Z is for Zebra (On Beyond)

What lies beyond Zebra? Past the letter Z? There appears to be a whole new branch of critters that exist solely beyond the letter Z and zebra.

On Beyond Zebra written by Dr. Seuss always fascinated me with the strange creatures and the strange letters that looked sort of like runes, or the ogham alphabet. That was before I knew what the ogham alphabet was. I think I imagined trying to write sentences with these new letters, I don't  was successful in this venture.

There were a few books of Dr. Seuss that feature new creatures, from On Beyond Zebra, If I Ran the Zoo, and If I Ran the Circus are the main ones that featured undiscovered creatures. But the thin about many Dr. Seuss books is that there was usual an animal, or place with a strange and ever-long/how-do-you-pronounce that name in the stories. I definitely remember the names, and certainly imagining what those places looked like, beyond the actually stories.

What are your favourite Seussian creatures from any of the books? Leave me a comment below, Dear Readers.

Beyond the Known

When striking the last line

at the bottom of the letter Zed.

You should know there is a lot more than

what you already know.

At the bottom of the letter Zed,

there is a letter called a Yuzz.

What you already know

about life after Zebra?

There is a letter called a Yuzz,

the beginning of the 'after Z safari,'

about life after Zebra,

and all of the things that exist.

The beginning of the 'after Z safari'

will surprise you with it's diversity

and all of the things that exist,

beyond what you know.

Will surprise you with it's diversity

and maybe some rhyming,

beyond what you know;

maybe even want to know them all.

And maybe some rhyming

as you begin to explore the terrain,

maybe want to know they all,

like some sort of game.

As to begin to explore the terrain,

you should know there is a lot more;

like some sort of game

when striking the last line.

Y is for Year of the Flood (The)

The sequel to Margaret Atwood's dystopian series, The Maddaddam Series: The Year of the Flood takes the story of two new characters and their fighting chance to survive the world after the waterless flood.

Set in the same world as Oryx and Crake, you now get to see life in the city and beyond, how people ho have survived are surviving. There is Ren, a trapeze artist trapped in a sex club and Toby, former member of the cult God's Gardeners and is trapped in an abandoned spa. This is their story about breaking free and what waits for them on the outside. Imagine the world of Snowman and Crake's Children it is wild and dangerous, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Margaret Atwood's created a wild world that so invests your time and attention in the details, but not sacrificing the story.

Have you, Dear Readers, ever read Margaret Atwood? What books, or short stories? Wat do you want to read? The MaddAddam Trilogy is still my favourite.

Waterless

When there is nothing left,

after the flood has passed;

is not one of water that takes the lives

and leave the world's survivor left.

After the flood has passed,

what will you do;

and leave the world's survivors left

to inherit what's left of the earth.

What will you do?

Are you meek enough

to inherit whats left of the earth

after everyone is gone.

Are you meek enough,

to take on the wrath of Animalia

after everyone is gone,

and all that is left to eat are cocktail wienies?

To take on the wrath of Animalia

in the days after the flood

and all that are left to eat are cocktail wienies or

to eat something called Jolt Bars.

In the days after the flood,

locked way, safe and sound

to eat something called Jolt Bars

and avoid starving to death.

Locked away, safe and sound--

is not one of water that takes the lives

and avoid starving to death,

when there is nothing left.

W is for Witch (of Blackbird Pond)

This was a school book that I read in middle school. This is a book that I love so much I went out and found me a copy and reread it years later. This is a book that is worth the read, young or old.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond was written by Elizabeth George Speare and published n 1958.

The story is of one Kit Tyler, who after her Grandfather's death travels from Barbados, where she was raised to Wethersfield, Connecticut. After she becomes an orphan she finds  her Aunt Rachel and Uncle Matthew in the north and happen to be puritans. Kit is not! She's lives on atropical island with servants her whole life. Now she has to learn how to fit, smack in the middle of a colder and darker world, one that thinks anything different is wrong and she has to work to earn her way. She meets and befriends Hannah Tupper, a Quaker, and fellow outcast. The village believes is a witch. Kit tries very hard to fit in  and wants to help, but finds herself suspected of witchcraft. It is only because someone comes forward explaining that Kit was just trying to help, and Kit is released from her suspicion. Her name is cleared.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a wonderful story set in a familiar time period, but is told is such a way that you can picture what Wethersfield looks like, or Hannah Tupper's house, or the deck of the ship The Dolphin. I love livid imagery and wonderful detailed places, and yet it doesn't sacrifice the story. If you get a chance, you should definitely read. it.

Island Girl

Traveling across the ocean

to a cold and faraway place,

where you know no one,

and everyone believes you are wrong.

To a cold and faraway place,

where suspicion reigns eternal

and everyone believes you are wrong,

because you can swim.

Where suspicion reigns eternal

and everything is to be feared,

because you can swim

or teach Bible scenes through acting.

And everything is to be feared,

because if it doesn't fit with God's plan

or teach Bible scenes through acting

to the children in school.

Because if it doesn't fit with God's plan, 

like Quakers and girls from Barbados.

To the children in school

you are condemned a witch.

Like Quakers and girls from Barbados

who are a little different.

You are condemned a witch,

that is the end, you think.

Who are a little different,

where you know no one,

that is the end, you think;

traveling across the ocean.

V is for View (from the Cheap Seats)

Something occurred to me right before I started writing this; not all books need to be fiction, and  some books are better as non-fiction.

That is a strange statement coming from me. The person who prefers fiction to reality, some days.

It  was apparent that The View from the Cheap Seats had to be today's book. There was also a mess of thoughts about how even the stories of your reality, or reality is general, can be just as fascinating as any fiction.

When Cheap Seats first came out, I was all over it. It was a Neil Gaiman book, so of course I needed it. I needed to read it. It wasn't fiction, but there was something magical about reading Neil's thoughts on books, movies, comic books, favourite author, movies of his books, his hawt musical wife, and being famous; I ate it up.

I read every single essay. No, likely I devoured every single essay. I may not have read some of the pieces that Neil wrote about, but I really got to feel like I had, or that I wanted to. Personal favourites include his essays on Douglas Adams, Ray Bradbury, one titled "Some Reflections on Myth", and  another titled "Make Good Art".

The whole book should be read, honestly, as there is something for everyone.

I may not even get the cheap seats; sometimes I get nosebleed seats and need to bring binoculars. Haha! So, I wrote my own tribute to the man and his book that gave to me something special: a love of non-fiction and essays. No one has done that before. And I have read some really wonderful non-fiction, but this one is special.

So, from my own place in the nosebleed seats, here's to you, Neil!

Musings From the Nosebleed Seats

In a book upon my shelf,

full of mysteries to delve into; 

not all stories have to be fiction,

sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.

Full of mysteries to delve into,

from a man no stranger to fantasy.

Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction

in the lives that we choose to live.

From a man no stranger to fantasy,

a writer writing on writing.

In the lives we choose to live,

and the books we choose to read.

A writer writing on writing,

yet it is the nature of the writer

and the books we choose to read,

that build our mythologies.

Yet it is the nature of the writer,

to find these connections

that build our mythologies

and to wax philosophical.

To find these connections

between our fantasies and realities

and to wax philosophical

from the nosebleed seats.

Between our fantasies and realities,

I have uncovered my own truths

from the nosebleed seats,

that maybe there is still hope.

I have uncovered my own truths;

not all stories have to be fiction,

that maybe there is still hope

in a book upon my shelf.

U is for UP (Great Day for)

The Letter of the day is U. It was hard to find a U title to use, so I had to get creative and use a title that features the letter U. I will utilized my grey matter. The umpteen entries for words that starts with Un that I find, but I won't take umbrage with that. Maybe I'll just buy a ukelele and sing you this book? It just so happens that Dr. Seuss is good for that-alas I don't have a ukelele-with a book called, Great Day for Up.

A rousing tale to help you wake up and start your day. Although, I am just a tad cynical when it comes to early risers, or getting up in the morning in general. I tend to like my bed and being burritoed in my warm and comfy blankets. But get UP I do.

At least a Great Day for Up is a good book to write a pantoum about.

This book was (and still is) part of my collection, although over the years this said collection has shrunk some, and I absolutely love Dr. Seuss in any form. His way with words makes you want to read the books louder and in some cases faster. Dr. Seuss books were staples of my bedtime routine for years. And I am not afraid to admit that sometimes I will take out one of his books to read. They never get old! Green Eggs and Ham, On Beyond Zebra, If I Ran the Zoo, or Scrambled Eggs Super are just a few of my favourites.

Not much else to say, except that I am UP today!

Here's your poetic slice for today, Dear Readers. I don't try to rhyme when I write, as most times it comes off as trite. (Okay, you had that coming). So, I pose to you what are your favourite Dr. Seuss stories? Please leave me a comment below.

Cheers!

UP, You Say? UP!

This little book's wishes,

states hardly more than two dozen words

(I haven't counted though)

about the joys of getting up.

States hardly more than two dozen words,

mostly using that two letter word

about the joys of getting up,

usually when the sun slowly rises.

Mostly using that two letter word

to rally the troops to get them outta bed,

usually when the sun slowly rises,

but others will UP in the middle of night.

To rally the troops to get them outta bed,

because that is what you do, right?

But others will UP in the middle of night,

but it is still UP! UP! UP!

Because that is what you do, right?

I prefer to avoid the status quo, you know,

but it is still UP! UP! UP!

Faster and earlier each day.

I prefer to avoid the status quo, you know,

but taking my time to rise though

faster and earlier each day,

I will still slowly get UP in order to follow

But taking my time to rise though

(I haven't counted though)

I will still slowly get UP in order to follow;

this little book's wishes.

T is for Time Machine

Can you imagine time travel? Race through the time stream or vortex in electric blues and greens. Who decides the colour of time?

I'm sure you have seen plenty of movies and TV shows about time travel, with elaborate machine, telephone boxes, and such; maybe even read a book or two. The concept is fascinating and Wells' novella has been made into radio dramas and four different movies.

The Time Machine, which was written by H. G Wells in 1895 and my definitive version is the 1960 movie starring Rod Taylor and Alan Young. I have also read the novella at least three times. The story is of an unnamed scientist who builds a time machine and travels far into the future, the year 801,702 to be exact, where man has become child-like and innocent (the Eloi) and under the control of another race of humans called the Morlocks, who are subterranean. The Time Traveler learns the fate of humanity, but rather than return to his time, bring a bit of knowledge to the Eloi, the race of above race of child-like man, and thus build a new world out of what was left.

It is included in the Dying Earth subgenre, where the earth is naturally dying (End of Time), and not caused by an apocalyptic situation. It goes as far back as 1805 with Le Dernier Homme but Jean-BapisteCousin de Grainville, a story about the last man on a sterile earth..

It poses an interesting question by the end of the book and movie; what book(s) would you take to help rebuild mankind?

The Traveler's Path

Not standing still, but always moving

time has a way of never resting.

A traveler hurling through time,

beyond anything he knows.

Time has a way of never resting.

onward it travels, passing

beyond anything he knows

when the world has begun to die.

Onward it travels, passing

through minutes and hours

when  the world has begun to die;

after eons have passed.

Through minutes and hours,

now more than seconds and

after eons have passed

mankind dwells within the garden.

Now more than seconds and

the serpent is revealed twisted, perverted; and

mankind dwells within the garden,

and is mere fodder for the serpents, the Morlocks.

The serpent is revealed twisted, perverted; and

raising mankind to like cattle,

and is mere fodder for the serpents, the Morlock;

is the future of the human race.

Raising mankind to be like cattle--

A traveler hurling through time,

is the future of the human race,

not standing still, but always moving.

S of for Stardust

A love story, a fantasy adventure, and drama with a fantastical theme, that is everything in the book (and movie) Stardust by Neil Gaiman. And this is a short entry, because I was out all day doing VERY IMPORTANT work! Enjoy the poem! Read the book!!

Yes I used the name of Captain Shakespeare in the movie, not the book which is Captain Alberic and the ship the Perdita.

Cheers! (cause I got this on time, meaning before midnight EST).

Stellar Love

When you wish upon a star,

does it make the star now fall?

And you now have a chance to impress

the love that you so want to address.

Does it make the star now fall,

because you willed it to?

The love that you so want to address

with a quest to prove that love real.

Because you willed it to,

now you can bring a treasure to her

with a quest to prove that love real,

but what you didn't plan for was...

Now you can bring a treasure to her,

a beautiful fallen star that shines,

but what you didn't plan for was

the love of Yvaine is a much stronger pull.

A beautiful fallen star that shines,

at first with anger, but then something like

the love of Yvaine is a  much stronger pull

after the chase, the witches and Septimus too.

At first with anger, but then something like

a dance on deck of the Caspertine

after the chase, the witches and Septimus too

when for a moment the guard is down.

A dance on deck of the Caspertine

and some lightening to sell,

when for the moment, the guard is down

that love spans across the universe.

And some lightening to sell,

and a visit to Victoria reveals

that the love spans the universe,

but not the wall, unless to dust she returns.

And a visit to Victoria reveals

that you have a chance to impress,

but not the wall, unless to dust she returns

when you wish upon a star.

R is for Round Robin

I had a huge collection of books as a kid, and I still have a bunch of the books including today's book, Round Robin by Jack Kent. It is the story of a very hungry robin, who eats and eats, and by the time winter arrives he, 'looks more like a ball, than a bird' (actually line from the book).

It's a funny little story with some pretty awesome artwork that chronicles Round Robin's attempt to get south by hopping the whole way. He is chased by foxes and cars, sliding on ice, conversation and generally fearing for his life, until surprise, surprise he is able to fly the last bit on his own, because he lost weight with all that Hippity Hop, Bumpity Bumping southward.

But my favourite was and is 'Hippity Hop, Slipity Slide'', when he is sliding down the road.

We are have felt like Round Robin, just a little more, it won't hurt anything. But in reality, it is a good lesson in moderation, or watch out for foxes!

Little Bird Eat

Little Robin where have you gone?

All summer pecking at the seeds,

eating your fill and then some,

til you  become more of a ball, than a bird.

All summer pecking at the seeds,

called Round Robin, as you go,

til you become more of a ball, than a bird

and now winter is coming.

Called Round Robin, as you go,

must to the south you will travel

and now winter is coming

and there is no more seed.

Must to the south you will travel,

but to flap and flutter, now you stumble

and there is no more seed,

so off you set, hippity hopping...

But to flap and flutter, now you stumble

as you travel southward, 

so of you set, hippity hopping

and before you know it...

As you travel southward,

eating your fill and then some

and before you know it

Little Robin where have you gone.

P is for Peter and Pan

Things I remember about Peter Pan: Robin Williams will always be Pan, Banarang!, there was one time they made Tiger Lily's tribe multi-cultural (the movie Pan), Neverland in far under everything else in the Archipelago of Dreams (Chronicles of the the Imaginarium Geographica), and if you perform Peter Pan on stage you need to make Peter Pan fly (no matter how hard to try to get around it), Peter Pan flies.


Peter Pan was written by J.M. Barrie, born James Matthew Barrie. Some people wonder how someone like J.M. Barrie could write a story like Peter Pan. And most people probably don't know that Barrie wrote plays, a couple of them are renowned, Admiral Crichton and and Dear Brutus. It makes me curious to seek these out and some of his other novels.

Barrie received a shock at age 6 when his brother died and because of an over-baring mother retained a child-like innocence of the time before everything changed, which is a strange kind of sadness. It also make a lot of sense why he ended of creating the stories of Peter Pan and Neverland.

I finally read the book, Peter Pan, sometime last year or maybe the year before, and I remember it was more detailed than the plays and movies. That isn't to downplay any of the movies or the theatrical productions, there is just more presented in the book. It is a wonderful book though.

But, where some people read Peter Pan growing up, I was much older when I actually read it. It gives a different perspective when you do it in the order.

Morning Flight

It starts with adventure

in the late hours of night,

when the windows are open wide

and in sneaks a stray shadow.

In the late hours of night,

when you are supposed to be asleep

and in sneaks a stray shadow,

followed by the most unlikely boy.

When your supposed to be asleep,

but awakened by the sound of crying,

followed by the most unlikely boy

and a temperamental faerie.

But awakened by the sound of crying

and you don't know what is coming next;

and a temperamental faerie

blows you dusty kisses.

And you don't know what is coming next

as you float off the ground,

blows you dusty kisses

and fly so far away that time will forget you.

As you float off the ground,

think happy thoughts

and fly so far away that time will forget you,

and second star to the right, straight on to morning.

Think happy thoughts

when the windows are wide open

and second star to the right, straight on to morning;

it starts with adventure.

O is for Ox-Cart (Man)

O is for Ox, Ox-Cart, Ox-Cart Man!

It is a lesser known story, but one I am most familiar with. I am not even sure how many people remember the Ox-Cart Man written by Donald Hall. It was a staple of my youth, either reading it myself or having one of my parents. It was part of the Children's Choice Book Club that my parents subscribed to, and I received a book a month, I think.

It was also where I got Bread and Jam for Frances, Best Friends for Frances, Roland the Minstrel Pig, Corduroy, and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile just to name a few books from my youth. What stories do you remember from your childhood?

A Trip to Market

It was in Autumn,

when we loaded the cart;

all that was leftover from the past years work,

that will sell at Portsmouth Market.

When we loaded the cart

full of apples, potatoes, and maple sugar,

that will sell at Portsmouth Market

when the leaves begin to fall.

Full of apples, potatoes, and maple sugar

that will fetch a fine price,

when the leaves begin to fall,

but also will the cart that carries this load.

That will fetch a fine price;

the bull with a ring in his nose,

but also will the cart that carries this load,

one last time to Portsmouth Market.

The bull with a ring in his nose,

left with a kiss upon his nose.

One last time to Portsmouth Market

and a load of wintergreen peppermint in a black kettle.

Left with a kiss upon his nose,

the long walk back homeward

and a load of wintergreen peppermint in a black kettle;

a needle, a knife and some jingling coins.

The long walk back homeward

all that was leftover from the past years work;

a needle, a knife and some jingling coin;

it was in Autumn.

N is for The Night (Circus)

Speaking of traveling players, The Night Circus is a literary joy to read and even more fun to imagine. A  circus of dreams that is only open from sunset to sunrise, only to disappear one place, and then appear in another, it sounds like a dream, right? To some it is, but to others it is a nightmare. Frightening concept, right? Or exciting?

A beautifully, fantastical story, The Night Circus written by Erin Morgenstern is a book to be experienced. It feel very much like a Twilight Zone episode and a Neil Gaiman story all rolled into one. Fun fact, it was a NaNoWriMo novel-National Novel Writing Month-before it was a novel, which is really exciting for any  writing participant and/or aspiring writer.

In November every year,NaNoWriMo, a month-long challenge to write a novel is massive dedication by thousands of writers to write the daily word count of 1,667 words or more, which is harder that it looks. Trust me, I have been there. One must prepare outlines (they are your friends), plot, character sketches, and have an idea of what you are writing about. Inspiration is a must, however to acquire it! If you are interested, go to NaMoWriMo for more information.

I love the dream-like qualities of the Cirque de Reves-the circus portrayed in The Night Circus-and something about it make you want to go find yourself, or maybe just get lost.

So, hopefully today's poem will inspire you to go to the circus.

Impossible Circus

Dreaming of the impossible fare,

with high flying acrobats

and daring dos of bravery,

taming lions to jump through hoops.

With high flying acrobats,

and the wind in your face;

or taming lions to jump through hoops,

but what if you could walk on clouds?

And the wind in your face,

in an adventure most unforgettable,

but what if you could walk on clouds

or visit fantastic ice gardens that bloom?

In an adventure most unforgettable,

you can see things beyond your wildest imagination,

or visit fantastic ice gardens that bloom

and maybe catch a glimpse of a rare sight.

You can see things beyond your wildest imagination

that of living ice sculptures that breath candy floss

and maybe catch a glimpse of a rare sight,

of the speculated reverse rhinoceros.

That of living ice sculptures that breath candy floss  

and daring dos of bravery

of the speculated reverse rhinoceros;

dreaming of the impossible fare.

M is for Murder (on the Orient Express)

I will not give spoilers for Murder of the Orient  Express. I will not! (fights to insert Tommy Wiseau joke here) "Oh.Hai Mark!" Dammit, I lose...

Sorry, if you don't get the joke (but not really sorry, cause it was funny).

Anyway...today is murder day. M is for Murder on the Orient Express written by the Grand Dame of Murder. Agatha Christie is pretty much considered the queen of the murder mystery and has written a few in her days (33 novels and 54 short stories with Poirot alone). Two of them have even been turned into successful plays; one is STILL running at St. Martin's Theatre in London. Yeah, I know a bit about The Mousetrap, having directed it. I wrote a bit about during the late winter of 2015. Maybe I should do a ful post about it sometime. But, I did a blog post for And There Were None, the other famous novel turned play by Ms. Christie for the A to Z Challenge in 2015.

Now is the time to talk about her other famous murder mystery, on a train, in the snow, in the mountains, and all alone. Murder on the Orient Express that has been made into a number of number movie featuring the likes of Albert Finney (1974), Alfred Molina (2001) - that was a surprise find, David Suchet (2010), and now Kenneth Branagh (2017) as the quirky Belgian detective with zee leetle grey cells and a knack for solving the unsolvable crimes. This time he may have meant he match.

As for other actors who have played Poirot, and there are a lot, check out Book Riot's Kathleen Keenan, A Guide to Onscreen Versions of Poirot. I stumbled upon this one by accident. :-)

Murder on the Orient Express is an ensemble cast, where it is not just a singular person that stands out, but the whole cast. Okay, that is as far as I get with spoilers, but the real reason I enjoy the Orient Express is because it doesn't give you everything right away.  It lets you savor the story and the characters, quite a bit different than other Christie mysteries where the focus is on a few characters, and the rest of supplemental characters to forward the plot. That isn't bad thing, but it makes things interesting on the Orient Express.

Do you have a favourite Agatha Christie mystery, Dear Readers? Not counting Orient Express, I am partial to The Mousetrap, Death in the Clouds (which feels like Orient Express at times), or The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.

Now for some poetry...Enjoy!

How about some murder?

Once there was a train,

famous in name more than anything.

Drawing everyone to ride the length

of two continents and many mountains.

Famous in name more than anything;

when strangers board for the Orient,

of two continents and many mountains

and a little man with a wild moustashe.

When strangers board for the Orient

and gather together to break bread;

and a little man with a wild moustashe

asks for just the right egg, indeed.

And gather together to break bread,

before the night's respite begins

asks for just the right egg, indeed 

and meets his fellow travelers.

Before the night's respite begins

and the murder most foul appears

and meets his fellow travelers

with violent stab wounds.

And the murder most foul appears

and collects its suspects like carousel rings

with violent stab wounds; 

to begin to suspect every and all passengers.

And collects its suspect like carousel rings

in a deadly ring around the rosie;

to begin to suspect every and all passengers

includes Poirot's little grey cells.

In a deadly ring around the rosie

and a little man with a wild moustashe

includes Poirot's little grey cells.

Once there was a train.

L is for Last (Unicorn)

"Am I really the last?" spoke the Unicorn at the edge of her forest.

An iconic moment for the most beautiful movie I have ever seen, The Last Unicorn is book and movie that capture the essence of what fantasy really means with a hero's journey, love, and battle. The book is written by Peter S. Beagle, the movie follows the book quite literally in parts.

It is the story of the last unicorn in the world. She discovers from two hunters that are hunting in her forest that she is the last; later the butterfly tell her about the red bull of King Haggard has taken the unicorns. The unicorn plan to leave her home to search for her kin, while leaving her forest (and the animals within) unprotected from her magic. While traveling the unicorn learns that men cannot see her for what she is and is soon captured by Mommy Fortuna, a wandering carnival owner, who wants to exploit her. But there is help hidden Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival in form of the bumbling magician, Schmendrik. He frees the unicorn, who in turn frees all of the other miserable beasts of the midnight carnival, including one angry harpy.

Then the unicorn and Schmendrik travel into the forest where they meet Captain Cully, his band of rogues, and Molly Grue. There Schmendrik conjures up real magic and distracts Cully and his men, only Mollie isn't to be distracted and joins up with them. Once they get to King Haggard's kingdom, which is a miserable and forsaken land, they encounter the bull and Schmendrik uses real magic. They enter into the castle in plain sight, while they are force to work for Haggard as well as look for the missing unicorns. A romance later, a conversation with a cat, and a snarky skull lead them to the bull and the unicorn must face it, and make a choice.

I don't want to give a lot of spoilers, because this movie is best watched fresh and new, with as little preconceived notions, if possible. Sneaky, well maybe, but the story is really beautiful that it needs to be experienced. You can pick whichever version to prefer to, book or movie, but I leave you with this, "No unicorn was ever born with regret, but I do, I regret. And I thank you for that one..."

Many people have watched the movie growing up, which is where I first encountered The Last Unicorn. Later I read the book, and fell in love all over again. Seriously, go and check it out...

Oh, and for you graphic novel fans, The Last Unicorn was made into a graphic novel in April 2010. Also, amazingly beautiful.

Peter S. Beagle has written a number of other novels and short stories that are also wonderful, the short story collection The Line Between is a favourite.

What are your favourite fantasy, or sci-fi fantasy, or sci-fi stories, novels, movies? I have the top four (five): Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, The Princess Bride, The Neverending Story, and Stardust.

Now for the pantoum, Dear Readers.

Mission Unknown

Standing alone, along the edge

where she sees all, but  doesn't speak

there is no one to speak to

"Am I really the last?"

Where she sees all, but doesn't speak

this is her domain, but man has intruded

"Am I really the last?"

she asked in an echo to the men.

This is her domain, but man has intruded

speaking of red bulls and lost unicorns

she asked in an echo to the men

though they could not hear.

Speaking of red bulls and lost unicorns,

she asked the butterfly what he knew

though they could not hear

the questions that she asked.

She asked the butterfly what he knew

about the missing unicorns

the question that she asked

were left unanswered in fanciful song.

About the missing unicorns,

seek out King Haggard by the sea, but others

were left unanswered in fanciful song

One, Two, Three O'Leary...

Seek out King Haggard by the sea, but others

will find you in your travels

One, Two, Three O'Leary...

and away she goes into Man's Realm.

Will find you in your travels,

speak with the skull, My Dear,
and away she goes into Man's Realm

to the distant sea and the unknown.

Speak with the skull, My Dear.

There is no one to speak to

to the distant sea and the unknown,

standing alone, along the edge.

From the movie, The Last Unicorn

K is for Knots (on a Counting Rope)

I was a Reading Rainbow kid. I knew the theme song by heart, and almost all the episodes, especiallyKnots on a Counting Rope, written by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault. It also had LeVar Burton camping by himself, which I don't remember as well as the story.

when they were put in re-runs on WNED 17 (my local affiliate in Chautauqua County). The episode featured is

It is the story of a native american boy and how he learns to cope with his blindness. He was born on a special night; a special omen appears to him and his grandfather in the form of two blue horses. That becomes his name, Boy Strength of Blue Horses. The boy's grandfather tell him this story and each time a knot is added to a counting rope. When the counting rope is full, then Boy Strength of Blue Horses will know the story well enough to tell it himself.

A beautiful story and with the most exquisite illustrations.

Did you know that Bill Martin Jr. didn't know how to read until he went to college? Taught himself to read by poetry books at Emporia State University. He also went on to get an Master's and a Doctorate in early education from Northern University. Not bad for a boy from Kansas, eh?

Bill Martin Jr is the brains behind the Brown Bear, Brown Bear style books with Eric Carl.

Today's poem is an hommage to Knots on a Counting Rope; and a little bit of a retelling too. Do you, Dear Readers remember Reading Rainbow? Do you have a favourite episode? Favourite story that was featured?

Tell It Again

'Tell me the story, Grandfather.'

'You say that so often my boy.'

'But you tell it the best. Please?'

'Alright, but only one last time.'

'You say that so often my boy,

tell me the story of my birth.

Alright, but one last time,'

"It was a dark night...wild storm..."

Tell me the story of my birth.

The wind was crying for you;

It was a dark night...wild storm

it was a strange night indeed.

The wind was crying for you

and when you arrived, it was suddenly silent,

it was a strange night indeed,

until the blue horses arrived.

And when you arrived, it was suddenly silent

and so they stood in front of you.

Until the blue horses arrived

we did not know of your fate.

And so they stood in front of you

nuzzling your fingers as you reached out;

we did not know your fate

except that you would have to cross dark mountains.

Nuzzling your fingers as you reached out...

But you tell it the best. Please?

Except that you would have to cross dark mountains...

Tell me the story, Grandfather.

J is for James (and the Giant Peach)

So, James and the Giant Peach, a novel written by Roald Dahl in 1961, but I bet you didn't know that he helped invent a valve (the Wade-Dahl-Till valve) that help alleviate pressure in the brain. His son, Theo has hit by a taxi cab and suffered from hydrocephalus (water on the brain). He had also received head, nose, and and back injuries while in the Royal Air Force in the 1940s. I bet that was part of the reason he was keen to help his son years later.

It has been a few years since I read the book, so I hope the poem is enjoyable for everyone who has either read the book, seen the movie, or have heard of it. I like the concept of evil aunts, a giant peach, and an epic adventure with insects.

What is your favourite Roald Dahl book, Dear Readers? I am partial to The Witches or Fantastic Mr. Fox myself. Enjoy!

Just Peachy Adventures

Imagine if you can, there was a peach

that grew so big that it rolled away

down and down the high topped hill

and with a splash feel into the ocean.

That grew so big that it rolled away,

carrying with it a band of travelers

upon the adventure of their lives

away from the evil Aunts Sponge and Spiker.

Carrying with it a band of travelers;

a spider, a grasshopper, an earthworm, and ladybug

away from the evil Aunts Sponge and Spiker,

and one little boy, James.

A spider, and grasshopper, an earthworm, and ladybug

aboard a floating peach, quite impossible you say!

and one little boy, James

catching birds to fly further away.

Aboard a floating peach, quite impossible you say;

to some who don't believe that

catching birds to fly further away

is even more fantastic to believe.

To some who don't believe that

down and down the high topped hill 

is even more fantastic to believe--

Imagine if you can, there was a giant peach.

I is for It (Devours)!

Due to a sudden attack of strep throat I am condensing my posts to the bare essentials. It is 6:45 pm

and I am finally getting around to finishing this post. I don't want to skimp on my blogging, but this post is going to be shorter.

It Devours! is the new novel by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor. It is set in the fictional town of Night Vale, but featured a whole slew of new characters and a certain scientist with fabulous hair. The story centers on the scientist Nilanjana Sikdar and faith in science and the love of a member of the Joyful Congregation of the Smiling God, Darryl.

The Smiling God is going to be descending on Night Vale and Nilanjana and Darryl have to figure out how to stop it and prevent Night Vale from being devoured.

The best part of It Devours! is that you don't have to be caught up on the 100+ episodes of Welcome to Night Vale to be able to rad the book, actually both of the Night Vale novels are stand alone stories. So, new visitors to the little desert community off of Route 800 can still visit and enjoy all the Night Vale has to offer: the Ralph's, Radon Canyon, the Barista District, John Peters--you know the farmer's farm, the Dog Park, the Great Browstone Spire, andNight Vale Community Radio just to name a few.

A highly entertaining read, and I recommend it if you are looking for something a little different to sink your rotating teeth into and devour wholly.

Behind the Smiling God

A battle between one smiling god and science;

an above average scientist

looking for meaning in between--

what is facts and what is faith.

An above average scientist

studying the mysteries of the world;

what is facts and what is faith,

how the church of the Smiling God became?

Studying the mysteries of the world,

or how time really works in Night Vale or

how the church of the Smiling God became

when Night Vale needs no church.

Or how time really works in Night Vale or

how to make a decent peanut butter and pickle sandwich,

when Night Vale needs no church,

because up until this point it didn't.

How to make a decent peanut butter and pickle sandwich

is one of Carlos' many secrets,

because up to that point it didn't

need to be a thing, except for Cecil.

Is one of Carlos' many secrets

looking for meaning in between,

need to be a thing, except for Cecil;

a battle between one smiling god and science.

E is for Eats, (Shoots, and Leaves)

Everyone needs a little humour, especially when grammar is involved. Grammar is an insane beast.

I am sure nobody liked grammar in school; it's like that weird kid that is always doing impressions and wearing loudly mismatched clothing. That is who grammar represents in my head. It was something that I struggled with, often to the failure of other things. It was the thing that took me the longest to master, and I still struggle with it.

What's a writer to do?

You have one super snarky friend that gets you Eats, Shoots, and Leaves, a book that takes me through the principles of grammar, especially the ones that are often overlooked or missed, and to do so with a bit of humour. It was an enjoyable read. It was also fun to scan the pages of this book for this blog; there are a lot of passages of famous authors that are used as examples  that excites me quite a bit).

But seriously, it is a really good read for people curious about grammar and how to properly use many of the symbols we use, or at least encounter on a daily basis. You even get a bit history too.

Eats, Shoots, and Leaves is written by Lynne Truss. She openly admits to using grammar to get her point across. It is amusing. It is a solid read if you really want to improve your grammar, or if you are just curious about what your grammar Nazi friends are complaining about. What makes Eats, Shoots...a book that I enjoyed was that even though it was an educational book about the functions of commas, semi-colon, and apostrophes, specifically; there really was a good blend humour and the intellectual.

The thing I took most from reading Eats, Shoots... is the semi-colon. It is a oft forgotten punctuation mark; also it is very versatile. I was asked once by a teacher. Mrs. Kolo in 12th grade, she asked why I used a semi-colon in a sentence of one of my poems, probably for an assignment or something. I don't even remember now. I couldn't really answer her, because I didn't really know what a semi-colon did, or why I used it. I admit it, I was ashamed by the end of class...

Now I know that you can use a semi-colon to connect two thoughts or fragments into one complete sentence. Amazing! But, what is also amazing was the fact that you can use it to connect to fragments together and have a change the thought of the sentence; while the sentence can still be coherent. On that day I was ecstatic! (Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration).  I understood why I used the semi-colon back then; in that poem, specifically. I am sure I had been having a continuous thought, and maybe  had shifted the thought to a different perspective; something close to that in my high schooler mind anyway.

To this day it is why I use semi-colon. I also see how some people don't fully understand the semi colon's use in writing.

I didn't feel stupid after reading East, Shoots...I was wiser, and better prepared to utilize the punctuation in my daily writings. And now I present a little grammar humour in pantoum-style: enjoy! And the last o my over use of the semi-colon to prove a point. Ha ha!

Laughing at Semi-Colons

So, don't lecture me of the finer points

of comma usage and what a semi-colon is,

But then again, do I really care?

I don't even use a semi-colon.

Of comma usage and what a semi-colon is

can be marked in pencil or pen.

I don't even use a semi-colon;

when writing this sentence.

Can be marked in pencil or pen,

maybe a crayon or washable maker

when writing this sentence

for my daily poetic requirement.

Maybe a crayon or washable marker

will bring to life a lyric masterpiece;

for my daily poetic requirement,

and maybe use two semi-colons as well.

Will bring to life a lyric masterpiece,

but then again, do I really care?

And maybe use two semi-colons as well

so don't lecture ME of the finer points.

A Review: Cratchit & Company

Did you ever want to know what happened to Cratchit during the story of A Christmas Carol? Afterward? See him get judged by the same spirits that judged Scrooge? Would Cratchit be guilty of the same crimes  as Scrooge?

These are questions that are posed in the novel Cratchit & Company by Garrett Gilchrist. A thoroughly engaging story about what happen to Bob Cratchit  on Christmas Eve 1844. Bob is dealing with the death of his son, Tiny Tim and his cruel boss Ebeneezer Scrooge. The year is 1844 when his life is changed by three spirits. It's a story to already know, but told from not only a different perspective, but with a modern flare.

Gilchrist gives a voice to Bob, when not much is known about the lowly clerk of Scrooge & Marley's Counting House. what about his home life or what Bob really thinks of his boss. we are taken on a journey through Bob's life with familiar guides. Gilchrist's Bob's is unassuming, but is is a man with fears and hard choices that feel real and similar to some our own fears and choices. What Bob experiences, many others have experienced, whether in love or career choices. What stands out in Crachit & Company is Gilchrist's frankness about Bob and his choices. What choices he is given. And what choices he makes.

I could relate to Bob Cratchit is a way I never thought of before with the classic story, as Bob is hardly a major player there. I found I could sympathize with Bob and the choices he has to make, after seeing his own life pass before him. It is a refreshing retelling of the classic story and a healthy dash of wit thrown in for good measure.

I love characters who are broken, flawed, troubled, or not the standard type of hero, an anti-hero, if you will. Bob Cratchit is not just what Gilchrist calls an 'Everyman', he is flawed and very much broken when we meet him. He is also you, at least that is what i felt when reading it. I find Gilchrist's writing enjoyable and easy to read, while he still pays a bit of an homage to Dickens' beloved work.

Crachit & Company would make a fun movie, but in the mind time you should check out Crachit & Company for something a little different. You can buy it here, Crachit & Company.

A Review: A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

What I learned from movies made of beloved classic books?

There was a likelihood that I would be disappointed.

I wanted to like this movie. I wanted to like it SO BAD. But, when I walked out of the theatre I was a little confused. Later I was disappointed.

Why did it go to see this movie? Because, I loved the original source material and I wanted to see a big screen adaptation. Note: I reviewed the TV movie adaptation here. I read A Wrinkle in Time in 7th or maybe 8th grade (I can't rightly remember now) and fell in love with the story. It is a powerful story of growth and learning to face your fears and accept your faults.

I wanted to love the movie, I even wanted to like it. 

There are a few points I would like to make first. Yes, I have read the book, at least a half a dozen or more times, so I am familiar with this story. Also, I can read or watch a story and know if it can stand alone from its source material. I have watched a number of movie adaptations to know when a story stands up to adaptation. Some movie adaptations are so good that you don’t need to have read the book, or seen the previous incarnation. 

But, sometimes an adaptation just doesn’t work.

A Wrinkle in Time doesn’t work for me.

It is not because I am really close to the source material. That might well be true, but while I was watching this version, I found myself confused by the whole of the story. There were basic mistakes that were made in the storytelling. Movie (and TV) adaptations of books, short stories, and plays are prone to more intense scrutiny by fans of the original source material, and movie buffs will happily tear apart a movie. 

The prime example is of storytelling faux pas is “Show, Don’t Tell”, when there is more explanation than action.

A Wrinkle in Time suffers from this and other grievous sins. 

Pet Peeves of (Movie) Adaptations:

1.Show, don’t Tell; a lack of explanation or moving the plot forward too quickly. This means that characters go from place to place, have interactions with other characters, and there is little to no explanation for why they do this (Going from X to Y, and then to Z);

2. Changing a character’s motivation or personality;

3. Omitting crucial details.

In my opinion, if you do any of these things, then you have committed a sins against storytelling. If your audience doesn’t understand why your characters are doing what they are doing, then the audience will lost. Having your audience lost is never a good thing, because they will tell other people about their confusion. You risk losing your audience.

Let’s begin. First, why do Meg, Calvin, Charles Wallace, and the Mrs’s go to Uriel? In this movie there is no explanation for why the Mrs’s chose Uriel, at least nothing that an audience member can explain. In the book the reason for going to the planet Uriel is because it has the thinnest atmosphere of any planet and when standing on the tallest mountains you can see The Black Thing (Camazotz). Also, you need a flower to breath this thin atmosphere. Bet you didn’t know that fact? This is never explained and it feels clunky to the viewer.

Second, why go to the Orion’s belt to visit the Happy Medium? The Happy Medium can show them a closer look at Camazotz, and also we also get a closer look at the main characters. Note: the Happy Medium is an old woman in the book, Zach Galifianakis is an entertaining Happy Medium though.

Third, why go to Camazotz? Because that is where Mr. Murry is. It is also where the force behind Camazotz originates. Again the movie doesn’t explain this.

These are things that need to be established or your audience will feel lost within your story. You don’t need to have read the book to know these details if you present these details clearly. 

Characters and why they are there.

Why is Calvin there? Is he a forced love interest? A warrior of the light? Why does he connected with Meg and her family? All that the movie gives you is that Calvin doesn’t like his home life and his is good at diplomacy and communication. He tells Meg that he had a compulsion to being there to meet her and Charles Wallace.

What are the Mrs’s? The movie never explains what they are. In the book you are given clues to what the Mrs’s are, hell, even Calvin figures it out in the book. Although I suspect that for the movie the aspects of faith were removed that is why the Mrs’s aren’t not explained to be Angels (or in the case of Mrs. Whatsit a former star). 

Who is Red, Michael Pena's character in the movie? What is his purpose? The book has two chapters to explain who the Man with the Red Eyes is, (is he the Prime Coordinator) or what the IT is. We are never really told about IT in the movie, you are just shown the place where it ‘lives’. And this brings up a good point that the movie does not do...What is going on on Camazotz? You don’t get a reason for why it succumbed to the darkness, or even what the darkness is. You are just told it is a dark world. Madeline L’Engle reveals that the IT is a brain and that IT controls all of the life on Camazotz. Why? In a effort make life better (or just control everything)? Punishing those who step out of line, and stopping all disease and suffering for the good of the people. The books explains it far clearer, but in reality IT has caused more pain by training those who step outside the norm to behave properly. It is a VERY scary premise, and one that the screenwriter and director likely felt compelled to tone down for the movie. It loses something in the telling.

Onto motivation and character representation.

Why does Mrs. Whatsit do what she does? Why does she look like a flying lettuce leaf? Mrs. Whatsit is a favourite character, as she is the one closest to Meg in the book. She is the one to tell Meg that she loves her and not judge Meg for her faults. That is an important point to the conclusion of the story. Also, they changed Mrs. Whatsit’s form. She is NOT a flying lettuce leaf. She is this and the book explains what is she and why the battle against Camazotz is important to her. The other two Mrs’s also are never really explained either. As for her motivation, well, Mrs. Whatsit’s motivation to help Meg and Charles Wallace, but the movie makes her into a slightly self-absorbed celestial entity who likes to complain, even though Mrs. Which says that is because Mrs. Whatsit is so much younger then Mrs. Who or Mrs. Which.

If I had to pick a favourite Mrs. from the movie it would be Mrs. Who. She is the most truly represented in the movie as in the book. Mindy Kaling is a precious Mrs. Who too.There wasn’t much for her to work with either.  While Mrs. Whatsit is my favourite from the book.

Where is Aunt Beast? There is a whole scene and a half that features Aunt Beast and Meg’s recovery from her father tessering to safety and her returning to Camazotz for her brother. It is  not in the movie. Charles Wallace is currently under the control of IT. It comes across in the movie as forced when you see that Mr. Murry Tessering away from Camazotz and Meg stops the tesser. When in the book they escape, leaving Charles Wallace behind, and Meg is near death. Not only is that why Aunt Beast is there, to nurse Meg back to health, but also  to explain why Meg has to return to Camazotz to rescue Charles Wallace. She also comes to terms with her father and herself, because it is HER story. The book explains this quite clearly that she needs to take responsibility for Charles Wallace (who up to that point was always taking care of her), and not preemptively stop her father from tessering away to safety, which is what the movie does. The movie forgets that Meg is the protagonist at times.

A Wrinkle in Time is guilty is also guilty of weaken storytelling with:

1. Poor character development;

2. Changing details [sometimes it is easier to omit non-crucial characters if you have a limited time frame to tell the story].

Back the problem of Calvin. He seems to be dropped into Meg’s world, which is actually correct for both the book and movie. “Why are you here?”, “Ever just have a compulsion?”, except that Calvin is not given a chance to explain why he is there, or have any back story about his family and why he prefers the Murry clan to his own. There is a brief scene with the Happy Medium. Here we get a glimpse of Calvin’s overbearing father yelling at him about his grades. He feels stunted as a character with little to nothing to do, except almost save Charles Wallace once. It is a disservice to his character presented in the book.

Mrs. Whatsit also suffers from a severe lack of development, and some changes in character. The brash and fearless Mrs. Whatsit is presented in the movie and slightly mean spirited. Mrs. Whatsit is brash and strong willed, but she is very concerned with Meg (in the book), although you wouldn’t know that in the movie. That part about Mrs. Whatsit and love is omitted and just left for the audience to come to there own reasonings about Meg and Mrs. Whatsit relationship.

Now, points to the movie:

1. Meg and Charles Wallace’s characters;

2. Including Fortinbras, the dog, although he is never named in the movie;

3. The depiction of Mr. Murry.

It wasn’t all bad. The movie got the characters of Meg and Charles Wallace pretty close to spot on; Meg being an angry, scared teenager and Charles Wallace, a super intelligent, maybe too smart for his own good child. Storm Reid and Deric McCabe were well cast and directed. 

There were changes from the book that include the bully that Meg beats up into a girl (was a boy in the book), and Charles Wallace was already in school and actually talked to people outside of the family (when he was only 4 in the book and not school age yet). I don’t think they weaken the story. Although having a gang of girls to harass Meg, is more in the vein of Mean Girls and not A Wrinkle in Time.

A note here and I want to get nit picky. Where are Sandy and Dennys, the twins? In the book Meg has twin brothers. No word or reference to them at all. A small additional note-for the curious-they get there own adventure in the book, Many Waters. Since there are only in a bit of the beginning of the book, I can forgive the director and screenwriter for deciding to omit them from the movie.

I enjoyed Chris Pine as Mr. Murry, his performance was strong and quite compelling. There were details that were changed or omitted, like how he couldn’t see while imprisoned and needed Mrs. Who’s glasses to be able to see in his prison (called the Transparent Column in the book). His chemistry with Storm Reid was very believable.and drives the story along.

A Wrinkle in Time (2018) gets a 5 out of 10, because while it was a beautifully shot, and there were some strong acting featured, I just couldn’t get behind the movie’s version of the story. It was too confusing and rushed at points. Maybe there were too many changes for me, but the storytelling was far too weak for me. I don’t think that it is an unfilmable story, it just needs someone to do it right by the source material and make it relevant to a modern audience.