T.L. Gray's Blog, page 79
September 7, 2011
Keezy's 10 Awesome Rules for Teenaged Dating
My new book, Keezy's 10 Awesome Rules for Teenaged Dating, is being released September 2010 by Vabella Publishing and will make her debut at the MeccaFest 2011 Arts Festival in Carrollton, Georgia October 8-9 at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center.
Ebooks will be available soon!
Ebooks will be available soon!
August 12, 2011
Being a Fan
It's been a really long time since I've been a giddy fan, overcome with excitement that the object of my admiration dared to defy the heavens and look upon me with a small hint of notice, as if their acknowledgement of my existence validated that existance. It's been a long time that I've walked around with my head held high, seeing myself as an equal, neither above nor below. When you do that... it puts a big chink the practice of being fan.
On the flip side, having published my first novel a few years ago, I've been trying to acclimate my mind into thinking the world hasn't fallen apart and people have become zombies... therefore resulting in me actually having fans of my own. No one in their right mind would follow me, or even be slightly impressed. I've always thought I was my biggest fan. To be quite honest, sometimes I don't like having to share such adoration with anyone else; I'm quite possessive of me. I've never been one to desire the practice of pleasing others, and quite often fail miserably at it. It's been a challenge allowing others (like I had any control over it) to covey their appreciation for the gifts and talents I've been given.
On the edges of that same coin, I'm surrounded by several people who have very healthy fan bases, yet they're just regular joe's to me... friends, children of, parents of, siblings of, members of, and very well connected or talented leaders of; I've sort of become numb to the whole idea and concept of being a fan or being the object of facination.
What a bleak and boring world that makes when everyone is on the same playing field. Greatness gets lost among the muck. True appreciation flitters in the wind without any direction.
I've learned lately that I can truly admire someone's gifts and talents without actually liking them. So, if it's true for me... then it must be true for everyone else. So, my zombie theory is rapidly desintergrating and I'm coming to appreciate my fans. I'm also getting a bit excited about returning to the practice and exercise of being a fan myself. It's time to pull the pins out of my hair and let it blow in the breeze, and give appreciation something to grasp onto.
So, I smile today... as a FAN. I received a tweet response from actor Paul Bettany, whose talent and humor I highly admire. I once again felt like that young girl in 3rd grade getting a letter from news anchor Glen Burns as a response to a class project, or at 13 getting to meet Duran Duran back in 1985, or when I received an autographed picture and letter from actor Michael Rosenbaum thanking me for my Smallville reviews in 2002, or meeting and giving a copy of my book to all 10 cast members of the Vampire Diaries last year, meeting actor Gil Gerard at the grocery store, or meeting and talking to best-selling authors like D.J. MacHale, Julie Kagawa, Cinda Chima Williams, Charlene Harris, Garth Nix, etc.
I'm constantly surrounded by great talent and even greater celebrity, and somewhere among all that greatness I lost my sense of fandom. So, I'd like to take this moment and let these great talented people know that I highly admire their work, their gifts and their talent. I might not like them all as people, but I'm a huge fan of their work.
On the flip side, having published my first novel a few years ago, I've been trying to acclimate my mind into thinking the world hasn't fallen apart and people have become zombies... therefore resulting in me actually having fans of my own. No one in their right mind would follow me, or even be slightly impressed. I've always thought I was my biggest fan. To be quite honest, sometimes I don't like having to share such adoration with anyone else; I'm quite possessive of me. I've never been one to desire the practice of pleasing others, and quite often fail miserably at it. It's been a challenge allowing others (like I had any control over it) to covey their appreciation for the gifts and talents I've been given.
On the edges of that same coin, I'm surrounded by several people who have very healthy fan bases, yet they're just regular joe's to me... friends, children of, parents of, siblings of, members of, and very well connected or talented leaders of; I've sort of become numb to the whole idea and concept of being a fan or being the object of facination.
What a bleak and boring world that makes when everyone is on the same playing field. Greatness gets lost among the muck. True appreciation flitters in the wind without any direction.
I've learned lately that I can truly admire someone's gifts and talents without actually liking them. So, if it's true for me... then it must be true for everyone else. So, my zombie theory is rapidly desintergrating and I'm coming to appreciate my fans. I'm also getting a bit excited about returning to the practice and exercise of being a fan myself. It's time to pull the pins out of my hair and let it blow in the breeze, and give appreciation something to grasp onto.
So, I smile today... as a FAN. I received a tweet response from actor Paul Bettany, whose talent and humor I highly admire. I once again felt like that young girl in 3rd grade getting a letter from news anchor Glen Burns as a response to a class project, or at 13 getting to meet Duran Duran back in 1985, or when I received an autographed picture and letter from actor Michael Rosenbaum thanking me for my Smallville reviews in 2002, or meeting and giving a copy of my book to all 10 cast members of the Vampire Diaries last year, meeting actor Gil Gerard at the grocery store, or meeting and talking to best-selling authors like D.J. MacHale, Julie Kagawa, Cinda Chima Williams, Charlene Harris, Garth Nix, etc.
I'm constantly surrounded by great talent and even greater celebrity, and somewhere among all that greatness I lost my sense of fandom. So, I'd like to take this moment and let these great talented people know that I highly admire their work, their gifts and their talent. I might not like them all as people, but I'm a huge fan of their work.
August 4, 2011
Drowning
Ever dreamt you were at the bottom of the ocean? You can see the shimmering sliver of light above you, but no matter how much you kick your feet and tread water, you just can't reach the top? You're lungs are about to burst from holding the small pocket of air, feeling every little bubble press against your chest, screaming for release and refill? You begin to lose consciousness and get confused, not knowing up and down until blackness swarms in as you open up your mouth and inhale.
In the past when I had dreamt of being underwater and felt the pressure of airless lungs, I'm somehow was able to find the supernatural ability to breathe beneath the surface, commanding, combining and extracting the small pockets of oxygen. But, recently my dreams have changed and my superpower of underwater breathing fails me… and I'm drowning.
Now, for those intent on interpreting this dream - I believe I already know its meaning and there isn't a thing I can do about it.
I've always enjoyed my dreams, even the scary ones because the story always ended with a sense of empowerment and victory. No matter how evil the monster, I always won. I've always contributed this to the spirit to fight and overcome adversity that dwelled within me, always assuring victory, reminding me of the truly evil obstacles I've overcome in the past. I really have climbed some tall mountains; some that would have destroyed and defeated your average person. Sometimes, I'm still in awe at some of them, knowing that I could never have overcome them on my own.
Yet, here I find myself, really for the first time in my life feeling spent. I've been on the battlefield for so long, and fought so many enemies, struggled through so many wars… I'm tired. The war still rages around me, but I don't have the strength anymore to pick up my sword. I know if I don't fight, the enemies that surround me will strike me down. My standard billows behind me, acknowledging my position, yet I don't move. When I was young, the passion to fight and the dream of Camelot filled my head. The ugliness of the world I saw around me didn't have to be the world in which I lived. I could change it, one small step at a time. Where did my passion and my fight go? I sit here and see Camelot filled with swords as the battle rages around me. So much death; so much carnage. Yet, I know there's a land flowing with milk and honey at the end of the battle, a fortress, a place of rest filled with love and peace; at least until the next army of enemies comes and a new fight breaks out to protect; to defend; to conquer.
I'm as Jonah… my spirit to fight has left me and I don't want to continue the mission of God. I have boarded a boat going in the opposite direction, the storm has come, and I find myself in the belly of big whale that carries me into the depths. I don't know if I can change my heart and be spit out onto dry ground. Why not just remain in the belly of this whale, in the darkness, in the water's depth until no more air, no more breath, no more struggles? My spirit is willing, but my flesh is just plain worn out!!!! Some will say, "Think of others". I don't want to think of anything. I can't save the world. It's not my job. I can't even save myself, I've not the power.
I'm a puppet in this play, just like everyone else. I used to dream of string-less adventures, but now I just want to be cut loose and placed in a box. I don't want to entertain anymore. I don't want to dream; dreaming hurts. The puppet master doesn't need me to complete the performance; he has plenty of others to fulfill his demands.
Whether a fallen knight, a runaway prophet or a useless puppet… I'm spent. Unless the King, the God or the puppet master lifts me up, I can't move. Unless He fills me with new breath, I can't breathe.
In the past when I had dreamt of being underwater and felt the pressure of airless lungs, I'm somehow was able to find the supernatural ability to breathe beneath the surface, commanding, combining and extracting the small pockets of oxygen. But, recently my dreams have changed and my superpower of underwater breathing fails me… and I'm drowning.
Now, for those intent on interpreting this dream - I believe I already know its meaning and there isn't a thing I can do about it.
I've always enjoyed my dreams, even the scary ones because the story always ended with a sense of empowerment and victory. No matter how evil the monster, I always won. I've always contributed this to the spirit to fight and overcome adversity that dwelled within me, always assuring victory, reminding me of the truly evil obstacles I've overcome in the past. I really have climbed some tall mountains; some that would have destroyed and defeated your average person. Sometimes, I'm still in awe at some of them, knowing that I could never have overcome them on my own.
Yet, here I find myself, really for the first time in my life feeling spent. I've been on the battlefield for so long, and fought so many enemies, struggled through so many wars… I'm tired. The war still rages around me, but I don't have the strength anymore to pick up my sword. I know if I don't fight, the enemies that surround me will strike me down. My standard billows behind me, acknowledging my position, yet I don't move. When I was young, the passion to fight and the dream of Camelot filled my head. The ugliness of the world I saw around me didn't have to be the world in which I lived. I could change it, one small step at a time. Where did my passion and my fight go? I sit here and see Camelot filled with swords as the battle rages around me. So much death; so much carnage. Yet, I know there's a land flowing with milk and honey at the end of the battle, a fortress, a place of rest filled with love and peace; at least until the next army of enemies comes and a new fight breaks out to protect; to defend; to conquer.
I'm as Jonah… my spirit to fight has left me and I don't want to continue the mission of God. I have boarded a boat going in the opposite direction, the storm has come, and I find myself in the belly of big whale that carries me into the depths. I don't know if I can change my heart and be spit out onto dry ground. Why not just remain in the belly of this whale, in the darkness, in the water's depth until no more air, no more breath, no more struggles? My spirit is willing, but my flesh is just plain worn out!!!! Some will say, "Think of others". I don't want to think of anything. I can't save the world. It's not my job. I can't even save myself, I've not the power.
I'm a puppet in this play, just like everyone else. I used to dream of string-less adventures, but now I just want to be cut loose and placed in a box. I don't want to entertain anymore. I don't want to dream; dreaming hurts. The puppet master doesn't need me to complete the performance; he has plenty of others to fulfill his demands.
Whether a fallen knight, a runaway prophet or a useless puppet… I'm spent. Unless the King, the God or the puppet master lifts me up, I can't move. Unless He fills me with new breath, I can't breathe.
July 29, 2011
Passion Vs. Compassion
The word
passion
means:1often capitalized a : the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death b : an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion 2obsolete : suffering 3: the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces 4a (1) : emotion passion is greed> (2) plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason b : intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c : an outbreak of anger 5a : ardent affection : love b : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c : sexual desire d : an object of desire or deep interest
The word compassion means:: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
In more simplistic terms, passion is a feeling and compassion is an active and conscious decision to alleviate distress (hunger, suffering, imprisonment, danger, pain, etc.). What's the difference? Though we (humans) are filled with emotions and those emotions often dictate our reactions and responses, they do not rule us. We always have a choice to give into our passions and desires, or overcome them. However, compassion isn't an emotional response, but a conscious pattern of thought where we use our intellect to assess a situation, event or conflict and see a path of deliverance.
You see, it's passionate to see a hungry child and feed it. We react out of our passion; our feelings. However, when we assess their situation and use our intellect to see a way to alleviate that child's hunger in the long run; that's compassion. Compassion isn't devoid of passion, but sometimes, and often many times, passion is devoid of compassion.
Passion creates a social system that will put a band-aid over an open sore. Compassion understands there are infectious bacteria inside the sore and needs an antibiotic, but also needs a lesson in prevention. Compassion understands that we can't stand around every day and continue to throw band-aids at the diseases that plague our society.
One of the common arguments I hear is: "Parent's aren't teaching their children basic sanitary practices, which lead to the spread of disease, therefore it's OUR responsibility to care for these sick children AND their ignorant parents." That's passion speaking.
Compassion will say, "While we treat children with infections, we teach them how to clean THEMSELVES to prevent the spreading of further infection. For a trial period, we help the parents get on their feet and give them an opportunity to SHOW (their words and promises mean nothing) so they can be responsible."
Doing something for someone isn't helping them; it handicaps and enslaves them. I found myself in my early twenties as a single mom with two babies and unable to pay my bills. I applied for welfare and within a few days received my first AFDC check, Medicaid for myself and my children, and a book of food stamps. I can't tell you what a relief it was that I was able for the first time to pay my rent, on time. That lasted for a couple months until I began to look for steady regular work. I enjoyed the few weeks I got to be home with my babies without worrying whether I was going to be homeless and someone in a pencil skirt and jacket would show up and take my kids away from me because I couldn't take care of their basic needs. Now they could eat, sleep and see the doctor in relative comfort. I bought their governmental promises, hook, line and sinker, at least until the rose colored glasses slid down my nose. Though I had graduated high school and had a few quarters of college under my belt, I wasn't qualified for any high paying jobs. In the area I lived, it consisted mostly of service jobs – nursing homes and restaurants. So, my options were limited – wait tables or clean bottoms. I applied to the nursing home and got a job as a nursing assistant making minimum wage. I had to start somewhere. I was very proud of myself. I knew things would be really tight because the cost of daycare would take over half my paycheck each week, but combined with my AFDC and Food Stamps, I could see a path out of the deep well of despair within a year. This welfare thing was GREAT! However, that dream shattered when I called my caseworker and shared with her the news of my new job! That's the moment I realized I had iron shackles around my ankles.
To continue to receive AFCD, Food Stamps and Medicaid, I couldn't have a job. They would deduct what I earned from my check, require me to obtain my own medical insurance plan and reduce my food stamps. I couldn't even buy a car to get me back and forth to work, because they'd have to deduct the value of the vehicle from my benefits.
I didn't see the benefit of my benefits anymore. It seemed like the same method pimps used to keep prostitutes under submission and in service, where the pimps (government) got them(women, children) addicted and dependent on the drugs (benefits) to keep them in enslaved service (keep the programs running & use as a political tool).
I only had a few choices in front of me: Submit to this form of slavery, like most of my neighbors in the housing projects and trailer parks where I lived, and teach this slave mentality to my children. OR, lie and risk going to jail for perjury and theft and lose my children. OR, struggle for a LONG time choosing to work two jobs and allow daycare and babysitters to raise my children for a while until I could get to a point where only one job was needed. I didn't have to have the best, but my kids deserved the best. I worked hard for three years, forgot about ALL of MY wants because I was responsible for my situation and to supply the needs of my children.
I climbed out the bottomless well I once found myself. It was hard; the hardest thing I ever did. I did it without any government help, all the while paying my taxes (which I could have really used), and reminded myself daily that I deserved better, and so did my kids. I wasn't rich, but I was free. Most of all, my children respected me and were taught the pride of honest living. They know that if they want to accomplish anything in this world, they'd have to do it themselves, not expect someone to do it for them or hand it out to them. They have seen firsthand the results of a handout.
My children are not children anymore, they're all adults. I've had many successes in my life since that bleak period. I've moved up the corporate ladder in a male dominated business, I got married, I started my own company, and I'm reaching for my dreams of being a writer and was published in 2009. I've already accomplished a great deal and I just turned 40. I can't imagine what's next.
I still don't have a whole lot of money. In fact, I live just barely above poverty level. Yet, I spend much of time now in volunteer work. I help feed the poor, educate the ignorant, hold the hands of new dreamers, and share the gifts given to me with those around me. I look for opportunities to help and to give, but NEVER in an entitlement program. I don't help everyone with their hands out… Like Jesus, I ask, "Do you really want to be healed, be delivered and set free?" If so, then in my COMPASSION I'll PASSIONATELY help and lead them to the way or answer that will help alleviate their distress. And that doesn't make me a hypocrite.
I've worked hard for what little I have, and I give regularly over 15% of my gross income to charitable organizations and projects I believe are compassionately helpful. However, I don't like the government sticking their hands in my pocket and taking from me what THEY think I should support. They can't even pay their own bills, but they want to tell me how to pay mine. I've yet to see ONE entitlement program actually make a true difference. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. These entitlement programs have failed over and over and over and over, creating generations of slaves… yet they expect them to magically start working and changing the world. The government is a plantation owner and the recipients of entitlements are the indentured slaves, and with a slave mentality they think it's better to pick cotton on the plantation than be free and have to work among the unknown and uncertain where there's a chance at success and failure. Fear of the unknown is the greatest shackle of them all, and that is what our government sells best.
The word compassion means:: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
In more simplistic terms, passion is a feeling and compassion is an active and conscious decision to alleviate distress (hunger, suffering, imprisonment, danger, pain, etc.). What's the difference? Though we (humans) are filled with emotions and those emotions often dictate our reactions and responses, they do not rule us. We always have a choice to give into our passions and desires, or overcome them. However, compassion isn't an emotional response, but a conscious pattern of thought where we use our intellect to assess a situation, event or conflict and see a path of deliverance.
You see, it's passionate to see a hungry child and feed it. We react out of our passion; our feelings. However, when we assess their situation and use our intellect to see a way to alleviate that child's hunger in the long run; that's compassion. Compassion isn't devoid of passion, but sometimes, and often many times, passion is devoid of compassion.
Passion creates a social system that will put a band-aid over an open sore. Compassion understands there are infectious bacteria inside the sore and needs an antibiotic, but also needs a lesson in prevention. Compassion understands that we can't stand around every day and continue to throw band-aids at the diseases that plague our society.
One of the common arguments I hear is: "Parent's aren't teaching their children basic sanitary practices, which lead to the spread of disease, therefore it's OUR responsibility to care for these sick children AND their ignorant parents." That's passion speaking.
Compassion will say, "While we treat children with infections, we teach them how to clean THEMSELVES to prevent the spreading of further infection. For a trial period, we help the parents get on their feet and give them an opportunity to SHOW (their words and promises mean nothing) so they can be responsible."
Doing something for someone isn't helping them; it handicaps and enslaves them. I found myself in my early twenties as a single mom with two babies and unable to pay my bills. I applied for welfare and within a few days received my first AFDC check, Medicaid for myself and my children, and a book of food stamps. I can't tell you what a relief it was that I was able for the first time to pay my rent, on time. That lasted for a couple months until I began to look for steady regular work. I enjoyed the few weeks I got to be home with my babies without worrying whether I was going to be homeless and someone in a pencil skirt and jacket would show up and take my kids away from me because I couldn't take care of their basic needs. Now they could eat, sleep and see the doctor in relative comfort. I bought their governmental promises, hook, line and sinker, at least until the rose colored glasses slid down my nose. Though I had graduated high school and had a few quarters of college under my belt, I wasn't qualified for any high paying jobs. In the area I lived, it consisted mostly of service jobs – nursing homes and restaurants. So, my options were limited – wait tables or clean bottoms. I applied to the nursing home and got a job as a nursing assistant making minimum wage. I had to start somewhere. I was very proud of myself. I knew things would be really tight because the cost of daycare would take over half my paycheck each week, but combined with my AFDC and Food Stamps, I could see a path out of the deep well of despair within a year. This welfare thing was GREAT! However, that dream shattered when I called my caseworker and shared with her the news of my new job! That's the moment I realized I had iron shackles around my ankles.
To continue to receive AFCD, Food Stamps and Medicaid, I couldn't have a job. They would deduct what I earned from my check, require me to obtain my own medical insurance plan and reduce my food stamps. I couldn't even buy a car to get me back and forth to work, because they'd have to deduct the value of the vehicle from my benefits.
I didn't see the benefit of my benefits anymore. It seemed like the same method pimps used to keep prostitutes under submission and in service, where the pimps (government) got them(women, children) addicted and dependent on the drugs (benefits) to keep them in enslaved service (keep the programs running & use as a political tool).
I only had a few choices in front of me: Submit to this form of slavery, like most of my neighbors in the housing projects and trailer parks where I lived, and teach this slave mentality to my children. OR, lie and risk going to jail for perjury and theft and lose my children. OR, struggle for a LONG time choosing to work two jobs and allow daycare and babysitters to raise my children for a while until I could get to a point where only one job was needed. I didn't have to have the best, but my kids deserved the best. I worked hard for three years, forgot about ALL of MY wants because I was responsible for my situation and to supply the needs of my children.
I climbed out the bottomless well I once found myself. It was hard; the hardest thing I ever did. I did it without any government help, all the while paying my taxes (which I could have really used), and reminded myself daily that I deserved better, and so did my kids. I wasn't rich, but I was free. Most of all, my children respected me and were taught the pride of honest living. They know that if they want to accomplish anything in this world, they'd have to do it themselves, not expect someone to do it for them or hand it out to them. They have seen firsthand the results of a handout.
My children are not children anymore, they're all adults. I've had many successes in my life since that bleak period. I've moved up the corporate ladder in a male dominated business, I got married, I started my own company, and I'm reaching for my dreams of being a writer and was published in 2009. I've already accomplished a great deal and I just turned 40. I can't imagine what's next.
I still don't have a whole lot of money. In fact, I live just barely above poverty level. Yet, I spend much of time now in volunteer work. I help feed the poor, educate the ignorant, hold the hands of new dreamers, and share the gifts given to me with those around me. I look for opportunities to help and to give, but NEVER in an entitlement program. I don't help everyone with their hands out… Like Jesus, I ask, "Do you really want to be healed, be delivered and set free?" If so, then in my COMPASSION I'll PASSIONATELY help and lead them to the way or answer that will help alleviate their distress. And that doesn't make me a hypocrite.
I've worked hard for what little I have, and I give regularly over 15% of my gross income to charitable organizations and projects I believe are compassionately helpful. However, I don't like the government sticking their hands in my pocket and taking from me what THEY think I should support. They can't even pay their own bills, but they want to tell me how to pay mine. I've yet to see ONE entitlement program actually make a true difference. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. These entitlement programs have failed over and over and over and over, creating generations of slaves… yet they expect them to magically start working and changing the world. The government is a plantation owner and the recipients of entitlements are the indentured slaves, and with a slave mentality they think it's better to pick cotton on the plantation than be free and have to work among the unknown and uncertain where there's a chance at success and failure. Fear of the unknown is the greatest shackle of them all, and that is what our government sells best.
July 21, 2011
Imposters, Liars & Thieves!
Ever seen that commercial where you have this world class tennis player trying to play a game of tennis, but then just everyday, regular people with no skill, talent or record shows up on the court and you can no longer tell the world class player from anyone else? Well, that commercial was about how the social networks have marred and blurred the pool of well qualified applicants looking for a job among the dead beats. You can't tell one from the other.
What I'm discovering more and more everyday with the many people I meet all over the world, is that not only do the unqualified and inexperienced step out and try to obtain the jobs, careers or status of the well qualified, highly educated, extremely gifted and seasonable experienced, but they seem to think they deserve it. Where does this type of arrogance come from? Surely not from our present day leaders!
I understand we live in a society who believes in entitlements. This new generation has grown up being fed the importance of these entitlements so much they can't imagine their lives without them, even to the point of shouting decisions contrary are 'unconstitutional'. The concept of actually earning what you get in this life is being cast by the wayside in the name of fairness and socialism.
I was raised under the mentality that "Uncle Sam" owes you. But, I've come to discover that I am Uncle Sam. When you cheat the government by not paying your taxes, lying to gain welfare or unemployment, or fudge on your income to obtain government health care, free lunches for your kids at school and so on, you're not stealing from a communist or socialist government institution under the name of Uncle Sam; you're stealing from me and every other person who pays their taxes.
In this society with unemployment records at all-time highs, I'm also noticing how high school drop outs are claiming a college education on their online profiles and resumes without actually having one, and often securing jobs that should have went to the men and women who have paid their dues, tuition and time in study and preparation. When these types of thefts (for that is what they truly are) occur it causes an injustice and imbalance in the working universe. There are more college graduates working at low end jobs or unemployed today than ever in history. Many spout that it's the illegal immigrants who are taking all the jobs, but that just isn't true. Illegal immigrants often work the same low-paying jobs that high school drop-outs are barely qualified to hold, while the lying, cheating drop outs are infiltrating the entry positions designed for the college graduates. Just as with the problems with some illegal immigrants, these drop outs feel they are ENTITLED to these positions they neither deserve or earned. I do also want to add, that it's not always a degree that matters, but experience. You could have been a drop out, but have worked hard and learned through experience to climb the ranks. That's deserved and not an entitlement.
The last example I wanted to share that really irks me is when budding writers call themselves "Authors". It took many years, several manuscripts and a whole lot of heart, pain, tears and passion for me to have earned the title of a published author. Yet, day after day I come across misinformed writers posing as authors. The more the title is misused and abused by those who haven't earned it, the more the title itself loses its prestige. Just to clarify - to hold the title of "Author" you must have been published by a traditional publisher (any troll can self-publish garbage.) Posting articles on blogs or Op-ed pieces in newspapers doesn't make an author... it makes a pundit. Anyone who posts on Facebook, Twitter or My Space can call themselves a published writer, because what they write is published on a forum that others can read. Publishing something you written on a blog, magazine or op-ed piece makes you no more an author than going to Taco Bell makes you a burrito.
I'm proud of the educational degrees I've earned in college, wish I could have earned more. I'm proud of the experience I've gained at the different jobs I've held. I'm proud of the accomplishments I've obtained in my writing career. I'm proud of the friends I've gained through recognition of my hard work, experience, gifts and talents. I don't appreciate all the imposters, liars and thieves out there who try to destroy all my hard work, diminish my skill and demean my gifts and talents.
What I'm discovering more and more everyday with the many people I meet all over the world, is that not only do the unqualified and inexperienced step out and try to obtain the jobs, careers or status of the well qualified, highly educated, extremely gifted and seasonable experienced, but they seem to think they deserve it. Where does this type of arrogance come from? Surely not from our present day leaders!
I understand we live in a society who believes in entitlements. This new generation has grown up being fed the importance of these entitlements so much they can't imagine their lives without them, even to the point of shouting decisions contrary are 'unconstitutional'. The concept of actually earning what you get in this life is being cast by the wayside in the name of fairness and socialism.
I was raised under the mentality that "Uncle Sam" owes you. But, I've come to discover that I am Uncle Sam. When you cheat the government by not paying your taxes, lying to gain welfare or unemployment, or fudge on your income to obtain government health care, free lunches for your kids at school and so on, you're not stealing from a communist or socialist government institution under the name of Uncle Sam; you're stealing from me and every other person who pays their taxes.
In this society with unemployment records at all-time highs, I'm also noticing how high school drop outs are claiming a college education on their online profiles and resumes without actually having one, and often securing jobs that should have went to the men and women who have paid their dues, tuition and time in study and preparation. When these types of thefts (for that is what they truly are) occur it causes an injustice and imbalance in the working universe. There are more college graduates working at low end jobs or unemployed today than ever in history. Many spout that it's the illegal immigrants who are taking all the jobs, but that just isn't true. Illegal immigrants often work the same low-paying jobs that high school drop-outs are barely qualified to hold, while the lying, cheating drop outs are infiltrating the entry positions designed for the college graduates. Just as with the problems with some illegal immigrants, these drop outs feel they are ENTITLED to these positions they neither deserve or earned. I do also want to add, that it's not always a degree that matters, but experience. You could have been a drop out, but have worked hard and learned through experience to climb the ranks. That's deserved and not an entitlement.
The last example I wanted to share that really irks me is when budding writers call themselves "Authors". It took many years, several manuscripts and a whole lot of heart, pain, tears and passion for me to have earned the title of a published author. Yet, day after day I come across misinformed writers posing as authors. The more the title is misused and abused by those who haven't earned it, the more the title itself loses its prestige. Just to clarify - to hold the title of "Author" you must have been published by a traditional publisher (any troll can self-publish garbage.) Posting articles on blogs or Op-ed pieces in newspapers doesn't make an author... it makes a pundit. Anyone who posts on Facebook, Twitter or My Space can call themselves a published writer, because what they write is published on a forum that others can read. Publishing something you written on a blog, magazine or op-ed piece makes you no more an author than going to Taco Bell makes you a burrito.
I'm proud of the educational degrees I've earned in college, wish I could have earned more. I'm proud of the experience I've gained at the different jobs I've held. I'm proud of the accomplishments I've obtained in my writing career. I'm proud of the friends I've gained through recognition of my hard work, experience, gifts and talents. I don't appreciate all the imposters, liars and thieves out there who try to destroy all my hard work, diminish my skill and demean my gifts and talents.
May 31, 2011
Crazy4Smallville's Review - Series Finale
How do I review something that's been a part of my life for the past decade? How do put I put the stopper at the end of a bottle and then toss it away? It's a lot harder than you think. It became even more difficult in the week following the finale, when I knew nothing else was to come. It's an empty feeling; a hollow hole left open. Part of me wants to fill it again with something else, but then another part of me doesn't want (or doesn't think) anything else is good enough to fill the vacant lot, now unoccupied. Where do I go from here? That's the first thing the ending of Smallville has given me – an unoccupied space in my heart that I don't know if I'll be able to fill; and if I do fill it, to what degree will the next thing be worthy? From the look of what's out there, not anything that I consider even in the same caliber. What to do? What to do?
I have to say that waiting ten long years for a particular event to happen has taught me a lesson in patience, and the rewards that come from being patient and loyal.
Well, here goes… for the last time!
I love the opening, how they show scenes from the very beginning, the very first episode and hit on all the really truly major points, leaving out the completely useless ones (but, we're not going to get into all that). Boy, did everybody look so much younger. It's like going to a family reunion you haven't been to in a while. There's Pete, Lex, Lana, Chloe, The Torch, Smallville High, the Farm, Shelby, Wall of Weird, Lionel… and then it brings us up to speed with Darkseid, the Kandorians, Green Arrow, the Daily Planet, Lois & Clark, alternate universes, Clark still dealing with the same issue he had ten years ago – a low self-perception and an over-exhausted case of humility.
Love the DC comic book featuring Smallville on the cover and Clark Kent. PRICELESS. Chloe reading to her son, how appropriate, especially since she just got her own character in the D.C. Universe. What I don't think is realistic in this scene is that a D.C. Comic will only cost $2.99 even in the near future (seven years) the way the economy's in the tankard. Don't want to go down that road, so let's move on. No guessing whose son she's reading too, not with a green bow and set of plastic arrows sitting on the dresser. Great beginning! OKAY – big ball of flaming planet headed straight to earth! Let me guess… only one person can save us now! Enter theme song by Remy Zero – "Somebody Save Me". Excellently done! BTW – I'm so glad the network continued with the same theme song for all ten years, it just wouldn't have been the same without it.
Starting off with the Daily Planet; quite appropriate. It's been the theme setting now for the last couple years, and I don't think they could pick a better one. Love the mild mannered reporter, and boy isn't he being mild mannered! Look at how easy-going and laid-back he's being when his fiancé has called off their wedding. Now, THIS is not the typical Clark reaction. Lois being pig-headed… right in-line with her character. However, the big speech about why she's being pig-headed is redundant from last week, and a waste of screen time. I could be seeing something else right now… like LEX. Oh, Burn! He put the decision back all onto her.
Chloe and Oliver decorating the church for the wedding, talking about their own unmemorable wedding, and discussing their marriage. I love that it's just… ditto. I love to see both of them happy, however I really feel that this storyline just got pushed to the backseat. Chloe has been such a pivotal point of the whole storyline. She was there in the beginning and has been there every step… and it just feels like knowing her story was just a small sideline… makes me feel her character was a bit cheated of the glory she truly deserved.
Tess trying to restore the Luthor mansion? Let it stay destroyed, right along with the Luthor Legacy. Why would someone rejected and abused by a family try to restore the family name. I'd want nothing to do with it, EVER. Restoring a bad name isn't going to change what happened; it could only help cover future destruction by the same. Grandma creepy sounds like a broken record. Typical religious rhetoric being spouted from deranged lunatics. Of course, the only difference from her than the rest of the loonies, is the fact that a big ball of flaming planet is headed straight toward earth.
It's so sad to see the Kent Farm, empty, boxed up. That's how I feel, as I'm sure millions of viewers. Oh, yeah! You tell him Ma Kent! I never thought he should give up the house either. She tried to tell Clark that Jonathan was always around, but he's too thick-headed to see that. Boy, did she hit the nail on the head, about Clark cutting out the past that made him who he is… Clark Kent is just part of what makes Superman great; it's a combination of the gifts and powers of Kal-El combined with the heart and passion of Clark Kent.
Chloe back in the Daily Planet… LOVE IT. Lois wanting to interview the President – PRICELESS. Lois, bantering… nah, nah. Clark's vows… WOW, WOW, WOW. Great writing. She finally got it… "I'm such an idiot!"
Oliver disconnected all the satellite feeds…hmmm. I know he's been tagged by Darkseid, but how oh how is he going to get out of this? A ring of gold Kryptonite? Now, remind me what gold does – takes away Clark's powers permanently?? I've always said there's too much Kryptonite, too many weaknesses and too many obstacles for a superhero.
Clark having a heart to heart with Jonathan? Haven't we heard this little speech, or something similar a thousand times already? I wish anytime I needed to figure something out in my life that a person showed up in the flesh to give me the advice I need to move forward. Instead, I have to rely on memory and imagination. Wondering whose got he'd tell Clark about his 'dark side'. This little speech… boring. Feels like it's taking up so much other TIME, other scenes, other strings to tie. Don't talk so much… Don't tell… SHOW. Lois seems to have the same problems as Clark – low self-perception. But, I love how Lois is bringing up remember her family and what they would say. Lois' vows are beautiful. The camera going around and around the both of them standing against the door is perfect filming. The two of them talking through the door… PERFECT!
Tess trying to save the world, so un-Luthor of her. Now, someone is out to stop her, so typical.
Small country church wedding; perfect. Martha – perfect. Chloe & Oliver – perfect. Lois' dress… perfectly modern. I would have like to have seen her in something more fairy tale. Clark not at the altar but walking up beside her, to walk her down the isle… I'm in tears. Perfect symbolism of how they're to walk through this world – side by side. Whoever came up with this scene - I HATE/LOVE you. I'm not a very romantic person, but this was about the most romantic thing I've ever seen. Jonathan being there…again… I know I'm saying this A LOT… but PERFECT.
Even Lois' vows… have the word 'perfect' in them. I love how it's in their minds, and not with their lips. I thought I was done crying… I've already put the tissues up. Now, I have to pause the show and go get them out again. Here we go… Oliver handing the gold ring to Clark, and Chloe has to once again save the day! Uh-Oh… Dark Oliver has come to the surface. I didn't miss the stained-glass being red, yellow and blue when it shattered. Love the slow motion of Clark catching Lois. Boy, I tell you what… that church cleared out quick. Within a few seconds time not a soul was left inside. Clark convincing Oliver to fight the darkness; he can sure dish out the compliments; he just can't take them, huh? I have no doubt Oliver will fight the darkness and win. Why he didn't do it earlier, I don't know.
Okay, now the story seems to be moving into overdrive. Everyone scrambling. Watchtower, Star City, Chloe, Oliver/Green Arrow… "See you in the funny pages," Chloe said – Awesome. "You need to do what you do best, be a hero." – Again, Awesome. Clark seeing Jonathan at the farm – Awesome. Is seeing the dead one of Clark's superpowers? Jonathan telling Clark that he and Martha have done all they can, that Clark is going to have to let Jor-El guide him from here on out – Awesome. From one father to another… "He's your father, he'll understand!" So far, that's the best line I've ever heard on this show. I've got goose bumps. Family hug. "It's time!" Boy, you got that right. I've been waiting for 10 YEARS! Clark better hurry… things look like they're heating up.
I'm sad and excited at the same time. I can't believe there's only a little time left… and there's so much more to cover. Lionel got Tess on cold hard slab. Lionel wanting to restore Lex, but he needs Tess' heart. It wouldn't work with Tess' heart… he'd care too much. He'd be just like he was before, divided in his loyalties. "Lex is missing a heart"; that's been his problem all along. You know, I've often wondered about the loyalty of body guards and henchmen. How low does a person have to come to blindly kill or work for someone like Lionel Luthor? Tickle me pink… there's Lex laid out on a slab. My toes are tingling. I like Tess… I don't want her to die. She's the only good thing to come out of the Luthors. Alright… she's not going down without a fight, and boy is she tough! Shot Lionel without so much as a blink. There you go, maggot. Crawl toward your prodigy and give him your own heart. What soul could Darkseid take in exchange for Lex's life… Lionel doesn't have one… or a heart.
Uh-Oh… here we go. LEX is ALIVE! And thank God it's not some unrecognizable clone. It could only have been Michael Rosenbaum. Anyone else and I'd have protested.
Lois & Clark in the Daily Planet discussing life and death emergencies… splendid. When did Lois get so smart… using Clark's own vows to get him to 'go save the world'? What is up with that old-fashioned radio in such modern place?
How convenient that the Presidential Press is a woman that looks like Lois Lane? With the way security is at the current White House where people can crash parties without pause, it doesn't surprise that Lois Lane can use a false press ID to get aboard AirForce One. I guess, we're supposed to leave something up to our imagination in this series, after all.
LEX is BACK! "Hello, Clark"… sent a chill down my spine. "You still see it the same way… astonishment, with a hint of dread, yet with a hopeful finish…" I love every line. I burst out laughing with… "seems my father had a change of heart." Literally!
Lex always has the best lines, like this one… "You know, I used to think it was our families that made us who we are; then I hoped it was our friends. But, if you look at history, the great men and women of the world have always been defined by… their enemies." He can't forget his memories, even when he is cloned. How convenient.
Clark's got a great line too with…"My destiny wasn't yours to take."
I'm mesmerized by Lex. "Every villain is only as great as his hero." I know I've said this a thousand times over this past decade. Especially during the Kawatche Cave times.
What I find AMAZING is that the best advice that Clark get's, the deepest revelations that he discovers… come from his arch nemesis. Not from his father, not from Jor-El, not from Lois, not from Chloe… but Lex Luthor. This is the most defining quote of them all, and let me tell you… this episode is FILLED with defining quotes:
"I'm not so sure that Clark Kent can save the entire world on his own," Clark said.
Lex replied, "He can't, but we both know who can." SUPERMAN! – unspoken, but implied. GOT IT!
"I'm sorry I couldn't save you, Lex."
Lex's grin… that's all that needed to be said.
I'm like a little kid in a candy store. I'm literally tickled PINK. Scratch that.. I'm tickled RED, YELLOW and BLUE.
Oliver going GREEN. Woo-hoo!
Crazy religious zealots – don't they know that the rapture was foretold to happen on May 21st, but the prophet didn't count right… so he's adjusted it now to October 21st???? Nuts… they're not too hard to crack.
Lois, on Airforce One… in the air??? Hmmm… where have I seen this before? Oh, that Secret Service needs to be shot on sight. Who in power is on the plane, if not the President? Is that supposed to be the Secretary of Defense? Where's Daddy Dearest? I thought he was supposed to be with the President? I thought the President gave the last order, not the SECDEF?
Okay, Clark getting out a crystal… isn't it supposed to be green? Lionel possessed by Darkseid… typical. Oh, Clark… quit talking… start kicking butt and taking names. So, Darkseid is whoopin' up on ole Clark, who remembers what his daddy said about turning to Jor-El… and then what???? He just teleports to the Fortress of Solitude? You mean to tell me that all this time he didn't need the key, or super speed?
Doesn't matter… he's there… and I can't breathe. I know the moment is coming. I feel it; I hear it… and now I see the flashes of the past… everything that makes Clark Kent super… and Kal-El human. My knees jerking… my pulse is racing. This is better than the movie, because I was there at all those moments; I've taken the journey with him; we all have.
"Seize your destiny!" Jor-El.
Oh-yea… we got air…. We got attitude… and we got FLIGHT. And I've got no breath!
Tess & Lex; brother & sister; I wonder… does he remember how she took care of his clone when he was young? Yeah… he loves her alright… and it's typical of Lex to think the thing he's doing is saving someone. That's his same old card. Ah-ha… Tess got the last lick – by sliding his a neurotoxin that will make him forget… his past life, his time with Clark, his life with Lionel… but it doesn't change the state of his heart… he's still inherently evil…and I'm sure he'll continue to do evil in the guise of 'saving the world'. How perfect… he'll be the enemy, not realizing just what a true enemy he is… and thus it starts all over between Clark and Lex.
Clark REALLY at the Fortress of Solitude this time. Is it suit time? I just came down the last exuberant moment… and now here I go again to the next one. It's the suit rising out of the ground, isn't it? Yep… THERE IT IS! It looks like the one used by Brandon in the last Superman movie. "Your abilities may be my blood, but it's your time in Smallville that made you a hero…" I'm balling now… as Jonathan hands him the SUIT, and he stepping up to take it.
Oh, he's not even going to put in on… He's going to take off first…. Does the curl come with the suit… HE'S UP, UP, AND A commercial? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
Plane going down, Lois being knocked around… and now out of the sky… it's a bird… it's a plane… NO, it's a man in a blue, yellow and red suit. Holding up a plane. And wouldn't you know it… Lois Lane has a camera to catch the moment on film. AND she gets to interview the President. Wait! I thought the President was hidden in a bunker somewhere. Oh, who cares…. Does it really matter?
The world is getting their first glimspte of SUPERMAN saving the world, releasing them from the bonds of darkness, setting free their souls that were once captive… and being the hero that he was born to be. SUPER! AMAZING!
And Chloe finishing the story to her 7-year old son. Chloe, the one who got to see the farm boy become a super man.
Love Sean Astin in the role of Jimmy Olsen. Perry White in the office… "Great Ceasar's Ghost." Lex Luthor as President, in that white suit as prophesied by the blind woman in the first season. Clark Kent… clumsy and mild-mannered. True, Lois. It is sooo hot…. when Clark says, "Yes, Ms. Lane".
The Superman music, Clark runs out of that roof top, yanks those glasses off, pulls down that tie, and opens that shirt revealing the Red "S" on that blue suit…. PERFECT.
I can't see the screen… my eyes are too blurred. My fingers barely feel the keys of this keyboard. I can't think of a more perfect ending. I can't imagine a better close. I just hate that it's over; which is really just a beginning. Kudos to everybody who has been with this series since the beginning! I remember the day I was driving to work and saw the first billboard of the series pilot over ten years ago, and the bubbles of anticipation I had then, and seeing the episode I just viewed… it has all finally come to a full circle, and that anticipation has been fully met and completely fulfilled.
I thank the actors and actresses who've been faithful to their roles for all this time. While many have come and gone, there are those who'll always live in my heart, and I'm sure in the heart of all the Smallville faithful forever; Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Annette O' Toole, John Schneider, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and John Glover. There have been many, many more through the years that I can't think of at the moment, but I thank them all.
I thank the writers, editors, graphic artists, producers, filmmakers and anybody who did ANYTHING on this series. Job well done!
I can't believe it's over. It went out in the most perfect style I could ever imagine, and I'm glad. Smallville deserved it. It warranted a classy and spectacular ending… and it got it. I will greatly miss you, and I doubt I can every fully replace you. Superman was my first love… and Smallville has done nothing but solidify that love even more for me over these past ten years. Thank you Smallville. You will always live in a special part of my heart. I won't say goodbye… but till next time!
This has been Crazy4Smallville's final review. It's been fun, people.
I have to say that waiting ten long years for a particular event to happen has taught me a lesson in patience, and the rewards that come from being patient and loyal.
Well, here goes… for the last time!
I love the opening, how they show scenes from the very beginning, the very first episode and hit on all the really truly major points, leaving out the completely useless ones (but, we're not going to get into all that). Boy, did everybody look so much younger. It's like going to a family reunion you haven't been to in a while. There's Pete, Lex, Lana, Chloe, The Torch, Smallville High, the Farm, Shelby, Wall of Weird, Lionel… and then it brings us up to speed with Darkseid, the Kandorians, Green Arrow, the Daily Planet, Lois & Clark, alternate universes, Clark still dealing with the same issue he had ten years ago – a low self-perception and an over-exhausted case of humility.
Love the DC comic book featuring Smallville on the cover and Clark Kent. PRICELESS. Chloe reading to her son, how appropriate, especially since she just got her own character in the D.C. Universe. What I don't think is realistic in this scene is that a D.C. Comic will only cost $2.99 even in the near future (seven years) the way the economy's in the tankard. Don't want to go down that road, so let's move on. No guessing whose son she's reading too, not with a green bow and set of plastic arrows sitting on the dresser. Great beginning! OKAY – big ball of flaming planet headed straight to earth! Let me guess… only one person can save us now! Enter theme song by Remy Zero – "Somebody Save Me". Excellently done! BTW – I'm so glad the network continued with the same theme song for all ten years, it just wouldn't have been the same without it.
Starting off with the Daily Planet; quite appropriate. It's been the theme setting now for the last couple years, and I don't think they could pick a better one. Love the mild mannered reporter, and boy isn't he being mild mannered! Look at how easy-going and laid-back he's being when his fiancé has called off their wedding. Now, THIS is not the typical Clark reaction. Lois being pig-headed… right in-line with her character. However, the big speech about why she's being pig-headed is redundant from last week, and a waste of screen time. I could be seeing something else right now… like LEX. Oh, Burn! He put the decision back all onto her.
Chloe and Oliver decorating the church for the wedding, talking about their own unmemorable wedding, and discussing their marriage. I love that it's just… ditto. I love to see both of them happy, however I really feel that this storyline just got pushed to the backseat. Chloe has been such a pivotal point of the whole storyline. She was there in the beginning and has been there every step… and it just feels like knowing her story was just a small sideline… makes me feel her character was a bit cheated of the glory she truly deserved.
Tess trying to restore the Luthor mansion? Let it stay destroyed, right along with the Luthor Legacy. Why would someone rejected and abused by a family try to restore the family name. I'd want nothing to do with it, EVER. Restoring a bad name isn't going to change what happened; it could only help cover future destruction by the same. Grandma creepy sounds like a broken record. Typical religious rhetoric being spouted from deranged lunatics. Of course, the only difference from her than the rest of the loonies, is the fact that a big ball of flaming planet is headed straight toward earth.
It's so sad to see the Kent Farm, empty, boxed up. That's how I feel, as I'm sure millions of viewers. Oh, yeah! You tell him Ma Kent! I never thought he should give up the house either. She tried to tell Clark that Jonathan was always around, but he's too thick-headed to see that. Boy, did she hit the nail on the head, about Clark cutting out the past that made him who he is… Clark Kent is just part of what makes Superman great; it's a combination of the gifts and powers of Kal-El combined with the heart and passion of Clark Kent.
Chloe back in the Daily Planet… LOVE IT. Lois wanting to interview the President – PRICELESS. Lois, bantering… nah, nah. Clark's vows… WOW, WOW, WOW. Great writing. She finally got it… "I'm such an idiot!"
Oliver disconnected all the satellite feeds…hmmm. I know he's been tagged by Darkseid, but how oh how is he going to get out of this? A ring of gold Kryptonite? Now, remind me what gold does – takes away Clark's powers permanently?? I've always said there's too much Kryptonite, too many weaknesses and too many obstacles for a superhero.
Clark having a heart to heart with Jonathan? Haven't we heard this little speech, or something similar a thousand times already? I wish anytime I needed to figure something out in my life that a person showed up in the flesh to give me the advice I need to move forward. Instead, I have to rely on memory and imagination. Wondering whose got he'd tell Clark about his 'dark side'. This little speech… boring. Feels like it's taking up so much other TIME, other scenes, other strings to tie. Don't talk so much… Don't tell… SHOW. Lois seems to have the same problems as Clark – low self-perception. But, I love how Lois is bringing up remember her family and what they would say. Lois' vows are beautiful. The camera going around and around the both of them standing against the door is perfect filming. The two of them talking through the door… PERFECT!
Tess trying to save the world, so un-Luthor of her. Now, someone is out to stop her, so typical.
Small country church wedding; perfect. Martha – perfect. Chloe & Oliver – perfect. Lois' dress… perfectly modern. I would have like to have seen her in something more fairy tale. Clark not at the altar but walking up beside her, to walk her down the isle… I'm in tears. Perfect symbolism of how they're to walk through this world – side by side. Whoever came up with this scene - I HATE/LOVE you. I'm not a very romantic person, but this was about the most romantic thing I've ever seen. Jonathan being there…again… I know I'm saying this A LOT… but PERFECT.
Even Lois' vows… have the word 'perfect' in them. I love how it's in their minds, and not with their lips. I thought I was done crying… I've already put the tissues up. Now, I have to pause the show and go get them out again. Here we go… Oliver handing the gold ring to Clark, and Chloe has to once again save the day! Uh-Oh… Dark Oliver has come to the surface. I didn't miss the stained-glass being red, yellow and blue when it shattered. Love the slow motion of Clark catching Lois. Boy, I tell you what… that church cleared out quick. Within a few seconds time not a soul was left inside. Clark convincing Oliver to fight the darkness; he can sure dish out the compliments; he just can't take them, huh? I have no doubt Oliver will fight the darkness and win. Why he didn't do it earlier, I don't know.
Okay, now the story seems to be moving into overdrive. Everyone scrambling. Watchtower, Star City, Chloe, Oliver/Green Arrow… "See you in the funny pages," Chloe said – Awesome. "You need to do what you do best, be a hero." – Again, Awesome. Clark seeing Jonathan at the farm – Awesome. Is seeing the dead one of Clark's superpowers? Jonathan telling Clark that he and Martha have done all they can, that Clark is going to have to let Jor-El guide him from here on out – Awesome. From one father to another… "He's your father, he'll understand!" So far, that's the best line I've ever heard on this show. I've got goose bumps. Family hug. "It's time!" Boy, you got that right. I've been waiting for 10 YEARS! Clark better hurry… things look like they're heating up.
I'm sad and excited at the same time. I can't believe there's only a little time left… and there's so much more to cover. Lionel got Tess on cold hard slab. Lionel wanting to restore Lex, but he needs Tess' heart. It wouldn't work with Tess' heart… he'd care too much. He'd be just like he was before, divided in his loyalties. "Lex is missing a heart"; that's been his problem all along. You know, I've often wondered about the loyalty of body guards and henchmen. How low does a person have to come to blindly kill or work for someone like Lionel Luthor? Tickle me pink… there's Lex laid out on a slab. My toes are tingling. I like Tess… I don't want her to die. She's the only good thing to come out of the Luthors. Alright… she's not going down without a fight, and boy is she tough! Shot Lionel without so much as a blink. There you go, maggot. Crawl toward your prodigy and give him your own heart. What soul could Darkseid take in exchange for Lex's life… Lionel doesn't have one… or a heart.
Uh-Oh… here we go. LEX is ALIVE! And thank God it's not some unrecognizable clone. It could only have been Michael Rosenbaum. Anyone else and I'd have protested.
Lois & Clark in the Daily Planet discussing life and death emergencies… splendid. When did Lois get so smart… using Clark's own vows to get him to 'go save the world'? What is up with that old-fashioned radio in such modern place?
How convenient that the Presidential Press is a woman that looks like Lois Lane? With the way security is at the current White House where people can crash parties without pause, it doesn't surprise that Lois Lane can use a false press ID to get aboard AirForce One. I guess, we're supposed to leave something up to our imagination in this series, after all.
LEX is BACK! "Hello, Clark"… sent a chill down my spine. "You still see it the same way… astonishment, with a hint of dread, yet with a hopeful finish…" I love every line. I burst out laughing with… "seems my father had a change of heart." Literally!
Lex always has the best lines, like this one… "You know, I used to think it was our families that made us who we are; then I hoped it was our friends. But, if you look at history, the great men and women of the world have always been defined by… their enemies." He can't forget his memories, even when he is cloned. How convenient.
Clark's got a great line too with…"My destiny wasn't yours to take."
I'm mesmerized by Lex. "Every villain is only as great as his hero." I know I've said this a thousand times over this past decade. Especially during the Kawatche Cave times.
What I find AMAZING is that the best advice that Clark get's, the deepest revelations that he discovers… come from his arch nemesis. Not from his father, not from Jor-El, not from Lois, not from Chloe… but Lex Luthor. This is the most defining quote of them all, and let me tell you… this episode is FILLED with defining quotes:
"I'm not so sure that Clark Kent can save the entire world on his own," Clark said.
Lex replied, "He can't, but we both know who can." SUPERMAN! – unspoken, but implied. GOT IT!
"I'm sorry I couldn't save you, Lex."
Lex's grin… that's all that needed to be said.
I'm like a little kid in a candy store. I'm literally tickled PINK. Scratch that.. I'm tickled RED, YELLOW and BLUE.
Oliver going GREEN. Woo-hoo!
Crazy religious zealots – don't they know that the rapture was foretold to happen on May 21st, but the prophet didn't count right… so he's adjusted it now to October 21st???? Nuts… they're not too hard to crack.
Lois, on Airforce One… in the air??? Hmmm… where have I seen this before? Oh, that Secret Service needs to be shot on sight. Who in power is on the plane, if not the President? Is that supposed to be the Secretary of Defense? Where's Daddy Dearest? I thought he was supposed to be with the President? I thought the President gave the last order, not the SECDEF?
Okay, Clark getting out a crystal… isn't it supposed to be green? Lionel possessed by Darkseid… typical. Oh, Clark… quit talking… start kicking butt and taking names. So, Darkseid is whoopin' up on ole Clark, who remembers what his daddy said about turning to Jor-El… and then what???? He just teleports to the Fortress of Solitude? You mean to tell me that all this time he didn't need the key, or super speed?
Doesn't matter… he's there… and I can't breathe. I know the moment is coming. I feel it; I hear it… and now I see the flashes of the past… everything that makes Clark Kent super… and Kal-El human. My knees jerking… my pulse is racing. This is better than the movie, because I was there at all those moments; I've taken the journey with him; we all have.
"Seize your destiny!" Jor-El.
Oh-yea… we got air…. We got attitude… and we got FLIGHT. And I've got no breath!
Tess & Lex; brother & sister; I wonder… does he remember how she took care of his clone when he was young? Yeah… he loves her alright… and it's typical of Lex to think the thing he's doing is saving someone. That's his same old card. Ah-ha… Tess got the last lick – by sliding his a neurotoxin that will make him forget… his past life, his time with Clark, his life with Lionel… but it doesn't change the state of his heart… he's still inherently evil…and I'm sure he'll continue to do evil in the guise of 'saving the world'. How perfect… he'll be the enemy, not realizing just what a true enemy he is… and thus it starts all over between Clark and Lex.
Clark REALLY at the Fortress of Solitude this time. Is it suit time? I just came down the last exuberant moment… and now here I go again to the next one. It's the suit rising out of the ground, isn't it? Yep… THERE IT IS! It looks like the one used by Brandon in the last Superman movie. "Your abilities may be my blood, but it's your time in Smallville that made you a hero…" I'm balling now… as Jonathan hands him the SUIT, and he stepping up to take it.
Oh, he's not even going to put in on… He's going to take off first…. Does the curl come with the suit… HE'S UP, UP, AND A commercial? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
Plane going down, Lois being knocked around… and now out of the sky… it's a bird… it's a plane… NO, it's a man in a blue, yellow and red suit. Holding up a plane. And wouldn't you know it… Lois Lane has a camera to catch the moment on film. AND she gets to interview the President. Wait! I thought the President was hidden in a bunker somewhere. Oh, who cares…. Does it really matter?
The world is getting their first glimspte of SUPERMAN saving the world, releasing them from the bonds of darkness, setting free their souls that were once captive… and being the hero that he was born to be. SUPER! AMAZING!
And Chloe finishing the story to her 7-year old son. Chloe, the one who got to see the farm boy become a super man.
Love Sean Astin in the role of Jimmy Olsen. Perry White in the office… "Great Ceasar's Ghost." Lex Luthor as President, in that white suit as prophesied by the blind woman in the first season. Clark Kent… clumsy and mild-mannered. True, Lois. It is sooo hot…. when Clark says, "Yes, Ms. Lane".
The Superman music, Clark runs out of that roof top, yanks those glasses off, pulls down that tie, and opens that shirt revealing the Red "S" on that blue suit…. PERFECT.
I can't see the screen… my eyes are too blurred. My fingers barely feel the keys of this keyboard. I can't think of a more perfect ending. I can't imagine a better close. I just hate that it's over; which is really just a beginning. Kudos to everybody who has been with this series since the beginning! I remember the day I was driving to work and saw the first billboard of the series pilot over ten years ago, and the bubbles of anticipation I had then, and seeing the episode I just viewed… it has all finally come to a full circle, and that anticipation has been fully met and completely fulfilled.
I thank the actors and actresses who've been faithful to their roles for all this time. While many have come and gone, there are those who'll always live in my heart, and I'm sure in the heart of all the Smallville faithful forever; Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Erica Durance, Allison Mack, Annette O' Toole, John Schneider, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman and John Glover. There have been many, many more through the years that I can't think of at the moment, but I thank them all.
I thank the writers, editors, graphic artists, producers, filmmakers and anybody who did ANYTHING on this series. Job well done!
I can't believe it's over. It went out in the most perfect style I could ever imagine, and I'm glad. Smallville deserved it. It warranted a classy and spectacular ending… and it got it. I will greatly miss you, and I doubt I can every fully replace you. Superman was my first love… and Smallville has done nothing but solidify that love even more for me over these past ten years. Thank you Smallville. You will always live in a special part of my heart. I won't say goodbye… but till next time!
This has been Crazy4Smallville's final review. It's been fun, people.
May 9, 2011
Crazy4Smallville's Review of Prophecy
Crazy4Smallville Weekly Review - Prophecy
I made a promise that I'd review these last two episodes, and with a heavy heart I'm here to keep that promise. I'm already feeling the anxiousness of the series finale next week. It's a lot like seeing your children graduate. You toil with them through all the homework, projects and extra-curricular all through Elementary, Middle and High School… to watch them graduate and then leave home for college. While you're happy at their achievement, you're sad because an important chapter in their lives have closed. That's the way I feel toward Smallville right now. They're about to graduate. With much pride, I'm watching them take their last steps until they leap up into a new adventure, disappearing into the sky above.
Anyway, let me get to this week's review.
I love it! I love seeing the altar-ego of the mild-mannered reporter I grew up loving stretching his legs and getting comfortable into this role. I personally think he should have already made this leap into the mythos a couple years ago, but I guess it's better late than never.
What is Lois doing? Is she having pre-wedding jitters? Marionette Ventures – how obvious is that? Marionette – puppet master. Easy leap. Oooh, Clark sweeping Lois off her fee to the Fortress of Solitude to tell Jor-El of his upcoming nuptials, cool breeze. Waited till the last minute, didn't he?
Oh, no… not another power loss for Clark. Goodness, gracious. How many times does my favorite superhero have to go human on us? It's kind of a broken record. The one good thing is Lois having his powers, but come on… with only one more episode left in the series… I think there are way too many OTHER story threads that should be tied besides this 'non-essential' distraction. I hope the rest of the episode changes my mind, because right now I'm really disappointed.
Oliver sliding down into a mysterious cave; Okay… that's cool. I'm assuming it's got something to do with Kryptonian symbols like my favorite Kawatche caves. What is Kara doing down there and how long has she been there. Kara is another character that I think TPTB went in the wrong direction. She started out with so much potential, but ended up being a character that I don't trust her motives – and her betrayal, angst or even devotion (depending on which way she goes) just isn't all that believable because her character has went through too many emotionally weak changes. Okay, what is the balance. I know Oliver has been marked by Dark-Seid with the Omega symbol – does that mean he's the balance, having both a measure of good and evil within him? Or Oliver good and Kara evil, or vice versa? Not truly trusting either character it's hard for me to understand what's really going on.
Lois with super-speed reminds me of a high-strung squirrel hopped up on Starbucks. Of course, Clark is being all… cowering and a worry-wart. However, if I had Superman's powers, I don't think I'd be trying to figure out a story I've been working on – I'd be out leaping tall buildings, outrunning locomotives and zipping around the world faster than a bullet. I'd be trying out that laser or heat vision, or at least testing the limits of what brought me to that point with human boy. I just still can't see how this scenario is as important to the series on the whole and coming to fast end. Not yet won over, but still holding out hope.
I love the 'gold' overtones they use in filming this series. It always evokes a 'warm-loving' atmosphere. Artic breath and broken heels… hilarious! Burgundy Blur? Really, that's the best they could have come up with? Squinty head tilt… priceless. I actually think it's a great concept of Lois not just learning about the ability of super-hearing, but the emotional and moral issue Clark has to deal with every day by having this ability. This is part of that … with great power, comes great responsibility. Yeah, it's not in character for Lois to 'consider' other people, yet she's completely selfless in her pursuit of justice. It's the great character spotlight of Lois.
Bow of Orion – I agree with Oliver. If anyone is to yield a bow, it would be the Green Arrow. He's the only superhero on this team that doesn't have an inert superpower, but is super by his determination and steel will. It also doesn't hurt he's one heck of a lump of hunk. Don't they make average looking superheroes or prince's – so that it's their gifts or powers that make them attractive? In real life maybe, but not on a popular television series. Wicked-cool special effects of that cross shot by Kara and Oliver. What happened with Kara. She's so determined to get that bow – what could be so important for her to leave that mission?
Kara in the Fortress of Solitude – getting the third degree from Jor-El. Leave earth and let Kal-El embrace his destiny or stay and endanger his destiny? Is she being punished or promoted? This conversation puzzles me as to what her previous instructions were, because she was so determined to do her 'part', though I've never been really clear on the objective of that mission.
Controlling like a puppet – Come on… it's not that hard to figure out. Holding water hostage. Winslow Shot – ToyMan – he's such a childish character… much the way Lois was by running off all by herself. I guess she also inherited a sense of arrogance with those superpowers. Did she not learn anything watching Clark over the past few years – or at least since she's known the truth about him? All the villains knowing all about Clark Kent and his loves… has always been an issue with me. This 'common' knowledge is more dangerous than any rock of Kryptonite. Now, they're using him as the weakness for her. I can see that common sense isn't a superpower – either transferred or inherited. Oh, come on Lois. You're the one with the superpowers… how much more dangerous is it to give control of yourself with those superpowers to someone else. Don't bargain with them… USE THEM! She should have reached through those bars and put a little pressure on doughboy to call off his dogs… or else zip on over there and round them all up when they come after powerless hubby-to-be? This is a really STUPID move. I'm still not impressed with this episode. Now, I'm actually frustrated.
Oliver at Orion's bow… I love the imagry here. That silver-white and renaissance font make him seem Authurian. Oh, I love the quote… "You're not like the rest of your brothers… you've got real potential". Awesome! Can't wait to see where this goes, although having only one episode left… not sure if I'll ever see the end of it.
This puppet-geek is your typical maniacal loon. Its characters like this that made me love and appreciate the true evil genius of Lex Luthor. He's bad, and you know he's bad, but you feel for him and you want to see if redemption is possible, so you hope for it, but keep getting disappointed because he continues to be bad.
Okay, this power dance between Clark and Lois is really typical and unsurprising. I knew that in the last second… the powers would be exchanged. Trusting that a spineless nitwit to keep his secret, is really, really STUPID. It gives them hold over you, a weakness; a chink in the armor. Clark really needs to round them all up and get rid of them, or else he and everyone he knows or loves will always be in danger. This is a huge plot hole.
Clark back to the Fortress of Solitude, typical. Going to cry and whine to daddy about what he didn't like. Ah, good speech. Clark Kent is starting to become his own man. Every time he's given even a small semblance of this speech, his affection for some girl get in the way.
DID I JUST SEE WHAT I THOUGHT I SAW??? Was that a super-suit in that chunk of ice??? Now, my skin prickled and the hair stood up on my arms.
Well, so much for that high point. I can see from the look on Lois' face… I know what's coming. She's going to cancel the wedding because she realizes the world needs Clark much more than she does. That he's bigger than her.
Very touching that Kara also realizes the same thing… that in order for Clark to become the superhero he needs to be become, it can't be about them. She has to get out of the way.
Lois finally stating that she's Clark's greatest weakness… and he's hers. Very noble of her and my respect for her and her character just elevated. Lois being unselfish; A very touching moment.
Oh, I don't really know what I think about that episode. I'll take a few days and then see if something surfaces.
Well, it's been a few days since I wrote that last sentence, and I have to still admit that my thoughts are still just as jumbled. I'm still not clear what the purpose of that whole episode was about. I felt it was unnecessary and that it was a waste of time and space that could have been spent on tying other threads. I guess until I watch next week's episode, I won't understand.
Either way, I'm really sad thinking about it because I know the end is coming… and its coming fast. While I'm excited, I'm also grieved. I'm really going to miss Smallville.
I made a promise that I'd review these last two episodes, and with a heavy heart I'm here to keep that promise. I'm already feeling the anxiousness of the series finale next week. It's a lot like seeing your children graduate. You toil with them through all the homework, projects and extra-curricular all through Elementary, Middle and High School… to watch them graduate and then leave home for college. While you're happy at their achievement, you're sad because an important chapter in their lives have closed. That's the way I feel toward Smallville right now. They're about to graduate. With much pride, I'm watching them take their last steps until they leap up into a new adventure, disappearing into the sky above.
Anyway, let me get to this week's review.
I love it! I love seeing the altar-ego of the mild-mannered reporter I grew up loving stretching his legs and getting comfortable into this role. I personally think he should have already made this leap into the mythos a couple years ago, but I guess it's better late than never.
What is Lois doing? Is she having pre-wedding jitters? Marionette Ventures – how obvious is that? Marionette – puppet master. Easy leap. Oooh, Clark sweeping Lois off her fee to the Fortress of Solitude to tell Jor-El of his upcoming nuptials, cool breeze. Waited till the last minute, didn't he?
Oh, no… not another power loss for Clark. Goodness, gracious. How many times does my favorite superhero have to go human on us? It's kind of a broken record. The one good thing is Lois having his powers, but come on… with only one more episode left in the series… I think there are way too many OTHER story threads that should be tied besides this 'non-essential' distraction. I hope the rest of the episode changes my mind, because right now I'm really disappointed.
Oliver sliding down into a mysterious cave; Okay… that's cool. I'm assuming it's got something to do with Kryptonian symbols like my favorite Kawatche caves. What is Kara doing down there and how long has she been there. Kara is another character that I think TPTB went in the wrong direction. She started out with so much potential, but ended up being a character that I don't trust her motives – and her betrayal, angst or even devotion (depending on which way she goes) just isn't all that believable because her character has went through too many emotionally weak changes. Okay, what is the balance. I know Oliver has been marked by Dark-Seid with the Omega symbol – does that mean he's the balance, having both a measure of good and evil within him? Or Oliver good and Kara evil, or vice versa? Not truly trusting either character it's hard for me to understand what's really going on.
Lois with super-speed reminds me of a high-strung squirrel hopped up on Starbucks. Of course, Clark is being all… cowering and a worry-wart. However, if I had Superman's powers, I don't think I'd be trying to figure out a story I've been working on – I'd be out leaping tall buildings, outrunning locomotives and zipping around the world faster than a bullet. I'd be trying out that laser or heat vision, or at least testing the limits of what brought me to that point with human boy. I just still can't see how this scenario is as important to the series on the whole and coming to fast end. Not yet won over, but still holding out hope.
I love the 'gold' overtones they use in filming this series. It always evokes a 'warm-loving' atmosphere. Artic breath and broken heels… hilarious! Burgundy Blur? Really, that's the best they could have come up with? Squinty head tilt… priceless. I actually think it's a great concept of Lois not just learning about the ability of super-hearing, but the emotional and moral issue Clark has to deal with every day by having this ability. This is part of that … with great power, comes great responsibility. Yeah, it's not in character for Lois to 'consider' other people, yet she's completely selfless in her pursuit of justice. It's the great character spotlight of Lois.
Bow of Orion – I agree with Oliver. If anyone is to yield a bow, it would be the Green Arrow. He's the only superhero on this team that doesn't have an inert superpower, but is super by his determination and steel will. It also doesn't hurt he's one heck of a lump of hunk. Don't they make average looking superheroes or prince's – so that it's their gifts or powers that make them attractive? In real life maybe, but not on a popular television series. Wicked-cool special effects of that cross shot by Kara and Oliver. What happened with Kara. She's so determined to get that bow – what could be so important for her to leave that mission?
Kara in the Fortress of Solitude – getting the third degree from Jor-El. Leave earth and let Kal-El embrace his destiny or stay and endanger his destiny? Is she being punished or promoted? This conversation puzzles me as to what her previous instructions were, because she was so determined to do her 'part', though I've never been really clear on the objective of that mission.
Controlling like a puppet – Come on… it's not that hard to figure out. Holding water hostage. Winslow Shot – ToyMan – he's such a childish character… much the way Lois was by running off all by herself. I guess she also inherited a sense of arrogance with those superpowers. Did she not learn anything watching Clark over the past few years – or at least since she's known the truth about him? All the villains knowing all about Clark Kent and his loves… has always been an issue with me. This 'common' knowledge is more dangerous than any rock of Kryptonite. Now, they're using him as the weakness for her. I can see that common sense isn't a superpower – either transferred or inherited. Oh, come on Lois. You're the one with the superpowers… how much more dangerous is it to give control of yourself with those superpowers to someone else. Don't bargain with them… USE THEM! She should have reached through those bars and put a little pressure on doughboy to call off his dogs… or else zip on over there and round them all up when they come after powerless hubby-to-be? This is a really STUPID move. I'm still not impressed with this episode. Now, I'm actually frustrated.
Oliver at Orion's bow… I love the imagry here. That silver-white and renaissance font make him seem Authurian. Oh, I love the quote… "You're not like the rest of your brothers… you've got real potential". Awesome! Can't wait to see where this goes, although having only one episode left… not sure if I'll ever see the end of it.
This puppet-geek is your typical maniacal loon. Its characters like this that made me love and appreciate the true evil genius of Lex Luthor. He's bad, and you know he's bad, but you feel for him and you want to see if redemption is possible, so you hope for it, but keep getting disappointed because he continues to be bad.
Okay, this power dance between Clark and Lois is really typical and unsurprising. I knew that in the last second… the powers would be exchanged. Trusting that a spineless nitwit to keep his secret, is really, really STUPID. It gives them hold over you, a weakness; a chink in the armor. Clark really needs to round them all up and get rid of them, or else he and everyone he knows or loves will always be in danger. This is a huge plot hole.
Clark back to the Fortress of Solitude, typical. Going to cry and whine to daddy about what he didn't like. Ah, good speech. Clark Kent is starting to become his own man. Every time he's given even a small semblance of this speech, his affection for some girl get in the way.
DID I JUST SEE WHAT I THOUGHT I SAW??? Was that a super-suit in that chunk of ice??? Now, my skin prickled and the hair stood up on my arms.
Well, so much for that high point. I can see from the look on Lois' face… I know what's coming. She's going to cancel the wedding because she realizes the world needs Clark much more than she does. That he's bigger than her.
Very touching that Kara also realizes the same thing… that in order for Clark to become the superhero he needs to be become, it can't be about them. She has to get out of the way.
Lois finally stating that she's Clark's greatest weakness… and he's hers. Very noble of her and my respect for her and her character just elevated. Lois being unselfish; A very touching moment.
Oh, I don't really know what I think about that episode. I'll take a few days and then see if something surfaces.
Well, it's been a few days since I wrote that last sentence, and I have to still admit that my thoughts are still just as jumbled. I'm still not clear what the purpose of that whole episode was about. I felt it was unnecessary and that it was a waste of time and space that could have been spent on tying other threads. I guess until I watch next week's episode, I won't understand.
Either way, I'm really sad thinking about it because I know the end is coming… and its coming fast. While I'm excited, I'm also grieved. I'm really going to miss Smallville.
May 3, 2011
The Iron Daughter Review
Another pleasant surprise. I LOVE being pulled into a story, finding a moment to escape reality and get lost in the realm of fantasy.
I loved how Kagawa broke this book into two separate acts, because it really needed that divide to place the focus first on Ash and then on Puck. Of course, while Ash has all the qualities of what I loved about heroes in my youth, Puck illustrates all the qualities I love as an adult. The Iron Daughter has a mix of everything I love about fantasy.
I can't wait to read the next installment in this series and have already ordered "The Iron Queen".
I give it five out of five stars! Definately a recommended read!
Till nex time,
~T.L. Gray
I loved how Kagawa broke this book into two separate acts, because it really needed that divide to place the focus first on Ash and then on Puck. Of course, while Ash has all the qualities of what I loved about heroes in my youth, Puck illustrates all the qualities I love as an adult. The Iron Daughter has a mix of everything I love about fantasy.
I can't wait to read the next installment in this series and have already ordered "The Iron Queen".
I give it five out of five stars! Definately a recommended read!
Till nex time,
~T.L. Gray
March 28, 2011
The Iron King Review
The Iron King Review
I love the world of fantasy, not because it's an escape from reality, quite the contrary. It's because of how fantasy inspires the imagination and helps to color in the stark contrasts of our black & white existence. Everything in reality is an absolute. Up is up; down in down and the law of action and reaction remains constant. But with fantasy, nothing truly is impossible. Those possibilities in our mind turn into possibilities in our reality. We don't truly live as a human being without a dream or a vision to propel us forward into the unknown realm of artistic creativity. Where there is no vision, there is death. I'm sure if you think about it hard enough, you'll be able to name some of the zombies you've met in your life; breathing corpses, people who walk around in rut (a repetitive routine), too scared to go outside the lines in fear of failure, not realizing they've already failed. They're hollow, empty, life-less zombies.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa has a lively imagination. Though most of the characters in her book we've previously met before in A Mid-Summer Night's Dream, The Labyrinth and Alice in Wonderland, she did a great job weaving these new versions into a fresh adventure, creating an even more compelling and lovely story. While goose bumps didn't pop up on my arms, it felt nice having a sense of familiarity while venturing on a new journey; like taking a summer trip with a car full of old friends. The love I had for these characters that inspired my own young adult series several years ago, came flooding back into the forefront of my mind, as if it only slept beneath a thin veil waiting for me to remember them, and remember them I did.
Meghan Chase made for a great and realistic heroine, Puck plucked on my heart strings and Ash reminded me of what I love so much about warring princes and their royal quests.
This quest reminds me about a truth I was recently reminded of (you'll get that about 4am): Life isn't lived in the moment of a promise or even in the revelation of its fulfillment, but in the journey between called the Land of Promise. It's from moment to moment along life's journey that we truly live, where our characters are developed; where our strength is tested. We all want to make it to the top of the mountain standing before us, but it's only one peak in the midst of a mighty mountain range. Our life is the journey up to those peaks and then down the other side to our next mountain. I think that's why I love to read about coming-of-age quests mostly found in young adult fantasy fiction. They inspire my imagination and encourage me to keep going, to focus on my destination and enjoy the adventure along the way. The Iron King is one of those books that have inspired me lately and I can't wait to read the next one. I highly recommend it for anyone else who'd like to take an adventure.
I love the world of fantasy, not because it's an escape from reality, quite the contrary. It's because of how fantasy inspires the imagination and helps to color in the stark contrasts of our black & white existence. Everything in reality is an absolute. Up is up; down in down and the law of action and reaction remains constant. But with fantasy, nothing truly is impossible. Those possibilities in our mind turn into possibilities in our reality. We don't truly live as a human being without a dream or a vision to propel us forward into the unknown realm of artistic creativity. Where there is no vision, there is death. I'm sure if you think about it hard enough, you'll be able to name some of the zombies you've met in your life; breathing corpses, people who walk around in rut (a repetitive routine), too scared to go outside the lines in fear of failure, not realizing they've already failed. They're hollow, empty, life-less zombies.
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa has a lively imagination. Though most of the characters in her book we've previously met before in A Mid-Summer Night's Dream, The Labyrinth and Alice in Wonderland, she did a great job weaving these new versions into a fresh adventure, creating an even more compelling and lovely story. While goose bumps didn't pop up on my arms, it felt nice having a sense of familiarity while venturing on a new journey; like taking a summer trip with a car full of old friends. The love I had for these characters that inspired my own young adult series several years ago, came flooding back into the forefront of my mind, as if it only slept beneath a thin veil waiting for me to remember them, and remember them I did.
Meghan Chase made for a great and realistic heroine, Puck plucked on my heart strings and Ash reminded me of what I love so much about warring princes and their royal quests.
This quest reminds me about a truth I was recently reminded of (you'll get that about 4am): Life isn't lived in the moment of a promise or even in the revelation of its fulfillment, but in the journey between called the Land of Promise. It's from moment to moment along life's journey that we truly live, where our characters are developed; where our strength is tested. We all want to make it to the top of the mountain standing before us, but it's only one peak in the midst of a mighty mountain range. Our life is the journey up to those peaks and then down the other side to our next mountain. I think that's why I love to read about coming-of-age quests mostly found in young adult fantasy fiction. They inspire my imagination and encourage me to keep going, to focus on my destination and enjoy the adventure along the way. The Iron King is one of those books that have inspired me lately and I can't wait to read the next one. I highly recommend it for anyone else who'd like to take an adventure.
February 28, 2011
The Demon King Review
It's been a long time since I've been able to get lost amid the pages of a good story. I mean get really immersed where everything around disappears and the mind escapes into the land of fantasy. No television, no dishes, no laundry, no bills, no work, no responsibilities or chores. Just the adventure that explodes in the mind, meeting new characters, caring about what happens to them, feeling for them and hoping for the best.
Well, thanks to Cinda Williams Chima's Seven Realms series, I've been able to do just that. It's not like I needed an escape. Actually, it came at an inopportune time, but at a much loved and cherished one anyway.
The first book of this series, The Demon King, is excellently written and follows the journey of two reluctant heroes. Hans Alister - a streetrat, vagabond and a marked man with no hopes for a future and nothing of a past to cling, except for a mystery, an unknown inheritance and a secret that changes everything. Then there's the princess heir-Reisa whose future is already mapped, enslaved as a political pawn in the fight for power, until her path crosses with a childhood friend and a villaneous streetrat.
I loved it. I devoured every ounce of imagination. I can't wait to continue the story in The Exiled Queen.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Author of The Blood of Cain
Well, thanks to Cinda Williams Chima's Seven Realms series, I've been able to do just that. It's not like I needed an escape. Actually, it came at an inopportune time, but at a much loved and cherished one anyway.
The first book of this series, The Demon King, is excellently written and follows the journey of two reluctant heroes. Hans Alister - a streetrat, vagabond and a marked man with no hopes for a future and nothing of a past to cling, except for a mystery, an unknown inheritance and a secret that changes everything. Then there's the princess heir-Reisa whose future is already mapped, enslaved as a political pawn in the fight for power, until her path crosses with a childhood friend and a villaneous streetrat.
I loved it. I devoured every ounce of imagination. I can't wait to continue the story in The Exiled Queen.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Author of The Blood of Cain
