Thursday, June 21, 2007

What I've been watching and reading

Despite being unable to avoid making a face every time the words "Oceans" and "13" came up, we did go to see the film. That itself was unavoidable really, because it was the film being screened for TLM's childcare centre's movie night fundraiser. And I was the one in charge (though only through default) of organising the whole thing.

But even though I would still much, much rather have waited to see Shrek the Third or the latest Harry Potter, I did end up enjoying Oceans 13. It probably helped that Julia Roberts wasn't in it. Actually, I think it helped a lot. By the way, has anyone else noticed how flabby Brad Pitt's face has become?

Also, the boy and I went on a bit of a book-buying bender yesterday afternoon, at the new Borders shop. The shop is so massive I'm surprised there aren't giant television screens in there that take up whole walls, playing nothing but hip-hop Borders ads. The boy joyfully selected several graphic novels and fantasy novels, the girl - I mean, TLM - emotionally blackmailed us to buy her a Thomas and Friends book, and I picked up a couple of Kelley Armstrong books. Of the latter, I've just started reading Haunted.

I do like Armstrong's books. Reading her stories of renegade witches and evil corporate sorcerers, reminds me of how I felt when I first discovered Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover books - great female characters who had tons of power and didn't have to put up with brass brassieres. (Although last time a reread one I changed my opinion).

Oh, and the boy and I are really, really enjoying series one of Life on Mars. The purely cop show bits are a little predictable, but much of the fun is in the difficulty that the post-millenium Sam Tyler has in trying to fit in with Seventies-style policing practices.

One last thing. Does anyone have any more story-writing challenges for me? Nothing too difficult, though - 300 hundred words seems to be about my word limit, and it has to be okay if it morphs into an anecdote about clothes and shopping.

10 comments:

Daddy L said...

Here's a line for you:

I've never really considered myself an asshole - hell, I even give to charity - but this time around I couldn't help myself.

I'm not feeling super creative this morning, so use it if you feel like it.

Geekery said...

Life on Mars was brilliant... loved it. Do tell us what Graphic Novels the boy bought - Graphic Novels are the only reason I go to Borders...

Watson Woodworth said...

I like your character sketches but how about writing a bit about a place or a thing.
So far my fave was the cop/hen's night one. (although that's actually praise and not a suggestion)

Violet said...

daddy l and nigel: thanks for those suggestions. I like the idea of trying to write a shopping story with a place or thing as the main subject ;-)

onscreen: oh I couldn't be bothered looking for them now, they're filed away on the graphic novels shelf...He does like his 49ers.

Anonymous said...

Life on Mars is fab and I can't wait for the second series

Here's a line, and kinda supporting Nigel, but you could take it anywhere you like of course:

The deep blue waves sparkled under the azure sky, and the seagull shrieked overhead.

or, on a different tack, how about ending with:

"I just must have extra space" she cried.

Violet said...

cathi: Ooh that last line has so many shopping possibilities...

Unknown said...

Oceans 13 was unexpectedly fun. Does flab include the bags under Pitt's eyes?

A possible line for you ...

It wasn't till the station came into view that I realised not only had I picked up the wrong bag ...

Violet said...

emma: quite possibly, although I was thinking more of cheek flab...
and thanks for the line, too.

LK said...

That painting immediately made me think of a cross between Miro and Kandinsky (later work). Are you getting into painting again? How exciting.

As for writing stuff, not sure what you're after but how about attempting 300 words of the importance of cheese?

...I'm serious.

Violet said...

leo: Miro is a favourite of mine - at least, I really liked his stuff when I was in Europe years ago - while Kandinsky is a recent discovery for me. Yeah it's really helped to try abstract instead of figurative painting. Trouble is, without the scheduled classes it's really hard to find time to paint at all! I like your idea of writing about cheese, if only because it could be an excuse to try some creative non-fiction writing.