Q is for Quiet (Place, A)

Okay I have to cheat a little today. I haven't read a single book that starts with the Letter Q, and I'm slightly ashamed by this. A Quiet Place is today. Anyway, this movie was worth two novels, from the content to the acting. I usually prefer to have explanations for my characters and plot, but after re-watching Cloverfield and then seeing 10 Cloverfield Lane, I understand why storytellers will give you only a bare bones backstory (okay that was a lot of alliteration there).

A Quiet Place is a story to be seen. It is not quite the horror movie that the trailers are promoted. I think it falls into a science fiction thriller. John Krasinski wrote this screenplay, and I seemed to have forgotten that he was on the office as Jim Halpert.

Although, I did have to remind myself not to jump at the jump scares. It didn't really work this time, sadly...I enjoyed this movie. But jump scares aside, this is a solid plot with a fascinating concept, and top notch acting, especially from the non-humans.

The actors really needed to be able to act with their faces and hands as there there is little to no spoken dialogue. The actress, Millicent Simmonds, who play the daughter is actually deaf. Her and John Krasinski were wonderful together.An entertaining movie and one I would consider buying on DVD, which says a lot  because I am super picky about the movie I buy on DVD.

And, A Quiet Place was shot in Pawling, New Paltz, and Little Falls, NY. Favourite shot in the moive is of Main Street in Little Falls, so creepy and beautiful, but I have a thing for things that are old and abandon, or at least made to look abandoned.

So, some of you are probably here for the poem. Okay, I can when you are humouring me rambling on about movies and such. Today's pantoum that is so silent, well, it might kill you if you make a noise while reading it, Dear Readers. A bit of humour for you today.

Enjoy!

Silent Steps

There is nothing left but silence

throughout the empty streets.

Don't say a word, walking silent steps,

because that is how they know.

Throughout the empty streets,

the soft footfalls muffled upon sand,

because that is how they know,

when your feet hits a creaky spot.

The soft footfalls muffled upon sand,

walking to town, gathering supplies leftover.

When you make a sound,

and forget the nightmare all around you.

Walking to town, gathering supplies leftover

when your are sick with a fever,

and forget the nightmare all around you,

on prescribed paths outlined everywhere.

When tour are sick with a fever

after all the people are gone.

On prescribed paths outlined everywhere,

silent, because they can hear you breathing.

After all the people are gone,

everything becomes a chore,

silent, because they can hear you breathing

and knowing that frightens you.

Everything becomes a chore.

Don't say a word, walking silent steps

and knowing that frightens you;

there is nothing left but silence.

Shakespeare Day 2016

Yesterday was Shakespeare Day,the anniversary of Shakespeare's birth (?) and death day.

Yesterday was also the final performance of Corning Community College's Muse of Fire production of the musical adaptation of Love's Labour's Lost and the day before was the final performance of the Keuka Lake Player's production of Macbeth, so its been a month full of Shakespeare. Also, The Lake Country Players are filming a movie adaptation of the Bard's 12th Night shooting this summer. So, yeah, lots of Shakespeare in 2016.

I felt inspired to write a sonnet (which I have become quite adept at) taking pieces of Macbeth and Love's Labour's Lost in my own tribute to the Bard from Stratford-upon-Avon. If you have never read a Shakespeare play, or seen one performed, you are missing out. I realize that the language is a bit to grasp, but there is something liquid to his words, especially when performed. Listen to an well performed soliloquy and you'll see (hear) what I mean.

The Bard’s Call (or from Macbeth and Love’s Labour’s Lost)

Within the wood of Birnam do you go,

Searching for blood, reconcile the tyrant.

Spoken by the sisters three they echo,

A call to fate shining brightly brilliant.

When love’s vow is proclaimed against the rule

And you feel unjustly cohearsed by might

And the world you know has become that cruel,

Only by chance can one, an ending write.

Two stories told to the audience be

A miraculous joy, mirth and mayhem

With hardly poor players upon stages see

A tale “told by an idiot” poem.

Has been done since the 16^th century,

Not bad for a tanner’s son that he be.

 

Dear Readers, if you are a little lost, please check out Brows Held High's video on 400 years of Bardoltry here. There is also his review of the Kenneth Branagh's version of Love's Labour's Lost here.  The version the CCC did is a modern adaptation of Branagh's version wit different songs. 'Twas an enjoyable and funny version, something a little different.

A set of AROW80 goals, the Letter F, Faeries, and Love Poem too!

Okay, so I am going to combine three entries into one as today begins Round 2 of "A Round of Words in 80 Days", my daily NaPoWriMo poem, and my A to Z Challenge letter 'F'. It might feel like a lot to absorb, but by doing one blog entry for all three will save me time and I can introduce now folks to these things and maybe jump start someone creative endevours.

First, welcome to today's installment of the Blogging A to Z, today's letter is the letter 'F', now there are FUN and FANCY words out there, like FANTASTIC (the 9th Doctor says that word), or Frippery (I have a line in "The Tempest" that uses that word, "Oh, ho, Monster! We know what belongs to a FRIPPERY. O King Stephano!", and FACETIOUS. If you skim through the dictionary, you can FIND many words that start with the letter 'F', not all of them all exciting, but some are. All of the words that start with the letter 'F' are useful to someone. I need an word that start with the letter 'F' FOR my NaPoWriMo daily poem.

Words that I like that start with the letter 'F' include Fox, Fuzzy, Feather, Fuse, Funny, Folk, Fudge, but do any of these FINE words FEEL like I love them. I have to write a love poem, something that spark the passion of love and is inanimate too. I do love Faeries! I even have friends who are part Fey. But, it's got to be inanimate. Okay, then I will write about my FAERIE necklace given to me on my birthday six years ago. It's be a bit sad, because, well you'll see.

Now, I must let you all know, Dear Readers know about my goals that I have been thinking about for Round 2 of AROW80. While this time I am more aware of what I was able to accomplish, I still want to be about to achieve more of my goals than I did last Round. I will admit that I was overly ambitious during the last Round. This time I am going to scale back. Since April is my busy month I am going to be more focused and keep the goals to simple goal, at least until May. My first goal is to keep up with NaPoWriMo, A to Z Challenge, Camp NaNoWriMo (am 2 days behind on this one), and AROW80 check-ins. Easy right? I hope so! No, just kidding, I got this. It might seem like a lot, but I do have a plan of action. The first 3 days of April, I managed to keep pace. It was when 24 Hour Theatre occurred that I needed to choose what got done on what got skipped on Saturday.

Next, I want to finish my stories (at least one of the two) that I started in Round 1. I have to incomplete. I figure if I can get AT LEAST one story completed, then that would satisfy this goal. This also means that some other writing might get put off, at least through April and after The Tempest performances. I usually write an addition blog entry once a week, on top of the AROW80 check-ins, but with several challenge occurring at once, I am going to limit my regular blog postings to after April 30th (unless I get a FABULOUS idea for one and can sneak it in). This goal is to work on my stories. I will update progress on these 2 stories, as they happen.

Next, is keeping up with my journaling, twice a week. That sounds easy and I have gotten into the habit of bi-weekly journaling from Round 1 goals.

One more small goal, to make time during the day to read, whether on lunch at work, first thing in the morning, or at some point in the day. If I try to read before bed, I will just fall asleep and probably lost my place in my book. Am I right, fellow readers, bloggers, and writers?

Now, that doesn't mean I won't update on other things that have been going on, like theatre, improv, or just cleaning the house, but these are my goals for AROW80 Round 2. I hope you stick around to see what happens. Don't worry, there will always be some sort of magic happening here at Here, There be a Writer. Below in my love poem.

Also check out the Blog Hop link to my fellow AROW80-ers (bloggers and writers alike).

Chain of FAERIE

Oh, my darling you

To sit so fine upon my own chest.

You have been with me for--

Sideways Faerie, because it uploaded that way (TWICE)!

Let’s see--

Nigh on six years;

A silent guardian,

Protector,

From those whom originally chose you.

I am only one--

As you are only one,

But together we are beautiful.

Only have glance,

But know I have your back,

Placed against my heart’s outer shell.

With me we have gone everywhere,

Shared the world

And taken no prisoners

Saved for the shared memories.

With me you came to Buffalo,

Shared in the theatrical joy of my life.

Sometimes I would even whisper your name

In the dark of the night,

Hoping you would hear.

Then there came a time,

When you could not hang on—

You were broken

And as was I.

Your thinly stretched links hugging my neck

Could no longer now.

I was crushed, but most so

Because of you

And your own feelings.

Crippled now you were,

I still loved you.

Will always love you

Even in the folds of my wallet

Where you now rest.

10:47 am

Yes, Dear Readers you are free to guess what I wrote my love poem about. Leave me a comment below with an answer. Have a FANTASTIC Monday and remember I believe in you.

Today song is:

A ROW80 Wednesday Wrap -up!!

Words by James A. Owen

There are a number of things I am grateful for; the most is My Friends. There are those of us who find ourselves in a torrent of Orcs, Urgals, Shades, Demonic Kings, Tyrants, and Thieves (both physical and mental, Dear Readers). There are these the lighthouses that shine upon our darkness and help guide us a way out. And for those moments with the ethereal Gods and Goddesses descend from on high to light the way through the forest, I am and will be forever grateful. Thus being said a thanks to Krissy and Sara for yesterday.

This week find me FINALLY FREAKIN" FINISHING "Inheritance"!! Gods by Damn to the Neitherworlds!!!

To say I am glad, Dear Readers, is an understatement. Those of you who follow me regularly know this, know that I have been struggling to finish "Inheritance" since January. But, as with any book, there is a  price, that is sadness, a sadness of leaving the characters I have come to love and hold dear behind. I have said this before, but I am not going to review "Inheritance" right now. That's for a later blog. I must to clear my head.

Anyway, Dear Readers, "The Inheritance Cycle" is a good series to read. Even though at times it drags, feels too detailed (not that detail is bad, but sometimes 20 pages of Dwarven council is a bit much). The characters are different, the story is sound, if overly long at times. I did enjoy it. I might be less than other series, but it still enjoyed it. I might even say that it is a series to be put on the re-read shelf (and that is saying a lot). Not my favourite series, others hold that place, but "The Inheritance Cycle" is still a good read for fantasy lovers.

I have decided to do a full review later in the year. I have some to prospects, like NaPoWriMo and the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Also, I am going to continue into Round 2 of A Round of Words in 80 Days. This coupled with the upcoming storm of The Tempest going up April19th through April 26th (4 performances) with the Keuka Lake Players and 24 Hour Theatre with The Lake Country Players on April 5th. These are some of my challenges facing me this month and next.

I have learned a heck of a lot about managing my time and striving forward with my goals. There were a number of goals that I never come close to; but on the other side, I learned some new skills, made some new (better) habits, and pushed myself harder with my writing. There is SO MUCH more I can and will do. I am going to revise my goal from Round 1, add some new goals, and discard old ideas/goals that I do not think will work for me. It's not anything I am shamed off, in fact, I am that much more freer and confidant in my abilities to pursue those goals and dreams.


So, what have I been up since Sunday?

~Finished "Inheritance"
~Starting "The Hunger Games" tomorrow (need time to let "Inheritance"set in)
~Journaling twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
~Keeping up with the housework
~Starting hiking

It's a start and a decent way to end Round 1.


I have group rehearsal for the Tempest tonight. Will get to show off my stuff. Been feeling more like Trinculo lately. The director had to switch out our Stephano due to difficulty with the lines. But thankfully we have a new Stephano and the old Stephano still wants to be involved with the show. It was her first show EVER! That takes balls. She did an awesome job with what she could and for that I give her a huge ~DRAGON HUG~ and a toast from my bottle!! Other than that, it goes well. 24 Hour Theatre is going great. The excitement from the writer, directors, and actors is amazing. It's going to be good!!! The other theatre projects I am involved have started LCP's junior players Zombeo and Juliet (set master/props mistress) and LCP Improv. Like I said earlier, Dear Readers, it's going to be a busy April. But, it's what I do! And, of course, in between, find time to write. Oh, no rest for the wicked and the writers.

Come and visit my fellow writers and bloggers on the Blog Hop!! Have a great rest of the week, Dear Readers. Leave me a comment below. Spread some love. Enjoy the outside. And, remember that I believe in each and everyone of you and will not let you fall!!