|
|
Sunday, July 19, 2009:
Harry, Nora and the lure of a sweet category
Like many Americans, and okay, millions of people around the world, I do have a bit of a thing for those Harry Potter movies. So far I've only read the first book, so I feel a little bit out of the loop. I've now gone to see HP6 twice, and understand it a little bit better, yet it's still prompted me to start the series, so that's what I'm doing. I haven't gotten very far, but it has me reminiscing about the flying car. Oh those were the days. This movie is pretty good, though sadness does ensue. For those of you who've either seen the movie or read the books, you know why. I think I was more sad the 2nd time around than the first. A pretty good installment, I must say. And I do think I want a vanishing cabinet. I was kinda hoping to see a few previews of Harry, Ron and Hermione as kids, just to see how much they've changed, but maybe that'll happen in the last movie? Being the romance reader that I am, I wantd more Ron and Hermione, though in this last movie, I wanted to smack both of them. Hermione pining for Ron? I think it should be the other way around. And Ron as clueless as you can get? I'm really hoping for a grand gesture in the last movie(s), but please don't tell me. I'm going to agonize over the books now.  Kati had talked about this book awhile ago, and my copy literally fell off the shelf one day so I figured the forces were telling me I should do a re-read, and so I did. The Dream trilogy is my favorite of hers, and this is my absolute installment in the series. Kate is so stubbornly independent and proud, yet also caring and tender-hearted. I loved that she was matched with a man who wasn't intimidated by her abrasiveness, and found her incredibly attractive. In fact he even notes how he's never been so attracted to a woman's brain before, and I thought that was one of the sexiest things I've personally never had a man say to me *g*  I love this category. Okay I'll admit that it's not particularly sharp and snappy, and the dialogue is a little too PG for my tastes, but I have always found it rather endearing. Abby and Nick are good friends, in fact after Abby's parents died when she was 18, leaving her with a younger sister to raise, Nick stepped in and gave Abby a job and a shoulder to lean on. This developed into a strong friendship over the years. Now Abby is dealing with a teenaged sister who feels that Abby is smothering her, and Abby struggles with letting go. Nick sympathizes with both, knowing the reason behind Abby's fear, but also understanding that Sarah needs a chance to spread her wings and experience all the things a 16-year-old girl should get to experience. While Abby deals with her rebellious sister, her and Nick grow closer, until it soon becomes apparent that they are falling in love. Only Abby won't admit it, and she instead pushes Nick away. Now Nick has to convince the woman he loves that he's not going anywhere, and it's worth taking a chance on love. Sigh. Very sweet. Now on to more Harry Potter, BtVS, and S.J. Day..... Labels: Harry Potter, Nora
posted by Stacy~ at 7/19/2009 07:33:00 AM
|
 
Thursday, July 19, 2007:
Over the next few days I think anyone who is breathing and conscious will no doubt be bombarded with blogs and articles and interviews and news programs about one of the most visible literary production ever to be produced: the Harry Potter series. So far, the first 6 books have sold about 325 million copies in 64 languages - that is just mindboggling. Yet for a reader, it is a magical thing to have a book/series make such an impact on people. The thought that this story has gotten people, who might not ordinarily pick up a book, to not only read the first one but all the sequels as well is just simply amazing. Definitely a very good thing. I was just reading an article myself about J. K. Rowling and her feelings about writing the 7th and final book in her Harry Potter series, and how she felt that writing those final words was "like a bereavement". And though I've only recently jumped on the bandwagon, I couldn't help but feel quite a bit sad about the whole thing, which surprised me. I mean, I'd avoided it for years, not intentionally since I've had 4 of the books for quite some time - 2 or 3 years I think - yet never read a single one until last weekend, after seeing all 5 movies. To know it's going to end in just a few short days makes me feel kinda...empty. It's the end of an era, one in which we'll probably never see again. Just what was it about these books that created such a sensation around the world? After reading the first book, which I liked a lot, I had to wonder when the fervor started: was it after book one, or was it later? How did this particular book - about an ordinary boy who turned out to be a wizard - capture millions of fans? Doesn't it make you wonder how such a thing can happen? To be honest, Harry Potter was not particularly ground-breaking; in fact the series dealt with many issues that all of us go through at one time or another - not fitting in, death, crushes, making mistakes, jealousy, feeling unwanted, doing the right thing - and maybe it's those very elements that resonated so strongly with fans that it just snowballed into the phenomenon it is today. All I know is that come Saturday, I will feel a bit melancholy knowing that Harry Potter's adventures will be coming to an end, and where it leads is anyone's guess. (I'm pretty much convinced that I'll find out the spoilers - whether I want to or not - long before I get my hands on that 7th book). It also makes me wonder what, if anything, will once again have the world all abuzz like these books. Some things are universal, and obviously Harry Potter spoke to millions and has made a lasting impression that can't be ignored. I think it will be impossible to ever replace the impact this series had on the world. So while I get that all good things must come to an end - that's part of what makes them so great - it still leaves me feeling a little brokenhearted. No matter what though, Harry Potter will live on in our hearts long after that last book is read. Labels: Harry Potter, influences
posted by Stacy~ at 7/19/2007 09:27:00 PM
|
Sunday, July 15, 2007:
Oh wow, there is life away from the computer LOL. True, I haven't felt much like surfing lately, but that doesn't mean I don't miss my online friends, cuz I do. It's just nice to have a little break and actually hang out with friends in RL, going out, drinking (but not driving), gossiping, enjoying the gorgeous weather. It's been wonderful :) I saw "Harry Potter 5" on Thursday with my friend B and her twelve-year-old son and we had a great time. It was nice to see it right away, but not to have to be in an overcrowded theatre. It was perfect. As for the movie, many of you who've read the books and/or seen the movies, it's a darker version, angrier, and more uncertain. I liked it a lot, but was disappointed we didn't see quite as much of Ron and Hermione cuz I want those two to get together, and bloody hell, I have my little crush on Ron. And isn't there just something smarmily sexy about Snape? Hey, I know I'm not the only one here. Afterwards, I headed over to Border's and bought the 6 books in paperback - I had a gift card otherwise I probably would have only gotten 2 books. Anyway, I wanted to delve more into the story, because obviously there's a lot they can't include in the movies. Better late than never, right? In other news, today is my 16th anniversary with my company. Almost 4 years ago we went through a transition and changed our name, but those of us who worked there during that time got to retain our seniority, so that means next year I will get 5 weeks of vacation - woo hoo! But I keep thinking ahead, because people don't stay with companies for 40 years anymore, so I'm always trying to consider my options - you just never know what could happen. The only sure thing, it seems, is that in my company, no one is indispensable. It's good to remember that because then there are no rude awakenings. That being said, I love my job, and the people I work with. A year ago, I was having a meltdown because I wasn't where I wanted to be, but in October I got to go back to my favorite office, and I am grateful and thrilled that it worked out. Some people can put up with being unhappy in their jobs, and I will admit that when I thought it was temporary, so could I, but once I was told it was going to be permanent, my drive and passion for my job waned considerably. Everyday felt like a prison sentence. I think something like that really makes you think about what's important in your career. Do you love what you do? Could you do a job you didn't enjoy just because you got more money? What makes you love what you are doing? Labels: Harry Potter, ramblings
posted by Stacy~ at 7/15/2007 09:11:00 AM
|
Tuesday, June 26, 2007:
My head is still pounding from trying to watch 4 Harry Potter movies in one day (Sunday), when actually I only managed to finish the first 3 and 1/4 of the 4th one, and the vodka shots helped a lot. Okay, they were actually shots of buttered rum and apple pucker, which makes for a good caramel apple drink, but vodka shots just sound so much more hardcore and tough, like I'm fighting some kind of battle for possession of my brain.
So Harry Potter is a wizard, and yeah, you already know that. So he does wizardly things, has two best friends, a prepubescent Spike arch enemy and numerous threats to his magical person, not to mention some pretty horrid relatives. I haven't finished the last movie so who knows what I might be missing beyond that. I do have to wonder: don't you wish though that Hermione and Ron would get to have more adventures without good ole Harry almost always saving the day? And aren't they just the cutest pair, fiesty and funny and just too cute together? Maybe it's the romance reader in me that sees the potential for HEA, and for all I know, somebody dies, but dang, I want the love story. And Dumbledore? Who doesn't miss the late Richard Harris' portrayal of the master wizard? His voice still reminded me of " Camelot", which I saw for the first time when I was around 15 or 16 and just loved it. And did anyone else cry when the Phoenix spilled tears on Harry's wound, or was that just me? And I think Hagrid is a big gentle teddy bear you just gotta love. I also liked Gary Oldman as Harry's godfather Sirius Black, so I hope he'll be back (update: okay I inadvertantly found out what actually happens in the latest HP movie), but then I've been a fan of Gary Oldman's since I saw him in " Criminal Law" with Kevin Bacon. He plays compelling roles that draw you in even while he repels you, and this one was pretty interesting. So I'm almost all set for the 5th movie, to be released July 11th. I don't know if I'll go that exact day - the thought of all those kids scares me - but sometime around there. I look forward to traveling along with Harry and his pals into their next adventure.... So, what's your favorite HP movie, or were you like me and have never seen even a moment of them? What is the appeal? if you could use magic for any reason (only good, of course) what would it be? Labels: Harry Potter, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 6/26/2007 05:07:00 AM
|
|
|
