Zombieland

Okay, I have to admit, I like scary movies: vampires, werewolves, zombies they don't bother me. So, when the kids wanted to go see Zombieland, I was all for it.

It was a little gorey in the beginning - and that wasn't needed. But the movie had its hysterical moments. Like the clown crawling underneath the stall - I laughed at that frightening moment. And when we were all encouraged to get some cardio exercise - a teachable moment. But the funniest thing was when Bill Murray got mistaken for a zombie and shot--all because he was playing a practical joke. That's something I might have done--not the shooting--the stupid practical joke.

Anyway, the show was good - if you could get past the gore, which was done in excess. I never like gore - but I liked Zombieland.

Next will be Paranormal Activity and then Legion. I have a thing for scary movies - which is funny since I write stories for kids and am such an all-time soccer mom. ;)

Wordstock Weekend

This weekend is the weekend for word lovers in Portland, Oregon. If you are anywhere near Portland, you might want to check out this two-day annual event for writers and lovers of words at Wordstock.

Sharing Solution

Emily Doskow gave, what she called, a prehistoric powerpoint presentation at Broadway Books in Portland, Oregon
When we were young, Mom and Dad tried to teach us to share. With nine kids in the family, sharing wasn't even an option it was a requirement.

I shared a room with two of my sisters my entire single life--well, until Brook got married and moved out. Plus, with nine kids, we only had one bathroom - that's unheard of today.

So sharing isn't a new idea - it's old school. But sometimes we need to look back to move forward. The Sharing Solution is a great book to give you some hints, tips and tricks on how to save money and share at the same time.

If you'd like to get some ideas on how to do some community sharing and create a sustainable environment, stop by Broadway Books at 1714 NE Broadway in Portland, Oregon and pick up a signed copy of The Sharing Solution.

Lips Touch Three Times by Laini Taylor

Laini Taylor writes magical prose.

She can weave a web of goblins, vindictive spirits and love starved ladies that is so intriguing her fans come to her book signings dressed as the characters.


And, she and her husband Jim DiBartolo make a fabulous pair. Together they create art with the pen and paintbrush.

And who wouldn't be compelled to read a story about goblins who want "girls who dream so hard about being pretty their yearning leaves a palpable trail, a scent goblins can follow..."

If you're interest is piqued, check out Powell's Books.

Wolf on Wednesday - or Husky Halloween

Okay, honestly she's a Husky. But she's dressed for Halloween. The preparations have begun. And a Wolf is so much more in keeping with the Halloween theme.

Don't you think?

Or should it be a Husky Halloween?

Tuesday Trip Pics

Taking a walk down a tree lined path.

The moss grows and hangs like a weary visitor.

The beauty surrounds us - as we stop to stare.

Should we walk on - Do we dare?

The Eye of the Beholder

When artists used to paint or sketch royalty, they always made them look their best. They knew they could become famous and wealthy if they pleased the royals. So, of course, they made them look "better" than they actually were. You can read more about this phenomenon in this article under the section about Portraits of Elizabeth I.

Well . . ., this weekend I felt like royalty. And, I wish I had the money to make David Poole wealthy--because, believe me, he deserves it!

I had my portrait done while I was at the 30-year reunion this weekend. And, I LOVE this sketch because it makes me look soooo much younger than I actually am.


David Poole is a local Oregon artist who has done portraits of all my kids and my husband. He didn't have time to do mine when he did theirs. So, this was something I've always wanted to come back to the beach to have done.

He was VERY kind in his perspective of me and I really enjoyed talking with him and appreciated the way he presented me.

Have you ever had your portrait painted or sketched? Were you happy with the outcome?

If not, why not? And, if you ever make it to Seaside, Oregon, check out the carousel mall and get a portrait done. I guarantee - You're gonna LOVE it!!!

We have to remember:
Beauty (like age) is in the Eye of the Beholder:

"Shakespeare expressed a similar sentiment in Love's Labours Lost, 1588:

Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, though but mean,
Needs not the painted flourish of your praise:
Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,
Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues

Benjamin Franklin, in Poor Richard's Almanack, 1741, wrote:

Beauty, like supreme dominion
Is but supported by opinion"

I loved David's very generous opinion :)