the crimson petal and the white

Allan Ford and I have a special bond over many things - men, books, movies, music, and good television. We like nothing better than to curl up in his bed together for hours and watch amazing television. We laugh, we cry, we criticize, we feel deep embarrassment, we get into intense philosophical and psychological debates. I think a dream come true for us would be getting to direct and write our own series, but alas.

One of our mutual favorite books is "The Crimson Petal and the White" by Michel Faber. Its set in Victorian London, and follows the life of a prostitute named Sugar. She has the distinction of being incredibly articulate and well-read for a woman of her age and class, and when she's not, ahem, "servicing" gentlemen she spends her time composing a novel in which she gets her revenge upon all the men who have violated and wronged her in her life. She yearns to escape to something better. Luckily, she becomes the mistress and obsession of a man who owns a successful perfume and soap company - and leaves her old life behind. But thats just the beginning.

We heard for years that there was talk of making this incredible book into a movie - with Kristen Dunst, of all people, as Sugar. These, so far, have proved  to only be rumors. However, the BBC did a four-part miniseries based on the novel, and let me tell you friends, its an exquisite piece of awesomeness. The actors are superb and its so faithful to the novel in both script and atmosphere. Its one of the most beautiful creations I've ever seen, and exceeded all my expectations for a screen adaptation of the novel.

I beg you, if you have four hours to spare and want something visually pleasing, moving, and well acted to occupy your time, go find it! And read the book - its over 1000 pages long, but its amazing how fast those pages fly. 

XO

don't ever trust a survivor until you know what he did to survive

Its the weekend. Glorious, glorious weekend. My weekend can be summed up in:

-many slices of rye bread toast with butter and orange marmalade
-coffee, coffee, coffee
-8 pages of chemistry equations
-a brief trip to the mall to purchase baby clothes for my sister and have a luncheon with friends
-"Bluebeard" by Kurt Vonnegut
-American History X
-the familiar sound of pipes
-doodling

Not a terrible weekend, I feel. I have my first chemistry midterm this week, and since I failed the course the last time I figured it would be best if I made myself a recluse for the weekend to better my chemistry skills. I despised Chemistry before, but now that I know what I'm at its actually rather satisfying and oh-so-fun to do pages of pages of problems and get the right answers.

I am also having that wonderful student crisis of "where is my life going" that seems to be a familiar trend in the brains of my nearest and dearest of late. I got rejected from the Centre for Nursing Studies, the school where I was hoping I'd gain admission to and have a diploma by 2012. No such luck. So now I am faced with many choices. I am trying to get into the biology department at MUN. I am going to apply to both the medical radiography program at College of the North Atlantic, and the Personal Care Attendant program at Eastern College. All of these things will eventually lead me to a nursing degree, if I so choose, so one or the other will be wonderful I feel. They may even lead me on a different path. At least I have options, I guess. At least my tree still has apples on it, even though many have fallen. These are just on higher branches.

Its time to close off the 30 day movie challenge, pets. Its been a wild ride. Its prompted me to rewatch so many of my aforementioned favorites, and so many of my friends have told me that its inspired them to download and check out some of the movies on the list, which makes me the happiest. I love spreading good films, and hence good cheer, to people.

DAY 29: YOUR FAVORITE PLAY ADAPTATION

"Closer", 2004.

I didn't actually read this play until after I saw the movie, but it made me appreciate the movie even more. The play feels like a movie in itself. Its a story about relationships, and how you can never really know someone. Its very brutal and honest. The occupations of the characters focuses on this whole  idea of only knowing somebody superficially - a stripper, a dermatologist, a photographer, and a writer of obituaries. Its a story heavy with lies, deceit, and the acting is phenomenal. Under normal circumstances I'm not a fan of Julia Roberts, but she was exquisite in this movie. This is also the movie that first introduced me to the lovely music of Damien Rice, as the closing scene of the movie is Natalie Portman walking to the song "The Blower's Daughter" in slow motion. Amazing movie. Go watch it!


DAY 30: FAVORITE ROMANTIC MOVIE

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", 2004.

Sigh. Such a gorgeous movie. Very unconventional for a romance, but thats how Charlie Kaufman operates. Its directed by Michel Gondry, that wonderful visionary I mentioned who also directed "The Science of Sleep", another favorite. This movie is the story of a man and a woman who have a painful breakup, and centers around this medical practice that specializes in erasing painful memories of former loves. After their split, the man finds with great pain and anger that his ex-girlfriend has done just this, and decides to the same himself. However, while reliving his relationship in his mind through the erasing process, he realizes that he still loves her deeply and would rather have the memories of her, even if they are painful. After they have both had their memories erased, they meet again, as if they were meant to be together and now have something of a fresh start together. Its a beautiful movie, and Jim Carey and Kate Winslet were mesmerizingly awesome in it - they pretty much played the polar opposite of their usual characters, with Kate Winslet being the quirky one and Jim Carey being quiet and thoughtful. This is an absolute must-see.

And so ends my adventure into movieland, and what a trek it has been! Now I must think of something new and exciting to embark on with my blog. Any suggestions?

XO

1673

I am having a lazy day at school today. Myself & my honey did some grocery shopping last night, and I have a tasty lunched packed as a result - a turkey sandwich on rye bread, a banana, and a few chocolate chip oatmeal cookies made by yours truly! Its my mum's recipe, and man are they yummy.

I'll skip right on ahead to the 30 day movie challenge. I have lots to say, but sadly not enough time to say it! There will be another post soon, I promise.


DAY 26: LEAST FAVORITE BOOK ADAPTATION

"Running with Scissors", 2006.

I was so. Disappointed. With this movie. My mom randomly bought me the paperbook of this book for Christmas. Such a treasure - so hysterically funny, and tragic in an over-dramatic adolescent way thats totally aware that its being adolescent and over-dramatic.  A book has never made me laugh this much. But despite the awesomeness of the book, and the movie's phenomenal cast (Alec Baldwin, Annette Benning, Gwenyth Paltrow, Evan Rachel Wood, to name a few), they pretty much butchered the novel in translation to the screen. Mind you, the book is terribly crude and downright shocking in parts, so I can understand that they had to cut out certain parts. But the part that killed me the most was that it took the entire tone of the book, which had so much self-irony, and just made everything seem so sappy. Ruined it for me. Sigh.


DAY 27: FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY

"The Botany of Desire",  2009.

Daniel first introduced me to this not too long ago. Its a PBS documentary based on a book, and its all about PLANTS! More specifically, its about 4 different plants - tulips, marijuana, potatoes, and apples - and how they have evolved along with humans, and how our evolution has affected them, and focuses on 4 emotions or states or needs they've evoked or contributed to in human society - beauty, intoxication, power, and sweetness respectively. Its pretty interesting, and brought up a lot of points about all 4 I've never considered and had no idea about. Its definitely an interesting documentary, and I would recommend for sure if you're at all into stuff about nature and plants. It'll blow your mind, as it did with my own.



DAY 28: MOVIE WITH THE BEST ENDING

"Inglourious Basterds", 2009.

Oh, man. Not only is the ending of this movie awesome, its probably the most satisfying ending of any movie ever. Its by Quentin Tarantino, who I mentioned previously is basically the master of all action films. In this movie, he shies away from his double-crossing/kung-fu/serialized action roots and goes for something a bit different, and a bit more controversial - a retelling of history, more or less, in which the Third Reich and Adolf Hitler actually get what they deserve. The acting is superb, and Brad Pitt is so funny as Aldo Raine it makes me pee myself. Its a brilliantly pieced together movie, with a lot of humor, tension and violence. The scene where two parties separately conspire and succeed to burn down/blow up a theater filled with Nazis is probably one of the best executed and memorable scenes of any movie ever. If you haven't seen it, you probably should.

Now, kittens, I must do some chemistry problems before class resumes. I bid you all good day. And only one day of 30 day movie challenge left! Are you excited? I have so many ideas for future bloggins' but I really need a camera or a scanner someday. Sigh. Love!

XO

things we want and things we need

First chemistry lab of the year today! It was so. Fucking. Chill. I already know the labs like the back of my hand so I flew through it, thankfully. I think I might actually have a shot at passing the course this time. Fall semester my demonstrators were all in their 20s, and this time I'd say my youngest one is in her late 50s. And they are sooo funny. Maureen, the head demonstrator made me "lol" my face off during her introduction. She's one of those older people whose really nice but will tell you anything to your face. I love that in a person. I really do. My favorite part of today, and the same lab last semester, was when we got to heat up magnesium (pictured above! pic from google, not me, though I'd love to have a camera in there). When it gets hot, it makes this intense light that you can't even look at. Then it turns to powder. Its toast.

30 day movie challenge, oui? Before I begin, I have to say that I could not decide between these two movies so I have to mention them both. Its a tie, and there ain't no breaking it, unless Michel Gondry and Darren Aronofsky have a mudfight. I'll do one at a time, though.

DAY 25: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOVIE

"The Fountain", 2006.

This is one of the saddest and most beautiful movies I've ever seen. Quite possibly one of the loveliest love stories ever, and the tripartite storyline just makes it all the more elaborate and lovely. Its set in three different time periods, and is essential one man's search for a cure for mortality so he can save his dying lover. Aside from being incredibly sad, heartwarming, and intense, the special effects... I can't even begin. They didn't use any CGI in the movie, but instead photographed and filmed micro-organisms and light shining through water more or less. I've never seen any other movie that used this kind of imaging, and it makes me sad. Its cheaper, and the affects it produces are absolutely breath-taking. You'd never guess that it was all done organically.

"The Science of Sleep", 2006.

Apparantly 2006 was a good year for visually pleasing movies. If you know me, you may or may not know that one of the boys I'd bang if I could is Gael Garcia Bernal. I mean, c'mon, wouldn't you? He's all Spanish and dorky and adorable. He kills me. This movie is one of the sweetest creations that has ever occured, and is essentially about this very artistic man who has trouble separating his dreams from reality, and falls in love with a pretty French girl, and all the madness that results from these two things. All the sets and props in the movie look like something you'd craft together in an afternoon, and its such a sweet, endearing movies. It reminds me of kids building a playhouse or something, and has such an innocent air about it. I love the giant spider typewriter thing the best when he's dictating the fateful letter. Sign. Michel Gondry is a visual genius.

I am feeling mighty weird today, and for the last two days. Don't really know why. Probably just stressed with school and money and such, but I'm not really enjoying the company of people too much these days and I hate that. I mostly just want to curl up in a ball and stuff my face and take scalding hot baths, but then when I'm home alone I feel lonely and think too much! There is no happy medium to my life, there really isn't. Sigh.

Its chemistry studying time, everybody. I hope you're all having a bit of a better day than I. At least I know stuff always gets better!

XO

can I go back to bed now?

Despite only having one class today at 2pm, I am more tired than I was yesterday when I had two classes at 10am and 12pm respectively. My body is a strange little place. Contemplating going home and reading in the bathtub and maybe taking a nap, but I think what I really need is to WAKE UP. Can't wait until Daniel & co return tonight, its going to be lovely times. If anything will wake me up, it will be them!

My one class today though was pretty good. I was disappointed that both my anthropology and chemistry classes are in room 2010 of the chemistry building. If you've never been, let me paint you a picture - its a tiny lecture hall, with fold-down WOODEN seats that make my back ache, and its always way, way too hot. I can't even imagine how bad this is going to be come August.

Aside from the classroom, anthropology seems like it will be a most enjoyable time - my prof is HOT. Not only is he hot, he's also young, hails from Russia, and seems like a very competent and sweet person. I'm pretty excited. He has lots of movies in store for us on the syllabus, including HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH towards the end of the summer. You can imagine my glee when I read that. Also, in sympathy of the fact that our classroom will probably moreso resemble an oven by the middle of the semester, he's offered the option of having outside classes to us on particular hot days. Now that sounds just darling.

Time for some more 30 day movie challenge now. Yay, I have school and hence internet again, do you love it?

DAY 24: YOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS/ACTOR

Cate Blanchett

Naturally, there are thousands upon thousands of amazing actors out there in the world of film. But darling Cate takes the cake for me. She's a stunningly beautiful woman, and I've seen her in the most diverse roles I've seen any actor in. She played Queen Elizabeth in Elizabeth. She played Galadriel in The Lord of The Rings Triology. She played Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator. She was even BOB DYLAN in I'm Not There, and in my opinion was the best Bob Dylan in the movie. If I see her name attached to a movie, I have high hopes that it'll be great. I don't think I've actually seen her in a bad movie, honestly. She is a princess.





Now I must go study some chemistry (already, you say? 'tis intersession, friends) and read over some notes for health ethics. I am already trying my best to do the good student thing. Wonder how long that'll last? Probably until TacomiSmit arrives back on the East Coast. Hehe. I hope everybody is outside enjoying this gorgeous, gorgeous day! Love.


XO

pure substances

Today I began my third semester of MUN, and so far it hasn't been too bad. My lab today didn't occur which I had my fingers crossed for. Just two hours of chemistry fun with the hilarious Mr. Reardon, who was my chemistry professor for the same course when I took it (and unfortunately failed it) my first semester. So not much getting used to there, which is nice. I like that my class is really small this time around, too. Its an intersession class, and instead of 200+ people theres only about 30, which means a lot more one on one learning times with ze prof. He's that kinda guy.

My other classes this semester are health ethics, intro to anthropology (the culture one, Sarah!~), intro to political science and in the second half of this semester after chemistry is finished - IMPERIAL RUSSIA (<3). Yes, I am a bit of a nerd. I used to have this thing for the Romanovs back in middle school (I even did a report on Anastasia once, because I'm just that cool... my English teacher loved it), so I get to go back to that and expand on it I suppose. The course covers everything up to the Russian Revolution, so it should be interesting.

Health ethics is my first online course, which has caused me lots of concern, but everyone in my class seems very nice and the content seems interesting, and actually a bit relevant to my hopeful someday nursing career! We're going to be looking at a whole slew of topics like abortion, euthanasia, cloning, female circumcision, and more. Sounds a bit more interesting than Plato, for sure. I excite.

Now it be time for some more 30 DAY MOVIE CHALLENGE! I can't wait to finish this so I can more on to more exciting and interesting blog ventures, but I'm making it one of my goals in life these days to finish what I start. So, lets go.


DAY 21: A MOVIE THAT BLEW YOUR MIND

"Black Swan", 2010. 

There was an intense amount of hype about this movie. Some people hated it, some people loved it, other people enjoyed it but were disappointed after all the hype. I fall into the middle category. As I've said before, Darren Aronofsky is probably my favorite director of life, and after seeing all his other movies I was filled with such anticipation and curiosity. He goes from a movie about a washed-out wrestler to a psychological thriller about ballet? The movie definitely met my expectations in every way. It was absolutely beautiful, the acting was superb, and the main character's slow mental deterioration over the course of the movie is done so, so well. You feel afraid and unsettled along with her for much of the movie, and it all builds up to a very intense conclusion. I was impressed. If Darren Aronofsky's next movie is about a lunchlady who decides to start doing porn, I will look forward to it with equal anticipation. He never fails to impress.


DAY 22: BEST MOVIE THAT IS BASED ON A BOOK

"Perfume: The Story of a Murderer", 2006.

Tom Tykwer is definitely one of my favorite foreign directors. He's responsible for such gems as "Run Lola Run" and "The Princess & the Warrior", both movies which he directed, wrote, and composed the scores for. He has awesome levels of involvement in his films. I was a bit nervous for this one, however. The novel was written by a German author in the '80s, but it reads like a gruesome old fairytale. You'd think it'd be difficult to adapt to the screen, since the main storytelling device throughout the novel is scent. But Tom Tykwer managed to do the book absolute justice. Its one of the most faithful adapations of a novel I've ever seen, and its done so very beautifully. Theres a part in both movie/novel where the main character tries to replicate a specific perfume for a master perfumer, in the hopes that if he succeeds he will take him as his apprentice. When the master smells the perfume for the first time, you can as well. And you're just as impressed as he is. Magnificent film.


DAY 23: THE BEST ACTION MOVIE

"Battle Royale", 2000.

As I mentioned previously when talking about "The Ring", I am a sucker for a good Japanese movie. This one I was especially curious to see, after learning that its one of Quentin Tarantino personal favorites, and who can argue with Quentin? He's the god of action himself. There were even rumors for years that he wanted to make a North American remake of this, but these are probably just rumors. Anyways. This is one of the most controversial movies ever made, because of its subject matter - a class of 15-year-old students are placed on an island and forced to slaughter each other within 3 days, or they all die. Its been compared to "Lord of the Flies", but its definitely more gruesome. At the movie's beginning, they're all a bunch of sweet, typical kids, but even by the time the game starts lines are drawn. Friends turn against friends, some couples kill themselves together to avoid what they might be forced to do, and others choose to hide out and try to find a way to get out of the game before the three days are up. Its fast-paced, its gory, its a nightmarish situation. All makes for a great film. Also, the novel the movie is based on is fantastic.


Thats all for today, kids. I'm off to read about some chemistry and try to find me some cheapy-cheapy books. Much love and kisses. Hope everybody's first day back is as fruitful and chillax as mine!

XO

seeds.

Yes, it has been ages. I have no internet and school is out so I very seldom find myself online these days. This doesn't bother me too much, I can do everything I want to do on the internet in about 15 minutes flat. Facebook? Friends' blogs? News? Done. I'm not a big internetter, I'm afraid. But I've been having a good life offline - lots of books and love and movies and such. I love break, its gorgeous. I got excellent marks on my second semester of university and summer is slowly crawling towards me. Life feels pretty good.

I've been reading lots and lots lately. It feels pretty good. Here are some books I've read over break so you can all giggle at me:

"Emily of New Moon" by L. M. Montgomery.
"The Other Boleyn Girl" by Phillippa Gregory.
"Utopia" by Thomas More.
"Tropic of Capricorn" by Henry Miller.
"The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle (FINALLY!!! Allan lent me his copy and it was seriously everything I hoped it would be... so beautiful. Read it right now.)

I've been a busy little bee. Some great books, some trashy romantic historical fiction (love them), some other stuff that falls pretty well in the middle.

Also... I'm growing a pretty tea plant! I will post pictures here someday if I ever have the means to. It was one of my summer goals to grow something and it is sprouting all green and beautiful so I am very pleased.

Now, some 30 day movie challenge? Think so. I know its been ages but I will only do three. Needs to milk this for all its worth, hehehe.




DAY 18: THE FUNNIEST MOVIE YOU'VE EVER SEEN


"Wet Hot American Summer", 2001.

This movie pretty much defines mine and Allan Ford's friendship. Its about the last day of summer camp in the '80s, and stars a lot of the old school Saturday Night Live cast and lots of other pretty hilarious people. Its absolutely ridiculous and pretty much makes milk and other fluids come out of my nose. I've seen it about 15 times but it still absolutely kills me. If you have a twisted, silly sense of humor I think you'd feel the same. Also, a great summer movie. I've begun harassing Allan to watch it with me again already.










DAY 19: THE MOVIE THAT SCARED YOU THE MOST

"The Ring", 2002.

Okay, in my defense I first saw this movie when I was in grade eight, but for the first time in my life I was scared to sleep in the dark, and a little freaked out by TVs. No horror movie has ever freaked me out more. Also, as far as j-horror remakes this one is pretty great. Naomi Watts is awesome and the cinematography - all the grainy black and blueness of everything - was so eerily beautiful. This movie also kicked off my obsession with j-horror originals that lasted many years. Most are silly, but I've found some gems. Also, the original is particularly creepy. Great horror movie.









DAY 20: A MOVIE YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE HAVE SEEN


"The Dreamers", 2003.

This movie is delectable, and I've only met maybe like 3 people in my life that have seen it. So underrated, in my opinion. Its set in the 1960s in France, with the riot of 1968 as a backdrop for the film's events. It focusses on three friends - an American and two French siblings - who are students and film buffs, and much of the film is composed of clips from famous old black and white films that the friends are reenacting or remembering. The acting is gorgeous, and its incredibly sexy and funny and sad. A bit incestual, but its done tastefully and adds a lot to the film's story. I can definitely recommend. One of my favorites.









Thats all for today. I am at Mullock currently with Daniel my love, who yesterday purchased the Krupp diamond for me, or the most inexpensive alternative he could find at least. It is lovely. I am having a most wonderful Sunday, and I hope that you are too.


XO

biology.

I had both my biology 1002 and biology 2041 exams today, hooray! Biology 1002 was my biggest fear of life, since it was absolutely my lowest mark going in, and I had over 40 diagrams to learn. And the kidneys were giving me hell. But life is gorgeous sometimes, and there were no kidneys! I knew every single diagram without even having to think about it! And all the fill in the blanks! The only sketchy part was probably the multiple choice, but what can you do. She always make hard multiple choice, but other than that it was my ideal biology final. There's no way I got less than a 70. 2041 was a different story; I didn't study for it much, but it was 70% multiple choice that I remembered from past tests/quizzes and the rest were common sense questions like "What advice would you give to Canadians that think we need to expend more power because we have a colder climate and larger land mass?" Easy peasy.

And because this made me giggle hysterically and my facial muscles go through a maelstrom of emotions, my favorite quote of the day:

"I was walking through the path and I saw so many birds and little critters, I felt just like Snow White." -Dave.

Something along those lines, at least. Either way, I almost punched him out. Too fucking cute.

Time for some more 30 day movie challenge, I suppose.

DAY 15: A MOVIE THAT IS A GUILTY PLEASURE

"Clueless", 1995.

But seriously, how can you not love Clueless? Alicia Silverstone is so charming and funny, the script is hysterical, and Paul Rudd back in the '90s was like, seriously dreamy. Or as they would say in the movie, "a total Baldwin". Its also a loose adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma", which is what prompted me to read the novel. Just funny, funny great times. Hate it if you want, its definitely one of the greatest chick flicks of all time. Dies. Also, I used to have the soundtrack, and it was one of my favorite albums to rock out to when I was a kid. Gotta love "Kids in America" and "Fake Plastic Trees". And I wanted and still sorta do still want 10,000 plaid skirts with matching blazers.




DAY 16: A MOVIE YOU HATE

"Contact", 1997.

I might be being a bit harsh on this movie. In its defense, I did fall asleep and miss a chunk of it, but hey, if it wasn't good enough to keep me awake. Dave made me watch this once, and I was pretty disappointed. The idea is sort of cool; they get an alien transmission from space and its a whole science versus faith sort of thing, but it was really cheesily executed. Plus, I can't stand Matthew McConaughey, or Jodie Foster (except in Silence of the Lambs, she totally suited that role). So having to look at their both of their faces for over an hour, on screen at the same time, and ESPECIALLY having to endure Matthew trying to act... I can't even. Haha. No.






DAY 17: A MOVIE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE

"Wristcutters: A Love Story", 2006.

Man, I've wanted to see this movie since I first heard it was coming out. Its about an afterlife just for people who have committed suicide where everything is just the slightest bit shittiest than it was in real life. I love Patrick Fugit, and Tom Waits is in it! Yummy, yummy Tom Waits. Its supposed to be really funny, and have an awesome soundtrack. Hopefully someday my dreams of seeing it will come true!











XO

suerte

No big surprise that today finds me oh-so-sleepy and tired again. I spent 3/4 of yesterday on my couch studying biology, and the other 1/4 at Allan's watching Battlestar Galactica with him. Nerdy, yes, but you should watch this show, its one of the most brilliant I've ever seen as far as storylines, acting, and making a fictional world come alive. If you like sci-fi at all, its definitely a treat.

I just finished writing my last English exam, possibly ever, which makes met terribly sad. Two essay questions, now my wrists shall ache for eternity. My prof gave me my research paper back too since I slept through his office hours yesterday, which I got an 85% on! Yay! He said a lot of really nice things about my writing too which put a smile on my face. If I didn't fear poverty and laughter, I'd probably do an English major so I could write all day. Maybe if I ever become a nurse I'll write some epic sweeping tale of my career and all the scary shit I've seen when I retire or something. I love how much English motivates me to write, its the only thing I've ever been good at really.

Now its onto day 12, 13, and 14 of the 30 day movie challenge. These questions were a bit of a struggle.

DAY 12: FAVORITE DIRECTOR

This one is probably one of the more challenging ones, as there are too many beautiful directors in life for me to pick just one. So, I am forcing myself to do so, and that director is... Darren Aronofsky! For his gorgeous, original movies that make me laugh and cry and my jaw hang open in wonderment and sometimes horror. Come on, he directed "Requiem for a Dream", "Black Swan", "The Fountain", and "The Wrestler". Can you get anymore diverse? Not to mention his black and white math thriller, "Pi", which is probably one of the best movies ever made on such a low budget. I find he's one of those directors that really enables you get inside a character's head and feel exactly what they feel, and see what they see. His movies are as beautiful as any poem or painting. Plus he's married to Rachel Weisz, what a hottie.

Honorable mentions, because this was so hard: Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry, Danny Boyle, Wes Anderson.

DAY 13: FAVORITE ANIMATED CHARACTER FROM A MOVIE

Ariel, from "The Little Mermaid", 1989.

I die for the Little Mermaid. Its definitely in my top 5 animated favs of all time, and after watching it on acid my life is just that much more delightful (I'm sure you've all heard that story 10,000 times, its my favorite). If I had to pick a favorite animated character, it would probably be her. She's fun, cute, loves to sing, and I love her collection of human objects, I think its beautiful. I'd probably do the same if I lived under the sea. Also, the Little Mermaid is probably my favorite Hans Christian Anderson story ever. If you've never read it, I say do so. Its far more depressing and tragic than the Disney movie, for sure.

 



DAY 14: FAVORITE BLACK & WHITE MOVIE

"All About Eve ", 1950.

Oh man, this movie. Another of the amazing classics the big sister turned me onto, and man is it ever good. It follows the story of a woman named Eve, as she worms herself into the inner circle of a famous Broadway actress named Margo Channing (the hotness that is Bette Davis) and more or less attempts to usurp her life & career. The movie is told entirely in flashback, as at the beginning Eve is seen receiving an award for her acting as a room full of very angry people stare at her, and the movie begins to explain everyone's apparent hatred for this woman. Its pretty brilliant, I must say. You have to love the classics.


 



Thats all for today! I am off for grocery shopping and cleaning with the boyfriend. Vegetarian chili and honey cake with friends tonight? Yes, please. Have a good one, y'all!


XO

your brains versus my tractorbeam

Today I am tired and sleepy. I had those weird sort of dreams that kind of ruin your entire day before you even open your eyes, so right from the get-go this day has not been fun. I had a plentiful breakfast and pretty much flew like a garbage bag to MUN. Its extremely windy out, and I am petite, what can I say? I arrived at the library windswept and contrary, as wind always makes me, only to realize that I forgot my cigarettes at home. No, today is not a very good day. Luckily, I have Psychology and English first up on the exam schedule, which are two of my easiest courses. Psychology requires minimal study, and English requires almost none except a quick review of notes and remembering the names of characters in novels. If wind and lack of smokes and easy exams are the worst things I have to complain about today, then I have a lucky girl indeed, really.

Today is another double feature on the 30 day movie challenge, but these two go together rather well, so no harm done.

DAY 10: YOUR FAVORITE MALE CHARACTER IN A MOVIE

Rhett Butler, "Gone With the Wind", 1939.

 
Come on, you know you love Gone with the Wind! Its one of the greatest, most epic movies of all time! And Clark Gable as Rhett in the movie especially warms my heart. His character is so laid back compared to the melodramatic southern belles and patriotic southern boys in the movie, he's probably the biggest relief the movie has to offer, as well as one of the only characters in the movie that really sees what's happening in a clear light, and sees the characters for what they truly are. When emotions are high, Rhett is the character that'll say,  straight up, exactly what's going through people's heads and exactly what needs to be done, whether people want to hear it or not. He's the only person that sees through Scarlett, and despite the fact that she's a raging selfish bitch, he loves her. He loves her because she's a raging selfish bitch. Its beautiful. Considering how old school this movie is, they're still one of the most realistic couples to ever grace the silver screen. I love them both. So yeah, Rhett Butler for the win!



DAY 11: YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER IN A MOVIE

Enid, "Ghost World", 2001.


Mmmm, Ghost World. This is still one the funniest movies I've ever seen, and the graphic novel by Daniel Clowes its based upon is golden. I love the attention to detail in the movie. Theres one movie where the two main character and walking down the street and one says to the other, in a bored tone, "Oh look, its the pants". The kinds of things you'd notice and say in real life. Its greatness. The movies main character Enid is especially great. She has to do summer school because she failed art, and is dealing with growing up and living on her own for the first time. She pretty much hates everyone, is self-conscious, and constantly changes her look. She's more or less the typical just out of high school girl, and I used to look up to her with beaming eyes when I was just such a girl. One of the most brilliant movie characters ever.


Now its back to the grind for me. I have my first exam tomorrow at 9am, and I have an unholy fear of sleeping in. Cross your fingers for me, and wish me luck!

XO

fish like little silver knives

Last night I finally had the pleasure of being inside my own house for more than 4 hours at a time, and oh boy was it nice. Dave and I spent the whole night studying and watching "Curb Your Enthusiasm", and woke up this morning to more sunshine and more studying. I like being home, I never really appreciate it as much as I should until I get home after being off doing whatever it is I do. I love my blue carpets, my excessive amount of posters and silly knick-knacks, my books, and of course my hat wearing ukelele playing dreamboat. What a sweetie.

Since I am behind again, it is time for some more 30 day movie challenge! Hooray!

DAY 7: A MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

"Breakfast at Tiffany's", 1961.

Okay, you all knew I'd have to loss some Audrey Hepburn in here eventually. She's the prettiest lady ever, and this movie always puts the biggest smile on my face ever. Between Audrey being endlessly charming, her nameless cat, and her relationship with George Peppard, I can't help but die over this movie. My favorite part is when they decide to spend the whole day doing things they've never done before, I've always wanted to try it myself. There are definitely some sad parts to the movie, but overall its the kind of movie that just makes you feel awesome. Loves it.







DAY 8: THE MOST DISAPPOINTING MOVIE 

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", 2009.

Man, did I ever get myself in a hype over this movie. Beautiful special effects, Heath Ledger's last movie, AND TOM WAITS IS IN IT? How could it possibly be bad, right? Wrong. It definitely had the potential to be a cool movie, its a sort of sold your soul to the devil struggle between good and evil kind of movie. I can't even really explain what its about, it was that confusing. The worst part was in the Imaginarium scenes they kept switching Heath Ledger's character between actors, as he died before the film was completed, so suddenly he'll be... Colin Farrell! Or... Johnny Depp! They should have just revamped his character, had him disappear early in movie for some unknown reason. I definitely liked some parts of it, like the lovely visuals and Tom Waits, but other than that my brain just hurt after I saw it.


DAY 9: THE WEIRDEST MOVIE YOU'VE EVER SEEN 

"Nowhere", 1997.

Seriously, what other movie even deserves this mention? "Nowhere" is quite possibly the weirdest, trippiest, funniest movie I've ever seen. Its so over the top cheesy that its awesome, that sort of movie. The costumes and sets are atrocious, the acting is even worse, and its quite literally everybody's first movie. Mena Suvari, Ryan Phillippe, Heather Graham, Rose McGowan, Shannon Doherty, John Ritter... there are so many random people in this movie! Seriously! I could name a dozen more! Its plot is that of a typical '90s movie, really. Its about a bunch of teenagers all trying to get to a party and the madness that ensues along the way. There's a candy dress, dinosaur like aliens walking around that shoot people with lasers and make them disappear, subliminal suicide messages in Religious informercials, a guy getting his face beat in with a can of Campbell's tomato soup, and did I mention the ending? Two boys are lying in bed together when suddenly one explodes into a giant beetle, says "I'm out of here", and crawls out the window. What the fuck, right? Right.

Thats it for today, methinks! I am off to study some more of well, everything. And tonight methinks perhaps my lovely damsel Amkiram has something planned, I am not sure. Needs to figure it all out. I am sleepy. I bought a copy of "Utopia" by Thomas More as a post-exam treat for myself, gotta love those 1500's philosophers. Love you all, weee.

XO

putting the damage on

Hey everyone,

Sorry I've been so utterly absent from life the last few days, its been a hectic week. Political rallies, plays, book launches and - tonight - fake proms. Its been a lovely one to wrap up a hectic semester, for sure. I've relaxed and done absolutely nothing, including even be in my own house, all week. Its been nice, I feel like I'm in high school again or something. Of course, it shall be shortlived - this weekend, aside from inevitable bouts of fun (clay cafe plz) - I plan to devote myself to some hardcore studying, if my brain can possibly handle it while pickled in so much alcohol. Wish me luck, I guess.

Since I find myself three days behind on the 30 day movie challenge, today's post shall be a fun little triple threat! Enjoy <3

DAY 4: A MOVIE FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD

"The Last Unicorn", 1982.

Man, this movie. Such gorgeous, old school storybook animation, killer voice acting by Mia Farrow, Jeff Bridges, and Christopher Lee (to name a few), cheesy songs, and one of the saddest tales ever told. This was the very first movie I can remember my mom buying for me, and I still remember sitting on our '70s style sofa watching it with my face covered in ketchup. Its the story of a unicorn who realizes that shes the last of her kind, the other unicorns being driven into the sea by a fiery beast called the red bull, who was collecting them for a lonely king who lived in a gloomy castle. The unicorns are the only thing that really makes the king feel anything. Its a beautiful movie. Its based on a novel I've yet to read, but its definitely on my list.




DAY 5: FAVORITE MUSICAL

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show", 1975.

Obviously Rocky Horror! This movie doesn't even require explanation, I feel. Its weird, its sassy, its hilarious, and I know the lyrics to every single song. I even spent several horrific months of my life being forced to dance the Time Warp over and over and over again. I die for the costumes, sets, and the hilarious '70s special effects. Probably the most fun movie ever. Its hard choosing a favorite musical, really, because there are so many awesome ones (Evita? Chicago? Hedwig?), but Rocky definitely takes the cake for me.








DAY 6: A MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU SAD

"City of God", 2002.

Man, this movie RUINS me emotionally, in a way that no movie has since probably Requiem for a Dream. Its a Brazilian movie directed by the same guy that did "The Constant Gardener", and its about a violent slum in Brazil called the City of God, ironically. Its absolutely brutal. The movie depicts gang warfare to the extreme. Theres one particularly scarring scene where this guy forces a kid whose no more than say 9 to shoot his friend, while both of them are hysterically weeping. The movie has a fairly happy ending, though.The main character is a photographer and achieves fame due to his up close and personal photos of the slum's gangs. The thing that makes me saddest is that this place actually exists, and most of the movie's events were actually based on real happenings. Just goes to show you have fucked up human beings can be, really. Its an incredible movie.


Thats all for today! I hope I see all of you soon. After tonight, I shall probably have many more exotic adventure tales to tell. Hope everyone is having a great week without school and obligations and such, and I love you all, my heart overflows. <3

XO
 

here we are again all by ourselves

Its time for day 3 of the 30 day movie challenge! w00t! Today's topic is a bit more straightforward than the first two, but equally awesome nonetheless.

DAY 3: LAST MOVIE YOU SAW IN THEATRES

"True Grit", 2010.

This is also the first movie I've chosen thats come out in the last two decades, I've noticed. One cold Sunday night me and my boys, Joey and Dave, were sitting around in my cozy blue apartment bored as snails, when I decided to hound them with the idea of seeing a movie. Hounding wasn't needed. Dave and I had wanted to see this for awhile, and Joey was totally down. Fortunately, all three of us adored it. How could we not? The Coen Brothers are among the best directors, well, ever in my opinion. They have such a diverse catalogue of films ("Fargo", "The Big Lebowski", "Burn after Reading"). They have something for everybody. True Grit was no exception to their genius. Its based on a novel, and is the story of a young girl back in the day who vows revenge on the man who murdered her father. Its a western, lots of horses and gunfights. The acting is brilliant; Jeff Bridges is an absolute god, and the little girl who played Mattie was amazing - she was actually 14 when she starred in the movie, the same age as her character. I was really sad she didn't get the best supporting actress oscar. Its an epic movie with lots of great acting, action, and the story is oh so wonderfully told.

And now, continuing on.

Today I am planning on spending my whole day in the library studying biology. I am there now, munching on McBreakfast, and thought I'd treat myself to some leisurely blogging love firsthand. I am terrified for finals! Argh! I just want to skip them. Between that and my financial worries I pretty much want to bury my head in the ground like an ostrich. But as always, good times will come - just gotta keep a positive attitude. It makes all the difference.

I painted a picture last night, inspired by Sarah and Lenore's GROW prompt for the month of April. Their first prompt was to grow a picture from a quarter-sized circle in the centre of the page. My circle was a bit off centre, but I painted a watercolor picture of an orange cross-section. I was pretty impressed with it. So lucky I have so many artistic, inspiring friends. Yay.


Now its off to nerdland, to fill my brain up to the brim with confusing Latin words and fishparts.

XO

the way we get by.

Hello, friends. This weekend has been more hectic than expected. Despite my reservations about having a social weekend, I ended up being on the ball and spent less than 24 hours in my house since Friday morning. Quel surprise. It wasn't a waste, at least I got lots of Joeylove in, and lots of time in general with my sweet Mullock honeys. I love how no matter what they always want me around, and they make me feel like such a vital presence. They certainly are. I absolutely adore you guys.

Tonight Sarah came up for a coffee, chatsy singalong and I loved every moment of it. I hate that its so late in the semester and everyone is busy and I can't spend more times with my favorites. Sarah, darling, I ache for you everyday. You're like an instant gift certoficate to fun and happy times. I cannot wait to clay cafe with you soon and beach with you like everyday this summer. You inspire me so. I wish you happy paperings.

Now its time for day 2 of the 30 day movie challege! yay!

DAY 2: FAVORITE ANIMATED FILM

"The Secret of NIMH", 1982.

This question is equally difficult as the first. There are so many tremendous animated films in the world, its so hard to pick just one. I picked The Secret of NIMH because it was my favorite movie as a child; I even named my first pet, a little mouse, after the momma mouse in the movie, Mrs. Brisby. If I could watch this movie everyday, I probably would. It makes me feel such joy. Its pretty intelligent and sad for a children's movie, as well, and the animation is fantastic, particularly the super scary intense scenes where they're experimenting on the laboratory rats. Essentially, its about a field mouse who has to move her dying son safely before "moving day" (when the farmer plows the field all the little critters live in), and to do this she gets the help of the "rats of NIMH", who live in a rosebush near the farmhouse. They are all escaped laboratory rats, who have human levels of intelligence because of the experiments done on them. It has so many sad and hilarious moments. Definitely the animated movie I hold dearest to my heart.

Thats all for today. Lenore - you are in my thoughts, and I love you madly, and miss you like crazy <3 Stay strong, honeybee.

Goodnight, friends and darlings.


XO

30 days of film.

I decided to do something fun with my blog! A bunch of people on facebook have been doing something called the "30 day movie challenge", which looked incredibly fun, so I decided to do it here in blog form! Its similar to the 30 days of lists challenge everyone has been doing around blogland. Basically, you get a category of sort's each day and you have to pick your favorite, or sometimes least favorite, from said category. I adore movies, always have. Theres nothing like an amazing movie to take you out of the world and put you in somebody else's place for awhile, whether it be for good or bad. I love movies that make me imagine. I love movies that make me cry (which is very hard to do, you'd laugh at some of the movies I've cried at, though). So here I begin! With day 1!


DAY 1: FAVORITE MOVIE

"American Beauty", 1999.

I really wish this question was last, just because this is the hardest one to answer I feel. Its so hard for me to narrow down a movie I'd consider my "favorite". But the one that always springs to mind immediately when asked this question is probably American Beauty. I've seen it too many times to count. The acting is superb, particularly Kevin Spacey and Annette Benning. Their hilarious chemistry as Lester and Carolyn is perfect. I love all the different questions the movie brings up about the nature of beauty and appearances, sexuality, and suburban life. Also, the script was written by Alan Ball, the mastermind behind "Six Feet Under" and "True Blood". Its perfect in almost every way. And every time Elliott Smith's cover of "Because" by the Beatles starts playing as the credits role my heart breaks a little bit. If you've never seen this movie, please do. I beg of you.


Thats all for today honeys! Now I'm off to fiercely stick my pretty nose into some hardcore biological study, hooooorray~


XO

lipstick & the road.

I've taken to wearing lipstick again, something I haven't done since maybe middle school. Except now its not a dark, ghastly shade but a bright coral. I don't know yet whether or not the result is becoming, but I'll probably do it every now and then. Adds to the whole makeup as a mask thing; lipstick more than anything makes me feel like a different girl, one who is capable of anything.

So I've finished reading my first novel for my 1101 English class this semester, which was "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. Definitely one of the most depressing books I've ever, ever read. It rivals Hubert Selby Jr's body of work in terms of how depressing it is (and "Requiem for a Dream" and "Last Exit to Brooklyn" were absolutely emotionally devastating). 

This time around though it isn't the kind of depressing that results from psychological darkness and drugs and a seedy Urban life, but a post-Apocalyptic journey through the corpse of the world to find some semblance of life, and a chance to once again grasp at normality.  You don't know the characters' names. You don't know where they are exactly, nor exactly where they are going. They are just a boy and his father, and the world they live in is completely bleak, dark, black and white in the most literal sense. There are no plants or animals, there are no sounds or colors, everything is essentially lifeless. I liked as well how you don't know much about how the world became to be that way, nor what the eventual fate of the world will be. Its like theres no past or future, theres only this empty, bleak, hopeless present that the characters are faced to trudge through day by day, hoping for a glimpse of the sun.

Today our prof asked us if we thought said novel was pessimistic or optimistic. I think its definitely optimistic, in the sense that both this young boy and his father are filled with so much hope. The father's hope lies entirely in wanting to find some place in the world where his son can be happy and healthy and warm, and live. The boy is a child entirely of this Apocalypse; he was born after the world collapsed, so to speak, so he doesn't understand that there can be anything other than this. His father tells him stories of the old world, and I suppose encourages him in his belief that someday there will be good people, there will be sunlight. And the young boy clings to this throughout the book.

Its a beautiful story, really. I would recommend it. And apparantly McCarthy wrote "No Country for Old Men" as well? I effing love that movie.

I actually saw the new Cohen Brothers film last night, which was "True Grit". Very good. If you like Westerns, horses, and guns, I can recommend seeing it. Everytime I see one of their movies its never what I expect it to be; its usually better, never worse, sometimes different.

Thats all for today I suppose. I'm going to visit my brother soon and I'm excited, I haven't seen him since Christmas.

XO