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.

X is for Xanadu

You want a trip in the surreal? Maybe with rock music? Someplace where ELO meets Big Bands...and Gene Kelly. Oh, and there's roller skating too!

Sound like a fever dream? Maybe...

It's Xanadu!

First a poem titled Kubla Khan in 1797 by a poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (belo w is the first stanza), it's about the Mongolian ruler Kubla Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan dreaming in his pleasure palace;  a movie in 1980; and later musical in 2007.

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan 
A stately pleasure-dome decree: 
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran 
Through caverns measureless to man 
Down to a sunless sea. 

Xanadu is defined as an idyllic place, a place place of great beauty, luxury, contentment. From dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster online dictionary.

Xanadu is many thing all rolled into one. The primary story centers on the Greek muses, nine sisters and one muse in particular, Kira's (real name is Terpsichore. Clio in the musical.) and her adventures on earth. The funny part is the movie is adaptation of a movie from Down to Earth (1947), which is an adaptation of a play Heaven Can Wait. The movie is filled with rock music from ELO (Electric Light Orchestra), Olivia Newton-John, who plays Kira in the movie, and early animation from Don Bluth. Never mind that it is about a roller disco and features Gene Kelly in his last movie role; and one amazing scene that blends 1940s and 1980s music into the most intense mash-up ever.

It was also one of two movie nominated for the first ever Golden Raspberry Award, but lost out to the Village People movie, Can't Stop the Music.

It also needs to be seen to be believed.

A Musing Inspiration

Where is the inspiration?

The Greeks believed the Muses inspired,

giving mankind a leg up in creativity

in song, poetry, and dance.

The Greeks believed the Muses inspired,

nine sisters to grant humanity gifts

in song, poetry, and dance;

to create something out of nothing.

Nine sisters to grant humanity gifts,

although I prefer my gifts to be my own,

to create something out of nothing,

but maybe I am wrong.

Although I prefer my gifts to be my ow,n,

weaving words across a page or colours across a canvas,

but maybe I am wrong,

that gifts are given to us, for us make our own.

Weaving words across a page or colours across a canvas; 

that is our job, isn't it?

That gifts are given to us, for us make our own,

out of the spiritual ether around us.

That is out jobs, isn't it,

make the art that the world needs

out of the spiritual ether around us?

That might just be the gods bequeathing their gifts.

Make the art that the world needs,

giving mankind a leg up in creativity

that might just be the gods bequeathing their gifts.

What is the inspiration? 

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.

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.

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.

NaPoWriMo: Gruesome Players Be

A poem for a gloomy Sunday (here at least), and in keeping with the Sunday's Shakespeare theme.

Gruesome Players Be

A lordly prince to be

though at a loss of a father

to find oneself so lost,

that everyone is suspect.

Though at a loss of a father,

where now his ghost he sees

that everyone is suspect,

of grievous misdeeds.

Where now his ghost he sees

a plan germinates within

of grievous misdeeds

that will follow yon Danish Prince.

A plan germinates within,

a play to speak the truth 

that will follow you Danish Prince

and the garish players perform.

A play to speak the truth

of murder most foul, indeed

and the garish players perform

before the King's own eyes.

Of murder most foul, indeed

that young Hamlet does perform

before the King's own eyes

when all of the bodies hit thine floor.

That young Hamlet does perform,

the most gallant of deaths

when all of the bodies hit thine floor,

and Horatio is left standing.

The most gallant of deaths

to find oneself so lost

and Horatio is left standing

a lordly prince to be.

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

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.

H is for Here (There be Dragons)

Here, There be Dragons.

I've talked a lot about this book in past blogs; I will keep this short then. Here, There be Dragons written by James A. Owen is a fantastical story of high adventure, magic, literature, and heroes.

You're probably thinking that is like any fantasy book currently on the shelves of your nearest bookseller. Yeah, it may be, but what does Here, There be Dragons have that those books don't?!?!?!

Badgers!

Yes, badgers. First it was Tummeler; his story is heavily in Here, There. He is an aspiring Scholar and a pretty nifty driver (although you might want to buckle up if he drives). He goes into publishing to create the greatest tool ever, (no not Google, but a Little Whatsit) and is my favourite character outside of Samaranth, but that is for another time. Tummeler comes to the aid of John, Charles, and Jack the new Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica, as he knows a thing or two about the Archipelago of Dreams and those who live there and blueberry muffins. Oh,and there are more badgers in other later books.

Here, There is also about triumph over the forces of evil (does that sounds menacing enough?), let's try triumph over all things dark and brooding. Yeah, I like that! I think I should write book descriptions, right? Okay, off topic, I know. I just really enjoy Here, There be Dragons with all of its surprises and mysteries, but also it is a solid story; fully engaging and entertaining.

Now for a poem about the adventures of said Caretakers. Enjoy!

Indigo Winter

It started on a stormy night

when three men meet to find death;

adventure is waiting for them

in a man buried under scarves.

When three men meet to find death,

a dragon ship transport awaits to bring

a man buried under scarves

for a quest is called from one greater.

A dragon ship transport awaits to bring

the three Scholars to the isle forgotten

for a quest is called from one greater

and a book of maps they might chase.

The three Scholars to the isle forgotten;

to meet the Cossair, the Pirate Queen, and Badger;

and a book of maps they might chase

to discover who this king of winter might be.

ATo meet the Cossair, the Pirate Queen, and Badger

aboard the dragon ship of Indigo

to discover who this king of winter might be

and are charged the quest of the Archipelago.

Aboard the dragon ship of Indigo 

adventure is waiting for them

and are charged the quest of the Archipelago;

it started on a stormy night.

NaPoWriMo: This Island Mine

I am off from the A to Z challenge today. It is Sunday and to make the month balance out 4 out of the 5 Sunday are rest days. I decided I would keep up with the book thing anyway and write a pantoum abut one of Shakespeare's work. I a also going to use today's prompt where the mysterious and magical things occur. I already used A Midsummer Night's Dream, so that means I have to use The Tempest, which is next in line for the most magical and mysterious.

I performed as Trinculo in a production of The Tempest back in 2014, the drunk clown in the court of King Alonso. That was a fun role. I got to be 'drunk' all the time and I got to keep the best prop outside of the Ass (hat) Ears I got from Midsummer.  It's a gord used for drinking (no actual drinking occurred, alas), which I cannot located at this time. It was an amazing time and I learn a bit of onstage physical humour performing with my friends, Sara and David, as Stephano and Caliban.

The Tempest is one I hadn't actually read before I auditioned for the show, but it has become a favourite; in my top 5. Ariel is my favourite role in the show, because, well, he is a magical creature, but is also a slave (though Prospero is the kindest of masters). My friend, Tara, had a stellar run as Ariel.

Truthfully, I think I had more fun playing Trinculo than I would have as Ariel. Something about being absolutely silly onstage is kind of freeing. It is also challenge, as to be THAT silly, it takes work.

This Island Mine

Upon this island I do stand

the master of fate to those

who dare to take from me, Mine

in their own form of justice.

The master of fate to those

men of Milan most callous and cruel

in their own form of justice,

so I returned to them tenfold.

Men of Milan most callous and cruel

I bring them here unto my island,

so I return to them tenfold

by magic most dark and deep.

I bring them here unto my island

and my spirit of air, Ariel

by magic dark and deep,

for a lesson in humility.

And my spirit of the air, Ariel

or my lowly earth spirit, Caliban

for a lesson in humility

they all must take.

Or my lowly earth spirit, Caliban

must take it all full weight.

They must take

in endless pile of sticks.

Must take it all full weight

who dare to take from me, Mine

in endless pile  of sticks

Upon this island I do stand.

G is for Green (eggs and Ham)

There is a lot to be nostalgic for as you get older, such as TV shows you used to watch, music you

haven't heard in years. Some things do not age well.

Green Eggs and Ham is not one of those thing. Even after all this time I still enjoy reading it.

Theodore Seuss Geisel, AKA Dr. Seuss happened on a brilliant idea, to tell a story simply. He used few words and a lot of repetition. He created iconic characters, one who doesn't even have a name. Born was Sam I am and his great pursuit of the breakfast of champions and to share it with the world. Enter an unfortunate gentleman who gets caught of in Sam's over zealous enthusiasm. Unfortunately not everyone believes in the wonderful potency of the eggs and ham of emerald. (How times can I say it, but using different words or combinations?)

How could you not want to eat them with a mouse or a fox? And what about the thrilling chase to flee from the avian birthing pods of olive and a side of pork tinted the shades of a forest. (Okay, maybe I am stretching it a little on this one.)

Admit it. Green Eggs and Ham is fun!

There is something special about a story that uses only 50 words to tell a full and complete story. A story filled with the most detailed rhyme and silly imagery ever, yet it is known to almost all people since it's publication August 1960. That is a lot of children to read or be read to the story of Green Eggs and Ham in 58 years!

Since then it has been made into an animated TV special and a song by the Canadian quartet, Moxy Fruvous, which is an absolute pleasure to listen to (well for me certainly). It gives an insane romp through the beloved classic and makes it even more humourous as Sam I am takes on Mr. Cheese (the unnamed man) to who Sam asks to "try it, you might like it".

Take a listen if you never herd the song before; if you have, then enjoy it again.

In the wake of that, I present my daily offering of poetic license, a la pantoum to the famous lime coloured oval of protein and the salty ass end of a pig ( yea, still doing this). I have no shame,; I admit this.

This post is written strictly in the realm of the silly and absurd.

What is your favourite Dr. Seuss book, Dear Readers? I love Green Eggs and Ham, but was also fond of Scrambled Eggs Super, or On Beyond Zebra.

Enjoy today's pantoum.

The Real Story of Green Eggs and Ham

With eggs of green upon my plate

and all the sentences end that in rhyme,

it is no wonder why Mr. Cheese went mad

when asked to eat Sam's evergreen porcine and eggs.

And all the sentences that end in rhyme,

I don't even bother to try to finish 

when asked to eat Sam's evergreen porcine and eggs

for of the veggies I would rather eat.

I don't even bother to try and finish

when mice and foxes steal my eggs,

for veggies I would rather eat

than a broiled or baked pork rear end.

When mice and foxes steal my eggs,

and by boat or train I try to flee

than a broiled or baked pork rear end

meal cooked by one, Sam I am.

And by boat or train I will try to flee

because a vegetarian I am. And

meals cooked by Sam I am--

without consult to me on my tastes.

Because a vegetarian I am, And

it is no wonder why Mr. Cheese went mad

without consult to me on my tastes

with eggs of green upon my plate.

F is for Furiously (Happy)

What do you get when you find a book with a doofy looking 'stuffed' raccoon on the cover? If I didn't know who had written it, I would probably stop and look at it, at least. What if I knew it was written by Jenny Lawson. Then I would snap it off awfully fast.

Furiously Happy is the second book of Jenny Lawson, AKA The Bloggess. If you don't know, Jenny is a super, uber popular blogger and writer who writes about her struggles with mental illness and continues with stories from her unusually weird and delightfully family. There are stories of taxidermy, metal illness and hiding under desk at conventions, adventures in being a writer with dogs being a prime case of writer's block (see Jenny's Instagram), and everything else in between.

I first encountered Jenny Lawson when a really good friend suggested I read Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir. Jenny's speak about her daily struggles with anxiety, depression, and OCD in such a way that I was  hooked. Naturally, I found I couldn't put it down and read it in about two or three days, which is fast for me. The same was true of Furiously Happy, I read and read until I was done. In a time when I needed a reminder that there are others as f*cked up than me, and because they are as f*cked up than me I could laugh at the absurdity of everything. Jenny Lawson taught me to not be afraid of myself, even when it was so easy to be afraid of myself.

She certainly isn't afraid of me, or maybe she is and just hasn't told me.

Damn it, Jenny! Why didn't you tell me this...

Maybe I need to tell her thanks for being honest and real. "THANK YOU JENNY!" I scream to the heavens. Okay maybe the heavens aren't awake at 5:30 in the morning; and maybe they first want a good, strong cup of coffee before taking visitor, especially one so loud and early.

That is what I learned from Jenny Lawson is that you can be silly and it is okay. You can be afraid and it is okay. You can be true to you, and learn something that'll make you stronger. Thank you Jenny. I mean that. Although I would scream to the heaven for you to. I want you to know that.

And because of that, I can be honest and real. I am not as afraid of myself.  Still a little afraid of the word though. I mean, have you seen what's outside. There is a giant Dorito in the White House and it is STILL SNOWING in April (in southern central New York anyway).

Yeah, it is a little weird outside, but it is warm and wonderfully weird in here with Rory the Raccoon, Ferris Mewler and Dorothy Barker. Stay proud! Stay weird! (Make Good Art and even Better Trouble). And be Furiously Happy that you are Alive!

Did This Happen?

"Tell me a weird story, Mom."

"Like what? About Grandpa's dead animal collection?"

It is a common request in this house,

of taxidermy and backpacks for cats.

Like what? About Grandpa's dead animal collection?

How did Rory come to be?

of taxidermy and backpacks for cats,

except for the dog, who much prefers it.

How did Rory come to be?

A story for all the ages,

except for the dog, who much prefers it

when you have hot dawgs for dinner.

A story for all ages,

when Victor got me a giant stuffed squid and

when you have hot dawgs for dinner;

this is my actually life.

When Victor got me a giant stuffed squid and

I argued over semantics of vampire diets.

This is my actually life--

no one else would dare claim it.

I argued over semantics of vampire diets,

it is a common request in this house.

No one would dare claim it,

"Tell me a weird story, Mom."

What is your weirdest memory, Dear Reader? Best memory? Leave me a comment and some love below. 

My best memory was meeting my mentor in 2013. I was really nervous and excited, all at the same time. Was TOTALLY worth it. And he is a good friend to this day. My weirdest memory, that is tough for so early in the morning. I'll go with playing myself in a show written in 8 hours, and confusing one of my best friends all day because one of my lines actually was, "Where's the coffee? Sara said there would be coffee."

Cheers!