Miranda Atchley's Blog, page 50

Book of The Week #19- While You're Awake

While You're Awakeby Amber Stokes
Ava's rental home has been invaded by one of her greatest fears, honey bees. Day and night, she can hear the buzzing of their wings, taunting her by their presence. Seriously tired from the lack of sleep her unwanted guests have caused, Ava packs up her laptop and heads to the coffee shop, Coffee by Angels, to sip a moccachino, get some freelance editing work done and maybe clear her head. While at the shop, Ava meets Keegan, or as she soon comes to call him, Angel Boy. Keegan knows something is wrong with Ava, whom he dubs Tired Girl, and knowing a thing or two about fear himself, just wants to help.
This was a really nice read. Seeing as it's a novella with around 50 pages, I was afraid I would miss the details and there wouldn't be much to the story, but I still felt like I knew these characters, which I love. Amber really has a way with words in which by saying little, she says it all. Though this novella is short, it still satisfies.
The romance in this story is well written. It's sweet and light, which gets an A++ in book. I much prefer sweet romance to hot and heavy. And I like that there's just a tad bit of suspense as Ava deals with the honey bees, her greatest fear. There's just a touch of it and it helps to round out the story.Honestly, this is one of the prettiest covers I've ever seen. Usually I'm not one for couple covers, but this one is gorgeous. I love the sunlight, the way Ava and Keagan look so happy together, Ava's dress, and Keegan reminds me so much of Gilbert Blythe (inside and out!).
All in all, While You're Awake is a delightful, quick read that any fan of Christian contemporary romance is sure to love.

I give this book a 5 out of 5.

Hey There, November

It's always a little depressing when October comes to a close. The jack-o-lanterns are wilting and covered with mold, the candy is becoming stale, all of the Halloween decorations are going on clearance (which actually isn't such a bad thing). And as sad as I am about the fact that my favorite month has ended, I can take solace in the fact that November will be a crazy busy month, full of things that I have been looking forward to.
1) NaNoWrioMo! I heard about this a few years ago while I was still in college and was too busy just trying to keep my head above water to take the challenge. And since then I just never did it. But this year, I'm going to do it and I am excited about it! If you're a praying person, pray for me, because I am going to need it coming up with 1,667 words a day.

2) Book sale. Starting November 3rd, my local library will be having its annual book sale. The library will have rows of books for sale all month and all proceeds go back into the library, which I love.
3) Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is going to be quite different this year since my grandma won't be there, but we'll try to have as good a time as possible. You can't help but look forward to turkey and green bean casserole.
4) Black Friday. I can't believe I've become a person who looks forward to Black Friday, but they have good deals. I'm not one of those people who stand land in line for hours and stampedes through the store doors, but I do like to go mid-Friday morning and look around. Last year I got the first two seasons of Downton Abbey for $9.96 each at Walmart and I am really hoping to get seasons 3, 4, and 5 for the same price this year.
5) My nephew's birthday! I can't believe he'll be 5-years-old this month. Makes this aunt feel old.
And on top of all that I really want to continue working on this blog and building it up. Plus I'm seven books away from my reading goal for the year so I need to get some books read this month, too. I better stop before I give myself a heart attack.
So November will definitely be a full month in my world. But that's a good thing. And I hope you'll read along with me as it all takes place.

-Miranda Atchley

Until Next Time October

My favorite month of the year has come and gone. It always leaves me a little sad to see Halloween come to a close, but I look forward to the things November and December bring.
A lot of blogging took place during the month of October! More than I've ever done before. The month was primarily dominated by my 14 Days of Halloween series, which was fun to do. And although the 14 Days of Halloween accounted for the majority of October's blog posts, I wrote some other posts centered around other things. I also wrote quite a bit about self-publishing, which I think was a good thing for me. Some of my favorite posts from the month of October are:
Hello OctoberSweater Weather Tag14 Days of Halloween Corpse Bride14 Days of Halloween The Nightmare Before Christmas
October was a good month and I am sad to see it go. Thank you all for reading along with me as it has taken place.
 Until next time, October.....

-Miranda Atchley

14 Days of Halloween- Hocus Pocus

Hocus PocusIn Salem, Massachusetts 1693, Thackery Binx's sister was killed by a trio of witches, the Sanderson sisters. When Thackery tried to save his sister, the witches immortalized him as a black cat just before they were hung. Though Winifred cast a spell that will resurrect them on All Hallow's Eve when a virgin lights the Black Flame Candle.  Now 300 years later, teenage Max and his family have moved from Los Angeles to Salem, against Max's wishes. Though miserable in his new town, Max develops a crush on his classmate Allison. Max is skeptical of Salem's believe in witches, yet he decides to go to the Sanderson cottage on Halloween to impress Allison. As they enter the cottage, Max lights the Black Flame Candle, bringing the Sanderson sisters back to life. And from then on, Halloween night is quite a fright.
Rating: PGCast:Winifred- Bette MidlerSarah- Sarah Jessica ParkerMary- Kathy NajimyMax- Omri KatzAllison- Vinessa ShawDani- Thora Birch Thackery Binx- Sean Murray
I can barely remember this movie from my childhood. I remember seeing bits and pieces of it, though I don't think I watch the entire movie until a couple of years ago. It has become my tradition to watch it every Halloween. It's just the perfect movie to watch on Halloween. It's funny, it takes place on Halloween, there are witches and spells. It's just really fun. What's not to like?
I give this movie a 4 out 5.
Thank you all for following along with the 14 Days of Halloween. It's been a lot of fun and I hope you've all enjoyed it. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

-Miranda Atchley

14 Days of Halloween- Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice"IIIIIIIt's show time!"
Young couple Adam and Barbara lives a big farmhouse in rural Connecticut. The two are desperate for children yet have not been successful. After another month with no luck, Adam suggests they take a vacation. On their way home from a trip to town, a dog runs in front of their car, causing them to swerve and drive into a lake. They later awake in their home, only to find that they are now ghosts whose beloved home is for sale. Enter the Deetz's. The family is comprised of business man Charles, his new artist wife Delia, and teenage daughter Lydia. Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, Charles moves the family to rural Connecticut against Delia and Lydia's wishes. Adam and Barbara aren't too happy about it, either. As the Deetz's settle into their new home, Lydia reads The Handbook For The Recently Deceased and finds the ghosts in the attic, along with Beetlejuice.  She soon grows attached to the loveable couple which causes Adam and Barbara to think Lydia can help them get their beloved home back. Yet Beetlejuice is up to no good.
Rating: PGCast:Beetlejuice- Michael KeatonAdam- Alec BaldwinBarbara- Geena DavisLydia- Winona RyderDelia- Catherine O'HaraCharles- Jeffrey JonesOtho- Glen Shadix
Beetlejuice is definitely on my list of top ten favorite movies of all time. It's funny, it's quirky. I love the imagery. It's produced by Tim Burton. It's just a really fun movie. Looking back, it seems as though at seventeen my goal was to dress like Lydia Deetz. Seriously, I remember styling my dyed black hair in a half up style with my ponytail high on my head, and wearing lots of dark eye make-up with pale foundation. All of this combined with my mostly black wardrobe, it was quite the look. And it's kind of funny because that's what I've decided to be for Halloween this year after my plans of sewing my own Regency dress and going as Elizabeth Bennet didn't pan out.  
This movie is rated PG, though there are some scenes in it that are unsuitable for children. Beetlejuice says some curse words, there's some suggestive humor and there are some images that would frighten young ones.
Beetlejuice is the perfect movie for the Halloween season. It's full of cooky characters, funny scenarios and Tim Burton's signature fairytale-like Gothic styling. It's a movie I love and will watch time and time again.

I give this movie a 5 out of 5.

14 Days of Halloween- Adventure Time "The Creeps"

Adventure Time "The Creeps"(Season 3, episode 12)
In this episode of Adventure Time, LSP is holding a murder mystery party at an old castle. The party consists of Fin, Jake, LSP, Princess Bubblegum, Cinnamon Bun, Peppermint Butler, and BMO. LSP has broken up with Brad. Everyone keeps disappearing. A strange ghost is floating around the castle. Everyone keeps using weird lingo.  In other words, it's pretty much your typical episode of Adventure Time, with a spooky twist.
Cast:Finn- Jeremy ShadaJake- John DiMaggioPrincess Bubblegum- Hynden WalchLSP- Pendleton WardBMO- Niki YangCinnamon Bun-
Though "The Creeps" has the typical makings of an Adventure Time episode, this is one of the more strange episodes of the show. Trust me, that's really saying something. I really like the theme of the episode, though some of LSP's lines aren't really my taste, I guess you'd say. In other words, she says some weird stuff.Of course Adventure Time is not for everyone, but it's one of my favorite shows. Though "Creeps" may not be my favorite episode of the show, I still enjoy watching it during the Halloween season.

I give this episode a 3 out 5.

14 Days of Halloween- The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas"Just because I cannot see it doesn't mean I can't believe it."
In a world where each town has its own holiday, Jack Skellington is the king of Halloweentown, known amongst its people as the Pumpkin King. On yet another well planned and perfectly executed October 31st, Jack is feeling awfully tired of the same old thing, year after year. During a walk through the woods, he stumbles upon a group of trees painted with different symbols. He decides to go through the one with a decorated tree painted upon it, entering Christmas Land. Jack is amazed at the splendor of Christmas Land, with its snow, pleasant sights, sounds and smells and most of all its good cheer. He decides that he must bring Christmas to Halloweentown, though that proves to be no easy feat.
Rating: PGCast:Jack-  Chris Sarandon (Danny Elfman sings for Jack)Sally, Shock- Catherine O'HaraLock- Paul ReubensMayor of Halloweentown- Glenn ShadixSanta Claus- Ed IvoryOogie Boogie- Ken Page
There's quite a bit of debate as to whether or not The Nightmare Before Christmas should be watched during the Halloween or Christmas season. It is true that the film largely deals with Christmas and Halloween Town's adaptation of the holiday. The word Christmas is even in the title, yet despite it all, there are still lots of elements of Halloween in the film. The beginning of the film takes place during Halloween and there's just a general feeling of the holiday throughout. Even their Christmas turns out looking more like Halloween. My point is, I believe the movie is suitable for both seasons and I watch it during both. I always watch it on October, 27th because that's my birthday, as well as a few days before Christmas.
The Nightmare Before Christmas has been my favorite movie for a long time. I own the movie, and the soundtrack as well as a few other knick knacks and have made decorations for both Halloween and Christmas based on the film. When I was sixteen I dressed as Sally for Halloween, who is my favorite movie character ever. It's just a special movie to me. It's one that I will watch time and time again and never tire of.
 All in all, I love this movie. I love the atmosphere, the imagery, the storyline, the characters. It all speaks to my quirky side and just makes me feel good when I watch it.

I give The Nightmare Before Christmas a 5 out of 5.

14 Days of Halloween- Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands"And once there was even a man who had scissors for hands."
In suburbia all the neighbors know exactly what is going on in the pastel colored house next door. Yet there's a dark and brooding castle atop the hill that remains a mystery until Avon Lady Peg comes over to sell cosmetics. As she wanders through the castle, she finds a man hiding in a dark corner who has scissors for hands. His name is Edward and when asked where his parents are he replies, "They never woke up." Peg invites him home with her where her neighbors are fascinated by Edward and the masterpieces he creates with his scissor hands. He soon becomes a beloved addition to the neighborhood and a friend to all, including Peg's daughter Kim. Jealous of Edward, Kim's boyfriend looks for ways to sabotage Edward's squeaky clean reputation. One fateful night Jim finds success in his endeavors, wreaking havoc throughout the neighborhood.
Rating: PG-13Cast:Edward Scissorhands- Johnny DeppKim- Winonna RyderPeg- Diane WestBill- Alan ArkinKevin- Robert OliveriAnthony Michael Hall- JimKathy Baker- Joyce
Edward Scissorhands is another favorite of mine. As this Halloween series has obviously suggested, I'm a huge Tim Burton fan as well as Johnny Depp. This movie is one of their best collaborations in my opinion, if not the best film the pair has done. The storyline is wonderful, the imagery, the acting is great. This movie is just good, and that's all there is to it. You really feel for Edward as he tries to navigate this new world he's been brought to and is tricked by one of its inhabitants.
Though Edward Scissorhands isn't a movie that I would label particularly vulgar, it is rated PG-13 for good reasons. There are some gory scenes toward the end, some suggestive humor and an instance between Edward and one of the neighbors that is quite steamy. Parents should be the ones to judge whether or not this film is suitable for their kids.
All in all, Edward Scissorhands is a wonderful movie and perfect for the Halloween season.
I give this movie a 5 out of 5.

14 Days of Halloween- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory(2005)Charlie Bucket's family, consisting of he, his parents, and two sets of grandparents, barely has enough money to get by on. Yet each year on his birthday, Charlie's family scrapes up the money to buy him his very own chocolate bar, something he looks forward to all year round. On this particular year, Willy Wonka, owner of the Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, has decided to let five children take a tour of the candy factory. Gold tickets are placed in the wrappers of five select chocolate bars and the world subsequently goes mad, buying all the chocolate bars they can in hopes of obtaining a golden ticket. Charlie Bucket is thrilled at the prospect and hopes against hope that his one chocolate bar of the year will hold one of the golden tickets. Yet alas it does not, though Charlie hasn't given up hope. His Grandpa Joe secretly gives him some money that he's kept hidden for an emergency (and he believes this is an emergency) and tells Charlie to buy another chocolate bar, sure it will contain one of the elusive golden tickets. Yet their efforts are in vain. On a snowy wintery day, Charlie finds some money buried in the snow. He takes it to the candy store for one last chance at a golden ticket, and at last finds success. Charlie and Grandpa Joe along with the four winners and their parents arrive at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory for the big day, where strange things take place at every turn. Yet they do not realize that this day will change the lives of the Buckets forever.
Rating: PGCast:Charlie Bucket- Freddy HighmoreWilly Wonka-Johnny DeppMrs. Bucket-Helena Bonham CarterMr. Bucket- Noah TaylorGrandpa Joe- David KellyGrandma Georgina- Liz SmithGrandpa George- David MorrisGrandma Josephine- Eileen Essell
This really is a delightful movie. I love seeing how close the Bucket family is, how well they all get along together even amidst poverty and the hard times their financial state brings. And you really root for Charlie after all that he's been through. It's nice to see the message of perseverance and patience portrayed in this movie. I also love the aesthetic of this movie. All the pretty colors, and Tim Burton's trademark styling come together nicely in this film and makes it so much fun. And, it makes me hungry, haha! Tim Burton and Roald Dahl really do make a great pair.
All in all, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a delightful film to watch this time of year. It's fun, it's quirky, it's heartwarming, and what would Halloween be without all the candy?

I give this movie a 5 out of 5.   

14 Days of Halloween- Corpse Bride

Corpse BrideOn the eve of the wedding his parents have arranged between he and Victoria Everglot, Victor Van Dort takes a walk in the woods to practice the vows he can't seem to get down for the big day. As he slips the ring onto what he thinks is just a normal tree branch, he is surprised to find a corpse rising from the ground. Wearing a tattered wedding gown and veil, long deceased Emily says "I Do" to her new groom. Victor follows Emily to the underground, where all of her friends are happy that she has found love at last. And truth be told, Victor is feeling quite happy with Emily. Yet there's one problem; Victoria is expecting Victor to marry her in the morning.
Rating: PGCast:Johnny Depp- Victor Van DortHelena Bonham Carter- EmilyEmily Watson- Victoria EverglotTracey Ullman- Nell Van DortPaul Whitehouse- William Van DortJoanna Lumely- Lady Madeline EverglotAlbert Finney-Lord Finis Everglot
This is one of favorite movies. I would definitely place it in my top ten. I'm a fan of pretty much everything this movie has to offer. The Victorian setting, the tragically romantic storyline, the quirky characters, the music, the atmosphere. It's just such a fun movie. And I love the irony of the comparison between the world above and the underworld, how the latter is portrayed in a lively and vibrant fashion, whereas the above world is pale and dry.
Corpse Bride is definitely one of Tim Burton's finest pieces of work, a movie all of his fans are sure to enjoy. It's perfect for the Halloween season, or any other time of year, for that matter.

I give this movie a 5 out 5.