Heather Ostler's Blog, page 24

March 26, 2012

March 16, 2012

March Hunger Games Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to Diana and My Reading Addiction for winning The March Hunger Games Giveaway!

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Thanks everyone for participating!
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Published on March 16, 2012 10:47

March 14, 2012

Some of the best (and most strange) things that I love about books


Reading and being around books is such a positive experience for me. I'm the kind of person who kept my English college text books instead of selling them back at the end of the semester like most students. I just couldn't give them up--I had to start collecting for my future library.

I remember going to bookstores with my mom when I was younger, and spending hours finding and reading new novels. It was so amusing to sort through books, discover new authors, and continually build my passion for reading. I still feel that way. So I thought I would share some of the things that I love about books (physical books only. As in tangible, hold-in-your-hand, really there. Sorry e-books).

I love the sight of books piled high on shelves. Remember that castle library from Beauty and the Beast? It was a massive ballroom with shelves that went on for several levels, graced by thousands of books. (Sigh, I would LOVE to have that in my home). But seriously, the image of so much knowledge, power, and beauty piled upon shelves just fills me with enthusiasm.
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Finishing a novel is also one of the best feelings to me. I love closing the cover, taking a deep breath, and realizing that I've accomplished something. I've discovered a new story, explored new places, and I know that I've grown and learned more with every passing paragraph. It's a small achievement, but I'm moving forward. Then, when I'm done, I'm hungry for more adventures, more worlds, more plots.
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I love smelling book pages--I know it's weird, and probably not something to share publicly. But I love the scent of fresh parchment! I'm sure it triggers something in my mind, probably memories of reading Harry Potter for hours on end. And I'll be honest, if you hand me a new novel--I'm going to open it up in the middle, stop whatever I'm doing, and smell the pages. And then you'll probably laugh.
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What are some of your experiences with novels, books, or bookstores? Do you have any interesting rituals with buying or reading novels?


On a Random Note: Yes, it's true. Apparently they make a book smell spray for that reader who can't enjoy reading their e-book without the real smell.
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Published on March 14, 2012 14:45

March 9, 2012

March Hunger Games Giveaway

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As you all know the cinematic release of The Hunger Games is coming out this month. I love the novel, I love movies, so I'm rather ecstatic (and still contemplating dressing up on opening night). In honor of this, I will be giving away copies of The Hunger Games novel by Suzanne Collins.


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If you'd like to win a copy of The Hunger Games, just follow my blog and leave a comment below (make sure to leave your email address with it). I'll use www.random.org and choose a winner on March 16. Good luck!

"May the odds be ever in your favor!"
― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

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Random note: Did you know they sell Hunger Games nail polish?!

(This contest is open to all those living in continental USA)
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Published on March 09, 2012 11:38

March 5, 2012

Inspiration and a little photography

Sometimes I just need a few motivational quotes. If you've been needing a little bit of writing inspiration, hopefully these lovely words will help! And because I also love beautiful, mystical, magical photography-- you get some of that in this post too. Enjoy.

We were born to succeed, not to fail. -- Henry David Thoreau

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I Dwell in possibility. --Emily Dickinson

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The best way out is always through.
--Robert Frost

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Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
--Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

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I just write what I wanted to write. I write what amuses me. It's totally for myself.
--J. K. Rowling

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Little by little, one travels far.
--J. R. R. Tolkien

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Thank you, come again.
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Published on March 05, 2012 19:36

February 29, 2012

XANADU


My mother-in-law took me to go see the play Xanadu this week for my birthday, and I absolutely loved it. (Compliments of Hale Center Theater in Orem).

I grew up watching Xanadu because my parents loved it in the 80's. And honestly, what's not to like? Leg warmers, electric bands, olivia newton john--Xanadu has it all.

I once watched a Friend's episode where Phoebe (the strange one) walks by the television, glances at it and screams "Oh! Oh! Xanadu!" Then you see Olivia dancing on the television in 80's clothes. That scene always cracks me up because it describes how people feel about Xanadu. Either you love it or hate it (Or the rare case where you haven't seen it). If you do love it, you really think it's amazing--Like how Phoebe got so excited that it was on.

I always loved the scene in Xanadu where the two male characters have different visions for a themed roller rink. Sonny Malone imagines a rockin' 80's theme with crazy dancers, and Gene Kelly has a vision of a classy 1940's club. By the end of scene something magical happens (I know that was terribly cheesy of me), and I love how it meshes together.

I know this is a random post, but it's my birthday this week and I feel that if I'm ever going to plug Xanadu, this is the week!

I posted that clip from Xanadu below (sorry about any questionable dancing, I want them to remake this movie and make it squeaky clean haha). But I hope you enjoy it and maybe even pull out your leg warmers this week (I know you have some).

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Published on February 29, 2012 14:39

February 15, 2012

HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO(INE)


I've been thinking lately about woman heroines. What makes a female character/hero memorable? Relatable? Worth reading about?

I've heard a lot of readers complain about woman characters that are too "damsel in distress." I can see where they're coming from, there's nothing worse than a female protagonist who won't fight in intense situations. You have to wonder, are they afraid of ruining their hair? Breaking a nail? Getting their shoes dirty?

I always hated that scene in The Princess Bride when Westly was being attacked by the huge rat and Princess Buttercup just stood there looking slightly worried. I remember watching it with my sister and yelling "Help him out! Grab his sword!"

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But on the opposite end of the spectrum I can't relate with a superhero woman who is so tough that she has no depth. She always wear shiny spandex, can run and jump form buildings in stiletto boots, but because she's so tough (and to run in stilettos, you must be though), it's like she doesn't have room for weaknesses and emotions.

I think a heroine needs to be realistic as well. She needs to have dimension, have feelings, off days, and imperfections. But she also needs to be strong, brave, and able to do incredible things when she's faced with danger. I would have loved Princess Buttercup if she would have instantly grabbed Westly's sword and fought the rat (even if she was in a long ball gown).

A great Heroine can be strong, brave, and amazing at fighting, as long as she still has feelings and emotions that female readers can relate too. Also, I like a heroine who is a smidge bit rebellious—not so rebellious that she becomes a villain, but enough that she doesn't just accept everything she's told. I think Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice is a great example.

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Who are your favorite heroines in literature? Or which movie heroines do you root for? (P.S. I'm really sorry if Princess Buttercup is your favorite and I just ruined that for you).
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Published on February 15, 2012 13:02

January 28, 2012

What Disneyland says about you


It's no secret I'm a Disney fan. I like Disney. A lot. Okay moving on. I've realized that you can tell a lot about someone based on their favorite Disney ride, or favorite part of Disneyland.

For example, Kellen loves Haunted Mansion. It's thrilling in a spooky way, even for adults. It's vintage, so we know it's stood the test of time, and you can go on it 3 billion times and never get sick of the music. I think he likes it because he appreciates vintage music, the setting, and decorations.

For me, I would say Adventureland is my favorite part of Disneyland. It makes me think of safaris, exploring, traveling, tropical places, and heat. As a kid, I loved summer because I would imagine I was on a safari in my backyard, or in Egypt climbing pyramids, or Indiana Jone's friend running through old streets dodging ninjas (the story changed daily). Now when I go to Disneyland I feel like it's my imagination from childhood coming to life.

Here's my own little guide to each land in the park. So pick your favorite part of Disneyland and see what it might say about you.

Fantasyland
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If this is your favorite, then you may be someone who is: Superstitious, a dreamer, silly, young at heart, or a romantic.


Tommorowland
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If this is your favorite, then you may be someone who: A technology wizard, innovative, or a planner.


Adventureland
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If this is your favorite, then you may be someone who: seeks excitement, loves traveling, has a big imagination, is really awesome (oh wait…how did I slip that in there?).


New Orlean's square (Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean)
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If this is your favorite, then you may be someone who: is a history buff, values vintage ideas, is traditional, logical, or rational.


Frontierland
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If this is your favorite, then you may be someone who: is traditional, appreciates nature, is into hunting/camping.


I love going to Disneyland because it's such a creative environment. The gears in my head start turning and stories just begin developing. So from now on I'm telling people it is a necessity that I go to Disneyland—for work, of course.

What is your favorite ride or part of Disneyland?
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Published on January 28, 2012 18:57

January 19, 2012

A few of my favorite things



Lately I've tried to find joy in the smallest things. Cuddling with Kellen, staying warm through my space heater and/or pugs, sipping hot cocoa while the rain streams down the windows. I guess most of those things are a medium for me to stay warm, but they also warm my heart in a way. I like feeling warm, cozy, and safe.

I often forget how blessed I am to have these securities in my life. A husband who takes care of me, a house to live in, even the talents that my Heavenly Father has given me.

The other day I was at Hobby Lobby getting valentine's decorations (no, it's not too early. Right?). Afterwards, I began speed walking through the parking lot in the freezing winter air. As I reached my car, I glanced up to the sky and froze. There, streaming across the January sky was a breathtakingly pink and purple sunset. I had to just stare at it—appreciate it. Marvel at it. Life is beautiful, I thought.

I didn't make any New Year resolutions this year, because, well, I try to constantly have goals in my life. Now I have a new goal. I want to try and understand, be grateful for, and find joy in the small, yet beautiful things that surround my life.

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What blessings, talents, or securities are you grateful for?
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Published on January 19, 2012 12:28

January 9, 2012

Life's a Happy Song



I just saw The Muppets movie with my family. The whole movie was so lighthearted and refreshing. This song is pretty cute and might be a good one to listen to in January (I'm already itching for spring). Anyway, enjoy!
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Published on January 09, 2012 20:34