• Books,  movies,  my view

    Bewitched- Books vs. Movies

    So I got to see TWILIGHT with the DD while in Savannah. I enjoyed it immensely though not as much as I enjoyed the book. That’s the problem with seeing movies once you’ve enjoyed the book. I find they take out too much of the delicious backstory that you loved.

    But still, I was bewitched just as much as the rest of 14 year olds, the 25 year olds and the 40 year old women in the theater. We were all pulled into cold grey world of Edward and Bella. I have a feeling that the majority of the women seeing the movie in Savannah had read the books. There was just too much anticipation in the air.

    For the record my DH and DS thought it was pretty good too, but I’m sure it was because of the cool fight scenes thrown in just for them.

    How do you all feel when you compare movies to books that you have loved? Are you satisfied or slightly disappointed when you don’t get the view that was in your head?

    Best,
    Kwana

  • Books,  life,  motherhood,  movies

    So Sleepy…

    What’s Jack up to? Brrr… I don’t think Jack’s even enjoying walking in this cold. He stops at the door and look up at us like, “you want me to go out in that?” So cute.

    Alas I’ve been captured, drawn into the TWILIGHT web. I’m not done yet, only about 100 pages to go. My eyes would not stay open a minute past midnight last night. It was very funny as the girls in my DD’s dance class flitted by and noticed what I was reading. There were opinions galore.
    The movie is out today so I’d better get on it.

    I can’t imagine being anything but TEAM EDWARD. But who knows what happens in book two? I hear from the DD it’s all about Jacob.

    It’s nuts for a 39 year old to be all TEAM EDWARD a 17 year old huh? Talk about Arrested Development. But hey, he’s really over a century that’s the way I’m choosing to see it.

    On the upside at least the DD and I have something to talk about for two minutes in between teen/mom meltdowns. That’s nice.

    Best,
    Kwana

  • Books,  jack,  life,  motherhood,  movies

    Brain Freeze

    What’s Jack up to? Right now Jack’s chilin. I think he’s dog tired. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Blame it on Pelosi everybody else is.

    Really, I’m the one whose dog tired. It’s what happens during a one sock moment (scroll down) also this middle of the week holiday has thrown me off. One day of school and two days off has me thrown. It’s day two of the kids at home. I don’t know why at 14 they think of me as, Julie their cruise director. I somehow messed up there.

    That said, I can’t think of much interesting to say today (not that I’m interesting on other days) so I’ll leave you with this video since Bridget Jones always makes me smile (Colin too).

    Oh, and wouldn’t it be lovey for Helen Fielding to come out with something new. A new Bridget! Anybody hearing anything. I’m not ashamed to admit Bridget change my life.

    Best,
    Kwana

  • jack,  life,  motherhood,  movies,  stress

    Momapry

    What Jack up to? He’s chilling this morning after a busy weekend filled with tons of exercise. For some reason he felt the need to walk me more than me walk him. It was all good though. I can sure use the exercise. Thanks Jack.

    After the stressful week last week I felt the need for a little mom therapy so I took Saturday afternoon off for a little me time.

    I had the pleasure of heading to the Rye library for a reading and book signing with Melissa Walker author of the teen Violet On The Runway series and my blog friend. She was speaking with spokesmodel Selena Breed about writing, modeling and the fashion industry.

    It was such a great talk and the girls were on the edge of their seats listening to every word as Melissa read from her book. I was thrilled to finally meet Melissa in person. Holla Melissa!

    Then to continue the mom-therapy I went to the nearest multiplex to see what was playing and lucked out with Tyler Perry’s latest The Family The Preys just starting. With it being the opening weekend the movie was packed so me and my overpriced box of Goobers had to sit in the second row but it was so worth it. In my opinion this is Tyler Perry’s best movie yet.

    Starring Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates I was blown away by this movie. There is no Medea, no slapstick, none of the usual lines that you can just plug in and anticipate coming up even before the actors deliver them. Tyler steps out and gets serious. Plus you can’t go wrong with Sanaa Lathan and Robin Givens sparing.

    I tell you that Tyler really knows how to make me feel like a writer slug. He’s written and produced I don’t know how many plays and movies, is a millionaire I don’t know how many times over and guess what he just turned the ripe old age of 39 this weekend. Happy Birthday Tyler! Get to work, Kwana. You’ve got some catching up to do.

    What’s on tap for your week? Me, I plan on making it a better week than the last one.

    Best,
    Kwana

  • movies

    The Namesake

    Can Mira Nair make a movie I don’t like? During storm Hannah I re-watched The Namesake which is on HBO right now and loved it just as much as I did last year. I don’t think she can make a movie that I don’t like. Mississippi Masala, Kama Sutra, Monsoon Wedding, Vanity Fair…

    All delicious, tender and heartwarming. They are some of the most beautiful movies you’ll ever see.
    It’s hard to choose a favorite so I won’t. How about you?

    Kwana

  • jack,  movies

    Mamma Mia!

    What’s Jack up to? It seems the wild one was just groomed, but he’s in dire need of another bath so it’s back in the tub for him and more fun for me. Oh my glamorous life.

    Wow, I feel like I’m the last to see this movie but the DD and I got to finally see Mamma Mia. It’s so hard to pin a busy teen down to see a movie with her dear mother you know. No surprise here- we both love it. In order to show her where the musical inspiration came from I’m posting this tidbit. Thanks YouTube!

    Best,
    Kwana

  • Books,  jack,  movies

    Mamma Mia! So many men/books, so little time

    What’s Jack up to? He’s having a happy Saturday. Right now he’s in his chilling out spot under my bed. It must be cool under there. Too bad I can’t fit.

    Last night about about 2:oo AM I finished Hannah Howell’s Highland Bride. (Yep the DH was not too happy about the light still being on) It was a fun read. 4 stars from Romantic Times. A total escape and it got me happily through a few baseball games and practices with the DS.

    My lovely agency sistah Kristen got me thinking with her recent blog post about how few book I actually read as compared to how many I used to read. It’s sad really. I used to be a 1 or 2 book a week girl now I’m lucky if I can do 1 or 2 a month. My TBR (to be read) pile is just sick. Not to mention I’m heading to the RWA national conference in a few short weeks where I’ll be coming home with a ton more books that I’ll want to read. What’s a girl to to? I see many more 2:00 AMs in my future.

    On another happier note, look what comes out this Friday. I can’t wait to go see this with the DD!

    Best,
    Kwana

  • jack,  movies

    What’s Happening?

    What’s Jack up to? He’s being such a finicky eater lately. I’ve come to find out that during his big city weekend he developed a taste for crunchy Cheetos which my 2 1/2 year old niece, M fed him one by one and he happily lapped up. Now his dry Eukanuba just ain’t doing it. Jack has to learn I’m no short order cook. You eat what I give you or you lose out. Cheetos are not good for you Jack.

    Yesterday afternoon I went with the DH to see The Happening. Leave it to M. Night Shyamalan to freak me out thoroughly. I left the theater feeling all off and woozy and disturbed which I’m sure is just what he was going for. Now I’m just a mess. Smart huh?
    I’ve been a huge fan of M. Night since The Sixth Sense and loved The Village, Signs and even liked The Lady In The Water. Now I know The Happening has been panned by just about every critic out there but I thought it was pretty good. Totally effective at giving me the creeps and making me think. The funny thing is I agree with Richard Roeper on this one. He’s about one of the only reviewers that didn’t pan the movie. I do think M. Night was giving that Twilight Zone and The Birds vibe. You can check out his review here.

    I say see for yourself. Give it a try if you dare.

    What are some of your favorite creepy movies? Please post in the comments section.
    In reality TV news. Elizabeth The Lady Novelist over at Got It Goin’ on found this great interview with Graham from The Bachelorette. Looks like DeAnna made a very wise choice. Thanks Elizabeth! Hop on over to her blog and check it out.

    Best,
    Kwana
  • domestications,  jack,  life,  movies,  The Other Boleyn Girl

    Moma-pry

    What’s Jack up to? He’s particularly frisky this morning. I think he’s over rainy days and short walks. Too bad he’s talking his frustrations out on Wolfie, his stuffed dog. Poor Wolfie shouldn’t be thrown around like that, Jack.


    I read the Other Boleyn Girl when it came out years ago. There was some buzz going around about the book and always one to be in on the buzz I picked it up. Now never have been one for the based on a true story fiction thing I wasn’t all that excited.

    That is until I started reading. I was hooked right from the first chapter. Pilippa Gregory wrote in such a smooth lyrical way that my mind was instantly taken away and I thought I was reading one of my favorite historical romances. For months I couldn’t stop recommending it to anyone who would listen.

    So how excited was I when I heard there was a movie coming out of the book? I’ve been salivating to see it since it came out what over a week or 2 ago! Every time I’d read another blog review I’d get a little mad that I had yet to see it.


    Well yesterday I found myself with a choice. I’d just come from the doctors ( again ) and I could:
    (a) clean the bathroom or
    (b) do some laundry or
    (c) open my newest manuscript and stare at the computer screen or
    (d) sneak away and see the 1:30 showing of The Other Boleyn Girl.

    D it was! A no brainer. I was in great need of an escape and for me there is no escape greater then the movies. I consider it therapy or Momapry.

    When I got to the theater 5 minutes before the show there was another woman going in. Petite with a blond page boy, turtleneck sweater and dark jeans. Clearly, another mom escaping. In the theater it was me, one older man, the blond mom and a mom/ grand ma combo. That’s it. 5 of us escaping life together for 2 hours.
    I really enjoyed the movie. Not one to quibble with historical inaccuracies I instantly suspended belief and let myself go on the rustic countryside and rich jeweled-toned costumes that literally had me drooling. They were delicious. I know the film has had mixed reviews but for me it was the perfect end to a pretty hectic week. And cheaper than a therapy session.

    So what’s your way to escape and put your cares aside.?Come on share. Consider it Momapry!

    Best,
    Kwana

  • jack,  movies,  romance,  writing

    Dreams of the heart

    What’s Jack up to? Today he’s being and sweetheart and doing his best to be a model lap dog. Sitting by my side and not even messing with the keyboard while I type. Good dog, Jack! Now, are you feeling ok?

    What is it about Romantic comedies that we girls love so much? I mean honestly, you walk into the theater knowing the ending before your first bite of popcorn. But still, we gush and smile and get all melty inside as some girl goes through all the emotions we daydream about in ninety minutes.

    I know I’m little late to the reception, but this weekend I saw the movie 27 Dresses with my daughter. I’m not going to give a movie review because, really, do you care what I think? Me, more than anyone else, knows that art is subjective. That said, it was just what the doctor ordered. A cute romantic comedy to make you walk out hoping for happily ever after. A perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

    But it sort of made me think, is this the feminist way? Should I be taking my daughter to see these stereotypical views of what a woman should want? Of what love could be? Make her think that she can find happiness in the arms of a man? My answer is, sure. Why not? As long as I school her about self respect and not being blind when it comes to love, then it’s all good.

    If not for the great romance story, she may grow up thinking that relationships should be all blinged and sexed out like a rap video. No long walks, no late night conversations, no long gazes and definitely no hand holding.

    I say let her dream that love is real, because it is. Sometimes you just have to suspend cynicism for a moment and let your heart show you the truth.

    All this is to say, that I’m starting a new book and it’s shaping up to be a romantic comedy. Me, a comedy? Hopefully I can keep my own cynicism in check!

    I actually dreamed of the concept in my sleep, woke up and immediately pulled out my notebook because I was so excited. It’s something different from anything I’ve ever tried. But right about now, my heart and mind really wants to believe in the happily ever after. We’ll see how it goes..

    Best,
    Kwana