Vicki Batman's Blog, page 58
October 1, 2015
Movie Mom: Pawn Sacrifice #BobbyFischer #chess #coldwar #RssosSisters #MFRWorg
Movie Mom watched...Pawn Sacrifice
Movie: Pawn Sacrifice is a thriller directed by Edward Zwick and written by Steven Knight. The film stars Tobey Maguire as Bobby Fischer, Liev Schreiber as Boris Spassky, and Peter Sarsgaard.
My thoughts: The performances were outstanding. Tobey Maguire truly embodied Bobby Fischer. I had no idea Mr. Fischer had the problems he had. Nor did I know about how the matches between him and Boris Spassky were an international issue (maybe I was too young?)
If you like movies about chess--for example: Searching for Bobby Fischer and Mighty Pawns--this will be one to add.
Also delighted to see the young lady from The Book Thief as his sister.
FMI: Wikipedia
Do you play chess?
Movie: Pawn Sacrifice is a thriller directed by Edward Zwick and written by Steven Knight. The film stars Tobey Maguire as Bobby Fischer, Liev Schreiber as Boris Spassky, and Peter Sarsgaard.
My thoughts: The performances were outstanding. Tobey Maguire truly embodied Bobby Fischer. I had no idea Mr. Fischer had the problems he had. Nor did I know about how the matches between him and Boris Spassky were an international issue (maybe I was too young?)
If you like movies about chess--for example: Searching for Bobby Fischer and Mighty Pawns--this will be one to add.
Also delighted to see the young lady from The Book Thief as his sister.
FMI: Wikipedia
Do you play chess?
September 29, 2015
Crafty gal: the hottest thing-coloring books #crafting #crayons #art #RssosSisters #MFRWorg
Crafty gal chatting about...coloring books
After the holidays last year, I was perusing a favorite stitchery catalog. And something interesting caught my eye—coloring books.
Coloring books are the rage.
As a child, I loved coloring. For Christmas one year, I was given a huge box of crayons and was very happy. Trying out colors that I’d never had in the standard school size was a huge adventure.
Let’s face it—not all of us can be artists in the sense of drawing artwork. I express myself through stitching—embroidery and needlepoint. However, asked to sketch something and...well, stick figures look better.
This catalog has books on Kate, The Duchess of Cambridge Fashions, birds cats, sports cars, Victorian mansions, flowers, gardens, paisley. A search through Amazon found Splendid Cities, Enchanted Forests, The Time Garden and more.
Looks like something once considered to be for children isn’t any more. And isn’t that grand?
So when traveling this summer, I visited an art museum and while scanning through book titles, I found postcards to color featuring fashions from the 1920’s. Since I was a Clothing and Textiles major, this found a home with me:
But I’m using colored pencils instead of crayons or colored markers. I like a good point and these particular ones have a twist top. And if I goof? No biggie as I can erase and correct.
I’ve been using the finished cards as thank you notes. Several people have emailed me about how cute they are.
So what about? Have you considered coloring lately?
P.S. Someone asked what I'm coloring with:
After the holidays last year, I was perusing a favorite stitchery catalog. And something interesting caught my eye—coloring books.
Coloring books are the rage.
As a child, I loved coloring. For Christmas one year, I was given a huge box of crayons and was very happy. Trying out colors that I’d never had in the standard school size was a huge adventure.
Let’s face it—not all of us can be artists in the sense of drawing artwork. I express myself through stitching—embroidery and needlepoint. However, asked to sketch something and...well, stick figures look better.
This catalog has books on Kate, The Duchess of Cambridge Fashions, birds cats, sports cars, Victorian mansions, flowers, gardens, paisley. A search through Amazon found Splendid Cities, Enchanted Forests, The Time Garden and more.
Looks like something once considered to be for children isn’t any more. And isn’t that grand?
So when traveling this summer, I visited an art museum and while scanning through book titles, I found postcards to color featuring fashions from the 1920’s. Since I was a Clothing and Textiles major, this found a home with me:
But I’m using colored pencils instead of crayons or colored markers. I like a good point and these particular ones have a twist top. And if I goof? No biggie as I can erase and correct.
I’ve been using the finished cards as thank you notes. Several people have emailed me about how cute they are.
So what about? Have you considered coloring lately?
P.S. Someone asked what I'm coloring with:
September 27, 2015
#Handbag Monday's guest is #author Chanta Rand who's showing off her #book & a #JudithLeiber bag #accessories #fashion #MFRWorg #RssosSisters
Handbag Monday welcomes...Chanta Rand
Award-winning romance author, Chanta Rand, is a history junkie, a Walking Dead fan, and a recovering shoe addict. She never met a stiletto she didn't like!
I am in love with this Judith Leiber Sodalite, Aventurine & Amethyst Fan Clutch Bag. This clutch is made of sodalite, aventurine and amethyst. The interior is lambskin leather lining. Crafted in Italy, Judith Leiber is an American Luxury brand synonymous with elegance, style and sophistication. Nearly every first lady since 1953 has carried custom-made Judith Leiber bags to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration ceremonies. It's truly an iconic American brand. That is one of the reasons I adore this bag because of the brand’s historical significance with the presidential inauguration's. and because it's so colorful and it reminds me of a peacock! I like bright colors and bling.
OMG, Chanta! This is gorgeous. I've been a huge Judith Leiber fan since college days; yet, sadly, can't afford one. What a wonderful treasure!
In 1061 A.D., The Kingdom of Ghana is a sprawling empire rich in gold, resources, and military might. After the death of her husband, Nabeela desperately needs an heir. Any man will do. Even an man she mistakenly believes is a drunken soldier. When he finds out what she's done, the real power struggle begins.
Find Rise of a Queen at: Amazon
Find Chanta Rand at: Website
Thanks, Chanta, for sharing your handbag with me today!
Award-winning romance author, Chanta Rand, is a history junkie, a Walking Dead fan, and a recovering shoe addict. She never met a stiletto she didn't like!
I am in love with this Judith Leiber Sodalite, Aventurine & Amethyst Fan Clutch Bag. This clutch is made of sodalite, aventurine and amethyst. The interior is lambskin leather lining. Crafted in Italy, Judith Leiber is an American Luxury brand synonymous with elegance, style and sophistication. Nearly every first lady since 1953 has carried custom-made Judith Leiber bags to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration ceremonies. It's truly an iconic American brand. That is one of the reasons I adore this bag because of the brand’s historical significance with the presidential inauguration's. and because it's so colorful and it reminds me of a peacock! I like bright colors and bling.
OMG, Chanta! This is gorgeous. I've been a huge Judith Leiber fan since college days; yet, sadly, can't afford one. What a wonderful treasure!
In 1061 A.D., The Kingdom of Ghana is a sprawling empire rich in gold, resources, and military might. After the death of her husband, Nabeela desperately needs an heir. Any man will do. Even an man she mistakenly believes is a drunken soldier. When he finds out what she's done, the real power struggle begins. Find Rise of a Queen at: Amazon
Find Chanta Rand at: Website
Thanks, Chanta, for sharing your handbag with me today!
September 24, 2015
Movie Mom: Learning to Drive #drivinglessons #cars #RssosSisters #MFRWorg
Movie Mom watched...
Learning to Drive
A soon to be divorced book critic takes driving lessons and both instructor and student learn new truths about themselves.
Movie: This 2014 comedy (eh?) stars Ben Kingsley and Patricia Clarkson.
My thoughts: I loved this movie and wanted to see it because I admire the work of Ms. Clarkson. She took this character from rage to tears and stops in between. Mr. Kingsley's Darvan was brilliant. The movie really unfolds as these two characters test themselves in new situations and move forward.
FMI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learnin...
Was driving difficult for you to learn?
Learning to Drive
A soon to be divorced book critic takes driving lessons and both instructor and student learn new truths about themselves.
Movie: This 2014 comedy (eh?) stars Ben Kingsley and Patricia Clarkson.
My thoughts: I loved this movie and wanted to see it because I admire the work of Ms. Clarkson. She took this character from rage to tears and stops in between. Mr. Kingsley's Darvan was brilliant. The movie really unfolds as these two characters test themselves in new situations and move forward.
FMI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learnin...
Was driving difficult for you to learn?
September 22, 2015
Feature on Into the Dangerous World with Julie Chibbaro #vacation #traveling #Highway1 #Europe
Hey, Julie: What are your top 5 vacation spots and why?
1. Prague – Though I had barely two nickels to rub together, in 1996, I moved from NYC to Prague. At that time, one could live cheaply, and do their art relatively free of money worries. I did that for four years. Any time I scrape some money together, I go back – for the intensely beautiful architecture, for the history, and to visit friends who live there.
2. Portland – Any city that encourages composting, even in their fast food restaurants, has my vote. Plus, my older sister lives there and we love to visit the Columbia Gorge and the waterfalls.
3. Canada – From Prague, we moved to Montreal. It’s the cheaper alternative to visiting Europe – people speak French, it’s steeped in history, and it’s beautiful.
4. Italy – My other sister lived there, so I had the chance to visit and I especially remember Florence, the marvel of age, the Baroque art and architecture of the city, the funky nightclubs. Always, I travel on a shoestring, staying at hostels and using Airbnb.
5. California – driving up Highway 1, along the coast of the Pacific,
Ror lives to draw—to her, it’s like breathing; it’s how she understands life. Raised on a Staten Island commune, she’s never attended a day of school, and knows little of the outside world. When her paranoid father burns down the commune with himself inside, Ror, her mother, and sister end up in a homeless residence in Manhattan. There, she runs into trouble—and love—with Trey, the leader of Noise Ink, a graffiti crew.
On the city’s streets, and in its museums and galleries, Ror finds herself pulled in different directions. Her father wanted her to make classic art. Noise Ink insists she stay within their lines. Her art teacher urges her to go to college. But what does she want? Ror’s soul-searching—expressed in remarkable drawings and sharp-edged prose, set in the gritty Manhattan of 1984—is cinematic in its scope, and its seamless blend of text and art makes Into the Dangerous World a groundbreaking event in young adult fiction.
Links: Amazon | Goodreads | B&N | IndieBound
Find Julie at: Website | Julie’s site | JM’s site | Julie Chibbaro | JM Superville Sovak | Twitter |
Rafflecopter for Giveaway
Bio: Julie Chibbaro was born into a family of artists, and also married one. She grew up in NYC during the explosion of graffiti art. She has written two historical novels, Redemption, which won the American Book Award, and Deadly, which won the National Jewish Book Award. JM Superville Sovak is half-Trini, half-Czech, half-Canadian. His fourth half is spent making art, for which he earned his M.F.A. from Bard College in NY.
1. Prague – Though I had barely two nickels to rub together, in 1996, I moved from NYC to Prague. At that time, one could live cheaply, and do their art relatively free of money worries. I did that for four years. Any time I scrape some money together, I go back – for the intensely beautiful architecture, for the history, and to visit friends who live there.
2. Portland – Any city that encourages composting, even in their fast food restaurants, has my vote. Plus, my older sister lives there and we love to visit the Columbia Gorge and the waterfalls.
3. Canada – From Prague, we moved to Montreal. It’s the cheaper alternative to visiting Europe – people speak French, it’s steeped in history, and it’s beautiful.
4. Italy – My other sister lived there, so I had the chance to visit and I especially remember Florence, the marvel of age, the Baroque art and architecture of the city, the funky nightclubs. Always, I travel on a shoestring, staying at hostels and using Airbnb.
5. California – driving up Highway 1, along the coast of the Pacific,
Ror lives to draw—to her, it’s like breathing; it’s how she understands life. Raised on a Staten Island commune, she’s never attended a day of school, and knows little of the outside world. When her paranoid father burns down the commune with himself inside, Ror, her mother, and sister end up in a homeless residence in Manhattan. There, she runs into trouble—and love—with Trey, the leader of Noise Ink, a graffiti crew.
On the city’s streets, and in its museums and galleries, Ror finds herself pulled in different directions. Her father wanted her to make classic art. Noise Ink insists she stay within their lines. Her art teacher urges her to go to college. But what does she want? Ror’s soul-searching—expressed in remarkable drawings and sharp-edged prose, set in the gritty Manhattan of 1984—is cinematic in its scope, and its seamless blend of text and art makes Into the Dangerous World a groundbreaking event in young adult fiction.
Links: Amazon | Goodreads | B&N | IndieBound
Find Julie at: Website | Julie’s site | JM’s site | Julie Chibbaro | JM Superville Sovak | Twitter |
Rafflecopter for Giveaway
Bio: Julie Chibbaro was born into a family of artists, and also married one. She grew up in NYC during the explosion of graffiti art. She has written two historical novels, Redemption, which won the American Book Award, and Deadly, which won the National Jewish Book Award. JM Superville Sovak is half-Trini, half-Czech, half-Canadian. His fourth half is spent making art, for which he earned his M.F.A. from Bard College in NY.
September 20, 2015
#handbag Monday - a gift from my mom #purse #accessories #shoes #fashion #MFRWorg #RssosSisters
Handbag Monday
Recently, my dad passed away. This means a new life adventure for my mom in so many ways, one of which is moving closer to my sister. Before she did relocate, I visited with her in my childhood home and she said there were handbags ('cause she knows how much I LOVE handbags) in a bedroom. One was fairly contemporary and not my style, but is the style of a friend; so I'll undoubtedly share that one with her. The other was a simple gold box, probably from the seventies. And this one...
As you can see, it is brown and could be lizard, maybe even faux lizard--I really don't know. She even had matching shoes and I wore those until my toes pinched too much. The inside is a soft suede-like fabric in the palest pink. There's no maker's mark. A zipper pouch on the inside. Except for the four scratches in the interior, I would have thought she'd never carried it, but she did. This bag has very classy _all over it._I love it! And I can't wait to show it off. Thanks, MOM!
Coming soon and available for preorder now, is my holiday short story, "Holiday Handbag Extravaganza!" which is featured in the Season of Surprises anthology. Find a copy for yourself at: Amazon B&N iBooks
Recently, my dad passed away. This means a new life adventure for my mom in so many ways, one of which is moving closer to my sister. Before she did relocate, I visited with her in my childhood home and she said there were handbags ('cause she knows how much I LOVE handbags) in a bedroom. One was fairly contemporary and not my style, but is the style of a friend; so I'll undoubtedly share that one with her. The other was a simple gold box, probably from the seventies. And this one...
As you can see, it is brown and could be lizard, maybe even faux lizard--I really don't know. She even had matching shoes and I wore those until my toes pinched too much. The inside is a soft suede-like fabric in the palest pink. There's no maker's mark. A zipper pouch on the inside. Except for the four scratches in the interior, I would have thought she'd never carried it, but she did. This bag has very classy _all over it._I love it! And I can't wait to show it off. Thanks, MOM!
Coming soon and available for preorder now, is my holiday short story, "Holiday Handbag Extravaganza!" which is featured in the Season of Surprises anthology. Find a copy for yourself at: Amazon B&N iBooks
September 18, 2015
.@VickiBatman - The Big Goof and The Return #Longmire #MFRWorg #Netflixshows #RssosSisters #MFRWorg
I loved Longmire; so when in 2014, word filtered through that the Western thriller had been cancelled at the end of three seasons--yep, that was just wrong
I was shocked! So were a lot of other folks. I began watching this superb show because it wasn’t about housewives, or chef cook-offs, or a badly behaving bridezilla. Nope, Longmire was about a sheriff, his staff, family, and friends who lived in a small Wyoming town. The series is based on the books written by Craig Johnson.
Many articles came out addressing the demise. It seemed the viewer-ship was primarily the average age of 60 versus 48, that the "demographics" weren't there. What a crock!
And A&E didn't produce the show, they bought it and that meant less dollars for them. They could make more with a reality show (didn't I hear something about Prison Life? Seriously???)
But thanks to folks like the Longmire Posse...
The Longmire Posse organized. They tweeted constantly with even the actors becoming involved. They set up a Facebook page and everyone became involved. Hints of Netflix riding to the rescue floated to our ears.
And Lo and Behold, the rumors became real. Netflix picked up Longmire and the show continues.
Handsome and I have been doling out episodes instead of binge watching. We want to make this last.
Are you a Longmire fan? Have you been a fan of a show and it was cancelled with you wanting more?
And if you like Longmire, consider tweeting: #LongLiveLongmire or #LongmireSeason5 !
September 16, 2015
#Movie Mom - a cute animated film, Shaun the Sheep #cartoon #animationfilms #filmforfamily #RssosSisters
#Movie Mom watched...Shaun the Sheep
The film: Shaun wanted a day off from the farm and corralled his friends to stuff the farmer in a caravan and take off. Only the farmer goes too which is good for him because he has been living a hum-drum life. As you might guess, nothing goes as planned, the animals and farmer change for the better and everyone lives HEA. Toss a lot of humor in and what a fun movie.
My thoughts: I Love Chicken Run , a stop-action animated movie by the same guys who also do Wallace and Gromit. So when Shaun the Sheep came along and a trailer teaser, I had to go see it. The movie is very clever. Definitely contains bits just for the adults (the Hannibal cat which someone with me said we had to be the only ones who caught what the cat was doing and laughed for five minutes. And the "convenient cliff" sign.)
FMI: Wikipedia
The film: Shaun wanted a day off from the farm and corralled his friends to stuff the farmer in a caravan and take off. Only the farmer goes too which is good for him because he has been living a hum-drum life. As you might guess, nothing goes as planned, the animals and farmer change for the better and everyone lives HEA. Toss a lot of humor in and what a fun movie.
My thoughts: I Love Chicken Run , a stop-action animated movie by the same guys who also do Wallace and Gromit. So when Shaun the Sheep came along and a trailer teaser, I had to go see it. The movie is very clever. Definitely contains bits just for the adults (the Hannibal cat which someone with me said we had to be the only ones who caught what the cat was doing and laughed for five minutes. And the "convenient cliff" sign.)
FMI: Wikipedia
September 13, 2015
#handbag Monday welcomes Isla Grey & Asylum Harbor #fashion #accessories #shoes #RssosSisters #MFRWorg
Handbag Monday welcomes ...Isla Grey
The only thing I like better than shoes is a unique handbag.
This is one of my favorites. I like to lug around the story I’m working on with a never ending supply of pens and post-its. Plus it has plenty of room for whate Ooh, Isla, this is cool. Very utilitarian looking. What's it made of?
Trouble is the last thing Devon Brown needs when she leaves the painful memories of her past behind and heads to Shell Island. As the Salty Dog’s new bartender, she finds herself drawn to Kerr, the Shell Island harbormaster. But finding her happily-ever-after is difficult when dealing with an obnoxious bootlegger who supplies the bar with illegal liquor and a jealous coworker.A standoffish loner with damaged emotions, Kerr avoids relationships like the plague. Things change when Devon catches his eye. When a simple flirtation grows serious, the coworker and bootlegger quickly become obstacles to any future Kerr and Devon may have together. As the situation worsens, Devon realizes that even the still waters of Asylum Harbor are no refuge during a storm.
Find Asylum Harbor at: Amazon
Find Isla Grey at: Website
Thank you, Isla, for sharing your bag and book with me!
The only thing I like better than shoes is a unique handbag.
This is one of my favorites. I like to lug around the story I’m working on with a never ending supply of pens and post-its. Plus it has plenty of room for whate Ooh, Isla, this is cool. Very utilitarian looking. What's it made of?
Trouble is the last thing Devon Brown needs when she leaves the painful memories of her past behind and heads to Shell Island. As the Salty Dog’s new bartender, she finds herself drawn to Kerr, the Shell Island harbormaster. But finding her happily-ever-after is difficult when dealing with an obnoxious bootlegger who supplies the bar with illegal liquor and a jealous coworker.A standoffish loner with damaged emotions, Kerr avoids relationships like the plague. Things change when Devon catches his eye. When a simple flirtation grows serious, the coworker and bootlegger quickly become obstacles to any future Kerr and Devon may have together. As the situation worsens, Devon realizes that even the still waters of Asylum Harbor are no refuge during a storm.
Find Asylum Harbor at: Amazon
Find Isla Grey at: Website
Thank you, Isla, for sharing your bag and book with me!
September 10, 2015
A Day Like No Other #911 #USA #RssosSisters #MFRWorg #America
I've never written much about what I experienced on 9-11. It seemed inadequate compared to others, especially those who lived on the East Coast. So here's my story:
I'd taken my boys to school. I had some laundry to fold; so I turned on the TV morning show for accompaniment while I did my chore. The male anchor reported that a plane had smashed into Tower 1 and that brought to mind the story my neighbors' shared about a plane crashing into the Empire State Building on the day they married.
Handsome phoned from out of town and we talked a bit about what had taken place, neither of us comprehending. After he hung up, I continued to fold and listen to the program and then, right in front of my eyes, another plane crashed.
My heart stopped. One plane might be accidental.
The news reported the second aircraft and my hand covered my mouth. My insides twisted.
Two was not.
And then the towers fell. I phoned Handsome.
All kinds of stuff began to happen. Sirens, people rushing, smoke, crying. No one knew anything. No one knew what to think.
The horror is still incomprehensible.
A year later, I visited the site. I wound my fingers into the chain length fencing and stared. Unbelievable. My thoughts were broken when I heard sobbing. Nearby stood groups of people who had come to honor those who had passed. Someone began to pray and I closed my eyes and prayed too.
I prayed for my family, my friends. I prayed for those who died. I prayed for those who lost loved ones. I prayed for our nation--one, and indivisible.
Long may she wave.
I'd taken my boys to school. I had some laundry to fold; so I turned on the TV morning show for accompaniment while I did my chore. The male anchor reported that a plane had smashed into Tower 1 and that brought to mind the story my neighbors' shared about a plane crashing into the Empire State Building on the day they married.
Handsome phoned from out of town and we talked a bit about what had taken place, neither of us comprehending. After he hung up, I continued to fold and listen to the program and then, right in front of my eyes, another plane crashed.
My heart stopped. One plane might be accidental.
The news reported the second aircraft and my hand covered my mouth. My insides twisted.
Two was not.
And then the towers fell. I phoned Handsome.
All kinds of stuff began to happen. Sirens, people rushing, smoke, crying. No one knew anything. No one knew what to think.
The horror is still incomprehensible.
A year later, I visited the site. I wound my fingers into the chain length fencing and stared. Unbelievable. My thoughts were broken when I heard sobbing. Nearby stood groups of people who had come to honor those who had passed. Someone began to pray and I closed my eyes and prayed too.
I prayed for my family, my friends. I prayed for those who died. I prayed for those who lost loved ones. I prayed for our nation--one, and indivisible.
Long may she wave.
