. I've read a few review that didn't like the journal-style voice for him. I don't know that there would have been any way that his story could have been written that would have made me like Ralegh. He was definitely an opportunist, and cared only about his own interests. What a tool.
But, the unsung hero of this book was definitely Manteo. He straddled both world. His story was engaging from the very beginning, and I was rooting for him the whole time. I was fully invested in hoping that he would be able to resolve differences between his people and the settlers. Of course, knowing history, I had a pretty good idea about how it was all going to turn out, but it was thrilling all the same.
My Rating:
Profanity: None
Sexuality: Mild
Violence: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol: None
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
