How do we face...?

Very warm wishes for a Happy New Year, to us all. May we all learn from the present economic situation... Perhaps learn to [really] notice the difference between our 'wants' and our 'needs.' Yeah, that sounds mighty 'bahhh humbug.' Yup, it does. But instead of seeing the 'bahh humbug' aspect of it, maybe we can try to see the 'silver lining' aspect of it. [More 'Pollyanna' stuff I know... -sigh- So... bite me! -grin-]

We're living through a recession and no magic wands or wishful thinking, will change that. So, how do we live through the inevitable? With what mind set do we choose, to live through it? [Yes, our own mind set is still under our own control.] Do we choose to whine and cry and moan? Does that do any good? Nope. That choice only makes us feel worse.

So, what's the alternative?

How about what I said above... Really note our 'wants' and our 'needs.' Put 'wants' aside for the time being, and concentrate on getting our 'needs.' And then, learn to be content with that.

OK, if you want to scream at me now, you can. >,-)

*~*~*~*~*
Click on pics, to enlarge

Pic Source is Paris When It Twinkles

'Vanity Fair'

Who's buying 'Vanity Fair'?

I ask - since for myself, I'm not buying magazines now. To me, it's a waste of money, in times when wasting money isn't the best idea. [But that's just me!]

Now I'll be torn, on my new decision vs. having this whole photo shoot, in print form. :-)

~As always, you can click on pics, to enlarge~

Who to play 'Jacob Black'????

OK, now to get to the discussion part... My feelings on who should play the 'Jacob Black' role in 'New Moon'? Guess I'm prejudiced, since Taylor Lautner made me really like/appreciate the character of 'Jacob.' Actually, I didn't appreciate 'Jacob,' reading the books. ~ Before seeing Taylor's portrayal of 'Jacob' in 'Twilight.' So, having said this, how could I not want Taylor to have a shot at playing 'Jacob' in 'New Moon'?

That said, I feel that Taylor was perfect, to play the 'young Jacob.' But in 'New Moon,' he physically ages/changes. And not just the shape-shifting part. The boy 'Jacob' becomes the man 'Jacob.' [Suppose my beef should be with Stephenie for writing the character, as changing so drastically, so quickly... -grin- But of course, it was her book and she could do whatever she wanted to do, with her characters!!!]

So, how do I reconcile Taylor being the perfect young 'Jacob'?... With what has to happen in 'NM'? I sort of can't. Not, if going completely by the book, anyway. But! Technically, 'Rosalie' is supposed to be the "most beautiful female in the world" and all that. And I simply do not see the 'Rosalie' actor as being thus. She has the attitude down pat. But she looks more 'hard' to me, than 'most beautiful...'

And... remember 'Alice's' spiky hair, in the book? I love, love, love how they wigged Ashley Greene, in 'Twilight.' She's a perfect 'Alice', to me. But technically, that wig, is not the 'Alice' hair of 'Twilight.'

And Emmet has curly hair, in the book. Not so, in the movie.


My point ~ visuals [as written in the book] have already been changed. So, does 'Jacob' have to grow quite as much as his character does, in the book? And if not, why can't Taylor continue to play the role?

I've seen the name of Michael Capon spoken of, as possible replacement. And yes, Taylor and he do resemble one another. But! I don't personally know anything about this Michael Capon... Never saw his acting, or him, before this buzz. I've only read some about him, on Twilight web sites. But it scares me that some say he is a terrible actor. And I also don't like it, that he's supposed to have jumped the gun, and promoted himself as 'Jacob,' before any such decision was made. -wrinkles nose- If that's true, it sounds much too full-of-himself, for me to accept/like him [M. Capon] as 'Jacob.'

And if all this is not enough angst... There is the whole issue of... Why didn't they cast a Native American actor, as 'Jacob Black' in the first place? After reading on this topic, I can see Native Americans having a real point, with this issue.

Sooooo ~ Lots of angst. And it's still early in the game of making 'NM'! What happens next? What decisions will be made, by 'the powers that be'? How much will they listen to the fan base? If at all? -sigh-

OK, I've put my 2 cents worth in too. ,-) Other ideas/questions can be found in these comments. How do we solve all this? [As if 'the powers that be' are gonna' listen to us but.... Why not talk about it anyway, hu?]

"12 Days Of Christmas"

Source

Yes, it's already the 2nd day of the "12 Days of Christmas"! Time flies.

And I do celebrate this time of year. Honest I do. :-) Just not in the traditional religious holidays way. I do presents and everything. And got the one thing I wanted... An 'Alice' choker. And gave a 'Stay safe' pendant to a younger Twilight fan. Our family even had a 'Twilight' tree! With tiny white lights and lots of my usual apple themed decorations. We've done this before, but this year, it was an actual theme Christmas Tree. :-)

And now to get on to the questions... about 'Jacob' in 'New Moon.' Guess I'll make a new entry...

Thank you for comments & wishing Warm Wishes

Thank you to those, who commented here! It was very sweet of both of you. And I'll be sure to visit your blogs, in a bit. Maybe not today or tomorrow. But never fear, I will.

Yes, I too would really like to discuss 'Twilight' related things, with people who have more to say than just: "LOVE Rob's hair!" -grin- Of course I appreciate the actors. How could I not? And even have my favorite characters/actors. But there are other things to talk about. Especially with all the issues/angst/drama around 'New Moon.' -sigh-

And a very Happy Christmas Eve, Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc., to all. Happy whatever you celebrate at this time of year. And if you don't celebrate any [like me], that's fine too. Please have a warm and happy time, though. I intend to. :-)

Below ~ Icicles and snow cover, as of this morning. If we get rain later, some may go. So I record them, while I can. The icicles continue to grow! Please excuse the tipped pic, but it's the only way to show their present length.Last pic, honest!!! >,-)
[And any photos can be clicked on, to enlarge]

Icicle Progression

Icicle -- a pendent, tapering mass of ice
formed by the freezing of dripping water.

Icicle Progression

Dec. 22 Mon AM - below

Dec. 23 Tues. AM - 2 below

T

Happy Birthday, Jackson!

Happy Birthday to Jackson Rathbone!!!

The cutest of the 'Cullen Clan'!!!

Who plays 'Jasper' in the film "Twilight."


Photos Source

Quite lovely...

~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~

Giving a link to a quite lovely post, elsewhere. Very short, but wise. And her music is always a soft, soothing treat to the ear, as well.

The click-able link is here...

And I hope you enjoy "Be"...

~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~



Making use our usual decorations on the tree, I realized that I actually have a 'Twilight' tree, this year! See all the apples? :-)


~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~oo~~~

Why do we feel entitled to Christmas Joy?

Photo Source

I was thinking, the Joyful Spirit of Christmas [or of the Holidays, which ever you prefer] is referred to all over, this time of year. Some point out how to get that warm feeling. Some wonder where that warm feeling has gone? Some blame this or that [consumerism, the economy, fractured families, life in general, etc.] for robbing us of that warm Christmas/Holiday feeling. Some point out, that we seek it, in all the wrong places and in all the wrong ways. Some tell us how to ask ourselves, what it consists of, for ourselves... And then, to seek it, by only seeking out, those ways to personal warm feelings.

But ~ WHY are we supposed to feel in ourselves, a Joyful and Warm Spirit of Christmas/Holidays, at this time of year?

Why?

How come?

Why is this time of year supposed to evoke it, in us? And if it doesn't, we feel cheated. Again.

Christians would say, that their Faith, is the reason for them. But are all Christians experiencing the perfect, warm glow of the Christmas Season, each and every year? It's sad to say maybe, but I don't think so. So if even Christians don't have a sure handle on it, why do the rest of us, yearly become determined to get this perfect, warm glow of the Christmas Season? And why are we let down, when it doesn't fully materialize?

Long, long ago, people actually semi-stopped work, to totally enjoy the "12 Days Of Christmas." Enjoy, with food not eaten the rest of the year. And with drink and hospitality and visiting and impromptu dancing and games and merry-making. In the darkest, coldest time of the year, they set aside from Dec. 25th to Jan. 5th, to enjoy goodies and leisure, not had the rest of the year. No wonder they totally loved/enjoyed this time?!?

In olden days, the year-round menu was wholesome but bland. And entertainment consisted of visiting and gathering together for eating, dancing, playing music, singing songs and game playing. But today, we enjoy every kind of food, all year long. And the same with all our forms of entertainment. So therefore, holiday eating and merriment, just don't make Christmas special anymore. -sigh-


So, why do we still feel cheated if we don't get that elusive [but promised] total glow? Could it be that we've been brainwashed by advertising? >,-) I know that I feel that the Christmas/Holiday Season has really begun, when I see the Retro Budweiser Christmas Commercial on tv...

Click here and enjoy!

The snow, and the Klidesdale horses pulling the sleigh, into the perfect snow covered small village. Yes, I admit it. That starts the Season, for me. Yes, I think those "add people" know exactly how to conjure up the warmness of the Season. But, is this knowledge used, for good purpose? >,-) Mmmmmmm.....

~~oo~~

New director's letter to fans

**~~~**~~~**

Chris Weitz [new director of 'New Moon'] has written a letter to we 'Twilight' fans.

I'm going to take this as a very good sign...

'Rpattzdaily' has posted the letter. You can read it, by clicking on this link.

Pic Source

***~~~**~~~***~~~**~~~***


And 'Twilight Lex' has this, from Stephenie... Which you can access by clicking here.

**~~~**~~~**

Well, whether anyone reads here or not [grin], all these entries will give a quick time line, of all the angst which hit, right after the premier of 'Twilight.' And I can look back on them later. And figure out what was 'on the mark,' and what was not.

**~~~**~~~**

A bit of good news...

Yes, with all the drama and angst going on presently, with/about 'New Moon,' there's a wee bit of good news. 'RPATTZ DAILY' on Live Journal has a link to it. [Thank you 'RPATTZ DAILY'!!!] The link is in the entry on Dec. 11 @ 11:17 am.

Catherine Hardwicke was asked when the 'Twilight' DVD will arrive in stores and she replied......

Yes, I'm being a tease.

Please go read the link above, on 'RPATTZ DAILY' on LJ.

Photo Source

~~~~~~~

Also Yes, this blog seems to be turning into a "fan girl" site. And I didn't really envision it, that way.

I'll revert to some Christmas-y stuff soon.

But then, no one reads here.

So why not put up whatever pops into my mind? :-))))

Poster source

Great interview and more...

A great interview with Rob ['Twilight's' Edward], from Rolling Stone. There are a zillion interviews out there on the Net. But this one really is great, imho anyway. Thanks to a Live Journal blog ['rpattzdaily'] for linking to this article!

It can be read by clicking this link.

And as to the change of director, for 'New Moon,' I'm sticking with 'Twilight Lexicon' blog, for updates and details. This link will take you to how they plan to deal with this unfolding story.

Photo credit

Parisian Twinkle...

Isn't that a lovely Christmas display? It's in Paris so it *ought* to be, hu? :-)

This photo is thanks to a lovely French blog called French Essence. Do please go over and see her beautiful blog. She has "More Parisian Twinkle" today.

Photo Source

Back to fan-hood :-)

Yes, it's back to fan-hood for me. :-) Having seen and enjoyed 'Twilight' twice so far... And re-reading the book. And ready to re-read 'New Moon'... I'm very much enjoying all the hoopla and coverage of the premiers world wide. Fun. Fun. Fun.

So now, I do seem to be back into 'Twilight' related fan-hood. :-)

I so wish someone would be following and blogging about the making of 'New Moon.' Like Maggie did, on Still Wandering blog. Do check there, for her reports of the London premier, btw.

Photo: From Maggie

The geese are going over... But to where...?

Lots of geese going over, early this morning. Not one huge 'V' of them. Lots and lots of small-ish lines and groups of them. I finally went out and tried to get some pictures. 'Twas very cold out in the back yard, so I didn't stay out there too long. But I got a few.


Geese over-night to the East... In the spent corn fields near the Creek. I don't understand why so many smaller groups were flying sort-of to the West this morning though. Wonder if they meet up with others, who over-nighted in corn fields, a bit to the West of here. And they'll all get together and form big 'V' formations and continue on South? Maybe...

~~~~~~~~~~~~

And I had to put the following pic up.... Just because I think they are so cute together. :-) The main actors in the film 'Twilight.' Robert and Kristin.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...

Now! The day before!

And today is the day before Thanksgiving. Preparation is done and we just have to do the baking/cooking early tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Dinner will be at our house this year, instead of next door. Because the youngest Grand is old enough now, to not have to be ready for bed in his own house, as early any more.

But they only have to go next door, to be home, after everyone is full.

All pictures can be enlarged, by clicking on them.
I post pictures at medium size,
to enable my blog to load quicker.

Photo source

Did you notice the date today...?

Did you notice the date today?

November 25th.

Exactly a month till December 25th.

Christmas...

Mmmm...

^_^

Pic Source

A simpler Christmas...?

Since I'm always trying to 'Simplify' (which BTW doesn't mean austerity, to me), the topic of a simpler Christmas is dear to my heart. I've been on this quest to Simplifying Christmas, for a long time. Enough to have earned the nick-name of "Scrooge," in my immediate family. ,-) But slowly, they are coming around more to my way of thinking. Gifts for the children of course. But less and less exchange, among the adults. And with the world-wide economy suffering this year, it's even easier to make the case for a simpler Christmas!

Which to me, is not an all bad thing. In times past, Christmas didn't used to be so terribly elaborate. But it was very, very special. I'm enjoying 'An Irish Country Christmas' by Alice Taylor. And noticing interesting things...

Christmas was the only time of year, when toys or games came into her childhood house. Imagine that! Today, many children expect some sort of play thing, every time they go anywhere. And like so many frequent things, the 'bloom is off the rose,' so to speak. What's special about toys at Christmas, if they get this or that toy thing, every time they go anywhere?

Ms. Taylor also says that their year round diet was not fancy, in the least. It consisted of home grown/produced food... wholesome but repetitive. So the special foods of Christmas time, were all the more anticipated. All of Christmas Time was highly anticipated, even though the children had to help with much of the work themselves.

Somehow, all of that sounds as if it produced more joy... Than Christmas of today. Just a thought...

Weekend results and news...

'Twilight' took the opening weekend box office! Mon. A.M. Box Office reports say 'Twilight' took in $70,045,000 this past weekend. And we all know that silly Hollywood believes in opening weekend receipt!

Yesterday (Nov. 23) MTV Movie blog reported that a sequel has already been officially confirmed.

Plus, this MTV article also said that they were looking for the film to take in about $72 million the first weekend. Because that's the kind of box office territory usually reserved for "Harry Potter" flicks in this season. Soooooooo, seems $70 million isn't far off the mark. :-)

All good news, for we "Addicted To Twilight" fans. ,-) Which most likely makes people wonder ~ What is the draw of a teen vampire story, for people beyond their teens?

I think I saw a very good explanation of that, somewhere in blog-land yesterday... (Sorry but I can't remember where, to give link-credit.) But it went something like the following, with which I agree. We who are beyond teen-hood, and got hooked by the books, simply really, really enjoyed the story. And also, we really, really enjoyed sinking into it totally. If one wants to call that regression, so be it.

When a reader gets completely caught up in any work of fiction, don't they sort of jump right into it and live it themselves, for a while? Any book we find great! The characters need not be our exact age. We all have the ability to remember younger times, and to imagine later life. So ~ why not? :-)))

I'd be interested to know if this explains it, to those who are not 'Twilight Addicted'? :-))) Or if anyone else has a better explanation...

Enjoyed the film *Event*!

Saw 'Twilight' with family/friends... Complete with pre-purchased tickets, and standing in line, and the excited rush when the doors opened. And lots and lots of young people. I enjoyed it and look forward to going again. By myself, when the rush dies down and it will be a more relaxed time.

But I'm glad I went last night! :-)

In only a day.......!!!

.



In just a day... 'Twilight' film premiere.




















But my favorite character is 'Alice.'












So my favorite characters are 'Alice' and 'Jasper.'

[Last 4 pics credits]

In a week, and a day...

Over the river and through the wood

To Grandfather's house we go.
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring,
Ting-a-ling-ling!
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the wood
Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurray for the pumpkin pie!

Red Raspberry...

Red Raspberry Cobbler

Oh Oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh oh! Just got one of those pop-up windows, on my screen. Something about a Firefox update.

They said something about "be sure you have such-and-such," before downloading this update. So I clicked on info, and still wondered if my computer's Firefox is the "right" one.

So I tried to not have it happen.

But... Nope... Another box said that it would be installed, next time I re-boot Firefox. :-(((((((((((((((((

I'll try to remember to not re-boot anything, any sooner than is very necessary. But, who knows if I'll remember? And at this point, who knows if I'll be able to re-boot... after re-booting. Or something like that. :-((((((((

So, I surely hope my blog and my Net access, doesn't disappear. :-(((((

Guess only time will tell... :-((((

All Posters

Could that be tinkling bells, I hear...?

November continues in its gray, rainy, damp, raw way.

So why not try to hear bells tinkling? Sleigh bells and the like.

Rush the Season of Christmas, a little bit.

I think that might be just the ticket. :-)

The Santa on the right, is fully carved. But the one on the left, is not completely carved yet. For one thing, his lantern has to be completed and painted and attached by the ring.

I do hope this Santa or 'Father Christmas' [on the left], will not seem to be so grumpy looking, after he gets his lantern. Maybe it's just that he's unable to see well...

But when he has his lantern lit, and guiding him through the snowy night, perhaps he'll perk up a bit. :-)

Hope so. Otherwise, I kind of fear that he'll be seeing more children on the 'Naughty List,' than on the 'Nice List.' :-)))

November... Bahhhhhhh humbug

These dark days of November... They really set in now. Too much gray, too little sun, too cool, too damp-cool on the rainy days... Sigh making. Have to be very careful to not kind of clump around and moan and be in a mood, as dark as the weather.

One way to counteract this, is to bake! It warms the house and it smells good and let's face it, nothing like some 'comfort food' to lift the spirits. Today I think I'll make some Cranberry Nut Bread. The cranberries have arrived in the grocery store and I grabbed a bag, to put in the freezer.

I know an Apple Pie would be much more appreciated around here. But... not today. Maybe on Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks, I'll surprise with an Apple Pie. Along with the necessary Pumpkin Pie.

Ahhh yes! Thanksgiving! The bright spot in the dull, gray of November. Delicious food, which it's simply *necessary* to have and enjoy, on Thanksgiving! No everyday restraints on calories or fat grams or sugar content! Of course not! After all, it's only one day! ,-)

And one of the nicest things about Thanksgiving, over and above the food. And the warmth of gathering... is... No presents to buy, wrap, give. No presents! No present buying stress! No wrapping presents stress! Yessss! Some say it's their favorite Holiday, and I can see why.

Plus, when Thanksgiving is over, it's *officially OK* to decorate for Christmas!
-=-=-=-=-=-

"The exuberance of spring is over, and the rich ripeness of summer is gone. The extravagant beauty of October fades into the sober hue of November, and once more the trees will lift intricate patterns of dark branches against a soft pale sky.

The early morning is crisp and still smells of wind-fall apples. At dusk we smell the mist silvering the swamp. And if we go out when the moon rises, we breathe air like wine.

It's not an ending as a season draws to a close but only a beginning of a new time. Erwin brings in a fresh load of seasoned logs for the fire, which now burns from breakfast to bedtime.

And I turn a fresh page in my journal because every day brings a new experience."

~Gladys Taber 'Country Chronicle'

All Posters

Veteran's Day...

May we never forget all those who fought for our Freedom. And all those who died for our Freedom.

And may we never cease to remember - Why we are Free.

And honor their memory, by holding on fast, to our Freedom.