Monthly Archives: September 2012

Unlikely Heroes ~ and a WINNER!

28 Friday Sep 2012

Posted by in Hero, Remarkable Animals, Story

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A young pig saves a baby goat

I saw an amazing video clip that touched my heart and made me laugh, all at the same time. You might have seen it too, since I tweeted the YouTube link. It was of a young pig rescuing a baby goat that was flailing in a small pond.

It was remarkable, because of the unlikely friendship (like in the book by that very name), and an even more unlikely hero. Watch the video and see for yourself.

Real-Life can be more amazing than fiction

Since posting this, I’ve seen comments around the web that this video was staged.  Some even pointed out how the video had been altered, Photoshopping out a person who was restraining the goat in the water. Looking at the video more closely, I see this could be true. That said, I don’t doubt that the pig jumped into the water to save the baby goat (as shown) when the original situation arose. This video reenacts the event. Pigs are very smart. It’s a great story no matter what!

Unlikely Heroes in Fiction

That video got me to thinking about unlikely heroes in fiction, and how those stories stayed with me. They were stories I would read again and again. Characters such as:

In wondering why these stories had such an impact, I realized that it was because the heroes were so ordinary. I could relate to them (even though they weren’t human), and their actions. As they grew out of ordinariness and into heroes, I followed. Those stories showed me how live as a hero in the real world.

Animals and spiders aren’t the only unlikely heroes. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an ordinary teenager at the beginning of her journey, a cheerleader no less. Most all the superhero origin myths begin with an ordinary person who encounters circumstances that change his or her life in extraordinary ways.

Who’s your favorite Unlikely Hero?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Now for the “52 Reasons to Hate My Father” WINNER!!!

I put  the names of everyone who left a comment on the “52 Reasons to Hate My Father” post in a hat, shook it like there was no tomorrow, then reached in and pulled one out…

Maestro, a drum roll please!

*****
*** Tosses copious amounts of sparkly confetti ***

*****
And the winner is…

KIM GRIFFIN

(Happy Dance)

!!!!!!!!!

A Symphony of Giving with Violinist Joshua Bell

22 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by in Giving Back, Music

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Glitz and Glam Gala Benefits Education

The San Francisco Symphony’s (SSF) annual Gala opened the 2013 season with a glittering splash Wednesday, September 19th.

I’m a writer, so you’d be right in guessing that mingling with the high society see-and-be-seen set isn’t my usual thing. But I made an exception for the SSF Gala, and got out the evening gown and put on my big girl shoes. Because of my passion for writing for young people, I feel supporting education in all the arts is vitally important.

The proceeds from the SSF lavish Gala benefit the symphony’s education and community programs, that provide music education to more than 75,000 Bay Area children each year, including the San Francisco Youth Orchestra. Which is why it was no surprise that world-renowned violinist, Joshua Bell, headlined the event.

OK, I admit I’m a fan of Joshua Bell’s music. He brings a certain physical energy to his performances that elevates and enriches the music beyond the actual notes. As corny as it may sound, listening to him play is a spiritual experience for me. And I’m guessing I’m not alone in there, because Davies Symphony Hall sells out every time he plays there.

Joshua Bell is a phenomenal musician, but what’s truly impressive is his passion for helping young people. For example, in 2011 Arts Horizons presented Joshua with the Paul Newman Award for Services to the Arts and Children. You can read about his other humanitarian awards here, and a recent interview here. The following is an excerpt…

Trying to reach kids is very important to me, not just so they can be the next professional musicians, though some will; it’s even more important that they just have music in their lives.

Participating in this event was a huge reminder that we all can all do something to benefit young people in our communities. Whether it’s helping out at our local library, working with the youth theater or youth orchestra (in any capacity), or supporting other local art programs. We don’t have to be famous to make a difference in young people’s lives, we just have to care.

After-Party Fun and Frivolity

The Opening Night Gala musical program was awe-inspiring, then the after-party rocked. Big time. Don’t let the symphony’s “proper” image fool you. Those folks know how to throw one heck of a par-tay! Grove Street, along side Davies Symphony Hall, was transformed into a carnival filled with street performers and kiosks over-flowing with sweet and savory treats. But that wasn’t all. A massive tent spanning half a city block behind the symphony hall, staged live bands where the crowd danced the night away.

Not that I stayed that long.

I had to get home to two diabetic cats who needed their insulin shots. But don’t feel sorry for me. As you can see in the photo taken by the VERY TALL man in the tux (juggling in the photo above), I had a terrific time!

What’s your passion for giving?

Inquiring minds want to know!

“52 Reasons to Hate My Father” and as Many Reasons to Love this Book GIVEAWAY!

19 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by in Review, Young Adult

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What’s a girl got to do to win her father’s trust (fund)?

52 Reasons to Hate My Father
by Jessica Brody

Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteen birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him.  [jacket synopsis]

Why This Story Rocks!

This is a high-concept story that’s terrific fun. I picked up the book on that basis alone, and was pleasantly surprised to find that author, Jessica Brody, dug deeper with her character. This story touches on meaningful issues with regards to family, relationships, and the true meaning of happiness.

In today’s media-blitz culture that idolizes fast-cash and fame, I was impressed with this story showing us that money (no matter how many millions) does not in itself make you happy. Sadly, Lexi is convinced that getting her hands on her 25 million-dollar trust fund will be the exception to that rule.

The beauty of her father’s punishment (as Lexi sees it) is that working at real-world low-paying jobs puts her along side people who can teach her things about life she wouldn’t learn otherwise. One of the most important lessons comes from a co-worker at a fast-food taqueria. He invites Lexi home for dinner with his family and she experiences what a true family is, and sees first-hand that true happiness is not tied to money. At all.

I won’t go on and on about everything I liked about this book, because it would ruin it for you. Instead, I’m offering a chance for you to win FREE GIVEAWAY of this book and read the story yourself.

Here’s How to Win a FREE Copy:

  1. Watch the trailer (below).
  2. Leave a comment on this post by Monday, September 24th.

Easy-peasy!

I’ll randomly pick a winner and announce the name on Friday, September 28th.

Official Book Trailer

Pushing the Zombie Envelope with “ParaNorman”

13 Thursday Sep 2012

Posted by in Animation, Paranormal, Zombies

≈ 4 Comments

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You don’t become a hero by being normal…

A misunderstood boy, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.

OK. I admit that logline sounds like a dozen other stories in both film and fiction. But I assure you. ParaNorman it’s not normal, in any sense of the word.

I may not be a zombie aficionado, but from what I’ve seen and read, most zombie stories aren’t “delightful”. Which is how one writer friend described ParaNorman. And I totally agree.

Most zombie stories aren’t meaningful in a heartfelt way either. ParaNorman most certainly is, with a dash of macabre for spice. Add a little Joss Whedonesque humor. Toss. Let rest for five minutes before serving. And voila! A Zombie Comedy with heart.

Yes, a Zombie Comedy, or ZomCom. A new genre. Now that’s what I call pushing the envelope!

Five delightful things about ParaNorman:

  1. A sympathetic hero with a HUGe problem: No one understands Norman, except the ghosts he sees (that no one else does). And it’s his special talent that makes him next one in line to prevent the dead from rising when his uncle dies suddenly, before telling Norman how to save the town.
  2. Quirky sidekicks: Gotta love ’em, especially the ones in ParaNorman.
  3. A surprising plot twist or two: No spoilers. But the twists add depth to the story. They’re not just for shock value.
  4. Get dark, get gruesome, then get funny: Joss Whedon we love you for setting this precedent.
  5. It means something: Again, spoiler free. Let’s just say that the theme is acceptance and forgiveness. When was the last time you felt all warm and fuzzy after watching a horror film? ParaNorman was a first for me!

Zombie Aficionados Speak Out!

What’s your favorite zombie story … film or fiction?

Inquiring minds want to know!