Blog Announcements

I have taken to deleting some old posts that really don't represent what my blog is about anymore, so those changes may change label counts and post numbers. I have deleted my myspace account for the time being and have found comfort in my own place in the flickr world. More slideshow posts will come once I get more photos online. Feel free to link over using one of the featured slides this month. As for book reviews, it is about time for me to write about HP! I have given any readers more than enough time to finish. hehe

Will be back soon!

PS. I hope to have a Flickr Pro account by the end of September. Any relations out there, feel free to donate me a couple bucks. or not. hehe

Natural Gems and Minerals

I attended the Museum of Natural Science last weekend as part Museum Day in Houston. It was beyond crowded, but while I was there I captured some of these images for my scrapbook. I intend on returning soon and when I do, this slide will be updated with new photos thanks to the awesomeness of Flickr and tags. I will blog more on the museums soon as Museum Day was fantastic.

July 4th Fireworks

This year Dad and I attended Miller Outdoor Theatre for the 4th. The Houston Symphony performed several patriotic and traditional pieces as well as some fun Big Band stuff. We had hot dogs beforehand and enjoyed yummy ice cream desserts at the show. The night ended with cannon fire (true) and a great display of fireworks which I tried to capture. Only down side, and muddy ground from the previous days' storms doesn't count, was the traffic in the parking lot. It was bad, real bad. But the fireworks were awesome; I hope the photos do them justice. Overall a great American July 4th: hot dogs, ice cream, music, fireworks, and family. Thanks Dad.

photos also available on Flickr

Relationship Self-help Reads

Maybe, I should keep this post short. This summer I took it upon myself to read He' Just Not That Into You and It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken. I read these books because they are a simple, straightforward, funny way of looking at the men a woman chooses to include in her life. I will leave out my perils of dating and lack of real relationships, but I will say I found these books helpful. The explanations are commonsense and the examples all too familiar to several women. Both books feature Q&A's, examples, and short, direct chapters. I look at both these books as a way of telling me, this is something everyone deals with and I can get through it just like everyone else or better. Since I have been single for a while, the information I gained from these will help me in future relationships and has helped in how I see my past relationships. Greg Behrendt has a new book due out winter 2007 about dating that I look forward to reading. For a better explanation of the books' format and message please visit links below. Also, an interesting side note, a movie may is in the looks that looks at relationship dynamics.

• It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken Site just about everything about the book and everything to help with a breakup
  
• Greg Behrendt official site, book listing, comedy info, video interviews
• IMDb.com movie possibility(?)
  

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, Book 1 of His Dark Materials Trilogy

Well, I discovered this series while working for Brentano's but never got around to reading it. I had purchased Book 1 some time ago and tried to start the book, but it was hard to get into. So many books, so little time, so I read something else. After finishing the Harry Potter series and learning of a movie due out Christmas this year, I decided to pick it up again. The Golden Compass starts off slow. Slow perhaps isn't fair now that I have finished the book and loved it. But in the beginning, you are introduced to Lyra who lives in Jordan College at Oxford, and her life seems boring. But I tell you now, give it a few chapters to explain her world and her character, and all boredom will be gone. I read the last 250 pages in a matter of a few days; it was addicting. Golden Compass has everything you would want in a children's/young adult book: adventure, a dangerous journey, troubling family relationships, a quest to save friends, and self-discovery. Lyra, who lives a simple life at Jordan, discovers children and her friends are going missing, captured by the Gobblers. The headstrong girl she is decides she must travel North to save them and to learn of another world as described by Lord Asriel, her uncle. She leaves the world she has always know with Mrs. Coulter, a fascinating, intelligent woman, to aid in a trip north. Once in Mrs. Coulter's care, Lyra finds a new world and her adventure.

The Golden Compass, starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Dakota Blue Richards

The movie began advertising this summer and previewed before HP, I believe. Clearly I cannot rate this movie as it isn't due out until December 7th, but the screen shots and previews look beautiful. The cityscapes dazzle, the armored bears seem true, and the daemons are spot-on. The casting is truly interesting, and I am quite curious to see how some of the character fare. While Kidman may not fit the image of Mrs. Coulter, she seems perfect to play this very multidimensional character. Richards is a newcomer, but I believe that is just what this movie needs for a lead. As for Sam Elliott... my dad has never known a closer resemblance as he does now. And I am quite serious here. The Golden Compass, from New Line Cinema, made a showing at Comic-Con 2007, and I am sure we will continue to hear much more about this movie as theaters are already posting the banners.

Preview:


Extended Preview:


Seriously Extended Preview (comic-con):


Links are provided to information about the series and the movie:

• His Dark Materials: about the series, author, and all other information about the books
  
• The Golden Compass Movie: official site with previews, about cast, explanation of daemons, wallpapers, blog, etc.
  
• Bridge to the Stars: His Dark Materials fansite with information about books, movie, video game, as well as previews, images, latest news, message boards, etc.
• IMDb.com

These previews were found at ifilm and youtube, but the above sites include previews as well and are sure to be updated as new ones arise.

Golden Compass is an amazing journey that I hope you take part of in either or both forms. Perhaps curiosity from the release of the film will prompt you to try the series as I have. I am very excited about books 2 and 3 and will be reviewing those in the future.

Please check back often for more book reviews. Holla!

It actually makes me "Smile"

As I was busing home Saturday with Dell DJ on random, Lily Allen's "Smile" came on. I had to repeat it at least 3 times while sitting at that bus stop waiting. The video may be a little much, but the song is great for those days you want to feel like an independent strong person who will eventually get over it. Hope you enjoy!

Book Review: Janet Evanovich

I wanted to take a moment and recommend Janet Evanovich to anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted read where a lovable female character has to take on some of the evil in the world.

Stephanie Plum novels:
I have been reading the Stephanie Plum series for about 3 years now. I picked them up while working at the San Antonio Library. (One for the Money, Two for the Dough.... ) Stephanie is a Jersey girl who hasn't had the best luck with men or employment and takes on the role of a bounty hunter for her relation's bond agency. Her eclectic family in the suburbs and her cases tracking minor criminals across town always lead to the most hilarious situations. In the course of the series, we see Stephanie struggle with two developing relationships with the men in her life. (Romantic elements are present in the books but not over the top.) The characters are almost indescribable, but the Grandma is a personal favorite of mine. One thing is for sure, these books are filled with laughs, easy to read and hard to put down.

Recent reads: 12 Sharp and Plum Lovin'


Alex Barnaby series:
I have just picked up on this series. Metro Girl was the first, and Motor Mouth followed. Alex, also know as Barney, is a woman who has a simple, calm life with a certain skill for bailing out her little brother when he gets into trouble. Well, this time, he landed himself in a whole lot of trouble. Alex flies to Miami to try and solve the mystery of her missing brother. With help from NASCAR guy, a high school friend, and a woman who works as a cigar roller, she uncovers secrets of gold, Cubans, and national security.

Recent read: Metro Girl


Janet Evanovich also writes/co-writes romance novels, but I haven't tried those. You can find these recommended, hilarious books in the Mystery section at any library or bookstore. For more information and excerpts, check out the author's website, Janet Evanovich.

Hope you give these great characters a try. I will follow-up after I read Lean, Mean Thirteen and Motor Mouth.

Holla!

Wow, has it been 2 weeks?

Well, I can't believe we are so far into August, and I haven't blogged. Well, in truth, maybe I have been lazy, but I have been working on the sidebar. I am constantly changing the order and the features. I have a widget from Spout now. Spout is an online community devoted to only movies. I will blog more specifics and links in the future. I have also been redoing the links at the bottom. I want to share with you guys all the fun/artsy things around town and share with you my love of dance. Well, I have been hitting the books pretty hard, and I think it is about time for some blogging about HP and those others that I have completed. So, if you are one of my 3 readers, do please check back.


And, before I sign off.... Huge congrats to Tim and Elle. I hope the future holds only wonderful things for your new life together. And someone, please, tell me where you are registered.

I'm out!