How to Train Your Dragon 2 - REVIEW

So, my family all went to see How To Train Your Dragon 2 and there were a couple things I didn't like, like the fact that all the Vikings had Scottish accents...okay I know there might have been some Celtic Vikings but, when you think of a Viking, you should be thinking Norsemen and women from Scandinavia not Scotland!

And I didn't like how the Mom got off so easily...I mean come on! They could have thought of a better reason for her not to return home...like she couldn't find her way, she was lost, she had amnesia...something for crying out loud!

And then I was totally surprised (maybe even a little shocked) when the Dad didn't get back up, even as the boat sailed out and the arrow soared up into the air...I kept expecting him to recover.

So, I wanted to see what a couple of kids would think of the show and I had a friend ask her kids: Everett and Emma (pictured up above) and here are my questions and their answers.

1) What did you think of How To Train Your Dragon2:

EVERETT: It was AWESOME!

EMMA: I loved it.

2) What was your favorite dragon:

EVERETT: Toothless

EMMA: Stormfly

3) What did you think about when the Dad died?

EVERETT: I thought it was so sad. He also cried.

EMMA: He didn’t die, he got up later.

EVERETT: No he didn’t, he died.

EMMA: Does that mean he’s in Heaven

4) What was the favorite part of the movie:

EVERETT: When the two Alphas fought.

EMMA: When when Hiccup got to meet his mommy!

So, there you have it...How to Train Your Dragon2 from an adult's perspective and a couple of kids' perspectives.

Now, go watch the movie and let me know what you thought of it. 

Can You See Me Now by Estela Bernal

Can You See Me Now by Estela Bernal is on the shelves now at Powell's and she will have a book opening on June 30th at the Cedar Hills at 7:00 p.m.

Published by Arte Publico, Can You See Me Now is an emotional story of a young girl's loss and her ways of coping with tragedy.

The cover was designed by Gigi and you can read about her creative process here.

If you're going to be in the Portland area on June 30th, go to Powell's and listen to Estela tell you all about the story.

4th of July Fingernails

I love to decorate for every holiday and the 4th of July is no exception. So, today I went to get my nails done and thought why not have something playful?

Now, with my pillows on my benches and the flowers out in the yard, I even have my fingers done for the occasion.

How bout you? Any 4th of July decorations?

Willamette Writers Meeting July 1st

On Tuesday, July 1st, at the Old Church in downtown Portland, Willamette Writers Stevan Allred, will talk about his collection of linked stories, A Simplified Map of the Real World.

 Meetings start at 7:00 pm, and the doors open at 6:30.

  

Thirty-Onederful years ago today

Yes it's our anniversary. Last year we had a renewing of our vows celebration.

It's kind of hard to top that kind of a party - but just wait until we hit 60!

We're on our way now...only 29 more years to go. ;D

4th of July Decorating

I wanted to make the yard a little festive for the upcoming 4th of July holiday and one easy way to do it is to make new cushion covers and pillows for our benches but I didn't want to spend the money on a ton of fabric. So, I went to the closet and pulled out some old sheets.

Then I simply sewed some straight lines around the edges.

And added a few stars.

And to seal the top, I just used snaps, which I sewed on by hand.

They turned out really festive.

Then I put them out on the benches.

And I added a little color to my alliums, out in the garden. And, I think they kind of look like sparklers.

And now I am just getting going. . .

But the yard will be ready in no time.

Fry...day for Father's Day

Okay, maybe not Fry, but BBQ. And this is one idea for what to give to Dad for his special day:
Homemade BBQ sauce that suits your Dad's taste.

BBQ sauce is so easy to make.

Essential Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup vinegar

There you have it...now, add the tastes your dad likes.

It could be 1/4 a cup of honey, 1/4 a cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, or whatever is tasty to Dad. Maybe he likes raisins, boil 'em down to a thick paste and add them in.

Then simply bottle up your "potion" I mean "elixir" and label it with something that says: Here's to one HOT PAPA, or TO MY SUPER SWEET DAD - and you could include a Superman Logo on the label...whatever you think your Dad would like, do it, or add it to it.

This will make a unique handcrafted gift meant just for your DAD. And it's one that he'll never forget - especially if he likes the taste. :D