C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

What was rude and appalling is that the instant JENNY BEAVAN politely, briefly said she had one thing to add and was clearly closing an already reasonable acceptance speech: the Academy awards personnel blared music. Goodness, she wasn't saying anything convtraversial and she only proceeded for one more very polite and important sentence! There was no soapbox, it wasn't about politics, it is the nicest, gentlest cautionary remark about the environment I have ever seen. If only everyone were so brief and calm about the subject.

One thing came about that I found even more appalling than that rude, unnenecessary music censorship attempt. Thankfully I did hear JENNY BEAVAN and hope everyone else did too. Everyone that is, except Joy Behar of "The View", who remarked yesterday "Leonardo DiCaprio was the only one who said anything of substance". I could have slapped Joy Behar, the same woman who snubbed nurses for representing themselves with stethescopes, only to find this is indeed part of their equipment.

What I found more appalling is that when Leonardo DiCaprio won his Oscar and made his acceptance speech, it was a long one that wasn't curtailed at all. Further to that, he launched into climate change cautions and warnings, a subject I consider worthwhile and important but that isn't my point. What I observed is that he ranted on less gently than JENNY BEAVAN and at far greater length and possibly made the point less well than she did. But the Academy did not interrupt Leonardo DiCaprio by blaring music! Why not? Because he is a larger celebrity? Or was the music blarer too touchy early in the night and more lax when the show was nearly ending? This was appalling and Joy Behar is obviously one who missed the costume designer's well-meaning message, who said it first. Simply: The world of "Mad Max" has the capacity for being prophetic, so let's take care of our world. I for one, applaud this two-time award-winning Scotswoman.

The subject that has gotten me to open a topic here in our group is something I noticed on the Oscar awards show. I seldom watch. The sad, dreary films that tend to win are no more what I watch than what I would care to read. I understand the dismal emotionals involved are worth awarding but the fun or fantastical films that really spark people's imaginations in a happier way, like the upcoming "Ghostbusters III" for instance; these don't get on the bill. I did watch this time because Ron had it on.

I was pleased and excited for the lovely woman JENNY BEAVAN, winning her second Oscar 30 years apart, as best costume designer of the year. She was responsible for the "Mad Max: Fury Road" costumes. Dysopia isn't my sort of thing but I applaud her. I see there are articles about disapproving of her casual outfit but that isn't what I am speaking of. Her acceptance was nice, at reasonable length, and then in closing she very briefly and respectfully added: "I think we should consider "Mad Max" prophetic because what it depicts could happen. We need to take care of our world to make sure that doesn't ever happen". Has anyone else clued into the observation I am making? There was a remark that led me to believe she was Scottish but she is shown to be English. No matter. That coast is close enough to the Celts.

Here is a place to discuss anything Celtic-flavoured at all. For instance if you were a fan, as I am, of Ireland's Chris DeBurgh and Enya and Scotland's Shirley Manson of the group Garbage; we could chat about them here. :) I have seen two of these people in concert by the way, Chris DeBurgh as recently as October 2015! Sensational.

If you have been to Ireland, Wales, or Scotland we could reminisce together or enthuse about upcoming trips. Anything you like at all.

Nice when Canadian authors are explored. Two low-ball journies, many mediocre ones; although I always find 3s a poor gauge, unless a review goes with it to explain. I've given a begrudging 3 to journies I didn't enjoy much but where talent in other areas had to be recognized. I have given 3 stars to books I loved but where several points bore weaknesses that had to be acknowledged. In this star system, the only clear feedback without reviews are the low pair of digits and the high ones. I'm glad you have three high ones.

Hm, I removed it because it was terribly-written, even if creatively thought up. Believe me, far more books fit "Canadian". If you would like to have a laugh over getting NUMEROUS aspects of our country incorrect; I list them in my review! https://www.amazon.ca/review/R1CDRK3P...

My blog is 5 years old: happy anniversary to my creation of RIEDEL Fascination today! Comments here are nice but it would mean much more if you would visit this post, that you are all a part of in some way. I would treasure it like gold, if you would view my personal memory and photographs I am sharing and leave a note for me there. Yours with gratitude, Carolyn. Five years! Yay! https://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2016/0...

Previous and present participants and everyone interested in cheering us on: at last I have posted about our 2015 year-end winners at the Mother blog! The answer to the MY KIND OF MYSTERY logo riddle is there too and encouragement to join us in this year's session. :) https://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2016/0...

So far, I don't appear to have the kind of blog that receives 10 comments to everything I post, a simple thing that is my dream blog. Please do not underestimate my appreciation of leaving a note that you visited. Sincerely, Carolyn.

“Throw Your Tooth On The Roof” Selby B. Beeler, G. Brian Karas 1998 (4 stars)
https://www.amazon.ca/review/R2KQULXY...
Tooth fairy traditions all around our world.

It occurred to me that “The Boggart” Susan Cooper 1993 fits Gentle Spectrums as well as ETHEREAL and certainly CELTIC COASTS, because the protagonists are Canadian. They inherit a Scottish castle with this poltergeist. If I find it is a mystery, it would cover all four of our groups! A triple hit is great regardless. Let's see how many books all you find that resolve more than one challenge at a time. :)

I would appreciate comments that people saw this news too. All loss is worthy. The family who raised my kitty's Mother and sisters could use healing. One sister was passed away when they came home, like their Mother a few years before! Must be an awful experience. Animals are family to many. We sent them a card. Here's to you, dear Nirmal. I always wanted Spirit to visit his Mother in particular. Thankfully he can reunite with their sister, Boots. Delaying is never good, is it? We'll make a city trip soon.

“An Inquiry Into Love And Death” Simone St. James 2013 (5 stars) as expected!
“The Boggart” Susan Cooper 1993 (starting)

“The Boggart” Susan Cooper 1993 -Scotland- (starting)

I found the hardcover sequel recently and as I hoped, a charity sale yielded the prequel I needed. This should be fun! Canadian children and their parents inherit a Scottish castle and accidentally bring a boggart to Toronto, Ontario. I don't know why Susan chose our nation but it is always a pleasure and even a relief, to find us referenced in popular literature! It can't be the USA and England all the time of course.

“An Inquiry Into Love And Death” Simone St. James 2013 (5 stars) as expected!
“The Boggart” Susan Cooper 1993 (starting)

I notice Kay became prolific but it's a shame, many seem like demon-type novels, which I would not read. I spied a few that might be straight ahead paranormal. Romance is a large part of this, which dismayed me; except "Marc" is very likeable. I did think it silly, goading her "to be sure of him" faster than anyone ought. That was the minus and that the paranormal wasn't bolder. I like moments when the ghost or people speak to one another. Josie stupidly shied away, then "wondered how they were going to solve this". Duh! Ask him while he's floating towards you!

This novel is a winner after all, because a paranormal mystery drives the story and the mystery manages to be at the forefront. Mystery about the ghost and an additional person, mystery about Josie at first. The aura of mystery is all around and the romance is at least about Josie opening up to love despite a mistrustful past, which fits.

“The Haunting Of Josie” Kay Hooper 1994 (5 stars)

I owned this for years but pushed it into shelves far from consideration, because the title and cover conveyed a horror novel. I skimmed this seldom-used shelf anew and the synopsis didn't sound terrible at all. Here I have a five-star story I enjoyed thoroughly.

I haven't done a post at our master blog yet and look forward to having comments recorded there when I do, as I always. I am happy to announce here for starters: our winners of 2015! I hope all of these folks return this year. The good Lord knows we need them, this dry membership year. ;) Congratulations to all of three of these guests.

The winner of Gentle Spectrums is KRISTI! She is not in this chat group but lives close to Canada, in Illinois, USA. Her blog is called "Books And Needlepoint". It is lovely that Kristi belonged to two of my 2015 challenges. She is finializing her choices from among my prize lists. I am pleased and curious about her eye being on a previously banned but highly-awarded Manitoba classic so far: "A Jest Of God" by our own Margaret Laurence.

The winner of My Kind Of Mystery is KARI! She is in this group, for us to shower with accolades. Her blog is "Know It Not So Much" and she has been in at least two of my groups since I started, which means a great deal. She let me choose her prizes, with a little guidance. They left Manitoba just ahead of yesterday's blizzard. LOL! I am sure the treats will love living with her technologically-sound family in California, USA.

The winner of Ethereal is LuAnn! She isn't here but belonged to all three of my 2015 groups, with her blog "Back Porchervations". She is a home school Mom in Kentucky, USA. She won an unusual prize. For 2015, a sweet person I acquainted from Malaysia offered her talents for that group's gift. LuAnn had a choice of a numerology or tarot reading, from Hazellie! It will be fun to hear what she picked and how she enjoyed it.

(10) COUPLES, PAIRING

If this is a tricky category to interpret, here are examples to help. I am primarily seeking actual couples: Grandparents, bride & groom, woman & man, goose and gander, hen and rooster. However non-living things that are famously paired, or which indicate plurality, are open to creativity. For instance, even "friendship" implies two beings sharing it.

“Let's Go! The Story Of Getting From There To Here” Lizann Flatt, Scot Ritchie 2007
(4 stars) https://www.amazon.ca/review/R2B9JMHB...
“One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) 1960
(3 stars) https://www.amazon.ca/review/RCFYGS0G...

“Bridge Of Friendship” Mabel Esther Allan 1975 (to be read)
“The Night Travellers” Sandra Birdsell 1982 (to be read).

(9) CANADIAN

“The Sunflower's Gift” Ann Marie Brezovski, Patricia Trudeau 2014
https://www.amazon.ca/review/R3RCUVTH... (3 stars)


“Always Looking Up” Michael J. Fox 2009 I have the first edition. (Queued for later).

(8) MUSIC

“Backstage Passes: Life On The Wild Side With David Bowie” Angela Bowie 1993
(one among several, waiting 22 years to be read!)
“Home From The Vinyl Café” Stuart McLean 1998 (to be read)
“Voices After Midnight” Richard Peck 1989 (to be read).

(7) PHOTOGRAPHY

“The Album” Mary Roberts Rinehart 1933 (to be read)
“Photography & The Art Of Seeing” Freeman Patterson 1979 (to be read).