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And the Oscar goes to...
The 2015 Oscar nominees were recently announced, and I’m always struck by how many of these movies I’ve never heard of, let alone seen. That got me thinking about movies and entertainment and human nature. Watching movies is actually a very complicated, subjective process, influenced by a variety of factors.
Location
I know people who love going to the movie theater. For them, it’s an adventure that requires Dolby Surround Sound, a bucket of popcorn drenched in artificial butter, a box of Jujubees and sitting in the dark with 100 strangers.
Then there are the folks who prefer to watch movies in the comfort of their own home, stretched out in their La-Z-Boy, a bucket of popcorn drenched in real butter, an icy glass of Coke soaking the coaster underneath it, occasionally hollering at the kids to keep it down.
Genre
The next classification is movie genre: action-adventure, romantic comedy, sci-fi, musicals, animated films, historical drama, thriller, animated and international films. A person’s genre preference may be influenced by their mood, age, ethnicity, education level and even who they are watching the movie with.
Favorite Actors, Themes, Settings, Plots
Patrick Swayze was one of my favorite actors, primarily for his dance moves. If he headlined a movie, I was likely to watch. Same thing for any movie set during the Regency period. On the flip side, there are some movies I’ll never watch because I dislike the lead actor, story line or some other element.
Reviews and Awards
I’m not sure films which win awards are actually better than movies which do not, but many people rely on reviews, rankings and awards in order to determine what movies to view. Curiously, it seems like even negative reviews, such as the Razzies, can motivate people to shell out money for a movie ticket.
What factors influence your movie viewing habits? Think about it and pass the popcorn!
Five literary quotes to ring in the New Year
When the New Year arrives, do you tend to look back or look forward? It’s fun to reminisce when it’s been a good year, but other times, the anticipation of a fresh start and new opportunities is needed to let go of hurts and disappointments. I was looking for a great inspirational quote to inspire you and kept coming across these “literary” sayings. So, since I’m an author and you’re a reader and we both love books, I decided to share these five literary quotes to ring in 2016.
The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce
Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one. ~Brad Paisley
Life is a book. Every day is a new page. Every month is a new chapter. Every year is a new series. ~Unknown
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Let the New Year be like a book with blank pages, the kind that you shall fill with the choicest selection of good deeds. ~Unknown
Here’s to new books and new friends in the New Year!
Now That's Entertainment, Grayce Walters Style
One of the things I enjoy most about the holidays are traditional theater performances, such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah. I’ve performed in the Nutcracker many times, but even listening to the music infuses me with the spirit of the season.
Seattle is a diverse, multicultural city that offers a variety of seasonal performances. Here are a few of the highlights, as recommended by the cast of characters from the Grayce Walters series.
The Nutcracker Ballet – Grayce Walters can’t wait to see this year’s new interpretation by the Pacific Northwest Ballet, featuring “new designs by celebrated author/illustrator Ian Falconer (Olivia the Pig), the mighty PNB Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, and PNB’s incredible Company of 48 dancers.”
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – The Tacoma Musical Playhouse presents a vibrant, high energy performance based on the story written by Ian Fleming, and my good friend Stephen Bucheit plays the lead. As a child, Hollie Thomas didn’t get to enjoy traditions such as this so she is looking forward to making new memories with Nick Welby at her side.
Holiday of Errors – This spoof about William Shakespeare in the spirit of A Christmas Carol and Twelfth Night tickles Aunt Aideen’s quirky sense of humor. A winner of two Seattle Times Footlight awards!
KPC’s Campy Christmas – Hilarious holiday fun with drag performers, the Seattle Men’s Chorus group Captain Smartypants, and the Seattle Women’s Chorus group Sensible Shoes. Guests are invited to compete in three contests: Ugly Sweater, Lip Synching and Dancing. James, Grayce’s best friend, has a front row seat and picked out a Christmas sweater so horrendous he’s sure to win the Ugly Sweater contest.
What local holiday performances do you enjoy during the holidays?
#GivingTuesday - It's the thought that counts
This past weekend was a holiday shopping blitz. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday encouraged consumers to spend, spend, spend. Today is Giving Tuesday, an event that challenges consumers to give, give, give.
Since its launch four years ago, Giving Tuesday has become a global event observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. The goal of this initiative is to harness “the potential of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities; it provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners— nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals—to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness.”
I have three goodwill organizations that are near and dear to my heart. Many people are familiar with Toys For Tots, which collects and distributes toys to children within local communities. Visit their website to learn how you can help.
The Forgotten Children’s Fund, which serves four counties in the Pacific Northwest, was actually inspired by a child’s letter to Santa Claus in 1976. Since then, this all-volunteer organization has worked to provide gifts for needy children and families.
Teen Feed, a Seattle-based group, holds a special place in my heart. Their mission is to work with homeless and at-risk youth by providing meals, outreach, healthcare access and support. Reader may recognize the organization as I featured it as part of Hollie Thomas’s backstory in the Grayce Walters series. For #GivingTuesday, Teen Feed is collecting funds via their Holiday Socks & Hot Meals campaign.
Organizations such as this are a reminder that the holiday season isn’t a joyful event for everyone. Fortunately, there are opportunities to help in big and small ways. What programs or organizations do you sponsor during the holidays?
5 reasons I love autumn in Seattle
Welcome, autumn! I hope you’re enjoying the change of season. I certainly am. There are many reasons so many people love this time of year, but I’m listing my top 5.
1. It’s the perfect time for a staycation. September through November is the best time to visit Seattle, according to U.S. News & World Report. The tourists crowds have thinned and temperatures have cooled, making it easier to visit popular destinations and landmarks.
2. Snoqualmie Falls! Located 29 miles from downtown Seattle, this scenic attraction is located in a two-acre park, which includes a gift shop and observation deck. It’s the perfect backdrop for autumn’s spectacular foliage. 
3. Apple picking. For many people, a trip to the local apple orchard to pick apples and then snack on hot cider and donuts is an annual tradition. The mild autumn weather makes a visit to the orchard especially pleasurable, and the multitude of local orchards makes for a great afternoon outing with family and friends. Check out these easy recipes for applesauce, apple crisp and apple butter before you bring home a bushel.
4. Yurt camping. Outdoor enthusiasts love autumn, but let’s be honest. Sometimes the Pacific Northwest weather can be drizzly and damp. Camping in a yurt means you don’t have to cancel your plans if the weather isn’t cooperating.
5. Local harvest festivals and neighborhood celebrations. Many of the communities in and around Seattle hold special events this time of year. Online listings can help you discover a nearby pumpkin patch, fall festival or other autumn celebration.
What is your favorite thing about autumn? Add it to the list!