Thursday, May 31, 2007

Let's all go to the movies!

Song Stuck on the Brain: Watching You by Rodney Atkins. This song makes me laugh and cry and scares me to death at the same time. It's scary when you realize how much little kids watch you as an example. I love that the dad CARES that he makes the right impression on his little boy - and it shows. Great song.

Last night Angel, Karen and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. We had been avoiding the theater because it's just so darned expensive anymore, but we've discovered that the AMC theater here offers cheaper tickets on weeknights. We save $3 a ticket, so the movies are an entertainment option once again. Anyway, last night was Pirates, and man was it awesome!


I read all the reviews, listened to all the (pardon my French) Crap that's been tossed around about this film, and I just want to say... Pllllbbbtth! (That's French for blowing raspberries.) I loved the film. It was long, coming in right at 3 hrs, but it didn't FEEL long. The plot was twisty with plenty of surprises, the cast was incredible and the adventure left nothing unturned.


I can kind of see why some people might find these second two movies disappointing compared to the first. I loved all three, but I also love fantasy. The first movie was much more grounded in reality, with the sequels invading Fantasy territory a great deal more. Especially this last one. But really, give it a chance. It's Epic fun at it's best.


There was one scene, where you see Captain Jack Sparrow in Davey Jones Locker for the first time, that was... well, strange. It was so stark and just completely different from the rest of the film, that it almost seemed out of place. It kind of threw me at first, but looking back at the movie as a whole now, it kind of makes a really cool contrast between this state of limbo so to speak that is driving Jack crazy, and the real world that he longs to be a part of again.


The ending really threw me for a loop. I didn't see it coming. I was just sure I was going to hate the ending, but it worked. The important thing to note here, is that you HAVE to stay and watch the clip at the end after all the credits have run. It's EXTREMELY important to the ending of the movie. So, no excuses. Even if you have to pee. HOLD IT. You'll be glad you did.


We've also seen Shrek 3 recently. My sisters and I took my 4 yr old niece, Em, and her 17 yr old brother to see it the Monday after it was released. Man, I did not think Em was going to be able to wait until Monday. She begged all weekend to go see Shrek. The child LOVES Shrek. She wants to marry him. She pretends to be princess Fiona all the time.


By the time we got settled in the theater, she was nearly bouncing in her chair. When the "This Preview has been approved for all audiences" screen popped up she shrieked, "Look, it's green like Shrek!" Of course she did the same with the dream works slide (two letters were green.) She loved the movie. She was a little concerned that Shrek and Fiona had to spend so much time apart during the film. She kept asking, "Where's Shrek goin? Why isn't Fiona goin too?" By the end though, she was dancing happilly in the aisle to Donkey and Puss' rendition of Thank you For Lettin Me Be Myself... Again. She boogied all the way out of the theater.


I know there was a lot of critics dissing this one too, but again... Pllllbbbtth! We all loved it. The voice casting is just so inspiring. The warrior princesses were great and the ogre babies of course were just adorable. I appreciate the fact that Shrek and Fiona have a very strong and loving marriage and that they aren't afraid to show that. Kids get enough of the dysfunctional everyday, so I'm glad that Shrek and Fiona are kind to one another and don't argue and treat each other badly.


That's all we've managed to see lately, but they were both worthy of the ticket price. Let me know if what you thought of the movies.
A.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Tag! You're It!

I was tagged by Carolyn at Book Worm ! Thanks for visiting and inviting me to play. :)


THE RULES:



- Post your responses.
-Tag anywhere from 1-5 friends.
-Leave comments to let them know they've been tagged.
-Go back to the person who tagged you and leave a comment when your post is up.

THE GAME:

Next 5 books on your to-be-read shelf:



Oh my goodness, there are so many in my TBR stack, it's ridiculous. But here are the top picks.



Gone with the Groom by Janice A. Thompson

Mistmantle Chronicles, The: Urchin and the Heartstone by M.I. McAllister

Distant Echoes: An Aloha Reef Novel by Colleen Coble

The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney

Inferno by Karen Harper



Last 4 books you've read:



Never Ceese by Sue Dent

Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crime by Michael Buckley

Primal Heat by Susan Sizemore





Last 3 books you've borrowed (library or friend):


I know this is really sad, but I seldom borrow books. I just buy the ones I want. I think the last book I borrowed was :

Buzzards Roost by Megan Day.

Before that, not sure.


Last 2 non-fiction books you've read:



The Success Principles by Jack Canfield (currently reading)

Love Smart: Find the one you want, fix the one you've got by Dr. Phil McGraw

The 1 book you wish everyone would read:


Other than the Scriptures?



The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman - EXCELLENT book for EVERYONE

WHO's BEEN TAGGED:


Melanie at Melanie Writes Blog

Pam at Pammer's Ramblins' Blog

Amy at Spoonful of Sugar Blog

Jamie at Surviving the Chaos Blog

I'd love to see what you're reading, so feel free to leave your own lists in the comments section or link back so I can see them on your blog.


Let the game begin, er continue...

A.

Just for Fun:

They totally nailed me!




You Are 29 Years Old



Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.



13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.



20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.



30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!



40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.



CFBA: Spirit of Sweetgrass by Nicole Seitz

Song Stuck on the Brain: A Place in Time (Theme from the 4400) Just got the soundtrack and I'm loving it.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

SPIRIT OF SWEETGRASS

by
Integrity/Thomas Nelson (March 6, 2007)


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Essie Mae Laveau Jenkins is a 78-year-old sweetgrass basket weaver who sits on the side of Hwy. 17 in the company of her dead husband, Daddy Jim.

Inspired by her Auntie Leona, Essie Mae finally discovers her calling in life and weaves powerful "love baskets," praying fervently over them to affect the lives of those who visit her roadside stand.

Relations are strained with her daughter Henrietta, who thinks Essie belongs in a retirement center. If Essie can't pay $10,000 in back taxes to save her home, she may have no choice. More tensions: her grandson EJ wants to marry a white girl, Essie discovers that a handsome man she's trying to find a girl for is gay, and her daughter carries a hidden secret.

When she's faced with losing her home and her stand and being put in a nursing home, Daddy Jim talks her into coming on up to Heaven to meet sweet Jesus-something she's always wanted to do.

The SPIRIT OF SWEETGRASS shifts less successfully to the afterlife, where her Gullah-Creole ancestors surround her; but soon, her heavenly peace is disrupted, for she still has work to do. Now Essie Mae, who once felt powerless and invisible, must find the strength within her to keep her South Carolina family from falling apart. Together, with Daddy Jim, they team up to return to Earth and battle two spirits conjured up by Henrietta's voodoo that threatens to ruin an attempt to save the sweetgrass basket weaving culture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

NICOLE SEITZ is a South Carolina Lowcountry native and freelance writer/illustrator published in South Carolina Magazine, Charleston Magazine, House Calls, The Island Packet and The Bluffton Packet.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Journalism, she also has a bachelor's degree in illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design. Nicole is an exhibiting artist in the Charleston, South Carolina area where she owns a web design firm and lives with her husband and two small children.
CONTEST:
Don't forget to enter to win a free copy of Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Wichman. Just click the book cover on the right and email me your entry. This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only and ends Thursday, May 31, 2007 at midnight.
Good luck!
A.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Time flies...

Song Stuck on the Brain: It's a Small World After All...


Aack! The three day weekend just flew by on the gossamer and fleeting wings of time. I spent a good portion of it re-watching 4400 episodes to prepare for the season 4 premier on USA on June 17th. Season 1 and part of Season 2 are already watched. Man, I LOVE that show. It gets better every time I watch it.

I also managed to squeeze in some critiques for my writing buddies and post a new chap of my own. That wasn't so easy since I managed to sleep weird on my left shoulder and dislocated 3 ribs and my rotator cuff. It HURT! Made my arm darn near unusable, but like an idiot, I kept hoping it would just go away on its own. It didn't and the chiropracter was closed until this morning, so I had 5 days of this abominable pain. Now I'm adjusted but still VERY sore. Desk sitting and typing doesn't help much. However, I couldn't leave you without posting something since I've been a little lax lately.

Here are a few of the comics I've found very appropriate for my life lately. Enjoy!

A.



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
I think there is a strong possibility this cartoon is based on a person of authority that I know.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
The mental image this inspired had me nearly rolling on the floor.

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I would't know about the car prices in '64, but filling up my gas tank has become the bane of my existence. Travel plans are nil because gas now takes up more than 50% of our travel budget. Road tripping is now available only to oil tycoons and zillionaires.

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This is so close to home it almost not funny. I think if they really made this product, my family would own stock in it. Actually, maybe we just need to get the toilet paper rolling so to speak and do it on our own.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
This is EXACTLY how I feel about fishing. I can't eat them and I hate hurting them, so why even do it? I'd much rather have them in my aquarium swimming happily in circles.

Friday, May 25, 2007

A little fun for your weekend

Song Stuck on the Brain: I'm Not Who I Was by Brandon Heath. Just got his complete album and I had it on repeat all day long. Love it.

Just For Fun:




You Should Get An Asian Inspired Tattoo



Mysterious and expressive

You like to show off, but you also like to keep some allure








You are a Rocker Girl!



If you don't have musical talent, you've got a talent for picking out great CD's.

Music rules your life - and you've got the best MP3 collection of anyone you know.

Many guys find you intimidating, but a select few think you're the catch of a lifetime.

Start hanging out in more used record stores, and you'll find love with a fellow rocker!








Your Famous Movie Kiss is from Romeo + Juliet



"Has my heart loved 'till now? Forswear it, sight! For I never saw a true beauty 'till this night."








You Are Marcia Brady



Confident yet kind. Popular yet down to earth. You're a total dream girl.

You've got the total package - no wonder everyone's a little jealous of you.








Your Love Song Is



Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson



"Maybe you've been through this before

But it's my first time so please ignore

The next few lines cause they're directed at you

I can't always be waiting, waiting on you

I can't always be playing, playing your fool"



You've been waiting for love, and you're not going to wait any longer!








Star Wars Horoscope for Sagittarius



You are superbly wise and have been known to spread your wisdom widely.

You are impatient and pushy when people take your teachings too lightly.

And your philosophical side always peeks through.



Star wars character you are most like: Yoda



Have a great 3 day!
A.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

CFBA: Snitch by Rene Gutteridge

Song Stuck on the Brain: Darth Vadar's Theme. "Dum, dum, dum, dum, da dum, dum da dum..."


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

SNITCH

(The Occupational Hazards series)

by

Rene Gutteridge
(WaterBrook Press May 15, 2007)




ABOUT THE BOOK:

Old School meets New School meets Homeschool

Just shy of retirement and a well-earned pension, Las Vegas Police Department Sergeant Ron Yeager's definition of "active duty" involves shifting his bad leg into a more comfortable position. But when he's requested from his mind-numbing desk job to head an undercover auto theft task force, the former narcotics officer determines to prove he's still got the right stuff.

That is...until he meets his unlikely team of officers.

As Yeager soon finds out, not all the crazies are on the street. An undercover rookie, the audaciously honest Mackenzie "Mack" Hazard sends Yeager's blood pressure skyrocketing by wearing her faith like an ever-present badge. Then there's Jesse Lunden, a maverick undercover officer who refuses to learn anything from an old guy with a cane. Can this tangle of egos and eccentrics be trained into a lean, mean, crime-fighting machine...even while they are being drawn into something much bigger and more dangerous than anyone imagined?

In her trademark style, Rene Gutteridge blends zany, original characters, sincere faith, and surprising plot twists into one hilariously addictive read.



"Snitch is an engaging crime novel, balanced between sheer whimsy and genuine human drama."

....CHRIS WELL, author of Tribulation House


"A wonderful, fully developed ensemble cast makes Snitch an entertaining, engaging read. Rene's flair for a comedic, well-turned phrase shines here. Snitch is worth snatching."

...SUSAN MEISSNER, author of Widows and Orphans



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rene Gutteridge is the author of several novels, including Ghost Writer (Bethany House Publishers) The Boo Series (WaterBrook Press) and the Storm Series, (Tyndale House Publishers. She will release three novels in 2006: Storm Surge (Tyndale) My Life as a Doormat (WestBow Press, Women of Faith)Occupational Hazards Book #1: Scoop (WaterBrook Press).

She has also been published over thirty times as a playwright, best known for her Christian comedy sketches. She studied screenwriting under a Mass Communications degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University, and earned the "Excellence in Mass Communication" award. She served as the full-time Director of Drama for First United Methodist Church for five years before leaving to stay home and write. She enjoys instructing at writer's conferences and in college classrooms. She lives with her husband, Sean, a musician, and their children in Oklahoma City.

A.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

CSFF: TheSwordReview.com

Song Stuck on the Brain: Still singing If You're Going Through Hell by Rodney Atkins

The Sword Review

The Sword Review is both a website featuring the best in Speculative fiction and poetry and a magazine. The content is wide ranging. One of my favorite stories on the site is Polar Daughter by Sharon Irwin, a Fantasy piece about a little Inuit girl with a special gift and the polar bear that saves her. The underlying spiritual themes are potent, but not overpowering. Just enough to make you think without losing the mystical 'otherworld' feel that should be prevalent in a fantasy story.

In addition to a large selection of poetry and short stories in the Science Fiction and Fantasy realm, they also host a community discussion board, multiple blogs and regular columns. You can also purchase Sword Review merchandise in their store. If you enjoy SciFi and Fantasy, it's a great place to stop and get your fix.

A.

Be sure to visit the other members on the tour by stopping by their blogs.


Jim Black
Amy Browning
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Frank Creed
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Kameron M. Franklin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Heather R. Hunt
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Dawn King
Tina Kulesa
Lost Genre Guild
Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium
Terri Main
Rachel Marks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Cheryl Russel
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika Schultz
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Daniel I. Weaver
Russell Griffith
Jason Waguespac
Holly
Brandon Barr

Monday, May 21, 2007

CFBA: Defiant Heart by Tracey Bateman

Song Stuck on the Brain: If You're Going Through Hell by Rodney Atkins

"If you're going through hell/Keep on going, don't slow down/If you're scared, don't show it/You might get out/Before the devil even knows you're there."

There must be some kind of Freudian reason this chorus keeps running through my head.


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing


Defiant Heart

by

Tracey Bateman
(Avon Inspire May 8, 2007)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Will Fannie be able to keep her family...and her heart, safe and find a new life on the frontier?

Book One of the Westward Hearts series, orphans Fannie Caldwell and her two young siblings have spent the last three years as indentured servants under a cruel master. Desperately wanting a better life for her brother and sister, Fannie devises a plan to secretly join a wagon train heading west.

Her plan immediately runs into trouble when the handsome yet bullheaded wagon master Blake Tanner refuses to allow an unmarried woman on the train.

But Fannie's determined...she'll escape and go west with or without help!

As life on the trail tests everyone's endurance and faith, Fannie soon realizes the perils of being a single woman on the frontier. Witnessing Fannie fending off one scare after another, Blake slowly recognizes how much he cares for this alluring young woman.

Will Blake sacrifice his own dreams and guide Fannie to safety?

Or will Fannie's stubborn independence keep her from finding true love?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracey Bateman lives in Missouri with her husband and four children. Their rural home provides a wonderful atmosphere for a writer'simagination to grow and produce characters, plots, and settings.

In 1994, with three children to raise, she and her husband agreed that she should go to college and earn a degree. In a freshman English class, her love for writing was rekindled, and she wrote a short story that she later turned into a book.

Her college career was cut short with the news of their fourth baby's impending arrival, but the seeds of hope for a writing career had already taken root. Over the next several years she wrote, exchanged ideas with critique partners, studied the craft of writing, and eventually all the hard work paid off.

She currently has over twenty-five books published in a variety of genres. Tracey Bateman believes completely that God has big plans for his Kids and that all things are possible to anyone who will put their hope and trust in God!

CONTEST:

Don't forget you can still enter to win a free copy of Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Wichman. Just click on the book cover on the right to email me your entry.

This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only and will end Thursday, May 31, 2007 at midnight.

A.

Today also began the CSFF tour for The Sword Review website. Watch for more info tomorrow.

Friday, May 18, 2007

More Weirdness...

Song Stuck on the Brain: I've had a whole musical playing today. It went like this:

'Tonight, Tonight, La la la la la la, Maria, I just met a girl named Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria, I feel pretty, Oh so pretty, pretty and witty and bright! And I pity, any girl who isn't me tonight, Tonight, Tonight, I wanna live in America, I wanna live in America... "


It hasn't been pretty. I may have even synchronously snapped my fingers a few times.


The weirdness didn't stop their either. I was talking old TV shows with a co-worker and WKRP in Cincinnati came up cuz it's out on DVD now. I used to watch the show as a little kid (in re-runs of course). Anyway, I had a total crush on Gary Sandy (Andy Travis). So out of curiosity, I looked him up. He's 61! How did that happen? Anyway, I noticed when I saw his picture, that he looked incredibly like Bruce Boxleitner. Another cutie from Scarecrow and Mrs. King (why can't THAT one be released to DVD?)



















Bruce Boxleitner and Gary Sandy
Incredible, Huh? They could be twins. So weird.

I've gotta go get my hair chopped now, so I'm signing off. Have a great weekend everyone!

A.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Odds and Ends

Song Stuck on the Brain: I Saw the Sign by The Cranberries

The Odd:

Our local news station did a feature expose on a strange new trend that's popped up on the Internet. Apparently, there is a new way to pass a drug screening illegally. Rather than sneaking in clean urine in a container and risking the nasty business of leakage (GAG), now you have the option of buying real, DEHYDRATED, human urine on-line. For around $40 bucks you get a tube of powdered urine which you sneak into the bathroom and pour into your test receptacle.

Then, just add water and shake. (GAG!!) They guarantee that the test will come back clean. An undercover reporter tested this product, and sure 'nuff, it worked. Which I find COMPLETELY disturbing on more than one level. It's bad enough there are people out there faking their drug tests, and even worse, people willing to help them do so. But who is raking in the big bucks to sell their pee? And WHO figured out how to dehydrate it? Seriously, how do you put that job on your resume? Are you a Uric Acid Moisture Controller? Human Waste Chemist? And where do the get the pee? Do they have Urine Banks and Pee Drives? It's just so wrong. And Disgusting. And did I mention WRONG?!

The End:

Well, my prediction for top 3 on American Idol was spot on. Melinda, Jordin and Blake rose to the top like the cream of the crop they are. However, my prediction for winner is WAY off. Melinda reached the end of her journey last night.

I can't say I was disappointed by the vote. Surprised yes, but not upset. I love Melinda, she's got a spectacular voice and she's going to have a fabulous career - no doubt. But I just didn't see her as an American Idol. I think Jordin and Blake have a much better shot at being more marketable and versatile to a large range of people. At least in my opinion.

I really expected that Blake would get the boot, because he was in the bottom two last time. I voted for a solid hour for him, but didn't really expect it would help. Guess I was wrong. That and probably all the other Blaker fans did the same thing. I was really glad to see him in the final two. At this point, I don't care which of them wins. I'll be happy with him or Jordin. And they're both going to get a deal anyway, so it's not really a big deal. Next week should be an interesting season finale though.

Just for Fun:

44 Union Avenue Comics

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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

A.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

CFBA: Orchard of Hope by Ann Gabhart

Song Stuck on the Brain: Down in the Boondocks by Billy Joe Royal


This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

ORCHARD OF HOPE

by

Ann Gabhart

(Revell March 1, 2007)


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nothing will be the same after the summer of 1964.

Drought has gripped the quiet Kentucky town of Hollyhill, and the town seems as if it is holding its breath--waiting. Jocie Brooke is nervous about starting high school. Her sister Tabitha is experiencing the weariness of waiting for a new baby. Her father David is feeling the timidity of those first steps toward true love. All of these pivotal steps in life are awaiting the Brooke family.

Into this cloud of tense anticipation, a black family from Chicago, the Hearndons move here to plant an orchard outside of town. Fresh off the Freedom Train, Myra Hearndon is sensitive to what the color of her skin may mean in a Southern town. Her family will have to contend with more than the dry ground and blazing sun as they try to create their ORCHARD OF HOPE.

Jocie finds herself befrending a boy that some townspeople shun. Due to unspoken racial lines in this southern town, the presence of these newcomers sparks a smoldering fire of unrest that will change Hollyhill..and Jocie...forever.

In this close-knit community, everything is about to change.

Let this riveting novel take you along to experience unexpected love, new life, and renewed faith amid life's trials.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann H. Gabhart has published a number of adult and young adult novels with several different publishers. The author of The Scent of Lilacs, Ann and her husband live a mile from where she was born in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. She is active in her country church, and her husband sings bass in a southern gospel quartet.

REVIEWS:

“…The moment I sat down to read this novel, I knew I was in for a rollercoaster ride. … With words that flowed like poetry across the page, Ms. Gabhart created a work of art that deals beautifully with a difficult time in our nation’s history. … In the end, I stood up and cheered. … This is one book I will remember for a very long time.”
- Reviewed by Elizabeth Ludwig for Novel Reviews www.novelreviews.blogspot.com)

“This is a novel that I will long remember. I genuinely cared what happened to the characters and wished the best for each of them. The book reads in an almost slow and hypnotic way, perfectly complementing the area and heat wave that lasts the duration – and yet it is a page turner. ……Armchair Interviews says: This is a novel you’ll want to tell friends about." - Reviewed by Jamie Driggers for Armchair Interviews (www.armchairinterviews.com)

A.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

An Artistic Legacy

Song Stuck on the Brain: Spider Man Theme Song... We're going to see Spidey 3 tonight.

I've been doing some research on Meso-American culture and archeology for a novel idea. A book I purchased recently is full of photographs of the ancient artwork and sculptures from the Olmec, Mixtec and other Pre-Colombian cultures. The photos are cool, but it always makes me wonder, if we are really interpreting the art correctly?

Think about it. Archeology has unearthed thousands of cave paintings, pottery shards and figurines. Some seem simple enough to understand. A horse is just a horse right? A buffalo battle a simplistic story. For example, an anthropologist finds a painting of a woman in odd clothing holding a severed head. It could be a priestess holding a sacrifice. Or a wife holding the head of her battle slain husband. Or maybe a queen holding the head of her enemy.

But what if the same painting was done today? Modern art would say that it's the Feminine Power beheading male dominance. Or maybe it's a metaphor for a woman examining her own mind and thoughts. In fact, a good portion of art today is metaphorical. It's not just a pretty portrait or peaceful landscape.

I wonder, if a thousand or more years from now when anthropologists look back at the art in our culture, what will they claim it tells them?


I have to wonder if an anthropologist would even recognize this as a piece of art. Maybe they'd write it off as a canvas used to cleanse the artists brushes by sweeping it back and forth and flinging the paint loose.



Maybe this one would be a tribute to the goddess of snakes.


This piece of graffiti from Kansas City, is actually recognizable as more than blobs, but a Caterpillar smoking a hookah pipe doesn't say much about our culture... at least not anything good.

This tag from KC isn't even an image. It's a word. One I can't even read. But surely anthropologists would claim this as a ward against evil in a sacred tongue.


Even art by the Masters, like Picasso, seem strange and obscure through the eyes of our future historians. What exactly DOES this say about women?


Salvador Dali's Enigma of William Tell has me completely stumped. What does an overly long butt cheek propped on a stick say about our culture? And the melting clocks and mismatched legs.... I don't get it now. I feel sorry for the anthropologist that discovers Dali.

Even our sculptures are weird. This 'birdie' on the lawn of the Nelson's Atkins Museum in Kansas City, MO is photographed a lot. But come on, a lawn dart?! They'll claim we worshiped giant badminton players.


(I don't have anything against modern art, it's just not me. I don't get most of it, it doesn't 'speak' to me. I know there are those that love it. So don't think I'm trashing the last 300 years of art history. )


Honestly, some of the cave paintings I've seen, look better than current stuff. I just can't help but think about those artists 2000 years ago sketching spotted ponies. Did they think that it was a metaphor for the plight of their culture? Or was it just a homage to their favorite steed?


It's just a thought. One of the many odd one's floating around my brain.
A.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Caution: Mind Control in Effect

Song Stuck on the Brain: When the Stars Go Blue by Blake Lewis

The 4400 is returning! Yay! I was surfing to find a start date for the new season, June 17th if you're interested, and found a quiz on the website. Fun, right? I love quizzes. This one is to tell you what your 4400 power would be if you'd been abducted. Here's my answer:

You are a Mind Control Master

There’s nothing you like more than getting your way, and you’re not opposed to cutting corners or stepping on toes to make it happen. And you’re in luck – your abduction by-product would be the popular 4400 power of mind control! Think of all the time and breath you’ll save by condensing your complex mind games into a split-second. Now you’ll have time to work on being a little less calculating and a little more genuine. Just a thought.

Take The 4400 Power Quiz.

What?! Okay, so mind control would be a cool power, but this answer doesn't really sound like me. (Does it?) I took this quiz SIX times. Got the same answer every time. So, now I'm wondering if EVERYONE gets mind control or am I just really this terrible?

I don't want to be compared to Isabelle. Sure, she's the most powerful, but she's childish and scary too! PLEASE say that's not me. Why not have Shawn's power? I'd love to have his healing ability. Or Alana's ability to create alternate worlds. Think how that would improve my writing!

It's funny though, cuz Angel and I are always joking about our ability to influence each other by our brain waves. One of us will be thinking something completely off the wall and off topic and the other will say it. Not sure which of us sends and which receives, I think we take turns. We say the same thing at the same time, or show up some place dressed exactly a like. (No we're not twins.) We always tell each other, "Get out of my head! I was there first!" We've been toying with the idea of combining our "Wonder Twin" powers and trying to affect other people. Like the Buck Rogers episode where the little people could control things by thinking. There's a scene where they want to see a woman without her clothes because they've never seen a female before. So they combine their mind power and start chanting in unison, "Off Think, Off Think, Off Think..." and her clothes start slipping. Not that we want to disrobe anyone, but how cool would that be?

Wow, so maybe I'm more Isabelle than I want to admit. Anyway, I'm asking everyone - begging really- to go take the quiz and tell me what you get. If everyone comes up mind control, I won't feel so bad. But... well, I'll just hope you all get different results.

Keepin' my fingers crossed,
A.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

I've Been Tagged!

Melanie @ the Melanie Writes blog has tagged me. Now I must share 8 things about myself or suffer dire and painful consequences, like my Internet dying or all my books being eaten up by moths. *Shudder*

So here goes nothin'...

1. I have eaten a nacho cheese deep fried grub. Yes a real worm, not the jelly kind. A co-worker brought some back from a business trip. None of the guys in the office would try them... and they didn't think I'd have the guts to do it either... that's what they get for daring me. Tell me I can't do something and watch me prove you wrong. Of course in this case I really can't say I came out the winner. It did remind me of the book I read in grade school, "How to Eat Fried Worms". Who knew it would end up being prophetic?


2. At the age of five I declared Kenny Rogers as my future husband. I even had a scrapbook with pictures of him that I'd cut out of my sister's rag mags with my pink and white safety scissors. I was totally smitten with him. And I have to say, even today, the man ain't half bad.

3. I've always made up stories and songs. I can remember sitting in the upstairs hall as a kid and singing a song to my dolls that I'd just made up. It was all about the beauty of creation. I couldn't have been more than four. I attempted my first novel in the sixth grade and I still have it. It's a nice reminder of my VERY humble beginnings and the drive that started me on this path to begin with.

4. I have never attended public school. Grade school was two double wide trailers, two teachers and 22 students parked in a field next to our Church way out in the boondocks. I home schooled two years and then spent 10th-12th grade at another private school. A small one, but it still felt huge to me. It was the first time I'd ever had to change classes. There was three floors, but no more than eight class rooms on each floor and I stayed on the third floor most of the day. During orientation I flipped out, sure that I was going to get lost. Thankfully, that was an unfounded fear.

5. My graduating class was 7 people and we were the largest graduating class up to that point. It was nice being part of a small class. We were all friends and very close. I don't regret one day of my high school experience.

6. I took tap and gymnastics as a kid. I was such a klutz, Mom thought it would help me be more graceful. Unfortunately, gymnastics didn't stick. I was terrible at it. I was terrified of the balance beam (it was three inches off the ground), I couldn't do a cartwheel to save my life, and although my somersaults were good, you can't be a gymnast just because you're round enough to become a human rolly-polly. Tap was my real love, but my 'practicing' on the tile entry way at home drove everyone insane and Mom turned traitor by giving my beloved shoes to my best friend/worst enemy. Just think, I could have been dancing the lead in Riverdance... Nah, just kidding. I'm still the biggest klutz in town. I'd probably lose a clog and knockout all the other dancers like a row of flailing green dominoes.

7. One of my favorite games as a kid was Secret Agent. I played by myself a lot being the youngest, so I was the super spy and I hunted invisible bad guys, faked their finger prints by using my own on scotch tape. I even had mock fights and arrests with these invisible people. Eventually the strange looks drove me to carrying these out in my head. Now days I just dream about it. Usually I'm the next Sydney Bristow and I have to rescue my sister.

8. My favorite books as a kid was The Legend of Robin Hood and Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt. I think I have a secret hero complex. I don't know how many times I read those books, but I wanted to be them. I still do and I watch and read anything and everything that has to do with Robin Hood. Like BBC America's new series.


Well, that's probably more than you ever wanted to know about me, now to tag 8 people...

I'm coming for you,
A.