I finally downloaded Brandon Heath 's newest album, Leaving Eden, this week and found it rather catchy. One could argue that it is perhaps not his strongest album to date, but it's still really good, and I am enjoying it. 4 stars from me!!
It is $5 on Amazon at the present. Check it out.
P.S. I'm sharing a slightly cheese YouTube video of the song and lyrics below. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Jane Eyre: Not Quite Transfixed
I wanted to love this latest film version of Jane Eyre. I really did. But I recognize that I probably walked into the theatre with overly HIGH expectations.
· Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time. There may still be a book or two out there or one yet to be written that will challenge this ranking, but until then, Jane Eyre sits on top.
· I first saw a preview for this film months ago, and the hype has been building in my head ever since. I have mentally been preparing to see yet another take on this my favorite text.
· And then there was a delay in seeing the film because it was not widely released. I had to wait 3 weeks until it came to Indiana. (Oh the agony!) The delay only mounted my suspense and eagerness.
· I like the actor playing the male lead role of Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester. Michael Fassbender, a German-born Irish actor, has been on my radar ever since Hex. Don’t judge me. Fact: I have a thing for the supernatural. It is what it is.
· I watched several film clips online times before I got to see the film in its entirety. The clips (like this one) mesmerized me and gave me hope. (Sigh!)
Alas, it was a false hope, and the film did not deliver.
1. The sparkling chemistry between the lead roles in the film clip (like the one linked above) WAS the extent of the passion in the period film. Thus just watching the clips would have provided me with the best of. So sad!
2. Some of my favorite lines and scenes in the book were ignored or twisted into unrecognizable dialogue.
3. I found the LOST-esque visits between Jane in the present and Jane in the past to be rather wobbly and dizzying. I started to wonder if Mrs. Rochester would appear as a smoke monster in this version? It might have actually worked, too, and then that would have been something to talk about.
4. I dislike the taint of 21st century ideals on 19th century literature. Everyone seems keen to portray Jane as an early feminist, as if that was the author’s sole intent with this work of fiction. I recognize that Charlotte Brontë isn’t here to confirm or deny any such theories. Personally, I have always read Jane Eyre as a love story, but call it feminist rhetoric if it pleases you.
When I left the theatre, I was disappointed. I had wanted so much more from this film. But honestly, I will probably relent a bit and feel less strongly about it upon further acquaintance. In due course, I’ll buy the DVD and add it to my collection because I’ll need it to complete my set, of course. In a year or two, I will find more merits within the piece that will partially redeem it. And eventually, another film will spring up and cause me to delight in this 2011 version even more.
Call me fickle, but I rather see it as my dwindling expectations. Perhaps, I’ll expect less the next time.
Something Borrowed
I was skeptical about using this product. (Shocking, I know!) But I have drawers full of straightening and smoothing hair products that have been of little or no use to me in my ongoing struggle with my hair. Thus, my hair expectations were low when trying yet another product.
The fact is that I have less than naturally straight hair – aka kinky, wavy, frizzy, etc., – and so I am always on the lookout for a product that can help tame and smooth (i.e. control) each cuticle originating from my head. Over the holidays and at the suggestion of the aforementioned sister, I picked up a combo pack of the Super Skinny ® Daily Shampoo and the Super Skinny ® Serum, but until recently, I had not used it regularly.
I opted to make the switch two (2) days ago (yes, you read that correctly – only 2 days ago), and the results have been staggering! The Super Skinny ® Serum really seems to calm my wild and crazy hair down, and I like it. My hair is soft, playful and faux straight without too much effort. And should I ever tire of the smooth, sleek look of refined, professional hair, I can always go back to the other straightening products (in those full drawers I mentioned earlier) and once again get my fill of big, wacky hair.
My only complaint is that the Super Skinny ® Daily Shampoo and Super Skinny ® Serum are not recommended for similar smoothing and sleeking effects when used on hips, thighs and the stomach area. Oh if only… Mental Note: Write Paul Mitchell a letter and make the suggestion.
Wrigley introduced this new line of gum in 2010, and I have enthusiastically sampled all 3 of the decadent flavors.
Key Lime Pie was the early running favorite with a strong burst of lime goodness. It was like a dessert, hence the “Dessert Delights” title of the gum. YUM!
Strawberry Shortcake was tasty. I liked it, but it could not surpass my love of Key Lime Pie. It was forever a runner-up in my book.
However, when I tried the Mint Chocolate Chip, everything changed in an instant. A beautiful relationship was born between this girl and her gum. It was a blissful union! We have been soul mates ever since, and nothing must ever come between us.
*DISCLAIMER: No promotions, freebies or exchange of products or services have been offered to the writer of the blog above upon any condition that the said author provide this information to the general public in like manner. The author merely wished to share the words above in an effort to disseminate information. That being said, any future offers from the vendors above or other vendors will be readily reviewed and assessed by an opportunistic panel to judge their deemed value and worth to the said writer.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Love Me Some Words on a Page
Call me old-fashioned, but I still love books. You know those mostly rectangular objects with inked words all over their paper pages. Yeah, those things – well, I love them. This isn’t news to you, I’m sure. I’ve blogged about my obsession before.
I have friends enjoying their iPads, their Kindles and Nooks, but I just can’t do it. You can’t cuddle with an electronic device. (sputter) OK, maybe you can, but I don’t want to go there.
What I meant to say is that I personally like to curl up with a good book. I get comfy in my favorite chair, wrap up in my Snuggie (HA!) and completely lose myself in a world of someone else’s making. Somehow, I just don’t get the same happy feeling holding a slim gadget in my hand and flipping from screen to screen. Where is the magic in that? Something feels lost in the transition to a dull flat screen.
A month ago, I read a 200 page novella on my cell phone. It was the only resource at my disposal to finish the document on my mini-vacation in North Carolina. And while I loved the story, I didn’t like reading it on my phone. It just wasn’t the same.
I was nostalgic for something more. I wanted the sweet sensation of a book in my hands, preferably hardback. I wanted the smell of the ink on the page. I wanted the potential for paper cuts as I turned each delicate page for myself. Yes, I confess, I wanted something less Eco-friendly.
And so, I continue to stock my shelves with various titled volumes. I’m not ready to let go of them. I might be conserving on printed documents in the office, I might be recycling as often as I am able, but I’m not ready to give up my books. Please don't judge me too severely.
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