Thursday Movie Picks: TV Edition- Royalty

 

I need to go to sleep so I am writing this quick, well, quick for me. Wandering Through The Shelves wanted me to think this week because most of the royalty shows that are out or have been out recently, I have not seen.  Here are my picks with one being a stretch...well, maybe 2.

1. THE SECRETS OF ISIS-1975-1977

This was shown on Saturday mornings and I watched every one even though it was pretty cheesy, but I thought the leading lady, Joanna Cameron, was very pretty. Basically, a teacher visits Egypt and finds this ancient amulet belonging to Queen Hatshepsut. Anyone who is an ancestor of this queen Hatcheckgirl, will have her powers. Guess what? Yup the teach has them and decides to help the teen kids who get into trouble, get out of trouble. When the teach sees something bad happening, she takes this amulet she wears on her neck and puts it on and she transforms into the goddess Isis who can speak to animals and  has a way with amulets or whatever. I’m trying to remember but I thought it was cool. We need Isis to kick some ass in the schools nowadays.

2. WONDER WOMAN- 1976-1979

To me, I will always have a soft spot for Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman who fought the bad guys while secretly lusting after the major Steve. She is a princess from the secret island where women rule. They are the ancient warriors of blah. When good looking Lyle Waggoner is saved by Lynda Carter, her mom, Cloris Leachman, tells her she can nurse him but can’t bring him back to the States. A big event takes place to determine who the best warrior is and, even though Lynda is banned by her mommy to be part of this, she hides under some blonde wig and wins the events. Guess who is bringing the bad boy huggy bear home? Yup, Princess Diana where she dons eyeglasses to hide who she truly is(Why is everyone in the entire world fooled by eyeglasses?). With her bracelets and lasso of truth, she can best all the bad evil guys in that little suit and her ta-tas never fall out.

3. XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS- 1995-2001

I’m guilty as charged. I watched this show and thought it was quite good to be honest. Xena was one evil bitch who liked placing her enemies’ heads on a stick but she found out she would rather be good so, with her trusty sidekick, blond innocent Gabriele, baring her midriff, they fight evil everywhere they go. Sometimes, the gods help or hinder them or sometimes a goofy guy who wishes to be a Gladiator, helps them out. There were some heavy episodes especially when  the devil comes on board to spread evil but there were fun ones too especially when Bruce Campbell paid visit as the king of thieves. I enjoyed watching this...yes...me. 

What Royal shows can you think of?

Oscar Songs 1971

 

I was set to write this up for last week but I wanted to give a nice post to my sweetie Lucy. My poor hubby went to the vet to bring Lucy and, at the same time, to pick up Wallace's ashes. It was sad. Work has been a bit hectic with all the internet issues, office phone issues and not being informed about all the things I am meant to know about but, hopefully, that is all worked out now. I am hoping to start this new event every 3rd week of the month where I post an Oscar winning song, a song nominee and one that was not even nominated and see if you can guess which one is which. So, let's get groovin' baby because it is 1971 when Charlie Chaplin is finally accepted back to the States and gets a 10 minute standing ovation...cool.

1. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER SUNG BY SHIRLEY BASSEY-1971

This is the second time that Shirley Bassey sang a James Bond song, the first being "Goldfinger."  I always liked her voice even though it almost sounds too powerful. What do I know but she does sound great for the last Bond film, starring Sean Connery that is produced by Albert "Cubby" Broccoli. He did do a later one but got into a lot of stink playing Bond that was not part of the brand. Anyway, this song was written by John Barry and it's pretty damn good.

2. THE AGE OF NOT BELIEVING SUNG BY ANGELA LANSBURY-1971

This was from the film, "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" starring Angela Lansbury who sings this song to 2 kids (It is Disney so kids are in it) where she sings about how kids grow up and stop believing in things. I still like to believe there is a Santa Claus. This song was written by the brothers, Robert & Richard Sherman.

3. SHAFT SUNG BY ISAAC HAYES-1971

Isaac Hayes wrote this song and performed it to the movie of the same name. Can ya dig it? I'm about as cool as a white marshmellow to be honest so I laugh even when I write "groovy" or "dig it." This song became a huge hit as did the movie which was remade in 2000 but they still used the same song. One day I will have to see this movie.

So, which song won, which was nominated and which had neither?

Thursday Movie Picks-Not A Natural Disaster

 

There are so many wrongs we human piglets do it's hard to keep up. Last week my hubby and I saw what is happening in California with these lakes and rivers where, just a year ago, there was water and now nothing or close to it. I guess Las Vegas needs their uber fountains  to make us go " Wow." Driving home, I can't help but see all the garbage strewn along fences. The oil spills, Chernobyl back in the 80s, clear cutting, poaching...it makes me sick. Wandering through the Shelves picked a hot topic especially with the horrible War in the Ukraine. Putin must go and I  don't mean to Siberia. On that nice note, I chose 3 movies, I think, fit the bill. Remember, no natural disasters so Trump is out and so are any bitch slapping actors.

1. ON THE BEACH-1959

Let's start off with this feel good movie with Gregory Peck as head of a U.S. submarine stationed in Australia because this is the last place not yet affected by the radiation set off from Atomic bombs during WW3. He meets Ava Gardner and they fall in love but they are doomed. Fred Astaire, in a rare dramatic role, plays a race car driver who would rather go out his way than the radiation way. This film is well acted, scary and bleak as f#(×! I'm not sure when I will see this again but it is a good movie.

2. THE CHINA SYNDROME-1979

Does anyone remember 3 Mile Island? The breach that created a ghost town in Pennsylvania, is exactly what this "fictional" film was talking about. This movie, starring Jane Fonda as a reporter, Michael Douglas as her photographer and Jack Lemmon as the whistle blower at the nuclear power plant he works at, is all about what actually happened at 3 Mile Island. What's freaky is tgat this film came out 3 days before the event at 3 Mile. Basically, Jane wants to do a story about the plant when Lemmon's character finds a problem with the plant. He takes it upon himself to hold the place " hostage" until the cover up is found out. It's very well acted showcasing Lemmon's acting chops. The event at 3 Mile made this film a hit.

3. ERIN BROKOVICH-2000

This is, by far, the most hopeful of the 3 I chose. The 70s were often showcasing movies in a more bleak manner. Whereas my first film was one of quite a few to show realism( like Fail Safe and the "Kitchen Sink" movies). The 80s onward gave disaster flicks a hopeful message but only after we saw the Eiffel tower be destroyed on st least a dozen flicks before America saves the day. Where was I? Oh Erin B is based on the true story of a no nonsense single mom of 3 who bullies her way on the staff of her former lawyer. Most of the staff can't stand her with her cheap way of dressing and screw you attitude but it comes in handy when she finds out how a plant has been dumping their toxic waste into the water around this town and countryside. Many people are getting sick with cancer and Erin is there to save the day along with her crafty lawyer. Julia Roberts and her push up bra won an Oscar for her portrayal of this fearless broad,   which I say on the best sense of the word. It is a good movie that I can watch again unlike the eyeyores I previously mentioned. 

Which flicks would you choose? Anyone going totally 50s camp on me? There are many  "Attack of..." movies.

My Sweet Lucy

 

Losing one pet is hard but losing 2 in 2 weeks is heartbreaking. When I met my beloved, he had 1 pussy cat  and I was more a dog lover than a cat lover but I love all animals so we started a new relationship. 2 weeks into our new relationship, my sweetheart told me he saw a tiny kitten at the pet store who climbed on top of this cat house, knocked the bigger cats off and just looked at him. He knew this pussy cat was a new addition. I was not so happy but what am I to do or say. I met the tiny lass and my heart caved. She was smart, sassy and wouldn't take no for an answer. That was 15 1/2 years ago, I could write so much more about her and my sweet Wallace but I decided to just choose 3 songs that made me think of her. 

1. IN AND OUT  BY GARRISON KEILLOR-1991

While looking for the one below, I came across this funny diddy and does this fit Lucy to a T! She would cry and cry to be let out only to rush back in if it was raining. She knew our boundary and would never leave it, believe it or not. She enjoyed the outside but could be a pain in the butt wanting to go out and in. She was the only one we let out without a harness because she stuck to our lot. One smart kitty.

2. CATS MAY SAFELY SLEEP BY GARRISON KEILLOR & FREDERICA VON STADE- 1991

This song is often played on my Classical 96.6 radio station. Again, this is by Garrison Keillor(the lyrics)  with Frederica Von Stade, a famous Opera singer, giving a lending hand. Lucy did live to sleep especially snuggled up to Nady who is also in heaven. They are God's creatures so why would they not be there. 

3. WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT SUNG BY TOM JONES-1965

I always liked this song which was written by Burt Bacharach(music) and Hal David(lyrics). It's from a movie of the same name that I have yet to see but I will....one day. It's fun snd, for that time, hip. This just reminds me of Lucy.

Amy pussycat songs you like...no Pussycat Dolls...actual pussy cats. And, no, Pussy Galores. 

Sandra’s New Book

 Sandra Cox is one lovely lady with a heart as big and sweet as anything you can imagine. I meant to have this up sooner but stress got in the way. We lost another dear furbabe, Lucy, this past Sunday. I will talk about this later, for right now, let’s celebrate Sandra’s new book reveal. Have a moment to visit her blog as well, she deserves all the accolades.

Behind the amicable façade is a man who’s tough and determined. He’s Mateo’s Blood Brother.

*Mateo's Blood Brother is a sequel not a stand alone.

 

Blurb:

They were friends, close as brothers. Then they weren’t.

Mateo and Jesse are cautiously working their way back to friendship when Jesse discovers the unthinkable. Delilah, the sultry shifter who’d had affairs with both men, is still alive. The tumble she took over a mountain ridge—a fall that nearly killed Mateo—should have finished her.

Now, there’s no choice but for the two men to work together to take down a she-devil straight from hell.  As the stakes escalate and the hunt becomes more intense, another wolf appears on the scene. Always where Jesse’s at. Always when he’s in trouble.  Jesse is divided between ending Delilah, a new love interest, discovering the identity of a certain brown wolf and staying alive.

Available at Amazon.

 

 

Jesse

Jesse and Blair (Mateo's chief deputy and fiancee)  both like to catch the Full Moon Band, that plays hard rock with a native twist, on Wednesday nights at the Blue Coyote. 

 

Jesse loves Belle’s Beans coffee and bear claws.

 

Popular with the ladies, he managed to avoid any serious entanglements until Delilah.

Link:  https://www.amazon.com/MATEOS-BLOOD-BROTHER-Sequel-LAW-ebook/dp/B09VYNPPP6

I hope the pictures come out aok.  

Cards I have Made

Dream Valley- Add Embellishments 

Happy Little Stampers: Christmas- Glitter

Addicted To Stamps- Christmas 

I made this card a couple of weeks back but just have not been able to get this on my blog due to work and  pet deaths( I’ll talk about this later). I love blue, purple and green together but blue dominates here:). I created the background using my colour bursts which you just tap a bit of the dust onto the white card. After, you spritz the card with water and watch it react and explode. You can pick the card up and let it drain into the other colours, add more water; let it dry and then add more colour burst with water. It’s fun, inky and messy...what I love. I had a large snowflake sticky that I attached to the card and then I added glitter in various blues using my glue pen. I took my snowflake diecut and cut it out from a silver paper using my sizzex machine, glued them in place for the border, added crystal embellishments in blues to finish my card. Voila!

CHNC-Add A Home

Happy Little Stampers- Anything Goes With Dies

I love this home stamp and wanted to created a mannish card. Again I created this card a while back. I stamped this card on white cardstock  and started colouring this card using Tim Holtz dye ink pads with my sponges. I used some robin blue and various browns to create the rustic colour. After, I stamped the home and just coloured the leaves and berries with tombow markers. I ripped the paper around the image and took a sharpie, in Copper, to colour the edges. I adhered it to 2 different cardstocks...another one  Done.

Stamping Sensations- I Love

We Love Stamping- Favourite Stamps

I have these flower stamps for each month and they remind me of my mom who made many egg creations using quail eggs ( plus all other eggs) cut out and having the flower and stone of the month inside. She would make the tiniest flowers to place inside these small eggs. I'm not that creative as she was a true artist but I can make these nice cards. I stamped the daffodils and coloured them in with...man I forgot...oh yes, my gelatos. No not the ice cream but these colours that look like a see through lip balm holder. They have a creamy texture that I rubbed on a surface and  using my water brush, coloured the flowers. Next, I took other coloured cardstock and used my sizzex machine to do the die cuts. To get the embossed edges I kept the cut paper in the diecut and used my cuddlebug to wring it through. I glued it all in place,  added the Crystals and another card done.

Hope you sll had a nice Easter.

Thursday Movie Picks: Diaries

 

This week I am speaking about Diaries. Wandering Through The Shelves created this posting where you pick 3 films that fit the theme.  I decided to be very narrow in this week’s theme and hope you enjoy it. 

1. THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK-1959

I fell in love with this amazing girl when I, myself, was her age. Every year I read her book, her diary, about her and her family's experience during WW2. I had the honour of visiting where she and her family hid when the Nazis occupied Holland. When I found out she died and only her dad survived, I cried. This was the first film I saw that dealt with her experiences and the people we got to know through her eyes. I was impressed with Ed Wynn's dramatic performance since he was known as a comic. Shelley Winters played the mom of Peter ( who kissed Anne) and won the Oscar for her portrayal. Joseph Shildkraut played Otto Frank and he did a fine performance. The only one that grated on my nerves like fingernails to a blackboard was Millie Perkins who played Anne. I did not think she was good at all even though the real Otto Frank approved her.

2. THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK-1980

This was a TV movie but, it's a movie so I am including this one. This one has Melissa Gilbert as Anne Frank and she does a much better job than Millie. At this time, Gilbert was getting raves as Laura Ingalls and made quite a few movies like the remake of the Miracle Worker. Doris Roberts plays Peter's mom with James Coco as Roberts' husband. This was a better telling of the famous Anne Frank and her family. Its still not the best but it's worth seeing if you can ever find it.

3. THE ATTIC: THE HIDING OF ANNE FRANK-1988

This TV film ( I couldn't find a small video of this film just this interview) is also about the Frank Family but through the eyes of Miep Gies who helped shelter them for the 2 years before being ratted out by someone. Miep was played by Mary Steenbergen and, to me, this seemed to be the best version of this tragic, true story that I have seen so far. Paul Scofield plays Otto Frank while Lisa Jacobs plays Anne Frank. Jacobs has not done a ton of acting but she just seemed the most natural and genuine. I need to watch this one again plus I want to see the one with Ben Kingsley in the role of Otto Frank. 

The beautiful soul of Miep Gies died at 100 years old! She, her husband and a few others did their utmost to shelter Jewish people from the Nazis. If you have never read Anne's diary, you should. If you ever get to go to Amsterdam, seeing where they hid for 2 years is a must. Shelley Winters donated her Oscar there and it can be seen there to this day.