Why am I posting my response here instead of there?

When my comment surpasses the 100-word mark I feel it’s more polite to share it here rather than bogart so much space on someone else’s page. Perhaps I’m just being weird but, hey, when has that ever stopped me from doing something?

While you read my response keep in mind I didn’t get my first cell phone until 2005 (and only then because my mother guilted me into it) and I just received my first MP3 player in June 2010 as a birthday gift. I limit my use of technology to a need-to-have-to-function basis unless it’s a gift; I’ll play around with the gift for awhile and then either shelve it, donate it to the library or freecycle it. The simple personal life I strive to maintain requires the limited use of stuff I deem as unnecessary luxuries.

Electronic readers and iPads and whatever other incarnations of these in the future, are, I believe, here to stay. But will they completely replace physical books? Technology has proven to be very, very good at providing small changes that are capable of big differences in people’s lives. This, surely, will be one of those things. I do think they will eventually replace physical books – but not for a very long time. There will still be hold-outs like myself. (Excerpt from “The Future of Books.”)

Great post, Eileen! And I agree eReaders are cool, fun and convenient. In June 2010, a relative let me play around with her Kindle, a neat little device that impressed me with its ease of use, storage capacity and lightweight design.

But I won’t buy a Kindle or any of its species.

I spend somewhere between 10-12 hours each day reading a computer screen for my business. Then, add on the time I spend writing my fiction in MS Word, reviewing my daughter’s lessons, researching / mind-mapping, networking, reading blogs, and doing my personal bookkeeping. By the time I’m finished with those recurring items, the thought of reading any electronic device makes me antsy and grumpy — even the microwave’s timer or the digital clock irks me at that point. All I want to do at the end of the day is curl up in bed with a good old-fashioned tangible door to another world that requires only three things to operate: my eyes, my hands and my imagination.

Where technology, electricity and batteries fail, books never let me down.

In addition, one of my favorite things about the morning is waking up to the crowded bookshelf across from the bed that reminds me I’m only a few feet away from the escape I’ll get after the day’s exhausting technology-packed activities. It certainly would not fill me with the same warm fuzzies to see my bookshelf housing only an eReader.

And what about the children?

Are we honestly going to allow real children’s books to become extinct? To become mere “collectibles” our children only hear about? An eReader cannot give parents and kids the same experience – namely bonding outside the world of technology – that beautifully told and illustrated stories like The Tale of Peter Rabbit or Guess How Much I Love You have for years and years. I won’t even mention the Dr. Seuss books. Oh wait, I just did.

Seriously, would you get more nostalgic thinking back on your first childhood reading experience if it was centered around reading an electronic device or reading a hardcover story with colorful illustrations? Kids love to turn pages. They love to trace their fingers over words and shapes and pictures. I don’t know why we’d want to eliminate that experience from their early development especially if we’re trying to nurture new readers into lifelong readers.

I will always have real books and I hope they don’t end up as just “collectibles.” Surely there’s a way to balance this technological advancement with the demand of old-timers like myself and with the needs of those who cannot afford to purchase an eReader and eBooks. Low-income families already have a tough enough time when it comes to reading and having enough books on hand, this will only make that gap even larger. It’s sad enough that libraries are falling by the wayside, please don’t allow books to do the same.

If I’m forced to buy an eReader for lack of the real books I want to read, I’ll be a very unhappy camper, I mean, reader. And should someone attempt “to pry a book out of my cold, dead, hand” they’re gonna end up haunted by one cranky chick for the rest of their life. Just sayin’.

So, chime in: Have you already converted to the dark side; that is, have you joined the eReader revolution?

I’d love to hear some feedback from those on either side of this issue.

When I saw the above doodle on Google this morning my day immediately brightened. All at once my head was full with munchkins coming out from wherever they were, Scarecrow falling off his hook, enchanted trees throwing apples, and on and on. In short, my imagination was alert and excited after being bored for weeks by monotonous, left-brained, work-related tasks.

The nostalgia evoked by THE WIZARD OF OZ is tremendous. I’ve loved film from an early age and this was one movie* I watched every time it aired on TV. Yes, that was before we had the luxury of owning a VCR. Most years we gathered as a family to watch it. Uh huh, commercials and all. And without fail, that green hag, accompanied by her minions, never ceased to scare the bejeezers outta me.

Really, if you want to get technical, the Wicked Witch of the West was my first experience with a villain and with the horror awakened by simple yet terrifying imagery and universal themes — the scarecrow being ripped apart by the flying monkeys and the ageless lust for power are examples, respectively.

But the movie, to me, transcends cinema; it’s become a staple in many people’s childhoods. Do you know anyone who hasn’t watched THE WIZARD OF OZ? I certainly don’t, and if one such person happened to stumble into my neck of the woods, I’d smack that person upside the head with the biggest broom I could find and sick my minions** on them. Oh wait, I don’t have any minions…yet. The point being, this is one movie with which everyone is able to connect — it speaks to our imaginations, our desires, and even our fears.

Most of all, though, THE WIZARD OF OZ is timeless. Sure, there’s not the same level of awe when watching as an adult; however, its magic is the same. The joy I get from singing along hasn’t diminished, not one iota; the immense satisfaction I feel from “I’m melting! Melting!” hasn’t lessened. And I laugh out loud every time I hear, “You mean she bit ya?”

Therefore, I invite you all – young and old – to pull out your copy and watch this cinematic treasure the next chance you have. And for those of you who don’t own a copy, rent one! Most libraries carry it on DVD nowadays. Everyone should watch at least once a year.

What’s your favorite scene from The Wizard of Oz (1939)? Why?

*Second only to my all-time favorite, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).

**Anyone else watch Despicable Me (2010)? The minions are the best part!

Here are a few posts to check out if you’re looking for songs to inspire writing. Music is powerful and it usually does the trick. However, there are situations where I need to visually stimulate my imagination in addition to the auditory inspiration.

The following three pictures really stirred up the creative juices last week:

by Joshua Hoffine
(Click here for his main web site.)

by Chris aka Specky Nation

by Zhang Peng

Do you have an image or two that inspires your writing or sets the mood for a certain dynamic?

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Recent events have forced me to contemplate a major source of conflict in relationships: jealousy. It’s crazy the extent to which some people will go to feel in control of the person they love. From my experience, the tighter hold you feel you need on your partner, the less hold you have on the relationship.

And I’ve also learned that jealousy stems from one person’s insecurities, fears, doubts, baggage, etc. and very often has nothing to do with their partner. Yes, partners can be the trigger, but you always have a choice in how you react.

“The more incomplete we feel, the more obsessed we become with owning someone on whom we’ve projected all our missing qualities, hence the more jealous we become.” – Gloria Steinem

Now, don’t get me wrong, I was a jealous chick in my late teens, early twenties. But I outgrew that useless emotion and refuse to shake hands with the fiendish brute ever again. Why?

Jealousy is a complete and total time suck. (Just like worry and guilt.)

It does not make you feel better and it certainly doesn’t solve any problems. Once I figured out how pointless it is to “What if…” all the time, to second-guess my worth in a relationship, I felt tons lighter (emotionally) and free for the first time. There was no longer an overwhelming drive to know everyone my partner talked to, where they went, what they did – I just trusted that things were on the up and up – I respected my partner enough to give him space to breathe, live, have fun without me. For the first time I knew and believed that I was worth being with and, if he was smart enough to see that, then everything would work out.

“The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.”

Why waste valuable time wondering, sneaking, trolling, second-guessing when you can simply talk about your concerns with your partner? What? You can’t talk to each other? Then why the hell are you married or committed to that person in the first place? Fundamental compatibility seems to be grossly overlooked in today’s relationships.

“Why do people persist in a dissatisfying relationship, unwilling either to work toward solutions or end it and move on? It’s because they know changing will lead to the unknown, and most people believe that the unknown will be much more painful than what they’re already experiencing.”

The key to a relationship’s success, in my humble opinion, hinges upon:

- Trust

- Communication

- Respect

Without those three attributes as the foundation for your relationship, you’re in for a bumpy ride. And I haven’t even taken into account the fundamental compatibility and emotional baggage you both bring to the table, which will inevitably affect your ability to maintain that foundation. In other words, until you are the best you possible (or are consistently working to become that improved person), and you love who you are, then no partner will ever live up to your standards, they will never be able to enjoy being with you, and you will most certainly push them away with your behavior.

“Jealousy is simply and clearly the fear that you do not have value. Jealousy scans for evidence to prove the point – that others will be preferred and rewarded more than you. There is only one alternative – self-value. If you cannot love yourself, you will not believe that you are loved. You will always think it’s a mistake or luck. Take your eyes off others and turn the scanner within. Find the seeds of your jealousy, clear the old voices and experiences. Put all the energy into building your personal and emotional security. Then you will be the one others envy, and you can remember the pain and reach out to them.” – Jennifer James

Do you get jealous? What triggers it?

(This doesn’t mean only romantic relationships. It could also be work, friends, etc.)

For the record: I don’t claim to be a poet and rarely write them because I’m so inexperienced.

Silly Little Girl
by Leah Saylor-Abney

Silly little girl,
don’t you feel him
waking your heart?

He’ll steal it away
and rip it apart.

Quick!
You’re almost his
inside a private hell.

So run away;
save yourself!

Possibly Related Posts:

1. Short Fiction Friday: Sacrifice

Not until the blade inched into Hanna’s chest did she realize the consequences were real.

She stared up at Josh’s frozen gaze while her mind exploded with thoughts and feelings she’d meant to express long ago – before she failed him – but now it was too late.

I’m so sorry!

He was gone, locked up tight behind his wall, unable to hear her words or see her torment.

Then it happened; their eyes connected.

And she was drowning in his pain. She saw everything…understood what had to be done.

Josh could only watch as Hanna closed her eyes and completed the blade’s journey.

Possibly Related Posts:

1. Short Fiction Friday: Misery’s Constant Companion
2. Short Fiction Friday: Dawn’s Aftermath
3. Short Fiction Friday: Hindsight

Lyrics:

One of these days you’ll be under the covers
You’ll be under the table and you’ll realize
That all of your days are numbered, all of them one to one hundred
All of them millions, all of them trillions

So what are you gonna do with them all?
You cannot trade them in for more, no, no

Take every moment, you know that you own them
It’s all you can do, use what’s been given to you

Gimme a reason to fight the feeling
That there’s nothing here for me
‘Cause none of it’s easy, I know it wasn’t meant to be
I know it’s all up to me, it’s all up to me

So what am I gonna do with my time?

I’ll take every moment, I know that I own them
It’s all up to you to do whatever you choose
Live like you’re dying and never stop trying
It’s all you can do, use what’s been given to you

All of the moments you didn’t notice gone in the blink of an eye
And all of the feelings you can’t help feeling no matter how you try

Take every moment, you know that you own them
It’s all up to you to do whatever you choose
Live like you’re dying and never stop trying
It’s all you can do, use what’s been given to you

Live like you’re dying and never stop trying
It’s all up to you, use what’s been given to you

Possibly Related Posts:

1. Top 5 Songs to Fuel Emotional Scenes
2. When Your Mood Doesn’t Match Your Character’s…

And over the years I’ve discovered that foreign movies are largely overlooked by American audiences. Why? From what people have told me, what I’ve overheard people say, and what I’ve read in reviews the main reason is people don’t like to read subtitles. My film-loving heart breaks when I hear or read that: those people have no idea what they’re missing out on.

Therefore, I felt compelled to share a small sampling of my favorite foreign movies. I’ve included their English title, their original title and their original language as well as the genre and a very brief recap so you know why I love these films and why you should definitely get over the whole “I don’t want to read; I just want to watch a movie” thing.

Antibodies (Antikörper, 2005) German
IMDb | Netflix | Amazon

Written and directed by Christian Alvart, Antikörper is listed first for a very good reason: It’s awesome! I thoroughly enjoyed this film and rank it up there right after The Silence of the Lambs and Se7en. The acting was excellent and the last 15 minutes or so I was in complete nail-biting agony, nearly in tears, hoping for…well I don’t want to give anything away. Simply put, this is one of the best thrillers – American or Foreign – that I’ve seen in a long time.

NOTE: There is animal and child violence, a couple scenes are pretty graphic, too. However it is not gratuitous – it’s not violence for shock’s sake – and it keeps the tension and suspense at an almost unbearable level.

[Netflix Watch Instantly on 8/9/2008]

Voice (Yeogo gwae-dam 4: Moksori, 2005) Korean
IMDb | Netflix | Amazon

VOICE is an uber creepy film written by Ik-hwan Choe and Joon-Seok Sol, and directed by Ik-hwan Choe. I had such bad heebies jeebies after watching this one that I left my bedroom light on all night. My one piece of advice to you is to just enjoy the ride; don’t try to take pit stops along the way to figure out what this means or why that’s there and so on. It’s really not that hard of a movie to get if you’re patient and wait for everything to reveal itself. There’s a lot of jumping around in time, but again, just be patient.

NOTE: There is actually very little gore or onscreen violence. However, the one slightly gory scene did make me cringe but not for the reason you might expect.

[Netflix DVD rental on 7/25/2008]

House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu, 2004) Mandarin
IMDb | Netflix | Amazon

Written by Feng Li, Bin Wang, and Yimou Zhang, and directed by Yimou Zhang this film may be a little out there for some moviegoers but I thought it was amazing. Visually stunning, imaginative plot, terrific acting — just a great story. There’s action (martial arts), adventure, fantasy, romance and mystery so I cannot really label it for you.

[Netflix DVD rental on 1/19/2006]

Evil (Ondskan, 2003) Swedish
IMDb | Netflix | Amazon

Based on the novel by Jan Guillou – screenplay written by Hans Gunnarsson Mikael Håfström and Klas Östergren – and directed by Mikael Håfström, this film will grip you from its opening scenes. Erik (Andreas Wilson) is a great character and he represents so many people, so many underdogs, fighting to survive in the world today that it’s nearly impossible not to empathize with him and hope for his future. Powerful themes are addressed and the violence really hammered home the story’s points. I loved this movie!

NOTE: The violence mentioned is not gory or gratuitous. It’s just realistic, brutal fighting.

[Netflix Watch Instantly on 1/31/2010]

The Devil’s Backbone (El Espinazo del Diablo, 2001) Spanish
IMDb | Netflix | Amazon

This is a superb film, written by Guillermo del Toro, Antonio Trashorras and David Muñoz, and directed by Guillermo del Toro, who – in my opinion – is one of the best directors in the world. His films, including this one, never feel like only one genre. There’s horror, fantasy, and mystery elements that work seamlessly together to create a film that will scare the bejeezus outta you but also touch you deeply. I’m embarrassed it took me seven years to finally watch this movie.

[Netflix DVD rental on 7/30/2008]

What’s your favorite foreign film? (any genre)

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