New blog, new site!

Hey Folks! (if anyone is still following... which I doubt because I haven't posted in probably over a year)
Anyway- I've finally gotten the foundation done for my new website (for art- which is what I do) and that website includes a blog. Not sure if I'll keep this one up as I'll be spending most of my typing energy on website upkeep, and posting to my new blog.
So you're probably annoyed and skipped over all that so you could see what the heck this new site is that I'm talking about so here it is:

theartistkim.com
AND here's the link directly to the blog:
http://theartistkim.com/blog.html


So.. I hope you all enjoy my new site. Please feel free to comment- especially so I know that it's working... heh.

Also- normally I don't do this because I'm not really into the social network stuff, but because it's inevitable if I want to promote my work you can also follow me on Twitter, and "like" me on Facebook. Ha! That sounds so funny to me.

Twitter feed: @TheArtistKim
Facebook: The Artist Kim Webb


P.S. The picture at the top is an original piece by me called "Bluebird Girl."

Update Pie

Here's a great pie recipe that makes me ecstatically happy. It also kind of sums up my life right now as far as can be "summed up."

Ingredients:
1 Perfect Guy named Garrett
1 Chick called Kim, sometimes "Skipper"
1 little blue house, aged over 100 years
2 jobs (one archaeologist and one artist)
14 friendly neighborhood cats
19 days until the knot is tied
2 hearts, madly in love
3 years of close friendship (and counting)

For the crust:
Take the friendship, the chick and the guy and mix thoroughly, forever, making sure to keep everything close together. Press into bottom of pan, and save some for the top crust.
Fill the crust with the 2 hearts (they should fill up the entire pie) Cover with the rest of the crust. Sprinkle the cats, jobs, and house on top for added sweetness. Bake at 98.6 degrees until crust is golden, and enjoy. Serve with a side of 19 days, or less if you don't make it today.
Makes 2 servings

Two Thumbs Up

Song for this post (From Amelie):

• La Valse Des Vieux Os by Yann Tiersen

More Yann Tiersen music on iLike

An Unofficial Movie Critic's List of Highly Recommended Films:

 (Because that sounds better than "Kim likes these movies.) By the way, this is a short list compared to my entire list of good movies. I just wanted to include some that probably aren't as popular or have
been overlooked. I also picked unique movies that have stood out to me and apart from any others.
It's a rare find.

I wrote details about the movies vaguely, ON PURPOSE. There's nothing better than a good movie that
you have no idea what it's about. Seriously. Please, don't go watching previews on Youtube after you
read this list. If you are afraid of what you'll find if you watch these, then don't even read the list
because you will be missing out.

Amelie- Perfectly French, and full of optimistic realism. Whimsical and visually intriguing. I LOVE this
film. It makes me want to do so many good things.

Love Actually- A Yin and Yang of Love stories all woven together. (Note: Make sure you watch it edited or with someone who knows where to skip during the questionable, and unnecessary scenes.) It's
definitely worth the watch. There are so many love stories (I use the term "love stories" in a completely different way that you'll understand after seeing it) that you are bound to really get into at least one of them. This movie has the best wedding scene ever. Ever.

Harold & Maude- Very quirky and unexpected story. So unique and charming. The characters are people I will wish I really knew. The soundtrack is all done by Cat Stevens!

Léon: The Professional- Dark, but full of innocence. Violent, but focused on the relationship of the two main characters and its development. I saw this movie on TV when I was very young and it really intrigued me. Watching even now intrigues me. Features a scene with one of my favorite songs. You'll know when you hear it.

Finding Neverland- A sweet romantic story. The humor made me smile, but it's romantic, so I wasn't rolling around on the floor laughing. (I don't always have to be)
 
Holiday (1938)- I love the character of Katherine Hepburn in this film. She is how I love to be. Quick 1930's humor and charm. Cary Grant is also a stud. Short and sweet.

About A Boy- Watch this movie if you've ever:
a) Been a dork.
b) Been a kid.
c) Liked Hugh Grant.
d) Enjoyed music.


The Ghost Writer- (Not to be confused with the early 90's kid show, "Ghostwriter") If you like Alfred Hitchcock, then you will enjoy this film full of foggy shadows and lurking corners. A mystery, and a thriller, but a very steady moving one. This movie had me clutching the edge of my mind, rather than the edge of my seat. By the way, I don't like scary movies, and if this were one, it wouldn't be here.

My middle is gold.

Soundtrack for this post:

• Middle Is Gold by Mates Of State

More Mates Of State music on iLike

Wow.
I'm so neglecting to my blog. I feel that it is malnourished. I need to nurture and love it back to bloggy health.
Enough.
I hate recalling long histories of hows and whys sometimes, so I'll just skip a bunch of boring and say this: I'm about 98% positive that the stomach problems I've had for almost 2 years is because of one thing...(horror movie music please)
Milk.
Yep. After all the horrible tests, doctor visits, and that harsh pain in my side, Garrett suggested I try the no-milk-for-at-least-a-week test, (which I had done unsuccessfully in the past) and I have had no pain!
Anyway, it was a blow because I love cheese and chocolate and butter and everything else good and milky, but I'm just glad it's nothing very complicated. Plus, I love dark chocolate the most, and if it's a good quality, it contains no milk! (Can I get a "woot," please?)

So in honor of my pain-free new dairy free lifestyle, here's a recipe I found that is absolutely, shockingly, richly, and healthily delicious. It's just like ice cream, without the consequences. Seriously, folks, I know that ice cream is one of those things that makes everyone feel like crap after they gorge on it, regardless of food allergies. This stuff will not make you feel that way! Plus, you don't have to eat a ton of it to be satisfied as it is very rich.


Here's what you will need:
Banana(s) - the original recipe calls for 4, but I did it with one the first time and cut all the other stuff down, playing it by my taste preference.
Cocoa -The powdered Hershey's works just fine, and it's what most of us have in our cupboards. And if you'll notice the ingredients list, it says, "cocoa." That's all. Just one ingredient That's rare. And it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy knowing that I'm not adding more unnecessary junk to my food.
Sweetness- I used honey, (2 Tbs for the 4 banana version), but I am using agave nectar this next time, and you can use sugar if you want. I actually found that after adding the honey, it was almost too sweet, but I do love my chocolate very dark.


Put it all into a blender and blend it up real good. It should get nice and runny and liquid-y. Pour it into a tupperware container or something freezer safe, and freeze it! (It's a little messy, but worth it!)
It doesn't take too long to freeze, and I couldn't wait for some, so I ate the runny stuff.
Enjoy!

Shuffle

Ever have a good shuffle day? I have.
Let me explain: a good shuffle day is when you put your itunes on shuffle and you don't find yourself skipping any songs because they are all hitting your listening palette perfectly. Usually it's not something you notice, but today I think it was an extra good shuffle because I did notice that all of the songs were perfect for my mood. You are probably wondering why I even have songs that I would skip in my library, but sometimes you're in the mood for certain songs, and sometimes you're not.
Here's a sample of what I've heard today (backwards):

Linus & Lucy - Wynton Marsalis
C Moon -Paul McCartney
Velvet Sky -Los Lonely Boys
One Thing Leads To Another  -The Fixx
Just What I Needed  -The Cars
Someone Keeps Moving My Chair  -They Might Be Giants
Again -Lenny Kravitz
Brown Eyes -Kirby Heyborne
Piggies -The Beatles (George Harrison)
Nobody Else -Los Lonely Boys
Hand-Me-Down Tune -The Avett Brothers
Until The Last Moment -Yanni
Colors -Amos Lee
Lean On Me -Bill Withers
M79  - Vampire Weekend

"Push the button, Max!"

Paul McCartney: LIVE!

Life wish list: check one off!

I just got back from an amazing week in Utah and Arizona. Rrrrrreally amazing. Here's why:

First, I got to see my dad in the Timpanogos Valley Theater Company production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. (My dad did an awesome French accent!) This was his 4th (I think) show he's done with them- and they have all been great!

Secondly, I had an adventurous day with my sister and her friends. I walked all the way to school to have lunch with her, and walked home with all of them. We did a "hobo photo shoot" and watched Fantastic Mr. Fox (which I didn't finish.) Then I got to hang out with one of my best friends, Nate- and we both sucked at bowling, but it was still fun.

THEN, I flew to Phoenix with my mom where it was over eighty degrees! That's shorts and tee shirt weather, people! 

Some great things about Phoenix in the Spring:

1. It's hot but not too hot. (50-86 F)

2. It's really green! (I thought we'd be in a sand pit!)

3. It smells INCREDIBLE! The neighborhood we were in use to be an orange grove, so the remaining trees blossom and I exaggerate not: the air smells like the best perfume ever. Not only did we get to smell the orange blossoms, but we ate fresh, juicy oranges every day! (PLUS- we went to the Desert Botanical Garden and they had a billion good smells because of the blooming Sweet Pea type of trees they had. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.)

4. Arts festival! What more can I say? We bought some oil that smells just like the orange tree so I can smell like Phoenix Springtime all year!

5. Good food. (This is actually an all-year thing, but we had some dang good food there!)

Tee shirt designs I made for the concert.

Besides the fact that I love Phoenix- I was there mainly for Paul. Yes, that is right. Sir Paul McCartney in Phoenix- LIVE! 

That man is 67 and he puts on the best show that ever was! (besides the Beatles, I'm sure) 3 hours of performing and NO BREAKS! He was BARELY sweating! And he still sounded energetic. The whole time! I sat next to a man who had seen the Beatles when he was a teenager! I LOVED being around Beatles fans especially when Paul sang SO MANY Beatles songs. I got teary during "Blackbird" and "A Day In the Life" in which he turned the third verse into "Give Peace A Chance" as a tribute to John Lennon. SO great. SO SO SO great.

I have to thank my mom for that amazing weekend. Thanks for the best birthday present ever!!!

And by the way, I'm 22 now. 

Huaraches Update

Sooo... I got the stuff to make the huaraches in the mail yesterday and I was very careful about measuring and tracing my feet so I wouldn't waste material. Except for one thing- I didn't flip over the pattern I was using and I cut out 2 right feet! Although I may dance like it- I DO happen to have a right foot and a left foot. So that means I have to order another kit. I'm going to make two left feet and I'll have 2 pairs of Huaraches! Luckily I made mine first because I had to make a pair for Garrett, too. Which, by the way, turned out perfectly. We just have to decide how to tie them.
Great news: Spring is finally here! It snowed yesterday, but it's been sunny and the snow is melting. I even went birding the other day. I've seen Stellar's Jays, Chickadees, an Osprey, and even made friends with a cute little Nuthatch.

Huaraches Hoorah!

I've suffered from knee problems for about as long as I remember. It's pretty common in women, and it runs on my dad's side of the family. I've been hearing a lot about barefoot running lately and how it's so much better for you than shmancy shoes because it's natural and takes off joint loads. (This is only if you are not running around on unnaturally hard concrete all the time.)
I've done a LOT of research regarding my knee problems and also running- I love to run but didn't do it because of my knees. I have access to a lot of dirt roads and trails, but only a pair (a good pair) of Asics running shoes. I want to try barefoot running, but there is no way I could handle it with the callus-free baby feet I have. And in this day and age your bound to step on a nail or glass no matter how far out in the woods you are. I was SO close to getting a pair of these:

They are awesome Vibrams, and I loved the feel and freedom I had when I tried them out at REI.

Until...
I saw these:

What? Leather cord-wrap sandals... not to mention dirty!

Actually- they are ingenious, but at the same time something that is very common sense! Sandals used for running. (Not exclusively, of course.)

This particular style is called Huaraches which just means "sandal" in Español. Even more specifically, these are the Tarahumara Huaraches. The Tarahumaras were known for their running abilities- and they wore sandals like these.

So, I found a great website that actually shows you how to make your own! (They call them invisible shoes.) I thought about just following the steps and doing it myself with leather, but that seemed too soft and thin to protect my soles. Luckily, they sell kits so you can make your own Huaraches! And they are about 20 bucks. That's about a quarter of the cost of Vibrams. Now my feet can be somewhat barefoot and still be protected. I haven't gotten the kit yet, but I'll be sure to post progress when I make my awesome shoes!

Can't wait to feel the difference.

A Reason For Senses

Photographs cannot capture one bit of what we really see. Especially when it comes to the beautiful creations and art that God has created. I am so grateful that I get to see those snapshots that can never be stored on a plastic card or printed on a piece of paper. For the reason that photos don't do justice, I'm going to leave this post without one. Now, I want you to go outside and look at the sky, or the snow, or watch a bird fly. Don't just look, breathe. Taste. Smell. Feel. Listen. Bask in the wonderfulness that is the world!

Sidenote

I promise I am going to post something new on this blog, soon! For now, take a visit to http://artistrebel.blogspot.com to see my new art blog.

Leaping... and soaring

My life is changing rapidly. Although it is not evident to others, I have been making many pivotal personal decisions lately. I feel like it's time for me to take charge of my life and leap from the nest, rather than wait to be pushed out. I'm ready to do some grown-up things and start a life of my own. It's thrilling, yet very frightening to think that I can't depend on others anymore. I have to take care of everything myself. Where will these decisions lead me to? I don't know, but I'm confident that God will guide me, and I know he wants me to be happy. All will work out. I've been told that I can do something about how I want things. I don't want to wait around for a good thing to come along, God has done that for me already. It's my turn to do my part in life. 

I'm ready to get out in the world and experience life. I went to Brazil a little over a month ago and had a wonderful experience being immersed in the culture. I'll write more about that in my next blog though.

Once Upon a Mountain

We approached the canyon. There was already a feeling of change in the air, like we had gone through an invisible gate to another world. The suburbs and the city were completely out of range and out of sight. Just the sky and the earth. The river we paralleled sparkled like jade through the shadows of the aromatic pines. I felt as if I could scoop up a handful of water and it would turn into gemstones. The rocks and hills rang out in their own powerful glory. I was so humbled in this organic tapestry woven by the Great Artist. I saw a frozen pond and felt the energy of life creeping around it just waiting on the verge of springtime. The days brought indigo skies and warm, sunny, freedom. The nights brought bright stars and a comforting blanket of silence. The moss on the trees spoke to my soul as if to say it had one, too. The air was life. I could only become more alive when I breathed it in. I began to grow in slow, steady rhythm with the forest. I existed only as it did. There was no other way to persist. To share the enchanting beauty was majestic and surreal. We were patches of morning mist, suspended just above the vital soil.

Oh.

O is for:

Oranges are so sweet and succulent, how can one resist such appeal?
Oceans are beautiful. Whether I'm watching the whales from the rainy Pacific Northwest, or baking on the Brazilian beaches, I love the Ocean.
Oats make the best breakfast. Just add a little honey. They also make the best cookies: oatmeal raisin... Yummy.
October is my favorite time of year. I also love Halloween.
Onomatopoeia are fun to use. Plus, what would graphic novels be without them?
Ocelots are interesting. If you have never seen one, do so.
Owls are majestic. They are also a symbol of wisdom.
Oak trees have pretty leaves. They also make beautiful wood furniture.
The Office is a funny show that I watch every once in awhile.
Orange is one of my favorite colors. Especially Fall orange.

Advegtures are Fruitastic

...and so is the title of this blog. I've really been trying to eat well, and increase my health for awhile now, although walking 8 miles a day was probably a little high to start with because now my knee is swollen and stiff. Besides exercising, I've been eating "healthy" foods. Which, in my opinion, should actually be categorized as delicious foods. I don't think you can get better than fresh tangelos, ripe bananas, and crisp carrots. I've always loved to experiment with cooking, especially when it comes to making pies, but lately I've been creating some healthier and even more delicious dishes with my culinary improvisation. By the way, I'm also avoiding sugary things; that means no candy, cookies, or other desserts. A sweet juicy fruit gives me the sugar I need.

This morning, I sliced up some golden delicious apples and put them in a pan with a little cinnamon and some honey (I find it to be the best sweetener) I let the apples cook until they were tender and soaked with flavor, then I added it to a bowl of hot oatmeal. It was really sweet, and I didn't feel too guilty about the honey, especially since it was breakfast and I needed power for an exam.

For lunch, I mixed up some steamed asparagus, sliced roma tomatoes, a little lemon pepper, and put them in a cream cheese coated tofu wrap. I covered a pan with olive oil and put the "pockets" in the oven for a few minutes. Then, voila! A delicious and nutritious meal. 

Besides being creative with cooking, I've been doing some other "projects" with fruit and veggies. I love the color they have- it makes them look so much more appetizing. So I worked with some (silly) photos and created some "story photos." I also had fun with a few vegetables, just for an illustration.

Solitude

With the coming of March, I find it hard to sit in room full of people mechanically taking notes and sucking up irrelevant information produced by droning professors. The first reason being that I would rather be taking advantage of the warm weather, instead of the artificial luminescence and tiled cubes that I must sit inside during the days. The second reason being that I am drowning in this sea of humanity. I relish the solitary escapes I can procure, especially the ones spent in nature. I've made a habit these past 2 weeks to walk up to the canyon where I find myself venturing off of the trail down to the water. The sound of rushing water is so comforting after hearing cars, people, and machines buzzing homogeneously. On occasion I'll read some Les Mis, or make a drawing in my sketch book or even in the sand.
I find myself more often when I am not in the company of anyone. Although I am truly never alone. God is always there, and I feel a strong connection to him when I allow my solitude to be utilized for such a purpose. I see his hand in all things, especially nature.
Why is it that so many of us must always surround ourselves with friends? Of course, there are numerous valid answers to this question, but sometimes I think we do it for the wrong reasons. To feel loved is great, to feel unity is wonderful, to be a friend to someone is fantastic, but we don't need to be in the company of others just to feel of worth, or even that our time is well spent. Do you ever just go to someone's place just so you aren't "bored," only to do the same or even less than what you were doing alone? I am guilty of this, tenfold. It is human nature for us to congregate. It's vital to remember that we do not only have or fellow men, but God as well. We must recognize that he is the one that matters the most. He sees our hearts, our thoughts, what we do and who we are when we are by ourselves.
I supposed I have redefined solitude when I say that when we are alone, God is with us.

All I Need Is Love

I know how many people hate St. Valentine's Day, and that it's not a real holiday, but I am going to get into the spirit. This blog is about love, and how to express it. I am the kind of person that likes to receive and give affection by kind actions and thoughtful gestures. Just being in tune with me tells me that someone cares.

Show me you love me:

Listen to the Beatles while I'm in the car.

Tell me I have toilet paper on my shoe, before I embarrass myself.

Help me unload the dishwasher.

Ask me how I am- sincerely.

Remember my birthday.

Laugh at my jokes.

Offer me a ride- even if you know I'll decline.

Smile at me.

Listen when I talk.

Sing at the top of your lungs with me.

Be respectful.

Be honest.

Sit through my favorite movie.

Pick up something when I drop it.

Tell me I need to be home when it gets late.

Tolerate my annoying habits.

Deal with my interruptions.

Be kind to my siblings.

Offer me a bit of your ice cream.

Tell me your aspirations and dreams.

Walk with me.

Write me a letter.

Sit next to me.

Teach me things you know.

Encourage me to pursue my dreams.

Stand up for me when I'm not around.

Spend time with me.

Look into my eyes.

Be there for me.

Recommend a book.

Share a song.

Let me take a picture.

Fishing in a Puddle

I have obviously been too imprudent with my time, as I have been watching movies, reading books, and playing, when I could be blogging. I felt guilty whenever I looked at the last post, knowing that a new post was past due. So here you are.

I have been wanting to mention a few things that I feel very strongly about that have come to my attention as of late. I don't want this post to sound to negative, so I'll say what I need to say, then move on.

It has been my experience that generally, people are honest, and good, but lately I have noticed that a lot of people are also shallow.

Why is it that some of the best people I know surprise me with comments that I find to be only skin-deep? Some comments are even completely inappropriate. I like to think that I am tolerant and forgiving when it comes to certain kinds of remarks about my appearance; honestly are those ever appropriate? I must vent out my frustration as I have been hurt by comments that have been made "only jokingly." (I apologize for the lack of detail, but I don't think it is necessary for me to even imply what kinds of things have been said.)

Really it comes down to this: women are not merely objects of beauty or pleasure, but are treated as if they were much too often. I do not wish to say that all men are superficial, hormone-driven beasts, because I only know a small number that I would actually put into that category, but I am disappointed to discover that even the kindest men I know will make degrading remarks about their female friends or acquaintances. In too many instances I have tolerated, and even laughed when a friend has commented on my appearance, apparently trying to "compliment" me, although I felt rather like a slab of meat than a person.  Even more heartbreaking to me is hearing my guy friends talk about other girls in such a manner that in that instance I could not understand how I could stand to be around such two-dimensional company.

Just the other night, I was cooking a meal at the boys' apartment next door, when I heard them making some pert remarks about a woman on television. I stood over the stove in silence, my roommate and I quietly fuming. We quickly left the apartment and to our neighbors ashamed surprise did not realize why until the only guy in the room that understood explained it to them. My roommate and I unenthusiastically accepted a couple of apologies, unfortunately expecting a similar incident to happen again. 

This disrespect for women must stop. I am tired of my friends or any girls for that matter feeling self-conscious because of the things that they have heard guys say. I have vowed to myself and my friends not to tolerate degrading remarks any longer. I realize that it is difficult for men (and women) not to have certain feelings or opinions, but they must also realize that everyone has a fragile self-esteem that can be greatly affected by even the smallest of remarks. I know that many women do their part to encourage this negative picture by wearing immodest clothing, or making remarks themselves, but there are those of us who try very hard to be respected. I am not asking to be treated like a man, just respected as a woman.

Listen to this song by John Lennon- it voices my pains.

Francine

You, Francine. Ooh Francine.

You see something even when you close your eyes.

I don't know what it is, only that it seems to mesmerize.

I try so hard to strain my eyes so I can see it, too.

I wanna wake up with that look on my face.

The one I see you wear and it makes me wonder:

Is it color? Is it light? 

Do you see floating lilies, or glowworms in the night?

What appears to you?

If I could, I would slip behind your eyelids while you're dreaming.

Francine, won't you let me creep unto your mind? Let me hear your symphony that's streaming.

You, Francine, Ooh.

Even when I think of your name

You feel it and place it in a picture frame.

It's there on the walls of your imagination.

Is there a door in that wall so I can come for a visit?

Francine, even a window would suffice. Just a little view would be oh, very nice.

I wanna sleep out underneath your stars. 

The ones I see that shine in your eyes when you wander.

Is it inquiry? Is it thought?

Do you feel a great connection, or solace from the swarm that you have fought?

This is a song that I wrote the lyrics to; my friend Jordan Gibby is writing the music.

Back in Time

New look= new post. I finally took the time to make my blog look somewhat how I wanted it to, but I haven't taken the time to post anything, but here I am. Finally.

Fall must be past the point of being official now because it's snowed for 

3 days here. And it has not melted yet. I just home that I will be able to enjoy a few colorful leaves before they all freeze and fall off. 

There's a lot of topics I could write about at this time, but I'm not even going to mention them. I think everyone gets a little stressed when they read any news these days. I will mention a few of my latest adventures, though. I went to an 80s theme

d dance on Friday night at the church Institute. It was really fun, especially the dressing up part. I was disappointed, but not surprised to find that 95% of the students were wearing aerobics outfits: spandex, big shirts with belts, leg w

armers, sweatbands and side ponytails. I know I was only born at the end of the 80s, but I'm also aware that everyone did not dress like that. I trie

d my best to avoid that cliche take on the decade, and I'm happy to say that the group of friends I went with did, too.  I tried the denim look, with a skirt and a jacket. Of course I'm a thorough researcher, so I m

ade sure to 

stay pretty accurate. The best part was my ruffly ankle socks with high heels. My feet ached and burned by the end of 

the night, but the unique look was worth it.  I was impressed with the DJ for playing 80s music as well, different genres and artists that almost everyone recognized. Ever since I heard about the dance, I have been on an 80s movie kick. Although I didn't sit through all of them, here is a list of 80s movies that definitely give you a taste of the decade:

The Breakfast Club- Definitely a more mature movie, but it's reminiscent of an S.E. Hinton novel with it's messages and raw look at social grou

ps.

Pretty in Pink- this one was made me cringe when it came to fashion. I couldn't believe the things the main character wore, or what she did to a vintage prom dress at the end. The best part of the movie- and why it's worth watching- is the character, Ducky, played by John Cryer. Watch it and you'll understand why I love him.

Summer Vacation

- I don't know how the heck I managed to discover this one, but it's definitely got to be on the 80s movie list. It has a predictable plot, but the ch

aracters are interesting, and like The Breakfast

 Club, it demonstrates the 80s cliques in high school. In fact, now that I'm thinking about it, it's the same story, just with a lighter conclusion and less underlying messages.

Sixteen Candles- This movie is also mature, but then again, all of these movies are. Once again, it stars Molly Ringwald (also starred in Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink). If you aren't past your teenage insecure stage, don't watch this movie. The first time I saw it I just felt depressed because of all the nightmarish and embarrassing situations she is put through. Of course there's a happy ending.

Teen Witch- Made for a younger audience, this cult film is fantastically cheesy. It even has a couple of super random musical numbe

rs that will cause you to watch the scenes over again. I love the clothes in this one when the main character goes from uncool, to "the most popular." The only part I have a hard time watching is that creepy little lady that plays the exorcist on Poltergeist. It's no Harry Potter.

Back to the Future- One of my absolute favorite movies, there is no need to talk about this one, because who doesn't love it? Michael J. Fox is adorable, and who can resist quoting the lines? "Hey McFly...."

21 Jumpstreet- Okay, this isn't a movie, but I happen to have 2 seasons on DVD, and I love it. Johnny Depp stars in this cop show that takes agents undercover in high schools. It covers a lot of big issues, but it stays light throughout. Besides, a 21-year-old Johnny Depp is impossible to resist. 

Walking Through Life

I seem to check my blog every day, as if a new post will just write itself, sometimes it's hard to make myself start, but here I am, waiting for the ideas to flow into the cycle that starts from my heart, processed in my brain, and down to my fingertips where I try desperately to keep up with myself.
A couple of weeks ago, I finally did something I had been waiting all summer for. I saw the production of Les Miserables at the Tuacahn theater in St. George. I shouldn't say I saw it, because it was more of a magnificent experience than just sitting and seeing. For anyone that does not know the story of Les Mis, learn it. I can't explain how moving the plot is. The characters, situations, settings, dialogue, conflicts, victories, and in this case the music are all woven together into a fantastic tapestry of aphorisms. I found myself with tears running down my cheeks and sobbing by the end of the performance. I am, in fact, starting the 1000 page original Les Miserables novel by Victor Hugo- just as soon as I finish my latest novel by Dickens. There are such a great number of wonderful books in this world, and so little time to read them all.
Something else I've done that has made me quite happy: running. It's been awhile since I have actually gone, but every time I do, I feel so so good. Now it's just about getting in shape. I honestly am doing it more because I want to be able to "run and not be weary" rather than lose weight. That is a plus, though. If one does want to lose weight, however, I recommend walking. I can't even begin to explain how amazing the results can be. Oh heck, at the risk of sounding like a weight-loss program advertisement (which I already do) I've lost 15 pounds just from walking to and from school every day! Honestly, though: walk. I also feel that walking is the best way to get around not only for health benefits, but also because it's better for the Earth. We don't want to corrode this precious planet anymore than we already have. Walking is a good way to tune in with nature as well. Then you can appreciate what you are helping to save. It's one big cycle of good Karma.