Jasper’s Festival of Trees is in full swing.  Complete with a multicultural display of Christmas in various countries.  If you get to town it’s all in the Museum – the Korean childrens festive outfits are amazing.

And there is a tree for the Creative Campus…I put the call out to get some ideas and bits – I was sent a selection of tree ornaments simply made from googly eyes and pompoms and pipecleaners.  Seemed like a no brainer – I can do this!!  After one pipecleaner reindeer that looked like he had handlebars rather than antlers and one marshmallow object that I think was supposed to be a snowman – I decided to make a Neeju Tree.  I found a great box with dividers in it that holds all the bits, and hung the rest on wire throughout the tree…all the things you would need to make decorations if you have the imagination!  (I think there is a christmas story in there somewhere!)  All the project needs is you – thus the name – the Neeju tree.

And because of our cultural heritage here in the National Park – and the need to raise awareness for wilderness issues – we also made a Museum Tree. The garland is made of pasta in the shape of reindeer (caribou) and is part of our TuktuPrayers intiative.   We added the note: Learning from our pasta so it all made sense!

Matt and Nicole (my cousins), and their children Amelia and Jasper.

“That is NOT his sweater. That is NOT his sweater.” According to Matt, Nicole has attempted to get Matt to wear a sweater very similar to the one pictures here, with undesirable results.

Peace.

New 5 panel Caps by Quinten Hat Company.
Made from premium leather and ultra suede, the quality looks impeccable.
Designed in conjunction with Kanye’s right hand man IBN Jasper, these hats are designed to match up with the LV x Kanye trainers bearing his name (the Jasper).
These will be released via RSVP (another one of kanye’s boys) store in Chicago on Dec 15th.

Christmas in north Georgia conjures up images of colorful lights twinkling through the bare branches of trees, the glow of a warm fire crackling in an old stone fireplace, and a cup brimming with hot chocolate to warm the senses after a walk in the cold night air.  Like many North Georgians, I envision snow flakes gently falling on obscure mountain roads.  I dream of being bundled under blankets with my soul mate – the cold air on our faces, the sound of jingling of bells, the faint sound of carolers in the distance – as we are drawn through a perfect north Georgia white winter enchantment in an open sleigh.

Small towns and villages all across the north Georgia mountains are planning “old-fashioned” Christmas celebrations; from Santa arriving on an old-time train in Blue Ridge, to visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus  at their home in Canton.  North Georgia has celebrations and activities for kids of all ages.  Take time to enjoy a local, “old-fashioned” celebration in your home town.  You will be glad you did.

We all know Santa lives at the North Pole, but since 2002, Santa and Mrs. Claus have opened their “southern home” in Canton to thousands of admirers.  The festivities begin with a warm welcome from Mrs. Claus.  Inside the home, you can view one of the largest collections of Christmas memorabilia south of the North pole.  You will delight at the Christmas villages all lit up for the holiday, including many model railroad train displays.

Upon exiting the home, you will find a path lit up with colorful lights and decorations leading to…Santa’s Workshop!  You can feel the excitement in the cold winter air as each step brings you closer to the “sacred shop”.  Kids instinctively know Santa is inside waiting to greet them with a resounding HO! HO! HO!  All children get to sit on Santa’s lap, and tell him what they want for Christmas.  Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the smiles.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at 6951 Vaughan Road, Canton every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Please call 770-345-6314 for more information  

The tiny mountain village of Helen, known for its Alpine Village theme and Oktoberfest, is aglow in celebration of Christmas.  The streets are lined with displays of trees, candy canes, and garland.  Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village streets for a wonderful and charming experience.  Visit www.helencvb.com/events/ for more information.

The “Christmas on the Square ” celebration takes place in downtown Blairsville on December 5.  The activities begin at 1:00 P.M. with open houses at the Mountain Life Museum, and historic courthouse.  The Christmas parade starts at 4;00 P.M.  Then at a little after 5:00 P.M., everyone will gather on the courthouse lawn to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree and sing carols.  Visit http://www.downtownblairsville.com/eventxmas.html for more information.

For a truly unique holiday experience, make plans to see the “Holiday Show” at the Rollins Planetarium on the campus of Young Harris College in Young Harris.  The holiday show,  ” Season of Light”,  is scheduled for two shows – December 4 and 11.  The show explores the traditions of the season, the burning of the yule log, Christmas tree lights and candles, the lighting of luminaries and the traditional Jewish Menorah.   The show also includes religious and cultural rituals, and of course Kris Kringle, Santa Claus, and St. Nicholas.  Weather permitting, The College Observatory will be open to the public.  For more information contact the college at 706-379-5195 or www.yhc.edu

Dawsonville celebrates its annual Christmas tree lighting on December 5.  There will be hot cider, cocoa and coffee to warm all in the cold night air.  The Dawson County High School Chorus will be performing and Santa will arrive as the crowd sings  ”Here Comes Santa Claus”.  The kids will want to visit with santa just to make sure they are on his “good” list.  For more information, visit www.Dawson.org  

Always a family favorite and worthy of inclusion is the ” Magical Nights of Lights” on Lake Lanier Islands.   There are over six miles of giant illuminated characters created from millions of lights.  Plan on visiting the Holiday Village, complete with a roaring bonfire, pony rides, and of course, Santa himself.  For more information please visit www.lakelanierislands.com/event.php?id=133 

“An Old Fashioned Christmas in the Mountains” will be held in Cleveland on December 5.  The fun begins at noon in Historic Downtown Cleveland.  The celebration will feature a “Gingerbread House” competition.  Each entry must be modeled after an historic building or landmark in White County.  The Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia will choose the finalists on December 3.  The winner will be chosen on December 5.  There will also be a Christmas parade, caroling on the square, and a Santa look-a-like contest.  Free hot cocoa and cookies, kids activities, and games will also be featured.  Visit www.clevelandbetterhometown.org/events.html for more information.

Jasper will celebrate “Night of Lights Christmas Celebration” on December 5 beginning at 3:00 P.M.  Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  There will be a parade of lights and special music, face painting and activities for the kids.  Please visit www.jaspermerchantsassociation.com 

Celebrate an “Old fashioned Christmas” in Dahlonega with a real “home-town” Christmas parade that will bring Santa Claus to town.  There are plenty of other holiday festivities planned throughout December such as caroling on the square, wine sampling, live theatrical Christmas events.  A visit to this charming mountain town during the holidays will simply amaze all with its lights and decorations in the town square.  On December 6, local “Bed and Breakfasts” will host a “Sleigh Bell Tour” of their facilities.  Please call the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Center for more information, 706-864-3513, or www.dahlonega.org 

Nothing is more special or rewarding than celebrating Christmas at your home with family and friends.  As an architect and custom builder, I take great pride in creating homes that will welcome family, friends, and…Santa to your special holiday celebration in the North  Georgia Mountains.  Please visit www.georgia-mountain-home.com

From our home to yours… HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!

Автор: Womanitka

Disclaimer/Уточнение Героите и историята принадлежат на Стефени Майер. Настоящият разказ няма намерение да нарушава авторските й права, а е само фен-материал с некомерсиална цел

(Предишна глава  „Воят на вълчицата“ – глава трета (фенфикшън) )

Краката й трепереха и не беше заради тичането. Страхуваше от този разговор. Едно е да имаш подозрения, а съвсем друго да ти кажат, че са оправдани. Нямаше как да се подготви за този разговор. Краката, или по скоро лапите й, я доведоха инстинктивно, ако не беше го направила сега едва ли скоро щеше да се престраши.

Прекрачи прага бързо след като чу покана да влезе опитвайки се да вкара в ред косите си. Изпъна рамена и се закле, че няма да плаче. Стига със сълзите за днес. Щеше да посрещне отговора на Били за същността й  какъвто и да беше.

- Хайде Лия. Изглеждаш уморена. Ти ли беше патрул днес ?

- Не, днес е наред глутницата на Сам. – само името му предизвика горчивина в устата й. – Но исках да обиколя за всеки случай.

Стария индианец я погледна преценяващо и тя разбра, че той знае, че лъже. Въпреки това не каза нищо.

- Добре хайде ела, седни. Джейк не се вясва много, така че се радвам на малко компания.

- Били, дойдох за някой отговори.

Почна тя направо. Не знаеше дали ще издържи тези шикалкавения, а преди това и встъпителната част. Решимостта й отслабваше затова премина директно на темата. Не знаеше друг начин да се справи със страха. От малка винаги постъпваше така. Ако се страхуваше от нещо търсеше начин да го срещне и да преодолее страха си. Така беше и с карането на колело, така беше и със Емили и Сам, така беше и с превръщането.

- Добре. Очаквах тоя разговор, но не знам дали мога да съм от полза. Питай, ако имам отговорите ще ти ги дам, но Лия, черпя знания само от нашите легенди, а с времето доста от тях са се загубили.

- Каквото и да е ще е по–добре от нищо. Били, защо аз? Някъде в легендите има ли споменато, че жени носят гена?

- Не !

- Какво съм аз тогава, някакъв изрод сред откачалките ?

Гнева започваше да я обзема и безсилието й го засилваше. Трябваше да се контролира, ако загубеше контрол над емоциите си и Били беше толкова близо нямаше да оцелее. Тялото й се разтресе в конвулсиите на гнева. Огъня тръгна, но тя вложи всичко от себе си, цялата си болка във вътрешни сълзи за да го потуши. Успя отчасти, но жаравата все още тлееше готова да се възроди с нова сила.

Старецът виждаше борбата й и в очите му се четеше мъка и разбиране.

- Лия, мислех много по въпроса след като се оказа, че носиш гена. Направих някои проучвания и макар да няма легенда, която да казва, че е имало и друга като теб, съм почти на 100 % убеден, че е имало.

Тя го гледаше изумена. Това вече не го очакваше. Почти беше убедена, че идвайки той ще й съобщи, че е някакво извратено изключение.

- Виждаш ли Лия, съвета на куилетите винаги е бил свързан с глутницата. Алфа вълка винаги е предвождал племето, а в една от легендите се говори за жена-водач. Било е много отдавна. Много преди първото идване на Кълън. Племето е било водено от жена и това ме кара да мисля, че всъщност тая жена е била като теб и не само това, а била и Алфа вълка.

Тя стоеше притихнала. Разсъждаваше усилено. Може да е съвпадение, просто някакво странно стечение на обстоятелствата.

- Лия, не казвам, че е лесно, но не си изключение. Преданието е почти на пълно изгубено, но  според това което намерих, била прогонена от племето.

- Защо ? – гласът й беше глух и дрезгав.

- Заради сина си !

Сърцето й пропусна два удара сигурна беше. Ако някога е била близо до инфаркт, ако изобщо можеше някой от тях да получи инфаркт това бе тя в този момент. Син? Жената е имала син ?!

- Били, това е невъзможно. Няма как да има деца ако е била като мен. Аз съм в … – изчерви се цялата преди да го каже. – В менопауза съм, Били.

- Не си .

Нов удар, а той изглеждаше толкова спокоен и уверен в това, което казва. Знаеше, че е зяпнала изумено и че сигурно изглежда като идиотка, но не й пукаше..

- Били, не ме карай да изпадам в подробности. Казвам ти, че не може да има деца. Няма как след като …

- Не си в менопауза, миличка. Не знам дали знаеш, но при вълците или в случая вълчиците размножителния период е веднъж годишно. И започва след 2-та година. Тогава, как да го обясня разбираемо, съзряват.

Не можеше да понесе повече. Стана бързо и отиде да намокри лицето си с хладка вода. Мозъка й прегряваше. Какви ги говореше стареца? Тогава защо Сам беше избрал друга? Нали белязването е свързано с потомството? Можеше ли Сам да греши?

- Питай ме мила. Знам, че имаш въпроси. Не си добра в прикриването да знаеш. Покера няма да е твоята игра.

- Но Сам каза, че белязването е част от вълка, от непреодолимото му желание да предаде гена. И аз мислех, че … затова..

- Затова е Емили, а не ти. Лия, Сам е прав, но донякъде. Ако беше съвсем прав как мислиш щеше да се случи това между Джейкъб и Ренесме ?

- Не мога повече … Това е повече отколкото мога да поема в момента. Искаш да ми кажеш, че мога да имам деца? Че след време ще бягам след момиченце или момченце, че не съм обречена на самота и мога и аз да бележа.

Лицето на стареца се сви от мъка. Тя видя и се подготви за удара. Следваха лошите новини.

- Не, Лия … Ти не можеш да износиш дете.

- Но нали … каза, че тя е имала син.

- Никой човешки ембрион, не би оцелял при трансформация. Никой !

Какво говореше той? Как тогава жената от легендите е имала дете? Стареца май се побъркваше .

- Били, не разбирам.

- Има причина тази легенда да бъде забравена или по-скоро да бъде осъдена на забрава. Не е нещо, с което племето се гордее.

- Били изплюй камъчето, моля те

- Тя не е родила човешко дете. Позволила силата на желанието й за рожба да надделее и направила непростимото.

- Какво, влюбила се във друг вълк? Смесила е служебното с личното? Какво Били?

- Вълците имат нормални човешки деца, Лия. Носят гена, но се раждат деца. Нараняват се, умират… Не, бащата не е бил вълк …

Той я погледна очакващо, многозначително. След секунди съзнанието й напипа отговора. Истината удари като стоманен чук и й отне възможността да говори за минута.

- По лицето ти разбирам, че се досети.

- ВАМПИР ?

- Да. И за съжаление не като Кълън. Споменава се, че е унищожил половината село преди глутницата да го унищожи. Търсел е нея и сина си. За съжаление тя била мъртва, а сина й унищожен от глутницата.

Тя се отърсваше от шока. От погнусата. Не можеше да си го представи даже? Вонята, студа … Ами отровата. Не, Били грешеше.

- Били, не може … Как? За нас отровата е смъртоносна, ние не ставаме като тях. УМИРАМЕ !

- Да, знам, но Лия, той не я е хапал… Вкарал е в нея съвсем различно нещо от отровата си.

Стомаха й се преобърна. Вече почваше да съжалява, че беше попитала. Очакваше нещо съвсем друго.

- Добре, защо е умряла тогава? Или той я е убил ?

- Не. Детето, което се е родило я е ухапало.

- О, лош късмет. Ако беше момиченце можеше да е жива.

- Лия, не е лесно, но трябва да знаеш и да си подготвена. Не мога да си представя нещо по-силно от желанието на жена да има дете, но…

Тя се изправи възмутена. Цялото й същество излъчваше гняв. Започна да трепери цялата.

- Как може да ти мине през главата? Аз не съм побъркана. Никога не бих предала племето си. На каквато и да е цена. Разочароваш ме старче, мислех, че ума ти е все още на мястото си. А ти….

Огъня започваше да я обгръща, нямаше да го удържи. Хукна навън далече от Били и ужасената му физиономия. Далече от стаята, която сигурно щеше да я посещава в сънищата и кошмарите й. В момента, в който мина първите дървета се остави на огъня. Усети как преминава през тялото й като експлозия и след секунди вече тичаше на четири крака. Сълзи замъгляваха очите й, но продължаваше да бяга. Отказвайки да мисли за това, което беше научила сега. Можеше да бъде майка, но на чудовище. Що за гавра на природата? Не стигаше ли болката в живота й? Не беше ли дала вече достатъчно мечти, защо й се отнемаше и тази?

Воят излезе от гърдите й силен и разкъсващ. Не й пукаше кой я чува. Поне веднъж искаше да излее всичко навън сред дърветата. Образи като Сам, бременна Емили, една жена без лице, която се бе предала пред копнежа си. Всичко това изливаше тя с воя си. Плачеше и за жената без лицето, защото въпреки гнева си я разбираше.

Вълчицата ви дълго в гората. Далеч от очите на всички, но не и от умовете им. Другите членове на малката глутница притеснено наблюдаваха всичко, а после се върнаха в човешките си тела за да я оставят насаме с болката й. Имаше време да говорят с нея. Днес обаче й бе дошло в повече и те го знаеха.

Двойката, чу воя и прекъсна лова си. Розали никога не бе чувала по-тъжно нещо в живота си. Все едно идваше от нея, ако можеше би завила заедно с вълка, но разбира се по съвсем друга причина.

- Дали е някой от нашите? Може би е време да се прибираме, Роуз, може да е сигнал за тревога ?

Тя погледна пресушената сърна в ръцете си. Беше утолила жаждата си, но не й се тръгваше. Знаеше, че в къщата няма тайни. И щяха да искат разговор, а тя не беше готова. Само, че не можеше като страхливка да продължава да си намира причини. Време беше да се изправи пред другите и да понесе укорите.

- Да тръгваме. Готова съм.

- Сигурна ли си ?

- Емет, спри да ме гледаш все едно съм чуплива или някаква ревла. Мина ми. Може да спрем с драмите.

Той се усмихна . Ето това беше неговата Розали.

- Добре тогава, едно облогче… – тя го погледна странно – че ще те надбягам до къщата златната ми.

- Хмм. Знаеш, мили мой, че ще бягам след теб само ако трябва да те ритам по задника. Нямаш шансове.

- Добрееее, ако спечеля отиваме на почивка само двамата и ще си кротка и мека и послушна. Ще изпълняваш всяко мое желание един месец .

Мъжът се усмихна. Не посмя да каже повече от месец. Розали си държеше на обещанията, но след като изтече месеца ще му го връща поне година.

- Ах, добрее, а ако спечеля аз, чакай да помисля. Ще изпееш Мери и нейното агънце пред цялото семейство и няма да казваш цинизъм по никакъв повод два месеца.

- Е, хайде де, Роуз. Това е женска песничка.

- Това е целта, глупчо, да си унизен, нали така. И прибавям облечен в рокля.

- Стига мила, това е прекалено.

- Мм, май се страхуваш, а ?

- Ще ти се. Добре, имаш го. Тръгваме на три . Ах ще си живея царски цял месец.

Тръгнаха заедно, но въпреки закачките замръзналото й сърце беше натежало. Воя още продължаваше и тя се замисли защо виеше вълка. Не беше тревога. Воя някак си навяваше болка и мъка и самота.

Не понасяше вълците. Миришеха ужасно и бяха диваци, но й се прииска да помогне на този. Странно, явно се размекваше. Късно видя, че Емет е далече пред нея. Беше използвал предимството, че тя беше понамалила заради мислите си. Стигна къщата няколко секунди след него, но беше достатъчно за да загуби.

Виждайки кой чака пред къщата настроението й съвсем помръкна. Така или иначе този разговор щеше да го има, а днес беше скапан ден и без друго.

- Емет спечели, но знаеш после ще ти го върна.

- Знам, миличка, знам, но ще си струва всяка болка после .

Ухилен той се обърна към къщата и видя посрещача.

- Едуард, току-що си спечелих робиня .

- Розали, може ли да се разходим за малко ?

Тя просто кимна. Той знаеше така, че нямаше  да шикалкави като идиотка.

- Да, имам нужда от разстъпване. Чакам те до реката.

Каза й му обърна гръб. Трябваха й няколко секунди за да се подготви.

(очаквайте продължение )

Another monday, another week’s worth of work. To make this a bit easier for all of us, I decided to give you something to laugh about. Because that’s what we all need on mondays. So without further adieu, here comes our funny Monday stuff. Enjoy!

Oh really, you’re not? Doesn’t seem so in Eclipse… Just saying. Ah, I remember, you prefer that 109 year old vamp,right… So hey Jake, want an older, more experienced girl? I’m not sure if this would pass as a cougar thing because I’m only in my (very) early twenties, but nevermind. You can come over anytime you want!

Oh how I always hate the “Jasper’s hungry and spoils the party” scene. Had I known earlier that you freaked out because Alice ate all your cupcakes… cause I can totally understand that. There’s (almost) nothing I wouldn’t do for a good cupcake…

No, calm down! No one would ever say that wolfpack abs aren’t real. She just confused you with this other guy, you know, the pale one… Wait, I probably got a pic of him as well to show you… Aahh, here he is!

See Paul, everything’s fine, just a little misunderstanding. She thought you were uhm… Cedric Diggory? Honestly Bella? This is so not cool. This is the wolfpack, they trained hard, they got real abs, they don’t need to get theirs airbrushed on… Just saying.

Okay, one last thing to laugh at. Simply because it fit’s in perfectly with all that monday business…

Yeah, I would like to sleep too… Not on a could marble floor in the middle of the Volturi headquarter but in my warm cosy bed instead, but if Edward prefers the floor… Sorry, I got carried away. Guess I should better get to work now…

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Off to read “important work documents” ifyouknowwhatimean

Saveyoursoul

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What do you usually do to get a good start on mondays? Read the Eclipse leg hitch scene before you get up? Anything else twi-related? Did we make you laugh? I hope so… Leave us a comment or e-mail us! In fact I found such a huge amount of hilarious thing that I could probably make at least ten post out of it. Perhaps we should make a whole series out of this funny Monday stuff…

(images: Polyvore)

Hij stond al op de bisonsite, maar nu is hij ook hier te lezen. Met dank aan Jasper voor het schrijven!

Nadat afgelopen maanden de inhoud van het verkennermagazijn was verhuisd naar de container naast het welpenlokaal en het verkennermagazijn het rowanhok in aanbouw werd, begon op zaterdag 10 oktober 2009 een activiteit die vergelijkbaar is met het bereiken van het hoogste punt in de bouw.

Deze symboliek vraagt natuurlijk om uitleg: Al sinds de rowans begin jaren ‘90 en de stam (een paar jaar later) zijn opgericht, maken zij op de Bison gebruik van het verkennerlokaal. Dat misstond zeker niet, maar bij verblijf in andere scoutinggebouwen bleek elke keer dat er een belangrijk onderdeel ontbrak: een bar. Op zaterdagochtend 10 oktober werd begonnen om daar verandering in te brengen. Na tijden van speculatie over hoe, waar, hoe groot en over hoe mooi het zou zijn, hadden Jasper S en Bernard de handschoen opgenomen. Jasper S had een bar ontworpen en op A3 formaat op ruim tien vellen in elk denkbare doorsnee uitgewerkt. Met deze tekeningen in de hand en na een voorbereidende avond waarop zij het een en ander op maat zaagden, begonnen zij zaterdagochtend de bar op te bouwen.

Dankzij de tekeningen en het voorzagen ging alles in een rap tempo en stond er rond lunchtijd al een stevig skelet. De grootste vertragende factor was het lange dubben waar de spoelbak, de tap en de glazen ten opzichte van elkaar moesten komen en de daaraan gekoppelde indeling onder de bar: de koelkast en een kastje met deurtjes. Uiteindelijk werd besloten om van het oorspronkelijke ontwerp af te wijken. Gedurende de middag werd er minder gedaan, maar na de opkomst bleek hoever het al gevorderd was; ondanks dat het nog lang niet af was, stond iedereen te midden van het gereedschap en nog niet gebruikte balken aan de bar een biertje te drinken.
Na het eten gingen en Jasper S en Bernard voortvarend verder, na verloop van tijd geholpen door omstanders. Het skelet werd verstevigd zodat het een volle spoelbak, de tapinstallatie en verkeerd gebruik zal kunnen weerstaan. De zijkant van de bar met daarin ruimte voor een computer met muziek en het daaraan bevestigde klapgedeelte van de bar kregen langzaam hun definitieve vorm, de voor- en achterplaat van de bar werden minutieus op maat gemaakt. Dit alles vond plaats onder het genot van nu nog in de keuken getapte biertjes (voor een keer werd afgeweken van het gezegde ‘men drinkt het biertje nooit ver van de tap’) en langzaam maar zeker kwam het einde van deze fase van de bouw in zicht.

Winter around Edmonton is kind of there and kind of not.

With the Lake Louise and Marmot Basin receiving loads of snow over the past week, Lake Louise World Cup Ski practice was canceled on Thursday because of heavy snow, you would have thought Edmonton might have gotten some. Such is not the case.

Instead of looking like winter, the country side looks more like late fall or early spring. The snow is sparse and where you are lucky enough to find it, the show is shallow and has been through a few freeze-thaw cycles. Not the most aesthetic time of year.

If the weather is half decent through the week, it’s off to the mountain parks on Friday morning where it actually looks like winter.

Kootenay Plains? Banff? Jasper? Each provide a great reason to visit but because Banff and the Kootenay Plains seem to be a favorite of landscape photographers I am leaning towards Jasper. Time will tell.

Happy shooting,

Dan

Yesterday we handed out the How To Dazzle Awards for our favorite things in New Moon. So in order to stay honest, today is the day we present you the “Dazzling Raspberry”, our award for things we did not like that much when seeing New Moon for the first time. Because you got to admit there were a few strange details… Doesn’t mean we didn’t like the movie though. We rated it four out of five Heineken bottles, remember? Okay, here we go!

And the award goes to…

1. Worst make-up: Esme. She looked kind of naturally beautiful in Twilight. This time she looked as is a twelve year old had tried to use eyeliner for the first time. Remember when you wanted to have a thin elegant line and it all ended up being too broad and nothing but an awfully thick black blotch? Yep, that’s what Esme’s make-up reminded me of…

2. Most unsexy scene supposed to be sexy: Edward in the red Volturi cloak. I expected it to look mystical, like a wizard’s or one of the elves’, kind of representing power and magic. Instead we got something that looked very much like either a priest’s robe or Liza Minelli’s bathrobe. None of them very sexy to me, sorry!

3. Worst Rosalie bitch moment: “It’s a necklace. Alice picked it out.” Oh, great. Give someone a present, then immediately say you didn’t buy it yourself and are not the least bit interested if she likes it or not. Exactly what Bella needed for her birthday since she hates getting older anyway. Yeah Rosalie, you can even make people feel bad on their birthday, what an awesome gift!

4. Strangest line: Harry Clearwater saying “My Kung Fu is strong”. He knows about the vampires and werewolves and he knows that Bella knows about the vamps but instead of making a subtle hint about that he goes for “My Kung Fu is strong”. Definitely the new spider-monkey!

5. Worst change in comparison to the book: Hardcore romantic Edward being even sappier than in the books. Unbelievable that this was even possible but Melissa Rosenberg made it happen.

6. Worst outfit: Carlisle’s Volturi outfit. Okay, maybe it was once hip to wear velvet, silk and lace as a man but still… I can’t help myself, it somehow looks gay. Sorry Carlisle!

7. Most unnecessary line: Jane saying “pain” before torturing Edward. Did they think the audience would not get what Jane is doing if she didn’t announce it? I mean, they would realize what happens as soon as Edward starts writhing in agony, right?

8. Worst driver: Edward when he’s parking in the school parking lot on Bella’s birthday taking at least three spots with his new charcoal Volvo (Yeah, he even beat Bella hitting her head while trying to ride a motorcycle). Only reason to justify this? Well, it looks like a really cool Volvo TV spot when he get’s out and walks towards Bella. And to be honest, I don’t really mind. Edward could take as many parking spots as he likes as long as he would walk over to me like that… Just saying.

Zelda's favorite sexy poodle wig

9. Worst wig: Actually I voted for Jasper and his new poodle wig here but Zelda is really into his hair, so the jury aka we chose Rosalie instead. Because it looks so damn unnatural and not at all like real hair. And shouldn’t that be the purpose of wigs in movies? To look as if they were the real hair of actors? Not such a huge success here. Fits in nicely with the blond vain bitch cliché though…

10. Worst scene: The kissing scene on Bella’s birthday in front of her truck. Because this is so not sexy. Edward starts groaning and moaning as if in deep pain and looks like he is about to start crying every second. Simply horrible. I felt kind of 2nd-hand-embarrassed for him and I didn’t think that was possible. Honestly, before he would kiss me like that I’d rather not be kissed by Edward at all. Hard to believe, I know. But true nevertheless. In case it ever comes to this Edward, just so that you know, I want a real kiss! You can do better than that! And I can definitely do better than Bella…  Just saying.

Don’t worry Chris, we liked the movie a lot. We just felt as if we had to mention the not so good parts as well so that you believe us we don’t belong to those hardcore fans loving everything twi-related without really thinking about it. In case you feel depressed now (You shouldn’t!) just read what we posted yesterday again! Cause there was some pretty awesome stuff that made us invent the superspecial How To Dazzle Awards just to appreciate your work. Something we didn’t think that necessary for Cathy Hardi butchering directing Twilight…

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Off to buy a supersexy red cloak for Edward in case he shows up

Saveyoursoul

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Anything we missed? What do you think deserved the Dazzling Raspberry? Leave us a comment or send an e-mail!

(images: Polyvore and google)

Cover of Alive Magazine by Tim Reynolds

SHOOTING FOR SUCCESS:

So, Shooting for Success posts are the stories behind some of my favourite (and most popular) images. Not the aperture and shutter speed, but rather how the particular shot came about.

To start, here’s the first of two magazine covers I’ve sold to Canada`s ALIVE Health Magazine.

This was about as serendipitous a shot as I’ve ever sold. Believe it or not, this shot was taken in late September. The snow hit in 24 hours and covered everything. We had just hiked up Bow Summit (Banff National Park, Alberta, on the 93N north of Lake Louise, on the way to Jasper) and taken a slew of images of stunning Peyto Lake. We were hiking back down to the parking lot and passed these snowboarders who were on their way up to play on one of the many slopes leading down from there.

We passed the snowboarders and on a hunch I turned around and saw this shot. Without hesitation I snapped away.

Now, let’s make it clear that this shot wasn’t all luck. We saw the fresh snow and rushed to get out on the road while the sun was still low in the sky, thus the long shadows. Especially at the higher elevations, if you shoot too early or too late, the light is off. There’s a richness to dawn and dusk light which washes out in the hours between. This simple fact is what makes the difference in probably 75% of all landscape photos. You can have the best composition, the perfect location and then have the image just flop because you picked the wrong time of the day. Some things can be fixed by Photoshop, but light is probably the hardest to fake, even with the graduated orange filter they use on CSI: Miami.

The sale was made simply after I picked up a copy of the magazine (free at health food stores across Canada) wrote to the editor-in-chief, explained where I lived and what kind of pictures I took and then asked if she was looking for any new images.

She said ‘yes, send me some winter samples.’ I sent twenty and she picked this one. I got paid $150 for non-exlusive rights.

That’s it for this week’s Shooting for Success.

Ciao for now.

Tim Reynolds.

Автор Alexxx

Disclaimer/Уточнение Героите и историята принадлежат на Стефени Майер. Настоящият разказ няма намерение да нарушава авторските й права, а е само фен-материал с некомерсиална цел.

Тя ми показа лицето на Джейкъб. Може би се притесняваше, че той няма да дойде.

- Неси, моля те, кажи ми. Защо се притесняваш за Джейк?

- Видя ли лицето на Алис?

- Да, но …

- Изглеждаше сякаш знае…

- Тя винаги знае…

- Мамо, не ме прекъсвай! Изглеждаше сякаш е видяла и знае всичко, а как би могла ако Джейк е с нас, ако присъства във видението? Не би могла и ти го знаеш. Затова … се чудех … защо Джейк няма да дойде?

- Може ли да кажа нещо? – попитах я и преди да ме е прекъснала продължих. – Мисля, че е най-добре да го попитаме лично. Той би отишъл с теб или заради теб и накрай света. Знаеш го. Хайде, ела!

Ренесме сериозно се беше притеснила. Стана бързо и ме задърпа да тръгваме към резервата. Решихме първо да го потърсим у Били. Скоро бяхме пред вратата им. Почукахме и чухме дълбокият глас на Били.

- Влез. Охо, Бела, Неси, какво ви води насам? – старият беше изненадан. – Джейкъб ли търсите? В момента спи. Станало ли е нещо? Изглеждате притеснени.

- Били, Джейкъб защо спи? Мислех, че обикновено по това време вече е станал?

- Оу … той… беше на патрул снощи… Беше като пребит, когато се прибра преди три часа…

- Върнал се е преди три часа? – очите ми се разшириха от учудване.

- Но защо е патрулирал снощи? – Неси беше дори по-изненадана и от мен. – Вчера като се разделихме не спомена нищо за никакъв патрул?

- Аз … мм … не знам.

Били май се опитваше да излъже. Това ме притесни още повече. Той не се бе държал така откакто Джейкъб бе принуден да ме избягва, заради превръщането си във върколак. Повдигнах вежди.

- Били, не се измъквай, познавам когато се опитваш да прикриеш Джейк. Какво има?

- Бела, мислиш ли, че ми е казал много? Прибра се сутринта, капнал от умора и само промърмори: „Вампири, не се притеснявай!” и изпадна в безсъзнание преди да докосне възглавницата. Това е. Просто не исках да ви притеснявам.

- Благодаря, Били. Сега ще се поразходим. Кажи на Джейк, че сме го търсили. Ще бъдем на Първия плаж.

Двете излязохме и оставихме Били да се чуди. Вървяхме с бавна, човешка крачка, но нямаше и 20 секунди и чухме Били:

- Деца, чакайте!

Обърнахме се и го видяхме да ни гледа през вратата. Върнахме се при него и му помогнахме да излезе.

- Ще ми кажете ли какво става, моля?

- Не, Били. Джейк ще ти каже после.

- Защо? – старецът не се отказваше лесно.

- Били, звучиш като майка ми. Моля те, изчакай Джейк да се събуди и го изпрати при нас.

- Както кажете. – Намръщи се и се обърна да влезе.

Помогнахме му отново и се затичахме към морето.

- Още ли се притесняваш?

- Дори повече. Не мога да спра да мисля, че нещо се е случило. Джейкъб никога не е правил така. Толкова дълъг патрул не е имало през целия ми живот.

- Права си, но не се притеснявай толкова. Всичко ще се оправи. Все пак мисля, че е добре да звъннем у дома и да ги предупредим.

Бръкнах в джоба си, но не си бях взела телефона.

- Май ще трябва да изчакаме Джейк и да не ги притесняваме от сега. Дано се събуди скоро.

Мина доста време, но накрая видях Джейк да идва, все още сънен. Неси изтича към него, а аз я последвах.

- Добро утро, Вълчо! Как спа? Чакаме те от обяд.

Той се усмихна и каза:

- Добре. Да поседнем и ще ви кажа всичко.

Запътихме се към нашето дърво и седнахме, готови да чуем какво толкова е станало.

- А сега, господине, имаш доста да обясняваш!

Джейк извъртя очи и започна…

Следва продължение…

]]> http://twifun.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/new-moon-the-meadow-music-video-official-soundtrack-alexandre-desplat/ Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:24:56 +0000 miriela http://twifun.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/new-moon-the-meadow-music-video-official-soundtrack-alexandre-desplat/

In my attempts to be a better person for my dog/in general, I’ve recently started reading a book called Cesar’s Way by Cesar Millan, star of National Geographic Channel’s The Dog Whisperer and a personal hero of mine. While I’ve been a longstanding advocate of Cesar’s techniques for rehabilitating dog and training people, this has been the first time I’ve learned anything about his remarkable personal story.

Cesar and his pack

This is where I had to put the book down and absorb what I had just read. 21 years old, next to no money, had the guts to sneak into a foreign country where he didn’t speak the language and had to live on the streets… For what?

For passion. He had a dream and he was willing to sacrifice everything and do what would otherwise seem impossible just to make it happen.

While no doubt remarkable, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard tale of someone who wouldn’t let anything stop them from pursuing a passion. Co-founder of Free The Children, Craig Kielburger is another perfect example.

Craig in Kenya, one of the countries where FTC works

Fast forward 14 years and now Craig, his brother Marc, and all of the incredible staff at FTC spend each day working to free children from poverty, exploitation, and from the notion that they are powerless to change the world.

It’s hard not to feel inspired by stories like these. I read them and find myself wanting to throw myself into something so completely and selflessly. I want to fight for a dream so passionately that I won’t let anything get in my way! But I also know by now that it doesn’t necessarily work that way.

Now, I’m passionate about a number of things and some things more than others. I want to give my heart to so many causes and there are so many things I want to do that sometimes it keeps me up at night. Maybe it’s a case of having spread my energies too thin, I don’t really know. I suppose I could focus all of my time and effort on one thing but right now I feel like I’d be denying all of those other parts of me that make up who I am. Am I ever going to find that spark? Have that moment of revelation where I realize without a doubt what my calling is? I’d like to think so. But then again, maybe I won’t.

Will it matter? Will my passions and all of the work I put into them seem somewhat less dignified if I don’t find my spark? Is it all laughable in light of the great strides of people like Cesar and Craig?

No.

I don’t believe it’s the size of the dream that matters as much as whether or not you choose to act on it. If it makes you happy, if it makes you think and create and discover, then I think you’re dreaming just fine. If you act on it, if you find ways to bring those things to life and let them colour your life, then you’re doing passion some justice.

I’d encourage anyone reading this post to really think about the things that get your heart racing or set those brain wheels in motion. Think about those things and then smile.

I look forward to seeing where those things will take you and the people they will (continue) to make of you

Atticus Bart, Atticus Bede, Atticus Jago, Atticus Roan, Atticus Cillian.

Atticus Emeric Wolf

Atticus Guy Steven

Atticus Ira Thomas

Atticus Jasper West

Atticus Barnaby Jude

Atticus Jay Thomas

Atticus Leo Walter

Atticus Lysander Penn

Atticus Lev Henry

Atticus Reuben Francis

Atticus Benjamin Rex

Atticus Sebastian James

Atticus Nathaniel August

Atticus Henry Raphael

Atticus Jacob Paul

Atticus James Baxter

Atticus Baxter Rowan

Achei esses dois FanMades de Amanhecer e resolvi postar aqui.

Espero que gostem

The future is bright for my sister, Mary Bec.  She’s hoping that this commercial will jumpstart her career in Hollywood!  We are so proud of you Bec!

Deze zondag was er wederom een om te herinneren. Zo had JW een dubbel programma omdat hij ook Auke overnam en was Jasper zowaar terug vanuit het land der rijst-eters en had besloten saaie ditjes en datjes achterwege te laten.

Een slang was ontsnapt in Heerlen, dus dit was een goed moment om het erover te hebben met iemand uit de omgeving in het gesprek van de dag. In dit gesprek leerden we ook weer dat slangen op een bepaalde manier vele kilometers kunnen overbruggen.

Verder was er nog de band The Epstein (spreek uit zoals Rammstein) uit Oxford met hun mooie melancholische klanken. Hiervan zijn zeer spoedig de beelden te zien (als je goed zoekt kan je ze al zien . Maar nu eerst! Dames en Heren! Hooggeëerd publiek! De beelden van EEK!

Zelda and I made it! We finally saw New Moon! Yesterday we went to the premiere here with a couple of friends and Mama Soul. We saw some people wearing Twilight-shirts, a couple of Twimoms and even a Twidad. I didn’t even know they exist until yesterday… And a lot of girls wearing plaid. Coincidence? A subtle tribute to Rob? Who knows? (I do!) Our premiere outfit? A blue blouse just like book-Bella, Ray Bans like Edward and the original Bella-bracelet from Italy (Great story concerning that one, I’ll tell you soon in another post!). So today we’re gonna present you our New Moon review part 1. Part 2 will follow soon… and include a lot more details cause we’re gonna see the movie about 23 more times before writing that. Just in case you haven’t seen the film yet (You better got a good excuse for that!) and want to have the real surprise when watching it for the first time: SPOILER ALARM! Starting now and ending at the end of this post. So here we go:

Taylor Lautner sometimes wears a shirt in New Moon...

First of all, down with Cathy the Cougar! Chris Weitz, do you want to marry me? What an enormous improvement in comparison to Twilight! I’m not going as far as to say it was the perfect movie, but honestly Chris, you’re so down with the kids! Or rather the Twilight-fans. Or Zelda and me. This is how vampires should look when they sparkle! Like diamonds and not that ringing and tinkling in the woods crap. Two minutes into the movie and I already love Charlie so much. How sweet when he almost started to sing, or when he came to look after Bella when she was screaming in her bed. We even got the names of the months after Edward left. Something I had really been hoping for!

... but most of the time doesn't, because he shouldn't!

And the e-mails for Alice idea to show how Bella feels, what an incredibly clever move of you, Chris! And I loved that Harry Clearwater, the king of homemade fish-fry, died as a hero trying to protect Charlie from Victoria. And oh how Rachelle looked awesome with her flaming red hair. Zelda totally liked the cliff diving scene. When Bella first sees Victoria under water and then there’s Edward beside her… epic! And the funny stuff, like the cinema scene or the “You like older women, huh?”. Not exactly as funny as the spider-monkey line but still… And Jasper and Emmett were so much… uhm, cooler, cuter? Whatever, better anyway!

Ok, there were a few things that were kind of strange and I think we got to mention them as well in order to try and stay honest. Sometimes it was a bit too cheesy. Cheesier than the books. I even felt kind of 2nd-hand-embarrassed for Edward being so hardcore romantic. I noticed that Edward’s abs seem to have looked a lot better on the pics from the set we saw a few months ago. In the actual Volterra scene, they were barely visible. So what happened there? I mean, isn’t Edward supposed to have at least a six-pack? Jacob even got an eight-pack, so in comparison to that… sorry to say Rob, but Taylor wins this one!

Caius Malfoy and his Volturi friends

Did anyone else think Marcus and Caius looked like Denethor, Faramir’s dad from Lord of the Rings, and  Draco Malfoy’s older brother? Did the Volturi fight scene between Edward and Demetri remind you of the Gandalf vs. Saruman battle in the LOTR?

And there’s another thing. Not your fault Chris, this is just how Stephenie Meyer wrote Bella and the reason why this girl sometimes annoys the crap out of me in the books: Who do you think you are, Bella “don’t hurt him, kill me instead” Swan? Why should the Volturi treat Edward’s life against yours? You’re nothing but a weak clumsy girl, okay? Sorry to say, but deal with it!

All in all, we got everything we wanted… Well, almost. Taylor Lautner wore a shirt in at least three scenes. BIG FAIL! Sorry Chris… But don’t worry, Zelda and I enjoyed the movie a lot. We’re probably going to watch it over and over again for the next few weeks… Only because of important blog journalism of course so that we can present you a more detailed review soon. Wanna know what Mama Soul said about New Moon? She made so many great hilarious comments that she will get her own post this week. Don’t miss it! There’s no better way to watch this film than sitting in between her and Zelda. We’ve got enough stuff to write about for at least four weeks, so keep coming back to check what else we got in store for you!

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Off to call Zelda and ask her when we’re going to the cinema again

Saveyoursoul

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PS: We rate New Moon 4 out of 5 Heineken bottles

How did you like New Moon? Do you wanna marry Chris Weitz as well? Because I do… Which scenes were your favorites? Could the movie live up to your expectations? Any details or thoughts you want to share? Leave a comment or write an e-mail!

(images: google and me)

My son came home from PreK with a paper pilgrim hat the other day.  After admiring his handiwork, my mind went to the obvious place.  

Pilgrim names.

Spokane’s Spokesman-Review reminds us that back in 1620, first baby born to the Pilgrims in New England was named Peregrine.  Big brother was called Resolved.  

There were, of course, plenty of men called John and William and women named Mary and Anne.  

The more interesting masculine names worn by Plymouth Rock arrivals included:

• Isaac
• Bartholomew
• Love
• Wrestling
• Moses
• Desire
• Degory (though he may have been Gregory.  Or Digory – we don’t know much about him.)
• Giles (brother to Constance, Damaris and Oceanus)
• Oceanus (born en route to Plymouth – see above)
• Solomon
• Jasper
• Myles (Standish, of course)

There were fewer women, but a few stand-out names:

• Remember
• Humility
• Constance (sister to Damaris, Oceanus and Giles) 
• Damaris (see above)
• Priscilla

I’ve read estimates that only around 25% of the Purtians ever had names that would’ve seemed unusual in their day.  If that’s true, then 75% answered to ordinary appellations for their time, like James and Elizabeth.  

It also seems surprisingly consistent with modern day experience.  Around three-quarters of all kids born in the US receive a Top 1000 name.  In the nineteenth century, names ranking in the 900s were only given to a few kids; today, names at those same rankings are worn by a few hundred.  Really unusual names have never been terribly common – but neither was there a moment where every boy was Robert and every girl was Jane. 

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel of scandal amongst the Puritans, The Scarlet Letter, introduced a few unusual names not worn by the original settlers, including Hester and Pearl.  Most of the other names were unremarkable – Arthur and Roger aren’t popular today, but they don’t make you think of the novel, either.  

Even in fiction, not every Puritan was called Flee-Fornication.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bartholomew Augustin, Bartholomew Avery James, Bartholomew Dexter,

Bartholomew Elliot Steven, Bartholomew Elias, Bartholomew Eli,

Bartholomew Ezra,Bartholomew Fergus, Bartholomew Frank,

Bartholomew Felix, Bartholomew George,Bartholomew Harvey,

Bartholomew Idris, Bartholomew Isidore, Bartholomew Julian,

Bartholomew Jasper, Bartholomew Jude, Bartholomew Jago,

Bartholomew Marley,Bartholomew Miles, Bartholomew Moses,

Bartholomew Osric, Bartholomew Ofir,Bartholomew Pierce

, Bartholomew Rafael, Bartholomew Russell, Bartholomew Toby,

Bartholomew Thomas.

I know… bad pictures!!!  But I am going to set up a dedicated spot and lighting for my jewelry photos this week…  I have to get to the store to get a few things first.  In the meantime, thought I would post pics of my latest work… It turned out so much better than I had envisioned!!!