Posted on September 30, 2007 in Books
This is the sequel authorised by the Great Ormond Street Hospital which has owned the rights to Peter Pan since J. M. Barrie’s death. Peter Pan is without the doubt one of my favourite books growing up, and it remains a story close to my heart. This sequel was better than Spielberg’s film Hook, and I think I like it better than Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s prequel Peter Pan and the Starcatchers. While that book was fine, this one has more heart and more of a sentimental value for me because Geraldine McCaughrean uses the original characters such as Wendy, John, and the Lost Boys. I always have trouble getting into sequels without the original characters being there. This is one of the reasons I don’t like the later Narnia books as much as the first ones; I couldn’t warm to the new kids like I did the original four Pevensie children. Though I really liked The Magician’s Nephew. Though I do think Barry’s and Pearson’s story probably moved a bit faster than this one. This novel was a bit slow in the middle, but I quite liked the end. I also think another big strength in the book is how well she writes the original characters. She really knows the characters; her mimickery of Barrie’s writings and style is good. It’s true to the original which is why I find the book has a certain sweetness and warmth that’s just right as a sequel.
Posted on September 30, 2007 in Knitting & Crafting
Tweedy Beret, started September 13th, 2007, finished September 28th, 2007
Pattern: Purl Bee Beret
Made for: No one in particular, but I think I’ll give it to Sandy.
Yarn: Rowan Rowanspun Spun 4ply SH705 – 1 skein
Needles: US#3/3.25mm DPNS and 16″ circular
Cost of Project: $5 for yarn
Would I knit it again? Yes.
Pattern Notes and Comments: The tweed knits up very pretty, but the yarn was a bit persnickety. It’s a bit flimsy, and not as good as other yarns in this weight (sock yarn, etc). It didn’t hold up well on DPNs, and I had more ladder issues than normal so the resulting stitches are not as neat as I’d like. It even snapped at one point which was the first time that’s happened to me. This doesn’t look that bad since the hat is so rustic and tweedy; it masks all the mistakes and shortfalls. I still have another skein of this discontinued yarn so I can make another one for myself or another friend. The pattern is marvelously easy and quick. One of these days, I’ll do it with the intended Koigu.
Posted on September 29, 2007 in Movies
Based on the book of the same name, this film recounts the based on true story tale of the British military’s Operation Mincemeat, a plan to fool the Axis powers that the Allies intended to attack Sardinia and Greece rather than Sicily. I watched a bit of this film a few weeks ago on TVO’s Saturday Night at the Movies which is a treasure for a classic film lover like me. The film is a little gem of suspense and classic espionage. It doesn’t have a lot of special effects, and though I knew how it would end, the tension build up and drama were just right. I have a thing for spy films so this fits right up my alley. It’s also humorous in the deadpan, ironic British way at times. Though there is a romantic B plot that serves as the fictional drama, it fits seamlessly into the film. In all, the film does not over extend itself to what it really is. A very well adapted, acted, and directed movie about this World War II deception plan. Smart and underrated old flick
Posted on September 28, 2007 in Beauty & Skincare, Fitness, Musings
A friend and I joke about that Lululemon is a cult. It bases itself on yoga philosophy, and in the beginning, produced all its clothing in Canada. Now, it makes it in China like every other business, but their yoga pants are still like $80. I refuse to to buy their clothing; it’s out of my budget for one thing, and it’s ridiculous how trendy and expensive it is.
But I bought one of their bags today. Namely the Velocity Gym Bag pictured above. For a lot of money. Why? I have a thing for bags. I love handbags. I constantly rotate my bags for the occasion and the “season” as it were. I bought a H&M bag last year for much less to be my book bag, and now this one will replace it. Due the cult of Lululemon, the bag is popular for school, but not as popular as the less expensive Aritzia TNA bag which is of similar size and style.
The bag does look sturdy, and it should last me a few years considering what I paid. The vinyl is waterproof which is a big advantage. My Macbook fits snuggly in with lots of other room. I also do intend to use it as a gym bag. I will use the included wet bag for my running shoes, and the pockets for my H20 and cell. As well as the external straps for a yoga mat. I also love removable straps as I won’t always have to carry this under my arm. It seems to be a great bag for carry-on airplane travel too.
All in all, I can say this is my back to school gift to myself. But I’m just making excuses. Oh why must I adore the bags?
In other news, I am finding it difficult to find a decently priced moisture-wicking tank top that I can wear for running, gym and yoga. The running is great though; I’m back on Week 5 since the illness set me back a few weeks. A few more weeks and I’m going to do my first 5K.
Image from Google Images.
Posted on September 23, 2007 in Movies
When I watched Ocean’s 12 a few months ago, I found it fine, not great. Only later did I realize how stupid the plot was, but it didn’t really occur to me right away because one doesn’t really watch these films for plot. Though I must say this one was more thought out than its predecessor, but I found the latter more pretty only because they were in Europe. This one goes back to being solely Las Vegas with a casino oriented plot, just like the first one. Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin come for this ride, not to mention little bits from Julian Sands and Eddie Izzard (reprising). So I wouldn’t say I was a big fan of Clooney, Pitt, etc., but I don’t dislike the guys, and they honestly look like they enjoyed making this movie. I like a good blockbuster where it’s light, fun, and the cast looks like they don’t mind being there either. The cast also have chemistry which tells me they like being around each other too. It’s not the best comedy, nor the most profound, but Steven Soderbergh has his nice visual cues and editing in the movie. All in all, not a total waste of a couple of hours, and if you like these guys and accept this for what it is, it’s not bad way to spend your time.
Posted on September 13, 2007 in Books
Okay . . . picture this (really) worst-case scenario: It’s cold and raining, your boyfriend/girlfriend has just dumped you, you’ve just been fired, the pile of unpaid bills is sky-high, your beloved pet has recently died, and you think you’re coming down with a cold. All you want to do (other than hiding under the covers) is to curl up with a good book, something warm and comforting that will make you feel better.
What do you read? – BTT
If that really happened, I wouldn’t be reading. But if I was, I’d want something light. I’d want chicklit. If I didn’t have that around, I usually go for a good, ol favourite classic such as Jane Austen. I can be stressed quite often so I do want lighter books. I like fiction that I have a feeling won’t be too dark or with an ending too bleak. I usually have a good instinct about books. I also like going through knitting patttern books and cookbooks when I don’t feel up for a real book to cheer me up.
Posted on September 12, 2007 in Photography
August 31, 2007
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I’ve been sick for awhile and am just slowly getting back to things. Also school has started which will take a lot of my time from now on. I do miss the blog.