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)

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!

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

Princess and the Frog

Dear Friend,
I saw Princess and the Frog today. Now, let me preface this by saying I wasn't especially looking forward to this film. Frankly, I was torn. As an animation fan, and one who loves hand drawn animation in particular (though Pixar has won my heart even with it's computer animation) I was pleased to see Disney returning to it. (Whoever bought into the piece of garbage lie that "audiences only want to watch computer animation" was a moron.) But on the other hand, the film was set in New Orleans and was proving to be filled with Voodoo. I've got a big enough issue with generic "magic" in movies, but Voodoo is a little too real for me, you know? On top of that, there was the issue with making Tiana black, and all sorts of people complaining about whatever they could find to complain about there. But that's a long story I don't feel like going into.

Anyway, friend, I wasn't expecting much from this movie. On top of that, I had been in a very bad mood and that made me extremely cynical and critical when I sat down in the theater. In fact, I hated the previews before the movie, except for the Toy Story 3 preview (I'm so there!) and the Disney Nature Oceans preview. (Side note, this bad mood has affected me in a way that I am crying at the drop of a hat, so I teared up at both of those previews. At the beginning of the TS3 trailer, with the sad song, and at the "I am wonderful" song part of Oceans. I sometimes hate being weepy.)

So, most people know the premise of this story. A prince winds up being turned into a frog by some evil, magical person and needs a princess to kiss him and break the spell. Well, in this version, the prince in question, Prince Naveen, is actually a self-centered, cocky, good for nothing who winds up in the "clutches" of a Voodoo "magician" named Dr. Facilier. (I may have misspelled that, but look at the name, who wouldn't misspell it?) And the "Princess," Tiana, isn't a princess, but she's a waitress who wants to own her own restaurant. Through a slight mix up, Naveen gets Tiana to kiss him, trying to break the spell. Instead, they both end up as frogs.

There, you know the premise. As it's not my personal policy to give away spoilers in my reviews, that's all you get.
After all, I enjoyed the movie. It lifted my horrendous mood a little. I think it was all I needed. I do take slight issue with one of the "good guys" also did voodoo, but that's probably just another instance of Disney being politically correct or what not. I honestly expected the firefly character, Ray, to be something of an annoying stereotype that I would hate. Imagine my surprise to end up loving the character and finding him amazingly inspirational. Trying not to spoil anything, his storyline just about made me cry, and left a bigger impression on me than the A plot. Not to belittle the A plot, I did like Naveen and Tiana. Naveen may be one of my favorite Disney male leads. (Not that he has a heck of a lot of competition. I can think of Prince Phillip and Tramp... yeah, that's it.) Tiana is a good character, too, and surprisingly her spoiled, rich friend Charlotte is a great character. "Lottie" was one of the funniest parts of the movie.

As for the fact that the leads in the film are black, I was glad to see an animated girl with dark, curly hair. I never quite "got" what girls were talking about when they said they were glad to finally have a Disney Princess who looked like them. Probably because I can't imagine the day that they draw a Biracial princess. But sitting in the theater and just realizing that she had curly hair I felt like I liked her more. Silly? Maybe, but undeniably true. There was really only one moment in the film where Tiana's race was made an issue of, and it, apparently, is a blink and you'll miss it sort of thing. As for where Naveen's kingdom of "Maldonea" could possibly be, who knows.

I wasn't too impressed with the music, which isn't great for a Disney film. It wasn't bad music, but there wasn't an earworm in the bunch. I can't remember the tune for a single song from it right now. I did enjoy the song in the credits, though I don't know if I'd admit it out loud, just online.

I loved the look of the film, too. Especially in the song "Almost There." If they had made the whole film look like that I think I would have still liked it. Probably too stylized for an entire movie, though. I though there were a few breathtaking shots, I'll admit.

In the end, I enjoyed it. It wasn't Disney's greatest film, but it was certainly worth watching.

Weird idea

Dear Friend,
I was out shopping today, grocery shopping and the like, and caught a reflection of myself in one of the freezer case doors. I realized that my pants would make a perfect start to a Yakko costume! They're wide-leg khakis that require me to not only wear a belt to keep them up, but also require high heel shoes to keep them from dragging on the ground. I figure all I need is a black shirt and some white gloves. Can't be too hard to find, right? And if I really want to go for it, I could make some ears.
It might be awesome!
Should I do it?

Dreaming again

I know I said I was leaving the computer, but I remembered a dream I had last night.

I was with Richard Hammond, from Top Gear. (He was still shorter than me, maybe about 5'3" like the last dream I had of him.) We were out in a very green field and he was filming some sort of segment for some show. I was walking with him, but some creature, about as big as a medium sized dog, starts to follow both of us. I glance back and it and get nervous, and try to speed up to get away, and it chases me. Richard grabs it and pulls it away from me, but it won't leave me alone. At one point it sticks it's nose in my back, close to my arm pit and Richard tells it "Keep off of my people." Then, he says to the camera "We'll just let it exhaust itself and then devour it."
The next thing I know in the dream, I'm walking through some trees and there are these small, bug like things dangling from them, on really thin strands that you can hardly see. I dodge them as well as I can, but one gets in my bangs. I turn around and see Richard, with a camera filming me walking. He beckons me back to him and takes the bug out of my hair.

Now, the weirdest part is that when I woke up, I felt this impression that the dream was God saying he was essentially protecting me from things. Sort of like I don't need to be so worked up about these problems because I have Someone to deal with them along with me.

How Richard "Hamster" Hammond works out to be God or Jesus, I have no idea. Maybe my interpretation was a reach, or I had that man on the brain. It happens. Sometimes.

Random song lyrics, for a reason

Dear Friend,
Here's a few lyrics that ring true to me lately. Enjoy.

I'm finally catching onto it
Yeah the past is just a conduit
And the light there at the end is where I'll be.
- Up and Up, Relient K (It's a journey)

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden.
- The Lining is Silver, Relient K (Eternal optimist, that's what I am)

I know who I am
I am Yours
And Jesus you are mine!
- I Know Who I Am, Israel and New Breed (Need I say more?)

Listen to the music of the moment
Dance and sing
We're just one big family
And it's our God intended right to be loved
- I'm Yours, Jason Mraz (sometimes Mr.AZ gets it right)

As you push it up through the soil I'll shake your filthy hand
You may be dead to me but that don't mean we can't be friends
- Fallen Man, Relient K (slightly macabre, but I get it)

Life is Good
Eternal life is better
- Life is Good, Stellar Kart (simple, and to the point)

I'm in repair
I'm not together
But I'm getting there
- In Repair, John Mayer (love that dude's lyrics)

No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good.
- Heart of Life, John Mayer (there's that optimist streak again)

I want to start it over
I want to start again
I want a new beginning
One without and end.
- Something Beautiful, Newsboys (One of my favorite songs)


That's enough for tonight. *Mmwah!* Goodnight everybody! (and that is the influence of too much Animaniacs, gotta love Yakko)

Dreaming

Dear friend,
I'd forgotten how very dull and low life is in the "in-between times". Those times when you don't have anything pressing to do can be as depressing as they are freeing. I don't know what to do with myself, despite an abundance of required tasks around me. I know this too will pass, but I'm living in the right now, dang it!
I had a sort of realization last night. I want to be in a "Roger and Anita Radcliffe" situation. One of my favorite movies is Disney's 101 Dalmatians. (If you have even a slight interest in animation that film is amazing. The Xerox machine changed animation forever! And the design is captivatingly attractive) The dog's owners were recently married and wonderful together. The moment that sticks into my mind is the scene in which Roger is composing the tune that would ultimately be "Cruella DeVille" and make him a load of money. At this moment in the film, though, he's just upstairs making music. As he comes downstairs the couple has cute banter about the song until the villain arrives at the door. Roger makes fun of the approaching visitor with his new song, as he makes his exit. After Cruella leaves he reemerges from his "studio" still teasing in song. The couple dances and as his song ends the two share a "married moment." You just know that these two love each other, even though they tease and joke, they each take such games as good-naturedly as it is meant. Somehow that animated, fictional couple rings true to my heart.
Another animated couple dear to my heart is "Jim Dear and Darling" from Lady and the Tramp, but I don't think I'll go into detail for that tonight.
In more real, right now news, I've got a Wii Fit. I'm rather dedicated to this little workout program. It has me doing (light) exercise every day for the past week. That's no small accomplishment for lazy little me. I rather like the hula hoop game.

Now that that's all out of my mind...
Goodnight, friend!

Can we focus on the good things now?

Dear Friend,
I just want to write and encourage everyone to forget, if only for a moment, the worries and cares and problems we're all going through. Find something that makes you smile, something that for at least a moment makes you truly happy. Even the sound of rain on the roof, the sight of a pretty flower, the taste of your favorite dessert, feel of a fluffy cat, the smell of your favorite perfume can do wonders for a mood. Thank God for the small wonders in life. He gave them to us for a reason. He paid attention to the tiniest details, and we should take time to notice them. Counting small blessings can add up to big gladness.
Yes, there are problems with this world, big ones. But there are also many, many beautiful things that can go unnoticed as we worry. No, focusing on something else won't make everything that's wrong suddenly right, but maybe it can give us inspiration to fix what we can. I dare you to try.