I thought I'd share the television shows that I plan to binge as soon as my time starts to free up again going into 2023 (and where you might be able to watch them). So, most likely December through January on my end. Have some catching up to do before new seasons rear their heads. - Ginny & Georgia (Netflix) - Young Royals (Netflix) - The Blacklist (Amazon/ Netflix/ Peacock) - The Sandman (Netflix) - The Walking Dead (Amazon/ Neflix) - The Equalizer (Amazon/ Hulu/ Paramount+) - Titans (Amazon/ Freebee/ HBO Max) - 9-1-1 (Amazon/ Hulu) - Evil (Amazon/ Paramount+) - You (Amazon/ Netflix) Nowadays you can likely watch almost all of the television shows on this list via Youtube and Google Play Movies & TV. I'm not sure what's most cost effective for everyone, but is it just me or does the cost of multiple subscription services cost the same as cable TV nowadays? And yet, cable TV doesn't exactly do most shows justice. I hated trying to continue watching something on cable but missing an episode in between and anxiously trying to catch it again. At least with a subscription you're pretty much on your own time. I do have a peeve with Netflix though, since it removes shows to brings them back later, but at least they give you some warning and shows you what's on the way out the door. Anyway, see you guys on the next one!

Hi-Ho Everyone! For today's blog post, I wanted to talk about some anime films that I'm looking forward to watching for the first time. It goes without saying that some of the best animated movies have come from overseas (I'm from the U.S.), but I'll say it anyway. Some of the best animated films have come from overseas , with heavy emphasis on Japanese in this case. If you are a Hayao Miyazaki fan, then you would most likely enjoy these as well. My list consists of some films that have released in the last few years, and a couple others that I'm looking forward to seeing in the near future. And well, if you don’t know who he is, you're missing out on life and should immediately hole up in your room for a day to watch some of his amazing films like Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Grave of Firelies, The Cat Returns and Ponyo to name a few. These films are not his, mind you, but I'm willing to bet that they will give you some similar feels! In any case, here's what I'm planning to watch: Weathering With You Release(d) Date: January 2020 Summer Ghost Release(d) Date: November 2021 Fruits Basket: Prelude Release(d) Date: February 2022 *Note: You should probably Watch Fruit Basket (the anime) before enjoying this Prelude! This film, I think, is in 2 parts. Bubble Release(d) Date: May, 2022 Drifting Home (Ame wo Tsugeru Hyouryuu Danchi) Release(d) Date: September, 2022 Suzume's Locking Up (Suzume no Tojimari) Release Date: November 2022 Releases Tomorrow! ° ` \(○ ○)/ ° ' Lonely Castle in the Mirror (Kagami no Kojō) Release Date: December 2022 The Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom (Kin no Kuni Mizu no Kuni) Release Date: January 2023

Hello Again Adm Fam and Visitors. Today's blog post is another list. This time, I'm recommending some of my favorite TV Series for anyone who needs to sit back and relax. When I'm really stressed, I take more breaks from my work. Since I haven't been sleeping well as of late, however, I feel like I'm taking more breaks than usual (at least until I manage to fall asleep and wake up only hours later). In this time, if I'm not cooking, cleaning, reading or doing stuff with my pets, I spend some time getting lost in a good movie or a series, although I tend to watch movies much more than I do any TV series. That said, I don't have cable, by choice. Luckily for me, there are a ton of subscription services out in the world nowadays that offer seasons of amazing TV series for all of us to enjoy. From Amazon Prime, to Hulu, Netflix, Paramount, and HBO Max, the list goes on. And when all else fails, there's always handy-dandy DVDs! At any rate, being able to sit down and watch a TV series is a good distraction from a horrible bout of insomnia. If none of you are having trouble sleeping the last week or two, I'm very happy for you--but I'm also jealous. Haha. Share your secret. No really, help me out here. Between reading before bed, sitting in the dark (as if I don't do that most of the day already), drinking water, actually getting away from the screens, and even doing my nightly exercises before bed to tire me out aren't working at this point. I'm fairly certain that a good portion of my insomnia is the result of being insanely stressed out lately, but because of things it would take forever to explain I can't just ignore or get rid of these things stressing me out. Any one out there have any kind of suggestions? Simple, unorthodox, anything goes at this point. Luckily, I'm not irritable when I don't get any sleep. Anyway, let's get to the list shall we? Here are some totally Binge-Worthy TV Series, and where you may be able to find them, in no particular order. You may also be able to watch some of these via Google Play Movies, Peacock TV, Fox, and even a few on Disney + (Kind of weird considering, but hey. I'm all for it). See any of your favorites? - Hannah (Amazon Prime Video) - Truth Seekers (Amazon Prime Video) - Supernatural (Netflix, CW) - The Walking Dead (Netflix, AMC) - The Adventures of Merlin (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video) - Person of Interest (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, CBS) - The Blacklist (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video) - Monk (Amazon Prime Video) - 9-1-1 (Hulu, Amazon Prime Video) - Evil (Netflix, Paramount) - The Good Doctor (Hulu, Amazon Prime Video) - Chance (Hulu) - House (Amazon Prime Video) - Criminal Minds (Hulu, Paramount, Amazon Prime Video) - NCIS (Netflix, CBS, Amazon Prime Video) - Ghost Whisperer (Hulu, Amazon Prime Video) - Carnival Row (Amazon Prime Video) - The Client List (Hulu, Amazon Prime Video) - A Different World (Amazon Prime Video) - Charmed, 1998 Series (Amazon Prime Video) - Bones (Amazon Prime Video) - Sherlock (HBO, Amazon Prime Video) - Whose Line is it Anyway? (HBO, Amazon Prime Video) - The Big Bang Theory (CBS, HBO, Amazon Prime Video) - Doctor Who (HBO, Amazon Prime Video)

🌟🌈🌟Hello Everyone.🌟🌈🌟 Today marks the 6th year since same-sex marriage became legal. For any of you with friends and/or family who are on the spectrum, for those of you celebrating this anniversary for yourself- or if you simply support people being free to love and have legal rights in their respective relationships this June 26th- here's to you! I offer a short list of movies (and where you may be able to find them) to finish off the weekend. - Carol (Netflix) - Sense 8 (Netflix). - Black Lightning (Netflix). - This is Us (Hulu). - The Perfection (Netflix). - The Danish Girl (Netflix). - The Geography Club (Amazon Prime). - How to Get Away with Murder (Netflix). - Pretty Little Liars (Hulu). - Orange is the New Black (Netflix).

Hello AdmFam and Visitors!😊 Lately, I have been thinking about the familiar question "How do you get over writer's block?" Which I am henceforth coining the 'Big WB' on the website. Haha. So, today, I thought I'd share four things (five is just a bonus) that may help you now or in the future. First, I should tell you that I have never really had problems with writer's block. I have had times where I have been so stressed or emotionally distraught that I have not gotten out of bed to write. I have had times where I was so depressed I couldn't dream of picking up a pen. I have even sat crying, frustrated and hopeless because of my work. Most notably when, only months ago, I lost my manuscript for Book 2 of The Crystal Key Book Series because my SD card deleted all of my files. I cried for a week straight and it took many months for me to start over. No matter if you are a current author/writer, are just interested in testing the waters, are an aspiring writer with no real idea where to start, let alone even how to get the floods going, today's blog post may be for you. If nothing else, you may simply enjoy yourself. I see nothing but positives here. The four things that have helped me avoid writer's block and even get back on my feet after losing everything from book two's manuscript, to every future book cover (which were recreated in the last month or two) were the following. 1. Let Yourself Feel Everything You are Harboring. 2. REST. 3. Write Anything/Everything. 4. Make Use of Writing Prompts. 5. Work On Two Different Projects. Number one sounds simple enough, but this can sometimes be a very complicated step. Letting yourself feel everything you are trying to keep in check is imperative to moving forward. Be it life in general, or writing. You need to acknowledge your stress, your anger, your disappointments, your sadness and every other feeling whirling around inside you. Ignoring these things do not help. In fact, they can be one of the biggest hurdles to your work/progress. This is often a very exhausting process, mind you. Which brings us to number two. After releasing all that energy and letting yourself think all of those thoughts you push to the back of your mind, after you have allowed yourself the freedom to feel anything and everything within you, resting will make all the difference. How much rest you require is going to depend on just how much you have kept locked away, and how easily you can process the emotions and thoughts you have had. There is no right or wrong. This is a step to take your time in. Turn over all your leaves, brush your hands over the petals and flowers blooming in your mind. Some of these will have uncomfortable, prickly thorns. Others will have soft textures and sweet smells you've long forgotten. Do Not set a timetable for your healing. 9/10 you will be sifting through rows of greenery. Memories, hatred, love, moments of lost passion, moments of warmth and growth, regrets and wishes. All of these are valid. Even if they aren't about writing. All of these things need to be inspected and prodded. If you rush through this, you will find yourself staring number one right back in the face, needing to start again. It doesn't matter if this takes you a week, a month or several. When you feel the fog lifting, treat yourself to your favorite things. Re-live your favorite moments. Whatever makes you happy. Just relax and find your center. Having found your center, write. Think of this as letting yourself feel, part 2. Take a sheet of paper (or several), grab a pen and write. Anything. A word. A few words. Sentences. Paragraphs. These things don't have to make any sense. They don't have to be related. They can contain any amount of errors. Don't think about making your thoughts linear. Don't try to center your thoughts on a specific subject or place. Don't cross anything out. Just let your randomized jumble of words fly freely across the paper. You may find that you wrote sentences you'd never say or seemingly meaningless things. Continue this until you don't have anything else to write. Until you find a moment of emptiness and yet, relief. Now, save it. Both the feeling and your free-write.--we will come back to it later. The next thing you want to do is make use of writing prompts. You could probably find a bunch on the internet, but I will provide a few off the top of my head for your convenience. I will likely post more of them to the website just for fun at a later date. However, I can make no promises about the subject. Spontaneous writing prompts are the best writing prompts. Aside from online searches and looking on the website, you have another option. Recall that I told you to save your free-write? Well, this is when you can use it. Circle a bunch of words, phases, parts of sentences, anything really. Make them into a sentence even if it is ridiculous. Even if you have to add or take away something to form them. Feel free to mix and match them however you'd like. You can write prompts a sentence long or a paragraph. However you feel in the moment is fine. Say for example, cat , hate , purple , staff , sky , and hurricane were some of the words you circled (how many you use is all up to you). These words are pretty random, right? But now you can make this into some sort of writing prompt. Here are a few off the top of my head. Remember that you can add or take away anything you'd like. The point is to make coherent sentences to inspire ideas. A. An unusual and hateful cat goes out to find its favorite purple collar when it witnesses the neighborhood pets disappear into a hurricane. B. Cat-a young woman whose family has a history of weak magic-had no idea how her life would change the night the sky turned purple and a mysterious legendary staff appeared before her. Beckoned by mystery and the promise of an adventure that would strengthen her family's magic, Cat decided to let the staff lead the way to the windy world of Hurricane. C. Running away from home was the last thing Sky intended to do, but now, Skylar was looking to the sky. With the help of unlikely allies and through unforeseen danger, Sky would brave the world outside the torturous walls of their withered purple house. A world beyond their parents' abuse. D. My Cat Saved My Life: A True Story of Hate, Resilience, Change, and a Support Animal. E. Staffs and Rituals: The How's and Whys of Staffs Through History. Aside from utilizing writing prompts, I have found something else that helps deter writer's block: working on two different writing projects. Writing two stories, in my case, has been a great fifth option. Which can easily be used in conjunction with free-writing and writing prompts because you can make use of those ideas (although you can always save them for later too). I am generally working on two stories at once, so I can tell you that this usually works. Mind you, these two projects should be completely unrelated to each other. If story A is giving me some frustration because I can't remember something or I am stuck at the end of a chapter, I save my work and pull up story B. That way, my focus shifts to another project and I'm being productive all at once. It may help you to have a small labeled notebook with notes for each story at the ready. Especially if you get easily confused or worry about mixing details between projects. Anyhow, so there you have it. Those are some of my best tips for getting through rough patches and/or writer's block. As a treat, here are some bonus writing prompts for you. Write about a... - Elderly woman in an apocalyptic world. - Fallen star that signals the birth of a new era. - Artist cursed with a pen that brings the opposite of what they write to life. - Samurai, a talking dragon, and a leprechaun joining forces. - Futuristic world that sells small bottles of joy for a price . - Dream. Good? Bad? Creepy? Weird acid trip? All are welcome (although I hope none of us truly knows what that is like). - Twist on your favorite film. - Antihero. - Disappearing island. - Legendary scrolls lost in time. Happy Writing!

Hello Again Everyone! I hope you all are doing well today! I was perusing my books and movies recently and it got me thinking about great books that made the transition to films/movies. Personally, I think these books/films are wonderful on their own, but to read them and watch them both is a great experience as well. I know a lot of people who are avid readers sometimes shy away from film adaptations of books because we want the films to reflect more events from the book or even follow the storyline completely. However, in my opinion, we should expect some differences considering the author of the book doesn't also direct and produce the films. Anyway, here is a list of wonderful books that turned film and both of them offer a great ride--including some stories close to my heart like Pay It Forward, The Shawshank Redemption, Schindler's Ark (Aka Schindler's List) and The Help. Have you read them? Have you seen them? Can you think of any books that left their marks in the world of film? - Forrest Gump. Book by Winston Groom. - The Silence of the Lambs. Book by Thomas Harris. - The Shawshank Redemption. Book by Stephen King based on Rita Hayworth and The SR. - Pay it Forward. Book by Catherine Ryan Hyde. - Legally Blonde. Book by Amanda Brown. - Slumdog Millionaire. Book called Q&A by Vikas Swarup. - The Help. Book by Kathryn Stockett. - A Simple Favor. Book by Darcey Bell. - Schindler's Ark/Schindler's List. Book by Thomas Keneally. - Memoirs of a Geisha. Book by Arthur Golden (there was controversy about this in Japan but I thoroughly enjoyed the story in both forms). - IT. Book by Stephen King (I found the books and all movie adaptations interesting although I prefer the 1990s films over the 2017 release).

Hello All! If you've read my previous blog post then you'd know that I recently found some of my old college/university work. If you haven't read that blog post and you've come here, please check out the play I'd written (for which I have provided a free PDF download for your convenience) Here . If you know what I am talking about then I thank you for your interest and I hope you've enjoyed it. Today, I have another forgotten gem to share. Although, I will say that this one will flow a little different. Not only because it is written in paragraphs like most stories (I find the way plays are written to be a bit awkward), but also because of the events. When I wrote this short story, my professor specifically asked that I keep it under 14 pages including the title page. I recall being very disappointed because the "number" which you will understand after reading, was meant to be five or six and not "two/2." Another thing that I noticed is that I couldn't help but have a character that is very much the polar opposite of Ralph from the play, still like something in common. In this case, the puns/corny jokes. I am quite sure this was for my own personal satisfaction because I truly adore these types of small jokes/puns. Haha. Maybe one day I will do a blog post full of them just for the heck of it. Who knows? Anyhow, without further delay, here is forgotten gem #2. The Countdown: A Short Story. I have also attached a Character Page (both PDF files) for Francis in which I explain a little about him as a character. Please Note: These documents, as well as the short play, are unedited pdf files so it is possible to find a few mistakes though not many. What do you think about these characters? I personally wished I had been able to write this one until my hearts content with all "numbers" involved. I would have enjoyed the extra character development.

Hello! I apologize for the delay in uploading blogs. I wish there was an automatic update feature that I could use. Haha. In any case, as you may be able to tell from the title, this blog is about a short play I wrote for a English university/college course. I was looking through the files on my computer and found some interesting work(s) I forgot I wrote. This one, is by far one of the best of the forgotten gems. So, I thought to share it with you guys. I don't often write plays so I was surprised to have forgotten it in the first place. I am attaching the file as a pdf, as is. I wonder if you guys will like it? It was an assignment for my creative writing minor, and my professor asked to keep it (I also got a 100%) so maybe it is some good? Ah. For those who may not know, I am currently taking a break from college but I am a year and a half away from my BA in Psychology, my AA in Liberal Arts, and my Minor in Creative Writing. Things have been too hectic for me to continue at the moment, but I should get a lot done in the coming months so, I expect to return to school by next year if things take longer than expected. Anyhow, enjoy! Note: YES!! I actually created the attached image myself! I "painted" it digitally on the arts program (on my laptop) because I couldn't really think of any famous artworks off the top of my head that would go best with the play. Didn't want to overdo it, so I did a quick job. I just finished it actually. You like? Haha. FIND THE PDF FILE BELOW! What do you think about "A Real Man"?

Hello, Hello! It's been a while since I've posted a blog and even longer since I suggested films for some action-packed weekend fun! Life has been a little crazy on my end (let's not get into the details), and I realized I needed a break. Since I'm still away from my games (😭), I thought I could at least fall back to something else I liked. For some much needed time to recuperate. Maybe, j ust maybe , I'm not the only one? Here's some action movie suggestions for you and the family, some of which you might have never seen. Please expect more suggestions, and blogs, to come! Kill Me Three Times (2017). Let Simon Pegg take you on an a one-of-a-kind actiony adventure. Phone Booth (2002). A man with secrets stalked by a man who is a secret? A mystery in a phonebooth. A Janitor (2022). A Japanese action film about a janitor named Fukami (Fukushi, Seiji) with a bloody past. Don't worry. We get to enjoy from afar. The Childe (2023). A film following Marco (Kang Tae-joo), a half korean half Filipino taking care of his sick mom who needs surgery. Hunted and bombarded with danger, he's in for a shock. Set It Off (1996). Even if it's just been a while, it's worth a re-watch. If you haven't seen it, you just might have been living under a rock. An awesome film with 90s ladies leading the way to greener pastures. Starring Queen Latifah, Jada-Pickett Smith, Vivica A. Fox, and Kimberly Elise. Level 16 (2018). A Canadian science fiction movie. Two girls are about to learn that their "school" has a trove of hidden secrets. Who says they aren't perfect after all? Honestly not much action, more thriller but an interesting watch. Breach (2007). Eric thinks he's getting his big break in the FBI once he gets the chance to work with a big-shot in the field. Unfortunately, things aren't so simple. The Girl With All the Gifts (2016). Sennia Nanua stars in this film as Melanie. A girl who is immune to a virus plaguing the world, trying to understand herself and carrying the future's possibilities along with her. More wholesome than action. The Jason Bourne Film Series (2002-2007). Could you imagine being part of the CIA as a killer but diassociating the entire time and not sure you remember it? Five movies starring Matt Damon. Emphasis on the third film, The Bourne Ultimatum. The Witch: Subversion (2018) & The Witch 2: The Other One (2022). Out of Korea comes something interesting. An action- horror film about a high school girl, a group of strangers, and its sequel. Mayhem (2017). An action-packed performance from Glen--I mean Steven Yeun . It's not TWD but things do get messy! Chronicle (2012). Three teenagers gain powers from contact with the unknown, changing their lives and the bond they'd built. Anyone else sure that Michael B. Jordan's body levels up throughout his years in film but he forever has a baby face? BKO: Bangkok Knockout (2010): A Thai film showcassing a group of teens with a variety of martial arts under their belt kicking butt? Scoot over. Eastern Promises (2007). What does the death of a teenager, a pregnancy, and the Russian mob have to do with each other? In this movie? Everything. And Naomi Watts is about to find out. Deliver US From Evil (2020). Who says assassins are the only ones who chase? In this film, an assassin is chased down for a murder he committed while in Thailand to solve a kidnapping case. Re: Born (2006): Japanese action film about a supernatural soldier. It was new to me. Who knows, you might like it. Plane (2023). A pilot and a prisoner work together to save passengers. A film starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter. It's worth a watch just because these two are in the same movie. The Departed (2006). Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Mark Walhberg star in the same crime thriller. Expect action and corrurption my friends. Safe House (2012). When Denzel Washington is smirking at you from the other end of the screen do you ask questions or just watch? I thought so. Ryan Renolds is there too. How neat is that? Clash (2009). A Vietnamese action film, also known as Bay Rong, for some extra Asian drama fun. Enjoy all the martial arts Veronica Ngo and Johnny Tri Ngyune have to offer as they team up for another movie (previously starred together in a film called The Rebel). Searching (2018). Although this film is a bit more thriller than action, John Cho made waves in the industry with this role, a father on the search for his 16 year-old daughter. It gives a similar feel to the 2013 film Missing starring Nia Long and Storm Reid. The Fearless (2006). Jet-Li is at it again in this martial arts film. I think that answers most of your questions. Just enjoy the butt kicking. Haha. Black Panther (2018) & Wakanda Forever (2022). I don't think that there's anyone out there (at least with the internet in the past 6 years) who hasn't seen these two beautiful- visually appealing-movies. I still can't believe how they did Auntie Angela Bassett in the second movie, but that's okay, we can enjoy them both a hundred times. There better be a third film to make up for the second. R.I.P Chadwick Boseman.

Today, lovelies, I offer my thoughts and  simultaneously introduce you to a unique  and interesting  story. One sure to leave you in awe upon completion, when the realization truly  sets in that it is a tale of truth rather than fiction.   Trust and Betrayal: The Levit Fernandini Story by Louis Romano  offers us a perspective from a darker corner  of life. A chance to wade the large, complex, waves of family, crime, and the justice system alongside Mr. Levit Fernandini from the comfort of our seats. Who is this man, you might ask? Well, many things come to mind. A troubled youth turned criminal? A man on the run. A man staring down the cold, steel, barrel of turmoil and betrayal. Even an infamous ex-drug lord. Fernandini checks all those boxes and more.   His story will give you reasons to suspect nearly everyone he knows. Perhaps too, Levit himself. Though it is also my job— yes, a self-appointed position —to warn you that you may find yourself the same as me. A spectator, in any way that matters, looking for a life raft to bring him ashore despite knowing what he's capable of.   Although, having finished the story before the likes of any you can get your hands on it, it may be just  as fair to call Fernandini a loyal man with a difficult past, a muddled  future, and famous  friends (if you haven’t heard of Daddy Yankee or Nicky Jam  then you've lived your life under a smaller rock than me and it’s about time you get some air).   You'll find it a fairly simple and comfortable read for the reality of its complexities— trust me when I say you'll be thankful for the careful consideration of the audience. Clear in its explanations, where given, and short enough to read away. While you’re there, weighed with the ups and downs of Levit's life and so too where they intersect with every individual with the potential to drag him from his throne, remember that the story is just one  truth among the billions on the planet that deserves telling. No matter the past, present, or future.   Please keep celebrating every voice, every pen stroke, keystroke and mind that brings stories to life and attention to differing perspectives, like those of Levit Fernandini, and everyone in-between.   Happy reading! You can find the book and more by Louis Romano HERE .

Today is World Book Day !! Celebrated since April 23, 1995 to promote book creation, reading, copyright, and publishing. As an author with novels out in the world including a slew of them left to add to the list, and having had this website for nearing 3 years now, I've been meaning to put this good energy out there. Today, if you're able, sit down with a book and read, or make an author's day and support their work. Feel a little gratitude for all the works that have existed throughout history, the hard work and perseverance that brought them into existence. Let's all be glad that protections are there for everyone's creative pieces, and notice the effort it takes to try to get others to appreciate these stories that brought us here. Thank you for every one of you that support me as a small author. Thank you for investing in my work, taking time out of your lives to read my stories, and falling in line beside me to love all of my characters. I wouldn't be where I am today if books didn't touch my heart. I wouldn't be who I am now if I'd never found some semblance of peace in all the words I've read between covers of a book. So, this year, and every year forward, let's remember World Book Day with a positive mind and a willingness to continue to make it special.

While I was looking through my notes on my phone I found something I wrote back in February of this year. According to the note color, it is blog related. Look at me writing a quick short story to share with all of you and forgetting about it. No matter, I've got it now. I've read it, and I'm sharing it! It's too interesting to keep to myself. Enjoy! 😉 "Please don't send me flowers," she'd said. But I knew her. How she liked to play cat and mouse. I knew her favorite food, her favorite music, and the way she unknowingly swayed her hips to every song she loved at 3 a.m. I knew she wanted to deny me the satisfaction of openly returning my feelings. Of, speaking those three little words on air. This was the type of woman she was. So, I gave her the room for denial. All the while, I secretly showered her with the affections she so desperately wanted to savor behind closed doors. I wrote her poetry and taped them to the windows, with a spray of my cologne and a marked kiss. Left her favorite chocolates at the door. And the day I saw her fawning over a bundle of multi-colored roses, wearing that silky peach dress she knew I loved, I had to buy them for her. She'd worn it just for me--knew I would be watching. It didn't take long to get to her apartment. I slipped in when the mailman left and excitedly made my way up the stairs. Amidst my quick strokes of pen against the blank card, preparation for her surprise roses at the doorstep, I heard the latch unlock and her soft gasp of surprise. "It was you, wasn't it? With the letter and the chocolate." So delicate, so surprised. Her face pale, almost as if she would faint at any moment. I hadn't quite planned to reveal myself just yet. I'd wanted something much more grand before my final reveal. Funny how life works. It doesn't always go as planned. Perhaps, roses were grand enough for today. "It was, yes. You look beautiful, Ana. Radiant." I smiled and offered her the bundle. Watched as she looked them over and realized exactly where I'd gotten them. Her eyes met mine, wide. Her face flushed. At least this was exactly as I envisioned. "T-those are the flowers I was looking at before?" "The exact ones. See?" I gently pressed a finger to the one I saw her touch on display. "This one here. One of the petals is hardly holding on. Clearly it wanted to go home with you. Who wouldn't?" "P-please. Please don't send me flowers." She stuttered, quickly shoving the roses against me. "No more notes, no more poetry, chocolates, flowers." I understood her rejection. She was overwhelmed. I turned and strode down the hallway, down the steps and out to the street. I'd embarrassed her too much. She hadn't been ready to see me yet. I tossed the flowers into a broken street bin. They were ruined now anyway. She'd broken them. I wasted the money. But I knew she hadn't meant it. It was my fault after all. I couldn't take it to heart. Should I give her space? How long would be too long? If I didn't send her gifts for a week how much would she miss me? A month? To what degree would it torture her? When it clicked, I realized I'd never walked the three miles home. Instead, I'd gone about in an unnecessarily large circle. Absent-mindedly strolled the distance from her place to the broken bin, around a few blocks and back again. The bundle of flowers did not look or smell any different than the moment they were pressed back in my direction. "Please don't send me flowers," she'd said. But I knew her. How she liked to play cat and mouse. I knew her favorite food, her favorite music, and the way she unknowingly swayed her hips to every song she loved at 3 a.m. I knew she wanted to deny me the satisfaction of openly returning my feelings. Of, speaking those three little words on air. This was the type of woman she was. I understood clearly then, the importance of the missing time and the roses. If I never managed to throw them away after all, it was a sign. A month, a week, a day . All would have been too long. I raced back towards her apartment building. The outer door was locked. It was late. I checked my watch. Almost 2 a.m. I circled it and made my way up the fire escape. I'd nearly left her there. Almost left her waiting for my return... I eyed her from the window. Normally, she would've been slumped across the bed, flipping through her CD collection to pick a song for her nightly dance. Tonight, she'd broken her ritual. I leaned in to get a closer look. She'd had a shower. I could almost smell her peppermint shampoo from the distance. She peered between the curtains towards the front of the building. Wrapped her robe around her tight and sighed. Ah . She'd been looking for me . I tried not to smile. She went towards the bathroom to turn off the light and I slipped quietly inside. Surely, I must be the one to tell her to lock her windows. What if some creeping Tom watched her from the escape? What if a stranger found his way in? I sighed. What would she do without me? I waited for her to step back into her bedroom. She looked up at the last moment, nearly bumping into me. Her eyes met mine and she opened her mouth to speak but I gently pressed a finger to her lips. " Shhh ." I held her hand. It was still damp and warm from the shower. "You don't have to say a thing. I'm sorry for not understanding sooner. Men, you see, we tend to be a little... slow to catch on sometimes." Thunder rumbled away outside, followed by droplets of rain. I looked toward the fire escape. I hadn't noticed the storm brewing. How fitting. Ana was radiant, after all. Just the thought of her was like a sun that never set. She was worth more than poems. More than chocolates and roses. Of course I hadn't noticed the storm. When the rain began to pour, I turned my attention back ahead of me, but Ana was gone. Moments later I realized so, too, the storm. Sunlight slowly filled the room. And as the light chased away the shadows, I saw. There, on her bed to my right, lay Ana. Dozens of rose bundles lay astray. Their petals dry and broken. A fresh set folded between her arms. The oxygen left the room. I felt dizzy and sick. Emptied the contents of my stomach in the bathroom and flushed it away. Fear and confusion began to shred the thoughts in my mind away. I stumbled down the fire escape and rushed down the street. I passed the broken bin and ignored the sound of chatter in the background. Eventually, I found myself home. Only to leave out again, convinced that I'd been dreaming. Tucked away in the confines of a nightmare. I needed only to jolt myself awake. Or at least dispel other possibilities. Surely, I could simply return to Ana's place, and all would be well. And so, I went. Realizing I couldn't show up empty-handed, I dropped by the coffee shop a mile away and picked up her favorite breakfast: a caramel latte with extra cream, sausage, egg, and cheese on rye, and a gooey butter cookie for later. As I crossed the street, a man in an apron offered me a cheery smile. "Your gal's forgiven you then, I take it?" The man nodded. " Excuse me ?" I asked, trying to understand what he was getting at. He looked vaguely familiar. Had we met? "Oh." The man laughed again. "Pardon me. It's just that you've come by for the roses so often. I kinda figured your girlfriend must be pretty upset with you. I was rooting for you, really. Not that it's any of my business." "I'm sorry. What?" Is this the same man who sold the flowers? I couldn't exactly remember. What did he mean I'd come by so often? "How many times have I been here?" "You always look a bit distraught. I suppose it’s no surprise you've lost count." The man scratched his beard. "I'd say about three times a day, for four—five—days now? I think...? You're not just a regular. You're my number one customer this month so far." He laughed. "Although it feels a bit...ya know? Considering your misfortune." I don't remember what else the man said before I bolted. Just the pounding in my ears and the sound of my quickened breaths. The latte spilled nearly to empty by the time I made it to the top of the fire escape. The sandwich was probably deconstructed, the cookie crumbled. I entered the room. Ana lay motionless. New roses beneath her arms. I dropped the bag and the latte, and a crinkled sound caught my attention. There on the floor, multicolored rose petals drowned in a puddle of coffee and sugar. When had I gotten those flowers? Had the man given them to me or had I bought them? My hands shook as I stood there. I could feel the vomit sliding up the back of my throat. Suddenly, the room fell dark, and the sound of thunder filled my ears. I could see the bright flash of lightning skip across the room. I was wrong. The nightmare was just beginning … Soooo, you like? Haha. Oddly enough, I don't write these kinds of stories often. Even though things with the creep factor, especially anything like a good horror story with suspense, pique my interest. There's a very legitimate and serious reason for that. Maybe I'll tell you all one day in the future, but for now, I'm keeping it all to myself. Anyway, I might trickle some of these elements into a story, but I can't bring myself to legitimately write this kind of series. It's also rare for me to leave a story, even one this short, with so much room left for questions. This one's very open-ended. It works in its own way, but I surprised myself a bit. Haha. I wonder what else I might come up with...? Hmm. Well, until next time lovelies! Tchau! ♡☆

Hello, Hello Everyone! If you recall, my last blog post was about books turned film. Going with that momentum, I decided that I would put together a list of some fantastic action films that I LOVE . My love for books is probably boundless, but I have a DVD collection of movies and TV shows that I have been adding to again, which inspired me to put together this list. And, I must say, I am very much a fan of film, but I have particular tastes when it comes to movies. Which, some probably find odd, but we all have things we like in a certain way or for a certain reason, right? Mind you, I have come across a great number of people who laughed at the fact that I have a DVD collection in the first place, but I think my late grandmother, Linda L. Cook, had a lot to do with it. For as long as I could remember, she had this large, heavy wooden cabinet full of VCR tapes and DVDs. I loved it, even when she had cable. If I wasn't sneaking to read my sister Glinda's books (she didn't really read them but they were hers and she didn't want me touching her stuff--I didn't have my own books), I wanted to watch my grandmother's movies. Granted, I watched so much Scooby Doo and Shirley Temple that I could recite the episodes without effort, but there were plenty other movies in that box. A lot of nights we watched horror films (I will definitely make suggestions of that kind this year as we get closer to Halloween). My grandmother had the habit of falling asleep after a few hours and I had to stay up watching them alone. Good times. Haha. Anyway...If you are someone who thinks that it is pointless to have DVDs nowadays, I pose this question to you: If you fall on hard times, or for whatever reason your internet goes out, how would you get to that tv show or that movie you like to watch? How will those parents find that cartoon their child likes to watch every day? When I was homeless, I already had part of my DVD collection. There was a time when I couldn't even pay for a Netflix or Hulu subscription every month, but I could still enjoy movies and tv when I had them on DVD. I could use my portable DVD player while my tv was in the storage unit with the rest of my things, and watch a couple movies to forget being hungry or have a less stressful night before bed. Aside from that, movies are simply enjoyable. So, without further delay, here are some amazing action films to fill your weekend. As per usual, in no particular order. The IP Man Film Series. Starring Donnie Yen and his amazing martial arts skills. If you haven't seen it you're missing out! Chocolate. One of the best Thai films! I highly recommend watching with English subtitles. Rush Hour Film Series. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are comedic gold together. What Happened to Monday. Watched on Netflix. Going to the DVD stack. Spy Kids Film Series. Phenomenal cast! Mostly nostalgia. I only claim 1, 2, & 3 though. HAHA. Forbidden Kingdom. Jet-Li, Jackie Chan, and Lui Yifei kicking butt together? Amazing! Next. Nicolas Cage's role inspired a character in my Comic--to be revealed in the future. Bad Boys. Both 1 & 2 were great movies. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence? Fantastic duo. Kick Ass Film Series. I really hoped for a 3rd film. Chloe Grace Mortez, Nicolas Cage, Aaron Johnson and Evan Peters in the same, hilarious and action packed movie? Absolutely! The One. Jet-Li kicking his own butt? Pretty Suave. HAHA. John Wick Film Series. What is it about Keanu Reeves-you may know him from the Matrix- that just makes for a fantastic film? Blade Film Series. You don't really get anymore awesome than Wesley Snipes playing a vampire who slays other vampires. Or do you? Maybe when Ryan Reynolds joined the team..? Furie. This is an amazing Vietnamese, 2019, film. Martial arts on a moving train, anyone? This Girl is Badass. JeeJa Yanin, the same talented woman who starred in Chocolate, kicked butt in this film. With a Bike, no less. Riddick Film Series. Vin Diesel battling some other-worldly beasts and then some with a great plot? Sign me up, every time . Taken Film Series. I can't make a great list of action films and not mention Liam Neeson. That's just rude. Haha. The Equalizer Film Series. Denzel Washington is one of the best actors of all time. Super versatile. Gets the assignment right every time. If you don't know who he is, for shame . Crank & Safe. You definitely know his face, but may not remember his name. Haha. Jason Statham has been filling out movie screens for a while and he's very good at it. These are two totally unrelated films starring the same actor. Couldn't choose, so I picked both. Shaft. Samuel L. Jackson being hilarious and kicking butt is the best treat for a weekend. Red. When two movie legends like Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman are in for the same action-packed ride, how can you miss it? You don't. Trance. Okay, I have to tell you, James McAvoy is brilliant. Ever since I saw him in Narnia I've followed his movie career and I'm amazed every single time. I loved the twist in this film. iRobot & I Am Legend. Easily two classic Will Smith films that deserve more praise. Just watch. 6 Underground, Deadpool Film Series. Can't get enough of Ryan Reynold's candor and he's a breath of fresh air every time he appears in an action film. The Mummy Trilogy. I don't claim anything after 3rd movie's release in 2008. Adding Jet-Li to the franchise was pretty cool. Sherlock Holmes Film Series. Robert Downey JR did a fantastic job as the famous detective. I was hoping for more. If you haven't seen them, you're missing out on witty fun. Unbreakable, Split, & Glass. This three-film movie series was pure GOLD. And if you don't think that James McAvoy is one of the best actors after seeing him in Split, I can't claim you. Haha. Just kidding. But, if you haven't seen these films starring Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story), Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, & James McAvoy then I don't know what you're waiting for! Zombieland Films . Last but not least is one of the best zombie comedies on the planet. Starring the quirky and hilarious Jesse Eilenberg who reminds me soooo much of Actors Michael Cera and Anton Yelchin, rest his soul. Can't forget about Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin and Emma Stone. I can't believe it took 10 years to get a second movie. I didn't even watch it before I bought the DVD. Haha. If you haven't seen it, you won't regret it!

The Classics I Continue to Read. "Where would we be without classics?" Hello All! Since I am just starting this, I decided to start us off with 2 good blog posts (so I can be a wee bit lazy and not write another until later, haha). Let's get "write" to it! Did you see what I did there? *Insert low chuckles here*. As you can see, I like puns. I should definitely do a blog post about that. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. As an avid reader, I often find myself searching my shelves and storage for classics. Perhaps even, more often than your average person. When it comes to classics, everyone has their own opinion. While some people I know are happy to sit down one afternoon with a classic, these occurrences are increasingly rare nowadays. Which begs the question...where would we be without classics? Well, pretty much nowhere. After all, someone had to inspire future generations, right? I don't know about you guys, but personally, I am always excited when someone brings up fantastic classic literature. That said, here is a list of some of my favorite classics, although they are in no particular order. It's always so difficult to say one is better than the other! Have you read any? Do you see your favorite on this list? 1984 by George Orwell To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Hamlet by William Shakespeare (the 1996 film adaptation was great too!) Memoirs of a Geisha by Author Golden (there was some controversy in Japan over the 2005 film, but I loved it!) Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank The Countess by Rebecca Johns The House with a Clock on its Walls by John Bellairs Bonus! The following is "To Be or Not to Be," the famous speech written by William Shakespeare, spoken by Hamlet. It goes as follows: "To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep, No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub: For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause—there's the respect That makes calamity of so long life. For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, The pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay, The insolence of office, and the spurns That patient merit of th'unworthy takes, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscovere'd country, from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought, And enterprises of great pitch and moment With this regard their currents turn awry And lose the name of action."

The Graceling Series With the some of the most widely celebrated holidays right around the corner, it only seems fitting that I start adding to book gift ideas. I figure maybe a few of you would enjoy it as well. It is times like these that book lovers would appreciate Hanukah's (which started 2 days ago) 8 gifted nights. Shopping for them might be much easier this year. Although, of course, we should all appreciate the Jewish faith as well as any other religion for what they truly are. Celebrations of life, each other and their respected beliefs. In any case, books make a wonderful holiday gift! My first holiday gift series to recommend is a nice little read. The Graceling Series by Kristin Cashore. Buy it HERE on Amazon. I personally prefer the hardcovers (shown above), but the paperbacks (shown below) also have interesting covers. Considering that the paperback series is also considerably cheaper, the link will take you there. As an avid reader, sometimes it pays well to buy one set cheaper so you have money for another one! Hahaha. This was a series I first learned of in my middle school days. It wasn't until high school that I bought the series and was able to actually enjoy them. If you are looking for a suspenseful, adventure and action packed fiction, fantasy book and you haven't read this series I highly recommend that you add it to your own list! Remember, a gift for yourself is a good idea this holiday as well! Just stay safe and try to keep socialization down considering the current state of the world. I am sure I will be posting a few more holiday posts in the coming days so if your interested in a few more suggestions, check out more in the blog. \(> <)/ Have you ever received a book-gift? Did you like it? Did you hate it? Have you read this series?

The Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill is an amazing supernatural read! If it isn't on your TBR, at the least, I recommend you try it out. Find it HERE. Even if you aren't a huge fan of fiction, if you like a supernatural thriller/mystery and have an insatiable taste for entertaining yet captivating read, this is the book for you. I caution you, however, because you may find yourself as helpless as I. I recall when I first found this book some years ago now. I was so engrossed in the book that I read it in one night. I didn't eat a thing the entire day and couldn't even be bothered with the thought of going to the bathroom--there was no way I was about to put the book down and make the grueling trek out of the door, down the hall, and to the bathroom. Haha. It isn't very often that I am that lost in a book, so I figured that I should mention it to all of you when I was thinking about the books lining my shelves. This book has received quite a bit of love over the years. Enough that I had to replace it before we relocated. I am very glad I did, too. You can't beat a fantastic book that's also in fantastic condition. I don't think any book lovers would argue with that. I know that Halloween has come and gone, but can one ever be too late to get excited for Halloween all over again? I'm definitely planning to share a couple good Halloween reads this year.