madameblogalot

Narnia exhibit: I was able to visit the traveling Chronicles of Narnia Exhibit with my daughter and nephews. I enjoyed entering the attic, hearing the rain and thunder outside the window. But when the wardrobe doors opened and I saw the snow falling between the fur coats, I teared up! Most of the exhibit was about the Narnia movies, but it was still pretty good and had some interactive features good for the kids. I don’t think I would have paid the normal $25 entrance fee, but getting in with a group rate of $5 was really worth it. Overall, I would say this exhibit was a HIT.

The Crystal Cave: This book by Mary Stewart is the first in an Authurian saga. It is written from Merlin’s perspective and begins with young Merlin telling his story. It is a good escape novel. This book was a HIT for me.

Christmas Story: Although I was leery about seeing this stage version, since we did not like the film version enough to even finish watching it, my daughter’s friend was in it so we attended. It was fun seeing kids we knew and the story overall was silly enough that it kept me laughing. And I like how the “cursing” was treated. No cursing was actually said in this version. Rather funny stand-ins like you hear on old cartoons. Overall, this version of the story was a HIT with me.

Scarlet Pimpernel: I rented the film starring Jane Seymour. I really like her. As I was watching, I began thinking I had seen this one before. Overall, I enjoy the story of this 18th century “Batman”. Sir Percy grates on my nerves at times, but that is the general idea. Even though I fell asleep at the end, I still say this one is a HIT with me.

Grounghog Day: Although this movie has been around a while, this was my first time to see it. I would say this movie is rather stupid and I did not really enjoy it per se, but I did like the discussions it brought about with our kids. So even though the movie was neither a HIT or MISS for me, I would say the experience was a hit!

Among the Hidden: Even though I am in the middle of reading The Hollow Hills (the second part of the Arthur saga) my daughter wanted me to read this book she got for Christmas. It is a young adult story about families allowed to have only two children. It is the story of a third child and how he survives and hopes to find other third children. It too is part of a series. The reading level is easy to read though the premise can prove to be thought provoking. My daughter describes it as sad. Even so, I would say it is a HIT. (I particularly like that there is no bad language in this young adult book!)

Cyborg Chimera: This little book, written by someone becoming more and more famous in more and more places, is an interesting read. It is a book filled with science fiction poems, many which I had read before. I really enjoy reading Avatar, Under Foot, Real Life, and several others. Some, like Unhand Me, make me think immediately of Star Wars. Others, I really enjoy, but am sure that I don’t really “get” the whole meaning (Sphinx-speak, Herr Leibniz. ) There are many poems to enjoy, even if you don’t get them all. And as my daughter says, this intelligent author uses “big words” and she does so very well, many with implications and double meanings. Even if I don’t “get” it all or am unable to fully appreciate the meaning of every poem, this short, easy to read book is a HIT with me (and the inscription is a HIT with my kids!)