Parade of Insanity

Dreams of Eames...

2011-12-31T19:32:00.007-06:00

Earlier this week, while valiantly fighting off a savage stomach bug, I had chance to catch up on some much needed rest and watch a few documentaries via PBS (God bless those people, wouldn't know what I'd do without 'em).

One such visual and intellectual morsel was "Eames: The Architect and the Painter".

Highly -highly- recommend catching it while it's still available to stream. I had never known much about the Eames legacy outside of a few (though admittedly very cool) chairs. Now I am much more enlightened. :)

One particular point of Eames-ness I became acquainted with and further fell in love with: The Eames House (aka Case Study House no.8).

Behold what mid-summer scented flights of fancy are made of:

{via Wikipedia}

{via the LA Times}

{both via cyberquirky.org}

I -have- been converted to the color block/Mondrian window idea...tempted to go at mine with some festively colored cellophane and masking tape...

<><><>

Thanks for being so awesome Charles and Ray...

Merry Christmas to all...

2011-12-24T09:10:00.002-06:00

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
~
Isaiah 9:6

das Pusteblume

2011-12-09T12:47:00.007-06:00

...

and we held

too tightly

to what the dandelions said

das Pusteblume promised

love and fortune

laughter and pretty boys

...

but their spell weakened

with the icy rain of winter's stay

the tiny chutes of fluff and heartbeats

withered

against that gale of stones

that is the final shudder

of summer's reign

...

these weeds of childhood

the unfulfilled and unrealized

forever sprout

in the remembered past

waiting...

to be seized

...

Heart-Throbs On Ra-ra-repeat

2011-11-14T20:40:00.005-06:00

Deja vu, anyone?

(Chris Evans & Ricky Nelson respectively)

While their mugs share a striking resemblance,
Ricky just might have a leg up on Chris when it comes to the whole singing schtick...

<><><>

<><><>

History's never been one to forget a pretty face...
and it seems God is quite keen on keeping up with the demand.
Not that anyone's complaining... ;)

You remind me of a man...

2011-11-12T12:48:00.005-06:00

So it seems there is no strain of the beastly "Blues" illness that can't be remedied with a little Cary Grant...

The magical healing power of Archie is profound
and smells slightly of sandalwood, shoe polish, and smouldering cigars...

<><><>

Never-never forget...

2011-11-04T21:22:00.002-05:00

><=><

All children grow up...

...except one...

><=><

Ambition

2011-10-18T12:19:00.003-05:00

<>
Mine is a mountain too dwarfed to allow for
the grasping of heavenly spheres
Yet still too tall
to warrant them undesirable
<>

Raconte-moi une histoire...

2011-10-10T17:38:00.002-05:00

Teaser II

2011-10-07T08:57:00.003-05:00

...here...

Contemplation Of...

2011-09-27T21:11:00.003-05:00

~
What is the way to the abode of light?

And where does darkness reside?
Can you take them to their places?
Do you know the paths to their dwellings?
~
Job 38:19-20

Nest of my soul...

2011-09-26T18:36:00.005-05:00

When I'm feeling reclusive and reflective...

When I'm feeling mysterious and bizarre...

When I'm feeling friendly and sweet...

When I'm feeling independent and grand...

When I'm feeling romantic and dreamy...

Let There Be

2011-09-20T11:05:00.004-05:00

Play....

...and ponder...

via Christolakis

Happiness is...

2011-09-07T21:35:00.005-05:00

...Attempting a watercolor still life of a section of my room...
...and doing a halfway decent job.

{{Has a sort of whimsical/lopsided charm to it maybe...*laughs*}}

The lush detail...

Obviously I'm no genius at it but it was loads of fun. I think I might stick with this for a bit.
And maybe this will make up for my lack of photography skills...?

...

2011-09-05T18:44:00.003-05:00

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
~

R.Frost

p.s Happy Labor Day...

Page to Film:: Gone With The Wind

2011-08-28T20:42:00.013-05:00

"Gone With The Wind" is, in every conceivable connotation of the word, an Epic. I grew up watching it but have only now picked up my own copy of the book to enjoy in literature form (which everyone knows is superior right? *laughs*).
To celebrate this momentous occasion (I feel a new favorite book coming on...), a Page to Film of what a contemporary cast might look like after being filtered through the mind of a young-ish lady of southern origin, who loves all things aged and classic, and is secretly a closeted romantic. Enjoy.

"Scarlett O'Hara" ~ Olivia Wilde

My first pick was Emily Blunt. But the more I thought about it, the more it just didn't seem like a good fit. Then I started thinking of leading ladies I had seen recently in movies...Presto. Plus she wins bonus points for being Irish-American.
Runner-up: Emily Blunt or (for an even younger Scarlett) Camilla Belle if she had the talent.

"Rhett Butler" ~ Dermot Mulroney

Despite the obvious rugged good looks, Mr. M also appears to possess the ability to be a mean, dastardly, and cruel -as well as- charming, dashing, and hilarious Rhett. He could never out-do Clark Gable...but then we've only mere mortals left in Hollywood these days. *sigh* He'd do well though.
Runner-up: Collin Farrell (ok not really, but a girl can dream right?).

"Ashley Wilkes" ~ James McAvoy

I think Ashley was the toughest role to fill, actually. He needed to be attractive, but finding that middle ground between rugged and effeminate in this particular age-group was challenging. I think us ladies will agree, however, that James McAvoy isn't too hard on the eyes but then doesn't remind you of your junior high boy band crush either. Score.
Runner-up: Ryan Gosling.

"Melanie Wilkes" ~ Justine Waddell

Melanie is such a wholesome and vulnerable character, it was also hard to find her likeness in today's actors what with all the vixen-esque barbie dolls with the doe-eyes and poofy lips. Justine has the sweet look and acting chops and could really make the character believable.
Runner-up: Jessica Chastain (I love her but I'm saving her for a better role!).

"Mammy" ~ ???

After racking my brains for hours, I could not think of a single actress suitable for the role that was in Mammy's proper age-frame(partly because I'm not even sure what Mammy's age-frame is...but guessing? Middle-age?). Suggestions most welcome. Any actress that plays this part has amazingly big shoes to fill, no doubt.

"Prissy" ~ Vanessa Lee Chester

Confession: I love the character of Prissy. Such an unforgettable portrayal of a "side character" does not often happen. Ms. Vanessa is actually an amazing actress, imho. Why she doesn't get more roles is mind-boggling. She could pull Prissy off easy.

"Gerald O'Hara" ~ Tom Wilkinson

Astoundingly amazing actor, period. Can't go wrong here.
Runner-up: Michael Gambon.

~~~~~~~~~
Just my take. Obviously there are many other roles to be filled (Scarlett's mother, sisters, and ex-husbands to name a few), and very likely many "unknowns" that would play the part exquisitely. If you're one of them, just cross your little fingers because if Hollywood ever does decide to play with that loaded gun...it's do or die, baby. But then, no matter what...

...tomorrow is another day. <3

Working on something...

2011-08-24T12:35:00.002-05:00

A little teaser...
'Til I've made more head way. ^-^

Inspired: Hans Silvester Photography

2011-08-20T13:36:00.001-05:00

Somehow "Gorgeous" just doesn't cover it...
xo&<3

Perfection

2011-08-19T20:26:00.003-05:00

Nobody wants to be Christ. Not really.
Nobody wants to live in filth and eat with poor people and be hated and ridiculed and beaten down.
Nobody wants to be worshiped and dismissed and cursed and vulnerable and betrayed.
Nobody really wants to save anyone but themselves.
Nobody sees, nobody cares, nobody loves anything but themselves.

Do you know why? Because being Christ is no fun.
Because being Christ is hard work.
Because being Christ is not satisfying.
It doesn’t make me feel special. It doesn’t make me feel powerful or safe.
All it does is make me hurt.

I hurt because I see the complete lostness of this bloodied smear of a rock that hurtles through space with a deep sense of abandonment.
Like a late-term stillborn…it is a grotesque image of what could have been.

I hurt for each soul…birthed unto tears, they live and die unto tears.

I hurt for the beauty they all possess, the love they hunger for, the flawed nature that savagely tears them apart even as they coddle it, kissing it, trying desperately to contain the evil for one more day…one more day I will be good, one more day I will be good…

I hurt for their attempts to make a messiah for themselves. From the splintered attributes of God still festering within them, they fashion a shallow image of glory from their insignificant understandings of the profound Majesty that moves and still the beatings of their hearts.

I hurt for the wicked. I hurt for the abused. I hurt for the lonely and cast-down and the respected, the kind and the talented and hushed, the fool and the youth and the wise and forgotten, the murderers and the religious and the beautiful.

I hurt for them and spit at them and love and hate them and do so because I am them.
I am them.
Christ was us…and was not us…and lived and died perfect.
And in perfection He hurt.
He cried. He raged. He fed. He bled. He slept. He tired. He loved.
In perfection.
And I don’t want to be Christ because it hurts too much.
Perfection hurts. Love hurts. Truth hurts. Good hurts. Right hurts.
And the pain never dulls.
And I am mortal.
And I am flesh.
And I am weak.
And I will create in me a heart of stone to replace this heart of flesh…to cope…to stop the pain…to live in delusion and ignorance of The One who formed and stirs the stars.
Who formed and stirs me.

Who breathed into the nostrils of The First Born, Adam.
Who breathes into the soul of The Stillborn, Humanity.
Who hasn’t given up.
Who won’t give up.
Who loves, and rages, and forgives, and hurts in perfection.

No one wants to be Christ.
Not really.
…
It hurts too much.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves...

2011-08-06T10:04:00.004-05:00

Today's post is going to be a tad more somber than usual.
This is a clip from a BBC documentary released October of last year. The documentary is well worth watching in it's entirety, but this particular clip sums up the complexity of the situation in the allotment of five minutes.

I'm not posting this for political reasons, only out of a sincere desire that more people will hear about these people, their struggles, and the life they seek.

Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

“ Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
~ Matthew 5: 2-10

Social Media: It's all Propaganda!

2011-08-05T09:32:00.007-05:00

I'm a sucker for good satirical propaganda, and poking fun at social media is also a good way to win points. Turns out Justonescarf has got me covered on both counts.

Check out the fun:

Google+

Facebook

Twitter

Brilliant!
If you know of other similar posters, or dabble some in the genre yourself, be good to your fellow citizen and share in the comment section!
...but not too loud now...you never know who's listening...

Attached to rail road tracks...

2011-08-02T12:42:00.003-05:00

I'll let the wonderful ladies of First Aid Kit further elaborate for me.

A Swallow Lives in my Pocket Watch...

2011-07-23T17:11:00.001-05:00

A swallow lives in my pocket watch

Nestled behind the face of time gone by...

It moves the hands

Restlessly

Sifting the seconds

Carelessly

Making its nest of Moments...

...And Occasions

...And Memories

Dear France...

2011-07-04T15:54:00.003-05:00

...Your Navy has impeccable timing.

Happy 4th, fellow Yanks!

Friday Morning Failure...Hello there July

2011-07-01T13:18:00.003-05:00

Trying some new stuff, failing at most of it.
Where's a girl to find a stencil/graffiti mentor here in the wilds of Suburbia?!
Got the ideas, the execution is what's lacking.
*sigh* Ah, well. Next time...

A Year Older...

2011-06-17T19:03:00.001-05:00

...and God willing, a year wiser. <3

More of an "Altered Art" kinda gal...

2011-06-14T20:30:00.006-05:00

I love old stuff.
If you've spent more than five minutes reading my posts, you might have picked up on that.
But something else I love (and my mother makes fun of me for) is taking old stuff and rejuvenating it in a sense.
Making it new, improving it.

However I'm not the type that buys 50+ year old stuff, chops it up, glues it back together, then points dramatically and declares it to be "progressive".
Mine is more of a subtle approach.
Case in point:
The sixth most awesome thing I've ever made in my life. Behold...

Before...

(courtesy of WittyVintage via Etsy)

After!

(courtesy of my imagination)

I'm kind of in love with the thing actually.
Oh the joy and ease and satisfaction of altered art...<3

I Spy (1965) || Reimagined

2011-06-09T20:06:00.012-05:00

So I've been on this early-to-mid-60's movie/show prowl and have discovered a true treasure:

I've been absolutely taken by this thoroughly entertaining series, and really what's not to like?
Trilling tales of espionage colored in that gorgeous 60's style, bubbling with witty banter, and held together with two dapper leading men(*gasp*)!
How could they have ever convinced themselves to end it?

Frankly, I think the lack of spy stories in today's entertainment world is quite lamentable.
The James Bond franchise is really the only one I can think of off the top of my head, and likely the only effort worth mentioning.

Dang it, Hollywood...Bring it back!
Do we really need another CSI or other formulated crime show?

So to motivate the biggies in the industry, I've provided below my personal casting choices for Kelly and Scottie for a (highly unlikely?) reboot:

Kelly Robinson (1965) : Robert Culp

(Oh yeeeaaahhhh....)

Kelly Robinson (20??) : Ryan Reynolds

(Finding a picture of this man wearing a shirt is one of the single
most amazing feats I've ever accomplished...)

Alexander "Scottie" Scott (1965) : Bill Cosby

(It's so weird admitting to yourself that you
find "Dr. Huxtable" to be sexy...)

Alexander "Scottie" Scott (20??) : Dulé Hill

(Funny as heck and pretty dang cute too...)

The choice of Kelly was very much a resemblance thing (seriously, am I the only one that is seeing this?!), Scottie less so (other considerations were Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mos Def, Taye Diggs, Harry Lennix, Blair Underwood, & Terrence Howard).
However, I really think both Reynolds and Hill have the acting and comedic chops necessary for the respective roles.
But then...what do I know? I'm just a silly, old soul of a girl. ;)

Alexander Scott: Has anyone told you how good you look in that?
Kelly Robinson: Why, no...
Alexander Scott: Well, if they do, smack 'em in the face real fast, because they're not your friend.

Man I love this show...<3

Further proof that I am technologically inept....

2011-05-23T11:04:00.003-05:00

So I just now found the stats tab on my blogger dashboard.

Some two years of semi-coherent babbling...
...and I finally notice that something is actually "keeping count". ;)

Well played, Blogger. Well played indeed...

After I got done face-palming myself, I really enjoyed seeing just how many people had been unfortunate enough to stumble upon my slice of the web.
Not the sum of the numbers, but how they were divided is what I got a kick out of.
Wanna know my greatest post? My Pièce de résistance? My Magnum Opus?

Well, according to you, and the rest of the world...my Page to Film post on "The Westing Game."

Trippy, huh?
Either people really like that book, or film execs are secretly thinking about getting a movie in the works and are stopping by for some casting inspiration.
Either way, I stew with curiosity and conspiracy theories...^-^

I also have a pretty good list of of views from around the globe.
True most of the turn out comes from the U.S of A (home-court deal and all).
But lovely folks from the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and Poland keep coming back for more (insanity breeds insanity?) and help round out the top ten.
Love your faces, guys.

Also:
Some very honorable mentions include the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and anyone browsing through their handy-dandy iPad. Your love is truly cherished.

Sadly, not one page view from Sweden yet.

But I intend to change that...righttt...NOW!

Rock on, beautiful Swedes. Rock on.

Really and truly though, anytime someone dares to click on any link to my blog (intended or accidental) I am left flattered and very appreciative.
I can only hope the experience is as gratifying to you on your end, as it is to me on mine. :)

p.s
I'm not linking the Sweden wiki page to this post because I believe people to be ignorant of the country's existence. Rather because everyone should definitely learn more about the place and people that gave the world both Ingrid Bergman and IKEA.
Just sayin'. <3

Twenty-five reasons I was born too late...

2011-05-16T12:54:00.001-05:00

In alphabetical order...

#1. Bogart

"The only good reason to have money is this:
so that you can tell any SOB in the world to go to hell."

#2. Brando
"I put on an act sometimes, and people think I'm insensitive.
Really, it's like a kind of armor because I'm too sensitive.
If there are two hundred people in a room and
one of them doesn't like me, I've got to get out."

#3. Brynner
"Girls have an unfair advantage over men:
If they can't get what they want by being smart,
they can get it by being dumb."

#4. Cash
"How well I have learned that there is no fence to sit on between
heaven and hell. There is a deep, wide gulf, a chasm, and in that chasm
is no place for any man."

#5. Caine
"Be like a duck, my mother used to tell me.
Remain calm on the surface and paddle like hell underneath."

#6. Chaplin
"Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long shot."

#7. Cole
"I'm an interpreter of stories.
When I perform it's like sitting down at my piano and telling fairy stories."

#8. Cooper
"Until I came along all the leading men were handsome,
but luckily they wrote a lot of stories about the fellow next door."

#9. Connery
"I suppose more than anything else I'd like to be an old man
with a good face, like Hitchcock or Picasso.
They know that life is not just a popularity contest."

#10. Conrad
"Marriage is something that goes way beyond the flesh.
Each human being has his own need for security . . .
It's great to have someone to lean on . . .
It's great to have someone lean on you."

#11. Dean
"Only the gentle are ever really strong."

#12. Gable
"Hell, if I'd jumped on all the dames I'm supposed to have jumped on,
I'd have had no time to go fishing."

#13. Grant
"I have spent the greater part of my life fluctuating between
Archie Leach and Cary Grant, unsure of each, suspecting each."

#14. Martin
"I've got seven kids. The three words you hear most around
my house are 'hello,' 'goodbye,' and 'I'm pregnant."

#15. McQueen
"There's something about my shaggy-dog eyes
that makes people think I'm good."

#16. Montalban
“If you shake your fist, the other guy will shake his too.
But if you extend your hand to shake their hand, then they will extend
theirs also, and you've made a friend.”

#17. Newman
"A man can only be judged by his actions,
and not by his good intentions or his beliefs."

#18. Peck
"They say the bad guys are more interesting to play but there is more to it
than that - playing the good guys is more challenging because
it's harder to make them interesting."

#19. Plummer
"Unless you can surround yourself with as many beautiful things
as you can afford, I don't think life has very much meaning."

#20. Presley
"Rhythm is something you either have or don't have,
but when you have it, you have it all over."

#21. Redford
"There are certain friendships that are sometimes
too good and too strong to talk about."

#22. Stamp
"As a boy I believed I could make myself invisible.
I'm not sure I ever could, but I certainly
had the ability to pass unnoticed."

#23. Stewart
“I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, and I'm happy,
Doctor, I finally won out over it.”

#24. Wayne
"I would like to be remembered, well . . . the Mexicans have
a phrase, "Feo fuerte y formal". Which means he
was ugly, strong and had dignity."

#25. Welles

"I passionately hate the idea of being with it;
I think an artist has always to be out of step with his time."

UO's "Room Sweet Room" contest...

2011-05-11T12:21:00.001-05:00

The girlies and dudes up at Urban Outfitters have put their beautiful minds together and come up with a fun way for us admirers to share some stuff and possibly win some stuff.

*~The Room Sweet Room Contest~*

We commoners send in a pic of our room, fill in the info blanks, and cross our fingers.

My Humble Submission:

My dear brother calls it a "granny" room, but I prefer to think of it as a mid-century/mod/eccentric/classy sanctuary of lost thoughts and fervent wishes.
I collect art, antique books, old photographs, and any pretty thing that has character.
The black and white picture in the lower left box is my own handiwork.
All in all, I think my room is pretty neat (if I do say so myself).

Think you can you do better? Click the link then, fool!

<>

What's at stake?
Nada.
What's to gain?
A glorious $500 gift card for more UO goodies!

<>

Best of luck to you "roomies"...<3

We drive each other crazy sometimes...

2011-05-08T14:37:00.001-05:00

...But thanks for everything, Mom. <3

Today, as thoughts of tiaras dance in my head...

2011-04-29T09:49:00.001-05:00

I am reminded...

...That happily ever after is earned. <3

Dear Michael Caine...

2011-04-15T15:00:00.001-05:00

...I'm kind of in love with you.
Please stop being so attractive.

Yours forever,
Me<3

I've Been Bitten...

2011-02-22T14:38:00.002-06:00

...by the graffiti bug.

I call it:
"Bible Belt Vandalism".
Other title suggestions welcome. ;D

P.S
That little smudge at the bottom is a failed attempt at the Hebrew for "John" and the Roman Numerals for "3:16".

Observance

2011-02-13T15:43:00.000-06:00

...so love like there's a drought...<3>

2011-02-10T09:45:00.000-06:00

2011-02-10T09:43:00.000-06:00

2011-02-10T09:41:00.000-06:00

2011-02-10T09:37:00.000-06:00

2011-02-10T09:34:00.000-06:00

2011-02-03T11:41:00.000-06:00

2011-01-31T18:07:00.000-06:00

2011-01-28T10:09:00.001-06:00

2011-01-26T12:26:00.001-06:00

A Time to be Humble...And a Time to Brag...

2010-12-29T14:24:00.001-06:00

'Ello there buds.
'Ows it been lately? ;}
Real quickly now, I'd like to give a shout out and grand mental applause to the great mind(s?) working away at the dear old Etsy shop, Team Welser!
Thanks to their killer skills, creativity, and patience, I am now the very proud owner of this one-of-a-kind, absolutely fabulous retro style movie poster for one of my most favorite films of all time, The Fall. It was my first commissioned piece ever, which also ended up being my best buying experience to date.
Check out the action below:

{{It's ok to be a little jealous...}}

In all seriousness though, I am in awe of all of Team Welser's work. Highly recommend a visit to the shop. Can't say too many great things.

So. *wiggles eyebrows*
Until we meet again...
xo&<3

Greetings from Right Here

2010-11-02T17:11:00.000-05:00

Hello there!
Lets cut right to the chase. I haven't been posting much lately due mainly to the fact that:

1. I am a lazy bum(and not even the fun beach kind. Just the regular old slothful type).

2. Lazy bums rarely do anything worth mentioning (but there is always a chance for that one exception...*wiggles eyebrows*...yeah, I don't know what I'm trying to hint at either).

3. My levels of "self-love" or enjoyment of the clickity-clack of the keypad just hasn't been enough lately to motivate me to pump out a page of rambling nonsense.

However, it is my sworn duty as a blogger to throw some worthless insight/photo/blurb/summary of my life at you, my dear patient audience, every two to three months.

So.
To beginning the summary.

For the past month or so I have resisted and given into temptation multiple times(multiple is such a nice holy sounding word for "lots", don't you think?).
Yes, gentle reader.
I have purchased stuff I don't really need.

While you catch your breath, I'll elaborate:
I am currently in a decorating mode. The good Lord has smiled down on me in the form of a soon to be empty space that will soon to be my empty space.
I want to dress it up.
Make it feel pretty.
Take it out and show it a good time.
And this requires money. Which I have!
But...I feel silly buying stuff for the space, when the space could do without.

The space is simple, man. It doesn't need all the possessions 'n stuff man. It's chill.
And like secondly: Feed the poor and eat more veggies. It's, like, my will for you man.
p.s
Jesus says hi.

^ The sound of my conscience. When it's feeling hippie-ish and...stuff.

Really though, this whole mess of words is just ridiculous, and I'm going to save you for wasting even more of your time by just ending it on that "breaking every code of a blogger by admitting you have nothing worth saying" note.

P.S
I think I might just post some photos of my purchases next time.
Does that tickle your fancy?
Too bad. I'm dooin' it.

P.S(squared)
Do yourself a favor and don't ever
search "bum" on the internet. Unless your search engine
is one of the few that doesn't have a gutter brain,
you're going to be mighty regretful. Resist the temptation
to test me on this. I'm trying to save everyone I can.

xo&<3

Like Bogie & Bacall...

2010-09-18T10:22:00.000-05:00

{{insert sigh here}}

XO&<3

Cheeky love, cheeky and true...

2010-09-01T13:15:00.002-05:00

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

XO&<3

From the vault: The Invitation

2010-08-03T19:15:00.000-05:00

Enchanting darkness...
I feel you pull me nearer, singing softly in my ear of all the beauty that lies in the shadows.
Sharing ice cold kisses, still burning on my lips, I beg for more...

Breathing in and out.
Your lovely bones connect with flesh and all is lost. For now beauty is seen and heard. Who can resist temptation so sweet and deadly?

Curling, twirling.
Lost inside this labyrinth of misconception and deceit. Don't point out the door...
...Don't show me the way out...

Purposely lost and desolate.

Well spun little spider, you've caught me in your web, lovely death.
May I be your gallows finest decoration.
Self destruction never tasted so thick and coppery before...

Invitations are answered...
Not much longer and I shall be lost fully to your sway.
Hold me close and show me all you have to offer...
Resistance died along with my soul I AM YOURS.

Kill me softly...

I've surrendered to your dance. Embraced your depredation. Accepted my end.
True love hurt much more than anything you could do to punish me, so finish me...

In this game of slit wrists no one wins.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The inviting of darkness into our lives in a reckless act of self abandon and destruction that often follows an instance of great heartache.

Something I found I love: Super 8 film

2010-08-02T17:24:00.000-05:00

Why is it that the world looks so much more inviting when captured on Super 8 film?
Everything and everyone is good and lovely. Silent and haunting.
Beautiful.

I would do a good deal to be given the chance to film with it for a day.

Ah, well. One more thing to add to the bucket list...
XO&<3

Gypsy for a Week

2010-07-08T17:32:00.000-05:00

For the next 7 or odd days I will be slaking my wanderlust thirst and traveling around & abound with some of mi familia.

Photos of said trip may or may not grace this blog once it's all said and done.
It really just depends on whether or not I even take any.

{Still haven't attained the motivation needed to assume the permanent role of "Photographer" in my family/posse..rather be doing than documenting, ya know?}

Also:
Sorry for the scantness of my postings as of late.
Lately I have felt...uninspired...

Maybe a couple of freshly painted sunsets will aid in the cure of my mental stagnation...? ^-^

'Til next week!

XO&<3

I liked the world better back when...

2010-06-29T20:53:00.000-05:00

...Twilight was just another pet name for evening.

XO&<3

Untitled End to a Parisian Affair

2010-06-27T20:46:00.000-05:00

Sitting under a Parisian night sky painted in a cool pastel palette...
Watching the stars reflection in the mirrored water of the Seine.

Lovers coo under willowed branches, idly tossing pebbles among the fallen blossoms...
So french you could taste it on their breath.

The melancholy strum of a Spanish guitar, filling the air with scentless perfume...
A warm breeze begs to be waltzed with.

The vendor pushes his cart before him, a low hum bellows from beneath his dark mustache...
A lady's glove peeks from his pocket.

A quiet stroll to a tiny park; geraniums and poppies moonlit and weepy...
A pale gazebo in need of company.

The patter of one's footfall on the cool pavement; a mother and young child's brisk walk to their door...
Fingers run over cast iron fences, and mind over swollen remembrances.

Calls of fond farewells and closed doors fill the street ways, tones of amber fade from the panes...
The few hours left before dawn spared attention.

The weight of the brass knob in tired hands; a worn letter's removal from one's coat...
...The sigh that follows a resolution...

A kiss, a flick; the flames engulf.
A last night in Paris spent alone.

What "type" are you?

2010-06-12T08:04:00.000-05:00

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Click here for some saturday morning fun.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

XO&<3

I've always wanted to know...

2010-06-11T19:24:00.000-05:00

Which is worse: peanut butter in the jam jar, or jam in the peanut butter?

{p.s that disgusting and unholy "pb&j in the same jar" option is unsavory and the opposite of divine}

Suggested Monday afternoon activity...

2010-05-24T13:51:00.000-05:00

What I learned while staring at plastic wood: A Revelation

2010-05-20T19:11:00.000-05:00

It all started when I found myself sitting in a small wood cubicle.
It was finals week (i.e the 6th and 3/4th level of Hell) and my next exam wasn't for another hour and a half.
I was tired, I was hungry, and the interest level of my philosophy notes did not seem to be improving with repetition.

So, resting my head on my propped elbow, I stared listlessly at the faux wood grain before me, occasionally letting my eyes wander over to a fuzzy black thing in the corner(I still cannot confirm that it was a smushed spider or not). But the fun didn't stop there.
I actually found a tiny little pink sequin.
Yes, miracle of miracles, it seemed that the gods had smiled down on me.
I placed it carefully on the tip of my finger and looked at it with all the wonder and excitement of a 4 year old.

...and then quietly threw it away after receiving more than a few puzzled looks...

Drat. Back to were I started.
Now sequinless, my brain saw nothing worth staying awake for and started the count-down.
But just as my eyes began to glaze over, I noticed faint pencil markings covering the walls.
I scrutinized the scratches more intently.
Scraggly, seemingly random etches of nothingness.
It honestly looked like someone decided to declare war on the cubicle, the pencil being their weaponry of choice.
But being bored and incessantly dramatic when in such a predicament, I fancied the the faint lead lines to be likened to tally marks.
Harrowing symbols of a life lived imprisoned.
A cell.
I was sitting in a virtual cell.

I ran with that.

Who did this? Why? Were they sad? Bored? Insane?
I wonder if whoever did this thought about the countless others who would also sit here.
I wonder what others thought when they saw these marks.
Did they even notice?

My questions deepened.

I wonder...if they were given a chance to mark again...and told the number of people that would have the chance to read their mark...would those people mark?
What would they write?

I twirled my pencil in my hand and asked myself the same question.

What would I write if the whole world could read?
Or, maybe more specifically, what would my mark say?
Would it just be a tally mark: a mute and depressing indicator of existence?

Or would it be something else...

My mind went wild thinking about what I would write if this metaphorical cubicle actually existed, everyone in the world getting a chance to read it.

No puny tally marks that's for sure.
Maybe I'd write a favorite quote or Bible verse?
Maybe I'd just write my name...
No, that's not big enough. I'd have to wow them.

And as I was debating with myself as to whether or not a Three Stooges quote would be appropriate, a still and simple thought slipped into my mind:

Thought: Caitlin...
Me: ...they're actually quite philosophical if you really think about it...and who doesn't like the three stooges?...
Thought: Uh Caitlin...?
Me: Yeah still and simple Thought? What's going on?
Thought: Nothing much. I just have something insightful to share. But if you're busy...
Me: Nope. Go right ahead.
Thought: *clears throat* Caitlin, this world is a cubicle. Maybe not as shoddy as the one you're sitting in right now, but equally as soul crushing. Millions come and go each day, many without leaving any evidence they do or ever did exist. But you know what? Everyone leaves a mark Caitlin. And whether they know it or not, everyone who ever comes in contact with them will read that mark.
Me: That's cool, Thought. I am enlightened.
Thought: No Caitlin. Everyone. reads. the mark.
Me: Yeah. I get it. Cool.
Thought: Really? Cool? Well then what does your mark say?
Me ...
Thought: Exactly.

What does my mark say?
I was secretly afraid to pursue that thought.
What does the world see when they come in contact with me?
Suddenly the Bible verse idea seemed hypocritical.

But I could change it right? I haven't died yet.

What does my mark say?
More importantly, what do I want it to say?

When people see my mark, do I really want them to read about how crappy life can be?
How sometimes I feel like I'm a waste of space?
An air sucker.
Did I really want people to see bitter cynicism when they looked at my face?
Selfishness, pride, and judgment when they witness my actions?

Or do I want them to feel hope instead?
My mark a declaration of my love of life and the creator who blessed me with it.
Rather than depression, I want them to see a sober minded resolution to champion goodness.

"...everyone leaves a mark..."

What does your mark say?
What do you want it to say?

Letters to Dead People

2010-05-05T08:53:00.000-05:00

One of those things you kind of wish had thought up first. :)
Here are a few of my favorites:

And my most farvoritist...

Click here for more Letters to Dead People

How my time is wasted...

2010-04-16T13:39:00.000-05:00

The Start of Beautiful Obsession...

2010-04-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

Behold the talent of Mr. Vincenzo Rizzo of Italy.
Lucky me was fortunate enough to stumble across his work via Etsy and even purchased the original (no typo) painting pictured above...and it's probably the best eighteen dollars (no typo again) I ever spent.

Make no mistake.
I will be back for more.

Oh yes. I will.^-^

Every time I watch The Sound of Music...

2010-03-25T19:28:00.000-05:00

...I fall in love...

*sigh*
Enjoy the awesomeness.
ttfn

Kids these days!

2010-03-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

If you're anything like me, this recent generation of people/consumers has got you biting your nails. Do they care about anything even remotely important?
I mean, what -is- it with them?

We'll have to cover that later. There's just not enough time here.

Anyhow, DK Publishing recently played into that mounting fear.
That fear of the youngsters, and the belief that as soon as they are in control, there will be a total disregard for all those things which most of us believe are important (things such as art, literature, trees, belts, auto tune-less songs...the list is long) .

And in the specific case of DK Publishing, books are something they can reasonably fear might one day be labeled "out of style" by this new and confusing breed of buyers/humanoids.

So to ease the minds of their company and now others like myself, they've presented this clever little promo video; a little "everything-is-going-to-be-ok" medicine for the soul in these trying times (Miley Cyrus is now giving singing advice. I'll let that sink in, as we all sink a little lower).

Well played DK, well played indeed...

When Beauty fights The Beast

2010-03-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

Yes...

Yes. Yes. Yes.

I would so jump into a ring with a bull if it justified me wearing those awesome pants.

And a sword too?! Sign me up; I have found my calling.

The amazing lady in the pictures is a Mari Paz Vega. A recent POV documentary was filmed on her and Eva Florencia's careers as female matadors.
You can check out the trailer for the documentary, "Ella Es el Matador", here.

30 Days without Facebook: What I learned

2010-03-16T08:36:00.000-05:00

Let me break it down:

30 days ago I decided to take a chance and basically commit social suicide.
Yes.
I logged off Facebook...and stayed off...for 30 whole days.

The reason: Facebook had been getting on my nerves.
And by "Facebook", I mean the people on Facebook.
And by "getting on my nerves", I mean driving me up a flippin' wall.

Look. I friended these people. I know it's partially my fault.
But when it comes down to it, it wasn't really the people themselves that was grating on me.
It was their "Facebook alter ego". The super condensed and mostly fictional version of themselves they choose to parade all over the Internet.

But that's not even the reason I got off.

The reason I took a breather from the whole situation is because I was beginning to play the same game.

Social Networking is basically my type of person's ideal social set-up (remember that whole INTJ post? Yeah, we don't like social interaction much).

1. You get to choose who you want to interact with.
2. You don't actually have to interact with people.
3. There is an ignore button.
4. You decide when and how you want to say something.
5. There is an ignore button (are you getting this?!).

Online interaction is quick, efficient, and completely fake.
And when I began to measure the value of my day by how many people "liked" my status, that was it.

Log off, shut down, stash away.

The first few days were interesting.
It seems I had so conditioned myself that as soon as I was on the Internet, my first knee-jerk reaction was to click the Facebook tab.

How pathetic, I sneered to myself. I shall make a model of self-discipline out of you yet, weakling...
(actual conversation between myself and I was slightly less epic and demeaning)

And I admit it. The glory to be gleaned from self-denial and discipline was part of the draw.
What can I say, I'm a weirdo. I like testing myself.
I like to know my limits, and occasionally go the next step.

But before I sound grander than I actually am, the majority of these test included:
Trying not to fly into a mad stomping fest when a huge bug threw itself in my vicinity, not showing any sign of pain when I pour rubbing alcohol on my occasional cut, and seeing how long I can go with out "going".

Kid stuff.
But this was the real test. The big trial. The tribulation the Bible foretold!
Except...it wasn't...
At all.

After I got over the initial change of not logging on every time life began to lull, I began to see just how much I missed.
I'm not trying to make this sappy and all moral-y, but this is just what I found.

I didn't miss anything those 30 days. My friends that live nearby found other ways to communicate (remember talking on the phone, or even stopping in for a visit?).
My other friends that live far away just called or did without.

And no, I do not "do" Farmville (or any other game that promotes narcotic behavior).
So no, I wasn't having to endure fitful nights over the fact that 'ole Betsy hadn't been milked or the chickens had probably been eaten by the yeti, or whatever it is that happens to your (totally non-existent and completely fictional) farm after 24 hours of not slaving--I mean playing.

The point is, I no longer needed (or felt that I needed) a website to be "connected".
If people want me, they'll find me. That is my motto.
That and "Chuck E Cheese is a thug" (four hundred tokens and all I can get is a a Tootsie roll?Are you insane?!).

In the end though, it's not Facebook I've learned to do without.
It's my need for it.

I'm back on for now.
I still have a few friends and situations that would benefit from my having that method of conversation available.
But it's definitely not the same.

In my grandest of dreams, I hope this whole "online connections" deal will just go away, and the days of the written letter will be resurrected.
Remember those? No, not junk mail. Actual hand written notes from people you know?
It's been that long, huh?

And yet we cheat ourselves.
Preferring little red flags & smileys, over pretty stamps & scribbles.

30 days without Facebook and what did I learn?
To value what is necessary, and forgo what is just plain stupid.

And I think you know what I'm talking about...
...Farmville addicts...

~~~*~~~

Non-Human Characters That Stole My Heart

2010-03-03T13:53:00.000-06:00

So I borrowed this idea from a post I saw recently on a fellow beings blog.
In my defense, the owner of said blog had borrowed the idea from someone else.
This gift just keeps on giving.
Don't you just love recycling? ^-^

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#10. Robin Hood

As obvious as the cuteness factor is, let me further elaborate.
He has one of the cutest accents of all the Disney classics.
He's the nicest bad boy in history (gentleman outlaw? yesss).
He is fond of dress up and is a regular master of disguise.
He's The gosh-darn Robin Hood.

Plus he's sensitive and stuff. Girls like sensitive stuff.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#9. The Penguins of Madagascar (aka Private, Kowalski, Rico, and Skipper)

Every time one of these guys open their mouth, I prepare myself for a giggle. Equal part deadly and ridiculous; they're mysterious, classy, and super fly. What's not to love? If they were human, they'd be Double-O status for sure. And speaking of being human...

Not bad boys. Not bad at all...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#8. Stitch

The cutest little alien since I don't know when, Stitch is that mischievous little kid you wished would love and adore you but for some reason continues to put glue in your hair. Stitch and his evilness are especially endearing to us females because he plays into that old "love him and he will be good!" path of reasoning. There is a lot of messy Psychology involved. Just know that basically we love him -because- he's bad.

And this. This is also why we love him.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#7. Mo

One of the more recent additions to the animated world, Mo is the dear neat-freak of the Wall*E world. He's dedicated, motivated, has attitude, and is so serious it's precious. Plus he's like a foot and a half tall. And as you should know by now, anything under 3ft is fair fodder for female affection.

Go ahead. It's ok to "awww"...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#6. Shere Khan

I knew Shere Khan was sexy way before I knew what sexy was.
Yeah he's a villain. Yeah he tried to kill a little orphan boy. So what if he a little skittish around the campfire: He's Shere Khan.
He's freakin' magical guys...
50% of his power is his claws, and the other 50% is in his voice (thank you George Sanders!).

Making snake throttling look like a parlor game since 1967...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#5. Bugs Bunny

This really is a no brainer. Mr. Bunny has been making people laugh since 1940 and the only heart-throb on the list to have his very own star on The Walk of Fame.
Why all the hub bub? He's versatile. He can do it all and all while managing to be the coolest, funniest, and most non-boring rabbit in the known history of the world. Eat your heart out Peter Cottontail.

His powers are multiplied when in drag.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#4. Prince John

I've always found this "bad guy" to be rather endearing due to his harmless and pitiful nature. He's just a sad little momma's boy who throws temper tantrums and sucks on his thumb when things don't going his way. This is what happens when you have an absentee older brother.

Meant to be loved and ridiculed in turn.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#3. Wall*E

Ohmygoshit'sWall*E!!!Ifreakinglovehimandhowcouldhe-not-beonthislist!!!
Fact: There is more female love for that little robot than all the teenage rage/love of Twilight, the Jonas Brothers, and pixie sticks combined.
As it rightly should be.

Half of you just nearly died from sheer cuteness.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#2. Bagheera

Bagheera is as classy as he is perplexing. Why does a full grown (potentially man-eating) bachelor panther risk life and limb to care for, and then ultimately lose, a tiny little booger if a "man cub"?

We may never know, but his Mr. Mom mentality and general sweetness wins over my heart every time.

Glowing eyes of a Demon + the Heart of a Saint.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

#1. Basil of Baker Street

Yes, it's all true. The Great Mouse Detective is my all time biggest non-human crush.
He's stuffy, unaffectionate, neurotic, borderline insane, a closet narcissist and absolutely delightful. He also just happens to be the most interesting animated character of any kid movie yet (Sherlock connection just coincidence? I think not...).

(...also comes in emo...)

Mr. Basil is genius, unstable, dramatic, dashing, thrilling, formal, and hilariously somber in turn.
In fact, this guy is so danged magnetic, people actually feel bad for liking (*cough* obsessing over) this charming fictional mouse.

(...the face of pure and lustful obsession...)

To me, he'll always be that funny man/mouse who made me laugh, sigh, gasp and cheer...and totally should have ended up with Olivia Flaversham despite the near 30 year gap.

I still dream of a sequel... ;D

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):

Pink Panther

Sonic

King Julian

Bartok

Buzz & Woody

Carpet

Mufasa

Stupid mumbo jumbo (I'm apt to adopt on occasion)...

2010-02-23T15:32:00.000-06:00

I adore this.
Isn't it just fabulous?
Lovely coat.
Darling hat.
Perhaps? Suppose?

La-dee-da-dee-frickn-da?

I hate it when I start to sound like that.
...Like I'm putting on an air of sophistication I do not rightly posses...
Because you aren't trying to sound smart when you speak this way.
You're trying to sound cultured.

Maybe.

I'm not really sure.
Neither am I really sure why, from time to time, I too adopt this method of expressing myself.

Though to be perfectly honest...it doesn't start to bug me until I finally notice how many other people also write similarly.

What? They say fond too? Like that? Just like me? Excessively?
Not cool.
I think I'll start saying "man" and "dang" more often...
Maybe throw in a "dude" when it's appropriate...?
All I know: I do not want to sound like that anymore.

I do not want to sound like them...

Happy Valentine's Day...

2010-02-14T14:38:00.001-06:00

Be sure to laugh with those you love today. <3

A Little Something Sweet Before Valentine's...

2010-01-16T21:24:00.000-06:00

{Reconstructed from an vintage Lifesavers ad...}
{...isn't it darling?}

Learning to Be

2009-11-17T18:57:00.000-06:00

Hey ya fellow earth-dwellers.
It's been a whiles since I posted some of my random thoughts and/or not so random thoughts.
Part of that sad fact is due to life being such woman with all its drama, and partly because I know that my mother reads this blog (Hi Mom!).

But I thought I should go ahead and type away for a few minutes anyway.

I recently came across a question that asked what was one thing I had learned this year. I pondered this question thoughtfully and came to the conclusion that I have learned much this year, and probably could not give justice to each lesson in the time frame I was given.
And so, I shall attempt to let you in own a few of the things I have come to understand in (a few days short of) 365 days.

Life Lesson Learned

#1. Time stops for no man.
This is one of those things that I've always known, but never really accepted. I'm just now coming to terms with the fact that I can never go back. I can never relive. Life goes on. Things change. Friends change. Loves change. I change. And you know what? That's ok.
I figured that out without any therapy, thank you very much...

#2. I'm more spiritual than I once thought.
Last year, if you had said something even hinting at the word spiritual I would have burst out in laughing. Before, being spiritual meant dancing crazy and saying "Thank you Jesus" every three seconds. Now I realize it's the search, the questions, the pursuit of God. It's not about what you do that makes you spiritual, but how you approach life. How you view the world.
And even though a little part of me rolls its eyes as I say it, I think I qualify.

#3. Beauty is so important.
I've always known that beauty is more than just a pretty face, but I haven't actually tried to put my finger on "what is beauty" until this year. I could write you a book on what I've discovered in this "pursuit of beauty", but in a nutshell, I've found beauty to be nearly everywhere. And almost always more so in places where you least expect it.

#4. I have a great family.
If you would have told me a couple years ago that I had an amazing family I probably would've just shrugged my shoulders and said "yeah I guess". But now a days I'm not so quick to take them for granted. Do they annoy me? Yes. Do they hurt me? Sometimes. Do they influence violent thoughts? Heck yes. But I can get over it. I can let go now. I can forgive. That's one of the things I have to thank my Family for; teaching me that forgiveness is necessary to living happily.

#5. My time will come.
Even as I type that, I feel a little pang of sadness in my chest.
Why? Because everything about that sentence goes against everything I am. I want to take control; plan, plan, plan. Do and do some more. Independent. Instant gratification.
But more than all that...I want to know. So bad. And I don't. I don't know when my time will come, I don't know what it even entails. All I know is I'm not in control and, you guessed it, that's ok. That's a big one for me right now. Letting go of the terrifying future and just living the best I can now.

#6. I am capable of growth.
Last year I viewed myself as a very set, very fixed individual who would be lucky if she could get around to forgiving that one kid who always scribbled on her paper in Sunday school (I know where you live...). Now, after such a hellaious past few years, I realized that I have the potential and (more amazing still) the will power to be a better person. And stuff that would have killed me a few years ago, don't matter so much anymore. Maturity, huh? Who'd have thought...

#7. It's ok to not be perfect.
It took me 18 years to even give this assumption a chance, but it turns out to be very true. Never have I ever considered myself perfect. In fact, I've always been very aware of the fact that I'm not. It's just that, for some reason, I felt that I had to prove to everyone else that I was near perfect because no one wants a dysfunctional person to deal with. For some reason I had to be the calm one, the good one, the right one. Now I know I can be irrationally emotional, maliciously bad, and dead wrong and it will be ok.

There's more of course, but I think that's enough for now.
Enjoy life, my friends.
I'm learning to, and so far, it's been pretty fun. ;)

ttfn

A Little Encouragement....

2009-11-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

Michael Buble

2009-10-24T16:55:00.000-05:00

Haven't posted much lately, but in honor of Michael Buble's "Crazy Love"album release this past week, here's a little snippet of an interview that I found to be quite humorous.
Enjoy. And try to control your inner fan-girliness. ;D

Greater Love

2009-09-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

I stood on a dry and barren ground.

The chalky red earth stirred restlessly around me.
...The sand slithering along the dunes...
One dark, dead, scraggly tree marked the horizon.

One...dead...tree...

Then I saw it there, flying fast against the wind. A form.
Beautiful. Frightening. Free.
Like a lion, but feathered like an eagle; the air swelled with the rhythm of it's wings.

A Gryphon from the East.
The brightness of the Sun was harnessed in the glint of its bronze coated feathers.
The fluidity of the wind governed its movements.
Awe inspiring and magnificent; I watched as it flew nearer.

But then suddenly...a great darkness came upon us...
Thickening the air with a haze that could be felt, I heard the being as it fought against the power and felt its struggle.

...And then witnessed its descent from the heavens.

Wings torn but triumphant, its body hurled to the ground.
Its impact shattered the world...and something changed.

As I drew closer to the wreckage of the body I saw that, among the broken and torn wings, lay a man. On his side, his back toward me, and breathing laboriously.
His back bloodied...his body bruised...

Hesitantly I reached out to him, and turning his face towards mine, saw that he was Love.
Where his heart had been there was a deep wound; and before I could react I felt the knife in my hand.

...and the warm stickiness of his blood between my fingers...

He opened his eyes, clear and nearly white, and spoke fondly as he placed his wings into my arms:

"For you..."

Mark DeRidder Animation

2009-09-21T19:31:00.000-05:00

Stumbled upon this today and couldn't stop smiling. In fact the whole Animation Mentor group has put up some very funny and entertaining clips there on YouTube. The celebrity bit is my favorite so far. ^-^ Enjoy and check out their other stuff.

Page to Film :: The Westing Game

2009-09-06T19:18:00.001-05:00

Basic Plot Summary:
Sixteen individuals that live or work in the Sunset Towers apartment building are summoned to the hearing of the will of wealthy industrialist, Samuel W. Westing.
The will takes the form of a puzzle, and they soon learn that they must play along if they have any hopes of receiving any of the deceased businessman's money. Following the wills instructions, they are divided up into eight pairs, each pair given a different set of clues, and challenged to solve the mystery of which of them killed Samuel W. Westing. Whoever solves the mystery will inherit Westing's $200,000,000 fortune, and they don't have much time left.

List of Characters:
(thanks to Wiki for helpful character summaries!)

>>>>>>>

Tabitha-Ruth Alice "Turtle" Wexler: Largely neglected and brushed aside by her mother in favor of her older sister Angela, Turtle acts out to get attention, often kicking shins, especially when someone touches her braids. Turtle approaches the Westing game like a market capitalist, and ultimately sees through Westing's misdirection to understand the real mystery behind Sam Westing's game.

My Cast Choice: Georgie Henley

>>>>>>>

Theo Theodorakis: George and Catherine Theodorakis's high-school-aged son, Theo is a nice enough kid, but not probing in his analysis. He often fails to see the real truth behind the obvious facade. He takes care of his brother, Christos, but uses his brother's condition as an excuse to not choose a college to go to.

My Cast Choice: Max Thieriot

>>>>>>>

Angela Wexler: Most of the tenants of Sunset Towers dismiss Angela as just another pretty face. She is engaged to up-and-coming plastic surgeon Dr. Denton Deere with the strong support of her mother, although Angela still harbors reservations. Although her little sister Turtle would scarcely believe it, Angela is jealous of Turtle's ability to defy authority.

My Cast Choice: Claire Danes

>>>>>>>

D. Denton Deere: Interning to become a plastic surgeon and engaged to Angela Wexler, Denton Deere is sometimes depicted as being absent-minded or inattentive.

My Cast Choice: Lee Pace

>>>>>>>

Grace Windsor Wexler: Grace is conscious of social class to a fault; she is extremely concerned with presenting herself as culturally sophisticated and high-born, fancying herself an heiress and a decorator rather than a housewife, stressing her regal "Windsor" name, and identifying her podiatrist husband as a "doctor." She is not as shallow as she comes across, having married for love and not for money, but is determined that her daughter Angela will fare better in life than she did.

My Cast Choice: Diane Lane

>>>>>>>

Dr. Jake Wexler: Jake Wexler is a podiatrist (foot doctor) and an avid bookie. He is a caring father and loving husband. Jake Wexler mostly just tries to keep his family together, worrying about Angela's insecurities and his wife's anxieties.

My Cast Choice: William H.Macy

>>>>>>>

James Shin Hoo: Having failed at his career as an inventor, he started a restaurant in Sunset Towers that isn't very successful and he doesn't understand his wife or his "dumb jock" of a son. Despite his surly demeanor, though, he does have a caring side, expressed through his practical and ingenious solutions to others' problems.

My Cast Choice: Jackie Chan

>>>>>>>

Sydelle Pulaski: Sydelle is a habitually overlooked person. She decided to fight against the anonymity brought on by her working-class upbringing as the child of immigrants by capitalizing on whatever chance events might bring her attention: her having the only transcript of the will (even though it is in Polish), by dint of her secretarial training; her young, attractive partner; her injury, which she exaggerates by painting her crutches; and her accidental status as a Westing heir itself.

My Cast Choice: Frances McDormand

>>>>>>>
Doug Hoo
Otis Amber
Berthe Erica Crow
Flora Baumbach
Josie-Jo Ford
Edgar "E.J." Plum
Sun Lin Hoo
George and Catherine Theodorakis
Christos Theodorakis
Dr. Sidney Sikes
Sandy McSouthers
and Julian R. Eastman have yet to be paired with an Actor and in some cases I think would be best played by an unknown.

I really wish I could have done the whole cast but I just wasn't finding what I needed to complete it. :/ Maybe you think you could?
Feel free to offer any suggestions, or ask any questions as to why that person. Or if you just hate the whole list and feel like you need to say so, say so!
This is America, gosh dang it! Act like it.

"Oh beautiful for spacious skies..." ;D

Up next:
The Great Gatsby...^-^

Page to Film :: The Canterville Ghost

2009-08-22T15:39:00.000-05:00

Basic Plot Summery: An American family, the Otises, move to the English countryside and purchase the rumored haunted Canterville Chase. Ignoring the warnings from the previous owner and the neighbors alike, they move in and set about cleaning the place up, including the centuries old blood stain that adorns the sitting room. After learning who made the stain and of whoms blood was involved, the family is soon visited and terrorized by the Canterville Ghost himself, once Sir Simon Canterville and eternal owner of the mansion.
But try as he might the American (and Americanized) family simply won't be scared away, and only the 15 year old daughter Virgina takes any pity on him, and ultimately saves him from his eternal damnation.

List of Characters:

>>>>>>>

Lord Canterville: Previous owner of the mansion, and supposed relation to the Ghost, he sold the house to Mr. Horace B. Otis readily but didn't shy from the details when telling Mr. Otis what he was getting himself and his family into.

My Cast Choice: Christopher Plummer

>>>>>>>

Mr. Horace B. Otis: The boisterous head of the Otis family, Mr. Otis first dismisses tales of a ghost in his newly purchased English house, arguing that the modern country of America has already bought up anything of value from the Old World. A calm man, he scolds the twin Otis boys for throwing pillows at the ghost, then reasons that if the ghost will not use the lubricator, the family will take away his chains. Silly, Stubborn, American.

My Cast Choice: Kevin Spacey

>>>>>>>

Mrs. Lucretia Tappan Otis: The spirited matriarch of the Otis clan, Mrs. Lucretia Tappan Otis, a former New York beauty, is renowned for her “superb profile.” Sir Simon views her as a gross materialist because she offers him Dr. Dobell’s tincture for indigestion after having misunderstood his ghostly laugh as a sign of a medical disorder. Generally undisturbed by the Ghost’s performances, Mrs. Otis possesses a “really wonderful amount of animal spirits.”

My Cast Choice: Kyra Sedgwick

>>>>>>>

Virginia Otis: The somewhat puritanical, beautiful fifteen-year old daughter of the American Minister, inspires the love of the young Duke of Cheshire as the story begins. And unlike the rest of her family who try and "cure" the ghost, when Virginia encounters Sir Simon, she pities him and tries to help the weary spirit.

My Cast Choice: Emma Watson

>>>>>>>

Duke of Cheshire (Cecil): Desperately in love with the fifteen-year old Virginia Otis, the boyish Duke of Cheshire proposes after watching her win a pony race. However, his guardians pack him off to Eton, and he must wait to marry. But his impetuousness cannot be quelled.

My Cast Choice: Michael Angarano

>>>>>>>

The Twins (Stars & Stripes): The youngest children of the Otis family, the twins are wild hooligans. They throw pillows at the ghostly Sir Simon’s head, hit him with their peashooters, and throw nuts along the corridor in an effort to trip the Ghost. Irrepressible, the twins achieve their greatest triumph when they create their own ghost from a hollowed-out turnip, a bed curtain, and a kitchen cleaver. Their constant pranks leave Sir Simon shaken, as his every plan for revenge is thwarted by the twins’s efforts.

My Cast Choice: Brent and Shane Kinsman

>>>>>>>

Sir Simon Canterville (Ghost): Haunting Canterville Chase since he was starved to death in 1584 by his dead wife’s brothers, they murdered him because he had murdered his wife for the trivial reasons that she was plain and a bad housekeeper. For three hundred years since, Sir Simon has frightened the inhabitants of Canterville Chase and has relished his role as resident ghost.
However, when the rational American Otises arrive, the Ghost realizes that his audience does not appreciate his performance. No matter what he tries, he cannot frighten the Otis family. Initially the butt of the twins’s pranks and an annoyance to the practical Otises, the Ghost becomes an object of sympathy. Weary and despairing, Sir Simon begs Virginia Otis to pray for him so that he can finally achieve eternal rest.

My Cast Choice: Jason Isaacs

>>>>>>>

Have you read the book? Agree with my casting choices? Are totally in love with Mr. Plummer like myself?!
Then please comment, and share your thoughts.

Up next: "The Westing Game". ^-^

From Page to Film: Books I'd love to see made into Movies.

2009-08-22T11:36:00.000-05:00

History is a prophet in reverse. And one of the many things History has showed us over and over is that book to movie adaptions fail. 95% of the time they just flat line. Graphically.

But just like the need to eat at that one Taco place despite all the "incidents", we as people (who enjoy watching other people in a dark room for hours) must have our chance at ruining every literary masterpiece we can get our hands on.
It's just our thing.
Like Pixie sticks.

A few movies I'd like to see the Film Industry seriously produce are as follows:

* Cantervillve Ghost - Oscar Wilde
* The Westing Game - Ellen Raskin
* The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
* Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
* Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
* The Sword In The Stone - T.H White
* War & Peace - Leo Tolstoy
* A Separate Peace - John Knowles
* A Wrinkle In Time - Madeleine L'Engle
* Scaramouche - Rafael Sabatini
* Dracula - Bram Stoker

Many (if not all in my opinion) are regarded as classics in most circles, thus raising the stakes.
The price of failure is a steep one when you take on well established literature, and I don't know of any director who'd like to be pegged as the person who single-handedly caused bookworms and literary snobs 'round the world to riot, protest, and send strongly worded e-mails.

But when someone who has insight, patience, lots of money and (most importantly) a love for the story decides to take that risk, sometimes the end result is surprisingly good.

My plan is, book by book, to give you my ideal cast for each movie and maybe why I think they'd be best suited for the part.

'Til then, feel free to share your own thoughts on the matter. ^-^

Movie Trailer :: Fantastic Mr. Fox

2009-08-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

Came upon this lovely looking romp a couple weeks ago while browsing the good 'ole Internet Movie Database.
It looks odd and the animation is pretty old school...
But that's why I like it.
Apparently based off the book of the same name (also by the author of "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory), "Fantastic Mr. Fox" looks nothing short of utterly enjoyable.

And whats not to like about the distinguished and and dashing Mr. Clooney voicing an equally suave and mischievous Fox? *smile*
Billy Murry, Owen Wilson, Meryl Streep...how could it -not- be amazing?

Guess we'll find out come Thanksgiving time... ^-^

||Joe Pug Music ||

2009-08-13T18:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I down-loaded the Lollapolooza sampler from iTunes and was pleasantly surprised to find more than a few good tracks. The best being, in my opinion, Joe Pug's offering "Hymn #101".
I was so impressed that I hit up the 'ole Google search engine and found his official site.

After skimming it a bit (ok...after reading the first page) I saw that he was offering a sampler of his new EP "In the Meantime" for free in mail-able and download-able form.

Side note on the mail-able copy: They're running a little behind in that department due to currently being on tour and having received a lot of requests. So if that's the way you'd like to go, be prepared to wait a whiles. -But- if patience is not your strong suit...I suggest to you the fast download which comes ready with the album artwork.

And now, before I leave you to savor the wonderfully richness of "In the Meantime", I'm going to post the lyrics of my favorite track from the whole EP: A Thousand Men.

"A Thousand Men" ~ Joe Pug

See Thomas Jefferson on the eve of Bunker Hill.
Writing words to die for.
Writing sentences to kill.

They've come to paint his portrait
So he grabs a chair and sits
As the surgeon orders cotton
For a thousand tourniquets.

~
For God and country...
For us and them.
Every good idea kills at least a thousand men...
At least a thousand men.
~

See the able-bodied Christian in a dark and savage land
Tellin' all those who will listen
That God was once a man.

Through needles eye so narrow.
He will lead them four by four.
He's got nine hundred shackles.
He needs at least a hundred more...

~
A thousand men.
A thousand men.
Every good idea kills at least a thousand men...
At least a thousand men.
~

See the able-bodied student in his laboratory coat.
Whispering calculations
Like prayer stuck in his throat.

Soon he will discover
Some flawless medicine.
But right now he needs an oven
That holds at least a thousand men.

~
Some are the means.
Some are the ends.
Every good idea kills at least a thousand men...
At least a thousand men.
~

One thousand one...
One thousand one...
Every man I know
Thinks that he's one thousand one.

Nine hundred nine...
His day is done.
Every man I know
Thinks that he's one thousand one.

...I know I'm one thousand one...

The Fate of Eve

2009-07-30T14:31:00.000-05:00

Brittle locks whip limply in the wind. The tower has crumbed but it's too late.

Ravens pluck at her bloodless flesh...

Where is her lover?

He's forgotten to rescue her...

Broken form lies torn apart on the roadside. All in vain for her father has died.

Wolves feed on the horse as the final petal drops...

Where is her prince?

He's forgotten to save her...

Waves beat mercilessly against the shriveled body. A wide empty hole where the heart had been.

Crabs dig deeper, burying the evidence in the sand...

Where is her knight?

He's forgotten to love her...

Stiff, cold, dusty and finally dead. A thousand loveless years have stopped her heart.

Spiders do their best to mask the horror of the corpse...

Where is her savior?

He's forgotten to kiss her...

Pearlized fingers curled around a rotten apple. The lovely and empty lie believed.

Rats sip the sticky juice that drips from her lips...

Where is her hero?

He's forgotten to warn her...

...This is the fate of Eve...

New Proflie Pic:

2009-07-17T19:38:00.001-05:00

Epic, no? ;}

INTJ: Or why I'm weird.

2009-07-16T19:50:00.001-05:00

So you may have heard about this personality test...
It's been around since 1962, was originally created to help women who were entering the industrial workforce, and is basically creepy accurate with it's results.
Yes, ma'am.
It's the good 'ol Myers-Briggs

Well recently, I came across a book, "Please Understand Me II" that included the Myers-Briggs test and being an avid random quiz taker, I filled it out.

The Results: INTJ
(This is the part where the creepy music plays and you cover your toes in fear)

Yes. Horror of horrors; I am a (gasp) Mastermind!

I'm just paraphrasing now, but basically this means that I'm a judgment loving, technology hugging, authority dismissing, social avoider, but very effective, occasionally genius, cold-hearted romantically closeted witch; who may eventually take over, or otherwise enslave, the world for her unwholesome purposes which may or may not include free museum days, etc, etc, etc.

Ok, so a tad exaggerated, but that's part of the package.

We're mysterious creatures, us INTJ's, and rare to boot. No more than 1% of the population in the world have earned the right to bare those initials, and my gosh aren't we thankful.
First of all, it wouldn't be any fun if there were a lot of other people like me and secondly, it be fatal to the planet if there were. Let's just say it was a very good thing God did when He decided only to let a few of us slip through at a time. Take a gander at the facts below and you'll catch on as to why.

A Few Things to Know About the INTJ's in Your Life.*
*Some points can also be attributed to other Rationals.

> If it seems like we don't do much besides bring up annoying things like "facts" and "reason", the truth is this:
We do do a lot. Most of the time just not things you can see or measure.
Our impact is a subtle one. It's true that in a social setting we're just good for a laugh, and not really what you'd call "vital to humanity"; there are a lot of really helpful personality types out there and INTJ's just don't rank high when it comes to humanity stuff. But we do our part by doing our thing, helping you with your thing, taking over your thing when you screw it up, and then going back to our thing. We're like The Reserves of Life. We only step up when we feel we have to, and most of the time only when we're sure we can actually help. Our part is important; it's just not always obvious. And for the most part we're ok with that. A "thank you" would be nice every once in a while though...

>When the world is going to pot and everyone is running around screaming bloody murder and you look over and see us just sitting there, the truth is this:
We are not just enjoying the show because we have no human feelings and enjoy watching the rest of you freak out. As fun as that is, we are actually calmly and quietly taking it all in and deciding what is the best mode of action to make everything right. We care. We just can't let that cause us to do something that will make everything worse. It's called strategy people. It takes planning. Besides...screaming never solves any problems. So we'll stick with our method even if it makes us seem like insensitive jerks, k?

>When we say we want this-and-this done by this time next Monday and put here, the truth is this:
We want this-and-this done by this time next Monday and put here. Period.

> If it seems like we're always bucking you and doing things our own way, the truth is this:
You're wrong.
Whatever it is your telling us to do, it must be wrong. And we know how to do it better. It's a hard thing to accept, but if something doesn't make sense to us, we tend not to do it. Crazy I know. It's not anything personal. We're usually unbiased when it comes to ideas; whatever works the best is what we're going to go with. Even if that idea doesn't come from us. We just like doing stuff right. And we will. Ever single time.
Your idea, or ours; it has to be right.

>When you disagree with us and we don't seem to care, the truth is this:
We don't.
We know we're right, and frankly, we don't give a hoot that so-and-so says otherwise.
We come to conclusions in our life after careful and meticulous research.
So we don't give a flippin' fadoodle if Oprah says you can make blue from orange and mauve; our research and reason says otherwise. And if Johnny Bobo doesn't get why we don't like ketchup on our hot-dog, he'll just have to get over it. We're not changing our mind.

>If we seem to do better in school than you, the truth is:
We do.
But we don't have to go into that because we don't like to brag. True story.

>If we seem to have unrealistically high standards for ourselves and beat ourselves up over little things, the truth is this:
Failure is our worst nightmare. We hate it.
We shiver at past instances of it in our lives. The possibility of it eats us alive. We do everything we can to avoid it (explaining why we are so driven).
But unless you're Jesus (and we're pretty sure he was the ultimate INTJ but have yet to prove it), failure will find you.
And rip your heart out. And moonwalk all up and over the dang thing.
So that's why we're so hard on ourselves; our efforts to avoid failure aren't good enough.
We weren't good enough. We're not good at anything. We're nothing, nothing, nothing!
See my point. It just sort of snowballs.
But take note: Just because we can point out and condemn our failings ruthlessly, that does not mean we appreciate it when others feel so inclined.
Tread lightly friends; you walk among mines when you critique an INTJ or any Rational for that matter. You have a complaint? Fine. But you'd better be crystal clear about what it is we're not doing satisfactorily, because you do not want an bitter INTJ on you hands if your criticism was unjust or unwarranted. You know the whole "Mastermind" thing? Yeah. It comes in handy when planning revenge...

>When we rarely seem to have fun for fun's sake, the truth is this:
Work is work and play is work.
For us, it's all about earning and polishing the skills and then saving them for a rainy day. Or when stuck at K-mart.
We don't "just do" stuff. We do things with purpose. Yes friends, even fun must have a purpose.
We never ask you to understand these things. We just ask that you accept them.

>When we never seem to date, and insist on being "the perpetual single" in the group, the truth is this:
Love blows our mind. It's strange, unpredictably and completely insane.
And its really hard for us to "get". We want to treat everything like it has a rational process and, as we've come to find out, Love just doesn't roll that way. It's world shattering.
"A difficult and threatening problem" is how the books describes how we view our mate selection. Yeah. And you forgot awkward, uncomfortable and unnecessarily complex. --_--
Most of the stronger of our type can avoid this tempting, but complicated thing called Love. But a few have been known to surrender.
Don't get us wrong. We love Love.
We just can't put it under the microscope and figure it out, so it scares us. Which is fine because it's not like there are a bazillion people out there just dying to fall in love with someone who's hard to read emotionally, not even remotely out-going, needs lots of privacy and isn't too cheeky about being touched. But look, if you can get past all that and our bent towards world domination, we're pretty amazing lovers, parents and friends (so they say).

Bottom line: We like/tolerate people. We love truth. We hate failure and we do have feelings (safely locked away and gagged, but feelings none the less).

Without us the world would be a little less organized, a little less efficient, a little less accurate and a lot less evil. And we know it.

Boy, do we know it...*smile*

Come check out these Famous INTJ's and a couple of other people who somehow did something worth mentioning even though they weren't an INTJ. We're saying it's a fluke but you can check it out for yourself.

Jim Gaffigan Bologna clip.

2009-07-13T15:35:00.000-05:00

Even Jim Gaffigan agrees with me when it comes to the pronunciation of Bologna.
Funny clip. Funny guy.
Enjoy!

Pride & Prejudice Quote Mugs by Brookish

2009-07-04T11:33:00.001-05:00

"I love Austen Novels."
"I am fond of quotes."
"I enjoy hot beverages."
"Mr. Darcy is mind-blowingly attractive..."

If you have ever found yourself uttering one or two of these statements in the wee hours of the morning, after a rousing night of checkers and Mocha lattes, I must say, I just might have the perfect thing for you...

Ceramic "Pride & Prejudice" Mugs by Brookish
..............................................................................

These little beauties are a must for all sworn Austenites, and a welcome addition to any collection of passive admirers.

Some are cheeky:

Some romantic:
*front*

*back*

And some are just fun:

With one of these in your possession, you need never worry which mug to use when snuggling down to your favorite book...^-^

For more P&P Mugs and other lovely knick-knacks, be sure to check out the shop by clicking here: Brookish Shop on Etsy

*~ttfn~*

Crazy Caitlin Fact: How I learned to spell.

2009-06-27T20:16:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, as luck would have it, I was born.
Yes. Yes, it's true. My karma was just -that- good from the start.

So I was born, and born to two people I'll call Freda and Mo.
Freda and Mo were (and still are) my Parents, and like all good parents they decided that education was a key part to a happy and successful life.
Soooo...they home-schooled me.

Some cry foul, some cheer; either way the deed was done and many a strange and wonderful thing came from that decision.
One of those things?

The way I learned to spell.

Spelling is a funny thing, especially when you speak the English language.
We have this amazing mixture of words we just decided to borrow from all other languages.

"Beauchamp? Sounds complex and unnecessary. Sweet. We'll take it!"

Take for instance the word Bologna (of all the dumb...mmph!) . Who exactly was head of the spelling department at the Butchers shop?
.......................................................................................................................
"Well uh, -we- pronounce it 'Ba-low-nee' ...but uh, this is the best spelling job we could come up with at the time.
(awkward pause)
It was late."
.......................................................................................................................

How can you spell that word and -not- think to yourself "Ba-log-nah"?
Insanity dear friends. Prue and unbridled in form and notion.

But back to my Education...

It was different. I learned a lot on my own.
And because my parents kept a decently sized library containing many classics, I found myself at age 11 reading more Austen than Amelia Badilia.

The result? British spelling system.
I swear, I was nearly 14 when I realized the proper American spelling of color contained no "u".
Of course it didn't hurt any then but now I find it hilarious.
Because you see, the great irony was that at the same time I was spelling color the proper English way and understanding terms like "fortnight" and "3 and 20", I was still spelling Honey the Winnie the Pooh way.
Yes. Hunny.

Anyway I did eventually figure out the heresy, and further understood that Winnie the Pooh was not a reference to be trusted when it came to literacy.

It was a sad day.

I mean you grow up with these people...practically blood...and to find out they've be leading you astray the whole time? Heartbreaking.

I got over it eventually, and I am proud to say I can now spell pretty darn well.
"Tore" still gives me a bit of trouble now and then...(pathetic isn't it?)
I seriously never have to use that word, but when I do it's a guaranteed brain trip.
Thirty seconds of frenzied self denial;

"I know how to spell that word...there's a "u" in there somewhere right? Right? There's got to be. It does sound a little British to me..."

Introducing: Crazy Caitlin Fact.

2009-06-27T20:09:00.000-05:00

New deal for the blog here; I'm going to give you little facts about myself so as to better convince you of my delicious insanity (I'm not -really- insane I just like pretending sometimes ok?) .
Sound great?
Awesome. ^-^
I'll be sure to post one within the hour.

(Translation: As soon as I'm finished with this post.)

P.S
<------You may have noticed I went a little crazy with the icons.
Yes. I have a problem. Found them all on www.fanpop.com
Fun site. Great place to go to waste away half your day.
Check it out. *smile*

For The Days I Felt Rebellious...

2009-06-26T14:45:00.000-05:00

This is for...

The days when I said exactly what I was
thinking.
Those days I couldn't stop smiling
maliciously.
When I didn't care a smidgen about anything
anyone said.

Yeah, those days...

This is because of...

Those days I flexed my sarcastic wit
mercilessly.
The days when I insisted on being your personal
rain cloud.
When I would've sooner bit the dust
then bite my tongue...

Yeah, those days...

The days I freaked you out.
Made you mad.
Made you cry.
Stole your happiness.
Stole you thunder.
Stole your brush (you know the one).

The days I hurt your feelings.
Gave you headaches.
Gave you grief.
Broke your heart.
Broke your trust.
Broke your mug (accident).

For those days I felt rebellious
All I have to say is this...

Thanks...

One day I'll grow out of those days.
Those days I'm sure you'll miss.

Two Brothers

2009-06-25T08:05:00.000-05:00

Two glossy ravens

patter along the rusted tracks.

Visual heat.

Green and Blue sheen

melds with the metals reflected light.

Like acid to the eyes...

Scurrying across the burning path

long ago deserted.

Sound numbed.

Golden grassy stalks that border

dare not bend or rustle.

Like an army in salute...

The fowls pace is quickened

as the sickly sun sinks west.

Day's surrender.

Darkness stirs from it's slumber

slowly inks across the sky.

Like blood dropped in water...

Liquid black pupils survey the change

and press on forward.

Tracks vanish.

The hollow way abandoned

never finished, left to rot.

Like the broken-hearted...

Turning back towards the sun's corpse

returning to where they had come.

They march.

Tiny claws tapping rhythmically

the melody of the tracks.

Like haunting echos of the past...

They march on.

Ten Things I Fancy That I Did Not Receive For My Birthday

2009-06-23T20:32:00.000-05:00

{...in no particular order...}

1. An Entire Wardrobe Containing Anthropologie Clothing

2. A Mysterious and Romantic Masquerade Mask

3. An Antique Stereo Viewer

4. A Whole Wing of a Palace to Myself

5. A Lifetime Subscription to Frankie Magazine

6. A Whimsical Marionette Puppet

7. A Magical Carousel in the Forrest

8. A Bear-Hug from George Clooney

9. A Copy of "Ticket" by Cory Godbey

10. My Own Fairy Tale Adventure

Some-what Rhyming Update

2009-06-22T14:12:00.000-05:00

Got my picture on my birthday!
Chris is married!
Meagan's left...

Saw "Year One"(wish I hadn't).
Found lost flip-flops.
Mine? Theft?

Friends still visiting. Just. want. sleep.
Need alone time.
Stop talking in your sleep!!!

No more cake or chocolate please.
Back to the gym
Won't admit defeat!

Two new pieces on the "Cafe"!
Check them out.
I was cynical that day...

Sleepy, stressed, grumpy, sad.
My tummy hurts.
Change makes me mad.

No more typing, nature calls.
God get ready.
Soon tears may fall...

(500) Days of Summer : Movie Trailer

2009-06-13T13:23:00.000-05:00

So I came across this film preview a couple days ago, saw the trailer, wanted to see it.
It's quirky, cute, indie-ish and boasted the likes of Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt {can you go wrong?} .
So making my way to the discussion board to get the full low-down, I came across a shocking and other-wise depressing conclusion...

...that I won't be sharing here.

Meet me at the theater on 17th of July and you can find out for yourself.
Or you can go to IMDB like I did, and spoil it.

Either way, expect the bitter/sweet feeling to last for a couple of days...

...or years...

*~ttfn~*

Cory Godbey

2009-06-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

My New Favorite Illustrator.
I stumbled upon him today while checking out another artist I had been curious about. I saw some of his posted work and was mesmerized...
So I followed the links to his blog where I found this...

Words can do no justice...

What a gift.
What an amazing ability he has that allows him to create images that unlock our minds and hearts to beauty eternal.
Oh how I wish I was that girl...

I hope you check him out.
His Blog: http: //lightnightrains.blogspot.com/
His Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6489197
A collective site for himself and other amazing artists: http://www.portlandstudios.com/

{As far as I know "Ticket" is not available in print, although I believe at one time it was. Here's to hoping it will be again soon!}

Complaints and Class; I've got 'em.

2009-06-03T12:38:00.000-05:00

Writers Cafe is down, my Facebook quota has been filled for the next few years, I can't come up with anything to search on Etsy, and I can only read so many Yahoo stories.
So this is my only other option.

Ah...the quietness of the blog. I can practically hear my thoughts echo back to me, as I type them into existence...

'Tis magical.

*sigh* I need to get a hobby or something. Or even a theme. Just deciding on a solid theme for this blog would help me out immensely. I'm not sure why I even have a blog. I'm not helping anyone, I'm not helping myself. No one is learning anything or being entertained. Without purpose or design. I know that tune all-too-well.

Blah. This is getting depressing.
So to turn the mood, I'm going to show you some pictures of my two most recent purchases!
Excited yet?

First off we have my Lt. Edition wood print "Computer Love" by rosiemusic on Etsy. I was super excited about getting it and, even now, am anxiously awaiting it's safe arrival to my door.
I do so wish it was here now...

The cuteness is almost suffocating! Now to find a place to display it...

Next we have my new dress I bought for an upcoming night out to the Ballet! I wasn't sure it would work at first (being a little plain and, well dowdy) but I tried it on, and it fit like it had been custom made.
With Black kitten heels, clutch, pearls and a french twist updo, I'll be set!

On the hanger:

And on me (any excuse to wear it ^-^):

Very classic and retro. Reminds me of 60's Hollywood. Maybe a little Coco Chanel...?
Either way you spin it, it's mine and I love it!

So anyway, there we have it. I'd say we ended on a nice note today, but I must go.
Maybe someone's wrote on my wall while I was typing...hmm...
*laughs*
Tootles!

Movie Reveiw: Sherlock Holmes

2009-05-25T16:11:00.000-05:00

Reviewing movie trailers. Something new I thought I'd try.
And what better movie to review than the new take on an old classic?
~~~
Sherlock Holmes.
~~~
I was so happy when I heard they'd be making a film based on the iconic character.
And Robert Downey Jr?
A strange choice but he's a great actor in his own right.

So harboring all the excitement that had been mounting since the day I first heard, I got my first glimpse today.

I could not look away...

...it was that disappointing.

My first and most hardy protest:
Rachel McAdam's Character.
Why?
WHY?!
Must we always have a sassy slut of a Hollywood portrayal in the stead of a perfectly good, well drawn out, and *gasp* complex female character?
(Sidenote: I have no hate for the Actress herself, I just find her character to be annoyingly misinterpreted and obnoxiously unnecessary.)

Also:
Can we not just forgo with the cheesy lines?
I'd rather watch half an hour of Mr. Holmes shooting himself up, than suffer through half a minute of the inevitable banter he and Ms. Adler will no doubt spew in an attempt to create tension and chemistry. Not to mention all the snippety lines Jude Law's Watson has the potential to share.

"Whoa ho!" you say.
"You haven't even seen it yet. You can't judge it by the trailer alone."
Oh but I can. And in all honesty, that's sort of the whole point of a movie trailer.
A clever device used to convince the greater public that this is the type of film they want to see before the film is even released.

*sigh* I -really- want to like this.
I really do.
But I'm not sure it will let me.

Anyway, I'll probably see it.
That's all they care about in the end.
If we'll pay or not.
I might.
I've seen much worse.

My closing thought: How long will we have to wait until Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is given cinematic justice?

Roses & Whiskey

2009-05-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Tramp sucking slowly on a lit Cigar
Roses & Whiskey
Smoke curls 'round full lips
The room pulses with her breath
Doe eyes blinking
Temptation wears a Black Dress...

Someones Dirty Secret arched against the matted wall
Horror & Ecstasy
Twisting pearls like Men
Around her slender fingers
Ivory chest quivering
Seduction wears Stilettos...

The World's favorite Playmate when the lights are turned down low
Worshiped & Damned
Closer than you think
Choking on her breath
Lips loosening
Lust knows your name...

...Sin owns your heart.

{Inspired by the photo above. Hope you like. *smile*}

Real quick

2009-05-19T19:28:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.
What can I say? Life stinks like that sometimes.
Anyhoo I just thought I'd share really quick one of my most favorite commercials.
I really could watch it over and over...

I am not a drinker nor do I endorse this product in any way, but I can say one thing about this advertisment: It sure as heck would be -some- rockin' party. *wink*

[Song is "Daylight" by Mat and Kim]

To the Mothers on this day...

2009-05-10T14:27:00.002-05:00

...and especially mine...

...Thanks.

You know who you are...you know how great you are too.
Hey, if you've got it flaunt it.

Anyways I just wanted to say a quick thanks on this day, I'm not going to go into some long-winded speech about how much mothers contribute to the world because everyone should already know this.
And if you don't, well now you know (and knowing is half the battle!).

I think it's safe to say that we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you...*smile*

You rock and we love you.

To Mothers! ^_^

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Print by Sascalia via Etsy

Yes, I've changed the title...

2009-05-04T15:56:00.000-05:00

...It was bound to happen someday so I just made that day today.

What can I say, it was too long.
And sort'a dumb.
And cheesy.

Anywho it's been done away with.

Instead of "A Parade of Insanity Known Fondly as Caitlin" we have simply "A Parade of Insanity".

Everyone knows it's me we're talking about anyways so there's no real loss. *smile*

Sidenote:
The WritersCafe server is down and I am in much distress because of it. u_u
I have learned that at one point in the sites past, everyone's writings were deleted because of a similar occurrence and I -dearly- hope this is not the case.

*sigh* Just wish they would fix the problem soon...

The many faces of Lee Pace (aka Ned)

2009-05-02T21:28:00.000-05:00

For you...*wink*

So I was bored and found this and had no other place to put it but here. *smile* Lovely show and actor. You wouldn't regret looking either up. Anyhoo, I gots to go. Enjoy and we'll chat again soon!

P.S
2nd row, 4th across. *wink*
Yes...^_^

Your own Delusional Hero

2009-04-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time...

I thought I was different.

Thought I was special.

Thought I had talent.

Justified ambition.

Guess not.

Where'd I come up with that?

Once upon a time...

I thought I was important.

Thought I made a difference.

Thought my efforts mattered.

Unique execution.

Guess not.

When'd I start thinkin' that?

Once upon a time...

I thought I could change the outcome.

Thought I could be the savior.

Knew I could live with purpose.

Fulfilling grand destiny.

Guess not.

Why'd I ever believe that?

Delusional Hero, here at your service...sorry if I seem depressed.

Spare me your pity.

Listen well, know my folly;

Once...

...I actually thought I mattered.

*~The Buzz Lightyear effect: You realize one day that you aren't as great or important as you thought you were. And the hurt doesn't ever wear off.~*

If Only I Had Never

2009-04-22T21:23:00.000-05:00

~* A piece written about a really hard time in my life. I'm still kind of grieving.~*

If Only I Had Never.

If I had never left...
I would never have missed my friends.
I would never have had broken memories.
I would never have sighed that sigh.
I would never have said those things.
I would never have missed that event.
Never have ached when I saw the empty spot,
In all the pictures I should have been.

If I had never left...
I would never have said good-bye.
I would never have felt like a deserter.
I would never have cried that night.
I would never have laid in bed all day.
I would never have fought that fight.
Never have wondered if they had ever really cared,
Or if it had just been a joke.

If I had never left...
I would never have spent all day alone.
I would never have ignored that person.
I would never have worried those I loved.
I would never have forgotten who I was.
I would never have cursed God.
Never have shut off my heart,
To save it from being hurt.

If I had never left...
I'd be waking up the to a mile wide sunrise.
I'd be wishing on the stars that never hide.
I'd be looking forward to everyday.
I'd be hopeful of the Future.
I'd be laughing in the Present.
I'd be content with my Past.
I'd be happy because I knew
There will always be tomorrow.

But...

If I had never left...

I would never have met that person.

I would never have laughed that night.

I would never have sang that song.

I would never have seen that sunset.

I would never have wrote those words.

Never have realized how much friends can mean,

Whether close or with miles in between.

Parade of Insanity

Dreams of Eames...

Merry Christmas to all...

das Pusteblume

Heart-Throbs On Ra-ra-repeat

You remind me of a man...

Never-never forget...

Ambition

Raconte-moi une histoire...

Teaser II

Contemplation Of...

Nest of my soul...

Let There Be

Happiness is...

*...*

Page to Film:: Gone With The Wind

Working on something...

Inspired: Hans Silvester Photography

Perfection

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves...

Social Media: It's all Propaganda!

Attached to rail road tracks...

A Swallow Lives in my Pocket Watch...

Dear France...

Friday Morning Failure...Hello there July

A Year Older...

More of an "Altered Art" kinda gal...

I Spy (1965) || Reimagined

Further proof that I am technologically inept....

Twenty-five reasons I was born too late...

UO's "Room Sweet Room" contest...

We drive each other crazy sometimes...

Today, as thoughts of tiaras dance in my head...

Dear Michael Caine...

I've Been Bitten...

Observance

{{Pessimistic//Optimistic}}

{{Young//Old}}

{{Humorous//Heartwrenching}}

{{Monocromatic//Colorful}}

{{Content//Restless}}

{{Sad//Joyous}}

{{Loving//Hateful}}

{{Beautiful//Ugly}}

{{Life//Death}}

A Time to be Humble...And a Time to Brag...

Greetings from Right Here

Like Bogie & Bacall...

Cheeky love, cheeky and true...

From the vault: The Invitation

Something I found I love: Super 8 film

Gypsy for a Week

I liked the world better back when...

Untitled End to a Parisian Affair

What "type" are you?

I've always wanted to know...

Suggested Monday afternoon activity...

What I learned while staring at plastic wood: A Revelation

Letters to Dead People

How my time is wasted...

The Start of Beautiful Obsession...

Every time I watch The Sound of Music...

Kids these days!

When Beauty fights The Beast

30 Days without Facebook: What I learned

Non-Human Characters That Stole My Heart

Stupid mumbo jumbo (I'm apt to adopt on occasion)...

Happy Valentine's Day...

A Little Something Sweet Before Valentine's...

Learning to Be

A Little Encouragement....

Michael Buble

Greater Love

Mark DeRidder Animation

Page to Film :: The Westing Game

Page to Film :: The Canterville Ghost

From Page to Film: Books I'd love to see made into Movies.

Movie Trailer :: Fantastic Mr. Fox

||Joe Pug Music ||

The Fate of Eve

...