Dear Friend,
Would you believe that for awhile, particularly when I was in middle school and beginning high school, I was convinced that any movie made before I was born wasn't worth my time? And heaven forbid it wasn't in color! I'm sorry to admit that, yes, I was that foolish at one time. (I didn't even think about the fact that all those Disney movies I loved so much were made before I was even thought of, illogical thing that I was.)
My Dad has always been a fan of movies, old or new, and I think he probably prefers films to television. He was a big influence for me to give old movies a shot. Dad always has a copy of a fairly recent Leonard Maltin movie book. I've been known to just flip through those books at random, just to read a quick plot synopsis and on occasion a cast list. Dad's also got a pretty sizable collection of DVDs on hand (though not as big as mine...), being a fan of the $5 or $1 DVD bins in supermarkets. He sometimes finds some gems in there, amazingly enough. He introduced me to the Marx Brothers who I found hilarious, despite the lack of hue on the screen.
But I think the most encouraging part my Dad has played in my becoming a fan of classic films is that he's almost always willing to watch a movie with me. Sure, there are movies that are decidedly "Mom and Me" movies, like romantic comedies, but most of the other films I want to see whether an animated family film, exciting sci-fi, or critically acclaimed classic or more recently silent slapstick I know that if I want to watch with someone else, Dad will most likely be up for it.
So, now that I'm a hopeless fan of classic films, who literally turns on the Turner Classic Movies channel every single day, I can blame my Dad. Or should that be Thank my Dad?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Unexplainable Attraction
Dear Friend,
Some people don't photograph well. This is, for the most part, an established fact. No matter who you ask, they will probably admit that some people are not done a justice with a simple picture. There have been theories that these people lose some of their visual appeal because unlike a normal human being with two eyes, cameras only have one "eye" or focal point, and therefore lose perspective and depth. This, therefore, is the missing "something" that renders a relatively attractive person plain or unattractive in a photograph.
I don't exactly agree with that theory. If that were the case, a video filmed by a camera with only one lens would also fail to capture their attraction.
I'm more inclined to say that part of what makes a person attractive is more than their mere looks. Movement and action combine with looks to make a person beautiful. Yes, there are some absolutely stunning and beautiful people who look amazing in a still photograph, there's no argument to that. Some people, though, are absolutely brilliant to see when they move and a still picture will never be able to capture that quality.
I've had this theory for years, but never took time to think about it until recently. I have three examples. The men I will write about in this entry are all very interesting to watch, but I don't think that photographs do them justice.
Some people don't photograph well. This is, for the most part, an established fact. No matter who you ask, they will probably admit that some people are not done a justice with a simple picture. There have been theories that these people lose some of their visual appeal because unlike a normal human being with two eyes, cameras only have one "eye" or focal point, and therefore lose perspective and depth. This, therefore, is the missing "something" that renders a relatively attractive person plain or unattractive in a photograph.
I don't exactly agree with that theory. If that were the case, a video filmed by a camera with only one lens would also fail to capture their attraction.
I'm more inclined to say that part of what makes a person attractive is more than their mere looks. Movement and action combine with looks to make a person beautiful. Yes, there are some absolutely stunning and beautiful people who look amazing in a still photograph, there's no argument to that. Some people, though, are absolutely brilliant to see when they move and a still picture will never be able to capture that quality.
I've had this theory for years, but never took time to think about it until recently. I have three examples. The men I will write about in this entry are all very interesting to watch, but I don't think that photographs do them justice.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
A little bit more?
Dear Friend,
I've got the weirdest desire to write a screenplay. Not just any screenplay, either, no I have a desire to write a musical! Let's face it, if I'm going to write a screenplay, I may as well write something fun, ridiculous and altogether absurd. If there is any sort of scripted program more fun, ridiculous and absurd than a musical then I don't know what it is. The logic is sound!
I'm not the sort of writer who does "screenplays." I write stories, with description, proper (as far as I can get it) grammar, and I use quotation marks to denote speech. I don't even have any desire to anyone to produce a screenplay that I write. Mostly I want to do it because I want to be able to say that I have. I'd write it, never edit it and share it with friends.
The same people who run National Novel Writing Month each November also run Script Frenzy each April. While I have taken part in "NaNoWriMo" as they call it (won two years in a row, baby!) I haven't ever considered doing Script Frenzy before. It's possible that I was not able to come up with a plot idea for Script Frenzy so "soon" after concentrating on a novel length plot in November, but it's also possible that I just didn't want to write a script.
That all changed, however, when I realized that every song I love is pretty strongly associated with a story in my head. My mental music videos could easily all be meshed into a single plot-line with some creative thinking on my part. Combine this with my love for old movie musicals and an idea seed is planted in the fertile ground of my mind.
So, will I abandon all inhibitions and settle down to write 100 pages of screenplay next month? I can't decide yet. I've been having a rough time of it emotionally this past week, and honestly I was going to try to do something in my life other than sit down with my laptop, making clacking noises with my fingers on the keyboard. I just still don't really know how to do that. Still, when meeting new people they inevitably ask you what you do, and rather than staring blankly at them, making them very uncomfortable I could instead tell them I'm writing a movie script, and then let it drop into the conversation that I've written two novels. The sad thing is that the next question would be if I've had anything published, and the answer is decidedly no. But hey, I'm working on it, right? That's got to count for something.
I've got the weirdest desire to write a screenplay. Not just any screenplay, either, no I have a desire to write a musical! Let's face it, if I'm going to write a screenplay, I may as well write something fun, ridiculous and altogether absurd. If there is any sort of scripted program more fun, ridiculous and absurd than a musical then I don't know what it is. The logic is sound!
I'm not the sort of writer who does "screenplays." I write stories, with description, proper (as far as I can get it) grammar, and I use quotation marks to denote speech. I don't even have any desire to anyone to produce a screenplay that I write. Mostly I want to do it because I want to be able to say that I have. I'd write it, never edit it and share it with friends.
The same people who run National Novel Writing Month each November also run Script Frenzy each April. While I have taken part in "NaNoWriMo" as they call it (won two years in a row, baby!) I haven't ever considered doing Script Frenzy before. It's possible that I was not able to come up with a plot idea for Script Frenzy so "soon" after concentrating on a novel length plot in November, but it's also possible that I just didn't want to write a script.
That all changed, however, when I realized that every song I love is pretty strongly associated with a story in my head. My mental music videos could easily all be meshed into a single plot-line with some creative thinking on my part. Combine this with my love for old movie musicals and an idea seed is planted in the fertile ground of my mind.
So, will I abandon all inhibitions and settle down to write 100 pages of screenplay next month? I can't decide yet. I've been having a rough time of it emotionally this past week, and honestly I was going to try to do something in my life other than sit down with my laptop, making clacking noises with my fingers on the keyboard. I just still don't really know how to do that. Still, when meeting new people they inevitably ask you what you do, and rather than staring blankly at them, making them very uncomfortable I could instead tell them I'm writing a movie script, and then let it drop into the conversation that I've written two novels. The sad thing is that the next question would be if I've had anything published, and the answer is decidedly no. But hey, I'm working on it, right? That's got to count for something.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Spring Cleaning?
Dear Friend,
Despite the drop in temperature today, I feel that lovely feeling of Spring. I know it's still only February, and the weather can still throw us a few cold and uncomfortable days, I know that soon it will warm up, flowers will bloom and trees will be green again.
Unfortunately, that also means that bugs will return, crawling through the house and flying at the windows, driving me to distraction.
One thing I've never really "gotten" about this time of year is Spring Cleaning. Yes, I understand that it is generally a time that people can open windows and air out the house, change seasonal wardrobes and generally a good occasion for making things tidy, I get that. What I don't get is why Spring, exactly? No matter where you are, what the weather is like, the tradition is Spring Cleaning.
Spring Cleaning has never been my favorite task. I wouldn't call myself a slob, exactly, but I tend to be on the, let's say relaxed spectrum of cleaners. I keep my workspace very tidy, but otherwise I won't cringe at the sight of a little dust. The idea of going through my things and organizing them isn't palatable.
For this reason, I'm almost alarmed at my actions for the past week. I've been going through everything from my Netflix queue to my followed Twitter accounts and "pruning." I think every set of lists and links that I have has been significantly cut down this week. And the urge to minimize has not been satisfied yet. I imagine in the next few days I will resort to pulling out entire drawers and storage bins and chucking possessions willy-nilly.
This is not like me. I'm the woman who has toys that I can't bear to give up scattered about her room, to the extent that small children think I'm about twelve years old. I have shirts that I got when I was ten. (Very few, possibly two, and they were very large for me then) I have two dresser and two closets, for heaven's sake!
The only time that I've ever noticed people ridding themselves of possessions to this level has normally been before moving. I'm not moving, am I? I'm almost afraid that my spirit or subconscious are subtly telling me that something is about to change. I don't feel like anything is about to change, and in a way that worries me. Change always comes when you least expect it.
Does my wondering about change qualify as expecting it, therefore meaning that nothing will change? Hmm...
Despite the drop in temperature today, I feel that lovely feeling of Spring. I know it's still only February, and the weather can still throw us a few cold and uncomfortable days, I know that soon it will warm up, flowers will bloom and trees will be green again.
Unfortunately, that also means that bugs will return, crawling through the house and flying at the windows, driving me to distraction.
One thing I've never really "gotten" about this time of year is Spring Cleaning. Yes, I understand that it is generally a time that people can open windows and air out the house, change seasonal wardrobes and generally a good occasion for making things tidy, I get that. What I don't get is why Spring, exactly? No matter where you are, what the weather is like, the tradition is Spring Cleaning.
Spring Cleaning has never been my favorite task. I wouldn't call myself a slob, exactly, but I tend to be on the, let's say relaxed spectrum of cleaners. I keep my workspace very tidy, but otherwise I won't cringe at the sight of a little dust. The idea of going through my things and organizing them isn't palatable.
For this reason, I'm almost alarmed at my actions for the past week. I've been going through everything from my Netflix queue to my followed Twitter accounts and "pruning." I think every set of lists and links that I have has been significantly cut down this week. And the urge to minimize has not been satisfied yet. I imagine in the next few days I will resort to pulling out entire drawers and storage bins and chucking possessions willy-nilly.
This is not like me. I'm the woman who has toys that I can't bear to give up scattered about her room, to the extent that small children think I'm about twelve years old. I have shirts that I got when I was ten. (Very few, possibly two, and they were very large for me then) I have two dresser and two closets, for heaven's sake!
The only time that I've ever noticed people ridding themselves of possessions to this level has normally been before moving. I'm not moving, am I? I'm almost afraid that my spirit or subconscious are subtly telling me that something is about to change. I don't feel like anything is about to change, and in a way that worries me. Change always comes when you least expect it.
Does my wondering about change qualify as expecting it, therefore meaning that nothing will change? Hmm...
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Blog title change, here's why
Dear Friend,
If you are particularly observant, you may notice that the official name of this blog has changed from "Letter to You, My Friend" to simply "Dear Friend." I've been addressing my blog entries Dear Friend for years, and may not have given a thorough explanation of why I do. If you are, as I said before, particularly observant you probably noticed various references to You've Got Mail around the blog. I have, on the top right column of the page, a quote from that movie, and my tags list is under the heading "Fox Books" which was the book store owned by the character played by Tom Hanks. My links list may prove more difficult to understand, though, since it's not from You've Got Mail, it's from The Shop Around the Corner, the movie that inspired You've Got Mail. Also, instead of listing followers and friends I have "Box 237" which was the post office box number in In the Good Old Summertime.
Those movies are the reason that I begin my blog entries with "Dear Friend." A plot that despite being done three times over on film still touches my heart each and every time. In each of these movies two people begin corresponding, either through letters or e-mail, and feel a strong connection, building up to love, with each other; while at the same time, they work with or interact with each other in their everyday lives and don't get along. They don't know that the same person that lifts their spirits with their letters is the same person who drives them crazy.
The first film, The Shop Around the Corner with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, is set in Budapest Hungary and the main characters work in a leather goods shop. In the second, In the Good Old Summertime with Judy Garland and Van Johnson, is a period film and in a way a musical with the characters working in a music store. The third, You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, is set in New York and instead of the characters working together, they are rivals in the book business. Each film has its own setting, feel and situation, but the plot, and heart, are the same.
One of the elements that is shared by each film is the fact that each letter sent is begun "Dear Friend." I love that touch. I am enchanted by the possibility that two people can get to know and love each other through letters. It almost seems like an idealistic fantasy, which could almost be a little of the point since the characters originally don't get along in person.
Another aspect of these films that I like is how these films illustrate that your impression of another person can be wrong. You can disagree with them but that shouldn't be the basis of how you think of them in every other aspect of their lives. Most of the time the characters met and initially liked each other, but somehow got on each others wrong side. It's nice to watch people take a second look at what they thought they knew and reevaluate it.
So there you have it, the reason I begin all of my notes to you with "Dear Friend." I've seen these movies so many times that it rubbed off on me. I can definitely recommend that you see each one of them. (My personal favorite of the trio is Shop Around the Corner)
If you are particularly observant, you may notice that the official name of this blog has changed from "Letter to You, My Friend" to simply "Dear Friend." I've been addressing my blog entries Dear Friend for years, and may not have given a thorough explanation of why I do. If you are, as I said before, particularly observant you probably noticed various references to You've Got Mail around the blog. I have, on the top right column of the page, a quote from that movie, and my tags list is under the heading "Fox Books" which was the book store owned by the character played by Tom Hanks. My links list may prove more difficult to understand, though, since it's not from You've Got Mail, it's from The Shop Around the Corner, the movie that inspired You've Got Mail. Also, instead of listing followers and friends I have "Box 237" which was the post office box number in In the Good Old Summertime.
Those movies are the reason that I begin my blog entries with "Dear Friend." A plot that despite being done three times over on film still touches my heart each and every time. In each of these movies two people begin corresponding, either through letters or e-mail, and feel a strong connection, building up to love, with each other; while at the same time, they work with or interact with each other in their everyday lives and don't get along. They don't know that the same person that lifts their spirits with their letters is the same person who drives them crazy.
The first film, The Shop Around the Corner with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, is set in Budapest Hungary and the main characters work in a leather goods shop. In the second, In the Good Old Summertime with Judy Garland and Van Johnson, is a period film and in a way a musical with the characters working in a music store. The third, You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, is set in New York and instead of the characters working together, they are rivals in the book business. Each film has its own setting, feel and situation, but the plot, and heart, are the same.
One of the elements that is shared by each film is the fact that each letter sent is begun "Dear Friend." I love that touch. I am enchanted by the possibility that two people can get to know and love each other through letters. It almost seems like an idealistic fantasy, which could almost be a little of the point since the characters originally don't get along in person.
Another aspect of these films that I like is how these films illustrate that your impression of another person can be wrong. You can disagree with them but that shouldn't be the basis of how you think of them in every other aspect of their lives. Most of the time the characters met and initially liked each other, but somehow got on each others wrong side. It's nice to watch people take a second look at what they thought they knew and reevaluate it.
So there you have it, the reason I begin all of my notes to you with "Dear Friend." I've seen these movies so many times that it rubbed off on me. I can definitely recommend that you see each one of them. (My personal favorite of the trio is Shop Around the Corner)
Sunday, February 06, 2011
The Art of Being Friendless
Dear Friend,
I find it extremely ironic to begin a message about being without any friends with "Dear Friend," but that is how I begin all of my entries, so there it is.
I've been living in Virginia for over four years now, and I don't have a single friend here. I don't even have acquaintances. I realize it can only be my fault, that it takes a special sort of hermit-like person to go that long without forming any type of bond with another human being. The problem is I have no clue how one goes about making friends. I came to the realization one day that every friendship I ever had was practically placed in my lap. I've had to put in the effort to maintain certain friendships, but it has never been an effort to make them. That isn't normal, is it?
I keep in contact with people who I used to be friends with, but it never is quite the same, talking through e-mail or Facebook, as it was speaking face to face. Conversations always become shorter as time goes on, and each of our lives get a little farther apart, no matter how hard I try.
I'm not complaining, exactly, I'm an air force brat, I'm used to leaving friends behind. I'm an introvert, I prefer to spend a certain amount of time alone to recharge. I'm simply beginning to think... I've overdone it.
There is an art to being friendless. I think I've got a good handle on it. I'd like to try life the other way, though, for awhile.
I find it extremely ironic to begin a message about being without any friends with "Dear Friend," but that is how I begin all of my entries, so there it is.
I've been living in Virginia for over four years now, and I don't have a single friend here. I don't even have acquaintances. I realize it can only be my fault, that it takes a special sort of hermit-like person to go that long without forming any type of bond with another human being. The problem is I have no clue how one goes about making friends. I came to the realization one day that every friendship I ever had was practically placed in my lap. I've had to put in the effort to maintain certain friendships, but it has never been an effort to make them. That isn't normal, is it?
I keep in contact with people who I used to be friends with, but it never is quite the same, talking through e-mail or Facebook, as it was speaking face to face. Conversations always become shorter as time goes on, and each of our lives get a little farther apart, no matter how hard I try.
I'm not complaining, exactly, I'm an air force brat, I'm used to leaving friends behind. I'm an introvert, I prefer to spend a certain amount of time alone to recharge. I'm simply beginning to think... I've overdone it.
There is an art to being friendless. I think I've got a good handle on it. I'd like to try life the other way, though, for awhile.
Friday, January 28, 2011
That Voice!
Dear friend,
It has been a very "Frankie" week for me. I'm not complaining at all.
I don't have a celebrity crush on Frank Sinatra, mind you. This isn't a case of "protesting too much," I just want to clear that up. A few years ago my Dad was under the impression that I had a crush on Cary Grant, when I didn't. This is the same sort of thing; I love them, but I don't love them. (I do have a silly, little crush on a member of the Rat Pack, but it isn't Frank, and I'm not telling you who it is, so don't ask)
Anyway, as I said, it's been a very Frankie sort of week for me. Turner Classic Movies aired a movie called the Kissing Bandit, which I just had to watch, since Frank was in it. I have a fondness for Frank's early movies, ones where he played a lovable dork who was so nervous around women that he had no idea what to do. He was such a little, skinny, silly looking dude that the roles fit him very well. In my opinion, the only thing this movie had going for it was Frank. It was silly, beyond the point of being able to be taken seriously. The costumes were ridiculous, so much so that I burst into laughter at the sight of some of them. Frank didn't sing nearly enough, either. Still, I enjoyed watching it.
A few other Frank movies were on but I, unfortunately, didn't catch all the way through. I did, as I mentioned at the end of my birthday post, watched Ocean's 11. I got it out of curiosity about the Rat Pack. I enjoyed the movie, enough to look past it's ridiculousness. (And like I said, I now have a crush on someone in the Rat Pack. Just for fun, use the process of elimination, it's not Dean or Sammy, either.)
The day after my birthday, I used some of my abundant supply of itunes money to buy a few "Essential" albums by Frank and Dean Martin. I love them both. I don't know why it had taken me so long to get actual CDs from either of these two amazing singers, instead of picking up a song by them here or there.
My brother and my sister-in-law sent me a few musicals on DVD as birthday presents. They sent me Singing in the Rain and Guys and Dolls. The smile on my face as I opened the package was considerable. I love both of these movies but had never gotten around to buying either one. As I write, I'm gleefully watching Guys and Dolls, enjoying the fact that Nathan Detroit, and so many others, aren't using contractions. Or should I say, are not using contractions.
I used to love those cartoons making fun of his screaming and swooning fans. They were really my first indication that Sinatra existed. Perhaps they were a strong influence on me, since I consider myself something of a Frank Sinatra fangirl. I was amused to learn that some of those screaming fans were actresses hired and paid to make him seem more popular.
I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing that man sing. It's been an enjoyable week.
It has been a very "Frankie" week for me. I'm not complaining at all.
I don't have a celebrity crush on Frank Sinatra, mind you. This isn't a case of "protesting too much," I just want to clear that up. A few years ago my Dad was under the impression that I had a crush on Cary Grant, when I didn't. This is the same sort of thing; I love them, but I don't love them. (I do have a silly, little crush on a member of the Rat Pack, but it isn't Frank, and I'm not telling you who it is, so don't ask)
Anyway, as I said, it's been a very Frankie sort of week for me. Turner Classic Movies aired a movie called the Kissing Bandit, which I just had to watch, since Frank was in it. I have a fondness for Frank's early movies, ones where he played a lovable dork who was so nervous around women that he had no idea what to do. He was such a little, skinny, silly looking dude that the roles fit him very well. In my opinion, the only thing this movie had going for it was Frank. It was silly, beyond the point of being able to be taken seriously. The costumes were ridiculous, so much so that I burst into laughter at the sight of some of them. Frank didn't sing nearly enough, either. Still, I enjoyed watching it.
A few other Frank movies were on but I, unfortunately, didn't catch all the way through. I did, as I mentioned at the end of my birthday post, watched Ocean's 11. I got it out of curiosity about the Rat Pack. I enjoyed the movie, enough to look past it's ridiculousness. (And like I said, I now have a crush on someone in the Rat Pack. Just for fun, use the process of elimination, it's not Dean or Sammy, either.)
The day after my birthday, I used some of my abundant supply of itunes money to buy a few "Essential" albums by Frank and Dean Martin. I love them both. I don't know why it had taken me so long to get actual CDs from either of these two amazing singers, instead of picking up a song by them here or there.
My brother and my sister-in-law sent me a few musicals on DVD as birthday presents. They sent me Singing in the Rain and Guys and Dolls. The smile on my face as I opened the package was considerable. I love both of these movies but had never gotten around to buying either one. As I write, I'm gleefully watching Guys and Dolls, enjoying the fact that Nathan Detroit, and so many others, aren't using contractions. Or should I say, are not using contractions.
I used to love those cartoons making fun of his screaming and swooning fans. They were really my first indication that Sinatra existed. Perhaps they were a strong influence on me, since I consider myself something of a Frank Sinatra fangirl. I was amused to learn that some of those screaming fans were actresses hired and paid to make him seem more popular.
I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing that man sing. It's been an enjoyable week.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Birthday? Today? Really?
Dear Friend,
Twenty (something) years ago today I was born. That, apparently, is a reason to celebrate. As usual, the uncontrollable act of growing a year older has left me thinking over my past, present and future. Perhaps someday I will pass the twenty-sixth day of the year without becoming so pensive, though this year isn't the year that it will occur.
I actually celebrated on Monday, since the weather forecast for today was not compatible with a grand day out. My mum and I went shopping, to many of my favorite stores, and ate lunch at my favorite restaurant, Noodles and Company. It was a pleasant day, with a lot of laughs and resulted in my acquiring a new pair of boots.
As for today, it has been a lazy day, a rainy day, a calm and pleasant day. Thanks to Netflix I was able to try a new television series, The Murdoch Mysteries. It was fun to watch, fulfilling many of the little categories that indicate an interesting show for me; Canadian, period setting and solving mysteries.
It seems to be my parents have established a tradition for my birthday, buying me Breyer model horses. This year I received the models made for the World Equestrian games and the 60th Anniversary of Breyer. They're both very pretty, very dramatic sculptures that I think will compliment my extensive collection nicely.
Well, last year I wrote about feeling like I was on the edge of a big change. Considering I'm writing this entry in almost exactly the same circumstances as I was when I wrote that one, it would seem I was wrong. There are two ways to react to this, with frustration or with hope. I will choose the latter. Though I no longer feel that a big change is waiting just around the corner, I do know that God has a plan for me, and as long as I'm living my life for Him, I know I'm living for something.
I'm off to watch the original Ocean's 11, which I've never seen before.
Another birthday, I look forward to many more.
Twenty (something) years ago today I was born. That, apparently, is a reason to celebrate. As usual, the uncontrollable act of growing a year older has left me thinking over my past, present and future. Perhaps someday I will pass the twenty-sixth day of the year without becoming so pensive, though this year isn't the year that it will occur.
I actually celebrated on Monday, since the weather forecast for today was not compatible with a grand day out. My mum and I went shopping, to many of my favorite stores, and ate lunch at my favorite restaurant, Noodles and Company. It was a pleasant day, with a lot of laughs and resulted in my acquiring a new pair of boots.
As for today, it has been a lazy day, a rainy day, a calm and pleasant day. Thanks to Netflix I was able to try a new television series, The Murdoch Mysteries. It was fun to watch, fulfilling many of the little categories that indicate an interesting show for me; Canadian, period setting and solving mysteries.
It seems to be my parents have established a tradition for my birthday, buying me Breyer model horses. This year I received the models made for the World Equestrian games and the 60th Anniversary of Breyer. They're both very pretty, very dramatic sculptures that I think will compliment my extensive collection nicely.
Well, last year I wrote about feeling like I was on the edge of a big change. Considering I'm writing this entry in almost exactly the same circumstances as I was when I wrote that one, it would seem I was wrong. There are two ways to react to this, with frustration or with hope. I will choose the latter. Though I no longer feel that a big change is waiting just around the corner, I do know that God has a plan for me, and as long as I'm living my life for Him, I know I'm living for something.
I'm off to watch the original Ocean's 11, which I've never seen before.
Another birthday, I look forward to many more.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Downton Abbey pt. 2
Dear Friend,
So, how about that episode of Downton? I (and there is a spoiler in this sentence, just to warn you) didn't know whether to gasp in shock or laugh hysterically when that guy died. He wasn't a nice man, but ... wow!
This episode wasn't as interesting, unfortunately, but I'm still curious to see where this series goes. I'm glad to see that the cousin (I'm horrible with names, I'm sorry) was able to see that his valet was much happier doing his job instead of being made to feel useless and superfluous. I can't figure out if the middle daughter likes this guy or if she just always wants what is meant for her older sister.
This episode had a lot of graphic, bloody things going on. I hate blood, so I spent a few scenes with my hands over my eyes and squealing until the shot changed.
More next week, I suppose.
So, how about that episode of Downton? I (and there is a spoiler in this sentence, just to warn you) didn't know whether to gasp in shock or laugh hysterically when that guy died. He wasn't a nice man, but ... wow!
This episode wasn't as interesting, unfortunately, but I'm still curious to see where this series goes. I'm glad to see that the cousin (I'm horrible with names, I'm sorry) was able to see that his valet was much happier doing his job instead of being made to feel useless and superfluous. I can't figure out if the middle daughter likes this guy or if she just always wants what is meant for her older sister.
This episode had a lot of graphic, bloody things going on. I hate blood, so I spent a few scenes with my hands over my eyes and squealing until the shot changed.
More next week, I suppose.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Just Watched Downton Abbey pt. 1
Dear Friend,
I did enjoy the first part of Downton Abbey. There was only one thing about it that I didn't really enjoy. I spent at least half an hour looking at a character saying, "You're gay, right? You're totally gay," and then found out that I was right. It took my out of the plot, and both parties involved were each wholly unlikable. As far as everything else went, I was interested in what was going on, and had the proper reaction to each of the characters. I often have trouble following plots with an abundance of characters, and I am slightly unclear on a few things, but overall I believe I know what's going on.
I'm slightly annoyed by the storyline that a certain character is unused to the lifestyle of a very rich person who has servants running around their house and feels that they are "better" than the rich person because they are self-reliant. I do appreciate that they showed the heir, the character who holds this view, offending his valet. He seemed to realize in that moment that even though he felt the man's job was silly, and he said so, it wasn't silly to the valet; it was all he knew in life, and very important to him. I'm interested to see how he adjusts to this life he'll most likely be saddled with.
The eldest daughter I'm not sure how I feel about. I can't tell if we're supposed to sympathize with her or think that she's a useless piece of vain baggage. Well, it's part one, so I'm sure the rest of the series will shed more light on her character.
There were many clever and quotable lines, though in classic "me" fashion, I've forgotten most of them already.
I did enjoy the first part of Downton Abbey. There was only one thing about it that I didn't really enjoy. I spent at least half an hour looking at a character saying, "You're gay, right? You're totally gay," and then found out that I was right. It took my out of the plot, and both parties involved were each wholly unlikable. As far as everything else went, I was interested in what was going on, and had the proper reaction to each of the characters. I often have trouble following plots with an abundance of characters, and I am slightly unclear on a few things, but overall I believe I know what's going on.
I'm slightly annoyed by the storyline that a certain character is unused to the lifestyle of a very rich person who has servants running around their house and feels that they are "better" than the rich person because they are self-reliant. I do appreciate that they showed the heir, the character who holds this view, offending his valet. He seemed to realize in that moment that even though he felt the man's job was silly, and he said so, it wasn't silly to the valet; it was all he knew in life, and very important to him. I'm interested to see how he adjusts to this life he'll most likely be saddled with.
The eldest daughter I'm not sure how I feel about. I can't tell if we're supposed to sympathize with her or think that she's a useless piece of vain baggage. Well, it's part one, so I'm sure the rest of the series will shed more light on her character.
There were many clever and quotable lines, though in classic "me" fashion, I've forgotten most of them already.
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