Dear Friend,
It seems to have been quite a long time since I last used this blog of mine. I haven't been particularly busy, I'm sad to say, so it isn't that I haven't had time to write. I have simply lacked either motivation or inclination.
I had truly intended to make 2011 a year of writing, writing and more writing. I started off pretty well at the beginning of the year. It seems, though, that much like what happens to my other self-improvement projects, my enthusiasm tapered off. I still love writing, I still have thoughts I like to explore through putting my views down on paper, or in a word processor, as it may be, but I seem to have been in a different phase lately.
I'm not making promises. I won't say, "Next year I'll write at least once a week." I just know that if I were to do that I'd disappoint myself, not to mention any readers this blog might still manage to get.
For now, I'd like to wish my readers a Merry Christmas, a Blessed New Year, and God's Grace to their lives. I'll figure out what I'm doing with this soon.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
So that's what I'm supposed to do!
Dear Friend,
I read the most recent blog entry by Adam Young, entitled How To Get Over It. At the end of the entry he says, "If you need me, I’ll be in my fuzzy turtleneck with a bowl of cereal staring out the kitchen window. I like the way the rain sounds against these old bay windows." It reminded me of the Relient K song "Jefferson Aero Plane" and got me wondering.
Apparently, friend, eating cereal and staring out of windows is a legitimate way of dealing with emotional problems. If this is true, why haven't I done so? I can't remember ever grabbing a bowl of cereal and staring out of the window, rainy day or not.
Usually, if I'm having cereal I will occupy myself by reading the box, either the back where they advertise whatever other product they wish to sell me or sing the praises of the product I'm already consuming, or I read the nutritional information.
Apparently, for all these years, I've been doing it all wrong. I need to eat cereal in a melancholy and introspective fashion, preferably in the cold, if all this talk of fuzzy sweaters and open windows is any indication.
Thank you, Owl City and Relient K, for showing me the error of my ways, and presenting me with a new way to handle my emotional dilemmas.
I read the most recent blog entry by Adam Young, entitled How To Get Over It. At the end of the entry he says, "If you need me, I’ll be in my fuzzy turtleneck with a bowl of cereal staring out the kitchen window. I like the way the rain sounds against these old bay windows." It reminded me of the Relient K song "Jefferson Aero Plane" and got me wondering.
Apparently, friend, eating cereal and staring out of windows is a legitimate way of dealing with emotional problems. If this is true, why haven't I done so? I can't remember ever grabbing a bowl of cereal and staring out of the window, rainy day or not.
Usually, if I'm having cereal I will occupy myself by reading the box, either the back where they advertise whatever other product they wish to sell me or sing the praises of the product I'm already consuming, or I read the nutritional information.
Apparently, for all these years, I've been doing it all wrong. I need to eat cereal in a melancholy and introspective fashion, preferably in the cold, if all this talk of fuzzy sweaters and open windows is any indication.
Thank you, Owl City and Relient K, for showing me the error of my ways, and presenting me with a new way to handle my emotional dilemmas.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Late night music and thoughts
Dear Friend,
Did you know that the voice of Jiminy Cricket in Disney's Pinocchio was Cliff Edwards aka Ukelele Ike? (It hurt me to spell Ukulele like that, just so you know.) I didn't find that out until a few days ago. That video is of his song "Night Owl" played over a clip of His Girl Friday, one of my favorite movies. I didn't realize that he was in His Girl Friday, either... I'm learning a lot lately. (Like Cliff was friends with Buster Keaton, who also played uke, useful facts like that.)
I play ukulele now. My skills are... not great, but every day I practice, and it's fun. The instrument is so happy and sunny that playing it can't ever be anything but fun. It's far easier than guitar (though I'm still trying with the guitar) and less strict than piano (or at least my way of learning piano).
My main problem with this lovely little instrument is my voice. I'm not comfortable singing, even without an audience. I've tried and tried to sing while playing, but my voice drops so low I can barely hear it. That's quite a feat, singing so that you can't hear your own voice. I don't think that I can't sing, I know that no one will be offering me a recording contract if they heard me, but stray cats won't howl at the sound of my voice, either. I can carry a tune, I just need to convince myself that, since I'm just having fun with it, I don't need to be astounding to sing. I can just be adequate.
So, enjoy some music folks, it's too fun not to.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
I Quit
Dear Friend,
I quit the Camp NaNoWriMo. Sorry, but the motivation just wasn't there. I still love the character I was writing about, and may someday try again to tell her early story. Or I might just leave it in flashbacks or my own head as I write other stories with her. Who knows, but there's still plenty of possibilities.
This experience has left me thinking about quitting, and when it's OK or not OK to give up. I don't like to quit. I guess hearing the phrase "Winners never quit and quitters never win" so many times in my life actually set the idea firmly in my brain. Even when I hate doing something I keep at it. Most of the time, anyway.
The biggest thing I ever quit was piano. I started piano lessons around age eight, and continued steadily until almost eighteen. I had a large range of teachers, from great to horrible. The worst of my teachers would change the fingering of pieces, making them harder to play, so that my fingers would look pretty. Even when she was telling me that I knew she was full of garbage, and I wasn't one of those kids who questioned my teachers.
My last teacher was a great teacher, and I learned a great deal from her. Most likely, if I hadn't moved while she was my teacher I would have kept learning from her for a long time. However, I did move, and when I thought about looking for a new teacher, even working on an audition piece, I was less than enthusiastic. I had learned a good deal from this teacher, but I hadn't had a lot of fun. She entered me into a lot of competitions, so a good deal of my practice time was preparing for those, and I never actually liked the compositions she chose for me to compete with.
That was when I realized, I had been playing songs I either didn't care about or outright didn't like for ten years! I loved that I knew how to play piano. I loved the sound of the instrument, I loved classical music. I didn't love playing only classical music. By the time I could play a song well I had analyzed and memorized and gone over the music so much that it didn't sound like music anymore. It sounded like an exercise. Music wasn't fun.
So I quit.
I've tried a few times in the ten years since to get back into piano, and am on a pretty good run right now. I can play and enjoy it. I've missed a lot of really important years of practice, and I've forgotten a lot of things that I should remember, but I like doing it now.
Don't get me wrong, it's still work, hard work, but I'm able to go at the pace I want, and play what I like. I'm considering going back to a teacher, but for now I'll enjoy making music. Not perfect music, just music.
I quit the Camp NaNoWriMo. Sorry, but the motivation just wasn't there. I still love the character I was writing about, and may someday try again to tell her early story. Or I might just leave it in flashbacks or my own head as I write other stories with her. Who knows, but there's still plenty of possibilities.
This experience has left me thinking about quitting, and when it's OK or not OK to give up. I don't like to quit. I guess hearing the phrase "Winners never quit and quitters never win" so many times in my life actually set the idea firmly in my brain. Even when I hate doing something I keep at it. Most of the time, anyway.
The biggest thing I ever quit was piano. I started piano lessons around age eight, and continued steadily until almost eighteen. I had a large range of teachers, from great to horrible. The worst of my teachers would change the fingering of pieces, making them harder to play, so that my fingers would look pretty. Even when she was telling me that I knew she was full of garbage, and I wasn't one of those kids who questioned my teachers.
My last teacher was a great teacher, and I learned a great deal from her. Most likely, if I hadn't moved while she was my teacher I would have kept learning from her for a long time. However, I did move, and when I thought about looking for a new teacher, even working on an audition piece, I was less than enthusiastic. I had learned a good deal from this teacher, but I hadn't had a lot of fun. She entered me into a lot of competitions, so a good deal of my practice time was preparing for those, and I never actually liked the compositions she chose for me to compete with.
That was when I realized, I had been playing songs I either didn't care about or outright didn't like for ten years! I loved that I knew how to play piano. I loved the sound of the instrument, I loved classical music. I didn't love playing only classical music. By the time I could play a song well I had analyzed and memorized and gone over the music so much that it didn't sound like music anymore. It sounded like an exercise. Music wasn't fun.
So I quit.
I've tried a few times in the ten years since to get back into piano, and am on a pretty good run right now. I can play and enjoy it. I've missed a lot of really important years of practice, and I've forgotten a lot of things that I should remember, but I like doing it now.
Don't get me wrong, it's still work, hard work, but I'm able to go at the pace I want, and play what I like. I'm considering going back to a teacher, but for now I'll enjoy making music. Not perfect music, just music.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Camp NaNo novel, chapter One
Dear Friend,
I've decided to share with you my (unedited and just written, right now) first chapter of the novel I'm writing this summer.
I've decided to share with you my (unedited and just written, right now) first chapter of the novel I'm writing this summer.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Writing by the seat of my pants (again)
Dear Friend,
The Office of Letters and Light is doing another writing event, like National Novel Writing Month, but instead of holding it in November they're doing it in the summer, for two months. It's called Camp NaNoWriMo! For at least the month of July (the beta testing month) I will participate by writing another 50,000 word novel in the course of one month. Depending on how that goes, I may decide to do it again in August. That's right, two novels in two months, then a break for two months to do it again in November. I could possibly write three books this year. Wow.
The most interesting part of this is, I haven't planned very much this time. I came up with my plot two days ago, and I haven't outlined any of it yet. I have only three characters thought out, too. What's weird is that I'm taking a character from my previous NaNovel (written last November) and going back in time and writing about her adolescence. In all of my writing about this character I've "known" that she grew up with two particular friends, so naturally you would think that those two characters would feature prominently in the story of her childhood, right? Wrong. I also knew that every summer those two friends would be gone, visiting family, leaving the main character alone. I'm setting this novel in the summer, so her friends are gone. Am I crazy? I've just made this much harder for me, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Besides, in 50,000 words I can probably get back to the point where her friends have come back home. I've been able to think up two characters for my main character to interact with, though, and I think it will set up some interesting story telling ideas.
So, tonight, midnight, I'll start my crazy method of writing stories. I hope I last the whole month, for the third time.
The Office of Letters and Light is doing another writing event, like National Novel Writing Month, but instead of holding it in November they're doing it in the summer, for two months. It's called Camp NaNoWriMo! For at least the month of July (the beta testing month) I will participate by writing another 50,000 word novel in the course of one month. Depending on how that goes, I may decide to do it again in August. That's right, two novels in two months, then a break for two months to do it again in November. I could possibly write three books this year. Wow.
The most interesting part of this is, I haven't planned very much this time. I came up with my plot two days ago, and I haven't outlined any of it yet. I have only three characters thought out, too. What's weird is that I'm taking a character from my previous NaNovel (written last November) and going back in time and writing about her adolescence. In all of my writing about this character I've "known" that she grew up with two particular friends, so naturally you would think that those two characters would feature prominently in the story of her childhood, right? Wrong. I also knew that every summer those two friends would be gone, visiting family, leaving the main character alone. I'm setting this novel in the summer, so her friends are gone. Am I crazy? I've just made this much harder for me, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. Besides, in 50,000 words I can probably get back to the point where her friends have come back home. I've been able to think up two characters for my main character to interact with, though, and I think it will set up some interesting story telling ideas.
So, tonight, midnight, I'll start my crazy method of writing stories. I hope I last the whole month, for the third time.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
New Owl City Album, you know I had to write about it, didn't you?
Dear Friend,
Remember how I'mobsessed with a fan of Owl City? Well, this past Tuesday "All Things Bright and Beautiful" came out, and nothing was going to stop me from getting it. (Actually, I just downloaded it, like everything of Adam Young's, it all came from ITunes.)
Between bouts of listening to nothing but the Beatles I've managed to play this new album almost enough times to memorize the lyrics, and I thought I'd just write down a few thoughts on it, track by track. (I'm getting the track order from Amazon, since downloading it after pre-ordering put the second version of Alligator Sky as a different album. If the order is wonky, don't blame me, blame Amazon.)
1. The Real World: Honestly, not the greatest opening for the CD, but good. Very typical of Adam; dreamy, electronic sound and sweet, surreal lyrics. "Reality is a lovely place/but I wouldn't want to live there" 3/5
2. Deer in the Headlights: I love the opening of this, especially since it made my Mom stop and say, "What sort of instrument is that?!" Lots of energy and catchy. The lyrics are also quite funny. 4.5/5
3. Angels: So far the odd numbered songs are leaving me a little cold. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad song, and I love singing along with it, but it's no "Fireflies." The highlight is the line "I believe there are beautiful things seen by the astronauts." 3/5
4. Dreams Don't Turn to Dust: I love it. I'm not sure I can get very eloquent about why, probably my usual reason for liking optimistic songs. Upbeat, idealistic, fun, and I love the percussion. 4/5
5. Honey and the Bee: Joined by Breanne Duren, this song is so sweet and lovely. I have always liked how Adam and Breanne sound together, her voice is so sweet and girly compared to his geeky boy sound. Guitar in this song is great, too. 4/5
6. Kamikaze: I LOVE this song, though I don't actually understand what he's singing. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. His shouting in the chorus just energizes me, and I love the beat of the song, along with the sounds. 4.5/5
7. January 28, 1986: This really just works as an intro to "Galaxies", so I'll move on.
8. Galaxies: I've been waiting for this song for literally months. I loved it from the time he put the samples on his website. I love the energy, the Christian theme, they words, everything. I don't even mind that possibly half of the lyrics are "da, da, da, da." If this were the only song on the album I'd have thought it was worth the money. 5/5
9. Hospital Flowers: Back to the odd numbers not grabbing me. It's a slow song, and to me, depressing. I realize that the idea behind it is supposed to be optimistic "Happiness returned to me/Through a grave emergency" but it bums me out. It will probably be good for those blue days, though. 2.5/5
10. Alligator Sky (feat. Shawn Chrystopher): I've listened to this song so many times I don't know if I'll ever bother to listen to it again. It was the first single, and downloaded automatically when you pre-ordered the album. All I can say is Owl City and rap don't really play well together. I like the song, but often wished I could hear it without the rapping. Now that I have the album, I can. Hard to rate, though, I'll give it a 2/5
11. The Yacht Club: Joined by Lights. (I probably didn't capitalize her name properly, sorry) It's not a bad song, but really, the poor odd numbered songs. I don't really get the lyrics, and can't connect to it. I like the collaboration with Lights, and I'll definitely listen to this often. 3/5
12. Plant Life: I want to know how much of this song was Adam Young and how much was Matt Theissen. I can imagine Relient K doing this song (actually, I want to hear them do it.) I love this song to pieces and bits. I think I listened to it three times in a row last night. I adore the waltz tempo, the imagery, the accordion (?) just everything. I love everything about it. 5/5
13. How I Became the Sea: Um, wow, I feel like I'm dreaming a very bizarre dream whenever I hear this song. It's an amazing feeling, and I'm fascinated by the song, but in a way I can't tell if I actually like it, you know? (So much emotion that my sentences run on, apparently) 4/5
14: Alligator Sky: Ah, finally, the real "Alligator Sky." I love it. I feel like most of my comments are repeating themselves, so I won't elaborate, other than to say, Adam, please, no more rapping. 4.5/5
15. Lonely Lullaby: This isn't actually on the album. It's available through Owl City Galaxy, though. I've written about it before, but that was more of how the song made me feel. I'm over that now, by the way. It's still a lovely song, and I think he should have put it on the actual album instead of making it an online "club" type of exclusive. I hate that sort of thing. The song itself earns 4/5
There you go, my thoughts on Owl City's "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Check it out, you might like it.
Remember how I'm
1. The Real World: Honestly, not the greatest opening for the CD, but good. Very typical of Adam; dreamy, electronic sound and sweet, surreal lyrics. "Reality is a lovely place/but I wouldn't want to live there" 3/5
2. Deer in the Headlights: I love the opening of this, especially since it made my Mom stop and say, "What sort of instrument is that?!" Lots of energy and catchy. The lyrics are also quite funny. 4.5/5
3. Angels: So far the odd numbered songs are leaving me a little cold. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad song, and I love singing along with it, but it's no "Fireflies." The highlight is the line "I believe there are beautiful things seen by the astronauts." 3/5
4. Dreams Don't Turn to Dust: I love it. I'm not sure I can get very eloquent about why, probably my usual reason for liking optimistic songs. Upbeat, idealistic, fun, and I love the percussion. 4/5
5. Honey and the Bee: Joined by Breanne Duren, this song is so sweet and lovely. I have always liked how Adam and Breanne sound together, her voice is so sweet and girly compared to his geeky boy sound. Guitar in this song is great, too. 4/5
6. Kamikaze: I LOVE this song, though I don't actually understand what he's singing. I know that sounds stupid, but it's true. His shouting in the chorus just energizes me, and I love the beat of the song, along with the sounds. 4.5/5
7. January 28, 1986: This really just works as an intro to "Galaxies", so I'll move on.
8. Galaxies: I've been waiting for this song for literally months. I loved it from the time he put the samples on his website. I love the energy, the Christian theme, they words, everything. I don't even mind that possibly half of the lyrics are "da, da, da, da." If this were the only song on the album I'd have thought it was worth the money. 5/5
9. Hospital Flowers: Back to the odd numbers not grabbing me. It's a slow song, and to me, depressing. I realize that the idea behind it is supposed to be optimistic "Happiness returned to me/Through a grave emergency" but it bums me out. It will probably be good for those blue days, though. 2.5/5
10. Alligator Sky (feat. Shawn Chrystopher): I've listened to this song so many times I don't know if I'll ever bother to listen to it again. It was the first single, and downloaded automatically when you pre-ordered the album. All I can say is Owl City and rap don't really play well together. I like the song, but often wished I could hear it without the rapping. Now that I have the album, I can. Hard to rate, though, I'll give it a 2/5
11. The Yacht Club: Joined by Lights. (I probably didn't capitalize her name properly, sorry) It's not a bad song, but really, the poor odd numbered songs. I don't really get the lyrics, and can't connect to it. I like the collaboration with Lights, and I'll definitely listen to this often. 3/5
12. Plant Life: I want to know how much of this song was Adam Young and how much was Matt Theissen. I can imagine Relient K doing this song (actually, I want to hear them do it.) I love this song to pieces and bits. I think I listened to it three times in a row last night. I adore the waltz tempo, the imagery, the accordion (?) just everything. I love everything about it. 5/5
13. How I Became the Sea: Um, wow, I feel like I'm dreaming a very bizarre dream whenever I hear this song. It's an amazing feeling, and I'm fascinated by the song, but in a way I can't tell if I actually like it, you know? (So much emotion that my sentences run on, apparently) 4/5
14: Alligator Sky: Ah, finally, the real "Alligator Sky." I love it. I feel like most of my comments are repeating themselves, so I won't elaborate, other than to say, Adam, please, no more rapping. 4.5/5
15. Lonely Lullaby: This isn't actually on the album. It's available through Owl City Galaxy, though. I've written about it before, but that was more of how the song made me feel. I'm over that now, by the way. It's still a lovely song, and I think he should have put it on the actual album instead of making it an online "club" type of exclusive. I hate that sort of thing. The song itself earns 4/5
There you go, my thoughts on Owl City's "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Check it out, you might like it.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
End of May Random Thoughts
Dear Friend,
It's that time again! Time for a random list entry here at Dear Friend! Isn't that exciting? Random thoughts commence in 3... 2... 1....
1. I bought a ukulele, and boy is she fun! I can play Yellow Submarine, though I can't really sing it.
2. Speaking of Yellow Submarine, I'm in a Beatles mood/mania the past few days. I blame Beatles Rock Band, because it's loads of fun and the music is great.
3. I can't pinpoint why, but I anticipate being in an Elvis mood/mania next. I don't know much about Elvis, and have seen a grand total of 1 movie that he's been in, but I'm getting interested.
4. Jem is now playing weekdays on the HUB network. It couldn't be more 80's in it's "outrageous" music, fashions, and to be honest, stupidity. I love it.
5. I'm glad to know that the next season of Chuck will be the final. The last two seasons were all right, but I don't like it as much as I did when it first started.
6. Psych will not be on this summer, since it's been delayed to the fall season. I don't think summer will feel like summer without Psych.
7. Eagerly awaiting the new season of Leverage. I don't remember if I wrote about it here in my blog, but last year I was scary obsessed with that show. It is such fun to watch.
8. Even numbered random thoughts are better than odd numbered, don't you think?
It's that time again! Time for a random list entry here at Dear Friend! Isn't that exciting? Random thoughts commence in 3... 2... 1....
1. I bought a ukulele, and boy is she fun! I can play Yellow Submarine, though I can't really sing it.
2. Speaking of Yellow Submarine, I'm in a Beatles mood/mania the past few days. I blame Beatles Rock Band, because it's loads of fun and the music is great.
3. I can't pinpoint why, but I anticipate being in an Elvis mood/mania next. I don't know much about Elvis, and have seen a grand total of 1 movie that he's been in, but I'm getting interested.
4. Jem is now playing weekdays on the HUB network. It couldn't be more 80's in it's "outrageous" music, fashions, and to be honest, stupidity. I love it.
5. I'm glad to know that the next season of Chuck will be the final. The last two seasons were all right, but I don't like it as much as I did when it first started.
6. Psych will not be on this summer, since it's been delayed to the fall season. I don't think summer will feel like summer without Psych.
7. Eagerly awaiting the new season of Leverage. I don't remember if I wrote about it here in my blog, but last year I was scary obsessed with that show. It is such fun to watch.
8. Even numbered random thoughts are better than odd numbered, don't you think?
Saturday, May 07, 2011
I love Exapno Mapcase!
Dear Friend,
As I mentioned in my last entry I'm very much into comedy lately. When I want to laugh there aren't many sources of nonsense and merriment as reliable as the Marx Brothers. In watching so many Marx Brothers movies lately I got a little curious about them, especially Harpo. Harpo is my favorite of the brothers by a landslide, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that he had written a book, entitled Harpo Speaks.
After a friend pointed out to me that I could read part of the book at Amazon.com I decided I had to read this book. Fortunately one of the local library systems out here is wonderful at acquiring books if you put them on hold.
The first day I had the book checked out I read ten chapters. Did you read that? Ten chapters! These chapters weren't exactly small. But it was fascinating to read about his childhood. Reading about how he was consistently pushed out of the window of his second grade classroom every time the teacher left the room made me laugh and feel sorry for him at the same time. His descriptions of his daily life on the streets made me almost feel like I was right there with him. His life sounded hard, and lonely and fun and filled with family and just plain interesting. It was turning out to be an amazing book.
Then he met Alexander Woolcott. Don't get me wrong, obviously Harpo liked the guy, and had a lot of fun with him and his crowd, but... and I hate to put a "but" in there, I wasn't impressed. The things Harpo wrote about Aleck, and the Algonquin Round Table stuff didn't interest me. Sure, some of the stories he had to tell about that time in his life was funny, but most of it I breezed through, waiting for him to get back to talking about working with his brothers.
Eventually, though, the story moved on, thankfully. His description of his trip to the U.S.S.R. was a great read, and if you read it, you'll understand what the title of this entry means. My absolute favorite chapter of this book was the one in which he described meeting his wife, Susan. Everything after Susan came into his life was interesting to me. I loved to read about his family, and to see how obviously loved his kids. I guess I'm sappy that way.
My only real disappointment in the book was that there was so little written about his brothers. Most references were to Chico, especially stories about how the fact that they could pass for twins made trouble for Harpo when they were young. There were a few references to Gummo and Zeppo, but very little about Groucho. There also wasn't much said about making their films.
Still, this book was an interesting, funny and sometimes touching read. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted to know more about Harpo. And, let's be honest, who doesn't want to know more about Harpo?
As I mentioned in my last entry I'm very much into comedy lately. When I want to laugh there aren't many sources of nonsense and merriment as reliable as the Marx Brothers. In watching so many Marx Brothers movies lately I got a little curious about them, especially Harpo. Harpo is my favorite of the brothers by a landslide, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that he had written a book, entitled Harpo Speaks.
After a friend pointed out to me that I could read part of the book at Amazon.com I decided I had to read this book. Fortunately one of the local library systems out here is wonderful at acquiring books if you put them on hold.
The first day I had the book checked out I read ten chapters. Did you read that? Ten chapters! These chapters weren't exactly small. But it was fascinating to read about his childhood. Reading about how he was consistently pushed out of the window of his second grade classroom every time the teacher left the room made me laugh and feel sorry for him at the same time. His descriptions of his daily life on the streets made me almost feel like I was right there with him. His life sounded hard, and lonely and fun and filled with family and just plain interesting. It was turning out to be an amazing book.
Then he met Alexander Woolcott. Don't get me wrong, obviously Harpo liked the guy, and had a lot of fun with him and his crowd, but... and I hate to put a "but" in there, I wasn't impressed. The things Harpo wrote about Aleck, and the Algonquin Round Table stuff didn't interest me. Sure, some of the stories he had to tell about that time in his life was funny, but most of it I breezed through, waiting for him to get back to talking about working with his brothers.
Eventually, though, the story moved on, thankfully. His description of his trip to the U.S.S.R. was a great read, and if you read it, you'll understand what the title of this entry means. My absolute favorite chapter of this book was the one in which he described meeting his wife, Susan. Everything after Susan came into his life was interesting to me. I loved to read about his family, and to see how obviously loved his kids. I guess I'm sappy that way.
My only real disappointment in the book was that there was so little written about his brothers. Most references were to Chico, especially stories about how the fact that they could pass for twins made trouble for Harpo when they were young. There were a few references to Gummo and Zeppo, but very little about Groucho. There also wasn't much said about making their films.
Still, this book was an interesting, funny and sometimes touching read. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted to know more about Harpo. And, let's be honest, who doesn't want to know more about Harpo?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Stuff that makes me laugh lately: A Ramble
Dear Friend,
It is Friday night, I am pumped full of caffeine and a strong desire to write. I cannot guarantee that what I am about to record will be entertaining or comprehensible. If you choose to read this entry anyway I will consider you a true friend... or really bored, but either one is fine.
I have been practically devouring comedy lately. It began with a whim to see some silent films. I chose to start off with Buster Keaton, and that was a success since I now adore the man. It branched into a little Harold Lloyd, whom I had never heard about before researching silent films trying to find which of Buster's films I would probably like best. I flatly refuse to watch Chaplin. I cannot quite explain why. There is a strange quality about the man that I find off-putting and repulsive. But Keaton and Lloyd films I will happily devour. What I like best about these silent slapstick comedies is the physicality and stunts involved in the jokes. I can't count how many times I've felt my jaw hanging open, making me look like an astonished fish when I see what these men were doing. The best part is the lack of special effects involved in most of the stunts. Honestly, I've grown tired of reading the rants of silent film fans who denounce the current method of using CGI to make most movie stunts these days, but they have a point. What movie makers and actors did before computers (and frankly, insurance companies) took over is impressive. But at the same time, it is incredible that these actors survived some of the shots they put themselves through.
Another great source of comedy for me lately is Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza on GSN. (Red squiggly lines under the last third of that sentence, it's a shame they won't show when I publish...) It is almost like a reunion of Whose Line is it Anyway, but not quite. It still makes me laugh, to the point of tears sometimes. It makes me so happy to see Ryan Stiles, Jeff Davis, Colin Mochrie, and Wayne Brady on TV again. Drew has improved at improv since Whose Line, too. (Aside note, I really, honestly like Drew Carey. He's the only reason I started watching the Price is Right again. I don't know why I like him so much... I don't think he's that great as a game show host, but he makes me laugh, and seems to enjoy himself doing it.)
A friend of mine has been talking a lot about the Marx Brothers lately. I love the Marx Brothers, myself, and hadn't seen any of their movies in a long time, so I put a couple in to watch this week. It made me realize that my favorite Marx brother is Harpo. He always has been, even when I was a kid. I usually feel like Groucho gets all the attention, and he's definitely funny, but I'll always adore Harpo.
Also, somewhat related to my Marx brothers "epiphany," Wakko is my favorite of the three Warners in Animaniacs. I thought Yakko was for the longest time, but it was always Wakko. After all, all those years ago when I was a rather rude "hostess" when a friend was over and I insisted that she watch Animaniacs with me when she wanted to watch X-Men it was because it was a Wakko-heavy episode, not Yakko.
Goodness, this has been a rambling and silly entry. If you made it this far, consider yourself hugged. I'll try to be more intellectual in my next letter.
It is Friday night, I am pumped full of caffeine and a strong desire to write. I cannot guarantee that what I am about to record will be entertaining or comprehensible. If you choose to read this entry anyway I will consider you a true friend... or really bored, but either one is fine.
I have been practically devouring comedy lately. It began with a whim to see some silent films. I chose to start off with Buster Keaton, and that was a success since I now adore the man. It branched into a little Harold Lloyd, whom I had never heard about before researching silent films trying to find which of Buster's films I would probably like best. I flatly refuse to watch Chaplin. I cannot quite explain why. There is a strange quality about the man that I find off-putting and repulsive. But Keaton and Lloyd films I will happily devour. What I like best about these silent slapstick comedies is the physicality and stunts involved in the jokes. I can't count how many times I've felt my jaw hanging open, making me look like an astonished fish when I see what these men were doing. The best part is the lack of special effects involved in most of the stunts. Honestly, I've grown tired of reading the rants of silent film fans who denounce the current method of using CGI to make most movie stunts these days, but they have a point. What movie makers and actors did before computers (and frankly, insurance companies) took over is impressive. But at the same time, it is incredible that these actors survived some of the shots they put themselves through.
Another great source of comedy for me lately is Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza on GSN. (Red squiggly lines under the last third of that sentence, it's a shame they won't show when I publish...) It is almost like a reunion of Whose Line is it Anyway, but not quite. It still makes me laugh, to the point of tears sometimes. It makes me so happy to see Ryan Stiles, Jeff Davis, Colin Mochrie, and Wayne Brady on TV again. Drew has improved at improv since Whose Line, too. (Aside note, I really, honestly like Drew Carey. He's the only reason I started watching the Price is Right again. I don't know why I like him so much... I don't think he's that great as a game show host, but he makes me laugh, and seems to enjoy himself doing it.)
A friend of mine has been talking a lot about the Marx Brothers lately. I love the Marx Brothers, myself, and hadn't seen any of their movies in a long time, so I put a couple in to watch this week. It made me realize that my favorite Marx brother is Harpo. He always has been, even when I was a kid. I usually feel like Groucho gets all the attention, and he's definitely funny, but I'll always adore Harpo.
Also, somewhat related to my Marx brothers "epiphany," Wakko is my favorite of the three Warners in Animaniacs. I thought Yakko was for the longest time, but it was always Wakko. After all, all those years ago when I was a rather rude "hostess" when a friend was over and I insisted that she watch Animaniacs with me when she wanted to watch X-Men it was because it was a Wakko-heavy episode, not Yakko.
Goodness, this has been a rambling and silly entry. If you made it this far, consider yourself hugged. I'll try to be more intellectual in my next letter.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Isn't that a little rude, though?
Dear friend,
This past Sunday our family tried a new church. It was a nice service, the music was good, the people were friendly and the sermon encouraging. We met the pastor, and it was obvious that he was making an effort to remember us by name, in order either to recognize us if we came back or to pray for us, who knows. During the conversation he asked me a question that I hear far too often, "How old are you?"
I know that in my case people ask me this because they can't tell just from looking at me. I know that in a church there are groups separated by age. I know that he didn't intend to offend me or set off an angry switch in my soul. Because I know all of this I answered calmly and truthfully, but I made a decision.
I am not telling people how old I am anymore.
Part of this decision is because I'm definitely old enough to adopt the "lady-like" policy of keeping such information to myself. Part of it is because I don't feel my age. I haven't for years, and as they say, you're only as old as you feel.
So, from now on, I'm ageless.
This past Sunday our family tried a new church. It was a nice service, the music was good, the people were friendly and the sermon encouraging. We met the pastor, and it was obvious that he was making an effort to remember us by name, in order either to recognize us if we came back or to pray for us, who knows. During the conversation he asked me a question that I hear far too often, "How old are you?"
I know that in my case people ask me this because they can't tell just from looking at me. I know that in a church there are groups separated by age. I know that he didn't intend to offend me or set off an angry switch in my soul. Because I know all of this I answered calmly and truthfully, but I made a decision.
I am not telling people how old I am anymore.
Part of this decision is because I'm definitely old enough to adopt the "lady-like" policy of keeping such information to myself. Part of it is because I don't feel my age. I haven't for years, and as they say, you're only as old as you feel.
So, from now on, I'm ageless.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
It's a bitter world, I'd rather dream
Dear Friend,
My affection for Adam Young, aka Owl City, is well documented. I've mentioned that in general I will get over a celebrity crush in about a month, but this guy is different. But I've noticed another difference besides longevity in this crush; it feels like having a crush on someone I know.
Obviously a crush on a "real life" guy is different than a crush on a "fake" celebrity. As far as I'm concerned a celebrity may as well be a fictional character. I like it that way. However, if I'm interested in a guy in real life it is to my benefit to know more about who they really are if there is any chance of getting involved with them. No one would argue that I have a good chance of having a personal relationship with someone famous, therefore the less I know about them, the better, and the easier it will be to move on when their moment in the spotlight of my affections is over.
But, something is weird about Adam. I think it may be his Blog. I love the way he writes. Reading a new entry of his blog (which I get to do, mostly every Monday, like clockwork) feels like having a casual conversation with him. He writes so well and so easily that you feel like you get to know him through his words despite the lack of precise details. He's funny and eloquent and manages to write about things that everyone can relate to.
The weird, personal feeling of this famous-person-crush came to its peak when I heard the song Lonely Lullaby. This song is an extra feature of the Owl City Galaxy app for Ipods or Iphones. It is a very personal song about a break-up, and it is lovely. I found out that the song isn't an abstract song about sadness in general, but specifically about his ex-girlfriend Anne Marie. One night, while I was listening to music and playing video games the song came on and I got that weird, jealous, sympathetic, frustrated feeling that you get when you listen to someone you like go on about how wonderful someone else is. No one enjoys that feeling. Let me tell you, it feels even worse when you realize that the feeling is completely unjustified and slightly stalker-like.
I eagerly await the day I can simply listen to the song, enjoy it, and move on when the track ends without feeling this bizarre slurry of emotions. Hopefully this written confession, a sort of emotional exorcism, will speed that day along.
My affection for Adam Young, aka Owl City, is well documented. I've mentioned that in general I will get over a celebrity crush in about a month, but this guy is different. But I've noticed another difference besides longevity in this crush; it feels like having a crush on someone I know.
Obviously a crush on a "real life" guy is different than a crush on a "fake" celebrity. As far as I'm concerned a celebrity may as well be a fictional character. I like it that way. However, if I'm interested in a guy in real life it is to my benefit to know more about who they really are if there is any chance of getting involved with them. No one would argue that I have a good chance of having a personal relationship with someone famous, therefore the less I know about them, the better, and the easier it will be to move on when their moment in the spotlight of my affections is over.
But, something is weird about Adam. I think it may be his Blog. I love the way he writes. Reading a new entry of his blog (which I get to do, mostly every Monday, like clockwork) feels like having a casual conversation with him. He writes so well and so easily that you feel like you get to know him through his words despite the lack of precise details. He's funny and eloquent and manages to write about things that everyone can relate to.
The weird, personal feeling of this famous-person-crush came to its peak when I heard the song Lonely Lullaby. This song is an extra feature of the Owl City Galaxy app for Ipods or Iphones. It is a very personal song about a break-up, and it is lovely. I found out that the song isn't an abstract song about sadness in general, but specifically about his ex-girlfriend Anne Marie. One night, while I was listening to music and playing video games the song came on and I got that weird, jealous, sympathetic, frustrated feeling that you get when you listen to someone you like go on about how wonderful someone else is. No one enjoys that feeling. Let me tell you, it feels even worse when you realize that the feeling is completely unjustified and slightly stalker-like.
I eagerly await the day I can simply listen to the song, enjoy it, and move on when the track ends without feeling this bizarre slurry of emotions. Hopefully this written confession, a sort of emotional exorcism, will speed that day along.
Monday, March 14, 2011
I blame my Dad
Dear Friend,
Would you believe that for awhile, particularly when I was in middle school and beginning high school, I was convinced that any movie made before I was born wasn't worth my time? And heaven forbid it wasn't in color! I'm sorry to admit that, yes, I was that foolish at one time. (I didn't even think about the fact that all those Disney movies I loved so much were made before I was even thought of, illogical thing that I was.)
My Dad has always been a fan of movies, old or new, and I think he probably prefers films to television. He was a big influence for me to give old movies a shot. Dad always has a copy of a fairly recent Leonard Maltin movie book. I've been known to just flip through those books at random, just to read a quick plot synopsis and on occasion a cast list. Dad's also got a pretty sizable collection of DVDs on hand (though not as big as mine...), being a fan of the $5 or $1 DVD bins in supermarkets. He sometimes finds some gems in there, amazingly enough. He introduced me to the Marx Brothers who I found hilarious, despite the lack of hue on the screen.
But I think the most encouraging part my Dad has played in my becoming a fan of classic films is that he's almost always willing to watch a movie with me. Sure, there are movies that are decidedly "Mom and Me" movies, like romantic comedies, but most of the other films I want to see whether an animated family film, exciting sci-fi, or critically acclaimed classic or more recently silent slapstick I know that if I want to watch with someone else, Dad will most likely be up for it.
So, now that I'm a hopeless fan of classic films, who literally turns on the Turner Classic Movies channel every single day, I can blame my Dad. Or should that be Thank my Dad?
Would you believe that for awhile, particularly when I was in middle school and beginning high school, I was convinced that any movie made before I was born wasn't worth my time? And heaven forbid it wasn't in color! I'm sorry to admit that, yes, I was that foolish at one time. (I didn't even think about the fact that all those Disney movies I loved so much were made before I was even thought of, illogical thing that I was.)
My Dad has always been a fan of movies, old or new, and I think he probably prefers films to television. He was a big influence for me to give old movies a shot. Dad always has a copy of a fairly recent Leonard Maltin movie book. I've been known to just flip through those books at random, just to read a quick plot synopsis and on occasion a cast list. Dad's also got a pretty sizable collection of DVDs on hand (though not as big as mine...), being a fan of the $5 or $1 DVD bins in supermarkets. He sometimes finds some gems in there, amazingly enough. He introduced me to the Marx Brothers who I found hilarious, despite the lack of hue on the screen.
But I think the most encouraging part my Dad has played in my becoming a fan of classic films is that he's almost always willing to watch a movie with me. Sure, there are movies that are decidedly "Mom and Me" movies, like romantic comedies, but most of the other films I want to see whether an animated family film, exciting sci-fi, or critically acclaimed classic or more recently silent slapstick I know that if I want to watch with someone else, Dad will most likely be up for it.
So, now that I'm a hopeless fan of classic films, who literally turns on the Turner Classic Movies channel every single day, I can blame my Dad. Or should that be Thank my Dad?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Unexplainable Attraction
Dear Friend,
Some people don't photograph well. This is, for the most part, an established fact. No matter who you ask, they will probably admit that some people are not done a justice with a simple picture. There have been theories that these people lose some of their visual appeal because unlike a normal human being with two eyes, cameras only have one "eye" or focal point, and therefore lose perspective and depth. This, therefore, is the missing "something" that renders a relatively attractive person plain or unattractive in a photograph.
I don't exactly agree with that theory. If that were the case, a video filmed by a camera with only one lens would also fail to capture their attraction.
I'm more inclined to say that part of what makes a person attractive is more than their mere looks. Movement and action combine with looks to make a person beautiful. Yes, there are some absolutely stunning and beautiful people who look amazing in a still photograph, there's no argument to that. Some people, though, are absolutely brilliant to see when they move and a still picture will never be able to capture that quality.
I've had this theory for years, but never took time to think about it until recently. I have three examples. The men I will write about in this entry are all very interesting to watch, but I don't think that photographs do them justice.
Some people don't photograph well. This is, for the most part, an established fact. No matter who you ask, they will probably admit that some people are not done a justice with a simple picture. There have been theories that these people lose some of their visual appeal because unlike a normal human being with two eyes, cameras only have one "eye" or focal point, and therefore lose perspective and depth. This, therefore, is the missing "something" that renders a relatively attractive person plain or unattractive in a photograph.
I don't exactly agree with that theory. If that were the case, a video filmed by a camera with only one lens would also fail to capture their attraction.
I'm more inclined to say that part of what makes a person attractive is more than their mere looks. Movement and action combine with looks to make a person beautiful. Yes, there are some absolutely stunning and beautiful people who look amazing in a still photograph, there's no argument to that. Some people, though, are absolutely brilliant to see when they move and a still picture will never be able to capture that quality.
I've had this theory for years, but never took time to think about it until recently. I have three examples. The men I will write about in this entry are all very interesting to watch, but I don't think that photographs do them justice.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
A little bit more?
Dear Friend,
I've got the weirdest desire to write a screenplay. Not just any screenplay, either, no I have a desire to write a musical! Let's face it, if I'm going to write a screenplay, I may as well write something fun, ridiculous and altogether absurd. If there is any sort of scripted program more fun, ridiculous and absurd than a musical then I don't know what it is. The logic is sound!
I'm not the sort of writer who does "screenplays." I write stories, with description, proper (as far as I can get it) grammar, and I use quotation marks to denote speech. I don't even have any desire to anyone to produce a screenplay that I write. Mostly I want to do it because I want to be able to say that I have. I'd write it, never edit it and share it with friends.
The same people who run National Novel Writing Month each November also run Script Frenzy each April. While I have taken part in "NaNoWriMo" as they call it (won two years in a row, baby!) I haven't ever considered doing Script Frenzy before. It's possible that I was not able to come up with a plot idea for Script Frenzy so "soon" after concentrating on a novel length plot in November, but it's also possible that I just didn't want to write a script.
That all changed, however, when I realized that every song I love is pretty strongly associated with a story in my head. My mental music videos could easily all be meshed into a single plot-line with some creative thinking on my part. Combine this with my love for old movie musicals and an idea seed is planted in the fertile ground of my mind.
So, will I abandon all inhibitions and settle down to write 100 pages of screenplay next month? I can't decide yet. I've been having a rough time of it emotionally this past week, and honestly I was going to try to do something in my life other than sit down with my laptop, making clacking noises with my fingers on the keyboard. I just still don't really know how to do that. Still, when meeting new people they inevitably ask you what you do, and rather than staring blankly at them, making them very uncomfortable I could instead tell them I'm writing a movie script, and then let it drop into the conversation that I've written two novels. The sad thing is that the next question would be if I've had anything published, and the answer is decidedly no. But hey, I'm working on it, right? That's got to count for something.
I've got the weirdest desire to write a screenplay. Not just any screenplay, either, no I have a desire to write a musical! Let's face it, if I'm going to write a screenplay, I may as well write something fun, ridiculous and altogether absurd. If there is any sort of scripted program more fun, ridiculous and absurd than a musical then I don't know what it is. The logic is sound!
I'm not the sort of writer who does "screenplays." I write stories, with description, proper (as far as I can get it) grammar, and I use quotation marks to denote speech. I don't even have any desire to anyone to produce a screenplay that I write. Mostly I want to do it because I want to be able to say that I have. I'd write it, never edit it and share it with friends.
The same people who run National Novel Writing Month each November also run Script Frenzy each April. While I have taken part in "NaNoWriMo" as they call it (won two years in a row, baby!) I haven't ever considered doing Script Frenzy before. It's possible that I was not able to come up with a plot idea for Script Frenzy so "soon" after concentrating on a novel length plot in November, but it's also possible that I just didn't want to write a script.
That all changed, however, when I realized that every song I love is pretty strongly associated with a story in my head. My mental music videos could easily all be meshed into a single plot-line with some creative thinking on my part. Combine this with my love for old movie musicals and an idea seed is planted in the fertile ground of my mind.
So, will I abandon all inhibitions and settle down to write 100 pages of screenplay next month? I can't decide yet. I've been having a rough time of it emotionally this past week, and honestly I was going to try to do something in my life other than sit down with my laptop, making clacking noises with my fingers on the keyboard. I just still don't really know how to do that. Still, when meeting new people they inevitably ask you what you do, and rather than staring blankly at them, making them very uncomfortable I could instead tell them I'm writing a movie script, and then let it drop into the conversation that I've written two novels. The sad thing is that the next question would be if I've had anything published, and the answer is decidedly no. But hey, I'm working on it, right? That's got to count for something.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Spring Cleaning?
Dear Friend,
Despite the drop in temperature today, I feel that lovely feeling of Spring. I know it's still only February, and the weather can still throw us a few cold and uncomfortable days, I know that soon it will warm up, flowers will bloom and trees will be green again.
Unfortunately, that also means that bugs will return, crawling through the house and flying at the windows, driving me to distraction.
One thing I've never really "gotten" about this time of year is Spring Cleaning. Yes, I understand that it is generally a time that people can open windows and air out the house, change seasonal wardrobes and generally a good occasion for making things tidy, I get that. What I don't get is why Spring, exactly? No matter where you are, what the weather is like, the tradition is Spring Cleaning.
Spring Cleaning has never been my favorite task. I wouldn't call myself a slob, exactly, but I tend to be on the, let's say relaxed spectrum of cleaners. I keep my workspace very tidy, but otherwise I won't cringe at the sight of a little dust. The idea of going through my things and organizing them isn't palatable.
For this reason, I'm almost alarmed at my actions for the past week. I've been going through everything from my Netflix queue to my followed Twitter accounts and "pruning." I think every set of lists and links that I have has been significantly cut down this week. And the urge to minimize has not been satisfied yet. I imagine in the next few days I will resort to pulling out entire drawers and storage bins and chucking possessions willy-nilly.
This is not like me. I'm the woman who has toys that I can't bear to give up scattered about her room, to the extent that small children think I'm about twelve years old. I have shirts that I got when I was ten. (Very few, possibly two, and they were very large for me then) I have two dresser and two closets, for heaven's sake!
The only time that I've ever noticed people ridding themselves of possessions to this level has normally been before moving. I'm not moving, am I? I'm almost afraid that my spirit or subconscious are subtly telling me that something is about to change. I don't feel like anything is about to change, and in a way that worries me. Change always comes when you least expect it.
Does my wondering about change qualify as expecting it, therefore meaning that nothing will change? Hmm...
Despite the drop in temperature today, I feel that lovely feeling of Spring. I know it's still only February, and the weather can still throw us a few cold and uncomfortable days, I know that soon it will warm up, flowers will bloom and trees will be green again.
Unfortunately, that also means that bugs will return, crawling through the house and flying at the windows, driving me to distraction.
One thing I've never really "gotten" about this time of year is Spring Cleaning. Yes, I understand that it is generally a time that people can open windows and air out the house, change seasonal wardrobes and generally a good occasion for making things tidy, I get that. What I don't get is why Spring, exactly? No matter where you are, what the weather is like, the tradition is Spring Cleaning.
Spring Cleaning has never been my favorite task. I wouldn't call myself a slob, exactly, but I tend to be on the, let's say relaxed spectrum of cleaners. I keep my workspace very tidy, but otherwise I won't cringe at the sight of a little dust. The idea of going through my things and organizing them isn't palatable.
For this reason, I'm almost alarmed at my actions for the past week. I've been going through everything from my Netflix queue to my followed Twitter accounts and "pruning." I think every set of lists and links that I have has been significantly cut down this week. And the urge to minimize has not been satisfied yet. I imagine in the next few days I will resort to pulling out entire drawers and storage bins and chucking possessions willy-nilly.
This is not like me. I'm the woman who has toys that I can't bear to give up scattered about her room, to the extent that small children think I'm about twelve years old. I have shirts that I got when I was ten. (Very few, possibly two, and they were very large for me then) I have two dresser and two closets, for heaven's sake!
The only time that I've ever noticed people ridding themselves of possessions to this level has normally been before moving. I'm not moving, am I? I'm almost afraid that my spirit or subconscious are subtly telling me that something is about to change. I don't feel like anything is about to change, and in a way that worries me. Change always comes when you least expect it.
Does my wondering about change qualify as expecting it, therefore meaning that nothing will change? Hmm...
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Blog title change, here's why
Dear Friend,
If you are particularly observant, you may notice that the official name of this blog has changed from "Letter to You, My Friend" to simply "Dear Friend." I've been addressing my blog entries Dear Friend for years, and may not have given a thorough explanation of why I do. If you are, as I said before, particularly observant you probably noticed various references to You've Got Mail around the blog. I have, on the top right column of the page, a quote from that movie, and my tags list is under the heading "Fox Books" which was the book store owned by the character played by Tom Hanks. My links list may prove more difficult to understand, though, since it's not from You've Got Mail, it's from The Shop Around the Corner, the movie that inspired You've Got Mail. Also, instead of listing followers and friends I have "Box 237" which was the post office box number in In the Good Old Summertime.
Those movies are the reason that I begin my blog entries with "Dear Friend." A plot that despite being done three times over on film still touches my heart each and every time. In each of these movies two people begin corresponding, either through letters or e-mail, and feel a strong connection, building up to love, with each other; while at the same time, they work with or interact with each other in their everyday lives and don't get along. They don't know that the same person that lifts their spirits with their letters is the same person who drives them crazy.
The first film, The Shop Around the Corner with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, is set in Budapest Hungary and the main characters work in a leather goods shop. In the second, In the Good Old Summertime with Judy Garland and Van Johnson, is a period film and in a way a musical with the characters working in a music store. The third, You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, is set in New York and instead of the characters working together, they are rivals in the book business. Each film has its own setting, feel and situation, but the plot, and heart, are the same.
One of the elements that is shared by each film is the fact that each letter sent is begun "Dear Friend." I love that touch. I am enchanted by the possibility that two people can get to know and love each other through letters. It almost seems like an idealistic fantasy, which could almost be a little of the point since the characters originally don't get along in person.
Another aspect of these films that I like is how these films illustrate that your impression of another person can be wrong. You can disagree with them but that shouldn't be the basis of how you think of them in every other aspect of their lives. Most of the time the characters met and initially liked each other, but somehow got on each others wrong side. It's nice to watch people take a second look at what they thought they knew and reevaluate it.
So there you have it, the reason I begin all of my notes to you with "Dear Friend." I've seen these movies so many times that it rubbed off on me. I can definitely recommend that you see each one of them. (My personal favorite of the trio is Shop Around the Corner)
If you are particularly observant, you may notice that the official name of this blog has changed from "Letter to You, My Friend" to simply "Dear Friend." I've been addressing my blog entries Dear Friend for years, and may not have given a thorough explanation of why I do. If you are, as I said before, particularly observant you probably noticed various references to You've Got Mail around the blog. I have, on the top right column of the page, a quote from that movie, and my tags list is under the heading "Fox Books" which was the book store owned by the character played by Tom Hanks. My links list may prove more difficult to understand, though, since it's not from You've Got Mail, it's from The Shop Around the Corner, the movie that inspired You've Got Mail. Also, instead of listing followers and friends I have "Box 237" which was the post office box number in In the Good Old Summertime.
Those movies are the reason that I begin my blog entries with "Dear Friend." A plot that despite being done three times over on film still touches my heart each and every time. In each of these movies two people begin corresponding, either through letters or e-mail, and feel a strong connection, building up to love, with each other; while at the same time, they work with or interact with each other in their everyday lives and don't get along. They don't know that the same person that lifts their spirits with their letters is the same person who drives them crazy.
The first film, The Shop Around the Corner with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, is set in Budapest Hungary and the main characters work in a leather goods shop. In the second, In the Good Old Summertime with Judy Garland and Van Johnson, is a period film and in a way a musical with the characters working in a music store. The third, You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, is set in New York and instead of the characters working together, they are rivals in the book business. Each film has its own setting, feel and situation, but the plot, and heart, are the same.
One of the elements that is shared by each film is the fact that each letter sent is begun "Dear Friend." I love that touch. I am enchanted by the possibility that two people can get to know and love each other through letters. It almost seems like an idealistic fantasy, which could almost be a little of the point since the characters originally don't get along in person.
Another aspect of these films that I like is how these films illustrate that your impression of another person can be wrong. You can disagree with them but that shouldn't be the basis of how you think of them in every other aspect of their lives. Most of the time the characters met and initially liked each other, but somehow got on each others wrong side. It's nice to watch people take a second look at what they thought they knew and reevaluate it.
So there you have it, the reason I begin all of my notes to you with "Dear Friend." I've seen these movies so many times that it rubbed off on me. I can definitely recommend that you see each one of them. (My personal favorite of the trio is Shop Around the Corner)
Sunday, February 06, 2011
The Art of Being Friendless
Dear Friend,
I find it extremely ironic to begin a message about being without any friends with "Dear Friend," but that is how I begin all of my entries, so there it is.
I've been living in Virginia for over four years now, and I don't have a single friend here. I don't even have acquaintances. I realize it can only be my fault, that it takes a special sort of hermit-like person to go that long without forming any type of bond with another human being. The problem is I have no clue how one goes about making friends. I came to the realization one day that every friendship I ever had was practically placed in my lap. I've had to put in the effort to maintain certain friendships, but it has never been an effort to make them. That isn't normal, is it?
I keep in contact with people who I used to be friends with, but it never is quite the same, talking through e-mail or Facebook, as it was speaking face to face. Conversations always become shorter as time goes on, and each of our lives get a little farther apart, no matter how hard I try.
I'm not complaining, exactly, I'm an air force brat, I'm used to leaving friends behind. I'm an introvert, I prefer to spend a certain amount of time alone to recharge. I'm simply beginning to think... I've overdone it.
There is an art to being friendless. I think I've got a good handle on it. I'd like to try life the other way, though, for awhile.
I find it extremely ironic to begin a message about being without any friends with "Dear Friend," but that is how I begin all of my entries, so there it is.
I've been living in Virginia for over four years now, and I don't have a single friend here. I don't even have acquaintances. I realize it can only be my fault, that it takes a special sort of hermit-like person to go that long without forming any type of bond with another human being. The problem is I have no clue how one goes about making friends. I came to the realization one day that every friendship I ever had was practically placed in my lap. I've had to put in the effort to maintain certain friendships, but it has never been an effort to make them. That isn't normal, is it?
I keep in contact with people who I used to be friends with, but it never is quite the same, talking through e-mail or Facebook, as it was speaking face to face. Conversations always become shorter as time goes on, and each of our lives get a little farther apart, no matter how hard I try.
I'm not complaining, exactly, I'm an air force brat, I'm used to leaving friends behind. I'm an introvert, I prefer to spend a certain amount of time alone to recharge. I'm simply beginning to think... I've overdone it.
There is an art to being friendless. I think I've got a good handle on it. I'd like to try life the other way, though, for awhile.
Friday, January 28, 2011
That Voice!
Dear friend,
It has been a very "Frankie" week for me. I'm not complaining at all.
I don't have a celebrity crush on Frank Sinatra, mind you. This isn't a case of "protesting too much," I just want to clear that up. A few years ago my Dad was under the impression that I had a crush on Cary Grant, when I didn't. This is the same sort of thing; I love them, but I don't love them. (I do have a silly, little crush on a member of the Rat Pack, but it isn't Frank, and I'm not telling you who it is, so don't ask)
Anyway, as I said, it's been a very Frankie sort of week for me. Turner Classic Movies aired a movie called the Kissing Bandit, which I just had to watch, since Frank was in it. I have a fondness for Frank's early movies, ones where he played a lovable dork who was so nervous around women that he had no idea what to do. He was such a little, skinny, silly looking dude that the roles fit him very well. In my opinion, the only thing this movie had going for it was Frank. It was silly, beyond the point of being able to be taken seriously. The costumes were ridiculous, so much so that I burst into laughter at the sight of some of them. Frank didn't sing nearly enough, either. Still, I enjoyed watching it.
A few other Frank movies were on but I, unfortunately, didn't catch all the way through. I did, as I mentioned at the end of my birthday post, watched Ocean's 11. I got it out of curiosity about the Rat Pack. I enjoyed the movie, enough to look past it's ridiculousness. (And like I said, I now have a crush on someone in the Rat Pack. Just for fun, use the process of elimination, it's not Dean or Sammy, either.)
The day after my birthday, I used some of my abundant supply of itunes money to buy a few "Essential" albums by Frank and Dean Martin. I love them both. I don't know why it had taken me so long to get actual CDs from either of these two amazing singers, instead of picking up a song by them here or there.
My brother and my sister-in-law sent me a few musicals on DVD as birthday presents. They sent me Singing in the Rain and Guys and Dolls. The smile on my face as I opened the package was considerable. I love both of these movies but had never gotten around to buying either one. As I write, I'm gleefully watching Guys and Dolls, enjoying the fact that Nathan Detroit, and so many others, aren't using contractions. Or should I say, are not using contractions.
I used to love those cartoons making fun of his screaming and swooning fans. They were really my first indication that Sinatra existed. Perhaps they were a strong influence on me, since I consider myself something of a Frank Sinatra fangirl. I was amused to learn that some of those screaming fans were actresses hired and paid to make him seem more popular.
I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing that man sing. It's been an enjoyable week.
It has been a very "Frankie" week for me. I'm not complaining at all.
I don't have a celebrity crush on Frank Sinatra, mind you. This isn't a case of "protesting too much," I just want to clear that up. A few years ago my Dad was under the impression that I had a crush on Cary Grant, when I didn't. This is the same sort of thing; I love them, but I don't love them. (I do have a silly, little crush on a member of the Rat Pack, but it isn't Frank, and I'm not telling you who it is, so don't ask)
Anyway, as I said, it's been a very Frankie sort of week for me. Turner Classic Movies aired a movie called the Kissing Bandit, which I just had to watch, since Frank was in it. I have a fondness for Frank's early movies, ones where he played a lovable dork who was so nervous around women that he had no idea what to do. He was such a little, skinny, silly looking dude that the roles fit him very well. In my opinion, the only thing this movie had going for it was Frank. It was silly, beyond the point of being able to be taken seriously. The costumes were ridiculous, so much so that I burst into laughter at the sight of some of them. Frank didn't sing nearly enough, either. Still, I enjoyed watching it.
A few other Frank movies were on but I, unfortunately, didn't catch all the way through. I did, as I mentioned at the end of my birthday post, watched Ocean's 11. I got it out of curiosity about the Rat Pack. I enjoyed the movie, enough to look past it's ridiculousness. (And like I said, I now have a crush on someone in the Rat Pack. Just for fun, use the process of elimination, it's not Dean or Sammy, either.)
The day after my birthday, I used some of my abundant supply of itunes money to buy a few "Essential" albums by Frank and Dean Martin. I love them both. I don't know why it had taken me so long to get actual CDs from either of these two amazing singers, instead of picking up a song by them here or there.
My brother and my sister-in-law sent me a few musicals on DVD as birthday presents. They sent me Singing in the Rain and Guys and Dolls. The smile on my face as I opened the package was considerable. I love both of these movies but had never gotten around to buying either one. As I write, I'm gleefully watching Guys and Dolls, enjoying the fact that Nathan Detroit, and so many others, aren't using contractions. Or should I say, are not using contractions.
I used to love those cartoons making fun of his screaming and swooning fans. They were really my first indication that Sinatra existed. Perhaps they were a strong influence on me, since I consider myself something of a Frank Sinatra fangirl. I was amused to learn that some of those screaming fans were actresses hired and paid to make him seem more popular.
I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing that man sing. It's been an enjoyable week.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Birthday? Today? Really?
Dear Friend,
Twenty (something) years ago today I was born. That, apparently, is a reason to celebrate. As usual, the uncontrollable act of growing a year older has left me thinking over my past, present and future. Perhaps someday I will pass the twenty-sixth day of the year without becoming so pensive, though this year isn't the year that it will occur.
I actually celebrated on Monday, since the weather forecast for today was not compatible with a grand day out. My mum and I went shopping, to many of my favorite stores, and ate lunch at my favorite restaurant, Noodles and Company. It was a pleasant day, with a lot of laughs and resulted in my acquiring a new pair of boots.
As for today, it has been a lazy day, a rainy day, a calm and pleasant day. Thanks to Netflix I was able to try a new television series, The Murdoch Mysteries. It was fun to watch, fulfilling many of the little categories that indicate an interesting show for me; Canadian, period setting and solving mysteries.
It seems to be my parents have established a tradition for my birthday, buying me Breyer model horses. This year I received the models made for the World Equestrian games and the 60th Anniversary of Breyer. They're both very pretty, very dramatic sculptures that I think will compliment my extensive collection nicely.
Well, last year I wrote about feeling like I was on the edge of a big change. Considering I'm writing this entry in almost exactly the same circumstances as I was when I wrote that one, it would seem I was wrong. There are two ways to react to this, with frustration or with hope. I will choose the latter. Though I no longer feel that a big change is waiting just around the corner, I do know that God has a plan for me, and as long as I'm living my life for Him, I know I'm living for something.
I'm off to watch the original Ocean's 11, which I've never seen before.
Another birthday, I look forward to many more.
Twenty (something) years ago today I was born. That, apparently, is a reason to celebrate. As usual, the uncontrollable act of growing a year older has left me thinking over my past, present and future. Perhaps someday I will pass the twenty-sixth day of the year without becoming so pensive, though this year isn't the year that it will occur.
I actually celebrated on Monday, since the weather forecast for today was not compatible with a grand day out. My mum and I went shopping, to many of my favorite stores, and ate lunch at my favorite restaurant, Noodles and Company. It was a pleasant day, with a lot of laughs and resulted in my acquiring a new pair of boots.
As for today, it has been a lazy day, a rainy day, a calm and pleasant day. Thanks to Netflix I was able to try a new television series, The Murdoch Mysteries. It was fun to watch, fulfilling many of the little categories that indicate an interesting show for me; Canadian, period setting and solving mysteries.
It seems to be my parents have established a tradition for my birthday, buying me Breyer model horses. This year I received the models made for the World Equestrian games and the 60th Anniversary of Breyer. They're both very pretty, very dramatic sculptures that I think will compliment my extensive collection nicely.
Well, last year I wrote about feeling like I was on the edge of a big change. Considering I'm writing this entry in almost exactly the same circumstances as I was when I wrote that one, it would seem I was wrong. There are two ways to react to this, with frustration or with hope. I will choose the latter. Though I no longer feel that a big change is waiting just around the corner, I do know that God has a plan for me, and as long as I'm living my life for Him, I know I'm living for something.
I'm off to watch the original Ocean's 11, which I've never seen before.
Another birthday, I look forward to many more.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Downton Abbey pt. 2
Dear Friend,
So, how about that episode of Downton? I (and there is a spoiler in this sentence, just to warn you) didn't know whether to gasp in shock or laugh hysterically when that guy died. He wasn't a nice man, but ... wow!
This episode wasn't as interesting, unfortunately, but I'm still curious to see where this series goes. I'm glad to see that the cousin (I'm horrible with names, I'm sorry) was able to see that his valet was much happier doing his job instead of being made to feel useless and superfluous. I can't figure out if the middle daughter likes this guy or if she just always wants what is meant for her older sister.
This episode had a lot of graphic, bloody things going on. I hate blood, so I spent a few scenes with my hands over my eyes and squealing until the shot changed.
More next week, I suppose.
So, how about that episode of Downton? I (and there is a spoiler in this sentence, just to warn you) didn't know whether to gasp in shock or laugh hysterically when that guy died. He wasn't a nice man, but ... wow!
This episode wasn't as interesting, unfortunately, but I'm still curious to see where this series goes. I'm glad to see that the cousin (I'm horrible with names, I'm sorry) was able to see that his valet was much happier doing his job instead of being made to feel useless and superfluous. I can't figure out if the middle daughter likes this guy or if she just always wants what is meant for her older sister.
This episode had a lot of graphic, bloody things going on. I hate blood, so I spent a few scenes with my hands over my eyes and squealing until the shot changed.
More next week, I suppose.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Just Watched Downton Abbey pt. 1
Dear Friend,
I did enjoy the first part of Downton Abbey. There was only one thing about it that I didn't really enjoy. I spent at least half an hour looking at a character saying, "You're gay, right? You're totally gay," and then found out that I was right. It took my out of the plot, and both parties involved were each wholly unlikable. As far as everything else went, I was interested in what was going on, and had the proper reaction to each of the characters. I often have trouble following plots with an abundance of characters, and I am slightly unclear on a few things, but overall I believe I know what's going on.
I'm slightly annoyed by the storyline that a certain character is unused to the lifestyle of a very rich person who has servants running around their house and feels that they are "better" than the rich person because they are self-reliant. I do appreciate that they showed the heir, the character who holds this view, offending his valet. He seemed to realize in that moment that even though he felt the man's job was silly, and he said so, it wasn't silly to the valet; it was all he knew in life, and very important to him. I'm interested to see how he adjusts to this life he'll most likely be saddled with.
The eldest daughter I'm not sure how I feel about. I can't tell if we're supposed to sympathize with her or think that she's a useless piece of vain baggage. Well, it's part one, so I'm sure the rest of the series will shed more light on her character.
There were many clever and quotable lines, though in classic "me" fashion, I've forgotten most of them already.
I did enjoy the first part of Downton Abbey. There was only one thing about it that I didn't really enjoy. I spent at least half an hour looking at a character saying, "You're gay, right? You're totally gay," and then found out that I was right. It took my out of the plot, and both parties involved were each wholly unlikable. As far as everything else went, I was interested in what was going on, and had the proper reaction to each of the characters. I often have trouble following plots with an abundance of characters, and I am slightly unclear on a few things, but overall I believe I know what's going on.
I'm slightly annoyed by the storyline that a certain character is unused to the lifestyle of a very rich person who has servants running around their house and feels that they are "better" than the rich person because they are self-reliant. I do appreciate that they showed the heir, the character who holds this view, offending his valet. He seemed to realize in that moment that even though he felt the man's job was silly, and he said so, it wasn't silly to the valet; it was all he knew in life, and very important to him. I'm interested to see how he adjusts to this life he'll most likely be saddled with.
The eldest daughter I'm not sure how I feel about. I can't tell if we're supposed to sympathize with her or think that she's a useless piece of vain baggage. Well, it's part one, so I'm sure the rest of the series will shed more light on her character.
There were many clever and quotable lines, though in classic "me" fashion, I've forgotten most of them already.
Possibly a new PBS Masterpiece series to love!
Dear Friend,
Tonight on PBS they will begin airing the miniseries (?) Downton Abbey.
Online the buzz for this series has been pretty widespread. I've been curious about it for awhile, but I'll admit to not knowing much about it. I hope I enjoy it.
In other news, I've started a new blog, with a different purpose. If you're curious, you can find it here, but I shall warn you, as of now it's completely empty. There is an explanation of what it is, but no content yet.
Tonight on PBS they will begin airing the miniseries (?) Downton Abbey.
Online the buzz for this series has been pretty widespread. I've been curious about it for awhile, but I'll admit to not knowing much about it. I hope I enjoy it.
In other news, I've started a new blog, with a different purpose. If you're curious, you can find it here, but I shall warn you, as of now it's completely empty. There is an explanation of what it is, but no content yet.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Happy New Year
Just to get the blog started on the right foot for 2011!
Happy New Year, my friend! May it be blessed, happy and awesome!
Here's to more regular posts this year! Love you!
Happy New Year, my friend! May it be blessed, happy and awesome!
Here's to more regular posts this year! Love you!
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