A Rose by Another Name ....

Language is a beautiful thing...whether it's English, French or Arabic every culture has significant words that affect people in so many different ways. What's profanity in one language can be a term of endearment in another. The idea of words as separate concepts within cultures and languages has always appealed to me. I've also been fascinated by the sounds of words and how they roll out of ones mouth. For example, doesn't 'wretched' sound so much more involved than 'bad'? Or even 'enraptured' as opposed to 'interested'? Even the sound is better. So, today I'd like to ask you what your favorite words are: they can be anything at all, but please remember this is a family blog...nothing you wouldn't want me to read to my 2 year old. :)

Thanks, and I can't wait to hear from you,

~Anngela Schroeder

PS: My favorite sounding word is: Mellifluous. I heard James Earl Jones say it on a TV show once, and it sounded beautiful. Heck, he could say cockroach and it would sound poetic, though! :)

LIfe is just a Mystery...

To quote one of the most loved characters in literature, "It seems like a rather blustery day." And what better activity to do on a blustery day than to curl up with a good book? The question the comes down to what book to grab? A mystery? Adventure? Romance? Tell me what your favorite genre is and your favorite author?


ON a blustery, rainy day, I must say that I love to hunker down with a good Mary HIggen's CLark mystery, a piece of raisin toast and some Ovaltine. That is the PERFECT way to read. All I need is a HUGE corner window seat, and my dreams would be complete. :)

How about you? Can't wait to hear your answer.

~Schroeder

Friend or Foe...

Every now and then we read a book or watch a movie where the villain makes the story what it is. What would Star Wars be without Darth Vader? Pride and Prejudice without Wickham? The Great Gatsby without Tom Buchanan?

What is your favorite Villian? WHo makes the story for you?


Can't wait to hear your answer. :)

~Schroeder

Remember the who????

I don't know if you've seen the upcoming previews, but HOLY MOLY! There is a remake of Clash of the Titans coming out. Clash of the Titans was the first PG movie I ever saw. I remember when the announcer said: "Parental Guidance is suggested," and I was so worried because my parents weren't there to give me permission. I worried and worried. BUT, it was such a corny movie, I was ok in the end.

With that in mind, tell me about your favorite myth or folktale. Is it Zeus and his getting rid of Prometheus after he stole fire? Is it the story of Icarus flying too close to the sun? What about Poseidon causing Odysseus to wander the sea for 10 years. Or maybe, you're more of a folk tale kind of person? Johnny Appleseed? Paul Bunyan? Pecos Bill? (My favorite).

Let me know what your mind runs with.

~Anngela Schroeder

PS I'd have to say Pandora's box. I could never blame her for being curious about what was in the box. It's a woman's choice, you know? :)

History

History repeats itself, is a term that we've all heard during our lives. And, the strange thing is, that it really does. With that in mind comes the idea of repetition: repetition of plots, types of characters, and basic endings. So...what do you think was the best sequel of all times? Books or movies are eligible for discussion.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts,

~Schroeder

PS Mine would have to be any of the books from the "Anne of Green Gables" series. I loved them growing up, and the continuation of the story makes me love ANne Shirley more and more.
Movies, I'd have to say "Indiana Jones and the Quest for the Holy Grail." Epic!

Chay-Chay-Change...

I'm working on my book right now and started to reflect back on the idea and how it came to me. My story is about a present day family in France that believes they are the descendants of a child by Guinevere and Lancelot. There is a huge mystery involved and artifacts from Camelot (of course). The story began with a 'What If..." question as I was falling asleep one night. "What if I could change the ending of King Arthur's fable?" Actually, there was a little more to it than that, but that was the main idea.

SO, tell me...if you could change the ending/outcome of one book or story, what would it be? What would you change it to? Be descriptive. I'm curious... :)

Can't wait to hear from you,
~Schroeder

The Grass is Always Greener...

We live in a society of make believe. For all our reality TV, there are many things that aren't real: the characters created in World of Warcraft or D & D; supermodels looking that good 24 hours a day; or even the belief that if you graduate with a Bachelor's degree you're guaranteed a well paying job. :)

But, reality isn't all it's cracked up to be. WIth that in mind, what fantasy world would you like to live in? Middle Earth from "The Lord of the Rings" series? Forks, WA from Twilight? What about Narnia? Tell me what your ideal alternate world would be. I'm excited to find out. :)

~Schroeder

PS Mine would be 18th Century England, during the Regency period. Of course I'd have to be wealthy, because I don't want to be a servant in the house of Mr. Darcy or anything like that. :) Either that or PEI with Anne Shirley.