This is Sand

How many of you like artwork, but are completely talentless when it comes to art??

I kind've fit into that club. I've tried drawing/sketching, painting, etc, but it always ends up the same: looking like it came out of some crappy cartoon. :p

Then, theres the reallly talented people who can do art with sand. Or Sand Art. This could be simply sculpturing out of sand, or (for the overly talented) using colored sand on a flat surface to make a picture.

I've always wanted to try this flat-surface sand art, but if I screwed up, I'd most likely toss the unfinished project across the room and proceed to then sweep sand from my floor for the rest of the week.

Then I found this website:

www.thisissand.com

This is some of the coolest stuff I've done in a long time. I'm able to change the color of my sand as many times as I want, and I can spread it anywhere on the screen (canvas.) Plus, no messy clean up! :)

Below is my first attempt, where I was pretty much just throwing color combinations around:

Then I took that light blue/white combo and made a piece of artwork that I call 'Icy Mountains.'

So, I seem to be getting better at pictures that actually have a point, so I guess that's good. Anyway, I urge you to try it out! I'm sure you'll be hooked in minutes.

Until Next Time...:)

W.

Have You Read My Blog Today???

Greetings to all of you in cyberspace!! I'm BACK!!

Seriously though, it has been far to long, so I decided it's time to return to ramble randomly. If you're reading this, thanks! If this is your first time here, Welcome! If you've been here before, Welcome Back! :)

So, summer has finally arrived. It wasn't looking likely for quite a while, as it rained nearly every day in May, and in the first part of June. The weather seems to have finally straightened out somewhat. I've been able to have the cookout I wanted to have, and it was a blast hanging with some really cool people!

Unfortunately, it's hay season. I never really liked baling hay and stacking it. I still don't, but it hasn't been too bad this year...yet. This is only the second day, so that could change here in about a week.

My reading goal has been going well. As of right now, I've read 51 books so far this year, putting me close to halfway towards my goal of 105! The only downside is: some of the books I've read this year have been less than stellar. I've struggled through a couple this year, but I pushed on and finished them...and then preceeded to get rid of them. No need to keep a book that I'll never read again.

Novel writing hasn't been going to well. As a matter of fact, it hasn't been happening. Some friends and I, (all of whom are writing) have formed a supergroup called the NOVELATION 3!!! We even joked about all of us writing individual novels, and then having our individual characters meet up in a combined effort. Kind of like what Marvel does, only in written form. :p

Oh, and it was recently my birthday. I didn't really ask for much, but the one thing I did ask for, I got. 'Silver Linings Playbook' on DVD!!!!! :) I still freaking love that movie!

Well, that's it for now. I'll be back next week with a new post!!

Until Next Time...:)

W.

Best Advice from Country Songs You've Never Heard

Hello all! Today, I'm going to talk Inspirational Quotes...from country music songs...that you've probably NEVER heard!! Obviously, I don't really know if you know these songs or not. I'm assuming that many of you won't, as most of them were not big radio hits. If you do know them, great! If not, you soon will. :)

#1. Let your heart break some rules.

Song: 'That's Cool' by Blue County.
If I had to sum this one up, it's just a fancy way of saying take a chance on love. I really like how they sing it in the song: 'Living in a moment/that you might never see again/let your heart/break some rules/now that's cool.'
It's really a (pardon the pun) "cool" song. Lot's of memorable lines in the lyrics, but this one just really sticks with you.

#2. It's not where you've been, it's where you're going.

Song: 'Where You're Going' by Jimmy Wayne.
As Jimmy sings in the refrain: 'It's not where you've been, it's where you're going./It's not who you were back then, it's who you are at this moment.' This statement rings so much truth. People judge others on who they used to be, but in some cases that isn't a fair judgement. To quote another country song: Some people change. Get over yourselves, and don't pretend you know someone now just because you knew them then.

#3. Don't take for granted a single breath of this life.

Song: 'Long After I'm Gone' by Big Kenny.
Big Kenny of Big & Rich released a solo albumn, and 'Long After I'm Gone' was the lone charting single. That's really too bad, because the albumn is a nice blend of music. Even though this quote is kind've taken out of context, I look at it as a different way of saying 'You Only Live Once.'

#4. If you love them, tell them so.

Song:'Don't Ask Me How I Know' by Bobby Pinson.
This is THE advice song. I could've picked a lot of the lines, but this one is the most obvious and important of them.

That's just a few examples for you all. I hope you'll look these songs up and give them a chance!

Until Next Time...:)

W.

When Spring Sprung

The weather had finally started to get nice the last few weeks. Warm air had moved in, and the snow finally melted, leading me to believe that the dark winter had passed, and that Spring had sprung.

As I write this post, however, the dreaded s-word is once again being mentioned. F* you, Mother Nature. We get it. You're in charge. Now, can it be nice, please?

This past week it has rained nearly every day. This hasn't really bothered me, since we're still suffering from last summer/fall when we were in the midst of a drought. I'm not even mad that they have rain predicted every day next week. I'm bummed because, a little sun in between would be nice. Just saying.

All this spare time has proven to be very beneficial to me, however. I've finally found time to do some much needed cleaning. I have a lot of excess crap in my closet and such that really needs to go. So, for the last few days, I've been pitching stuff into the nearest garbage can, or putting it in a seperate pile of it is salvagable. Most of these salvagable items are books that will make a 'hopeful' trip to Cedar Rapids to a Half-Price Bookstore.

Where I will then proceed to buy more.

Man, it's a neverending cycle.

This is the main reason, that I've neglected the blog for so long. I've just been busy with cleaning and working at the theater. I decided to take a break from said cleaning tonight just to let all of you know I'm still alive.

Although, if this whole North Korea thing doesn't get resolved, none of us may be alive. :( And just for giggles, this is what must be done in North Korea to save the world:



Ahhh, if only it was that simple. This could indeed turn out ot be an interesting spring.

If it has indeed sprung. :p

Until Next Time...:)

W.

The Top 20 Movies from 2012!!!

Here it is everyone! My annual list of the best movies of the year that has passed. Yes, I know I'm a little late with the list this year, so I apologzie for that. But enough delays, here we go!!!

20. SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS- This movie really surprised me when I saw it this past fall. It was funny, violent, and just plain crazy! I highly recommend this for people who like movies that are just plain different.
Now Available on DVD.

19. PITCH PERFECT-Probably one of the biggest surprises I got this year when watching a movie was this acapella comedy. By all reasoning, I should hate this movie, but the great music and huge laughs make it one of the years best.
Now Available on DVD.

18. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS-The other big surprise I got this year was from this movie. I'm not really a fan of horror, but after much pressuring from my co-workers, I gave this one a try, and it did not disappoint. Not really a horror movie, but a fun ride nonetheless.
Now Available on DVD.

17. JACK REACHER-Tom Cruise usually is an up-and-down subject with me. Some of his movies were great! (Mission Impossible:Ghost Protocol) Others, not so much. (Knight and Day) So I entered Jack Reacher with much trepidation. The result? A high-octane thrill ride, and a new series of books I can read. :)
Available on DVD on May 7th.

16. WRECK-IT RALPH-The animated feature that should have won the oscar. The 3D was spectacular, and the story was heartwarming and funny.
Now Available on DVD.

15. ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER-History's greatest mash-up was a gloriously violent vampire film. And I freaking loved every minute of it! :)
Now Available on DVD.

14. THE HUNGER GAMES-Book-to-movie adaptions usually are a let down. This movie broke the trend for me. This is one of the best book-to-movie adaptions ever. And they give you all the info you need. You don't have to read the book to understand the movie.
Now Available on DVD.

13. LES MISERABLES-I'm not usually a huge fan of musicals. Going in, I had no idea what to really expect from this movie. I didn't know the story, so it was all new to me. I walked out a huge fan of this movie, and it's live-singing performances only enhances it even more.
Now Available on DVD.

12. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED-One of two movies on this list that some of you may not have heard of, and that's a shame. This comedy/drama, indie film is one of the most original movies I've seen this past year. And if you like time-travel, this one is for you.
Now Available on DVD.

11. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES-I've talked about this movie enoguh before. The conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy was a good film, but didn't live up to 'The Dark Knight' from 2008.
Now Available on DVD.

10. THE LORAX-I grew up on 'The Lorax.' When I first heard they were making a full-length feature, I was a little skeptical. Would this movie ruin the vision of Dr. Seuss?
Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. 'The Lorax' was the MOST fun I've had at an animated movie this year, and the message is still just as important as ever.
Now Available on DVD.

9. MOONRISE KINGDOM-We all remember our first love, but I can guarantee none of us took them as far as 'Moonrise Kingdom' goes. This love story between two young people is heartwarming and funny, and well worth a watch.
Now Available on DVD.

8. LOOPER-I freaking love Sci-Fi Movies, and when an original idea comes along, it usually piques my interest. This was the case with Looper, which proves the point that you don't need a huge production budget to make an entertaining Sci-Fi/Action film.
Now Available on DVD.

7. DJANGO UNCHAINED-Quentin Tarantino's best movie to date. Christoph Waltz is hysterical, as is Samuel L. Jackson. Word of note: It is extremeley violent, so if that's not your thing, you better pass on this one.
Available on DVD on April 9th.

6. LINCOLN-Daniel Day Lewis stars as the 16th president as he attempts to abolish slavery. It could have been really boring, but instead is an interesting look into the life of Abraham Lincoln.
Available on DVD on March 26th.

5. SKYFALL-The ultimate James Bond film. It only took 50 years to make this movie, but it is so well done and well paced that it hardly matters. I only hope it doesn't take another 50 years to top it. Keep up the good work, Hollywood!
Now Available on DVD.

4. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK-A movie that is really for everyone. It's a comedy. It's a drama. It's a sports movie. It's a triumph!
Available on DVD on April 30th.

3. ARGO-The true story of the CIA's most outrageous mission is one of the best edge-of-your-seat thrillers in quite some time. It's also easily one of the best films of the year. Well worthy of it's best picture win.
Now Available on DVD.

2. LIFE OF PI-The most visually-arresting movie since Avatar. I didn't get a chance to see it in 3D, but I know it would have been a real treat. Besides visuals, the story is an interesting and exciting adventure.
Now Available on DVD.

1. THE AVENGERS-Was there any doubt that this would be my number one movie for the year? When I first saw this back in May, I knew immediately that it would be my top for the year. Nothing can beat it. It's sheer epicness still crosses my mind all the time, and I really need to find time to watch it again.
Now Available on DVD.

Well, there you have it. As always, I'm sure some of you, my readers, will let me know that I screwed up on some choices or placements. You do every year, and I look forward to your opinions, just leave them below in the comment box. :)

Until Next Time...:)

W.

Catching Up

It's been a rough year so far.

The weather has been freaking nasty, work has been full of late nights, and I've let this blog fall to the wayside.

Sorry 'bout that. :(

This is a brief post just to fill you in on the year so far, and also to let you know that I'm coming back strong. I'm catching up.

Movie wise, I've seen some good movies so far, but most of them were technically released in 2012. Les Miserables, Django Unchained, and Silver Linings Playbook were all really good movies that I saw recently. These, along with 17 others will be celebrated in my annual 20 Best List! This list will be shared in my next blog post, and will countdown the top 20 movies of 2012 in my opinion, along with a brief reasoning for each title.

I wish I could say I've read a lot of good books this year as well, but that unfortunately would be a lie. I've read 19 books so far towards my goal of 105, so I'm on track. However, most of these books have disappointed me. J. K. Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy' more than any of them. I will have a post in a couple of weeks detailing some of these, in my opinion, disappointing reads.

Finally, I've been really looking forward to summer. Last summer was a lot of fun doing cookouts with some friends, and my co-worker Andy and I have been brainstorming some really neat ideas for cookouts this summer. All we need is a thaw, and some decent weather for a change.

Well, there's some of the ideas I'm working on for future blog posts. Thanks for sticking with me so far, and I hope you keep following me. :)

Wait a minute. It's Daylight Savings!! I better get going. No need to fall any farther behind on sleep.

Until Next Time...-_-

W.

Who Will Win Best Picture at the Oscars?

The Oscars are nearly here.

Ever since I started working at the movie theater in my town, I've followed the Oscars almost religously. This year, nine movies are nominated for the coveted best picture award. They are:

"Amour" "Argo" Beasts of the Southern Wild" Django Unchained" "Les Miserables" Life of Pi" "Lincoln" "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Zero Dark Thirty"

As I sat at work tonight, I went to work on an annual thing: predicting the Oscar winners. Last year, I succesfully predicted about 50% of the winners, and am hoping to do better this year.

The problem is picking my best picture winner.

There are a lot of good movies here. It'll be hard to pick just one, but I'm going to try it anyway, by eliminating them as I go.

First of all, I've only seen seven of these nine. So "Amour" and "Beasts of the Southern Wild," I'm sorry, but you are not worthy in my mind.

Same can be said for "Zero Dark Thirty." While it was well acted, and had some interesting moments, the movie seemed to drag in the middle. Maybe that's just me, but with the others listed here, it didn't really have a chance of getting to far.

This is where it started getting tricky, and I had to eliminate some that, in a weaker year, would be sure things. So, I eliminated "Django Unchained," "Les Miserables," and "Lincoln." Don't get me wrong, all three of these are great movies, and deserve viewing. They just aren't the best I've seen this year.

That left me with three movies left: "Argo," "Life of Pi," and "Silver Linings Playbook." I finally chose "Argo" as my choice for Best Picture, but it was a hard decision to come to, especially when you consider how much I loved "Life of Pi" and "Silver Linings Playbook." (By the way, "Silver Linings Playbook" will be showing at my place of work starting March 1st. I hope to see you there! :) )

I guess I'll find out tomorrow night if my prediction is correct, and I will see if I do better with all my predictions this year.

Until Next Time...:)

W.

Poetry Paradox Redux

Still not sure if these talents
are a gift or a curse,
But it's time again for a post
wrote completely in verse...

Or not.

This statement above could be considered a paradox. As dictionary.com defines:

A paradox is a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

In other words, I could probably write a post completely in verse, but why would I?

I have no life.
I'm super bored.
So why not rhyme and see
if my readers will be floored.

Yes, the above poem is pointless, but like I said I have no life.

So, to continue this pointless poetic post, I will now complain on the weather. So far in 2013, Mother Nature has proven herself a notorious B*tch. For example, it rained almost all day today. It's going to get cold tonight, and yes: everything will become icy.

It rained all day
with no end in sight.
That night it got cold.
Yeah, oit froze overnight.
The very next morning
everything was glazed.
The ice had covered
everything in our gaze.
The roads are all slick.
There'll be no driving today.
At least, not until
the ice melts away.

So, to sum up my new year so far: The weather sucks, and I have found the only way to entertain myself so far is attempting to rehash old blog posts. Ugh, I need a life.

Until Next Time...:/

W.