"Happy April Fool's Day!"
I know that it is not April Fool's Day anymore, thank goodness for that, but that is all that was going through my mind yesterday as I sat in a Brigham City gas station in my exercise pants and holey concert t-shirt with nothing but my debit card.
Confused? Let me explain.
So my unconscious self decided to pull a April Fool's prank on me yesterday morning when I stopped to fill up on gas in Brigham City. I was on my way back to Logan from spending Easter Sunday with my family. I needed to get back in time for my 10:30 class and was doing well, on track to arrive back in Logan an hour early. I didn't want to go through the canyon with a quarter tank of gas, so I filled up in anticipation of the drive. This is where it all started.
I filled up and decided to go inside and get something to eat for breakfast, since I knew I had no food waiting for me at home (I hadn't done my grocery shopping yet). I opened the driver side door to grab my debit card and looked at my phone, sitting on the passenger seat. I decided that I didn't need to take it with me, since I was just popping into the store for 2 minutes. My keys were sitting right there next to them.
Do you know yet what is going to happen? I didn't.
My eyes slid ignorantly over the keys and I closed the door right after I locked it, like I always do.
Yep.
At this point, I am still unaware. Blissfully unaware, as they say.
I went in, found some tasty treats and a water bottle, paid, chatted with the nice lady behind the counter, then walked outside. Just as I was approaching my car, I clued in.
There were no keys in my hand.
The doors were locked.
I am stupid.
I am literally standing there, some Pringles, a Special K bar, and a water bottle in my hands, and wearing pretty much my pajamas and some sandals on an overcast day, and I cant go anywhere.
In the words of the very wise Ronald Weasley, "Can [I] panic now??"
So, I headed back inside to ask if I could use a phone, to which the Phillips 66 employees responded with "Is it local?"
Crap. My parents still have Idaho numbers. This is Utah. No it's not local...
However, they very graciously offered their personal cell phones. The first one I used died and I felt very bad. The second I used and just left a panicked message for my mom. She called back and said that she could not get a hold of my dad, who had the day off, and that she was leaving work to come rescue me.
Phew. Now all I had to do was sit in the corner and wait.
Easier said than done.
The drive from Salt Lake, where my mom was coming from, to Brigham City takes an hour. It felt like 4...
I attempted to pass the time by reading whatever was available while munching on my breakfast and downing my water bottle. Unfortunately all that was available were some brochures. They were all about the different cities and sights to see in Utah, Southern Idaho, and Eastern Nevada.
Those got old quickly.
Then, and I kid you not, I sat there mechanically crushing my empty water bottle to pass the time. No joke. I started at the bottom, slowly going section by section, until it was almost unrecognizable. The plastic was all crunched up like a raisin. I imagined I was some sort of Hulk. That helped pass about 5 minutes...
Let me tell you this. It was so embarrassing sitting there for two hours just waiting in my Rascal Flatts concert shirt from 2006 and exercise pants, which I was only wearing for comfort. Mortification was definitely a strong emotion I felt that day.
In addition, I missed class and lost out on a lot of work time for my homework. It's safe to say that my locking my keys in the car ruined my whole day...
Finally, my mom drove up and rescued me with her key to the car. Bless you mom.
When I was finally on the road and heading up into the canyon, all I could think was "April Fool's!"
There is no joke here. Except for the one on me...
See you next year...
Amanda In Logan
P.S. If you liked this, don't forget to check out my other side projects, Amanda's Bookshelf and Life in the Dog Kennel over to the right! I just posted a fictional story in the Dog Kennel, let me know how you liked it!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
It is just THAT good!
Okay, I am a TV person. I am. You would know that if you knew me at all, or if you read my previous post about Robin Hood, the single most fantastic show with Richard Armitage in it. But really, I love TV. There is something about the 'epicness' of good TV shows. They can just go on forever, and if they are really good, I wouldn't mind if they did last forever. Shows like Doctor Who or Once Upon a Time. They are just so good!
Well, I feel it is now necessary for me to rant about a certain show called Downton Abbey. You've heard of it right? The one where Maggie Smith reigns with a free tongue and hilarious wit? Well, I love it. Let this clip from McGonagall herself persuade you.
Anyway, my point is, this show rocks. Especially for someone like me who adores the old fashioned and who loves a good love story. What's that? You say you love a good sappy and tear inducing love story also? Well have I got the show for you! Lady Mary Crawley's story in which she falls in love with Mathew Crawley (yes, they're very VERY distant cousins. Get past it.) makes me want to weep with joy and shout with praise to the wonderful writers who brought me Downton Abbey. It's just that incredible.
As a viewer, you will find yourself rooting for the plight of every single character, right down to the lowly kitchen maid who just wants to be more appreciated in the workings of the house. You will find yourself falling in love with the very handsome and very realistic Mathew Crawley, who suddenly learns he is to inherit the whole of Downton itself. Phew, that must be a smack in the face!
I guess I should talk a little about that. You know, the premise. The plot. The goings-on. Well here it is, for you unfortunate readers who have yet to discover the brilliance of this show.
We have this great beautiful estate and the Crawley family that owns it. They find out that neither of the three Crawley daughters can inherit it, due to some stupid rule set by some stupid man years and years ago. Instead, it goes to some distant Crawley cousin who is a practicing lawyer. Cue the Dowager Countess's deep disgusted gasp at such a thing! The Downton estate goes to a mere lawyer?? For shame!
Well that is the gist of it. The original premise that starts the show going on a wild train ride of propriety and English customs, mixed with surprising twists that challenge those customs. Downton Abbey also highlights the interesting workings of the 'below stairs' world of Downton. I love that part. The servants are just as beloved as the Lady's and Lords. You'll learn terms such as 'valet' (not a young short guy who parks your car for you), chauffeur (this is the guy who parks the car for you, though he also drives it all of the time too), and ladies' maid, and you'll come to learn that the Butler is the 'boss', in all intents and purposes. He hires you, he fires you. Even the Lord of the house doesn't have much say in that. However, the housekeeper commands even more respect.
Isn't it all so incredibly INTERESTING?? I love it. If I could travel in time, I would love to go back to when all this was happening. (Doctor? Are you reading this Doctor??)
In all seriousness though, this show is incredible. I find such joy in it. While watching the season premier just today, I was smiling like the biggest idiot. It is just THAT good.
I am a TV person. But, if truth be told, I am really a good 'story' person. I love a good story, whether it is on television, in movies, in a play or musical, or in a novel or even short story. I love it. And Downton Abbey really delivers.
See for yourself, it is on Netflix Instant!
Sincerely, and regrettably, an American living in the 21st century,
Amanda In Logan
Well, I feel it is now necessary for me to rant about a certain show called Downton Abbey. You've heard of it right? The one where Maggie Smith reigns with a free tongue and hilarious wit? Well, I love it. Let this clip from McGonagall herself persuade you.
Anyway, my point is, this show rocks. Especially for someone like me who adores the old fashioned and who loves a good love story. What's that? You say you love a good sappy and tear inducing love story also? Well have I got the show for you! Lady Mary Crawley's story in which she falls in love with Mathew Crawley (yes, they're very VERY distant cousins. Get past it.) makes me want to weep with joy and shout with praise to the wonderful writers who brought me Downton Abbey. It's just that incredible.
I guess I should talk a little about that. You know, the premise. The plot. The goings-on. Well here it is, for you unfortunate readers who have yet to discover the brilliance of this show.
We have this great beautiful estate and the Crawley family that owns it. They find out that neither of the three Crawley daughters can inherit it, due to some stupid rule set by some stupid man years and years ago. Instead, it goes to some distant Crawley cousin who is a practicing lawyer. Cue the Dowager Countess's deep disgusted gasp at such a thing! The Downton estate goes to a mere lawyer?? For shame!
Isn't it all so incredibly INTERESTING?? I love it. If I could travel in time, I would love to go back to when all this was happening. (Doctor? Are you reading this Doctor??)
In all seriousness though, this show is incredible. I find such joy in it. While watching the season premier just today, I was smiling like the biggest idiot. It is just THAT good.
I am a TV person. But, if truth be told, I am really a good 'story' person. I love a good story, whether it is on television, in movies, in a play or musical, or in a novel or even short story. I love it. And Downton Abbey really delivers.
See for yourself, it is on Netflix Instant!
Sincerely, and regrettably, an American living in the 21st century,
Amanda In Logan
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Rules of the Library
I may not:
1. doodle
2. watch movies or tv online
3. check facebook
4. stare out of the window
5. do number 4 while thinking about what else I could be doing that is more fun
6. openly covet the good tables
7. waste time by silently coveting the good tables
8. silently rant about how I hate the teachers who all assigned a paper due in the same week
9. sleep
10. write a blog
11. make lists like this one
12. do number 11 then subsequently post it as a blog, violating rule number 10
13. people watch
14. watch youtube videos
15. tell yourself you are going to the bathroom then wander around like a miscreant
How many of you put the pro in procrastinate? Do you violate every one of these rules in one sitting, while supposedly doing homework? Do you wish you were a good student who does all the homework a week in advance? Is it because of these habits that you aren't that good student and you do things the night before, or heaven forbid, the morning of?
Well, have faith. You're not the only one.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A little over a year ago, I wrote a little children's story that has now taken a whole new meaning.
At the time, it was harmless, a simple little story that came from a quote I had seen. I wrote it for my creative writing class, and ever since then I have been happy with it. One of my favorites. Here it is, for those of you who missed that part of my life.
“Have you ever noticed that mice don’t have any shoulders?” –George Carlin
Scimpers’ Shoulders. Or Lack Thereof..
The pitter patter of little paws sounded across the dark, basement floor. A mouse could be seen scampering toward another mouse, who was rummaging through the available trash, hoping for any kind of morsel for eating. The first mouse, who’s name was Scimpers, inquired of the other mouse, Gippy, a query that was rather surprising because it is quite a profundity.
Scimpers said to Gippy, “Have you ever noticed that mice don’t have shoulders? Have you ever wondered why?”
Gippy, though, was right in the middle of sniffing a potentially delicious piece of cracker, which to his surprise included salt! In the mice community, this was a rare and special occurrence, right up there with finding a substantial chunk of cheddar cheese. So, naturally, thoughts of Scimpers and his strange question, no matter how fleeting they were, had vanished as he devoured his cache. When every last scrap was consumed, Gippy was finally brought back to reality by Scimpers’ persistent stare.
“Uh, what again?” Gippy asked.
“I said,” Scimpers reminded rather exasperatedly, “Have you ever noticed that we, as mice, have no shoulders? I mean, they seem largely necessary.”
Gippy just stared. “Why?”
Scimpers expressed his frustration with a deep, vexed “Ugh!” He was quite upset that this fellow mouse wasn’t hung up on such a paramount question.
“Why? Why?? For the same reason that I can’t just shrug this off. I can’t shrug at all! Because in order to perform a shrug, one must have shoulders! So I can’t let this go, or shrug it off, until I get an answer to my question!”
After his little rant, Scimpers was quite out of breath, for this was becoming very important to him. “I need an answer!” he finally said, and sagged to the floor.
Gippy thought this over, although this did not seem at all important to him. But if he could give Scimpers any kind of logical answer, he knew that Scimpers would likely go away. But after this thought, Gippy sighed. Mice were not meant to be logical creatures. They lived to scamper and flee from other animals, and eat. That’s it!
“I’ll give you an answer,” Gippy replied. “Your answer is maybe mice, the most humble of creatures, do not have shoulders because they don’t need to shrug, because they should not be asking unanswerable questions that they would need to shrug off. Impossible questions are for those who have nothing to do but think, and we mice just don’t have time for idle thinking.”
Scimpers thought this over for a minute. Gippy waited, although he began to look longingly at the pile of trash several feet away that he had not inspected yet. He feared that Zippy or Pippy, who were nearby, would get to it first.
Finally, Scimpers shook his head and walked away. Gippy was very relieved, and moved over to the rubbish and stuck his nose in.
Meanwhile, Scimpers had migrated to another treasure seeking mouse, whose name was Tippy.
Scimpers said to Tippy, “Have you ever noticed how mice don’t have any shoulders?”
Scimpers’ Shoulders. Or Lack Thereof..
The pitter patter of little paws sounded across the dark, basement floor. A mouse could be seen scampering toward another mouse, who was rummaging through the available trash, hoping for any kind of morsel for eating. The first mouse, who’s name was Scimpers, inquired of the other mouse, Gippy, a query that was rather surprising because it is quite a profundity.
Scimpers said to Gippy, “Have you ever noticed that mice don’t have shoulders? Have you ever wondered why?”
Gippy, though, was right in the middle of sniffing a potentially delicious piece of cracker, which to his surprise included salt! In the mice community, this was a rare and special occurrence, right up there with finding a substantial chunk of cheddar cheese. So, naturally, thoughts of Scimpers and his strange question, no matter how fleeting they were, had vanished as he devoured his cache. When every last scrap was consumed, Gippy was finally brought back to reality by Scimpers’ persistent stare.
“Uh, what again?” Gippy asked.
“I said,” Scimpers reminded rather exasperatedly, “Have you ever noticed that we, as mice, have no shoulders? I mean, they seem largely necessary.”
Gippy just stared. “Why?”
Scimpers expressed his frustration with a deep, vexed “Ugh!” He was quite upset that this fellow mouse wasn’t hung up on such a paramount question.
“Why? Why?? For the same reason that I can’t just shrug this off. I can’t shrug at all! Because in order to perform a shrug, one must have shoulders! So I can’t let this go, or shrug it off, until I get an answer to my question!”
After his little rant, Scimpers was quite out of breath, for this was becoming very important to him. “I need an answer!” he finally said, and sagged to the floor.
Gippy thought this over, although this did not seem at all important to him. But if he could give Scimpers any kind of logical answer, he knew that Scimpers would likely go away. But after this thought, Gippy sighed. Mice were not meant to be logical creatures. They lived to scamper and flee from other animals, and eat. That’s it!
“I’ll give you an answer,” Gippy replied. “Your answer is maybe mice, the most humble of creatures, do not have shoulders because they don’t need to shrug, because they should not be asking unanswerable questions that they would need to shrug off. Impossible questions are for those who have nothing to do but think, and we mice just don’t have time for idle thinking.”
Scimpers thought this over for a minute. Gippy waited, although he began to look longingly at the pile of trash several feet away that he had not inspected yet. He feared that Zippy or Pippy, who were nearby, would get to it first.
Finally, Scimpers shook his head and walked away. Gippy was very relieved, and moved over to the rubbish and stuck his nose in.
Meanwhile, Scimpers had migrated to another treasure seeking mouse, whose name was Tippy.
Scimpers said to Tippy, “Have you ever noticed how mice don’t have any shoulders?”
A story about cute little mice. Care to venture a guess why this story does not now seem to me like the cutesy little fable that it was supposed to be? Well, I'll tell you another story.
It was yet another sleepless night. This has been happening way too often lately. Its completely screwing up my sleep schedule. I've begun to hate sleeping in, but that's a hard thing to avoid when I lay in bed until 3am or later. One night sleep even alluded me until 6 am. I thought I was going crazy.
This night though, I was hearing sounds. This may have been a sign of growing senility, or an absolute truth. Take your pick. Just know this: What I was hearing all night was little scampering sounds of Scimpers' peers, complete with a tiny little squeaking as they were conversing with each other.
Yes. This really happened.
I know because the next morning, my radio, set to a timer, came on at 7am and I woke up just enough to notice new sounds. Closer sounds. Sounds that were no longer muffled by the ceiling panels. The mouse was IN MY ROOM!
Yes. This really happened.
Immediately I sat up, wide-eyed, with absolutely no more sleep in mind. I listened more closely. Yes, there was definitely something snuffling around the corner, behind my desk, where I had stupidly left a shopping bag.
So I am freaking out, not yet crying, wondering what to do. I text my mom, telling her the situation. We text back and forth, and gradually I start to cry, cause I just have no idea what I am going to do, or even If I could do anything.
I was just getting up to reach across my room to grab a Kleenex when one of them RUNS ACROSS MY ROOM! I jumped about a foot in the air, screamed, and grabbed my phone, crying my dignity away. I call mom and the first thing I say is a very garbled "It just ran across my room! I don't know what to do! Mommy I don... kn...t...do... help meeeeee...!"
Needless to say, I calmed down enough to get myself out and drive to Salt Lake, thank goodness. I would not have been able to live in that darned apartment a moment longer. We went back that night to the rest of my stuff, (half of it already moved out), and later in the week to clean and check out. Its lucky I was so close to moving out.
Now, this story may only serve to tell you that I am a huge wimp who is driven out of my apartment by mice, or just a waste of your time cause you just couldn't care about my failings as a mouse killer. Whichever, just know, I am not sure I am still able to watch Ratatouille anymore. That's what this experience has done to me. And makes me VERY glad that I move into my new apartment tomorrow morning. Couldn't be more excited. Maybe my life will no longer be unoriginal and unexciting. Just maybe. I am leaving the possibilities open.
But really, knowing me, my life will not turn into a Hollywood movie just by moving to a new place. I will be satisfied with a CW TV show, though.
As always,
AmandaInLogan(via Salt Lake)
P.S. I apologize for the stupid highlighting thing going on. I could NOT get rid of it.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
We Are Robin Hood!
A new favorite T.V. show? Indubitably.
And yes, thats right, I said T.V. show. THREE FULL SEASONS of this awesomeness.
Watch a trailer here.
I loved this show. It was such a fresh new take on the old story, but it had all of the same stuff. At least until the end of the second season when the writers decided to CHANGE the original story! It made me real angry at first. I even protested and didn't watch it for a week. (Thats how long I lasted, I loved the show too much.) However, it turned out okay. If you want to know what I mean, watch the show! (It's on Netflix Instant Streaming)
Anyway, so, for the sake of those who haven't seen it and may still want to see it, I can write a little promo for it. But then after that I will have to give a spoiler warning cause I want to talk about what I thought of it, and that means giving the plot secrets away!
But first, to summarize:
"Deep in the heart of England, lives a legend, Robin Hood"
It is the same old typical tale. Robin of Locksley, played by Jonas Armstrong, returns from the Holy Land (in this version with his faithful soon- to- be freed manservant, Much, played by Sam Troughton) where he finds Nottingham to be under the rule of evil old Vasey, Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen). He finds Marian, played by the lovely Lucy Griffiths, to be still unmarried, but less than thrilled at his homecoming.
And he finds his people to be overworked, poor, and miserable.
"Le-dee-da-dee-da", the same old stuff, throw in a couple more principle characters and a bit more epic bow and arrow stunts from Robin, and he has ended up as an outlaw, with a small gang of fellow outlaws to help him fight the sheriff, trying to put things right, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, until such time as the beloved Richard, King of England, returns and saves them all.
Its a great ride, watching from episode 1 to the series finale. Lots of surprises along the way. I found myself gasping in complete surprise several times, and even once I turned off my computer and walked away, I was so mad.
Now for the Spoiler Warning. There will be some major spoilage from here on out, so if you have not seen this show and still intend to watch it (please do!), stop reading now! If it were me reading this, I would have been so mad if I had kept going. (I am talking mainly to you Sis. I don't want you blaming me, and I really want you to keep watching the show!)
I am not going to give an entire summary (horror!) that would be too long. I am just dying to share my thoughts on a few things.
First off: My favorite characters (minus Robin Hood).
Sir Guy of Gisborne, jilted lover whose inner battle of Love vs. Power ends in guilt ridden tragedy.
Guy's story is, in my opinion, the best. Looking back, knowing his full life story, I am amazed at how far he has come. He was hit with deep tragedy so young in life, and it is clear that for many years to come, he would still be sunk in his own little lake of despair, keeping him from finding true happiness.
For some strange reason( or at least it was strange at the time), throughout the whole series, he was my favorite character. Even though he was an evil, pig-headed idiot that was trying to take Robin's girl, I still liked him. This was a first for me. I usually cant stand the bad guys.
Guy of Gisborne was constantly trying to earn the love of the Lady Marian. This above all else, showed that he was truly good at heart. The man he was on the surface was angry, bitter, power- hungry, do-all-that-he-can-to-get-what-wants-even-hurting-and-killing-innocent-peasants. But a man like that cannot love like he did. He grew to truly love Marian, and would do anything for her. He even had a moment of truth, somewhere in the second season, where he had to choose between being the Sheriff and Prince John's ally, which meant a life of riches and power over the poor, or fighting and almost surely dying with Marian. I squealed with strange delight when he chose Marian. He turned his horse right around and chose love.
However, Marian would never be his. She loved Robin, and Guy was destined to have his heart broken. And when that became a reality, the battle between his love for Marian and his desire for success and power was rekindled and the wrong, shallow side won. In a desperate act for power, he killed Marian (for good this time) and ended the battle but started a life of intense guilt and sorrow. He turned into a man whose only solace was his fight for ultimate power that had no desire behind it anymore. He became a man who lived each day in his own private Hell. (He became a man who no longer washed or cut his hair.)
He is the only reason I continued watching after Marian's death. I knew, now that she was gone, and at his own hands, that he was going to undergo an intense emotional journey. And those are my favorite! I wanted to see how he would take this new situation, how he would either move on, wallow and let the guilt and despair run his life, or rise above it. I am happy to say that it was that last course that he took. Eventually, through a series of events and revelations that I wont get into now, he allied himself with Robin and helped to save Nottingham. The best part about that was that he (to use the schoolyard metaphor) stood up to his bully, the Sheriff, and proved that he was not just some kid who could be pushed around. It annoyed me to no end whenever he let the Sheriff control him. I could tell that Guy didn't like it either, so I knew eventually he would do something and I couldn't wait for that.
Okay. I think I should be done ranting about Sir Guy now. I could say plenty more but it would just make this post way too long (not that it already isn't).
My other favorite character is Allan A Dale. I am so glad he stayed for the whole series. He wasn't originally a favorite of mine. In fact, he made me really mad several times. But his journey is almost as fascinating as Gisborne's. Although not as emotionally fascinating. He doesn't kill the love of his life after all.
But he does let greed fight with his conscience. His inner battle is Greed vs. Loyalty and Good. All he wants is money and food, and he is good at lying his way out of trouble, until he joins Robin's campaign. There are two memorable times he lets his greed make him forget his loyalty to Robin and the people of Nottingham. He finds himself in possession of quite a bit of gold and determines to leave Nottingham to start a better life with it, leaving Robin and the gang behind. He even persuades Will Scarlet to come along. Thankfully, he changes his mind, or probably Will changed it for him, and he rides back and saves Robin and the others.
Later, after being captured, Allan is bribed by Gisborne to turn spy against Robin. Did he stay loyal to his fearless leader? "A Clue: No." To my complete horror, Allan accepted, and he spent a good part of season 2 aiding Gisborne and the Sheriff in their campaign against Robin Hood. However, he regretted this and ultimately won his spot back in Robin's gang of outlaws, and staunchly became a fierce do-gooder and a very good looking one at that. :)
In the end, when his loyalty was once again questioned, and this time he was truly loyal, he died for the cause. He lived the last of his days firmly on the side of good, and proved that with his blood. I was openly furious. He was not originally my favorite, but he did end up being one of them. I didn't want to see him die.
Like Guy of Gisborne, he was also jilted at love. A few times, actually. When Djaq (pronounced jack), joins the gang after being freed from a line of Sarasin slaves destined to work in the mines, it soon becomes clear that having a girl in the gang causes a few of the outlaws to fall in love. Both Allan and Will start to fall in love, but it is Will's boyish charm that wins out, and Allan is forgotten.
Then, later, when once again a girl, Kate, joins up, he starts to feel something for her too. But this time Much, Robin's humble and faithful best friend who has no luck in love (or tact, for that matter), also falls madly in love. But Kate will have none of that, and falls for the legend himself, Robin. Allan has once again lost.
Its sad really. You'd think he could have somebody to love him. But I think that both Djaq and Kate did love him a little. Djaq believed, more than anybody else, that Allan could prove himself to be loyal, and when he didn't, I think that was when she lost interest. And Kate showed deep sorrow when Allan died. But really, who could compete with Robin Hood?
Okay. One more favorite character. I wont rant as much about him because I dont really know why he is a favorite of mine, and he was only in a couple of episodes. He is Carter, the assassin bent on killing Robin. But Robin turned Carter's emotions upside down and created another fiercely loyal friend. He had a small little emotional journey of his own. I desperately wanted him to stay on as one of Robin's gang, but he went to fight alongside King Richard instead.
Will Scarlet claimed the title of my favorite first though. I really like him. Mostly because of his eyes. :)
Sorry, girl moment.
And finally, the last character to be introduced, and who was only in the last few episodes, which is too bad, because he had potential, is...
Archer. Half brother of both Guy and Robin. 'Nuff said.
Brothers in arms.
And in the end, Robin ends up with Marian. And they all live happily ever after! Well, "live" isn't the best word for that. They all pretty much die. But i'm okay with that. For once.
And yes, thats right, I said T.V. show. THREE FULL SEASONS of this awesomeness.
Watch a trailer here.
I loved this show. It was such a fresh new take on the old story, but it had all of the same stuff. At least until the end of the second season when the writers decided to CHANGE the original story! It made me real angry at first. I even protested and didn't watch it for a week. (Thats how long I lasted, I loved the show too much.) However, it turned out okay. If you want to know what I mean, watch the show! (It's on Netflix Instant Streaming)
Anyway, so, for the sake of those who haven't seen it and may still want to see it, I can write a little promo for it. But then after that I will have to give a spoiler warning cause I want to talk about what I thought of it, and that means giving the plot secrets away!
But first, to summarize:
"Deep in the heart of England, lives a legend, Robin Hood"
It is the same old typical tale. Robin of Locksley, played by Jonas Armstrong, returns from the Holy Land (in this version with his faithful soon- to- be freed manservant, Much, played by Sam Troughton) where he finds Nottingham to be under the rule of evil old Vasey, Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen). He finds Marian, played by the lovely Lucy Griffiths, to be still unmarried, but less than thrilled at his homecoming.And he finds his people to be overworked, poor, and miserable.
Whats new (as far as I know) is that his lands and Locksley Manor are now being run by the Sheriff's right hand man, Guy of Gisborne. Guy, played by Richard Armitage, who I had formerly seen in the movie North & South (and who I love!), is an evil, greedy, power hungry man who desires Marian to be his wife.
Its a great ride, watching from episode 1 to the series finale. Lots of surprises along the way. I found myself gasping in complete surprise several times, and even once I turned off my computer and walked away, I was so mad.
Now for the Spoiler Warning. There will be some major spoilage from here on out, so if you have not seen this show and still intend to watch it (please do!), stop reading now! If it were me reading this, I would have been so mad if I had kept going. (I am talking mainly to you Sis. I don't want you blaming me, and I really want you to keep watching the show!)
I am not going to give an entire summary (horror!) that would be too long. I am just dying to share my thoughts on a few things.
First off: My favorite characters (minus Robin Hood).
Sir Guy of Gisborne, jilted lover whose inner battle of Love vs. Power ends in guilt ridden tragedy.
Guy's story is, in my opinion, the best. Looking back, knowing his full life story, I am amazed at how far he has come. He was hit with deep tragedy so young in life, and it is clear that for many years to come, he would still be sunk in his own little lake of despair, keeping him from finding true happiness.For some strange reason( or at least it was strange at the time), throughout the whole series, he was my favorite character. Even though he was an evil, pig-headed idiot that was trying to take Robin's girl, I still liked him. This was a first for me. I usually cant stand the bad guys.
Guy of Gisborne was constantly trying to earn the love of the Lady Marian. This above all else, showed that he was truly good at heart. The man he was on the surface was angry, bitter, power- hungry, do-all-that-he-can-to-get-what-wants-even-hurting-and-killing-innocent-peasants. But a man like that cannot love like he did. He grew to truly love Marian, and would do anything for her. He even had a moment of truth, somewhere in the second season, where he had to choose between being the Sheriff and Prince John's ally, which meant a life of riches and power over the poor, or fighting and almost surely dying with Marian. I squealed with strange delight when he chose Marian. He turned his horse right around and chose love.
He is the only reason I continued watching after Marian's death. I knew, now that she was gone, and at his own hands, that he was going to undergo an intense emotional journey. And those are my favorite! I wanted to see how he would take this new situation, how he would either move on, wallow and let the guilt and despair run his life, or rise above it. I am happy to say that it was that last course that he took. Eventually, through a series of events and revelations that I wont get into now, he allied himself with Robin and helped to save Nottingham. The best part about that was that he (to use the schoolyard metaphor) stood up to his bully, the Sheriff, and proved that he was not just some kid who could be pushed around. It annoyed me to no end whenever he let the Sheriff control him. I could tell that Guy didn't like it either, so I knew eventually he would do something and I couldn't wait for that.
Okay. I think I should be done ranting about Sir Guy now. I could say plenty more but it would just make this post way too long (not that it already isn't).
My other favorite character is Allan A Dale. I am so glad he stayed for the whole series. He wasn't originally a favorite of mine. In fact, he made me really mad several times. But his journey is almost as fascinating as Gisborne's. Although not as emotionally fascinating. He doesn't kill the love of his life after all.But he does let greed fight with his conscience. His inner battle is Greed vs. Loyalty and Good. All he wants is money and food, and he is good at lying his way out of trouble, until he joins Robin's campaign. There are two memorable times he lets his greed make him forget his loyalty to Robin and the people of Nottingham. He finds himself in possession of quite a bit of gold and determines to leave Nottingham to start a better life with it, leaving Robin and the gang behind. He even persuades Will Scarlet to come along. Thankfully, he changes his mind, or probably Will changed it for him, and he rides back and saves Robin and the others.
Later, after being captured, Allan is bribed by Gisborne to turn spy against Robin. Did he stay loyal to his fearless leader? "A Clue: No." To my complete horror, Allan accepted, and he spent a good part of season 2 aiding Gisborne and the Sheriff in their campaign against Robin Hood. However, he regretted this and ultimately won his spot back in Robin's gang of outlaws, and staunchly became a fierce do-gooder and a very good looking one at that. :)
In the end, when his loyalty was once again questioned, and this time he was truly loyal, he died for the cause. He lived the last of his days firmly on the side of good, and proved that with his blood. I was openly furious. He was not originally my favorite, but he did end up being one of them. I didn't want to see him die.
Like Guy of Gisborne, he was also jilted at love. A few times, actually. When Djaq (pronounced jack), joins the gang after being freed from a line of Sarasin slaves destined to work in the mines, it soon becomes clear that having a girl in the gang causes a few of the outlaws to fall in love. Both Allan and Will start to fall in love, but it is Will's boyish charm that wins out, and Allan is forgotten.
Then, later, when once again a girl, Kate, joins up, he starts to feel something for her too. But this time Much, Robin's humble and faithful best friend who has no luck in love (or tact, for that matter), also falls madly in love. But Kate will have none of that, and falls for the legend himself, Robin. Allan has once again lost.
Its sad really. You'd think he could have somebody to love him. But I think that both Djaq and Kate did love him a little. Djaq believed, more than anybody else, that Allan could prove himself to be loyal, and when he didn't, I think that was when she lost interest. And Kate showed deep sorrow when Allan died. But really, who could compete with Robin Hood?
Will Scarlet claimed the title of my favorite first though. I really like him. Mostly because of his eyes. :)
Sorry, girl moment.
And finally, the last character to be introduced, and who was only in the last few episodes, which is too bad, because he had potential, is...Archer. Half brother of both Guy and Robin. 'Nuff said.
Brothers in arms.
And in the end, Robin ends up with Marian. And they all live happily ever after! Well, "live" isn't the best word for that. They all pretty much die. But i'm okay with that. For once.
Friday, April 15, 2011
If life were a rerun, it would be fantastic. There would be zero guessing, no major decisions on where to go. We would already know what to wear, what to say, what career we are meant for. We would even know who to marry, how many kids to have, and what their lives are going to be like also.
But really, who enjoys reruns, truly? At least as much as they enjoy them the first time through, when there are endless possibilities, and endless chances to be proven right or wrong. That's where the adrenaline comes. Its such a great feeling. I mean, if you're deep in a forest, your backpack fell down a cliff taking with it everything you have but the clothes on your back, and you're being chased by a particularly malicious bear, you're not going to get scared and start truly fearing for your unfulfilled life as your feet are pounding through the thick and dark forest if you already know that your intuition- filled friend is going to show up with a well-timed helicopter and whisk you safely away.
Be honest now. Would it be as rich of an experience without the adrenaline and without the mystery? No! It wouldn't! And be honest, is watching Inception or other some such movie a second or third time through as exciting? No! The mystery is gone!
Now, this is all coming from a girl who LOVES to re-watch movies, TV shows, and re-read books. Ask me how many times I have seen Tangled, and its only been out on DVD for a couple of weeks. And ask me how many times I have read Harry Potter. And I will go ahead and tell you now that I am going through Chuck episodes for the second time, and I will probably go for a third, fourth and fifth.
So, going back to the idealistic side of the rerun philosophy, a part of me does think that it would be stupendous. I am at a sort of transition in life. I look ahead and I have NO idea how its going to go. Am I going to graduate and get a great job, am I going to get married before or after that, am I going to change my major at some point because I will realize that teaching is not for me, am I, am I, am I? It goes on. The possibilities are endless because this is my first time through, this is not a rerun. But, just as I really wanted a heads up before the power went out last week, I would really kind of like a similar heads up in my life. Sadly, though, and probably beneficially, thats impossible.
So, I keep on guessing.
But here is another thought. What if our lives were written out in a book? Our own personal pre-memoirs. That offers up a simple solution. Just read ahead. We wont know everything in life, just a small part of it. We could figure out, for example, just WHEN something is going to happen. Or how. Whatever. Just as long as some of the maddening mystery were taken away.
That's innocent enough right? Wrong. Dead wrong.
Hopefully, you have read Harry Potter. All seven books. And if you have then you would recall that at the beginning of each chapter there are pictures, having something to do with the story. NORMALLY they are blameless and unoffending, not giving anything away. However, towards the end of the very last book, (therefore the most important ending, right?) there is a very infuriating picture. Well, I used to look ahead at the pictures only, studiously avoiding the words themselves. I thought it was the okay part of reading ahead. Once again, DEAD WRONG. I saw this picture (not wanting to spoil for those who haven't read the book, I wont say which one, although a Potter expert could probably guess) and I was soooo mad.
I will leave it at that to avoid pointless ranting. However, I describe this to illustrate the dangers of reading ahead, so that theory is also out.
Sadly, that leaves me still guessing.
Our lives haven't been made into a movie or written in a book because they are still being written. But, THAT, dear readers, is the exciting part. We don't already know so we get the full and delicious suspense out of life.
One of my many philosophies going through my head at random times. Apologies.
Always musing, always looking forward to the next page, never reading ahead, and always,
Amanda In Logan
But really, who enjoys reruns, truly? At least as much as they enjoy them the first time through, when there are endless possibilities, and endless chances to be proven right or wrong. That's where the adrenaline comes. Its such a great feeling. I mean, if you're deep in a forest, your backpack fell down a cliff taking with it everything you have but the clothes on your back, and you're being chased by a particularly malicious bear, you're not going to get scared and start truly fearing for your unfulfilled life as your feet are pounding through the thick and dark forest if you already know that your intuition- filled friend is going to show up with a well-timed helicopter and whisk you safely away.
Be honest now. Would it be as rich of an experience without the adrenaline and without the mystery? No! It wouldn't! And be honest, is watching Inception or other some such movie a second or third time through as exciting? No! The mystery is gone!
Now, this is all coming from a girl who LOVES to re-watch movies, TV shows, and re-read books. Ask me how many times I have seen Tangled, and its only been out on DVD for a couple of weeks. And ask me how many times I have read Harry Potter. And I will go ahead and tell you now that I am going through Chuck episodes for the second time, and I will probably go for a third, fourth and fifth.
So, going back to the idealistic side of the rerun philosophy, a part of me does think that it would be stupendous. I am at a sort of transition in life. I look ahead and I have NO idea how its going to go. Am I going to graduate and get a great job, am I going to get married before or after that, am I going to change my major at some point because I will realize that teaching is not for me, am I, am I, am I? It goes on. The possibilities are endless because this is my first time through, this is not a rerun. But, just as I really wanted a heads up before the power went out last week, I would really kind of like a similar heads up in my life. Sadly, though, and probably beneficially, thats impossible.
So, I keep on guessing.
But here is another thought. What if our lives were written out in a book? Our own personal pre-memoirs. That offers up a simple solution. Just read ahead. We wont know everything in life, just a small part of it. We could figure out, for example, just WHEN something is going to happen. Or how. Whatever. Just as long as some of the maddening mystery were taken away.
That's innocent enough right? Wrong. Dead wrong.
Hopefully, you have read Harry Potter. All seven books. And if you have then you would recall that at the beginning of each chapter there are pictures, having something to do with the story. NORMALLY they are blameless and unoffending, not giving anything away. However, towards the end of the very last book, (therefore the most important ending, right?) there is a very infuriating picture. Well, I used to look ahead at the pictures only, studiously avoiding the words themselves. I thought it was the okay part of reading ahead. Once again, DEAD WRONG. I saw this picture (not wanting to spoil for those who haven't read the book, I wont say which one, although a Potter expert could probably guess) and I was soooo mad.
I will leave it at that to avoid pointless ranting. However, I describe this to illustrate the dangers of reading ahead, so that theory is also out.
Sadly, that leaves me still guessing.
Our lives haven't been made into a movie or written in a book because they are still being written. But, THAT, dear readers, is the exciting part. We don't already know so we get the full and delicious suspense out of life.
One of my many philosophies going through my head at random times. Apologies.
Always musing, always looking forward to the next page, never reading ahead, and always,
Amanda In Logan
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
6 #1 Reasons Why:
Something I have been thinking about lately. I have a Top 3 for almost every category; movie, book, song, artist, writer, etc. Or approximations of some of those. So I decided to say why. But instead of running the risk of repeating myself and talking about my #1 favorites ( I tend to talk about them a lot). So I will just talk about the other things, that are less discussed in my daily life. (Is this making any sense? 'Cause it does to me, but I do recognize that it is probably very convoluted. I apologize. )
Anyway, so here goes.
1. The #1 reason why I love John Keats.
If you don't know who this guy is, check out this masterpiece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YItOUJlZpY
Okay, so he does happen to be my number one favorite poet, but since I have newly discovered him, I haven't yet exhausted the topic.
This guy KNEW poetry in a time when apparently no one else did, because he was very unsuccessful in making money in this trade. He wrote it beautifully. A few months ago, I watched Bright Star and instantly fell in love with this guy's words. The movie is a portrayal of part of his life, of his love affair with Fanny Brawne. I don't know how accurate it is historically, but it introduced me to his poetry. If you actually sat and listened to the poem that I gave a link to, you might also understand why its so deliciously, canorously stupendous. But I also know that some people don't take to poetry as much, so its okay. Nevertheless, here is an example of one of my favorite poems of his:
When I have fears that I may cease to be
Before my pen has glean'd my teeming brain,
Before high-piled books, in charactery,
Hold like rich garners the full ripen'd grain;
When I behold, upon the night's starr'd face,
Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance,
And think that I may never live to trace
Their shadows, with the magic hand of chance;
And when I feel, fair creature of an hour,
That I shall never look upon thee more,
Never have relish in the faery power
Of unreflecting love;--then on the shore
Of the wide world I stand alone, and think
Till love and fame to nothingness do sink.
Anyway, so here goes.
1. The #1 reason why I love John Keats.
If you don't know who this guy is, check out this masterpiece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YItOUJlZpY
Okay, so he does happen to be my number one favorite poet, but since I have newly discovered him, I haven't yet exhausted the topic.
This guy KNEW poetry in a time when apparently no one else did, because he was very unsuccessful in making money in this trade. He wrote it beautifully. A few months ago, I watched Bright Star and instantly fell in love with this guy's words. The movie is a portrayal of part of his life, of his love affair with Fanny Brawne. I don't know how accurate it is historically, but it introduced me to his poetry. If you actually sat and listened to the poem that I gave a link to, you might also understand why its so deliciously, canorously stupendous. But I also know that some people don't take to poetry as much, so its okay. Nevertheless, here is an example of one of my favorite poems of his:
When I have fears that I may cease to be
Before my pen has glean'd my teeming brain,
Before high-piled books, in charactery,
Hold like rich garners the full ripen'd grain;
When I behold, upon the night's starr'd face,
Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance,
And think that I may never live to trace
Their shadows, with the magic hand of chance;
And when I feel, fair creature of an hour,
That I shall never look upon thee more,
Never have relish in the faery power
Of unreflecting love;--then on the shore
Of the wide world I stand alone, and think
Till love and fame to nothingness do sink.
This is a masterpiece in my opinion. These and others that Mr. Keats wrote make my heart sing because he skillfully entwines words like no other, except maybe Shakespeare.
"Poetry should... strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance." So true. Check out more quotes by the master himself. He is a brilliant philosopher, taking the form of a poet.
Also, admittedly, the movie also made me fall in love with Ben Whishaw. I think he expertly portrayed the poet with magnificence. I would love to see him in more stuff.
2. The #1 reason why I hate dinosaurs.
Okay, I think I might be alone in this but I HATED Jurassic Park. While it is a good movie, I do know that, I just hate that movie. Mainly because it came out in 1993 and so I saw it at a very young age, and it gave me extremely vivid and frightening nightmares. They handicapped me. Ever since then, the only dino movie I can watch is The Land Before Time, and even then I hated the parts with T Rexes. Please, no judgments. If you had the nightmares I had, you might be the same way.
3. The #1 reason why I tolerate commercials.
Basically, they are a fixture of the modern world, and all must tolerate them. We all know they suck. Especially when you are watching a movie. They just don't have the same rhythm when interrupted by those darn ads!
What's this? You mean, with new technology you can somehow skip the commercials? What? Tell me more?!? Unfortunately, myself and my family are not yet advanced in our technology that we can enjoy this luxury...
If I was in the ad industry, I might just like them more, but as it is, I am not (maybe not yet). So I do nothing more than tolerate them, except in the case of the one Super Bowl commercial with the little kid Darth Vader. Did you see that?!?! So cute.
4. The 5 reasons why I cant get enough of musicals.
Les Miserables
Moulin Rouge
Tangled
The Lion King
The Phantom of The Opera
And these are only the ones I have discovered (but not the only ones). They are simply phenomenal, each for they're very own reasons. Les Mis for the tear jerking effect the music and lyrics have; Moulin Rouge for Come What May, that is such a beautiful song especially when sung by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman; Tangled for giving us a singing Zachary Levi :) ; The Lion King because well, why not?? Jason Raize, who played the original Simba on Broadway, FLOORED me when I heard Endless Night. He is flawless; The Phantom of the Opera because this is the archetype of awesome music. The whole thing is awe-inspiring.
Note: These productions are in no special order, just simply the order I wrote them down.
5. The #1 reason I believe in Jesus Christ.
Forgive me for going into a bit of religious rant, but, especially lately, my testimony continues to grow. The reason is that the spirit repeatedly confirms in Jesus as our Savior, and the Savior of the world. Hymns, the Scriptures, other's testimonies like Joseph Smith, Amanda Smith, and cute little kids'. And then there is that wonderful feeling I get when I pray to my Heavenly Father. It is better than when I hear Jason Raize, or that feeling you get when the commercials are finally over, or the blessed peace I feel when I think about how dinosaurs do NOT still roam this Earth, and even more than when I read the words written by "the magic hand of chance" belonging to John Keats.
Thats my kind of testimony. :)
The #1 reason why my life is so unexciting: I spend my time thinking about things like the above points. Someone please find me a new hobby.
As always and always finding new things to delight in,
Amanda In Logan
"Poetry should... strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance." So true. Check out more quotes by the master himself. He is a brilliant philosopher, taking the form of a poet.
Also, admittedly, the movie also made me fall in love with Ben Whishaw. I think he expertly portrayed the poet with magnificence. I would love to see him in more stuff.
2. The #1 reason why I hate dinosaurs.
Okay, I think I might be alone in this but I HATED Jurassic Park. While it is a good movie, I do know that, I just hate that movie. Mainly because it came out in 1993 and so I saw it at a very young age, and it gave me extremely vivid and frightening nightmares. They handicapped me. Ever since then, the only dino movie I can watch is The Land Before Time, and even then I hated the parts with T Rexes. Please, no judgments. If you had the nightmares I had, you might be the same way.
3. The #1 reason why I tolerate commercials.
Basically, they are a fixture of the modern world, and all must tolerate them. We all know they suck. Especially when you are watching a movie. They just don't have the same rhythm when interrupted by those darn ads!
What's this? You mean, with new technology you can somehow skip the commercials? What? Tell me more?!? Unfortunately, myself and my family are not yet advanced in our technology that we can enjoy this luxury...
If I was in the ad industry, I might just like them more, but as it is, I am not (maybe not yet). So I do nothing more than tolerate them, except in the case of the one Super Bowl commercial with the little kid Darth Vader. Did you see that?!?! So cute.
4. The 5 reasons why I cant get enough of musicals.
Les Miserables
Moulin Rouge
Tangled
The Lion King
The Phantom of The Opera
And these are only the ones I have discovered (but not the only ones). They are simply phenomenal, each for they're very own reasons. Les Mis for the tear jerking effect the music and lyrics have; Moulin Rouge for Come What May, that is such a beautiful song especially when sung by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman; Tangled for giving us a singing Zachary Levi :) ; The Lion King because well, why not?? Jason Raize, who played the original Simba on Broadway, FLOORED me when I heard Endless Night. He is flawless; The Phantom of the Opera because this is the archetype of awesome music. The whole thing is awe-inspiring.
Note: These productions are in no special order, just simply the order I wrote them down.
5. The #1 reason I believe in Jesus Christ.
Forgive me for going into a bit of religious rant, but, especially lately, my testimony continues to grow. The reason is that the spirit repeatedly confirms in Jesus as our Savior, and the Savior of the world. Hymns, the Scriptures, other's testimonies like Joseph Smith, Amanda Smith, and cute little kids'. And then there is that wonderful feeling I get when I pray to my Heavenly Father. It is better than when I hear Jason Raize, or that feeling you get when the commercials are finally over, or the blessed peace I feel when I think about how dinosaurs do NOT still roam this Earth, and even more than when I read the words written by "the magic hand of chance" belonging to John Keats.
Thats my kind of testimony. :)
The #1 reason why my life is so unexciting: I spend my time thinking about things like the above points. Someone please find me a new hobby.
As always and always finding new things to delight in,
Amanda In Logan
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
nobody ever told me Logan was going to be so cold!
Ready for my rant? Okay, here goes:
It was sooo cold the past two days! Seriously. It was 3pm and it was BEYOND FREEZING! Coupled with the wind, it was a miserable walk to and from class. I look out the window before I leave to make sure its not snowing or something, and what I see is the sun! This is not normal in Logan I have come to find out. We have lots of cloud cover. But it was clear skies and sunny! I was excited. So I put on my warm but light jacket and walked outside. I go up around my apartment and start up the stupid hill and the wind was blasted into my face! Thats when it fully hit me. It. Was. Cold. No, not even cold. It was Siberian, algid, arctic, below freezing, below zero,benumbed, biting, bitter, blasting, bleak, boreal,brisk, brumal, chill, chilled, cool, crisp, cutting,frigid, frore, frosty, frozen, gelid, glacial, havegoose bumps, hawkish, hiemal, hyperborean,icebox, iced, icy, inclement, intense, keen,nipping, nippy, numbed, numbing, one-dog night,penetrating, piercing, polar, raw, rimy, severe,sharp, shivery, sleety, snappy, snowy, stinging,two-dog night, and wintry.(Yes, that is the whole thesaurus.com entry for the word 'cold'.)
I swear. I needed to wear a full on body suit in order to be warm at all. I almost felt as if I was walking on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. In my mind I can just hear Leo DiCaprio saying "It hits you like a thousand knives stabbing you all over your body. You can't breathe. You can't think. At least, not about anything but the pain".
Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration in this instance. It just screams hyperbole. But really. It was so cold! All I wanted to to was go home as soon I could and turn on my mattress heater and curl up under my blankets.
But I had to go to class so I was not afforded that luxury. And what a luxury it would have been! It sounded like heaven to me during those moments of battling the icy wind. I'm thinking of writing a poem, using all of the best diction I can conjure up. Heaven knows
I can think up something. Check back later. Maybe I will post it.
As always (at least until my ears are defrosted),
AmandaInLogan
It was sooo cold the past two days! Seriously. It was 3pm and it was BEYOND FREEZING! Coupled with the wind, it was a miserable walk to and from class. I look out the window before I leave to make sure its not snowing or something, and what I see is the sun! This is not normal in Logan I have come to find out. We have lots of cloud cover. But it was clear skies and sunny! I was excited. So I put on my warm but light jacket and walked outside. I go up around my apartment and start up the stupid hill and the wind was blasted into my face! Thats when it fully hit me. It. Was. Cold. No, not even cold. It was Siberian, algid, arctic, below freezing, below zero,benumbed, biting, bitter, blasting, bleak, boreal,brisk, brumal, chill, chilled, cool, crisp, cutting,frigid, frore, frosty, frozen, gelid, glacial, havegoose bumps, hawkish, hiemal, hyperborean,icebox, iced, icy, inclement, intense, keen,nipping, nippy, numbed, numbing, one-dog night,penetrating, piercing, polar, raw, rimy, severe,sharp, shivery, sleety, snappy, snowy, stinging,two-dog night, and wintry.(Yes, that is the whole thesaurus.com entry for the word 'cold'.)
I swear. I needed to wear a full on body suit in order to be warm at all. I almost felt as if I was walking on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. In my mind I can just hear Leo DiCaprio saying "It hits you like a thousand knives stabbing you all over your body. You can't breathe. You can't think. At least, not about anything but the pain".
Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration in this instance. It just screams hyperbole. But really. It was so cold! All I wanted to to was go home as soon I could and turn on my mattress heater and curl up under my blankets.
But I had to go to class so I was not afforded that luxury. And what a luxury it would have been! It sounded like heaven to me during those moments of battling the icy wind. I'm thinking of writing a poem, using all of the best diction I can conjure up. Heaven knows
I can think up something. Check back later. Maybe I will post it.
As always (at least until my ears are defrosted),
AmandaInLogan
Monday, January 3, 2011
Dear Mr. Lund
Those who are as devoted to the written word as I am undoubtedly have a favorite author, or even several favorites. And they all most likely want to meet and have a little chat with that author, or at least write them a letter. Since I cant seem to find an address for my favorite author, this will have to suffice. Besides, it is part of my road to being a writer, so it seems a fitting thing to write, I think.
Dear Mr. Lund,
I am a devoted reader and aspiring writer who deeply wants to express her gratitude and awe to such an author as you. You don’t know it, but you have left a great impression on my life, and I am only eighteen years old. So I am writing to you, with the same feelings a young child has when writing to Santa Claus. I am going to try to put into words what exactly I would like to say to you if ever I got the marvelous chance to meet one such as you.
I feel like I have grown up with your books, namely, The Work and the Glory and Fire of the Covenant. And I want you to know that they have been on the top of my favorites list for quite awhile. I can still remember when my dad played the tapes of Pillar of Light on one of our car rides, in an attempt to stifle the bickering I am sure. I was too young to really understand, or sadly, care what it was. But years later I still remember that the description and the words I heard as I drifted off to sleep were almost magical. And that is how I still feel, after many times reading your books.
Your writing may not be a fantastical tale of witches and wizards or magic carpets and fire- breathing dragons, but, nevertheless, it is entirely magical to me. When I first read The Work and the Glory, I was a little seventh grader. Yes, I was 12. Looking back, it was probably some really heavy reading for me, but I devoured it all. In fact, I read so much, and so fast, that I ended up winning a reading contest, with the sole help of your incredible tale, Mr. Lund.
Now, a short six years later, as a freshman at Utah State University, I know that your books will always be among my absolute favorites. As a reward of finishing my first ever semester of higher education, I let myself read a novel, just for fun. And I chose to reread Fire of the Covenant. (Yes, I know an immense tear- fest.) I have read it an innumerable amount of times, but every time I read it I still marvel at how much your words, and the events you portray, really get to me. Your immortal sentences seem to resound in my head year- round, and I am always wondering, “What would the Steeds think about this?” or “Couldn’t I marry a man Like Eric Pederson, so gentle, so chivalrous?” and Lydia McBride Steed is one of my biggest role models. I think she is one of your best characters (although they are all pretty great).
As I mentioned before, I am a wannabe writer, and I have come to think of reading your books as a sort of research experiment. I like to read them to familiarize myself with brilliant writing, the kind I hope to produce myself one day. Historical fiction is my favorite genre of writing. There is just something about learning while you read fiction that I am entirely hooked on. But, while in the midst of this research experiment, I lose myself in the enjoyment of those stories! I cannot fully say just how much I enjoy the plots, and those heart- wrenching moments. They are so special. After finishing The Fire of the Covenant, I started The Work and the Glory, because I just couldn’t resist. So now, I am halfway into Volume 2. I am getting closer and closer to the part where Nathan gives his baby son a blessing, and in it naming the young boy after the Steed’s lost brother, Joshua. That right there is one of those sweet moments that just make me cry. And you do it so well Mr. Lund. I can hardly handle the anticipation until I read that part again.
Now, to come to one of the main reasons I want to write, I want to tell you about my own project plans. One of the characters you featured in your books, specifically Volume 4; Thy Gold To Refine, is an ancestor of mine, Amanda Barnes Smith. When my dad told me about that, I was so excited. She was one of those who I loved reading about the most. Her spiritual strength, and the amount of faith she held in the power of prayer inspired me so much. In fact, recently I have come to decide that her story will be the one that I would like to feature in a novel of my own. Without full out copying your brilliance, my challenge for myself is to write her story, loosely based off of your own writing style but make it unique to mine. It may be a several year project while I am still in school, but it is what I want to do. That is why I have held onto your books so desperately. As I build up my ability in writing, I think of them as my textbooks, and you my teacher, or mentor. And my blog is my weekly exercise in developing that ability. Along with rereading your books a ridiculous amount of times, I have been diving into the story, trying to discover it all and imagining it in a novel form.
Without seeming too self-important in my grand plans, I just wanted to say that you, Mr. Lund, are extremely inspiring. I can tell that your understanding of the Gospel is way beyond the normal, and you have made me understand the gospel even more, and made me adore Joseph Smith and the Restoration and the ever faithful Saints. I guess my mind is one of those that need history played out, with all its drama and emotion, to fully understand, and comprehend it. So I am ever thankful for your genius. You must have received inspiration straight from God to write those books, just for my benefit. But I know that it is way bigger than just me. I know that the whole world benefits from your inspiration, and that is proof of God’s all-knowing power. He knew that your books could change the world. And they do. They change it in a million tiny ways, in a million people’s whole world. They may not be as life-changing as the actual events they depict, but in their own special way, they do change lives.
So, Mr. Lund, I was just writing to say, thank you so very much. Thank you for giving me the Steed’s, and Maggie McKensie and Eric Pederson. And thanks for inspiring me to write my own story. And thanks for being absolutely awesome.
Sincerely, your biggest fan and best reader,
Amanda In Logan
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Working for the Greater Good of Dogkind!!!
A DOG'S PRAYER
Treat me kindly , my beloved master,
for no heart in all the world is more
grateful for kindness than the loving
heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly teach
me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is
world’s sweetest music, as you must know
by the fierce wagging of my tail when your
footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me
inside, for I am now a domesticated animal,
no longer used to bitter elements.
And I ask no greater glory than the
privilege of sitting at your feet beside
the hearth. Though had you no home,
I would rather follow you through ice and
snow than rest upon the softest pillow in
the warmest home in the land, for you are
my god and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for although I should not reproach you
were it dry, I cannot tell you when I
suffer thirst. Feed me clean food so
that I may stay well to romp and play
and do your bidding, to walk by your
side, and stand ready willing and able
to protect you with my life should your
life be in danger.
And beloved master, should the Great Master
see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,
do not turn me away from you. Rather,
hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...
and I will leave you knowing with the last
breath I draw, my fate was every safest
in your hands.
--- Beth Norman Harris ---
Treat me kindly , my beloved master,
for no heart in all the world is more
grateful for kindness than the loving
heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly teach
me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is
world’s sweetest music, as you must know
by the fierce wagging of my tail when your
footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me
inside, for I am now a domesticated animal,
no longer used to bitter elements.
And I ask no greater glory than the
privilege of sitting at your feet beside
the hearth. Though had you no home,
I would rather follow you through ice and
snow than rest upon the softest pillow in
the warmest home in the land, for you are
my god and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for although I should not reproach you
were it dry, I cannot tell you when I
suffer thirst. Feed me clean food so
that I may stay well to romp and play
and do your bidding, to walk by your
side, and stand ready willing and able
to protect you with my life should your
life be in danger.
And beloved master, should the Great Master
see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,
do not turn me away from you. Rather,
hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...
and I will leave you knowing with the last
breath I draw, my fate was every safest
in your hands.
--- Beth Norman Harris ---
In no way are dogs inferior to people. If anything, they must be superior. Dogs know the true meaning of friendship, they have no conditions or demands. They love like no other human can, and they never fail in their devotion. They should be loved in the same way by us, who sometimes take them for granted.
---------------------------
Well, as you can see, dogs are important to me. if someone were to ask me, back in, what? Junior year of high school? yes. If you were to ask me, then, who my best friend was, I would have said "Oh. Definitely my dog."
Yes, that might sound lame, but it is true. He was my companion through those years, and I did all I could to repay him the kindness, and cure him of his, hhhm... what shall I call it? I am not quite sure. My mom and I talked about it once. We came to the conclusion that there was something wrong in his brain. Something that we think was caused by abuse, that gave him a deep sense of distrust. Yes, it was probably also from his breeding, but we could tell it was something deeper.
So we tried all we could to help him. But we could tell there was nothing we could do. Not really.
Now, about 2 years later, I am still working to repay my best friend. What am I doing, you ask? Well, I am working for the greater good of dogkind! Well, okay, I just go and volunteer at the local Humane Society. But it is important work! If those dogs are cared for daily, who knows how they could end up. And I hope that my efforts will educate others on the proper way to treat these lovely animals.
My hope is to eradicate the mistreatment of dogs, and to make a difference in the lives of the sweet hearts housed in that place, just searching for a home, and someone to love them.
Please, if you feel the same way, do all that you can. Do not let a single animal be mistreated or forgotten. They will love you with all their hearts, so why not repay it? Adopt, volunteer, foster, donate, anything! Its worth it, I promise. You might even find a best friend!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
My Date With Mr. Darcy... wait what???
As I often do at various times in my life, I read a book this week. And it was such an interesting experience, I thought I would blog about it. So here is my story, or rather, My Date with Mr. Darcy.
Strolling through the fiction book section at Hastings, I discovered that they have some rather cheap books. Mainly because they are used. But, being a college student with a lame job, cheap is good! Excitement rolling through my veins, I found a book entitled My Date With Mr. Darcy (if you haven't already guessed). I thought "Hey, this looks good. looks like something i might enjoy, right?". So I bought it. $6.49.
Driving home, I was excited. It has been awhile since I bought a new book. Being as poor as I am, rereading books is kind of my thing. But here I was! A NEW (used) book! Oh the joy!
When I did get home, I looked up the book on Goodreads, just because, well, I was curious. This website has tons of reader reviews for every book imaginable. Its amazing.
So there I was, reading the reviews for this new book I just bought. And there I was, having my hopes being completely crushed. Every single review just tore this book to pieces, saying that it was terrible, a waste of time, no way in H-E- double hockey sticks was it ever going to be a good book. And most of the comments about the book were about the terrible writing. And thats when I knew I was going to hate it too. As a wannabe writer, I value good writing, and I like to think that I can recognize terrible writing.
NOW what was I going to do?? I now owned this book and apparently it was a terrible one... All of my enthusiasm for reading it was gone. I had just spent part of my pitifully small paycheck on a book that I was likely going to hate... oh boy...
But, out of sheer stubbornness probably, I decided to try it anyway. I mean, really? It was published, wasn't it? How bad can it be, right?
Wrong. Horribly wrong. the book was TERRIBLE! I was ashamed that it was EVER published! I mean, I am only a freshman in college, with absolutely no experience in the area, but I knew that this book should never have been published...
The huge problem was, well, CHEESE. It was extremely cheesy. Although, to be fair, the whole PLOT was destined to be cheesy. But, in my opinion, a good writer has to be able to take a cheesy, clichéd plot idea and make it work. At least, that is MY goal. Because I do tend to have cheesy plot ideas...
But really, Alexandra Potter really didn't get that concept. For the first 30 pages at least, we had to hear all about how her heroine, Emily Albright, just ADORED Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Austen's dreamboat character from Pride and Prejudice. It was rather pathetic. She had actually given up on dating men. From now on, she was going to stick with men in her beloved books. "I mean, why cant I go on a date with Mr. Darcy?" she says. Seriously, there is hopeless romantic, then there is just plain hopeless.
And, something I just HAVE to mention is the poor word choice. Namely, the cuss words, and other vulgar words. I mean really?? I might be a little biased because I was raised to know that cuss words shouldn't be used, that they are just too vulgar. But, in my opinion, they DO NOT belong in books. Okay, maybe the dialog, but certainly not the narration! Cuss words were just oozing off of the pages of this book. It got to the point that whenever I would see one, not in the dialog, I would mentally take it out, and you know what? The sentence worked SO MUCH better! It actually made it flow better, and it almost made the book actually worth reading.
Also, while still on the subject of word choice, I hate the word 'OK'. Shouldn't it be 'okay'? I don't know. Thats just one of my pet peeves. And this book was full of 'OK's...
But, despite all of this, I kept reading. I don't like not finishing a book. I HAVE to finish it. So I trugded on. And you wont BELIEVE what happened.
I have this theory. (Flashes of Mandy Moore in Chasing Liberty are going through my head. Her and her theories) I think that when inspiration for a story comes to a person, they have it all thought out perfectly as a result. They know exactly how the story is going to go, or going to end up. I think of Stephenie Meyer in this theory. She has said that her idea for her international sensation, Twilight, came in a dream. But her dream was just one or two scenes. She had to fill in the rest with her waking imagination. And, despite what other people say, I thought she did a very good job. Her story works out very nicely. (Although, I do admit that Twilight will probably never be a literary great)
It almost seems as if Alexandra Potter had a similar inspirational process (although I have no idea if it came in a dream). When she thought up the idea for this book, I am sure she knew just how it went, as far as the main story goes. But, in order to turn it into a novel, she had to fill in the rest. She had to introduce it. Thats where she went wrong. It seems, as I am reading it, she didn't put as much thought into the fill-ins. So that is why it, well, sucks.
But, to refer back to the inspiration process, the part that she thought up first was probably impeccable. It completely and totally worked.
Which is why, as I kept reading, I started to admire this author as a genuinely good writer. And it was because I had gotten to the 'dream' part of the book. The part that the author obviously had thought out to the very last detail. Her sentences started to flow better. I was amazed. I was actually starting to like this book. And, I am excited to say, she took some scenes, which I just knew had to be so cheesy that I would outwardly cringe, she took them and made them, how shall I say it? Brilliant! Somehow, she was able to take these 'cringe-able' scenes and make them really work. I cant quite place how, but they just worked. I really don't know how else to put it.
And her theme turned out to be my favorite part. I thought that it would be a rather humdrum and shabby one. But it really made sense. And I really liked it. It thought that, miraculously, it was very well supported by her entire plot, although, while reading it, I was totally at a loss as to how it would be any good.
Needless to say, I was very surprised. Finishing the book at about 1 am, I laid it down and thought "Wow. I actually liked that book." Funny how that worked out.
I have learned a really valuable lesson here. And it is "put as much effort into the fill-ins as you do into the heart of the story". Also, cuss words just do not belong in books.
I was thinking, when I read the reviews online, that I would sell the book back to Hastings, and at least get some of my money back. But now I have changed my mind. I am going to keep it as an example of this lesson. It will be my go- to book when I am attempting to get rid of cheese.
I am still in awe of how good that book turned out to be. So that is why I am here, blogging about it. This story may not be one of intense excitement or one that will make me an instant internet star (one of my ambitions in life), but it has helped me to gain a slightly new perspective on the world of fiction.
I found this on Goodreads. (told you I liked it) it is a review of a book:
"You know that bit at the beginning of Amadeus, where Salieri has composed this very uninspired little march, which he and the Emperor play for Mozart? Then Mozart sits down at the keyboard and says, hm, that's not quite right, is it? And he messes around with it for a couple of minutes, until he's suddenly transformed it into "Here's farewell to the games with the girls" from The Marriage of Figaro. "
Well, this is what I want to do with this book. the bad parts anyway. :) But I wont cause that is rather illegal. You know, copyright and all that.
Now, once I finish this blog, I get to study for an English final. At this thought, I am having my own fantasies about being in the world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Now who is the hopeless romantic? Oh boy... ;)
Wishing I could be in 19th Century Britain, yours,
Amanda In (21st Century) Logan.
Strolling through the fiction book section at Hastings, I discovered that they have some rather cheap books. Mainly because they are used. But, being a college student with a lame job, cheap is good! Excitement rolling through my veins, I found a book entitled My Date With Mr. Darcy (if you haven't already guessed). I thought "Hey, this looks good. looks like something i might enjoy, right?". So I bought it. $6.49.
Driving home, I was excited. It has been awhile since I bought a new book. Being as poor as I am, rereading books is kind of my thing. But here I was! A NEW (used) book! Oh the joy!
When I did get home, I looked up the book on Goodreads, just because, well, I was curious. This website has tons of reader reviews for every book imaginable. Its amazing.
So there I was, reading the reviews for this new book I just bought. And there I was, having my hopes being completely crushed. Every single review just tore this book to pieces, saying that it was terrible, a waste of time, no way in H-E- double hockey sticks was it ever going to be a good book. And most of the comments about the book were about the terrible writing. And thats when I knew I was going to hate it too. As a wannabe writer, I value good writing, and I like to think that I can recognize terrible writing.
NOW what was I going to do?? I now owned this book and apparently it was a terrible one... All of my enthusiasm for reading it was gone. I had just spent part of my pitifully small paycheck on a book that I was likely going to hate... oh boy...
But, out of sheer stubbornness probably, I decided to try it anyway. I mean, really? It was published, wasn't it? How bad can it be, right?
Wrong. Horribly wrong. the book was TERRIBLE! I was ashamed that it was EVER published! I mean, I am only a freshman in college, with absolutely no experience in the area, but I knew that this book should never have been published...
The huge problem was, well, CHEESE. It was extremely cheesy. Although, to be fair, the whole PLOT was destined to be cheesy. But, in my opinion, a good writer has to be able to take a cheesy, clichéd plot idea and make it work. At least, that is MY goal. Because I do tend to have cheesy plot ideas...
But really, Alexandra Potter really didn't get that concept. For the first 30 pages at least, we had to hear all about how her heroine, Emily Albright, just ADORED Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Austen's dreamboat character from Pride and Prejudice. It was rather pathetic. She had actually given up on dating men. From now on, she was going to stick with men in her beloved books. "I mean, why cant I go on a date with Mr. Darcy?" she says. Seriously, there is hopeless romantic, then there is just plain hopeless.
And, something I just HAVE to mention is the poor word choice. Namely, the cuss words, and other vulgar words. I mean really?? I might be a little biased because I was raised to know that cuss words shouldn't be used, that they are just too vulgar. But, in my opinion, they DO NOT belong in books. Okay, maybe the dialog, but certainly not the narration! Cuss words were just oozing off of the pages of this book. It got to the point that whenever I would see one, not in the dialog, I would mentally take it out, and you know what? The sentence worked SO MUCH better! It actually made it flow better, and it almost made the book actually worth reading.
Also, while still on the subject of word choice, I hate the word 'OK'. Shouldn't it be 'okay'? I don't know. Thats just one of my pet peeves. And this book was full of 'OK's...
But, despite all of this, I kept reading. I don't like not finishing a book. I HAVE to finish it. So I trugded on. And you wont BELIEVE what happened.
I have this theory. (Flashes of Mandy Moore in Chasing Liberty are going through my head. Her and her theories) I think that when inspiration for a story comes to a person, they have it all thought out perfectly as a result. They know exactly how the story is going to go, or going to end up. I think of Stephenie Meyer in this theory. She has said that her idea for her international sensation, Twilight, came in a dream. But her dream was just one or two scenes. She had to fill in the rest with her waking imagination. And, despite what other people say, I thought she did a very good job. Her story works out very nicely. (Although, I do admit that Twilight will probably never be a literary great)
It almost seems as if Alexandra Potter had a similar inspirational process (although I have no idea if it came in a dream). When she thought up the idea for this book, I am sure she knew just how it went, as far as the main story goes. But, in order to turn it into a novel, she had to fill in the rest. She had to introduce it. Thats where she went wrong. It seems, as I am reading it, she didn't put as much thought into the fill-ins. So that is why it, well, sucks.
But, to refer back to the inspiration process, the part that she thought up first was probably impeccable. It completely and totally worked.
Which is why, as I kept reading, I started to admire this author as a genuinely good writer. And it was because I had gotten to the 'dream' part of the book. The part that the author obviously had thought out to the very last detail. Her sentences started to flow better. I was amazed. I was actually starting to like this book. And, I am excited to say, she took some scenes, which I just knew had to be so cheesy that I would outwardly cringe, she took them and made them, how shall I say it? Brilliant! Somehow, she was able to take these 'cringe-able' scenes and make them really work. I cant quite place how, but they just worked. I really don't know how else to put it.
And her theme turned out to be my favorite part. I thought that it would be a rather humdrum and shabby one. But it really made sense. And I really liked it. It thought that, miraculously, it was very well supported by her entire plot, although, while reading it, I was totally at a loss as to how it would be any good.
Needless to say, I was very surprised. Finishing the book at about 1 am, I laid it down and thought "Wow. I actually liked that book." Funny how that worked out.
I have learned a really valuable lesson here. And it is "put as much effort into the fill-ins as you do into the heart of the story". Also, cuss words just do not belong in books.
I was thinking, when I read the reviews online, that I would sell the book back to Hastings, and at least get some of my money back. But now I have changed my mind. I am going to keep it as an example of this lesson. It will be my go- to book when I am attempting to get rid of cheese.
I am still in awe of how good that book turned out to be. So that is why I am here, blogging about it. This story may not be one of intense excitement or one that will make me an instant internet star (one of my ambitions in life), but it has helped me to gain a slightly new perspective on the world of fiction.
I found this on Goodreads. (told you I liked it) it is a review of a book:
"You know that bit at the beginning of Amadeus, where Salieri has composed this very uninspired little march, which he and the Emperor play for Mozart? Then Mozart sits down at the keyboard and says, hm, that's not quite right, is it? And he messes around with it for a couple of minutes, until he's suddenly transformed it into "Here's farewell to the games with the girls" from The Marriage of Figaro. "
Well, this is what I want to do with this book. the bad parts anyway. :) But I wont cause that is rather illegal. You know, copyright and all that.
Now, once I finish this blog, I get to study for an English final. At this thought, I am having my own fantasies about being in the world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Now who is the hopeless romantic? Oh boy... ;)
Wishing I could be in 19th Century Britain, yours,
Amanda In (21st Century) Logan.
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