Good Reads

Flying Monkeys

Have I mentioned that I have an amazing husband? Not only is he smart and handsome, he's also clever, sweet and adorable. For my 40th birthday, he gifted me with the entire L. Frank Baum books of Oz. From his own childhood, a special memory. Look, here we are straight out of Oz. He's a flying monkey, I'm Dorothy of course. Although you can't see them, I have my red slippers on (comfy ones that I usually wear with my PJs.) This was for Halloween... not some random day after work.

And for this Christmas, we sent to our niece Lily a copy of the first Oz book to allow her to share in our silliness.

For this holiday season, my Chanukah gift (or Christmas eve eve gift) was a PIANO! It's beautiful sounding. I am not able to let my fingers do the talking quite well yet, but I'm back up to playing some of the simpler Bach Preludes... Still needs a lot of work though. We still need to get a stand and the pedals, but right now it's getting a lot of use while resting on the living room table.

Glassy Eyed

My creativity or lack there of has been looking for an outlet and sneaking out whenever it can to find something new to play with. Today I convinced my sister in law to sign up for a fused glass class with me next March. I've tried a couple of classes already.

My first class, I went to try to learn every tool and method of glass cutting that I was allowed to. I was surprised that not everyone else wanted to play with the machines, but the lack of competition for their use was of benefit. So, my first attempt was a sushi dish. Basically, a nice rectangle of glass which is inexpensive to let us try to learn from. It's certainly no work of art, but I do feel that I learned a lot that day.

The second class, I used less of the tools, but tried to make something fun and sort-of useful. It's a candle shade; to be placed in front of a candle and let the light shine through. It's a little more than a foot across, so I suppose it's for a really big candle.

How could I have missed this one?

Ok, today the Washington Post has a list of the top videos of 2008... Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is of course on the list. If you haven't yet, go see it FOR FREE on hulu.com. No, really... click here now and watch it. There are three episodes. Come back when you have finished watching Neil Patrick Harris with a doctorate in horribleness.

If you are so inclined, the Dr. Horrible DVD has now been released and includes not only a commentary track, but a Musical commentary track. It's quite funny, and sometimes even has to do with the video (mostly, it's just funny).

OK, while I'm mentioning videos to watch, Felicia Day (Penny in Dr. Horrible) has her own series to watch which is entertaining on its own merit. The Guild. World of Warcraft guild meets in real life (kind of... it's an odd life they lead) and comedy ensues. There are more than three episodes, and the new season is currently being released every Tuesday, when she gets the time to post.

But I'm wondering, in all my browsing, passing around of silly bits of information, and whatnot, did I ever miss this charmer? Go. See. It is wonderful. You will smile. I did.

Coraline

In preparation for Neil Gaiman's Coraline movie coming out this February, they sent out 50 Coraline boxes to random bloggers... They're creepy creepy creepy. I am totally jealous. Animation Archive is keeping track of where they pop up. Each one is a unique masterpiece.

If you haven't read the book yet, go get it, read it. I'm so glad the movie is done with stop motion animation, and not live... it would be way too scary. Scary enough as it is.

I recommend checking out the Coraline website. It unto itself is creepy. Just don't let the other mother get to you, or you will end up with buttons for eyes. It could happen...

Happy Holidays 2008

'Twas the weekend after Christmas, when all through the net
the family was blogging, at least getting their feet wet.
Our stockings that had been hung by the chimney with care
have now been folded neatly, and lie on the stair.
The kittens, as usual, are nestled snugly on top of my head,
my toes, my left leg, and on top of the laptop (I type one-handed instead.)
Dan on the Xbox, and I reading blogs,
are in the TV room, lying here like logs.
Up in the kitchen there are more dishes to scour,
but I think I will leave them, no more work at this hour.
There is firewood to bring in, and laundry to fold,
chores here and there... I think I'm getting too old...
Still, even with all the work, we've lots of holiday cheer!
We've seen local family and friends, called those who weren't here.
It's been a happy holiday, and we wish you a wonderful new year!