The End of 2019

Well, this is it.

The last entry for the year.

Literally.

I hope something I wrote or talked about inspired someone who read this. If not, I hope it at least made you smile.

Have a safe New Year's Eve!



I'll see you next year.

O.M.D. It's a Tsunami!

A quick little blurb for a Disney Channel Original!

Film: Johnny Tsunami!

What happens when a Hawaiian teen gets transported to Vermont?

Trade the waves for the powder!

It's a great film that's currently on Disney+ from the good old '90s and and early 2000's.

(Sort and sweet because I've got a long work shift.)

Have a very Merry Christmas!

W.I.P. NaNoWriMo Excerpts

Here's a little few snippets from what I did last month. Enjoy!

(Critiques are welcome!)

The following morning I was all packed.

I was fully ready to be off this vessel and back on dry land. Sure, I’d finally gotten my sea legs, but there was nothng that could beat walking on your own two feet without the threat of being heaved to.

“Does this mean you’re holding him to his word on this one?”

Mary came into the room. She had managed to keep herself, and three children packed and tidy the whole trip. What was it like to have that kind of stability in your life?

“Why not,” I folded a nighdress, trying not to cringe. I hated wearing those things. “We’ve at sea long enough. And there have been plenty of ports. I don’t know why he’s being so picky.”

She sat down I the chair by the desk.

“Perhaps he’s waiting for family?”

I took in a breath.

Did this mean she was confirming that he and she were – no.

“It would be interesting to finally meet his family.” I did my best to be vague. I didn’t want her assuming she was jealous of their relationship. I could get a husband risking everything for his wife. “See who his wife is.”

I put it out there, hoping she’d confirm it.

She laughed, “Well, I’m surprised he hasn’t told you.”

Please just end the misery!

“Told me what?”

Her eyes twinkled. That mischievous glance that I’d seen her give before.

Book Nook: Between Readings

This past month, well few months actually, I've been working so much I've hardly had time to read.

Actually hard back/paper backs, that is.

I have been reading books on my phone in between waiting and such. There are a few that I'm in the middle of, yet none that I've finished as yet. Well...there is one.


Title: Alice
Author: J.M. Sullivan
Series: The Wonderland Chronicles #1

One thing I'm completely in love with is fairy tale retellings. This one is up there on my list of new favourites.

There are a few others I could name right now - but for the moment we are talking about "Alice".

This is a re-telling of the gal who follows the rabbit down the hole.

When a brilliant scientist stumbles upon a supposed cure for what ails everyone, it goes horribly awry. The serum turns its victims into mindless momewraths.

Alice and her sister Dinah live in a safe compound, but when Dinah starts coughing in the pre-signs of the disease, Alice has to act.

She follows the White Rabbit until she has to head to the Tulgy wood to confront the Red Queen.

From there it's all a matter of finding the cure.


I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a read though!


What are some books you've been reading lately? Any recommendations?

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the 2019

We have now entered the final month of 2019.

This year has been a whirlwind of learning, growing, progressing.

And severe lacking int his blog writing.

My re-cap of the year is a little crazy. I honestly never in my life thought I'd be in a completely different state by the end of it, yet here I am.

Here are the basic highlights of my year so far.

First:
     Last year I went back to school, I continued with a semester from January to May

Second:
     In February I was accepted into the Disney College Program

Third:
     Summer brought more changes in my personal life

Fourth:
     I moved to Orlando Florida

And now until May of next year I'll be working in Disney's Hollywood Studios.


Living and working down in Florida is a big change. I've now lived in the two extreme opposites of the United States. Well, extreme North West and extreme South East.

Alaska to Florida.

Hopefully in the coming years I can visit the extremes of the South West and the North East.


While every job and situation has its ups and downs, I've enjoyed this new experience in my life. I've been able to meet people from around the world. I've been able to walk in parks I'd never been to. I've been able to try so many new things it's been a rather breathtaking experience.

I would love to send a small gift (likely a pin) to anyone who actually reads up on this little Fickle N'Freelance Forever Blog. You pick out your favorite pin and I'll ship it to you (or a box office). A little something for those who follow or even stumble across and read this. The deadline to let me know will be the 15th of December.

Hope you have a fantastic week and let me know what you're you to!

O.M.D.

With the release of Disney+ earlier this month (this is not a plug), I found myself engaged in all those films I haven't seen since I was a child. Most of these have been obscured because - well - no one's heard of them, let alone watched them.

(I also realize I've been severely lacking in Obscure Movie Day posts, hopefully, this film today will make up for it.)


A Kid in King Arthurs Court


This film was an adaptation of the beloved novel, "A Connitenicut Yankee in King Arthur's Court."

It begins with a little league game. An earthquake occurs and a kid is sent back to - yup. King Arthur's court.

He has to navigate the court, outwitting an evil duke in order to find a way home.

Check it out today!

(It's short this week, thought I'd have more time. Nope.)

W.I.P. National Novel Writing Month 2019

Well.

Back to the month of something in the air that drive us all to write over 50,000 words.

Here's a snippet of what I'm working on, how about you?

“Take those two away.”

The voice of the Erlkonig startled her. She turned. Watched as the Guard escorted the two offenders of magic away. She couldn’t call them parents at all – they hadn’t raised her. They hadn’t been there her entire life until they wanted something from her. Of her.

They tried to put up a fight. Without magic, they were nothing.

That could have been me.

The thought haunted her.

If she had been raised by these two, she would have wound up on the other side of the coin. Between light and dark she was already walking along the grey line. She knew going to the dark side wasn’t an option. Yet, there were also repercussions for going too far into the light.

Her parents had gone to both extremes.

When the sounds of protest from them faded, she was left among a crowd. While they were all friends, it was still too much.

The power the book had blasted had drawn out everyone within the town boundaries.

“Miss Smok?”

Her name cleared some of the daze in her eyes. Her mind was still foggy. There was a haze that was trying to clear.

Shaking away the cobwebs she saw the forest.

Across the field she watched someone emerge from the shadows of the trees. They stumbled slightly, as though the legs were unfamiliar on land or with the land. They stumbled a while before straightening and looking up. At her.

What are you up to this month? Leave a comment below.



EDIT: I posted this on Monday.....do I get points for being early?

Book Nook: Murder Buys a T-Shirt

Glad tidings this Book Nook Day!

I finally finished reading a book!!

Title: Murder Buys a T-Shirt
Author: Christy Fifeld
Series: A Haunted Souvenier Shop


This little novel was one of the best reads I've had so far this year.

It takes place in Key Hole Bay, Florida. We follow the owner of Southern Treasures, Miss Glory as she tries her best to make ends meet during the off season.

The introduction of the characters is a delightful way to find yourself sitting in a small town. It brings you into the community.

When an young rising football star is killed in an automobile accident, things appear straight and narrow. Until a ghost in the shop starts hinting that not everything is quite as it seems.

Now Glory and her friends must find out the truth of what happened before its too late!


With a wonderful array of character and a cursing parrot, this novel is one of the best quick reads you'll find.



Keep tuned for the last couple weeks of 2019!





I am going to do a Disney Pin Giveaway for everyone following. All you have to do is leave a comment with your favorite novel, or a mystery you love to read. Everyone who comments will be entered to win a Disney Pin from the Walt Disney World parks.


Leave a comment and I'll see you next week!

It's Beginning

The fall season again.

Well, still.

Personally I love the whole aspect of fall in general. It's the cool weather, the color schemes. Hot chocolate. Apple Cider.

Take some time out of your day to enjoy the day.

Take time to appreciate life in general.


Have a fantastic week.

Fifth Tuesday - Spoooooky

So spooky it's LATE!!


Enjoy Halloween and be safe!


In all honesty - this is the season for Tricks, and Treats. Take care when going out tomorrow night. Use precaution in whatever you have planned

This is a fun season.

Enjoy the fall.

O.M.D. -

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

COME BACK IN A FEW DAYS.

W.I.P. When do I No?

This week I realized I have so many Works in Progress that I should never actually be without an entry for WIP week.

Starting new stories is a theraputic thing for me. I've begun so many new adventures on so many occasions, it's fun keeping track of them all. Sometimes old stories manage to intermingle with the new ones. Old characters become a side character in the new adventure.

This week I've been revisiting an old idea, with a new twist or three.

I haven't officially written anything down - being busy with work and no paper and pen on me can do that.

For today, here's an old little bit from an idea that is still alive and in the works.

“Don’t toss me!”

The bean bag came down and I was left facing a bewildered Erik and Inspector.

“What were you doing there?”

I was half way awake, a bit wider now that I’d almost been launched into a couch and in no mood for stupid.

“I was sleeping. In case you hadn’t noticed.”

“Wait…are those your pajamas?”

I paused, glancing briefly down at my long pajama pants and baggy tee shirt. Looking back up I raised half an eye brow, “Yeah. You got a problem with my comfort?”

“No! No, no, it’s just…”

“Ann we need you to come with us to the Basement. It’s not safe for you.”

I stared down again…. “Yeah. You do realize you just barged into a room full of women who were having a slumber party (sleep over?)?”

They had the decency to blush.

I ushered them out.

“Right, well I’ll be out when all of us are decent and dressed. Bye!”

Shutting the door in their face I glanced around the previously full room.

“Traitors,” I murmured. Scrounging my clothes from the piles on the floor I slipped into the bathroom and got ready.

What have you been up to this week? Leave a comment and let's brainstorm together!

Book Nook: Good Try

Well.....


This blog is harder to keep up now I have a crazy job schedule.


When I finish a book I'll make sure to let you know.

October is HERE!

My absolute favorite month of the entire year!

Spooky season is upon us once again!

Today I'm going to leave it open ended with you!

Share your favorite Halloween memes/videos and what-not!

Here's a few YouTube things for spooky season!
(I'm not paid, nor do I endorse.)

Have a fantastic week!!

O.M.D. We-lllll

I've truly got nothing.

My excuse: got sick after a quick trip home last night. Still sick. Lots of work.


......


Check out a random film from the 1990's - most ain't that bad.

:D

W.I.P. Kinda Not As Busy

This past week has been one dosy as a time.

I've come up with lots of new ideas. Lots of new places. New characters. Old ones that like to creep into everything else (the jerks).

The newest idea I've labeled "The Mechanic".

It sorta stemmed from my ride on the Smugglers' Run over in Galaxy's Edge. It did begin as a fanfiction, of sorts. Than came to be something else entirely.

A little blurb of what I've been thinking about can be found below.


I had to leave.

I couldn't stay in this land of fiction anymore. I had to move out on my own. I had to become my own person.

Not the person who was known for the lost years I couldn't account for.

I wouldn't account for.

How could I tell them?

It was easier to gather my tools and get on the bus.

I got strange looks. Naturally.

"Who wears long sleeves in the middle of the summer?"

"What's with her face?"

It was easy to ignore them. I'd been ignoring people like that all my life. Why let it get to me? I'd heard worse.

I'd been through worse.

"Kettle Cove."

The bus pulled to a stop. No one got up.

I did.

"Thank you."

The driver's shock almost made me smile.

Stepping into the crisp air I breathed in the scent of pine, pumpkin, and spice.

I already felt home.


What are you working on this week? Leave a comment below and let's help each other.

Book Nook:

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Fall is Here - only I'm still in Summer

Living down in the south, we don't really get a winter. We usually get a slight fall, then more summer.


This week - well, today in particular - I discovered the joys of living through a hurricane.

It's Dorian.

It wasn't too bad though.

I'm living and working down at Walt Disney World. Today was actually fun. The first day of Hurricane Dorian!

I went to the Magic Kingdom.

Wait times were all below 20 minutes.

For the first time, I went on multiple rides in one day. And I tried some I'd never been on before either.

Peter Pan - the wait time was ten minutes.
     It was an amazing experience.

Haunted Mansion
     Not my favorite ride, but I wanted to prove to myself I could do it.

Pirates of the Caribbean
     My first time on the ride ever. It was fantastic!

Met Captain Jack Sparrow

Jungle Cruise
     The dad jokes were great.

A little Sorceror's card game.

Winnie the Pooh
     Last time I was there it was Mr. Toads Wild Ride, so different, but fun.

I also managed to watch the entire Fantasy Parade - it was amazing!


Now - I'm going to sleep before another long day of work.



Let me see - which would you prefer to see? Check back next week for something more - else?

O.M.D. Bedknobs And -

This is my third Tuesday down in Florida. It's been a blast so far, working in Hollywood Studios!

Throughout these past few weeks, I've come to the realization that there are a lot of films Disney made that people don't know about.

One of my personal favorites, and one that I've been talking about a lot to guests recently is one that I grew up watching.

The Setting: England, on the cusp of World War II. A small countryside town. Children are being evacuated here from London to keep them safe. We see a group of three waiting to be placed.

A loud boom resounds and a plume of yellow smoke comes around the corner. We see one Miss Eglantine Price (portrayed by the exquisite Angela Lansbury), ride up on a motorcycle. While picking up parcels she is also given the three children, Carrie, Paul, and Charlie to look after.

That night, as the children are sleeping, Eglantine hurries downstairs to a locked room off the kitchen. The parcel she has received is a broom. We learn she has been taking part of a correspondence course for witchcraft. While the broom riding isn't the best, we learn she is quite apt at the spells that come through the mail. The children witness this moonlight ride while trying to sneak back to London. Instead they divert their plans to try and blackmail Eglantine.

When a letter arrives informing her that the course has been cancelled due to the war she decides to go to London to confront the headmaster of the school.

In order to travel, and to appease the children who now know of her unique talent, she gives them a give of a magical bedknob. It can take them, via the bed, anywhere they want to go.

Arriving in London, the children find Professor Emelius Brown - and find him to be a fraud.

They stay the night at an abandoned mansion with a bomb in the front yard. Here we learn that the book Emelius used for the course was torn in half and he discontinued the course because he didn'
t have the rest of the book.

The following scene takes place on Portobello Road. It's a crowded street market where people gather to sell things old, borrowed, new.

Eglantine and Emelius encounter someone who knows where the other half of the book is. We head down to meet the bookseller, who is close to killing them for the sake of the book.

They vanish, via the bed, to the Isle of Naboombu.

Landing in the bay, they float along with the fish until being caught by a fishing bear.

These animated sequences combined with the live actors makes for a pleasant visual aid. While on the Isle they attempt to get the Star of Astaroth from the King, a formidable lion. They assist in a game of football, where Emelius is the referee. At the end of the game, they make a switch and gain the star before quickly heading back to Eglantine's home.

Because the Isle was a magical place, the star has disappeared with it. While trying to recall the words, Paul reads them out loud from his book - which happens to have the whole thing.

Eglantine performs the song for Substitutiary Locomotion, bringing inanimate objects to life. This was the reason she took the course for magic, to help aid in the coming war. The spell works, but backfires when the objects garner a life of their own.

That evening, Emelius heads back to London. While waiting for a train he sees someone cutting the telephone wires and we learn that a platoon of Nazi's have invaded.

Eglantine's cottage is the first landing spot, and we see the family being escorted to the museum in town when they try and get her spell book.

Emelius joins them there and she once again recites the chant for Substitutiary Locomotion. In a final burst of magic, she helps in sending the Nazi's running for the water, believing that she is a hexen (a witch).


I highly recommend watching this film. At only 139 minutes, the restored version is the best adaptation.

Starring the following:

Angelia Lansbury - Miss Eglantine Price
David Tomlinson - Emelius Brown
Roddy McDowall - Mr. Jelk



With a G rating, animated sequences, and a list of catchy songs, this is a film for any family looking for a fun time.

Which film would you like to see on Obscure Movie Day? Got anything nobody's probably heard of? Leave a comment below and I'll catch you next week!

W.I.P. - First Week

It comes as no surprise that last week's post was short. Abrupt, and not entirely about a movie or book (I think it was Book Nook week).

I did it at the last minute while working some crazy shifts at my new job while trying to make meals and take care of car insurance.

For this week, I'll try and take a little time to post some little blurbs that have been going through my mind. Working a fast-paced job can sometimes bring inspiration from the most mundane of things.

Mind Reeling

Can't escape the feeling

I'm losing time

To figure out life

Someone stop the world

For a moment of time

To catch my breath

I've lost my mind

Escaping to the world

Taking my brain

Off the Planet

To the Outer Rim

Is there anything that you're working on this week?

Leave a comment with your favorite fiction author and I'll do a drawing at the end of the month for a free giveaway.

Book Nook: ??

Been working - not reading much.

Leave your top 5 favorite books quotes and see if we can guess them.

August 2019 - What a Week!

Greetings from the Sunshine State!

I am officially in Florida, a resident, new (used) car owner, and worker at Walt Disney World!

Move-in day was yesterday. It was.... an experience. I was the last on in. We have a 2 bedroom, 6 person layout. So - Top Bunk for me! Woo! New experiences!!

I winded up going late to the store for the important stuff: sheets, mattress pad, pillow/case, milk.


I also am renting a car to own - so yay for monthly car payments, insurence, safety!


It's been a whirwind of a weekend.

Saturday I drove down with a friend (who did the actual driving). We stayed at her brothers', who offered me the car.

Sunday we had to move things around as one car had issues and the new one was used.

Yesterday was a whole new experience. A rather strange experience, but one nevertheless. :D


Today I got my first car decal! I'm all set up for work and have the next two days off.


Comment your favorite Disney movie - animated or otherwise! And stay tuned! I will be starting a giveaway next week!!

Fifth Tuesday - Gimme a Break

I have to pack.

Saturday I'm moving on to the next phase of my life.

I'm trying to keep things together enough to keep up this blog. I'm going to try, but there don't seem to be many reviewers.


If you want to be part of a Give Away Next Month, comment below with your favorite film from the 1980's.




Maybe I'll see you next week.

O.M.D. - Oliver and Company

Oliver Twist.

New York in the 1980s.

Cats and Dogs.


Too tired.

W.I.Petered Out

My creative side has been on the back burner for the past month. We've had family move back in and life's been....hectic.


I'm going to start advertising a Give-Away. Next month I begin a brand new college internship down in Florida. Each month I will set up a give away. Most likely a random generator (unless you're the only one who follows or responds in which case, you win by default). Stay tuned for more Give-Away News!


For this month I will leave a little of what I had before from an older piece I was working on. Enjoy some poetry this July. And, if you feel inspired to, leave a comment below with what you're working on.

The morning after the concert and double homicide I woke up to someone trying to toss me on the floor. I’d fallen asleep in a rather large beanbag chair that felt more like a cushion than anything. After the other gals had drunk their fill of rum (Lizzy prevented me from getting any, at least remembering through her alcohol-induced haze that I didn’t drink), I had crashed from mental exhaustion. The bean bag was perfect – I melted into it and bundled down.

“Where’s Ann?”

I’d covered my face with another blanket, not wanting to deal with people in general. The choice to hide was gone the moment I was lifted into the air.

“Don’t toss me!”

The bean bag came down and I was left facing a bewildered Erik and Inspector.

“What were you doing there?”

I was half way awake, a bit wider now that I’d almost been launched into a couch and in no mood for stupid.

“I was sleeping. In case you hadn’t noticed.”

“Wait…are those your pajamas?”

I paused, glancing briefly down at my long pajama pants and baggy tee shirt. Looking back up I raised half an eye brow, “Yeah. You got a problem with my comfort?”

“No! No, no, it’s just…”

“Ann we need you to come with us to the Basement. It’s not safe for you.”

I stared down again…. “Yeah. You do realize you just barged into a room full of women who were having a slumber party (sleep over?)?”

What are you up to this month writing wise?

Book Nook: Wee Murders

This is perfect for today. I finished the third novel in a series last night. It's perfect for today, as well, it's Book Nook day.

Title: A Wee Homicide in the Hotel
Author: Fran Stewart
Series: ScotShop Mystery #3


It's time for the Hamelin Highland Games!

July Day

Right so, I'm going to be part of the Disney College Program, starting in a few weeks.

I am thinking of doing some fun little giveaways for anyone who reads this blog (which will likely be a lot, considering maybe five people read this).

I've seen videos of vloggers/artists leaving cool little nicnacs around the parks for followers to find. As in, buying a cool little pin and leaving it in a relative obscure place, with hints and clues to find it.


What sort of things would you want to find in the parks, if you could?


Would any of you readers be interested in doing a monthly giveaway? Let me know in the comments below.

O.M.D. Dive into Adventure!

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
      127 minutes

     Director: Richard Fleischer

     Stars: Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas, Peter Lorre

I may have done this film before (if I have please forgive me, it's been a weird month).

This film is based on the Jules Verne novel of the same title. It follows the exploits of Professor Pierre Aronnax and his assistant, Conseil, as they try to make a conference in Asia.

While they are trying to book passage out of San Francisco, we learn there have been rumors of a sea monster which has been attacking ships.

Ned Land, portrayed by Kirk Douglas, is hired on a by the same steamer the professor is on. The steamer is searching for the monster in order to destroy it. After several weeks they come across a ship that is immediately destroyed. While searching the wreckage they stumble across the monster.

During the ensuing moments, the professor and his assistant are thrown overboard. Ned, on a rowboat, is cast adrift. The steamer drifts off, in dire conditions and unable to help the three men who were cast adrift.

The following morning they come across something floating in the water. Believing it to be the monster they follow Ned, who rows up, into the bowels of the beast.

It's a submarine.

While exploring it they witness a burial at sea - completely underwater. As the funeral procession spies them on board there is a rush for the surface and the rowboat, but they are captured!

Thus begins their adventures aboard the Nautilus.

They meet Captain Nemo and his crew, explore new islands with them, and discover why these men have chosen to live under the sea.

Without giving too much more away, go check out the film! While it was created back in the 1950s, it still holds up today. With amazing effects of the time and a timeless story, this is Jules Verne at it's greatest!

W.I.P. Umm.....

Here is a little excerpt from something I've been working on. At one point I added two potential ways of phrasing things. Let me know which one you think fits bet.

The morning after the concert and double homicide I woke up to someone trying to toss me on the floor. I’d fallen asleep in a rather large beanbag chair that felt more like a cushion than anything. After the other gals had drunk their fill of rum (Lizzy prevented me from getting any, at least remembering through her alcohol-induced haze that I didn’t drink), I had crashed from mental exhaustion. The bean bag was perfect – I melted into it and bundled down.

“Where’s Ann?”

I’d covered my face with another blanket, not wanting to deal with people in general. The choice to hide was gone the moment I was lifted into the air.

“Don’t toss me!”

The bean bag came down and I was left facing a bewildered Erik and Inspector.

“What were you doing there?”

I was half way awake, a bit wider now that I’d almost been launched into a couch and in no mood for stupid.

“I was sleeping. In case you hadn’t noticed.”

“Wait…are those your pajamas?”

I paused, glancing briefly down at my long pajama pants and baggy tee shirt. Looking back up I raised half an eye brow, “Yeah. You got a problem with my comfort?”

“No! No, no, it’s just…”

“Ann we need you to come with us to the Basement. It’s not safe for you.”

I stared down again…. “Yeah. You do realize you just barged into a room full of women who were having a slumber party (sleep over?)?”

They had the decency to blush.

I ushered them out.

“Right, well I’ll be out when all of us are decent and dressed. Bye!”

Shutting the door in their face I glanced around the previously full room.

“Traitors,” I murmured. Scrounging my clothes from the piles on the floor I slipped into the bathroom and got ready.

What are you working on this week? Need any help - I'd be glad to!

Book Nook: Summer Reading

This is a friendly reminder that, even though it's summertime and vacations run rampart, now is a good time to pick up that cool nifty novel you've been wanting to read.

It's okay to read fun books now. School's over.

That's it.

Go pick up that book off your "To Read" stack and read it.

Later.

June 2019 - Oy!

There is so much to get done in the next two months it's ridiculous!

Well, other than that particular stage of change coming into life, I think I'll keep it toned down this month.

Have fun this month guys and gals.


I'm keeping it short because I was lazy and now have to leave!



For the information, while I'm at Disney I may do a few giveaways as well. Bye!

OMD: Treasure of the Skies

With school finally over with, I have the time to get things done again. However, that doesn't mean I'm still on top of things. With that in mind, there is a film that is considered to be rather obscure by tons of people.


It came out in 2002 and is only an hour and a half long.

Based on a beloved novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, this film immediately captured a place in my heart.

Treasure Planet is based on the novel Treasure Island (see what they did there? Awesome!).

Right, so because this came out in 2002... Spoilers.... obviously.


We start out with the story of Captain Nathaniel Flint, a ruthless space pirate who would attack the merchant vessels, stealing all the treasure aboard and then vanishing without a trace.

Flashforward about 10 years or so and we meet up with Jim Hawkins. He's a rebel who works at the Admiral Benbow Inn with his mother. When a ship crashes onto the docks, Jim helps in Billy Bones who informs him not to trust the cyborg.

The Benbow is attacked and set aflame. With the help of Doctor Doppler, they escape with the map to Flint's trove of a thousand planets.

Jim and Doctor Doppler set out on a voyage to reach the treasure, hiring the vessel R.L.S. Legacy (named for the author), captained by Amelia.

When Jim is placed as Cabin Boy he is sent to work in the kitchen with Long John Silver; a cyborg.

Through the journey to Treasure Planet, they encounter a star going supernova, which is then swallowed by a Black Hole. During this crucial moment, Jim is tasked with ensuring everyone is secures to the ship. One of the crew, Scroop takes this chance to cut the line on Mr. Arrow the second mate, dooming him to the Black Hole.

We see the character development of Jim as he tries to become someone better than he was, watching this play out as he takes responsibility.

Upon reaching the Planet with the loot of a thousand worlds, the villainous Silver and his men fly their true colors. Jim, Captain Amelia, and Doctor Doppler escape with the map to the planet. It's revealed the map is still on the ship and they have to go back up and get it.

While looking for a place to lie low Jim encounters B.E.N. short for Bio-Electronic Navigator. A robot missing his memory chip.

While hiding Silver comes down to bargain, and Jim realizes they don't have the map either.

Later that night he sneaks back aboard the Legacy with Ben to find the map. The encounter Scroop which ends with him being sent off into space with the pirate flag.

Back on the ground, they find Silver has taken over and captured the doctor and the captain. Working together they find the entrance to the treasure hold - the center of the planet.

Walking in they find the remains of Captain Flint, who holds the missing memory chip of Ben. When Jim reinserts it, Ben remembers the booby trap Flint sent for anyone who entered the treasure room. On cue, the room begins to fall apart, bursting into flame.

To find out what happens next go pick up a copy of "Treasure Planet".

(Photo found here, credit to the author: https://thenovelsmithy.com/treasure-planet-2002-msa/ )







What film would you like to see me review? Leave a comment below.

W.I.P. May-Day

(Forgive the late post, I've been sick since last Friday and haven't been doing much of anything except watching "Miss Fisher's Murders", "Midsomer Murder", "Death In Paradise", and "Haven".)

Here is a little ditty - or what have you - that you may find interesting. As always, leave a comment below with what it is you're working on, or just to say hello. :D

Daylight

has no place for

my shadows.

And my love that

is fading,

like the winter,

away.

Like the morning

I yearn to turn

my face to the day.

But I’m waiting

for the dark.

Have a fantastic week!

Book Nook:

This one's a shortie.



Title: A Spoonful of Murder

Author: Connie Archer

Lucky Jamieson returns to Snowflake after a tragedy in her life. With her parents gone she is set to run their soup restaurant By The Spoonful with her Grandpa Jack. However, days within being back a body is found out back behind the dumpsters. With too many suspects piling up, and an old crush, it's hard for a girl to run a restaurant.


Take a gander at these two - they are fun Cozy Mysteries with fun recipes to try out.




Also: I just saw Endgame tonight, if you need to talk about it.

Caput

Well, I finally finished this semester.

I'm exhausted - I'll see you next week (if I'm not running late again.

Fifth Tuesday

Good luck with finals fellow College students.

See you when I haven't been up since 5AM due to lack of sleep.


Chao.

OMD: An Idea

Name some of your favorite films (preferably PG-13 and under) that you'd like to see me review.

I've got finals coming up and about four or five papers due (one that's has a page minimum of 25) - so this week is short and sweet.


Hopefully I'll see you after this madness is over!

W.I.P. Notre Dame

With the devastation of Notre Dame yesterday, I'll just leave a few videos here.

This best showcases the various parts of the roof, and the iconic spire that is, sadly, gone.

An excellent showcase from inside Notre Dame. One of the photos we received today of the Rose Window is heavily featured at the end of this song.

The title song that captures the bells beautifully.

And the original film version with Lon Chaney Sr.

Share your favorite photos of Notre Dame below, and I'll see you next week.

Book Nook: The Un-Dead, Should Remain Dead

This book is one that I will not give much fanfare. It went the way of many other easy outs and screwing up of the original in a few ways. AND IT WAS WRITTEN BY A BOSHGONENABBIT RELATIVE OF THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR!


Excuse me, but I'm a lot opinionated about it.


Title: Dracula The Un-Dead
Author(s): Dacre Stoker and Ian Holt


Basically a wonderful adaptation until the last few chapters.

Another vampire threat comes ... geeze, how do I review this without spoilers?

Look - if you want to read another Dracula novel, go take a peek at this one.

If you want more about my opinions, well, the first little blurb was enough.



Lastly: STOP MAKING THE VILLAIN INTO A SNOWFLAKE!

No Foolin'! I'm going to -

With this new month I'm going to give some good news.

About two months ago I decided to apply for a college program down in Florida. It was hit and miss if I would make it. I filled out the forms online, then had to wait for a phone interview. Well, I had the phone interview on a Thursday. They informed me it could take up until the end of April before I would know if I'd been accepted or not. The interviewer informed me that there were also auditions the following Friday - if I was interested in gaining a performer role.

The following Monday I tried checking the dashboard while at school. For some reason it didn't work all day.

That evening I checked again around nine and discovered this:

Come August I will be travelling down to Florida to participate in the Disney College Program.

While the audition was a great experience, I was not selected as a performer, but will still be there as a Seater.

I've kept this under wraps from everyone until it was definitely in the bag and I accepted the offer. It's going to be an exciting time, living down in the dorms and getting to work at one of the many parks. Pictures will likely become frequent (or as frequently as I can muster - things get busy when you work and have school.)

If any of you have gone through the program before feel free to leave some advice for a newbie. I look forward to being part of this amazing experience.

WIP: What am I working, exactly?

I began a new project.

Again.

But here I will leave you with a little something old that's still being worked on.

Leave a comment below with what you're looking on, and as always - keep writing my friends.

She didn’t know what to expect, walking into this hunter’s home. She knew who he was based on the things she’d seen him do. It was rather exceptional watching him at work. 

There were people who could make using weapons look artful, then there was him. She was only here because – because she couldn’t deal with what’s out on the street. She was being hunted by something, or someone, no it was a thing…

“You’ll be safe here for the night.”

He didn’t have to say that her place would be too dangerous. That it might not ever be safe again. He didn’t have to.

Stepping across the threshold she felt something surge around her. An energy that created a barrier between this small safe haven and the rest of the outside world. It wasn’t palpable, nor tangible. It was something that she could feel in her spirit.

“Whoa,” she stared at the walls, the ceiling even. It was bizarre.  “You know, normal people don’t have a basement full of weapons.”

He barely glanced at her as he locked up.

“I’ll have you know that every single one of these knives saves my life at least once.”

She looked around again, confused, “What about that gun over there?”

It was a long range rifle. The barrels were precise, the hammer intricate. There were gold and silver designs etched into the wood. She couldn’t make them out, but it was beautiful. 

For a gun.

“Oh that? That’s just for decoration.”

Book Nook: Twist Anyone?

Check out the novel. It's got a great Twist.




Title: Olivia Twist
Author: Lorie Langdon

A New Year Already

This new month has begun on such a high note.

About a month ago I applied for the Disney College Program down in Orlando Florida. I kept it all highly under wraps, not wanting to jinx the process.

Well, yesterday while at school I tried checking up on my application. Because they told us to continually check back for messages and what not. Though during the phone interview last week I was informed decisions sometimes wouldn't be until the end of March.

Well, last night I was finally able to check my dashboard and -

I WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM!

It was the best news I've had in a long time.

This will be a great step forward.


For those who may not know about it: the Disney College Program is for students currently attending an accredited college/university. You can take a few courses, or simply take the intern. A six month internship at Disney World.

The fun thing is it's all going to be work.

Sure, I'm at Disney, but I am mainly there to work. It's not a glorified vacation.

It's a job.

I'm afraid that's something most people who apply don't fully understand. This program is for learning, and working. Learning how to work in most cases.


But that being said, I will try and post pictures (when it's allowed and I have access to a phone).




Wow. I will be living and working in Orlando ......

This is going to be a fantastic year!




Any tips you'd want to give someone moving out on their own? What is your favorite piece of advice to give?

OMD:

POST UNDER CONSTRUCTION - COME BACK TOMORROW

WIP: A Little Bit

Can I just say - I'm not all that inspired to write anything today?

It's rainy out, gloomy, cold and I have been hiding inside watching videos online while resolutely avoiding work of any kind/form.


As it is work in progress week I will add a few poems, and a little snippet of the latest workings on. Leave a comment with anything you're working at this week.

“Erik, this is stupid, why do I even have to be here?”

“You’re the owner – the whole benefit is for you.”

“Great,” I muttered under my breath.

He opened the door to the ballroom and I had to stop for a moment. The whole place looked like a swanked night club. I went in and was soon swallowed by the higher end of society. 

Rich socialites and bachelors were breathing down my neck, offering me their word of support.  A few offered me drinks. I looked over at the bartender and was relieved to find Tom there. Each glass that came my way would be perfectly 100% alcohol proof.

Thank you, Tom!

The night went on. I danced with a few billionaires, forcing myself to be nice and participate in their almost drunken behavior.

“Can I have everyone’s attention, please?”

I looked up at the stage. The DJ cut the music and there was an MC there, looking about as steady as a sailor on dry-land. I watched with mingled curiosity as the assembled crowd grew quiet. Erik sidled up to me. I gave him an equally curious look, and then felt worried when I saw him grin.

This, can’t be anything good.

“As you all know, this benefit is to help support the Destler theatre. So far, through your generous donations, we’ve managed to raise that bar a little higher.”

There was polite applause.

“Erik,” I whispered, “what the heck –”

“And now, for the highlight of the night,” I turned back to the MC. “Gentlemen, open your wallets and bid generously. It’s time for the auction!”

There were hearty cheers around the room.

Auction?

“Our first lady is one the move affluent models in the city –”

I tuned the MC out and fully focused on the musician.

“Erik, you never said a word about an auction for women!”

My voice was low, whispered, hardly heard above the din of bids ringing above my head. I was furious and was almost positive he knew it.

“It’s just an auction for a date, nothing illegal about it.”

I glared back; I opened my mouth to protest when the MC shouted.

What are you working on lately?

Book Nook - A Tale of Two Cities

With the new semester in full swing and my forty-five minute commute in full effect I chose a new novel to listen to while stuck behind drivers going ten below the speed limit.

Novel: A Tale of Two Cities

Author: Charles Dickens



Originally published as a serial in the newspaper, chapter by chapter in 1859, it follows the lives of people living in London, and Paris. Spanning the time of the French Revolution it entwines around the lives of both Enslighmen and Frenchmen.

Disclaimer: I won't get too much into the details of the plot. After all, no one likes a Spoiler.

Cast of Characters:

Charles Darnay: The Marquis Evremonde
      A man who changed his name and left France because of the injustices done by his aristocratic family. He chose to live in England as a teacher, only returning to France to help another man in need.


Sydney Carton
      A man who prefers to drink his life away, with no real prospects of life. He works with Stryver in the law offices and helped acquit Darnay when he was first accused of treason in the British courts. Darnay was left off due to the striking resemblance between him and Carton. Throughout the novel he transfers from a negligent drunk and scoundrel to that of a man surpassing Darnay in qualities.


Doctor Manette
      A brilliant physician. When he was younger he helped an aristocrat and was rewarded with 18 years in the Bastille. While there he learns to make shoes to pass the time he's imprisoned. When finally reunited with his daughter, he proves to be a kind, loving father.


Lucie Manette
      A French woman who grew up in England, raised as a ward of Tellson's Bank. She is the archetype of compassion in the novel, the basis of all the good things that come about. She is referred to as the "Golden Thread" (though that could be an allusion to her hair color as well). Her love is shown as a transformative power to those who meet her: her father turning from a man without hope to one who lives and laughs; and Sydney Carton, who goes from scoundrel to hero.


Monsieur Defarge
      The man who used to be a servant to Doctor Manette, and took care of him after his release from the Bastille. He is the owner of a wine shop, intelligent and committed to the revolutionary. He is a compassionate man, turned leader in the revolution. His wife sees his compassion as weakness.


Madame Defarge
      The wife of Monsieur Defarge, she is far more blood thirsty for the aristocracy. She knits the entire novel, knitting the names of those who must die for the revolutionary cause. She is unrelenting in her thirst for blood.


Jarvis Lorry
        The businessman from Tellson's Bank who helped Doctor Manette and Lucie first reunite. He is a bachelor with a strong moral sense. He has a good, honest heart and proves trustworthy and loyal. He is a personal friend to the Manette family.


Jerry Cruncher
        An odd-jobs man for Tellson's bank. He is seen as a short-tempered, superstitous, and uneducated man (in the book sense). His main job is as a "Resurrection-Man" - someone who digs up dead bodies and sells them to scientists. He is shown as a good man throughout the novel, though at odds with some of the other characters.


Miss Pross
        The woman who raised Lucie. She is the epitome of an English woman: brusque, though, and fiercely loyal. She personifies order and loyalty.




With a long list of characters, this novel delves deep into the world of Revolutionary France. Taking a more layman view of the events that changed the French government. This novel has every character you'd want in a story.


At the time it was written, Charles Dickens was paid by the word, making this a tedious read. Listening to it in the car while traveling made it easier - and the world came alive. I do intend to re-read this at some point in the future.


If you're looking for a good read (not quick!) then pick up a copy of "A Tale of Two Cities".





What are you reading this month? Leave a comment and let's discuss books!

Too Exhausted - Trying to Travel

Right.

I'm super distracted right now. I had something all planned out, but in the end it's the end of the day and this is all I've got.


So much school.

So much work.


Yes, I'm grateful to be busy.


Side note: I'm going to start a GoFundMe sometime in the near month. I'm trying to do a semester abroad and the fees are.....insane.


That's all I've got.


Now I've got to get some laundry done, pack and prepare for a trip.



Suggestions?

Fifth Tuesday - Now what?

Every month there's a fifth Tuesday I always get confused by what I should write about.

Well, I think I may have found something to chat on for a little while.

While taking classes yesterday we had to do a writing assignment. Take the same character, same setting, and same general scenario but write it in three different genres: horror, romance, and comedy. Sadly I didn't make it to the comedic aspect - ran out of time - but I did get the first two down. It was a great little writing experiment.

While I don't have the two little blurps with me right now I will try and post them on this journal entry later on.



Have a fantastic last two days of January!


(.....holy crap we're almost done with one month this year!)



Query: What is your favorite genre to write in?

OMD: Quest for Camelot

Welcome to Obscure Movie Day.

I actually had to go back and triple check that I hadn't done this one before.

Title: The Magic Sword: Quest for Camelot
Release Date: May 15, 1998
Time: 86 minutes

This is one of my favorite films based around the Arthurian legends.



Back in the 90's everyone was trying to cash in on Disney's renaissance: animated movies with strong female roles, musical numbers, happily-ever-afters, villains trying to take over something.

And yes - Gary Oldman as Rubar knocked it out of the park.

(You will never hear Sirius Black the same way again.)


Not only that, but it is where we get this gem of a song from:

(I kid you not.)



With many A-list actors cast such as Cary Elwes, Jane Seymour, Pierce Bronsa n, and Gary Oldman this is one of the best flicks to come out of the '90s that wasn't Disney related.



The basic premise:

Girls father is a knight in King Arthur's court. He leaves when she's a child because they are going to divide the kingdom into equal shares.

Rubar interrupts with claims he should get more. A fight ensues and Lionel sacrifices himself to save Arthur.

Song montage as Kayley grows into a teenager who wants to leave the farm and become a knight. Her wish comes true as Rubar takes over the farm, creates an evil army and uses her mother to get into Camelot to kill Arthur.....after he finds Excaliber which his griffin stole and lost over the Forbidden Forest.

While there Kayley encounters Garrett, a blind man who used to be a stable boy in Camelot before a fire took his sight. Kayley's father helped him out and he feels obligated to help her find the sword and return it.

After finding the sword they enter the Dragon territory and team up with a two-headed dragon - parts played by Eric Idle and Don Rickles.

Kayley and the sword are taken by Rubar just before the caravan from home enters Camelot. They let them in because Juliana was Sir Lionel's widow and Arthur had a soft spot for his best friends wife and family.

Kayley escapes and the big fight ensues.

Rubar used evil magic to attach Excalibur to his arm, which cannot be undone without some serious mojo.

Please go watch the movie to see how it ends!


Also: this completely Awesome music!

What's your favorite movie from the 1990s?

See you next week!

WIP: The Alley

A little something I've been working on. Accents are not my forte in writing yet - I'm still working at them.

‘We have to find him – quickly.’

Confused, I looked around, ‘Find who?’

I turned around, but I couldn’t see who I was with, if I was with anyone at all. Whoever was there didn’t respond again. I nearly jumped out of my skin when someone took my hand. I was led through a wooded area and into a small village. The set distracted me enough from my escort. It wasn’t large enough for an actual town, and calling it a village almost seemed almost too kind. There were a bunch of little cottages built really close together, a few larger houses in the middle of the square. He pulled me forward again and all I could see was the back of a black cloak. He led me through the back streets, avoiding all the main roads that passed through. Each time he heard someone coming down the street he became ancy, almost nervous. When another person turned down our alley, he quickly pulled me close, bringing his large cloak up to surround us – making us blend in with the shadows around us. I continued to follow him, keeping one hand on my large skirt to keep myself from tripping on the hem.

‘Wait here.’

I paused. He left me standing in a darker alley, cut off from the rest of way. I watched him, curious, as he climbed up onto the roof of the house to my right. A moment later he disappeared over the other side. I shrank back into the shadows, feeling suddenly exposed and vulnerable. I found small comfort there with the darkness closing in on me.

‘Miss, can ye ‘elp me?’

I nearly cried out in alarm, jumping. Spinning in a full circle I found a small boy standing in the doorway across from me. He shrank back, quivering. I could barely see him – his skin was dark; almost exactly like Brian’s.

‘Wh-what is it?’

I shook, wondering where on earth Erik was.

‘I – I’m lost – an’, scared.’

I bit my lower lip. I wasn’t sure what I should do. Erik had told me to wait there for him until he came back from wherever it was he went. Waiting intoned the notion of not moving from the position where one was left. I couldn’t risk going off, but I couldn’t just leave the child there. That was irresponsible.

‘Where are your parents?’

His eyes grew dark, he almost started crying, ‘I don’ ‘ave  any.’

I felt my heart wrench from the tone in his voice. He was all alone in this world – defenseless.

I bit my lip again, mulling it over before making a decision, 

‘Alright, come with me. I’ll take you somewhere safe.’

I moved out of the shadows and stepped close to him, reaching out. He was timid, shy. At first he moved away, then slowly reached out and took my offered hand. The instant we touched a chain leapt from the dark and wrapped itself around my wrist, snaking its way around the boy’s, linking us together. A splint of shock ran through me as I heard dark, almost maniacal laughter coming from out of the darkness to my right.

How about you? What are you working on this week?