Hart of the South

Because Netflix is a wonderful way to watch any TV show (provided it's on, hasn't been taken off, and has all seasons) you can watch almost anything in one or two sittings (or more if you have bladders of steel and a mini fridge right next to you - oooh, maybe even a table with a microwave!)

Over the past two months I have been watching a particular show that is only four seasons long. The first three seasons have about 22 episodes, while the fourth and final has only 10.

"Hart of Dixie" was not a show that interested me at all when I caught my sister watching it a few years back. It looked obnoxious and every kept hating on the main character. It wasn't interesting at all .....

Well.

I got hooked.

The main story is about how a fancy New York doctor, Zoey Hart, is told to go out and get some General Practice. To treat her patients like actual people, not dieases. She remembers a random doctor who sent her post cards since her graduation. So she heads down to the deep south - Bluebell, Alabama.

Cue: Southern Belles, home town doctors (who don't want her there), a retired Quarter-back mayor with a pet alligator, and a typical dive the Rammer Jammer with an attractive bartender.

While trying to break into this practice of home-style doctoring, Zoey also has to balance her personal life, attractions to lawyers and bartenders, and trying to keep her mother from coming down.

With many twists and turns this show is actually a fun one to watch. And there are only four seasons - so 98 episodes to get through. Have fun watching!!

(I am not paid for any name dropping.)

Rogue One

Today started off as any other - pratically me having no idea what to blog about today. (If you thought any of these were well-planned and organized - HA! I tried planning, that went to tosh rather quickly.)

After work I thought I'd type up a quick blurb. Then I realized that I had to run to the post office for stamps. Ensue a half hour worth of driving, realizing that I'd forgotten some RedBox DVD's to take back, frantically gathering the stamps (catching a Pikachu and taking over a Poke Gym), then running back home.

Soon after I was on my way again. With a brief stop at ABC (or Atlanta Bread Company for you heathens) for some dinner and then the movies.

I know. I'm super late to the game. Work is rather time consuming.

I know that it's already been out for a month, but for the sake of all the others who were with me under said rock, or you know, in traffic because we were late, I will prevent any spoilers from being written.

Though - technically - you already know that "many Bothans died to bring us [the plans]" - so is it really a spoiler?

I think the whole plot of "Rogue One" is rather genious. I mean, remember who we were all making jokes about that one idiot who left an exposed vent on the Death Star? How he should have been fired for placing something so crucial in plain sight?

Well . . . apparently it wasn't a mistake.

In fact it was a rather large, "Screw You", to the face of the empire.

It was a brilliant plot device - which I would love to go more into, but I think I may have given away too much. (Have I? Hmmmm......)

So we all know what happens in the end - the plans to the Death Star are taken from under the noses of a bunch of elite generals and Toffs. A bunch of Bothans died (epically, I must say. You NEED to see it!!). And you get to see Darth Vader pwn some rebels......was that too much imperalistic?

Being a born Star Wars Rebel - I whole-heartedly believe this movie should be seen at least twice. Maybe more than that if you are a die-hard (or have epicly bottomless pockets; in which case you and I should get together for a Star Wars night!).

Thank you for sticking it with me until the end of my Star Wars rant.


VIVA LE REBELLION!!

The Little Mermaid

Last Saturday I was able to usher a show that I've been waiting to see for a few years. Literally. Each year it came I was out of the state, so I was already hyped up when I heard it was coming. I will do my best to find some decent pictures from online (no photography at live productions!), and a few videos from the Broadway production.

"The Little Mermaid."

When the movie came out in 1989 it sent a wave through all little girls. The music was sung often, the lines were quoted often.

18 years later it would open on Broadway, featuring stunning sets, costumes, and new musical numbers.

Though it has been reworked since it's opening, some new songs added others taken away, it has seen a while new touring company. Reaching various fans around the world.

With innovating new designs, see that ship! It's amazing!! It easily managed to capture the magic of the movie in a whole new prospective.

Not to mention the wigs that must be used to make a wonderful sea witch. (And the actress playing her always manages to nail it!)

Oh - and have I mentioned how amazing Chef Louis is? This entire scene takes the hidden crab to a whole new level.

Oh - and Prince Eric? He has not one but TWO! That's right, TWO solo numbers all to himself. When I first heard the soundtrack I was floored. It finally gave some depth and added more character to the sea-faring prince. (And makes you love him just a lot more.)

Though it has been reworked (no more wheelie shoes!) to a final story, the stage version of this movie still manages to capture the essence of the Disney Movie.

Go take a swim and find a local production near you!


As a bonus, here are some of my favorite songs from the show (in English and Dutch!).

And Eric's other song - complete with visuals!

(I do not own any copyright, nor is infringement intended. Honestly Disney, I just love the musical more than the movie and want to help promote it .... for free.....)

Volunteer!

Today I wanted to go over a few things that I do in my personal life.

While there is plenty of time for random videos based around the internet (I'm looking at you, YouTube), or looking at other things, there are other things which can occupy that time as well.

One of the things I was glad to begin back in the fall of 2015 was being a volunteer at one of the theater's in Atlanta. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to share my time and help out.

While ushering isn't a "glorified" job in any theatre, I find it a unique opportunity to help others .... and the benefit of seeing the show for free is the best reward imaginable. While volunteering my time - arriving two hours before the show is supposed to begin - it's a fantastic way to do something that I love while meeting new people.

I have also volunteered time at local theatre groups around my town, helping backstage with moving sets, props, and costumes into place. The techies and stage hands do most of the work for a show, making sure that the actors have everything they need and keeping them on time with their cues. They are the cogs of the show that you never see, but know are working.

During the summer our local library has a Summer Reading Program. Throughout the two months of no school, there are events for all age groups ranging from magicians, to reading with a rescue cat, to movies each week, and writing groups. Helping out at those events not only relieves stress from the librarians (who often have to go it alone without help). And who doesn't want to be a Librarian nowadays?

There are dozens of ways that you can volunteer your time. If you don't know where to start, ask your neighbor, or church leader. Guaraenteed there is someone close to you who knows of a project that needs extra hands helping.

What are some ways you give back?

A New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This year has had a rocky start off (personally). Though it has greatly improved today.

2017

It should be an excellent new year. There are plenty of opportunities for improvement, change, travel, and learning new things. I am ready for the things ahead of me.

A few things that I've planned for myself - call them a Resolution if you must - I will call them a plan:

1) Finish a complete rough draft of my novel

     This has been a project between myself and another person - whom I'm co-writing it with.

2) Travel

      I know this is what everyone has on their bucket list, but I intend to do more of. There are a few places that I want to go - and I have high intentions of getting a passport soon.

3) Finish some art projects

      There are a few that I have on the line. Some that are taking time to get through, but I feel that this could be a great year for finishing things.

4) Read at least 25 books

      Last year I had a challenge set on goodreads.com for 15. I knocked it out of the park with 28. I think 25 this year is a reasonable goal.

What are some of your projects, or resolutions for this year?

Are you ready to knock 2017 out of the park?