A to Z Challenge

REFLECTIONS

Part of me stays that I don't really deserve to post this plaque of the A to Z April Challenge 2014 Survivor - because I don't think I completed the alphabet totally (X, Y & Z). However, I did put a lot of work into the other twenty-three letters and hence... I survived the challenge - Hallelujah!!

Even though I didn't sign-up for the official A to Z Challenge Reflections, I thought I would contribute nonetheless. As you might have already read, this year I really jumped in feet first; I signed all four of my blogs up for the challenge... crazy: yes, I know. Sometimes it was very challenging trying to get all of the posts completed, and other days it was fun putting the posts together. Either way, I would highly recommend this challenge for any blogger! It's not only a great tool to pump out some awesome posts, but it also connects you with other people/bloggers/subscribers. If you are just starting out though, don't do the insane thing like I did and sign-up multiple blogs... unless you are a seasoned veteran. However, my attitude and motto were "Game On" and "Challenge Accepted" and I think I persevered and prevailed.

As much as I love this challenge there was something that irritated me about it: part of the challenge is that you are to visit other blogs that have signed up - this isn't the irritating part - I loved visiting the blogs that participated. What drove me crazy was that 6 out of 10 blogs that I visited (that were on the sign-up blog hop) were not participating. Now, for those that had signed up and then decided afterwards that they could not participate for whatever reason - that's a totally different kettle of fish - it's understandable and thank you for posting in regards to that... however, for those that were still on the sign-up and didn't participate - thank you for wasting my time and efforts. However, I still believe it is a positive experience and I did connect with a lot of great individuals. This year was my second time participating and I received a lot of feed back - thank you.

WE MAY NOW CONTINUE WITH OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED POSTINGS

A to Z Challenge X

So I thought I would switch things up and ask you what book you have read that starts with the letter X that you would recommend. I haven't read any books that start with an X and wasn't too sure when researching books which to write about. I wouldn't want to steer anyone the wrong way.

If you can't think of an X titled book either, than what was the last book you read?

W is for Water for Elephants

About the Book

Water for Elephants is a book written by Sara Gruen and published in May of 2006. The story is told as a series of memories by Jacob Jankowski, a 93-year-old man living in a nursing home. The memories follow Jacob, who is a young Polish American preparing for his final exams as a Cornell University veterinary student. He has loving and supportive parents; when he gets news of their fatal car accident he runs away and joins a traveling circus. The traveling circus is a cruel environment, but when they hear of his training, they jump at the chance to employ Jacob as their vet. This is where Jacob builds a relationship with a clever (whiskey fiend) Rosie, the elephant. Jacob and Rosie's rider Marlena also start a relationship. Marlena is married to the cruel and schizophrenic trainer who threatens Jacobs life. The book is amazing; I read it a few years ago and absolutely loved it. 

About the Movie

Loving a book can be scary when you hear of a movie adaptation being released. Nevertheless, I looked forward to Water for Elephants (2011) starring the ever popular (at the time) Robert Pattinson as Jacob Jankowski, and Reese Witherspoon as Marlena. The parts I did like in the movie were Jacob and Rosie (the elephant) relationship. I think they captured the circus atmosphere well and Christopher Waltz portrayed the crazed August, Rosie's abusive trainer, Marlena's husband, and ultimately Jacob's nemesis. I did love to see the animals escaping on screen too! 

V is for Vicomte of Bragelonne

About the Book

The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later is a novel by Alexander Dumas and is the third volume in a series of books. The book is written in three parts and is about The Musketeers and their quests during and about the transformation of Louis XIV from child monarch to Sun King and set between 1660 and 1667. Much like the movie the plot is a thick web between politics and covert operations. 

About the Movie

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) portrays The Three Musketeers as; Jeremy Irons is Aramis, John Malkovich as Ahos, Gerard Depardieu as Porthos, and Gabriel Byrne as D'Artagnan. The dual role of King Louis XIV and his twin brother Phillippe is portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. As King Louis XIV he is a cruel King (of France). When The Musketeers device a plan to switch the King with his twin brother who has been imprisoned, it becomes a thrilling escapade. Of course, there is much more to the story, but I don't want to give it all away. If you haven't watched it, check it out; you won't be disappointed.

U is for The Unforgiven

About the Book

The Unforgiven is the second classic Western novel by Alan Le May, published in 1957. On Goodreads it states the synopsis within one sentence and it seems to be a much more complex plot; "When their father dies, leaving them to survive in the wild and lonely Texas Panhandle on their own, the Zachary boys and their mother and sister must fight their late father's nemesis under the Kiowa moon." (Goodreads, 2014). This is definitely a novel that I want to read and will include in my summer to read list.

About the Movie

The IMDb.com blurb for The Unforgiven (1960) states "The neighbors of a frontier family turn on them when it is suspected that their adopted daughter was stolen from the local Kiawa tribe" (The Unforgiven IMDb.com, 2014). This is one that I want to read the book before checking out the movie.

Links

Goodreads Inc., The Unforgiven

IMDb.com - The Unforgiven

T is for Twilight

About the Book

The first book in the series introduces us to Bella Swan as she is moving to Forks, Washington from Arizona. She's moving in with her father who is Sheriff and close friends with local tribe, the Quileute in La Push. When Bella starts in her new school she meets Edward Cullen, who she thinks can't stand her, but there is a much more complicated reason he reacts the way that he does. Their fate is intertwined and he introduces her to his unusual family. Things get complicated when Bella is threatened and the Cullen family come to her aide.  One of my favorite characters in the series is Alice, sister to Edward; which they both have extraordinary abilities. Their abilities make them powerful allies and as you get further into the series you'll uncover that they'll also be desired by other clans. Twilight isn't my favorite book in the series, but it is the first, and the gateway into Stephenie Meyers (author) realm of vampires, shapeshifting wolves, and battling clans.

About the Movie

IMDb.com describes this movie as "A teenage girl risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire" (IMDb, 2014) however there is more involved than just that. First, the movie was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, along with her crew, gave it the edge of visual mystery. Also, the movie included some reputable actors, not as the main characters, but more of a supportive roles. Kristen Stewart is Bella Swan, she stepped into this role from being a princess of the indie scene, and received much criticism over the years of her performances. Her counterpart, Edward Cullen was portrayed by English model/actor Robert Pattinson. What I love about this movie is the simplicity. I also love how they captured true loves first tender moments. I know not everyone is a fan, and there is a lot of skepticism out there. But, if you've read the books, then you have the appreciation and love for the movies as well. Or at least that's my opinion.

Links

Stephenie Meyers Official Site

S is for Silence of the Lambs

About the Book

The Silence of the Lambs was written by Thomas Harris and published in 1981. It was the #1 National Bestseller and in 1988 received the Bram Stoker Award. This introduces us to Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee and her first assignment involves the search for a serial murderer nicknamed "Buffalo Bill." In an attempt to find the murderer Clarice "must visit a man confined to a high-security facility for the criminally insane and interview him. That man, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, is a former psychiatrist with unusual tastes and an intense curiosity about the darker corners of the mind. His intimate understanding of the killer and of Clarice herself from the core of [the book] an unforgettable classic of suspense fiction." (Bantam Dell Publishing Group, 2007)

About the Movie

I've seen this movie probably a dozen times, and each time there are certain scenes that I still find myself holding my breath. Even when I was looking through the list of book to movie adaptations, when I glanced over The Silence of the Lambs, I still held my breath. It's an intense movie that will take you into the deep-dark pits of the psychological realms of crazy town. Jody Foster portrays Clarice, the FBI trainee that gets tangled in Hannibal Lecters (Anthony Hopkins) webbed psychosis. There are so many memorable scenes in this movie. Two of my favorites is the very last scene when the evil psychiatrist is getting off the plane and being stalked... and the scene that makes me draw my breath every time is the intense scene when Clarice arrives at a home and then the lights go out; that entire scene is crazy (crazy intense and good!) If you haven't seen it - watch it.

Links

Thomas Harris Official Site

Wiki The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs on IMDb.com

R is for Return of the King

About the Book

The third in The Lord of the Rings trilogy by iconic author J.R.R. Tolkien. Within the book, it begins in the "kingdom of Gondor, which is soon to be attacked by the Dark Lord Sauron. The human Ranger Aragorn sets out to find the lost army of the undead oathbreakers. The hosts of Mordor break through the gates of Minas Tirith, but are in turn crushed by the arriving cavalry of Rohan. The Wizard Gandalf and Aragorn decide to draw out the hosts of ordor with an assault on the Black Gate, providing a distraction so that the two hobbits (Frodo and Sam) may have a chance of reaching Mount Doom and destroy the One Ring. Unseen by the Eye of Sauron. Sam, who now bears the One Ring in Frodo's place, rescues his master from torture and death by Orcs. Gollum gloats over getting his "precious" back, but ends up losing his balance and falls to his death, taking the Ring with him. The Ring is finally destroyed, freeing Middle-earth from Sauron's power." (Wiki, 2014)

About the Movie

I remember going to to the midnight showing of the final movie in Peter Jackson's ground breaking The Lord of the Rings trilogy; before watching this movie the first had been my favorite. After watching this action packed movie, it was by far my favorite. There is so much that happens in the movie, I can't possibly give you a blow-by-blow. So I'll just tell you about my favorite parts. I love when Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) goes to the Undead Oathbreakers and then at the end they sweep through the battle. I also love (I believe it's this movie) the flying eagles assistance in the big battle. As well, when Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) finally get to Mount Doom to the lava river and how it all unfolds. If you haven't seen this movie - where have you been? If you have seen the movie, which in the series was your favorite?

Links

Wiki The Return of the King

IMDb.com The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Q is for Queen of the Damned

About the Book

The Queen of the Damned (1988) is the third novel in The Vampire Chronicles series, written by Anne Rice. It follows Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lastat. The novel explores the rich history and mythology within the origins of the vampires in Rice's realms. There are supposedly suppose to be two more installments in Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles series entitled Prince Lestat and Blood Paradise.

About the Movie

Aaliyah is one of my favorite artists, gone too soon. I loved her music and I loved her in this movie. She portrayed an ancient vampire, Queen Akasha. She has been awaken by the legendary Lestat de Lioncourt, a rock-star vampire, using his fame as a cover for his plans. Lestat's music wakes the ancient queen. When Queen Akasha awakens, she wants Lestat to be her king.

P is for Pride and Prejudice

About the Book

Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1813, is the story about the Bennet family. Mainly, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues between her sisters, dating, and societal standards. In early 19th-century England, and one of five sisters, the crisis within the family is finding husbands for all of the girls. When Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy, first impressions were sketchy. But, after they keep seeing each other within society, their feelings might change. To date, Pride and Prejudice has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

About the Movie

Jennifer Ehle portrays Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest in a line of five daughters. Her family may be in the early 19th-century London, but the characters are so easy to relate to because the family dynamics are true today as they were so many years ago. Colin Firth portrays the misunderstood Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy arrives in society along with his friend Mr. Bingley (who falls for Elizabeth's older sister, Jane). When Elizabeth is presented to Darcy for a dance, he snubs her, and Elizabeth holds a grudge until Darcy reveals his true feelings for her against "his better judgment." I love this movie because (it's long, it was a series) and I love the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, as well as Mr. Bingley and Jane. Pride and Prejudice (1995)

O is for Oliver Twist

About the Book

Oliver Twist is the second novel written by the infamous author, Charles Dickens. Published in 1838, the story is about an orphan who endures a miserable experience and circumstances. When he travels to London he meet Artful Dodger, leader of a gang of young pickpockets. Oliver is naive and doesn't realize their criminal activities, he is then led to the lair of their matriarch, Fagin. The novel is notable for Dickens's unromantic portrayal of criminals, it also exposes the cruel treatment of the many orphans in London during the Dickensian era. Dickens also brings to light to many evils including child labor, early recruitment into gang activity, and the presence of street children. It is likely that Dickens's own early youth as a child laborer helped with the novels development, serious themes, and dark humor (Wiki, 2014).

About the Movie

Barney Clark stars as Oliver Twist, in this 2005 adaption of the classic Dickens Tale, where an orphan meets a pickpocket on the streets of London. From there, he joins a household of boys who are trained to steal for their master, Fagin (Ben Kingsley). On IMDb.com this rendition achieved 6.9 stars out of 10. Directed by Roman Polanski, as suggested by his wife, while he searching for a movie that their children would find interesting. His children have parts in the movie as well. Another interesting factoid; to keep the children actors in character, Ben Kingsley (Fagin) stays in character and kept his mannerisms and his physical appearance as his character even off-set (IMDb, 2014).

A to Z Challenge: Z

April A to Z Challenge
Day 26: Z
4/30/13

"I'm a cabernet fan, but what do I drink on a daily basis? I'm drinking zinfandel. A young, hard cabernet is not sensuous, not delicious. A young zinfandel is." Paul Draper (Quotesea)

Zinfandel is a wine made from red grapes. "The grape found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, and became known by variations of the name "Zinfandel", a name of uncertain origin." (Wikipedia) While I am not a wine connoisseur, I do appreciate an occasional glass of wine. Local vineyard Boordy created Jazzberry, an enjoyable zinfandel wine. Years ago I was introduced to a St. James (zinfadel wine) at the time it was the only wine that I would drink. As I have matured, my taste in wine has as well.
I would like to thank you for following and joining the site. Here's to my first year of the A to Z Challenge. I hope that I did well and look forward to doing many challenges in the future, so stay tuned. Cheers!

Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

A to Z Challenge: Y

April A to Z Challenge
Day 25: Y
4/29/13

"Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too." Will Smith (Brainyquote)

What was the last thing that you did for you?

I think in our society it is too easy to forget about ourselves (granted, there are selfish individuals too), especially women (my opinion). We do-do-do-do-do and so forth. Something I have learned though is that we desperately need to remember ourselves, take time to do something for you and hold no guilt or negative thoughts for taking care of yourself. 

For the first several years of my sons life I was his primary caretaker. He is severely handicapped and requires 24/7 care. It was too easy to loose myself in the chaos of that first year. I believe as mother's, generally, we are almost obsessive about doing for our children. But, as I have said before - we are human 'beings' not human 'doings'. Take time to enjoy life - this is what God ultimately wants for us - to enjoy life! 

One of the hardest things I had to do once my ex-husband and I separated was letting go. I had done everything and taken care of our son for so long I was terrified to give-up that control. I had to let go and let God handle things. It was exactly what was needed because now I could focus on myself. 

If you have stress in your life, make sure you seek help, because it leads to health concerns that could be detrimental to your life. It took me ten years (that's how stubborn I am) to learn that we need tools in order to deal with life. I learned a lot through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Finding the right therapist is probably as difficult as finding that perfect-fit pair of jeans. You want someone that you feel comfortable talking to, who is qualified and can help you. I have had appointments with different therapists who I could not 'click' with. So, I moved on and tried again - don't give up on yourself - ever!

Homework: tonight, do something for yourself - take deep breaths - and give your brain some down time to relax. Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

A to Z Challenge: X

April A to Z Challenge
Day 24: X
4/27/13
Xylo is a character in the first installment of my series, Going off Dreams. The word xylo is from the Greek word xylon, which means wood. Xylo in the series is a woodland dryad. She has sided with darkness and is a lieutenant in a war against the protagonist's on the side of the light. She is described as having skin that looks like wood, to the touch it feels reptilian. When she speaks, her gritty teeth show decay as dirt escapes from within. She might have been pure of spirit at one time, but Xylo's darkness has engulfed and has consumed her to a maddening state. She led a threatening battle against the protagonists, but you'll have to read the book to know the rest of her story. Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
P.S. Today's my birthday - give the gift of support, buy my book :)

Woodland Dryad

A to Z Challenge: W

April A to Z Challenge
Day 23: W
4/26/13
Growing up in America, Rugby was not a mainstream sport like football. However, when I started dating my current boyfriend who is a WRU Wales Rugby Union supporter, I have gained a whole new respect for the game of Rugby. Watching this past Six Nations Championship and Wales taking the victory, it was exciting to watch. The brutality is unmatched in other sports, even hockey (which could be considered the most violent sport) they wear protective gear. In rugby, there is not protective padding, other then the athletes muscles! When rugby players take a hit, you cringe knowing the impact and consequences. The amount of dedication and conditioning that has to be involved with a well trained rugby player must be intense. If you want to watch a real sport, I would suggest watching the Wales team. They are well trained and can execute plays much like an animal stalking it's prey. It doesn't hurt either that the whole time you are feasting on eye candy!!
Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

A to Z Challenge: V

April A to Z Challenge
Day 22: V
4/25/13

"Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul." Michel de Montaigne (Brainyquote)

What this quote says to me, is that valor is the ability to follow through with your convictions. Through courage and no falsehood is the integrity of valor. By definition, it means to have great courage in the face of danger. With the recent tragedy, Bostonian's showed great valor; when other's were running away those with courage to face the danger, demonstrated the American Valor and Spirit. 

"In a false quarrel there is no true valor." William Shakespeare (Brainyquote)

To possess the characteristic trait of valor within ourselves, I think this takes selflessness, humbleness, and humility. If you have entered into an argument with someone and through both parties persistence, neither can be persuaded to the other's beliefs; then the quarrel is under dictatorial precedence and should be terminated. Agree to disagree, respectfully. It is our God given right to have free will. Having the ability to be the bigger person shows maturity and education toward bettering oneself.  It is referenced within the Bible, and Abraham Lincoln quoted "better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

A to Z Challenge: U

April A to Z Challenge
Day 21: U
4/24/13

"Cure yourself of the affliction of caring how you appear to others. Concern yourself only with how you appear before God, concern yourself only with the idea that God may have of you." Miguel de Unamuno (Brainyquote)

Uranus

The seventh planet from the Sun, it has the third largest planetary radius and fourth largest planetary mass in the Solar System. The radius is 15,759 miles, one football field is 100 yards long. One mile equals 1760 yards, which would mean that the radius of Uranus is 27,735,840 yards (277,358.4 football fields!) Compared to Earth's mean radius of 6,371 km, Uranus' 25,362 km, approximately 3.98 Earth's could fit into Uranus. Uranus' surface area is 3.121 billion square miles. Earth's day consists of 24 hours, Uranus' is 17 hours and 14 minutes. (Uranus Wikipedia). So, while Earth may be smaller we have more hours in our day compared to Uranus. Discovered in 1781, 232 years ago, for a while it was not considered a planet because of how dim it can appear.  The name Uranus is an origin of the Greek god of the sky, Ouranos.

Legend of the Unicorn

Pictured here is the Chinese version of the Unicorn. In the orient the unicorn (Ki-lin or Chi-lin) is considered the omen of good fortune and a prophet of great things to come, the legend suggests that these creatures would appear near the time of a great and wise emperors birth. It is said that a unicorn or Ki-lin, was seen around the time of Confucius birth around 2700 BC. However, about 400 BC an Greek historian wrote about a unicorn like creature. It is very interesting reading about all the different accounts and the possible explanation that could be proposed based on our knowledge today. How the legend could have been a gateway from the Vikings gaining a high price for the horn (only they knew where to find at the time) of a Narwhal Tooth (a small whale with a spiraled tipped horn). 

Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

http://members.shaw.ca/unicornhaven/UnicornHistory.html

A to Z Challenge: T

April A to Z Challenge
Day 20: T
4/23/13
Have you ever wondered where the names for the days of the week originated? Since it is Tuesday and for the letter T, I thought it too coincidental and decided to look up Tuesday. "The name Tuesday comes from the old English Tiwesdæg (pronounced Tee-wes-dag or Tee-wes-dye), meaning "Tyr's day." Tyr (in Old English, Tiw, Tew or Tiu) was a god of combat and heroic glory in Germanic paganism. The name of the day is based on Latin Dies Martis, "Day of Mars" (the Roman war god); compare French Mardi and Spanish Mertes." (Wikipedia) Apparently Tyr was also a god of law and heroic glory. He is pictured as one handed and leader of the pantheon. He has been pictured holding a
scepter (authority) and a big wolf biting off his other hand (one-handed). The wolf was Fenrir and through the deception of the gods to entrap him, in retaliation bit off Tyr's hand.  He was another son of Odin, but was taunted by Loki and eventually lost favor to which Oden and Thor took over.


Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

A to Z Challenge: S

April A to Z Challenge
Day 19: S
4/22/13

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's Party!' Robin Williams (Brainyquote)

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us o see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds" Abraham Lincoln (Brainyquote)

"The bonds we create in the household are the most important and lasting. Savor them; they're sacred." Rainn Wilson (Brainyquote)

OK, so I might be getting carried away with quotations, it started as a nice way to transition to what I was writing about for that particular letter. Then, when I was searching on what to write for the letter S, I came across this picture:

Much like our lives, each peddle of our flower is a different characteristic or personality trait. Have you ever sat down and literally written out ten characteristics that define who you are? When I was in therapy we had to make a billboard advertising our good qualities - it was really hard for me to do. I loved the creative aspect (because I enjoy sketching), but actually thinking about myself, this was unheard of (lol). Then sit down and write out the 10 things that mean the most to you in life. This could be a great activity to do with

children too! Make 'peddles' to construct different flowers "who I am" flower, "what I like" flower and so on. Then when you put them all together, you will have a beautiful visual garden. Just like spring, we need to cultivate ourselves, we need to renew our spirits and count our blessings. If you have children, spend time with them, get them outside and keep them engaged in life. I remember playing outside when I was growing up, it was a gateway into imagination (not having games or shows dictating how we should think). I grew-up sheltered though and as a result naive, which isn't always a bad thing. My parents did the best that they could; I believe they did an amazing job. Take time to meditate on each peddle and define what it means to you. Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

A to Z Challenge: R

April A to Z Challenge
Day 18: R
4/20/13

"We beat the future in Andrew Luck. We beat the past in Peyton Manning. We beat the present in Tom Brady. Then we beat the best show on offense in the NFL in the 49ers in Colin Kaepernick. The toughest road in these playoffs, we did it. We did it together." Terrell Suggs (OLB Baltimore Ravens)

The Ravens had a long hard road to the Superbowl, they were able to overcome obstacle after obstacle. Torrey Smith lost his younger brother, but he played on. There were many on the injured list, they conquered and played on through the pain (for the ultimate gain). My favorite player through these many years since

1996 has been Ray Lewis. When he announced his retirement, while I could understand his decision  the game will never be the same without him. He brought something unique and an intensity that I doubt can be matched. I am so thankful that he was able to go out on top! And we will still get to see him as he announces for ESPN, I look forward to that. There have been many changes, from loosing some great players, and gaining some good ones too. Ravens fans have been taking deep breaths and changing "in Ozzie we trust"

Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky