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.
Showing posts with label celebrity luv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebrity luv. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, December 31, 2010
A final post for 2010, Silly and Heartfelt all at the same time!
Dear Friend,
A year ago today I decided to put some of my Itunes gift money to good use. I looked around and listened to various clips from assorted artists and releases that had caught my attention in the preceding months before settling on to Ocean Eyes by Owl City. I'd heard his single Fireflies (just like every other person on earth) and had enjoyed to sound of it. I figured it was gift money, so I may as well take a chance with it.
I didn't listen much that night, being rather busy with New Year's Eve traditions, but what I did hear I liked. Little did I know it would send me into one of my "obsessive" phases that I am inclined to suffer through from time to time.
Though, suffer is a horrible choice for the way to describe how I go through these phases. I enjoy every second of immersing myself into a pleasant activity. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother, now would I?
As I mentioned in my previous post about the soundtrack of my year, Adam Young took over my listening habits. I love his music. However, it isn't just that. I love him.
I often have what I call Celebrity Crushes, they're fun and meaningless and often get me to watch movies or shows or listen to music I wouldn't have known about if I hadn't taken a strong interest in whoever the latest "heart throb" is. These little episodes rarely last longer than a month, sometimes less, really strong crushes occasionally last two or three months, and when they're over I still look fondly at the person and enjoy their work. I just don't obsess like I had before.
I've been "in love" with Adam Young for a year now.
I don't know what exactly it is that I adore so much about him. I do know that I find him witty, funny, sweet and inspiring, though. I've been happily listening to his music and reading his twitter and his blog. He quotes some of my favorite movies, including You've Got Mail. He reads wonderful books, even getting me to finally read the original Bambi novel. He's a Christian, and did the best cover of In Christ Alone I've ever heard. I almost can't find anything wrong with him.
But, isn't that a little strange? He's human, just like the rest of us, so he must have some faults. Well, I mean, besides the fact that he's obviously into Blond girls and a vegetarian, but those aren't exactly faults, are they, they're just his opinion and choice.
I've come across people who are so obsessed with celebrities that they believe they're honestly in love with them, and frankly those people scare me. I am not that scary, stalker girl who can't talk about anything or anyone else.(Though, the fact that he's been mentioned in almost every blog entry I've made these past six months might contradict that statement, huh?) The one who sends letters and presents and is upset when she doesn't get any replies or thanks. I also am not the girl who loses sight of reality in the fantasy of some unobtainable "god." I'm just sitting back, enjoying his music and lyrics and thoughts that he chooses to share with his audience.
I've chosen one of his songs to be a sort inspiration for this upcoming year.
Sky Sailing's Steady as She Goes
The tide can bring in anything,
So Steady as she goes!
Happy New Year, and God bless you, my friend!
Friday, December 17, 2010
My 2010 Soundtrack
Dear friend,
I got a lot of new music this year. Some of it really left a strong impression on me, so much so that it almost seems linked to all of the experiences I had this year. That has inspired me to compile a sort of soundtrack from the year.
For whatever songs I can, I'll embed a video from Youtube, so if you're reading this on facebook, and you don't see a video, go to my blogspot blog, there should be a link to click. If you don't you'll miss half the experience.
1. Fireflies by Owl City
2010 was practically the year of Adam Young for me. He somehow swooped in and took over my ipod, not just as Owl City, but also with his albums under the names Port Blue and Sky Sailing. I even bought some Swimming With Dolphins because of his involvement. This was the song that started it all, of course.
2. Terrified by Katherine McPhee feat. Zachary Levi
I got a complete and total celebrity crush on Zachary Levi this year, which is the only reason this song warrants exposure on this list... It's sweet though.
3. Galileo as sung by Josh Groban
I adore this song, I've played it to death, but I still adore it. It's silly and sweet and makes me smile each and every time I hear it.
4. End of May by Michael Buble
This song got me to like Michael Buble again after I had practically given up on him. I've got one hell of a melancholy streak in me, and this song speaks to it beautifully. It's another song I've played to death.
5. I'm Yours/ Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Straight No Chaser
I like this version better than Jason Mraz's which I would have thought was impossible. I love these guys, they are my favorite a cappela group (as though I have a lot of those groups to choose from...) They're amazing.
6. All My Heart by Stellar Kart
Theirs was the only Christian album I bought this year (*blush*) and this song just struck a chord with me. I'm not sure what other songs I've played this often on the album. (Honestly, last year's Barlow Girl CD Love and War is still heavy in my rotations, it was too awesome to overcome this year, I guess)
7. Rhythm of Love by the Plain White T's
Another song I've played to death. It makes me think of summer. Oddly enough, while I was writing my novel this November this song sort of became the main character's theme song. I can't explain that in any type of way, because it makes no sense. But it doesn't have to, it just works.
8. Bienvenue Dans Ma Vie by Nikki Yanofsky
Found Nikki on Itunes this year. I like her voice, and I love this song. Played to death, just like all the others on this list.
9. The Only Exception by Paramore
I'm not usually into Paramore. It seems like the sort of music I'd love, but somehow it just doesn't hit me. Until this song. I love it. Say it with me now: Played to death. LOL
10. Rainbow Veins by Owl City
I told you Adam Young took over my life this year. I adore this song, I think it's my favorite of his under Owl City.
11. Brielle by Sky Sailing
Adam Young again. This song will forever be the song that gave me the idea for my book that I wrote this year. If you listen, don't expect to know what my book is like, they couldn't be less alike. (I wrote a murder mystery, I can't explain how that came about) It's a beautiful song, and I love it.
12. Silhouettes by Swimming with Dolphins
Pretty, pretty song. I've got a story in my head because if this song. Maybe I'll write it someday.
13. Never Knew I Needed by Ne-Yo
The song from Princess and the Frog. I don't care very much for Ne-Yo, but I do like the song.
14. Voce Existe Em Mim by Josh Groban
It took me awhile to like this song, but once I did I loved it. I think it's because of all the drums. It's awesome.
15. Peppermint Winter by Owl City
Adam Young does Christmas! I so adore this song. I wish he'd make a proper Christmas album. The lyrics of this song are perfection!
I think that's enough. Hopefully all of those videos work and all this gathering and typing wasn't a complete waste of time! LOL
I got a lot of new music this year. Some of it really left a strong impression on me, so much so that it almost seems linked to all of the experiences I had this year. That has inspired me to compile a sort of soundtrack from the year.
For whatever songs I can, I'll embed a video from Youtube, so if you're reading this on facebook, and you don't see a video, go to my blogspot blog, there should be a link to click. If you don't you'll miss half the experience.
1. Fireflies by Owl City
2010 was practically the year of Adam Young for me. He somehow swooped in and took over my ipod, not just as Owl City, but also with his albums under the names Port Blue and Sky Sailing. I even bought some Swimming With Dolphins because of his involvement. This was the song that started it all, of course.
2. Terrified by Katherine McPhee feat. Zachary Levi
I got a complete and total celebrity crush on Zachary Levi this year, which is the only reason this song warrants exposure on this list... It's sweet though.
3. Galileo as sung by Josh Groban
I adore this song, I've played it to death, but I still adore it. It's silly and sweet and makes me smile each and every time I hear it.
4. End of May by Michael Buble
This song got me to like Michael Buble again after I had practically given up on him. I've got one hell of a melancholy streak in me, and this song speaks to it beautifully. It's another song I've played to death.
5. I'm Yours/ Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Straight No Chaser
I like this version better than Jason Mraz's which I would have thought was impossible. I love these guys, they are my favorite a cappela group (as though I have a lot of those groups to choose from...) They're amazing.
6. All My Heart by Stellar Kart
Theirs was the only Christian album I bought this year (*blush*) and this song just struck a chord with me. I'm not sure what other songs I've played this often on the album. (Honestly, last year's Barlow Girl CD Love and War is still heavy in my rotations, it was too awesome to overcome this year, I guess)
7. Rhythm of Love by the Plain White T's
Another song I've played to death. It makes me think of summer. Oddly enough, while I was writing my novel this November this song sort of became the main character's theme song. I can't explain that in any type of way, because it makes no sense. But it doesn't have to, it just works.
8. Bienvenue Dans Ma Vie by Nikki Yanofsky
Found Nikki on Itunes this year. I like her voice, and I love this song. Played to death, just like all the others on this list.
9. The Only Exception by Paramore
I'm not usually into Paramore. It seems like the sort of music I'd love, but somehow it just doesn't hit me. Until this song. I love it. Say it with me now: Played to death. LOL
10. Rainbow Veins by Owl City
I told you Adam Young took over my life this year. I adore this song, I think it's my favorite of his under Owl City.
11. Brielle by Sky Sailing
Adam Young again. This song will forever be the song that gave me the idea for my book that I wrote this year. If you listen, don't expect to know what my book is like, they couldn't be less alike. (I wrote a murder mystery, I can't explain how that came about) It's a beautiful song, and I love it.
12. Silhouettes by Swimming with Dolphins
Pretty, pretty song. I've got a story in my head because if this song. Maybe I'll write it someday.
13. Never Knew I Needed by Ne-Yo
The song from Princess and the Frog. I don't care very much for Ne-Yo, but I do like the song.
14. Voce Existe Em Mim by Josh Groban
It took me awhile to like this song, but once I did I loved it. I think it's because of all the drums. It's awesome.
15. Peppermint Winter by Owl City
Adam Young does Christmas! I so adore this song. I wish he'd make a proper Christmas album. The lyrics of this song are perfection!
I think that's enough. Hopefully all of those videos work and all this gathering and typing wasn't a complete waste of time! LOL
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Why I'm not a critic
Dear friend,
I just had another session of reading negative reviews of products that I enjoy. That little hobby of mine might sound weird, and even frustrating, but I still do it. Sometimes it can be funny to see someone's vehement hatred of something silly and unimportant like a movie or CD. (In the sense that there are definitely more vital parts of our lives that the same energy could be used in pondering.)
In any case, friend, tonight I was reading reviews of Owl City's album Ocean Eyes. It seems to me that there are only two opinions to have about this album, either you think it sucks or you adore it. I am in the second camp. I cannot seem to get enough of this dude's music. The thing is, though, I'm able to understand those who hate it. When I step back and look at it rationally, the music isn't good. The singing, the lyrics, the style, etc. when looked at objectively aren't great. Yet somehow, put them all together, and it touches something in my heart or soul in a way that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
And so, that is why I'm not a critic. I can't tell you what is of good quality and worth your time. I can only tell you what gives me a feeling of being wrapped in a comfy blanket.
Owl City isn't for everyone. In general I'd almost say that if you're not a romantic (hopelessly and classically so) don't bother. If you do give him a shot and hate him, don't say I didn't warn you (and what's wrong with you?)
I just had another session of reading negative reviews of products that I enjoy. That little hobby of mine might sound weird, and even frustrating, but I still do it. Sometimes it can be funny to see someone's vehement hatred of something silly and unimportant like a movie or CD. (In the sense that there are definitely more vital parts of our lives that the same energy could be used in pondering.)
In any case, friend, tonight I was reading reviews of Owl City's album Ocean Eyes. It seems to me that there are only two opinions to have about this album, either you think it sucks or you adore it. I am in the second camp. I cannot seem to get enough of this dude's music. The thing is, though, I'm able to understand those who hate it. When I step back and look at it rationally, the music isn't good. The singing, the lyrics, the style, etc. when looked at objectively aren't great. Yet somehow, put them all together, and it touches something in my heart or soul in a way that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
And so, that is why I'm not a critic. I can't tell you what is of good quality and worth your time. I can only tell you what gives me a feeling of being wrapped in a comfy blanket.
Owl City isn't for everyone. In general I'd almost say that if you're not a romantic (hopelessly and classically so) don't bother. If you do give him a shot and hate him, don't say I didn't warn you (and what's wrong with you?)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Many thing to review
Dear friend,
I just bought four Cd's and watched a movie. So, of course I've got lots of opinions rattling around in my head, and have decided to write them out.
I'll start with the film, as that will be easiest to sum up. I watched The Brothers Bloom a few days ago. I saw the previews last spring during a summer movie preview show. It looked quirky and pretty, right up my alley. The plot revolves around two brothers who happen to be Con men. The younger brother wants to quit this line of work, but the older brother wants him for just one more job. So their last victim is an eccentric, sheltered heiress.
It was an interesting movie, sometimes it was funny, and it was visually stunning at times. I just... well, I wanted to like it much more than I actually ended up liking it. As far as I can tell, they didn't want a rating of PG so they added in pointless language and a bogglingly unnecessary scene on a train in a thunderstorm to bump up the rating. It may also have been too impressed by it's own clever ideas. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. So I can't exactly recommend it. 2.5/5
It did, however, confirm to me that I think Adrien Brody is beautiful. Don't ask me to explain that, I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense, I just find him insanely attractive. (Also, dear brother of mine, who has a habit if bringing up strange topics I've blogged about in front of our parents, let's leave this one off the discussion table, ok? This would just be too weird to talk about with Mum and Pop)
Now, new music reviews. Lately I've purchased the newest offerings from Ayiesha Woods, Barlow Girl, Michael Buble, and Relient K. (Spell check loves all those names right now)
Ayiesha Woods, "Love Like This" is good. I wasn't expecting too much, but the Christian Book store had a coupon to buy two get one half off when I wanted to buy Barlow Girl and I enjoyed AW's first release so I went ahead and got it. It's pleasant and fun without inspiring any strong emotion in me at all. It's good background music, but not my newest worship experience music. 3/5
Barlow Girl "Love and War" is amazing. I was disappointed by their previous release. It did nothing to encourage me or lift my mood. In fact, the last Cd was depressing to me. They more than made up for it with this one. It's encouraging and great for leading me to look to God and see what amazing things He can do and has done. I love the sound of the music and their voices and feel a sort of Beatles kind of vibe from a lot of it. If, you know, the Beatles had been three women, or something. 4.5/5
Michael Buble's "Crazy Love" is pretty good. Same sort of thing from the Canadian Crooner. He's got a few new original songs, such as Just Haven't Met You Yet, which is awesome, but it's mostly covers. They're good, but not amazing. If you like Michael, you'll like the CD. 3/5
Relient K's "Forget and Not Slow Down" is great. Honestly I'd been worried about this release. It feels like RK and I are due for a dud. When I'd heard that this was essentially a CD full of breakup songs I was expecting to dislike it. I bought it anyway. I'm glad I did. Yeah, there are a few melancholy songs that you won't help to lift any mood, there are still great songs that you can listen to whenever you want, single or taken. The sound is great, though occasionally surreal and weird. It might be difficult to put these songs on playlists or in a shuffle since the intros and outtros are almost seamless despite being on different tracks. I still love the CD. 4/5
So, there are my reviews. Hope you enjoyed reading them!
I just bought four Cd's and watched a movie. So, of course I've got lots of opinions rattling around in my head, and have decided to write them out.
I'll start with the film, as that will be easiest to sum up. I watched The Brothers Bloom a few days ago. I saw the previews last spring during a summer movie preview show. It looked quirky and pretty, right up my alley. The plot revolves around two brothers who happen to be Con men. The younger brother wants to quit this line of work, but the older brother wants him for just one more job. So their last victim is an eccentric, sheltered heiress.
It was an interesting movie, sometimes it was funny, and it was visually stunning at times. I just... well, I wanted to like it much more than I actually ended up liking it. As far as I can tell, they didn't want a rating of PG so they added in pointless language and a bogglingly unnecessary scene on a train in a thunderstorm to bump up the rating. It may also have been too impressed by it's own clever ideas. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. So I can't exactly recommend it. 2.5/5
It did, however, confirm to me that I think Adrien Brody is beautiful. Don't ask me to explain that, I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense, I just find him insanely attractive. (Also, dear brother of mine, who has a habit if bringing up strange topics I've blogged about in front of our parents, let's leave this one off the discussion table, ok? This would just be too weird to talk about with Mum and Pop)
Now, new music reviews. Lately I've purchased the newest offerings from Ayiesha Woods, Barlow Girl, Michael Buble, and Relient K. (Spell check loves all those names right now)
Ayiesha Woods, "Love Like This" is good. I wasn't expecting too much, but the Christian Book store had a coupon to buy two get one half off when I wanted to buy Barlow Girl and I enjoyed AW's first release so I went ahead and got it. It's pleasant and fun without inspiring any strong emotion in me at all. It's good background music, but not my newest worship experience music. 3/5
Barlow Girl "Love and War" is amazing. I was disappointed by their previous release. It did nothing to encourage me or lift my mood. In fact, the last Cd was depressing to me. They more than made up for it with this one. It's encouraging and great for leading me to look to God and see what amazing things He can do and has done. I love the sound of the music and their voices and feel a sort of Beatles kind of vibe from a lot of it. If, you know, the Beatles had been three women, or something. 4.5/5
Michael Buble's "Crazy Love" is pretty good. Same sort of thing from the Canadian Crooner. He's got a few new original songs, such as Just Haven't Met You Yet, which is awesome, but it's mostly covers. They're good, but not amazing. If you like Michael, you'll like the CD. 3/5
Relient K's "Forget and Not Slow Down" is great. Honestly I'd been worried about this release. It feels like RK and I are due for a dud. When I'd heard that this was essentially a CD full of breakup songs I was expecting to dislike it. I bought it anyway. I'm glad I did. Yeah, there are a few melancholy songs that you won't help to lift any mood, there are still great songs that you can listen to whenever you want, single or taken. The sound is great, though occasionally surreal and weird. It might be difficult to put these songs on playlists or in a shuffle since the intros and outtros are almost seamless despite being on different tracks. I still love the CD. 4/5
So, there are my reviews. Hope you enjoyed reading them!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Cabinets, diet, and Mr. Opportunity
I'm helping my parents in the newest diy home improvement project: Refinishing the kitchen cabinets. I'm pretty accustomed to diy stuff, (especially painting, which is a big part of this new project). When we moved into this house I took over the removal of the (hideous, awful, atrocious, evil) wallpaper (from hell) in the master bathroom. In the various times that we've helped friends decorate their homes, I've been my Mummy's assistant decorator, measurement taker, wallpaper remover and ladder climber.
Today's activities got off to a late start, so all we could do was empty the pantry, remove that doors and shelves and finally remove the hardware from the doors. I'm pretty sure that if you give me a screwdriver I can disassemble anything.
We've got a lot of cabinets; upper, lower, island, pantry and wet bar. This will be a long project. I'm kind of looking forward to it.
It never fails that if I think to myself, "Ok, time to cut back on the sugar, stop drinking soda, and maybe loose a few pounds." my mother will buy a boat load of cookies and candy. She'll also load up the fridge with vanilla coke. I'd decided I wanted to drop five pounds, and we've got a fridge filled with sprite and vanilla coke, two types of oreos, cupcakes, inside out junior mints and hagen-dasz ice cream. Maybe I should try to gain five pounds instead. I never mention that I want to eat less sugar, since that would be, you know, too easy. And as the only person in the house who (usually) eats sweets, I fell slightly obligated to consume these goods. Besides, if it's freshly baked, you can't save it for too long before it goes bad, you know? *sigh*
I crossed our entire kitchen to hear the Mr. Opportunity radio commercial. I also left my dad looking confused the other night while we watched tv and Mr. O came on and I got really happy. My Dad just looked at me like I'd lost my mind. My Mom just said, "Rob Paulsen" and that was enough explanation for him, apparently. Really, he ought to have figured that out on his own. =)
Today's activities got off to a late start, so all we could do was empty the pantry, remove that doors and shelves and finally remove the hardware from the doors. I'm pretty sure that if you give me a screwdriver I can disassemble anything.
We've got a lot of cabinets; upper, lower, island, pantry and wet bar. This will be a long project. I'm kind of looking forward to it.
It never fails that if I think to myself, "Ok, time to cut back on the sugar, stop drinking soda, and maybe loose a few pounds." my mother will buy a boat load of cookies and candy. She'll also load up the fridge with vanilla coke. I'd decided I wanted to drop five pounds, and we've got a fridge filled with sprite and vanilla coke, two types of oreos, cupcakes, inside out junior mints and hagen-dasz ice cream. Maybe I should try to gain five pounds instead. I never mention that I want to eat less sugar, since that would be, you know, too easy. And as the only person in the house who (usually) eats sweets, I fell slightly obligated to consume these goods. Besides, if it's freshly baked, you can't save it for too long before it goes bad, you know? *sigh*
I crossed our entire kitchen to hear the Mr. Opportunity radio commercial. I also left my dad looking confused the other night while we watched tv and Mr. O came on and I got really happy. My Dad just looked at me like I'd lost my mind. My Mom just said, "Rob Paulsen" and that was enough explanation for him, apparently. Really, he ought to have figured that out on his own. =)
Thursday, April 09, 2009
How has no one heard of him?
Dear Friend,
(This could be a long story, but I think it's worth reading, so, please, stick with me here.)
I've gotten a new "mania" and his name is Albert Campion. You've probably never heard of him. It's a pity, too. Somehow, despite the obsession with adapting mystery novels into TV shows or movies there's only been one series (two seasons long) with Campion in them. Agatha Christie is done to stinkin' death, but I'd never heard of Margery Allingham until I went nuts over Peter Davison. It all started with the TV series All Creatures Great and Small. I loved the books, and when I saw the show on DVD at the library I picked it up to try it. I liked it, just not as much as my parents, and the one week check out period quickly burned me out on watching it. I liked the characters, Christopher Timothy as James Herriot, Robert Hardy as Siegfried Farnon, and Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon. It was cute, but not that cute.
Frankly, the story would probably have ended here if it hadn't been for the move to Virginia. My family was stuck in an RV for months and we had no friends to visit and no cable to watch. Thankfully, Barnes and Noble had their usual "Buy two get one free" sale just about the time that we couldn't take watching two static filled channels anymore. Normally, I wouldn't look at B&N's DVD selection twice, since their so expensive, but this was appealing. Their shelves are filled with British television, and if there is one thing I love, it's British television! We could only find the first two seasons of ACGAS, but it was enough to get me to pay more attention.
Shortly after that we signed up for Netflix, and got the rest of the series. Looking around Netflix and typing in actors names to see what else they were in brought to my attention, Peter Davison was Dr. Who! I knew very little about Dr. Who, but I knew that was interesting if not impressive. One day, I was watching one of my many "British talkies" as my Dad calls them, and saw a preview for Campion. My Mom and I pointed at the TV and said in unison, "That's Tristan!" I hopped on over to Netflix and put the two seasons in my queue.
I also put the "Last Detective" series on, and love those, too, but I'm not crazy about them. I just mention it because for awhile there, Netflix told me, "You seem to like Peter Davison, why not try... (various Dr. Who discs)" whish I found amusing.
I just want to know why Campion isn't more popular! I realize that not too many fictional detectives achieve rock star status, but if I say Sherlock Holmes and Watson, you know who I'm talking about. You probably know who Hercule Poirot is, too. You may even know Lord Peter Whimsey! But I have yet to find anyone who knows Campion.
I can't even find the books! I went to the used book store that has a huge mystery section that practically smacks you in the face as you enter the front door, but no Campion. (Most mystery sections seem to start and end with "C" for Christie. Such a sad state of affairs.)
How has this happened? Shall I start a campaign for Campion? The world needs more owlish glasses and "people" who would write like this "The main thing to remember in autobiography, I have always thought, is not to let any damned modesty creep in to spoil the story. This adventure is mine, Albert Campion’s, and I am fairly certain that I was pretty near brilliant in it . .." about themselves.
We need more of him, I think, on TV.
"‘His name is Albert Campion,’ she said. ‘He came down in Anne Edgeware’s car, and the first thing he did when he was introduced to me was to show me a conjuring trick with a two-headed penny—he’s quite inoffensive, just a silly ass.’
Abbershaw nodded and stared covertly at the fresh-faced young man with the tow-coloured hair and the foolish, pale-blue eyes behind tortoiseshell—rimmed spectacles, and wondered where he had seen him before."
He doesn't even have a Facebook or Livejournal group, that's just wrong.
Edited to add:
After about an hour searching Youtube this is all I found that had Campion in it... sigh.
(This could be a long story, but I think it's worth reading, so, please, stick with me here.)
I've gotten a new "mania" and his name is Albert Campion. You've probably never heard of him. It's a pity, too. Somehow, despite the obsession with adapting mystery novels into TV shows or movies there's only been one series (two seasons long) with Campion in them. Agatha Christie is done to stinkin' death, but I'd never heard of Margery Allingham until I went nuts over Peter Davison. It all started with the TV series All Creatures Great and Small. I loved the books, and when I saw the show on DVD at the library I picked it up to try it. I liked it, just not as much as my parents, and the one week check out period quickly burned me out on watching it. I liked the characters, Christopher Timothy as James Herriot, Robert Hardy as Siegfried Farnon, and Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon. It was cute, but not that cute.
Frankly, the story would probably have ended here if it hadn't been for the move to Virginia. My family was stuck in an RV for months and we had no friends to visit and no cable to watch. Thankfully, Barnes and Noble had their usual "Buy two get one free" sale just about the time that we couldn't take watching two static filled channels anymore. Normally, I wouldn't look at B&N's DVD selection twice, since their so expensive, but this was appealing. Their shelves are filled with British television, and if there is one thing I love, it's British television! We could only find the first two seasons of ACGAS, but it was enough to get me to pay more attention.
Shortly after that we signed up for Netflix, and got the rest of the series. Looking around Netflix and typing in actors names to see what else they were in brought to my attention, Peter Davison was Dr. Who! I knew very little about Dr. Who, but I knew that was interesting if not impressive. One day, I was watching one of my many "British talkies" as my Dad calls them, and saw a preview for Campion. My Mom and I pointed at the TV and said in unison, "That's Tristan!" I hopped on over to Netflix and put the two seasons in my queue.
I also put the "Last Detective" series on, and love those, too, but I'm not crazy about them. I just mention it because for awhile there, Netflix told me, "You seem to like Peter Davison, why not try... (various Dr. Who discs)" whish I found amusing.
I just want to know why Campion isn't more popular! I realize that not too many fictional detectives achieve rock star status, but if I say Sherlock Holmes and Watson, you know who I'm talking about. You probably know who Hercule Poirot is, too. You may even know Lord Peter Whimsey! But I have yet to find anyone who knows Campion.
I can't even find the books! I went to the used book store that has a huge mystery section that practically smacks you in the face as you enter the front door, but no Campion. (Most mystery sections seem to start and end with "C" for Christie. Such a sad state of affairs.)
How has this happened? Shall I start a campaign for Campion? The world needs more owlish glasses and "people" who would write like this "The main thing to remember in autobiography, I have always thought, is not to let any damned modesty creep in to spoil the story. This adventure is mine, Albert Campion’s, and I am fairly certain that I was pretty near brilliant in it . .." about themselves.
We need more of him, I think, on TV.
"‘His name is Albert Campion,’ she said. ‘He came down in Anne Edgeware’s car, and the first thing he did when he was introduced to me was to show me a conjuring trick with a two-headed penny—he’s quite inoffensive, just a silly ass.’
Abbershaw nodded and stared covertly at the fresh-faced young man with the tow-coloured hair and the foolish, pale-blue eyes behind tortoiseshell—rimmed spectacles, and wondered where he had seen him before."
He doesn't even have a Facebook or Livejournal group, that's just wrong.
Edited to add:
After about an hour searching Youtube this is all I found that had Campion in it... sigh.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A lonely dreamer
Dear friend,
I had a Top Gear dream. Yeah, weird, I know. What happened in this dream was I found myself in a very large arena or something like that, which was beginning to be filled with people who were going to attend some function. I was there alone, and simply sat in an empty area and people watched. The place was very, very grey. It was rather industrial looking, wide and shallow. The seating was rather like very steep bleachers, but you couldn't see under the seats. As more people filter in, I look to my right and see Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond and the Stig. I immediately abandon my seat and walk over to them. I walk past Jeremy, because apparently even in my dreams I dislike the man, and I also bypass the Stig, though I don't know that I'd do that in real life. James May had just walked off to talk to someone else so I stopped in front of Richard Hammond. He, unfortunately, was talking to someone else, and I stood awkwardly nearby waiting for my chance. (I hate when I act in dreams the way I would in life, I hate standing nearby awkwardly, and if my brain is making up the scenario I'd prefer if I didn't do that) As soon as he saw me, Richard said hello, in a tone that was mildly surprised and annoyed at the same time. He still offered to shake my hand, though, and smiled at me. At this point in the dream I realized that I was taller than Richard Hammond. Now, I know the man is small, but I my subconscious must really think he's itty-bitty. I've been trying to find his height at a few sites today, but haven't found it yet. On with the dream, though, I don't remember my small talk with Richard, because I was so distracted by how small he was, but when we finished talking James walked back and shook my hand, too. James seemed tall, and poorly dressed, which is exactly what I expect him to be in real life.
One thing this dream made me realize is that I expect people who meet me to be rather annoyed at my presence. I go through phases like this, and they almost always result in dreams where I meet people and they don't give two figs about me. This brings me to the lonely part of my entry title. I miss making friends. I've lived here in VA long enough that I ought to have a local friend, but I don't. Maybe if I could have found a church I could have made friends, but I just haven't made that connection.
I probably shouldn't have made a deviant art account yesterday. In the mood I'm in, I'll end up turning into a "Love me, love my art, be my FRIEND!!!!" monster, but I'll refrain. *sigh*
I'll stop being so emo now.
OK I love you bye-bye!
P.S. Today's my cat Zoe's 6TH birthday, and tomorrow is Rob Paulsen's 53RD birthday. Sing the birthday song now!
I had a Top Gear dream. Yeah, weird, I know. What happened in this dream was I found myself in a very large arena or something like that, which was beginning to be filled with people who were going to attend some function. I was there alone, and simply sat in an empty area and people watched. The place was very, very grey. It was rather industrial looking, wide and shallow. The seating was rather like very steep bleachers, but you couldn't see under the seats. As more people filter in, I look to my right and see Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond and the Stig. I immediately abandon my seat and walk over to them. I walk past Jeremy, because apparently even in my dreams I dislike the man, and I also bypass the Stig, though I don't know that I'd do that in real life. James May had just walked off to talk to someone else so I stopped in front of Richard Hammond. He, unfortunately, was talking to someone else, and I stood awkwardly nearby waiting for my chance. (I hate when I act in dreams the way I would in life, I hate standing nearby awkwardly, and if my brain is making up the scenario I'd prefer if I didn't do that) As soon as he saw me, Richard said hello, in a tone that was mildly surprised and annoyed at the same time. He still offered to shake my hand, though, and smiled at me. At this point in the dream I realized that I was taller than Richard Hammond. Now, I know the man is small, but I my subconscious must really think he's itty-bitty. I've been trying to find his height at a few sites today, but haven't found it yet. On with the dream, though, I don't remember my small talk with Richard, because I was so distracted by how small he was, but when we finished talking James walked back and shook my hand, too. James seemed tall, and poorly dressed, which is exactly what I expect him to be in real life.
One thing this dream made me realize is that I expect people who meet me to be rather annoyed at my presence. I go through phases like this, and they almost always result in dreams where I meet people and they don't give two figs about me. This brings me to the lonely part of my entry title. I miss making friends. I've lived here in VA long enough that I ought to have a local friend, but I don't. Maybe if I could have found a church I could have made friends, but I just haven't made that connection.
I probably shouldn't have made a deviant art account yesterday. In the mood I'm in, I'll end up turning into a "Love me, love my art, be my FRIEND!!!!" monster, but I'll refrain. *sigh*
I'll stop being so emo now.
OK I love you bye-bye!
P.S. Today's my cat Zoe's 6TH birthday, and tomorrow is Rob Paulsen's 53RD birthday. Sing the birthday song now!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I can't believe it happened again!
Dear friend,
I've just had a birthday and so I'm due for an introspective and retrospective spell. Well, you know what, I'm skipping it this year. I'm tired of looking back at who I was and worrying about who I will be. I do it every blessed year, and I refuse this time. So I've changed, so what! So have you, and everyone else around us. If you don't change in the course of a lifetime why bother living it?
Doesn't seem to matter anyway, I once again was charged the ages 9-12 price at Golden Corral today. Granted, the cashier thought I was 16 or so, and was being generous to my family, but for goodness sake I'm TWENTY-SOMETHING! I eat about as much as your average 12 year old, so I didn't make a fuss.
You know, I really do eat in child sized portions, but I'm a good, healthy (by that I mean not stick thin and not tubby fat) weight. It's all very weird, really. I wear size 8 at Old Navy to give you an idea of my size.
My wonderful brother got me the Freakazoid DVD set, and I'm making them last by watching only one episode a day. So far I've only watched 2. Wait for a boring day, I'll watch all the rest anyway. I watched 5 seasons of Gilmore Girls in less than the time it took ABCFamily to air season 2. I power through DVD sets most of the time.
I made a livejournal, finally. It has the most predictable name for me, so if you're interested in the one post I made there, look me up. I don't know what I'll do with the thing since I'm quite satisfied with my darling blog here. I've considered putting all the nonsense I'm loathe to write here; such as which celebrity guy I'm currently "luving" or random thoughts like "Is Des and Penny's son named Charles Pace Widmore Hume? What a long name for such a small child." or stuff like that. (Aside, spell check tells me Widmore isn't a word, but Hume is, weird.) We'll see if it lasts.
My fanaticism for Rob Paulsen has died down, slightly. I'll never stop luvin' that guy, but I'm no longer watching something involving him or searching him on You Tube everyday. I guess I'm too caught up in LOST right now. I luv Faraday so much. I love that he loves Charlotte, and that he's taking a sort of leading role in what's left of the survivors. By the way, is Sawyer the last living survivor on the island? I think everyone else from 815 that isn't an Other or aspiring to be is dead. Poor Sawyer.
I watched an episode of Top Gear that had two of the dragons (Theo and Peter, both completely rich and partly awesome) from Dragon's Den on and then compounded the awesomeness by giving me Richard Hammond on a gorgeous horse! Richard looked way too small to ride that horse, but still, it was a beautiful hunter. I luv Richard, too; if I didn't like him so much I'm not sure I'd watch that show. Yeah, the guys are all funny, but it's a car show. Most of the things they say about cars sound like "blah, blah, blah, engine, blah , blah, horsepower, blah." by the time my brain processes it. But then they do stupid things like light campers on fire, and drive old cars across Africa and make their own stretch limos and I laugh and laugh and laugh.
I guess I've rambled enough. Stay beautiful, you lovely people!
I've just had a birthday and so I'm due for an introspective and retrospective spell. Well, you know what, I'm skipping it this year. I'm tired of looking back at who I was and worrying about who I will be. I do it every blessed year, and I refuse this time. So I've changed, so what! So have you, and everyone else around us. If you don't change in the course of a lifetime why bother living it?
Doesn't seem to matter anyway, I once again was charged the ages 9-12 price at Golden Corral today. Granted, the cashier thought I was 16 or so, and was being generous to my family, but for goodness sake I'm TWENTY-SOMETHING! I eat about as much as your average 12 year old, so I didn't make a fuss.
You know, I really do eat in child sized portions, but I'm a good, healthy (by that I mean not stick thin and not tubby fat) weight. It's all very weird, really. I wear size 8 at Old Navy to give you an idea of my size.
My wonderful brother got me the Freakazoid DVD set, and I'm making them last by watching only one episode a day. So far I've only watched 2. Wait for a boring day, I'll watch all the rest anyway. I watched 5 seasons of Gilmore Girls in less than the time it took ABCFamily to air season 2. I power through DVD sets most of the time.
I made a livejournal, finally. It has the most predictable name for me, so if you're interested in the one post I made there, look me up. I don't know what I'll do with the thing since I'm quite satisfied with my darling blog here. I've considered putting all the nonsense I'm loathe to write here; such as which celebrity guy I'm currently "luving" or random thoughts like "Is Des and Penny's son named Charles Pace Widmore Hume? What a long name for such a small child." or stuff like that. (Aside, spell check tells me Widmore isn't a word, but Hume is, weird.) We'll see if it lasts.
My fanaticism for Rob Paulsen has died down, slightly. I'll never stop luvin' that guy, but I'm no longer watching something involving him or searching him on You Tube everyday. I guess I'm too caught up in LOST right now. I luv Faraday so much. I love that he loves Charlotte, and that he's taking a sort of leading role in what's left of the survivors. By the way, is Sawyer the last living survivor on the island? I think everyone else from 815 that isn't an Other or aspiring to be is dead. Poor Sawyer.
I watched an episode of Top Gear that had two of the dragons (Theo and Peter, both completely rich and partly awesome) from Dragon's Den on and then compounded the awesomeness by giving me Richard Hammond on a gorgeous horse! Richard looked way too small to ride that horse, but still, it was a beautiful hunter. I luv Richard, too; if I didn't like him so much I'm not sure I'd watch that show. Yeah, the guys are all funny, but it's a car show. Most of the things they say about cars sound like "blah, blah, blah, engine, blah , blah, horsepower, blah." by the time my brain processes it. But then they do stupid things like light campers on fire, and drive old cars across Africa and make their own stretch limos and I laugh and laugh and laugh.
I guess I've rambled enough. Stay beautiful, you lovely people!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Issues
Dear Friend,
I've been just shy of posting something self-pitying on almost every site, forum, board I am signed onto this past week. I don't know, life just seemed so unreasonably empty. I was dealing with personal issues in my head, and then people in my life decided to tell me the problems they had with me on top of it. The fact that I had been attempting to fix that myself didn't help the fact that it was out of left field to hear about it. I have two ways of dealing with this sort of thing: get really angry or cry. As usual, I cried. I was on the verge of tears for two days.
I'm over it.
I do still have one issue I am dealing with. I have finally restored my "trust" in Victoria (which, by the way, is what I named my computer. Yeah, she has a name now) but the internet isn't being very obliging. Before I had the stressful experience of needing to restore everything on my laptop due to a virus I used to spend hours online. I now don't needlessly stress about viruses, but the internet isn't as entertaining as I used to think it was. Seriously, Facebook, blogs, DeviantArt, message boards, Youtube, and even shopping has been so dull this time around.
Yeah, I guess I'm just asking too much.
I have found a new activity. I've discovered a character I can draw. He's a cat. I can tell from these drawings what his personality is like, but I haven't named him yet. Pretty soon I'll learn how to use the scanner and put up a picture of him on here. Maybe DevArt, but I doubt that one. He has just a little ball of a tail. The funniest thing is I know what his voice sounds like. Yeah, cats don't talk, but he's a cartoon cat. In a move that's quite typical of me, he sounds like a Rob Paulsen voice. I, however, can't think of a character Rob has done in this voice that I'm thinking of. Hmm, the research would involve lots of cartoon watching, poor me. I was being sarcastic, if you couldn't tell. Maybe I'll do a comic strip involving him in my spare time. Then again, maybe one day I'll forget all about him. I wonder if I should call him Max. Hmm, no that's not quite him.
I've been just shy of posting something self-pitying on almost every site, forum, board I am signed onto this past week. I don't know, life just seemed so unreasonably empty. I was dealing with personal issues in my head, and then people in my life decided to tell me the problems they had with me on top of it. The fact that I had been attempting to fix that myself didn't help the fact that it was out of left field to hear about it. I have two ways of dealing with this sort of thing: get really angry or cry. As usual, I cried. I was on the verge of tears for two days.
I'm over it.
I do still have one issue I am dealing with. I have finally restored my "trust" in Victoria (which, by the way, is what I named my computer. Yeah, she has a name now) but the internet isn't being very obliging. Before I had the stressful experience of needing to restore everything on my laptop due to a virus I used to spend hours online. I now don't needlessly stress about viruses, but the internet isn't as entertaining as I used to think it was. Seriously, Facebook, blogs, DeviantArt, message boards, Youtube, and even shopping has been so dull this time around.
Yeah, I guess I'm just asking too much.
I have found a new activity. I've discovered a character I can draw. He's a cat. I can tell from these drawings what his personality is like, but I haven't named him yet. Pretty soon I'll learn how to use the scanner and put up a picture of him on here. Maybe DevArt, but I doubt that one. He has just a little ball of a tail. The funniest thing is I know what his voice sounds like. Yeah, cats don't talk, but he's a cartoon cat. In a move that's quite typical of me, he sounds like a Rob Paulsen voice. I, however, can't think of a character Rob has done in this voice that I'm thinking of. Hmm, the research would involve lots of cartoon watching, poor me. I was being sarcastic, if you couldn't tell. Maybe I'll do a comic strip involving him in my spare time. Then again, maybe one day I'll forget all about him. I wonder if I should call him Max. Hmm, no that's not quite him.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I don't obsess, I think intensely
Dear Friend,
Depending on your view of my... how shall I phrase it?... appreciation of a certain actor named Rob Paulsen my next statement could be awesome or sad. I found a Rob Paulsen fan forum! Yay, right? Hey, look at it this way, next time I talk to you I may already have worked the Rob talk out of my system.
Anyway, yeah, I found it through a new friend who had a Rob video on YouTube. I can't tell yet if this is increasing my mania or helping to burn some of my "hobby energy." (Yes, I call it hobby energy, because it's entirely separate from my "real life energy.")
To continue on this subject, I finally saw Three Musketeers with Mickey, Donald and Goofy, where Rob was the Troubadour Turtle. I found it all adorable. I love turtles (in cartoon form, anyway) I love cartoons adding lyrics to well known classic songs, I love goofy, phony french accents, and I love Rob's singing. OK, that's all the things I loved about Rob's character, but I enjoyed the story, too. It is a fairly recent Disney cartoon, but it was still cute. You know, as much as I enjoy Tress McNeile ( I fear I forgot how to spell her name, bad me, I'm a bad fan) I don't like her as Daisy Duck.
LOST is coming back, and I'm looking forward to it. I wasn't this enthusiastic for the 4Th season, since the 3rd season had kind of left me cold, but 4 blew me away. I hope that the show continues in it's awesome-ness like it did last year. I just really hope that Daniel can get back to the island, since being stranded in the middle of the ocean in a raft can't be fun, and I want to see him with Charlotte again. I am spoiler-free, so I don't have a clue what's coming up. In fact, I haven't read any of the messages on the LOST mailing list I belong to for the past month.
Remember when I wrote about my Computer's death? Apparently, I haven't been the only person to suffer from this particular virus/trojan garbage. I also am not the first to "catch" it from Deviant Art. I need, desperately, to figure out what sort of Virus protection to use. I think that this time I have it under control, but I wish I could get a professional to look at my laptop. If you've got a way to contact me, and you know any good programs, feel free to advise. I'll listen.
Depending on your view of my... how shall I phrase it?... appreciation of a certain actor named Rob Paulsen my next statement could be awesome or sad. I found a Rob Paulsen fan forum! Yay, right? Hey, look at it this way, next time I talk to you I may already have worked the Rob talk out of my system.
Anyway, yeah, I found it through a new friend who had a Rob video on YouTube. I can't tell yet if this is increasing my mania or helping to burn some of my "hobby energy." (Yes, I call it hobby energy, because it's entirely separate from my "real life energy.")
To continue on this subject, I finally saw Three Musketeers with Mickey, Donald and Goofy, where Rob was the Troubadour Turtle. I found it all adorable. I love turtles (in cartoon form, anyway) I love cartoons adding lyrics to well known classic songs, I love goofy, phony french accents, and I love Rob's singing. OK, that's all the things I loved about Rob's character, but I enjoyed the story, too. It is a fairly recent Disney cartoon, but it was still cute. You know, as much as I enjoy Tress McNeile ( I fear I forgot how to spell her name, bad me, I'm a bad fan) I don't like her as Daisy Duck.
LOST is coming back, and I'm looking forward to it. I wasn't this enthusiastic for the 4Th season, since the 3rd season had kind of left me cold, but 4 blew me away. I hope that the show continues in it's awesome-ness like it did last year. I just really hope that Daniel can get back to the island, since being stranded in the middle of the ocean in a raft can't be fun, and I want to see him with Charlotte again. I am spoiler-free, so I don't have a clue what's coming up. In fact, I haven't read any of the messages on the LOST mailing list I belong to for the past month.
Remember when I wrote about my Computer's death? Apparently, I haven't been the only person to suffer from this particular virus/trojan garbage. I also am not the first to "catch" it from Deviant Art. I need, desperately, to figure out what sort of Virus protection to use. I think that this time I have it under control, but I wish I could get a professional to look at my laptop. If you've got a way to contact me, and you know any good programs, feel free to advise. I'll listen.
Monday, September 22, 2008
I threw my hands victoriously in the air at this result!
Your result for The Classic Dames Test...
Rosalind Russell
You scored 21% grit, 52% wit, 24% flair, and 10% class!
You are one wise-cracking lady, always quick with a clever remark and easily able to keep up with the quips and puns that come along with the nutty situations you find yourself in. You're usually able to talk your way out of any jam, and even if you can't, you at least make it more interesting with your biting wit. You can match the smartest guy around line for line, and you've got an open mind that allows you to get what you want, even if you don't recognize it at first. Your leading men include Cary Grant and Clark Gable, men who can keep up with you.
Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the
Classic Leading Man Test.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Oboes aren't loud, they're expressive
Dear friend,
I saw two movies today, neither of them high on my "Oh, let's go see that!" list. I went to the theatre with my whole family to see Hancock. It was an OK movie. I would give it 2.5 stars out of 5. The biggest problem for me was that it was like the studio had the beginning of one superhero movie and then end of another and decided to stick them together and call it a day. I liked the beginning. I didn't care for the end.
The other movie I watched was Cloverfield. I had read so many reviews saying it was good that I was just curious enough to see it. J.J. Abrams association with it, and the previews similarity to the first scene we hear the Monster on LOST didn't hurt either. They were right, it is a good movie, but it's hard to enjoy. I don't like being on the edge of my seat like that. Suspense isn't high on my list of favorite things. I couldn't quite tear my eyes away, though, excepting the really bloody parts, of course.
To counteract the freaky-ness that was Cloverfield, I'm watching the Fairy Tale Theatre DVD of The Three Little Pigs. That explains the title of this post. Buck Wolf is the greatest role Jeff Goldblum ever had. Well, in my opinion it is. I wonder what his opinion of that statement would be. "If you're lying to me I'll come back and chew on your face."
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy 4th of July! Did it rain for you too?
Dear friend,
How was your holiday? Mine was low-key. I didn't go anywhere, didn't do anything and didn't mind it at all. It rained, great, grand thunderstorm which sent a few toads and turtles trekking across our yard. Honestly, I didn't miss not seeing fireworks. I can't really remember the last time I went to see fireworks. The last house we lived in all I had to do was stand on the front porch and I could see a few different shows from the city. Yes, the display was tiny, and silent, but I didn't mind that.
I'm in the middle of a marathon of The Office. I got the first disc of the 2nd season set from Netflix yesterday. I watched all of it last night. All of it; I mean that, episodes, commentary, deleted scenes; EVERYTHING! I didn't intend to. I wanted to make it last a few days. The show is so funny, the cast is great and it's hard to stop watching once you start. I just love Jim and Pam. And if you recall I'm oddly fascinated by Steve Carell. Michael Scott is cringeworthy, yet endearing. But mostly cringeworthy.
Right now I'm watching my season 1 DVD, which due to my favorite Barnes and Noble "Buy two get one free" sale I didn't pay a penny for, mainly because it's the only season that Steve does commentary for. Go back and make sure you can understand that sentence, it's like two in one, and I want to be sure I'm coherent.
I am also slowly going through a re-watch of LOST. I didn't remember season one being so stunningly beautiful. I love the cinematography and just filming on Hawaii has got to make it easy to make this show pretty. So, I guess all I like about LOST is the cinematography, the writing, the cast and the music. Yeah, not much really. OK, yes, that was a tad sarcastic.
Yeah, so to sum up, I've had a relaxed holiday and I'm obsessed with the office, plus LOST is awesome. Guess that covers it.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
You know who was pretty? Grace Kelly
Dear friend,
I've just endured some ribbing from my dearly loved brother about the fact that I don't really notice if girls are cute or not. I really don't. Unless someone is strikingly beautiful, I don't notice it. There is also the factor that I have a tendency to like odd looking faces, male or female, so I'm hesitant to call someone pretty. Pretty people aren't always the most interesting people to look at, in my weird opinion.
However, when I think of pretty or downright beautiful women, I think of Grace Kelly. Princess Grace to me was the embodiment of Hollywood beauty and glamour. She was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.
I also am a fan of Audrey Hepburn. I don't actually tend to think she was that beautiful, but she had very appealing looks. And the woman could wear clothes and make them look amazing. One of my favorite Hepburn moments is the Ascot scene in My Fair Lady. There's also an amazingly beautiful dress she wears in Sabrina.
Clothes tend to be, for some odd reason, a major factor in how attractive I consider women. Apparently if you can make custom clothes for some woman, I'll think she looks great. OK, possibly not to that extreme. Although, I definitely like looking at Susan from Chronicles of Narnia though I don't consider Anna Popplewell to be very attractive. So, maybe it is to that extreme.
The last woman I stopped and thought looked really pretty was Anne Hathaway in Get Smart. I also thought that Aishwarya Rai of Bride and Prejudice was extremely pretty. Actually, Bride and Prejudice had a lot of pretty cast members. Leona Lewis is pretty, even if I am sick of Bleeding Love. Halle Berry is pretty.
There are a lot of pretty women, I just don't tend to notice them. I think it may relate also to the fact that I don't tend to think people are that attractive at first sight. I relate behavior and demeanor very closely to beauty. To me, if you act ugly, you are ugly; therefore, I will wait to see who you are before I decide how you look.
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