Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

WIP: Christmas Edition

Here is a poem I wrote for a class this past semester. The rough draft and the final draft.

Waterways, flowing through a cove

Lounging along

Paintings above me, lining the walls

Marks of those who came before

Flowing through a cove

Liquid lights move alongside me

Bubbles creep, I sweep past

Silently gliding, peaceful past

Flowing through a cove

Spacious caverns open above

Raindrops hardened, dangling from the ceiling

The knives of the ground reach to them,

Flowing through a cove

Brilliant day – the blinding light

Skies of azure, merge with cerulean waves

Into this I lazily arrive

Floating through a cave

FINAL DRAFT

Waterways flow through a cove

Lounge along.

Paintings above me line the walls

Marks of those who came before

Flowing through a cove

Liquid lights move alongside me

Bubbles creep, I sweep past

Silently gliding, peaceful past

Flowing through a cove

Spacious caverns open above

Raindrops harden, dangle from the ceiling

The knives of the ground reach to them,

Flowing through a cove

Brilliant day – the blinding light

Skies of azure, merge with cerulean waves

Into this, I lazily arrive

Floating through a cave

What are you working on?

Book Nook: The Diva

The last book I read all the way through was over the Thanksgiving holiday. Ironically it was based around the holiday and actually took place over the day before, the day of, and the days after Thanksgiving. It was rather poetic.

Book: The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
Author: Krista Davis


The premise: what happens when your husband leaves you for a network diva, who then come to Thanksgiving dinner.

This novel includes recipes for all the delicious food in the novel, plus a few craft tips for decorating your home for autumn.


Sorry I don't have much tonight, it's been a long week - started a new job last week and the hours are a bit crazy.

Come back next week.

Have a Fantastic new year -

Last week I saw "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald". It was a great sequel to the previous film.

I was also able to see "Wreck it Ralph: Ralph Breaks the Internet" - another wonderful film to add to your watch list this year.

As the Christmas season comes upon us please remember that those in the stores you're visiting. Those behind the check out counters who are working long hours away from their families.

They are there to help you - please remember that often that means dealing with people who aren't always nice or kind. They are only doing their job, sometimes that means they don't have the answer you want. They will try their best but remember - only human.



This year I plan on staying in and having some time to relax away from anything that resembles a textbook.

What are some of your holiday traditions?

OMD: ummmmmmmm

I plead the EXAMS!!!!!

Call back next week after the last exam I have to take.


Adieu.

WIP: NaNoWriMo

This year for National Novel Writing Month I've gone back to my roots. I've been fleshing out some of the scenes of a story that's been long in the making.

Here is a little excerpt for you. Always: comments and critiques are welcome.

“I feel a connection to this story Keef. This story intrigues me; I need to know how it will end.”

Keef sat back, disbelief and concern fighting for his attention.

“Ya think this story yer after is gonna end well?”

32 spread his fingers wide, “I can’t say a thing.”

They both leaned back in their wicker chairs. The soft hum of a fan overhead keeping time with their thoughts. The wind blew through the trees, bringing the smells of gardenia and coconut. From off the water the salt air stirred these together. It could have made a decent perfume. Birds called out to each other. A few critters ran amok among the foliage and branches of mangroves.

Keef sighed, then took a drink. He cleared his throat once, twice. A few more minutes slipped by.

“32,” Keef cleared his throat again, “what happens next?”

32 sighed, a soft release of breath that barely stirred the air. He’d been thinking the same thing since finding that first clue in the islands public library. A sort of note pressed into an old book of laws and regulations. A book no one thought to look at twice, or even once. His only reasoning for picking the book up was to prove a point to his neighbor. The note had been written almost a century before. The neat, precise hand could belong to anyone, there was no sign of a rushed hand.

What are you working on this month?

Book Nook: Day Late, Dollar Short

Firstly: I'm in the last few weeks of school.

Secondly: I'm doing NaNoWriMo.

Thirdly: This completely escaped my brain yesterday.

Fourthly: Well....I don't really have a fourthly, so we'll continue on to the actual blog.



.....



My brain is too fried this week.

Come back next week.

Thanks - Don't Forget

On this day of Voting for our nations leaders and other such offices, it is important to know who you're voting for. What they stand for, and what they're stance is on major issues.

Also - this is the month of November.

Giving Thanks in all that you have.

Being able to say Thank You to anyone, for anything.



Please remember this month to give thanks, to say thank you, and to be thankful.



Happy Thanksgiving.

Fifth Tuesday: Happy-Hug-A-Hufflepuff-Halloween

This is a notice from your local Hufflepuff:

Go and eat something. Stay healthy. Stay hydrated.

Thank you.


Also stay safe out there tomorrow night! If you have kitties, especially black ones, keep them inside and safe from the psychos!


Keep the chocolate in check - and that's the end of Hufflemom.


BADGER PRIDE!

Comment your Halloween costume/party!

OMD: The (not so obscure) Goonies

(Disclaimer: The photo isn't mine.) (.....duh.)

Film: The Goonies
Director: Richard Donner
Writers: Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus
Main Actors: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, Jonathan Ke Quan, John Matuszak


The year was 1985. Pop culture was fair game.

It was a decade of awesome films.

Right - that's all I've got. It's late, I've got a paper to write. This is what you get.

Watch Goonies now - you can likely find it in the $5 bin at Walmart.



Nope here's a few things:

        Sean Astin before Samwise
        Sean Astin before Stranger Things
        Josh Brolin before Cable
        Josh Brolin before Thanos

     The first film (or close to) both of these guys ever did in their careers.


Random flicks you think I should watch/review?

(Disclaimer: I'm not endorsed or promoted by anyone mentioned.)

WIP: So glad it's not OMD!!

Right, well, I panicked a bit today. I seriously thought it was Obscure Movie Day. In which case I was going to do "The Rocketeer"....until I realized I did it last month. Then I panicked again, thinking I'd have to find another obscure movie to talk about and panicked on what to do....until I realize that it was Work In Progress day.

Whew!

I have so many things I've been working on. Firstly - Poetry class. There are a few new ones that I'm going to share. And then there's Inktober - which I am in progress of finishing.

Without further ado, enjoy the poetry and the art. Also feel free to leave a comment with what you're working on in the comments below.

And a little poetry for the ending segment.

When Life Was Good

Tell me a story of when life was good,

Something I don’t know.

Back when the evenings were full

of laughter, Of smiles.

A time when love never thought of dying.

Of saying hurtful untruths.

“She said I was pretty.”

Words to demean.

“You’re too stupid to know.”

Words.

Life used to be filled with kind words.

(“I appreciate all you do.”)

A morning of frenzied eating, lunch packing,

running for the door. The bus.

Home once more to loving hands

To a full house of those who protect.

Tell me a story once shared,

When life was good.

Autumn

Nighttime comes, I dream

the world is how I imagined!

Bright-lit streets, small, comfortable

house. Easy, soft, living.

Books fill the air,

the scent of parchment and ink prolific.

Mixed fragrances of honey, pumpkin,

cinnamon; spices.

Old burned furniture.

Scarred wooden panels.

Blaze of light, cackling away.

Chocolate: hot, steamy, white clouds

floating on the surface of foam.

Complete. Relaxed.

Home.

Mansion Fire

Lime Green, vibrant

Haunted high,

Less than a thousand

within

Ghostly wails

Tortured spirits

Tightening shadows

Slither along the walls

scamper across the ceiling

Footsteps

Lingering echoes

Fading voices of the lost

Spinning Darkness

Sending lovers spinning

Grim and Grinning

Ghosts

~

Older Than Time

A tune, a melody

older than the time

around it.

Long, golden, bright

shimmers like silk,

it’s melody spinning

its web.

Spinning, high on

toes, we weave through

spheres of harmony.

At one with the cosmos.

Melodies play

around the room, deep

tones that resonate.

Night

Turns the sky to ink.

Pinpoints

litter the ink with

gems of the universe.

A tune, a melody

Older than the time

around it.

Buried

My garden is full of life:

bugs, butterflies, caterpillars,

the many flowers that have been bred.

Tulips, pansies, geraniums,

a Sierra Sunset.

They sleep, better than me, in

their soft, earthy beds.

The smells of dirt, the

packed in families huddled

en masse together.

Lilies, hyacinth, rose

buds, poppies.

They strive against the

wind, withstand the

storms that billow and beat.

They outlast the frigid

snow – blanketed beneath

in their earthy beds.

Buried like all thoughts

of those times long in the

past.

Buried.

Return

Why did you come back,

If only to cause misery?

We were all happy, too happy,

it seems, to realize what was to come.

Why did you come here

to ruin the peace we had?

The flow of our lives were

Solid, sure and un-manipulated.

Why did you not grasp the

way we tried to help?

Our lives stopped to help,

we put our worlds on hold to aid.

You only wanted sympathy,

and slaves, dominion overall.

Why did you let yourself,

become the thing you divorced?

While trying to overcome the past,

you buried us in the same pain.

Why can’t you see how much

you've changed everything?

The sound of life is what you took. I

Lost my voice, my music within.

No more lights after

eight, no more car.

No more music, though

it's therapeutic, it bothers you.

No more fun inside this

house – not with you inside.

You’re trying now to make

amends – I can’t help but laugh.

You’ve burned this bridge,

you've broken, shattered the plate.

Your life isn’t my mistake,

your choices are not mine.

The only thing from you

I’ll take, is what not to do

with mine.

What are you working on this week? This month? (I can't wait till NaNoWriMo!)

Book Nook: The Rock-a-Who?

For the book this month I decided to review a comic based on a movie that I absolutely love. (The movie might be reviewed next week for Obscure Movie Day.)

Title: The Rocketeer
Author: Dave Stevens


Originally published in  1982 as a serial comic, this has easily become one of my top favorites.

Set in the 1930's, this follows Cliff Secord, a pilot working in an airshow; his best friend/mechanic, Peevy; and his bombshell girl, Betty.

When a couple of strangers leave a covered pack in his plane, Cliff discovers a rocket-pack. With the help of Peevy, and a helmet to prevent head damage - he takes off as the Rocketeer.

With this rocket pack he helps save a fellow pilot, thrusting his new persona into the limelight.

Although with news of the Rocketeer spreading fast, there comes many dangers knocking: G-men out to get the pack back, Gangsters who want it for crime, and Nazi spies out to get the to create soldiers!

With old friends coming to the aid, and new friends just around the corner, Cliff seems to have his work cut out for him.

I highly recommend checking this out in your near future!

What are you reading this month?
Leave a comment below.

King Lear - Halloween - Good Gravey

You read that right.

In two weeks time I will be opting out of a mid-term (which was today) and teaching an hour-fifteen minutes lesson on King Lear.

I've been listening to it in the car while driving to and from school the last two weeks. I must say it's not my favorite play of Shakespeare's, but way better than taking a test.


Next up - Halloween.

So many things to do!

Firstly - bonfire! I'm so excited to be able to roast some s'mores, enjoy the cool air, and generally have fun with the crisp weather.

Also there's other parties to go to - haunted houses to avoid - haunted woods to avoid. (I seriously don't do the whole haunted/scary aspect of Halloween.)

I much prefer the regular Halloween ideals - the fun side.


Well - there's that.

Short. Sweet. To the point.

Have a good night.


What are some of your Halloween traditions?

OMD: The Rocketeer

The Rockawho?

The Rocketeer - one of the films brought to you by the Wonderful World of Disney - Sunday evening movies.

Way back in the '90's ABC had this little thing called "The Wonderful World of Disney". Every Sunday evening, around 7 or 8, they would air a new film. It was usually introduced by Michael Eisner and Mickey Mouse, often giving a little taste of the movie by a quick sketch-up.

If you were a true '90's kid (or at least a true Disney-fan), you never missed these shows. The Wonderful World of Disney is the latest name of the ongoing airing of Disney movies and shows.

The name changes were thus:

Walt Disney's Disneyland (1954-58)
Walt Disney Presents (1958-61)
Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (1961-69)
Disney's Wonderful World (1979-81)
Walt Disney (1981-83)
The Disney Sunday Movie (1986-88)
The Magical World of Disney (1988-90)
The Wonderful World of Disney (1969-79, 1983-86, 1991-present)

Many movies were introduced into the hearts of avid Disney fans, and parents who finally found clean films to watch.

On June 21, 1991 a film premiered that drew in the wonderment of many. At only 1 hour and 48 minutes, it was a quick watch, full of action, adventure, suspense, and steampunk themes.

Today I will discuss a little of one of my favorite films:

Film: The Rocketeer
Premier Date: June 21, 1991
Director: Joe Johnston
Based on: "The Rocketeer" by Dave Stevens

Starring:
Bill Campbell - Cliff Secord/The Rocketeer
Alan Arkin - A. "Peevy" Peabody
Jennifer Connelly - Jenny Blake
Paul Sorvino - Eddie Valentine
Timothy Dalton - Neville Sinclair

Music: James Horner

Set in Los Angeles 1938, this story follows pilot, Cliff Secord. When things go awry with a shoot-out between the mob and the FBI, leaving his plane in ruins, he finds a rocket pack hidden in another place in the hanger.

With help from his mechanic, Peevy, the make a closed helmet for use of the rocket. They are forced into it when a pilot goes into the air, drunk. Saving him using the Rocket, the crowds and masses label him "The Rocketeer".

His girlfriend, Jenny, is an actress working with the famous swashbuckler Neville Sinclair, who is not all that he appears to be.

With the Mob, the FBI, and the Nazis after him for the rocket pack, what's to become of Cliff Secord and his girl Jenny?

I love the style of this film: 30's noir type, mob chases, acting, intrigue, spies, adventure, and a man who can fly!

I highly recommend watching this movie. You can rent it via YouTube if you don't want to buy it outright (though you may want to after watching it).


As for myself, I will be checking out the book it was based off of in the coming week.


Any film you think I should watch? Leave a comment below (especially if you've seen this one, or went to watch it somewhere).

Enjoy your week.

WIP: Poetry in the Raw

Welcome back to another week!

I was somewhat confused (and honestly, please) that the first post of this month has a bunch of read through's. I'm uncertain if it was due to content or something I may have mentioned (I'm betting on the latter). Whichever the case - hello Readers!


Today is Work In Progress day!

As you can tell I'm a bit behind in most of my personal projects. Being back in school means I have about twenty new ideas for stories and other such schemes, but little time to devote to them. (I am an avid believer in sleep. And being a night-owl. And the prospect of being a highly-functioning-slacker.)

Regardless, I've been doing some other work for class that I thought I'd share with you this week.

As mentioned before I am in a Poetry class - creative writing: poetry. It's a workshop course where every few weeks we each write 2 poems and submit them for peer review and feedback on how to make them better. At the end of the semester everything will be submitted as the final portfolio.


Please feel free to post any critiques/comments/issues about these poems. I appreciate feedback of any kind.

When Life Was Good

Tell me something I don't know

A story of when life was good.

Back when the evenings were full

of laughter. Of smiles.

A time when love never thought of dying.

Of saying hurtful untruths.

Words to demean.

Words.

Life use to be filled with kind words.

A morning of frenzied eating, lunch packing,

running for the door. The bus.

Home once more to loving hands

To a full house of those who protect

Tell me a story once shared,

When life was good.

Autumn

Nighttime comes, I dream

the world is how I imagined.

Bright-lit streets, small, comfortable

house. Easy, soft, living.

Books fill the air,

the scent of parchment and ink prolific.

Mixed fragrances of honey, pumpkin,

cinnamon; spice.

Old burned furniture.

Scarred wooden panels.

Blaze of light, cackling away.

Chocolate: hot, steamy, white clouds

floating on the surface of foam.

Complete. Relaxed.

Home.

Mansion Fire

Haunted high

Ghostly wails

Tightening shadows

Footsteps

Lingering echoes

Spinning Darkness

Grim and Grinning

Ghosts

~

Older Than Time

A tune, a melody

older than the time

around it.

Long, golden, bright

shimmers like silk.

Spinning, high on

toes.

Melodies play

around the room, deep

tones that resonate.

Night darkens,

turning the sky to ink.

Pinpoints come,

littering the ink with

gems of the universe.

A tune, a melody

older than the time

around it.

Let me know what you think. Also - anything you're working on that you want to share? Leave a comment below.

Book Nook: The Architect of Song

Welcome to the wonderful world of Reading!

I will try and not completely take this novel apart today. I LOVED this book. I can't wait to get my hands on the others in the series (yup, I've once again stumbled upon a series. It must be a brick that's constantly in my path).

(Disclaimer: The image is not mine. The only thing that is, are my opinions of this novel.)

Title: The Architect of Song
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Haunted Hearts Legacy
Book Number One


First off, I will laud how much I love this author. Her novels are some of the best that I've had the pleasure of reading in a while. She can take a fairy tale, or previous novel, and embellish it in such a way that draws you in and literally keeps you up until the wee hours of the morning reading constantly.

There are two types of books she writes:
Y/A - taken from fairy tales, or amazing novels. (The Splintered series, and RoseBlood)
Adult Historic Fiction - original stories that are geared towards adults more than young adults.


I stumbled upon this novel after reading the Splintered Series and RoseBlood (my personal favorite, for phan reasons). I'd heard about it before and was eager to read it.

One of the things that intrigued me was the background of the characters. It kept me guessing if this was based on a Tale or not (it's not). The imagery used to conjure each background story for the main characters were compelling and vivid.

Through the novel I kept thinking about possible end scenarios, as I usually do. This one was compelling enough that I managed to be befuddled by the end game. When the final deck was revealed I found myself kicking my mental prowess for forgetting key hints that were given throughout. (In rather plain terms, I might add. Though I will defend this by saying I read only a few chapters each night for about a week, as I do have a busy schedule during the day.)

If you loved her previous novels I would definitely recommend this.

IT IS AN ADULT NOVEL, NOT A Y/A.

I cannot stress that point enough - she even states it on the GoodReads page for this book. Please, read that review before picking up the novel.

Well, this has almost everything I love most about a novel:
     History
     Fairy Tale elements
     Victorian Era
     Mushy Romance (not my favorite, but if done well, then yes)


Check out a copy at your local library. Or purchase your own via the nearest bookstore.

What are you reading this week? Any novel you think I should check out? Leave a comment below and I'll chat at you next week.

Reading Into the Situation

As I mentioned last month, I am back in university!

Four classes currently - all English classes. Well....three and a not.

Public Speaking - not a class I ever would have taken previously. Now, it's merely for fun, and credits (obviously). I'm the only non-freshman in the class. Which is entertaining in itself.

British Literature - I was expecting this one to be difficult. It has the most reading so far (ridiculously tons of it, but only 1/4 of what my professor had to read when he took the course over 20+ years ago. At least we have it ... easier?) Getting all the reading done on a Tuesday/Thursday classes is not so much fun when Thursday has a TON of extra reading. Meh. I love a good challenge.

American Gothic - this was is a colloquium. It sounded fun - I love the Gothic genre of novels, but this one kinda threw me for a loop. The first book was rather mundane and the second one is .... gross.

Creative Writing: Poetry - I get to write poetry. Fun stuff.


So if any of these posts come late or don't happen until later on (unlikely) these are the reasons why.

Don't get me wrong, I do love my classes, and being to get out and about again. It's rather fun being an "older" student too. I can help those who are confused.


Well - any sort of book you'd think I should read? Leave a comment with your busy schedule, or your favorite book.

OMD: Magic in the Water

I changed up which movie I'd be going over today. Partly because the original idea would have been great, but it's coming later, and partly because I'm watching this one right now.


Title: Magic in the Water
Year: 1995

I remember watching this when it first came out.

Okay, alright, I basically remember the Oreos. Those little cookies played a huge part in this film! And you can tell how dated it is by the package the oreos come in.


Think Lock Ness, only in Canada and with Mark Harmon years before NCIS.

And lots of Oreos.

This film is kinda a gem from the 90's. It has a great message about spending time with family (which was a huge deal back in the 90's), making friends, and being kind to the environment.

It may seem dated (I'm looking at you - hairstyles) - but the message still holds. And once you see Orky it will be well worth the pay out ... if you see Orky.




Check out the trailer here:

I believe you can also check it out on YouTube.


Have a fun week, leave a comment below with a film you think I should post about.

WIP: Ideas

Back in school and I've had some amazing ideas for stories.

The trick will be writing them all down before they leave my mind, but I finally feel as though some sort of progress in those regards is coming to fruition.

It's been great so far this year. I've already written two poems (and learned that the first time apparently isn't the one you should publish, as they need to be re-written over and over and over (and often over and over and over) again).


I will post the first two I wrote here below, the first drafts, that is.

Tell me what you think. Leave a comment and let me know your critique.




[EDIT: I will post them tomorrow. Gotta get some sleep!]


"When Life Was Good"
Tell me something I don't know
A story of when life was good.
Back when the evenings were full
of laughter. Of smiles.
A time when love never thought of dying.
Of saying hurtful untruths.
Words to demean.
Words.
Life used to be filled with kind words.
A morning of frenzied eating, lunch packing,
running for the door. The bus.
Home once more to loving hands
To a full house of those who protect.

Tell me of a story once shared,
When life was good.



"Autumn"
Nighttime comes, I dream
the world is how I imagined.
Bright-lit streets, small, comfortable
house. Easy, soft, living.
Books fill the air,
the scent of parchment and ink prolific.
Mixed fragrances of honey, pumpkin,
cinnamon; spice.
Old burned furniture.
Scarred wooden panels.
Blaze of light; cackling away.
Chocolate: hot, steamy, white clouds
floating on the surface of foam.
Complete. Relaxed.
Home.


(Leave a comment below with your thoughts or criticisms.)

Book Nook:Mortal Engines

I know I rather cheated on that last entry. I completely forgot that it was Tuesday, was overcoming a cold, prepping for college, and trying to breathe. It was a hectic week.

Regardless, I did get a little something in. I'm counting it as a win in any regard.


Over the last week I have finished two novels, one which I will add my thoughts upon....the thought crosses my mind that I could possibly cover both novels, which would add a double review to this cause.

EDIT: Got back from class....I'm only doing one review, not two. Sorry if your hopes got up for that.

The first novel is a YA fiction along the streams of other recent YA/Post-Apoloctic worlds and realms.

Title: Mortal Engines
Author: Philip Reeve
Series: Mortal Engines Quartet

Right, I did not realize this was a QUARTET when I picked up the book. Honest.

I picked it up because it going to be a movie soon and I didn't want the film to ruin my imagination version of it.


Okay, fine. I only wanted to read it because Sam Neill was in the trailer ...... until I went to look it up aaaanndddd I confused Hugo Weaving and Sam Neill.

....

Wow. I'm .... flabbergasted.

On to the Book:

This is a novel about cities eating other cities.
(I would love to see a picture of this sentence before any of you read any further.)

After "The Sixty Minute" wiped out most of the world and it's populations a few hundred years previous, cities now roam the world. In order to survive they "eat" other, smaller cities.

This tale follows a young Historian Apprentice, Tom Nattsworth, as he accidentally stumbled upon a girl, Hester Shaw, who is looking to kill Thaddeus Valentine for murdering her parents over a device that could change the way London eats.

Their adventure takes them away from the rambling city of London and into the heart of the Hunting Grounds, Outlands, Marshes, and Air Haven.

There they meet with Anna Fang, captain of the airship Jenny Haniver. With her aid and the that of the League (those against cities moving, or Tracitionsts), they return to London for one final showdown.

Just a brief little bio on the book. Go check it out and see why it was immensely engaging. I look forward to seeing how the film will take this intriguing novel and transform it into (hopefully) a masterpiece.

I found the ideas in the novel fantastic. I haven't read a post-apocalyptic novel this interesting in a while. I'm looking forward to the following novels.


What are you reading?

College - Bachelors

Going back I school starting tomorrow. Trying not to panic today.


Tips? Comment below.

Fifth Tuesday! - Random Land!

Right, there are such things as 5th Tuesdays.

As the title suggests I am going to name them Random Land!

(Not to be confused with the YouTuber Justin Scarred, who does a series on theme parks and Disney. If he somehow reads this (which would be awesome and terrifying): I am sorry for any confusion. But it seemed to fit. Also, I love your channel. #disneynerd)

Okay, now that that's out of the way. *coughgowatchhisvideoscough*


For Random Land I will find any weird and random topic to chatter about for a little. Or I'll post a bunch of random images that I've been working on. These will be pencil/pen/marker sets, so don't get too hyped. I'm not a professional artist. I am an amateur who merely loves doing it for fun.

Over the past couple of weeks I've been working at drawing again. Mainly I've taken images and tried to recreate them. The end results are not the same, but they look well enough, to my own eye at least.

Obviously: If you recognize someone/thing I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS. And if you want to sue me, remember: I have nothing. I do this strictly for fun. And practice. (Also, free publicity for you.)


(NOTE: The original images were way too big to post, so I cut them to the "Medium" setting they had. Now they look squat. .... Enjoy regardless.)

Have a fantastic week and see you next month!

OMD: The Rescuers Down Under

I was going to do a different film, then decided that film would be best suited for Halloween.

Hence, the rather abrupt change to one of my all time favorites (probably because of the cool accents and amazing scenery) from the obscure Disney film files.

"The Rescuers Down Under" was the long-awaited sequel to "The Rescuers", a film about a society of mice who help those in need. The Rescue Aid Society.

In this film they travel to the Land Down Under!

While in Australia they set out to find a boy who went missing. Through the network of other mice and animals, they set out to rescue Toby.

This was one of the first films where they used a new style of animation. I highly recommend checking it out.

WIP: Plots and Plights

I hate writing plots.

I hate writing outlines. With a passion.

I hate the whole 'research and plan the entire thing out before writing' element of writing.

(Which is why I sorta ramble each week on my blog here. The most I've got planned is the theme/topic.)

Recently while writing another little novel I accidentally had my character doing a YouTube mini web-series. It worked well with the story-line and fit well with the mood.

Then I got thinking. . . .  Wouldn't it be cool to make that into a real web series?

Cue yesterday when I used a template taken from Pinterest (yup, everything's there) to write out a plot. There are only a few questions is asks you in order to make out an entire Plot In A Day.

Plot In A Day

What is Your Premise and Basic Plot?

Decide Who the Characters Will Be

Decide What Drives Each Character

What Aren't These Characters Giving Away Right Off the Bat?

What is Going to Change These Characters?

List out the Major Events of the Novel with Subplot in Chronological Order.

Decide Where to Start Writing

Once You've Gotten the Second List Done, You've Got A Plot

Now, I got stuck at the "List the Major Events...." one, because while I have the basics, I don't know if I want to plan the entire thing, or just go for one episode at a time. Which is where my little Block of Writers comes in.

There is a little tidbit with each of the Queries listed above, but I won't write them out.

The Project I'm working at is titled Tomes - and I'm fully ready to film . . . once I can get back my creativity and write an episode.

What are you working on this week?

(Also - if you want the extras involved with the list, send me a message, I'm happy to share!)

Book Nook: The Perils of Paella

Title: The Perils of Paella
Author: Nancy Fairbanks
Series: A Carolyn Blue Culinary Mystery
Number: 5


I believe I wrote a review on one of these books a while ago....[brief pause while I go and look] .... never mind. Guess not.


This is a series about a woman who loves food. She used to love preparing food for her two children and scientist husband. Now that her children are grown and out of the house, she finds her time more suited to writing columns about others making and preparing food than actually making it herself.

In book one, "Crime Brulee", she is asked to write a column for a local newspaper in El Paso titled, "Have Fork Will Travel".

Though the following novels she becomes well known and at the start of "The Perils of Paella" she has been asked to write a book.

Traveling to Catalan (Barcelona) to meet with a friend currently working at the museum, Carolyn enters a rather morbid art exhibit. While it resembles a hospital ward with patients dying, one of the student actors isn't acting. With a fresh corpse that closely resembles her friend, things slowly spiral out of control.

With a missing child, a murderer, and an artist intent on starting fights, this is one mystery that's sure to pull you in. From the wonderful old city, to the Tapas recipes, flamenco dancing and more!

Though I would recommend the first book first, this one keeps the series fresh and intriguing!



What are some of your favorite genres to read? Leave comment below.

Do you celebrate?

I'll be back again next week.

Had an early morning - as in 4:45 AM.




Tune back in next week for actual content.

OMD: Saludos Amigos

Since up until now I've sort of found whichever movie seemed fitting (or that I randomly found on YouTube) - I've decided to try and gather Obscure Movie Day into something more....organized.

Perhaps later on I'll have themed months - but for now I'm going to try and find ones before the day of (which is what happens more often than not).

Today's flick will be one of the first few movies that Walt Disney ever made.


Title: Saludos Amigos
Year: 1943
Company: Walt Disney

Firstly: I love this movie.

It's a film all about Mexico and South America. The artists who created this movie traveled to location and drew nearly 98% of it while down there. (The extras on the DVD were excellent, as it delved deeper into the development process.)

It's a movie that sets Donald Duck as our host - as he gets presents from friends down in South America.

The first location takes us to Central America - including views of the city, and a short film about a rather crazy bird.

The second introduces us to a new character that has become part of the Disney culture: Jose Carioca, the Brazilian parrot. This was the first appearance of this character.

Our final location is Mexico where we meet the ..... you know what? I did something exceptionally stupid of me: I confused Saludos Amigos with The Three Caballeros.

BIG DIFFERENCE AND MISTAKE.

Please forgive me.


There are 4 short stories/films in Saludos Amigos. Each one tells a tale of South and Central America. The film itself is only 42 minutes, and full of culture and history.


The characters of this film come back in "The Three Caballeros" - who in turn have their own Dark Ride at Disney World, Orlando. You have to visit Epot, specifically (and obviously) Mexico.

I went on the ride last year and it was awesome - it takes you through the movie as you try and find where Donald disappeared to.

Take under an hour and check this cool flick (technically the 6th movie ever created by the new Walt Disney studios).



What is your favorite Disney movie from the early years? 1930-1950? Leave a comment below and let's talk Disney!

WIP: June - Ummmmm

Right, so I've been rather lack in my writing of late. Though I do have ideas flowing through my head, it's been getting rather difficult to get them to down on paper (or word document). So, here's a little bit of a story I've been trying to get down.

Once his laughter subsided she realized that this creature was no monster. The façade he wore may be frightening, but there was something deep inside of him that spoke of another. While he laughed at her remark various thoughts flashed through her mind: exactly what was he laughing at her was the foremost.

“Forgive me,” his voice was soft, gentle.

She smiled, “Of course.”

They stood facing one another, watching. She was certain he was studying her as she was him.

“I’m sorry,” a sudden realization overcame her, “but the previous time I was here you told me you were the sole occupant of this castle.”

He seemed puzzled, then looked around the empty foyer before replying, “I am.”

“And yet you have an entire cast of staff to make tea.”

She watched him consider that. There had to be a reason.

“Oh. I see what you mean.” He came down the stairs to stand next to her. “Perhaps I did mislead you as to the number of residents here.”

Standing close to him set something racing through her. A surge of adrenaline coursed through her, telling her to run. Rubbing her arms she took a few steps away to look out the windows that hadn’t been broken.

“I can see why you did,” she stared out at the grounds. There were others out there, tending to the dreary landscape. She didn’t see any sort of reason to keep the grounds up; unless there was a pressing need to walk through the snow. It looked peaceful out there. The white ground was almost as misleading as the – his –

“I’m sorry, but do you have a name?”

She spun around to face him, only to bump into him again. She hadn’t heard him walk close.

“Sorry,” he rapidly stepped back to put some distance between them.

Her heart hammered in her chest; though she was uncertain whether it was from fear or something else.

“No, it-it’s alright,” she trailed off.

They stood there, staring at anything else in the room except each other. She’d never felt this way around anyone else before. It was as though she was courting someone and had been caught unaware at a fancy party. It was ridiculous. They were both adults.

So why did she feel as though there was something else connecting them together?

* * * * ** * *

He watched her from across the hall.

He cursed himself again for his lack of manners. All the things he’d learned about conversation had seem to fly from his mind, leaving him standing like a fool. Following so close behind her had startled her more than she was letting on as well.

This was a bad idea, the thought crossed his mind again.

She cleared her throat, seeming to search for the right words to say.

Wait, didn’t she ask me a question? He frowned at the thought, turning away.

“I would tell you my name, but I’ve forgotten what it was.”

“How could you forget your name?”

There was no malice in her voice. Only curiosity.

Turning he shrugged, “After the first dozen years it didn’t seem necessary.”

She cocked her head to the side, “The first dozen years?”

He cursed himself again. Should he tell her everything? Let her know that this was a cursed castle? That every living thing in here had been doomed for the past century?

Looking at her he saw a gleam in her eye, one that spoke of adventure, knowledge, and understanding.

“Master, lunch is served.”

He shifted, not quite jumping (as she did).

“Thank you Leon.”

The butler left for the dining rooms. In the aftermath he let the silence linger while he collected his thoughts.

What have you been working on recently? Leave a comment below and share your progress!

Book Nook: Mystic Notch #1

As many of you may have noticed I love reading. One of my favorite genres is Mystery. Over the past couple of years I've stumbled across a sub-genre of the genre that my mother and I became hooked upon (okay, she'll pilfer the book first, I'll read it after and tell her my suspicions as to the suspect and we both enjoy using the recipes in the back. You should try some of those cookies recipes! Delicious!)

Cozy Mysteries.

Basically a woman begins a new life after some life alternating event, often they return to their home town, or start up a new business.

Today's book finds the main character returning home after getting shot.

Title: Ghostly Paws
Author: Leighann Dobbs
Series: Mystic Notch
Number: One


Wilhelmina Chance has returned to her roots in the White Mountains of New Hampshire after a nasty divorce and an accident from her job as a crime reporter which leaves her with a rather interesting side affect: she can see, and hear ghosts.

Returning to town to get life back in order (as well it can be with the undead talking to you), she opens a bookstore that used to be run by her grandmother. Now the proprietor she and her new housecat investigate the murder of the local librarian.

This is a fun read, as it takes you on the side of the Supernatural and mystic side. It was a quick read, but well thought out and planned. It's a great weekend book to read, if you need something for the weekend, or a road trip.

Check it out at your local library, or bookstore.


What have you recently read?

Leave a comment below and let's talk literature!

Summer's Here Again

It's hot.

I'm trying to run a business (that's mostly online and by word of mouth and not doing so hot).

I'm trying to write this darn novel.

I'm trying to exercise every day (hasn't happened since last month when I got sick, though I do walk).

I'm trying to survive.


How about you?

OMD: Atlantis is Waiting

I would like to take this day to talk about a Disney movie that was practically brushed under the rug because it wasn't "cool enough".

Way back in 2001 (June 3 to be exact, which is coming up soon!) - The Walt Disney Company released a new kind of movie. It used new technology to make it both an animation and a 3D component. It had breathtaking scenery, epic music and was based on the mythology of the Lost city of Atlantis.

I was able to see this in theater's and it was AMAZING!

I felt it was the absolute best movie to come out of Disney in a long time. It had everything. And it was Steampunk!

And really, Michael J. Fox was the lead voice actor!

I think, of all the underrated movies that are brushed aside, this one gets a lot of flack.

Right, so if you haven't seen it the plot is this:

Atlantis was buried beneath the sea because they were vain and thought they were better than the gods.

Flash forward to the roaring '20's!

Milo Thatch has been researching Atlantis his entire life. When he gets the Shepherd's journal he realizes this is the chance of adventure! The Journal outlines the exact route and way to reach the fabled city of Atlantis.

Backed by his Grandfather's eccentric best friend, Milo embarks upon a quest to find the fabled city.

For history!

He is joined by a rather rumbucktious crew consisting of:
      Preston B. Whitmore - the eccentric friend who finances the entire expendicture
      Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke -leader of the expedition and in charge
      Helga Sinclair - Rourke's right hand woman, in charge of keeping things running
      Gaetan Moliere - a Frenchman who loves digging and dirt of any kind
      Joshua Sweet - Doctor extradoniare! He can saw through anything in less than ten seconds
      Vincenzo "Vinny" Santorini - An Italian with a pechance for explosives. And paper clips. Big ones.
      Audrey Ramirez - Mechanic, and a girl you don't want to mess with
      Jebidiah Allardyce "Cookie" Farnsworth - Cook, best with the three food groups: Beans, bacon and lard
      Wilhelmina Packard - the Woman in charge of radio and keeping things running


When they reach the city of Atlantis though, not everything is as it seems.


Do yourself a favor - head over to Netflix where you can find the Lost City of Atlantis with Milo and the others.


Also: First movie Disney made that used stock sound from Skywalker Sound and Industrial Lights and Magic.


Please, go check it out. This is one of my absolute favorite Disney movies of all time.

GO!

Atlantis is waiting.


(And, if you did see it, did any of you play the game? There was a game centered around finding the Shepherd's Journal, playing as Milo's grandfather. I always got killed, but did any of you actually succeed? Let me know!)