Post Potter Phobia

Hello, world. I am both sad and excited--and nerdy and proud!--as I write this.  Because I am getting ready to go see the midnight showing of the final  Harry Potter movie.  This is something all we Potter fans have been anticipating and dreading with equal fervor, because it is so much more than a movie or a book franchise.  To those who have followed Harry's journey from the beginning, it is the end of an era.

I realized, as I thought about how old I was when I first heard of Harry Potter, that the wizarding world of Hogwarts has been a part of my life for just around half of my life.  Which is crazy.  Something that captivated me (and so many others) at the age of 11, is still something that I appreciate today.  I remember my teacher reading the first book out loud to our 6th grade class--the only time that all 30-odd students sat silent, completely absorbed in (shudder at the thought) literature.  I remember buying the first book on cassette tape for my mother to listen to, because she didn't understand what all the hype was about; my parents have been avid Potter fans since.  And I remember the first midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: sitting in a long line outside the movie theater with my friends (now in high school), the anticipation almost tangible.

Say what you will about the books and the movies, but the ability of J.K. Rowling to not only create a story--but a CULTURE-- is an incredible achievement in its own right.

Anyway, I am really letting my inner nerd out here, I know.  But even though this is the end of the Harry Potter series (precluding any eventual movie remakes, as I am sure will eventually occur), the world of Harry Potter is one that I will continue to revisit.  And it's something I plan to share with my children, if I ever have any.

Well, I guess that's enough spewing for today! I will follow up with a movie review soon, of course.

<3 SVL

Splotchy Tomatoes and Miniature Fireworks

Yes, that's right. I look like a splotchy tomato.  Leave it to me to somehow be only half-committed to saving my skin with sunscreen--thus producing large red splotches in random places that even normal work clothes don't entirely conceal.  Without divulging too much information, it's also been a very painful experience for me to sit down.

I'm blaming the spray-on sunscreen!  These marketers nowadays are getting too smart for their own damn good (or maybe just too smart for me?  Depressing thought.)  I mean, if you can't see where you put the sunscreen on because all it consists of is a vague mist that quickly evaporates on your skin, leaving only a faint stickiness as the only evidence it was ever there, how are you supposed to know you're covered?  Ha!  You don't!  And thus...splotchy tomato.

On a more positive note in relation to the 4th of July festivities, I had a very enjoyable Firework Viewing Experience.  We decided to climb up to a walking/biking trail overlooking the park in my boyfriend's neighborhood, and at any given point we were able to see between 3 and 6 different fireworks shows going on at once.  It was breathtaking.  The only unfortunate factor was the distance, which caused some obscurity due to mountains and cloud cover.  But for the most part it was definitely worth it, if for no other reason than avoiding the throngs of people that were doubtless present at the actual events.

My favorite show was actually the one furthest away from us on the coast, because the visibility was amazing.  Each firework looked so small and perfect, it was like I was watching a miniature replica of what fireworks are supposed to look like;  almost like a tiny drop of vibrant ink, that would suddenly explode and begin to bleed tiny beads of color against the blackness.

Farewell until next time, world...this chair is getting a bit too uncomfortable already.

<3 SVL

Happy 4th of July!

Getting ready to hopefully go scope out a good firework-viewing spot! There are a few spots in the county where you can watch 3 or 4 different fireworks shows happening at once! There's something about fireworks that I have always loved...I know a lot of people find them cliche. And to you I say, don't be such a Grinch! Ok, maybe the wrong holiday. But I love the innocence and the excitement of it. It takes me back to so many summers and memories ago, just like the smell of hot dogs grilling and the sun setting over the valley. So here's to you, America. And to the brave men and women who have given and continue to give so much every day so that we can celebrate another year of freedom. May you and your loved ones be safe and happy today.

Happy Birthday USA!

<3 SVL