Fortunately: The Movie

My boys and I had been playing with the idea of making a movie of one of our favorite books: Fortunately, by Remy Charlip.  We tossed around a couple of ideas and then, a couple of Fridays ago, we decided to actually do it.

It took most of the day.  I had to resign myself to not getting anything else done that day, but honestly, it wasn't that hard because we had so much fun.  We worked hard getting all the props ready, the stage and the lighting.  We had most of the logistics worked out but some things had to be improvised once filming began.

This is was our stage.  Nathaniel's science project board from two years ago worked nicely.

This was our family room when it was all over.  We made quite a mess.  Although, some of the mess is unrelated to the project.

The boys had so much fun.  Even though this was mostly Jonathan's project, Nathaniel couldn't help being involved.

When it came time to put the video together I was amazed at how well it all came together.   We just used Windows Live Movie Maker and it practically edited itself.  Pretty sweet.

Anyway, so here is the final product.  I hope you enjoy it because it was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.

Glen Beck Book Signing

This is a little unusual for me since I don't really like to go places with big crowds but I went to an actual book signing today. Glen Beck is here today for the Stadium of Fire and stopped by the University Mall Deseret Book to sign a few books before the show. Jaaromy gave me his book for Christmas so I thought I'd go get it signed. How cool is that! Jaaromy isn't as big of a fan as I am but he came with me anyway and wrestled with the kids and everything while I stood in line. Mr. Beck was apparently taking a break so the line wasn't moving at all. I'd never been to one before so I didn't know what to expect. Well, Jaaromy gave up trying to keep the kids in the store so he took them to another one and Nathaniel stayed with me. Soon after, Glen walked right by me on his way back to the signing table. There were some other guys and a couple of mall security guards with him. He actually seemed a little embarrassed at the attention. Well, once he got going things sped right up. I had been planning on saying something to him, but his time was limited and they were moving everyone along pretty quickly so he signed my book, shook my hand, and said "thank you." He seemed to genuinely mean it. I said thank you too and that was it. It was a lot of fun, I'm so glad I went.

The Host: a review

I hesitate to even call this a review because I don't know if I know how to discuss the book without giving away too much information. I'll do my best. I really enjoyed it. It's kind of funny, I feel like I didn't enjoy it as much as Twilight, however, I felt it was a better book. Wrap you mind around that! It's possible that I feel that way because while the love story in Twilight kept me all a-flutter the whole time The Host was more thought provoking. I've read plenty of Science Fiction and this is my first one written by a woman, and I think it shows. The imagery of the aliens' lives and voyages seem, at least to me, much more fantastic and beautiful than any I've read before. In an interesting twist, the main character is Wanderer and she is one of many alien "parasites" that lives in the body of human hosts. The aliens have taken over pretty much the whole world. They saw the human race as too violent and felt they could do a better job. I'm always wary of books that try to stereotype humans as "evil" or whatever. I started to read a book like that but couldn't get past the first chapter in which all the magical creatures got together and bad-mouthed the humans. Look, we're not perfect but if you want me to read your book maybe you should lay off the insults. However, the difference was that while that was obviously the view of the aliens, the actual human characters were much more complicated than that. One major theme that Stephanie Meyer brushed over a few times is that everything in life has an opposite. True joy cannot be felt unless you've experienced the opposite.
On a side note: It's funny that I seem to be rolling my eyes at some of the over the top drama that could only come from a female, at the same time totally seeing myself in a lot of the thought processes. Complex indeed.

Mistborn

I just finished reading Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson, second book of the Mistborn series. Once again he has told an absolutely amazing story, I think I will go so far as to say it's the best fiction I've ever read. He has created a very unique world in which metals are the source of magic for those who have the gift to use it. The characters are engaging and even supporting characters have their own story and depth.
I can't recommend it highly enough. Even if you don't think fantasy is for you, a good book is a good book no matter what the genre.