Heart List: The Artist

I was bored this weekend, so I thought I'd pass the time by renting a couple of movies. I had seen a preview of "The Artist" and it seemed fairly interesting. Why not? Oh, how my world was about to change! I enjoy a fun movie as much as the next person, but I am rarely in raptures over film. However, I can say without reserve that "The Artist" is truly a work of art. It was absolutely beautiful in so many different ways. I knew that it was about a silent film actor, but I didn't realize that the movie itself was a silent film. It's interesting what aspects of a movie are brought to the forefront when there's no dialogue. The visuals were stunning (even in black and white), the music was inspired, and the acting was magnificent. Truly. I would highly recommend it to everyone!

Heart List: London

A handful of years ago I did a semester in London, and it's been on my mind lately. I miss it so much! I could go on for hours about why everyone should love that city. Huge parks, tons of museums, a wide variety of great restaurants, many theaters, enough stores for even the most avid shopper, historical sites by the dozen...and that's just the beginning! There's always something to do, even if you don't want to spend any money. Plus, everyone has an awesome accent. ;) It's my dream to live there (or in a smaller town not far from there) on a permanent basis.

Heart List: Howl's Moving Castle

This is one of the rare examples of book-made-into-movie where I like the movie just as much as I like the book. I saw the movie first, and I thought it was a fun story. Then I read the book, and I fell in love! The story had a delightfully tongue-in-cheek quality to it, gently poking fun at classic fairy tales. The characters are complex and real, the plot is well-structured, the relationships are endearing, and it's quite well-written. It's an easy read, but it's still intelligent and engaging. I would highly recommend it to everyone!

Heart List: Touch

I have recently discovered this new tv show, and I'm quite impressed! There seems to be a lot of new shows that kind of feel that they've been slapped together with the sole purpose of parading drama. This show is thoughtful, simple in its complexity, and...well, touching. I love seeing Kiefer Sutherland in a different role, and I think he does a wonderful job portraying a struggling father. The character of Jake (the son) never speaks and rarely changes his expression, but he is strangely emotive and relatable. The story follows a widower (Sutherland) and his son, who does not speak or interact with his father. Jake is obsessed with numbers and Martin (the father) finds that it's his way of communicating. Together they try to heal the pain of those around them. It is a beautifully done show, and I would highly recommend it.

An Announcement

The time has come, my faithful few. I have not wasted my time away from you (aside from having a baby). I have finished editing and formatting "The Threshold Child," and now all it needs is some kick-butt cover art before it will be published. Don't worry, I will post the link as soon as it become available. Until then, here is a link to the blog of the artist I have commissioned to do the cover art. Hopefully, it will grab your interest!

http://alyssaharperart.blogspot.com/2012/08/cover-art.html

Heart List: Ballroom Dancing

There are few things I love to do more than ballroom dancing. Granted, I'm not very good at it, but I love it all the same. Gliding through the steps with music sweeping over you...it's a rare experience. I can't blame people for wanting to be professional dancers, because who wouldn't want to have that feeling for their whole career? I've been thinking about it a lot lately, but it's not something you can just go and do. At least, not around here. Alas! Maybe I'll just have to open my own fancy old-fashioned club where people can come and pretend like they live in a more glamourous era (like the one pictured here).

Heart List: Rita's

Goodness! It has been hot lately! I've really been craving Rita's, but there aren't any where I currently live. Very sad. I was first introduced to Rita's while visiting my sister (and our nation's capital). It's a little place that truly sells happiness (along with Italian Ice and frozen custard)! The custard is rich and creamy, and the ice tastes like it's flavored by a little piece of heaven. I had passion fruit flavored ice with a layer of vanilla custard on top, and it was seriously the best thing I've tasted in a long time! If you're ever out on the east coast, be sure to look up the Rita's closest to you!