Was out past midnight this morning, on my way home from Panther Island Pavilion. I had the pleasure of hearing some great local bands (I have to go back and listen to a few, due to having good conversation with a long lost friend). I also had the pleasure of listening to three bands I had already heard of: Airborne Toxic Event, Dale Earnheardt Jr. Jr. (Yes, there are two Jr.'s), and best of all.... Jimmy Eat World. Holy crap, it was such an amazing show! Granted, there were a ton of 30-something's, myself included... And I really expected more jostling. It was a super tame crowd, not at all what I expected, which was cool, considering I made the choice to wear some toe baring gladiator sandals. But, it was definitely nothing like the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis show I went to for my birthday. Again, which was fine. I, however, danced and sang until I was dead tired last night.
I guess, since m focus was more on the original music I heard from them so, so very long ago (The Middle was during my senior year of high school). I had, on previous occasions, given a listen to new releases and liked a couple songs, but my taste in music got put up on the shelf for a few years. I've recently dusted off a few things I liked then, and turns out a few things are still good (like JEW), and a few are not...
Anyway, it was a super fun day--I enjoyed my friend, she bought me tons of Rahr Blondes, which were freaking delicious, by the way. Maybe it was because it was sunny and warm, but I thoroughly enjoyed ever single one, especially after the smoking hot quesadilla we had. Geesh, I love festival food. I'm sure it was from one of the many amazing FW food trucks. Next year, I will most certainly invest in the two day VIP tickets, as I sadly missed Billy Gibbons.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Whiskey Cake
Had a date. The most important part was the part where I had the food, at this lovely place in Plano, called Whiskey Cake.
Starting with the appetizer--our server suggested the goat cheese fondue, which was delicious. I was hoping for the fried green tomatoes, but I couldn't really argue with fondue. I really like fondue. Especially if it's the goat cheese variety. There were olives on the side, and the bread that went with was wonderful.
Drinks were fantastic. I had a margarita type thing, not sure if it was on the menu, but it was grapefruity and delicious. Not too sweet, which worked for me. Date had a drink called a Tennessee Stud with this amazing whiskey that's been aged in port wine barrels. A little on the strong side for me, but pretty tasty. He had a sour something that I didn't try, but it did disappear.
Dinner was made of fish, specifically the Texas Striped Bass, which was served over broccoli slaw--I was concerned about that at first, but decided give it a try anyway. Was definitely a good decision. Portions seemed alarmingly small at first, but mostly because the fish was on top of the veggies, but it was all just the right amount. There was also some warm sliced avocado.
Which brings us to dessert. Holy crap, Whiskey Cake is aptly named for their wonderful whiskey cake. It was warm and delicious, with spiced pecans and fresh whipped cream over the top. Definitely enough for two people... Or just one, if you're eating just the cake. It was wonderful and I felt that I could die happy afterwards. I also felt stuffed and quite satisfied.
Definitely going to have to go back, even if it's just for drinks in a week or two!
Starting with the appetizer--our server suggested the goat cheese fondue, which was delicious. I was hoping for the fried green tomatoes, but I couldn't really argue with fondue. I really like fondue. Especially if it's the goat cheese variety. There were olives on the side, and the bread that went with was wonderful.
Drinks were fantastic. I had a margarita type thing, not sure if it was on the menu, but it was grapefruity and delicious. Not too sweet, which worked for me. Date had a drink called a Tennessee Stud with this amazing whiskey that's been aged in port wine barrels. A little on the strong side for me, but pretty tasty. He had a sour something that I didn't try, but it did disappear.
Dinner was made of fish, specifically the Texas Striped Bass, which was served over broccoli slaw--I was concerned about that at first, but decided give it a try anyway. Was definitely a good decision. Portions seemed alarmingly small at first, but mostly because the fish was on top of the veggies, but it was all just the right amount. There was also some warm sliced avocado.
Which brings us to dessert. Holy crap, Whiskey Cake is aptly named for their wonderful whiskey cake. It was warm and delicious, with spiced pecans and fresh whipped cream over the top. Definitely enough for two people... Or just one, if you're eating just the cake. It was wonderful and I felt that I could die happy afterwards. I also felt stuffed and quite satisfied.
Definitely going to have to go back, even if it's just for drinks in a week or two!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Advice on writing
One of my favorite authors, Joanne Harris gave ten tips for writing on twitter yesterday. I was pretty excited, and kept checking my phone through the day, looking for the updates. So, here there are.
1. Build a world that your reader wants to visit - that is, that satisfies an as-yet unfulfilled desire - for instance, freedom; adventure; exploration; the ability to break the rules and conventions of the society we inhabit. This does not necessarily mean an ideal world - dreams and fantasies are often dark and challenging, hence the amount of fantasy dealing with war, conflict, apocalypse (all cathartic experiences, viewed from the security of the printed page).
2. Set down your rules, and stick to them. It’s fine to break the laws of physics in fantasy literature, but you do need to show consistency. If you’re writing a world in which magic works, you need to establish the laws of magic. Is it something innate? Can it be learnt? Are runes, incantations, spells, potions involved? Even fantasy needs to have its own internal logic, otherwise the suspension of disbelief becomes impossible.
3. Seek emotional realism. Whatever the setting of your story, at its heart lies a human connection between reader and writer. Fantasy speaks to us on a deeply emotional level, dealing with subconscious wish-fulfilment and the exorcism of personal demons. Just because this is fantasy doesn’t mean it can’t be emotionally real. Use your own experience to make your feelings work for you.
4. Make your characters human at heart. That means creating empathy between them and the reader - whether they are elves, wolves, rabbits, dwarves, anthropomorphic space machines or aliens from the planet Targ.
5. Archetype, not stereotype. With such a strong foundation in folk-tale and fairy story, it’s easy to confuse the difference between archetype and stereotype. The first is an expression of the hidden dreams and desires of the human subconscious, articulated through traditional figures in story. The second, a gateway to cliche. Avoid.
6. Give familiar tales a twist. Don’t be afraid of breaking traditional conventions, of rewriting legends, or taking folk tales and making them yours. They are yours. They are also mine, and everyone else’s. You (and I, and we) have the right to tell them any way we like. Traditional stories need to evolve and grow in order to stay alive. Own them, and make them live.
7. Find out what makes your society tick. Does your fantasy world run on money? Magic? Tribal interactions? Philosophy? Slavery? Religion? War? Is there a king? A government? Gods? How do these things affect your characters and their journey through the narrative?
8. Think about the details. Every country or fantasy world has sayings, food, folk-tales, dress, weather, weapons, slang, customs, smells, plants, birds. Without writing a guide book, try to immerse yourself (and your reader) into this new environment. Just because it’s fantasy doesn’t mean it can’t be real.
9. Don’t confuse fake with fantasy. That means getting your facts right if you want to write about authentic-sounding weapons, ships, armour or other quasi-historical details. Sound research into these things makes for more convincing fantasy.
10. There’s more to this than Middle-Earth. With infinite worlds to choose from, your inspiration doesn’t always have to come from mediaeval England. In the same way, urban fantasy doesn’t always have to be set in New York. Vary your landscapes; expand your horizons.
1. Build a world that your reader wants to visit - that is, that satisfies an as-yet unfulfilled desire - for instance, freedom; adventure; exploration; the ability to break the rules and conventions of the society we inhabit. This does not necessarily mean an ideal world - dreams and fantasies are often dark and challenging, hence the amount of fantasy dealing with war, conflict, apocalypse (all cathartic experiences, viewed from the security of the printed page).
2. Set down your rules, and stick to them. It’s fine to break the laws of physics in fantasy literature, but you do need to show consistency. If you’re writing a world in which magic works, you need to establish the laws of magic. Is it something innate? Can it be learnt? Are runes, incantations, spells, potions involved? Even fantasy needs to have its own internal logic, otherwise the suspension of disbelief becomes impossible.
3. Seek emotional realism. Whatever the setting of your story, at its heart lies a human connection between reader and writer. Fantasy speaks to us on a deeply emotional level, dealing with subconscious wish-fulfilment and the exorcism of personal demons. Just because this is fantasy doesn’t mean it can’t be emotionally real. Use your own experience to make your feelings work for you.
4. Make your characters human at heart. That means creating empathy between them and the reader - whether they are elves, wolves, rabbits, dwarves, anthropomorphic space machines or aliens from the planet Targ.
5. Archetype, not stereotype. With such a strong foundation in folk-tale and fairy story, it’s easy to confuse the difference between archetype and stereotype. The first is an expression of the hidden dreams and desires of the human subconscious, articulated through traditional figures in story. The second, a gateway to cliche. Avoid.
6. Give familiar tales a twist. Don’t be afraid of breaking traditional conventions, of rewriting legends, or taking folk tales and making them yours. They are yours. They are also mine, and everyone else’s. You (and I, and we) have the right to tell them any way we like. Traditional stories need to evolve and grow in order to stay alive. Own them, and make them live.
7. Find out what makes your society tick. Does your fantasy world run on money? Magic? Tribal interactions? Philosophy? Slavery? Religion? War? Is there a king? A government? Gods? How do these things affect your characters and their journey through the narrative?
8. Think about the details. Every country or fantasy world has sayings, food, folk-tales, dress, weather, weapons, slang, customs, smells, plants, birds. Without writing a guide book, try to immerse yourself (and your reader) into this new environment. Just because it’s fantasy doesn’t mean it can’t be real.
9. Don’t confuse fake with fantasy. That means getting your facts right if you want to write about authentic-sounding weapons, ships, armour or other quasi-historical details. Sound research into these things makes for more convincing fantasy.
10. There’s more to this than Middle-Earth. With infinite worlds to choose from, your inspiration doesn’t always have to come from mediaeval England. In the same way, urban fantasy doesn’t always have to be set in New York. Vary your landscapes; expand your horizons.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Sherlock - Series 3
Can we just take a moment here and mouth a silent "Fuck you, Moffat." whilst also loving the man? I can't decide where to even begin. I mean, the Molly kiss? And then... it was just a bloody freaking THEORY?!?! Gah! Granted, the only part of that theory I even remotely liked was the Molly kiss. Mostly because I am still rooting for her.
And then, let's see... Sherlock ruining THE question. And I have to agree with Moffat--John leaping up, uttering curse words and trying to throttle Sherlock is better than fainting. I mean, we're grown men, after all. Not delicate, prissy debutantes.
And then, let's see... Sherlock ruining THE question. And I have to agree with Moffat--John leaping up, uttering curse words and trying to throttle Sherlock is better than fainting. I mean, we're grown men, after all. Not delicate, prissy debutantes.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
New Spring - Robert Jordan
As always, after coming up for air from a Robert Jordan novel, I find myself at a loss for words. Not only did he write beautifully, I always find myself quickly attached to all of his characters all over again. However, in this case, the focus stayed on three main characters and was very short in comparison to every other book in the Wheel of Time series.
Oh, the insight! I cannot think of any other writer I like that builds such thorough and culturally rich worlds to visit. And the fount of knowledge Jordan possessed is apparent in every single word. I know, I know. I am definitely indulging in a bit of hero worship. I will warn you: if you think George. R.R. Martin has a large cast of characters and that annoys you, I do not suggest picking up this series. If that doesn't bother you in the least.... PROCEED! I am nowhere near done with this series, I need to pick up book 10, but burnt myself out (see what I did there?) reading the first nine back to back.
Anyway, if you love lush descriptions, infinitely intricate plots, high fantasy... Well, the whole series (thus far) is beyond fantastic. If you've never heard of it, or heard of it but never looked into it, don't freak out when you find out Robert Jordan passed away in 2007. His wife pegged Brandon Sanderson to finish the series based on Jordan's extensive notes and plot details that were shared with family. I've read a little of Sanderson's work and think he should fit the bill nicely. I mean, Jordan's wife (and editor) chose him, so that should say quite a bit. The cast of characters is vast and most of them are important at one point or another. The plot lines twist more than... Well, honestly, I can't think of anything twistier than a plot line written by Robert Jordan. I think it would be safe to begin with New Spring, though I am unsure if that is actually wise. It gives insight to things I missed or did not pick up on that definitely make me reconsider a thing or two, plus it puts several characters in a light that I wasn't ready to see them in, as far into the series as I am. I almost feel like I have to start completely over... But that it much too daunting a task.
Oh, the insight! I cannot think of any other writer I like that builds such thorough and culturally rich worlds to visit. And the fount of knowledge Jordan possessed is apparent in every single word. I know, I know. I am definitely indulging in a bit of hero worship. I will warn you: if you think George. R.R. Martin has a large cast of characters and that annoys you, I do not suggest picking up this series. If that doesn't bother you in the least.... PROCEED! I am nowhere near done with this series, I need to pick up book 10, but burnt myself out (see what I did there?) reading the first nine back to back.
Anyway, if you love lush descriptions, infinitely intricate plots, high fantasy... Well, the whole series (thus far) is beyond fantastic. If you've never heard of it, or heard of it but never looked into it, don't freak out when you find out Robert Jordan passed away in 2007. His wife pegged Brandon Sanderson to finish the series based on Jordan's extensive notes and plot details that were shared with family. I've read a little of Sanderson's work and think he should fit the bill nicely. I mean, Jordan's wife (and editor) chose him, so that should say quite a bit. The cast of characters is vast and most of them are important at one point or another. The plot lines twist more than... Well, honestly, I can't think of anything twistier than a plot line written by Robert Jordan. I think it would be safe to begin with New Spring, though I am unsure if that is actually wise. It gives insight to things I missed or did not pick up on that definitely make me reconsider a thing or two, plus it puts several characters in a light that I wasn't ready to see them in, as far into the series as I am. I almost feel like I have to start completely over... But that it much too daunting a task.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Inkheart - Cornelia Funke
I am quite pleased by the first book of 2014. I know it isn't new, but is definitely new to me. I spent most of my childhood reading fantasy novels that were not really meant for my age group, so I missed a large number of the very good books I would have read then and possibly would have still read while in college. I was too busy wading through Wheel of Time and basically any other sword & sorcery book I could get my hands on.
Once I was an adult, the concept of reading young adult novels seemed ridiculous. Thankfully, Eragon and Harry Potter cured me of the notion. I'm still selective in what I choose to read that is YA, since Twilight irritated me and anything similar (read: simpering, whiny "heroines" with a penchant for unhealthy relationships) does not appeal to me.
Inkheart is magical and whimsical without being silly. I love Mo and Meggie's relationship, mostly because it was similar to my mother and I and our love for books. All of the characters have depth and experience quite a bit of development, with the exception of Mo. I don't particularly feel like he needs anymore development, as he felt more like a tool to service the plot. And I think Funke used him exceptionally well. I especially enjoyed Elinor as well, with her attempts to stay stuffy and distant with Meggie. Losing her library humanized her ad brought out the best in her, since she lost the one thing in the world she had to hide behind.
It did drag a bit towards the middle, but I feel like it was part of setting up for the rest of the series. On the whole, I really did like it.
Once I was an adult, the concept of reading young adult novels seemed ridiculous. Thankfully, Eragon and Harry Potter cured me of the notion. I'm still selective in what I choose to read that is YA, since Twilight irritated me and anything similar (read: simpering, whiny "heroines" with a penchant for unhealthy relationships) does not appeal to me.
Inkheart is magical and whimsical without being silly. I love Mo and Meggie's relationship, mostly because it was similar to my mother and I and our love for books. All of the characters have depth and experience quite a bit of development, with the exception of Mo. I don't particularly feel like he needs anymore development, as he felt more like a tool to service the plot. And I think Funke used him exceptionally well. I especially enjoyed Elinor as well, with her attempts to stay stuffy and distant with Meggie. Losing her library humanized her ad brought out the best in her, since she lost the one thing in the world she had to hide behind.
It did drag a bit towards the middle, but I feel like it was part of setting up for the rest of the series. On the whole, I really did like it.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
2013 In Review
2013 had a lot of new (to me) things in the realm of television/Netflix. Plus, I changed jobs, so that led me a lack of discounted used books from Hastings and on to getting to explore my two favorite Half Price Books on a regular basis.
I joined the ever growing trove of Whovians, so in a matter of three months I met Nine and Rose, met Ten, lost Rose and then met Eleven and Amy. I also met Sherlock and John Watson and am now even more in love with Martin Freeman. I have yet to begin The Walking Dead, but am excited to start Breaking Bad at some point soon. Battlestar Gallactica is also a new favorite.
Most Memorable Current Series Episodes:
1. New Girl - Table 34: Jess and Nick kiss, and she does my favorite/most relatable Jess speech. It was the moment I had been waiting for since I watched the first season on Netflix and then struggled to catch up for the third season. They are by far, my favorite television couple. Also, the whole moonwalking away thing--hilarious.
2. Sleepy Hollow - The Golem: Man, if you aren't watching this, you need to get caught the fuck up. It's got a slow build, but it packs a punch. This was the last episode of 2013. Frankly, the week they skipped due to the World Series, I was screaming at Fox because I absolutely could not wait to see the next episode. It really does start off slow, the pilot starts with a lot of actual action, but the plot unfolds perfectly through The Golem. I have to say, that when I found out Ichabod had a kid, I was quite surprised, and I had a brief moment of, Awww.
3. Doctor Who - The Rings of Akhaten: It was hard to pick this one, as I'm just not sold on Clara yet and I was honestly still reeling from losing Amy and Rory. In fact, this episode and Angels Take Manhattan were shown back to back (I think, I might have dozed off) on Christmas day, which made it even more difficult to like Clara. Mind you, I do like her. I'm just not sold on her. Yet. Anyway, I did love the part where Eleven offers up the sum of all his experience as a Time Lord, it just wrenches the heart.
Movies!
Man, I am behind on movies. I have to be taken, and that doesn't happen often. Anyway, my list:
1. Iron Man 3 - Love, love, loved it! Though, I did (willingly) sit between two comic book nerds who argued the nuances of the movie versus the comic book. Thankfully, they didn't do it during the movie, else they'd of been broken in half. I've never read the comic books, but I loved the movie itself. They just keep piling depth onto Tony Stark and RDJ just does it brilliantly!
2. Superman - Several people I spoke to afterwards had issue with this particular Superman, but I liked it. I guess I don't have that issue with continuity or sticking to a story I already know, as I grew up knowing about Superman, watching Lois & Clark, and the animated cartoons. So, I am not bothered when things change.
3. Star Trek: Into Darkness - This was bloody good. I mean, seriously fantastic. Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan was amazing. And of course, there was Simon Pegg who makes a perfect Scotty. I know a lot of Trekkies got their knickers in a knot over the whole continuity issue. But, for me, I consider it cannon. It isn't that difficult to believe that Spock changed things. And I totally get the fact that Abrams made it into a huge, action packed THING, but it was still amazing. I loved it. I'm one of those people that don't get overly bothered by things that are and aren't cannon. I just have a hard time dealing with movies versus books.
I know I missed a lot of great movies, but I just don't make it to the movies that often.
Books!
My number of books for 2013 was quite low. Again, Netflix. I've no intention of giving it up, but I do intend to devote more time to reading. I mean, it's not like I'll catch up on Supernatural in time for it coming back on shortly. And BSG isn't going anywhere...
Best book of the year... Had to be Ready Player One. I've never gone too deeply into science fiction, but this one really just hits you with the immense amount of nerdiness AND a pretty heavy dose of sci-fi. Granted, I still roll my eyes as the unnecessary amount of stress placed on the Art3mis-Wade/Parzival relationship. I guess it was pretty spot on, love and teenagers often don't make for the best recipe, even in the real world. I should just shut up and be glad that Wade recovered enough from their temporary break up to save the world. But, I still can't get over his Lloyd Dobler behavior.
My best discovery of the year, that would be the Dark Tower graphic novels. I love getting more back story on Roland and what happened to his original ka-tet. I' nowhere near finished, as I'm trying to get them all in hard cover without paying full price at B&N.
I joined the ever growing trove of Whovians, so in a matter of three months I met Nine and Rose, met Ten, lost Rose and then met Eleven and Amy. I also met Sherlock and John Watson and am now even more in love with Martin Freeman. I have yet to begin The Walking Dead, but am excited to start Breaking Bad at some point soon. Battlestar Gallactica is also a new favorite.
Most Memorable Current Series Episodes:
1. New Girl - Table 34: Jess and Nick kiss, and she does my favorite/most relatable Jess speech. It was the moment I had been waiting for since I watched the first season on Netflix and then struggled to catch up for the third season. They are by far, my favorite television couple. Also, the whole moonwalking away thing--hilarious.2. Sleepy Hollow - The Golem: Man, if you aren't watching this, you need to get caught the fuck up. It's got a slow build, but it packs a punch. This was the last episode of 2013. Frankly, the week they skipped due to the World Series, I was screaming at Fox because I absolutely could not wait to see the next episode. It really does start off slow, the pilot starts with a lot of actual action, but the plot unfolds perfectly through The Golem. I have to say, that when I found out Ichabod had a kid, I was quite surprised, and I had a brief moment of, Awww.
3. Doctor Who - The Rings of Akhaten: It was hard to pick this one, as I'm just not sold on Clara yet and I was honestly still reeling from losing Amy and Rory. In fact, this episode and Angels Take Manhattan were shown back to back (I think, I might have dozed off) on Christmas day, which made it even more difficult to like Clara. Mind you, I do like her. I'm just not sold on her. Yet. Anyway, I did love the part where Eleven offers up the sum of all his experience as a Time Lord, it just wrenches the heart.
Movies!
Man, I am behind on movies. I have to be taken, and that doesn't happen often. Anyway, my list:
1. Iron Man 3 - Love, love, loved it! Though, I did (willingly) sit between two comic book nerds who argued the nuances of the movie versus the comic book. Thankfully, they didn't do it during the movie, else they'd of been broken in half. I've never read the comic books, but I loved the movie itself. They just keep piling depth onto Tony Stark and RDJ just does it brilliantly!
2. Superman - Several people I spoke to afterwards had issue with this particular Superman, but I liked it. I guess I don't have that issue with continuity or sticking to a story I already know, as I grew up knowing about Superman, watching Lois & Clark, and the animated cartoons. So, I am not bothered when things change.
3. Star Trek: Into Darkness - This was bloody good. I mean, seriously fantastic. Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan was amazing. And of course, there was Simon Pegg who makes a perfect Scotty. I know a lot of Trekkies got their knickers in a knot over the whole continuity issue. But, for me, I consider it cannon. It isn't that difficult to believe that Spock changed things. And I totally get the fact that Abrams made it into a huge, action packed THING, but it was still amazing. I loved it. I'm one of those people that don't get overly bothered by things that are and aren't cannon. I just have a hard time dealing with movies versus books.
I know I missed a lot of great movies, but I just don't make it to the movies that often.
Books!
My number of books for 2013 was quite low. Again, Netflix. I've no intention of giving it up, but I do intend to devote more time to reading. I mean, it's not like I'll catch up on Supernatural in time for it coming back on shortly. And BSG isn't going anywhere...
Best book of the year... Had to be Ready Player One. I've never gone too deeply into science fiction, but this one really just hits you with the immense amount of nerdiness AND a pretty heavy dose of sci-fi. Granted, I still roll my eyes as the unnecessary amount of stress placed on the Art3mis-Wade/Parzival relationship. I guess it was pretty spot on, love and teenagers often don't make for the best recipe, even in the real world. I should just shut up and be glad that Wade recovered enough from their temporary break up to save the world. But, I still can't get over his Lloyd Dobler behavior.
My best discovery of the year, that would be the Dark Tower graphic novels. I love getting more back story on Roland and what happened to his original ka-tet. I' nowhere near finished, as I'm trying to get them all in hard cover without paying full price at B&N.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)