An Announcement and a Farewell

 Howdy, folks! I know it's been a while since I've posted, and there is a reason. I've been considering for a long time whether to keep this blog going or not. The pros of the situation are that I get to keep up with some very cool writing pals, that I have somewhere to put random junk I write, and that I can promote my stories here. I've been thinking on it for a while now, though, and I think the pros might not be enough to hold onto anymore. 

Of course, I'd love to keep up with all the writer friends in this lovely circle I've been privileged enough to be a part of, but I am in contact with most of them through some other format as well. Letter-writing, email, phone, etc., covers most of the friends I chat with on the blog. There are some of you I would miss if I left, but I think that it would be more productive to keep reading and commenting on your separate blogs than to try and keep this one running just for that purpose. As for putting random junk I write somewhere, I think we can all agree that that's not exactly necessary to writing - just fun. Besides, many of you in contact with me outside the blog still get the random junk from me anyhow. 

That brings me to the last point: promotion of stories. I guess if there is an announcement that goes before my departure, it's that I don't think I'm really interested in publishing. I've been writing for a long, long time (not as long as some!), and publishing is always a writer's expected daydream. To be sure, it's a fun thought. But you know, I've come to the conclusion that I really don't care that much whether I ever get published. I love writing, and I have no intention of giving it up, but I would still be perfectly content if the only people who ever read my books were my writing pals. My books aren't terribly publishable, except perhaps by self-publishing. I like a style that has long since been out of print, and I certainly don't intend to change what I like to write just because it's last season. My friends enjoy my writing, and I enjoy doing it, so the way I see it, there's not much point in changing to a more modern style. Perhaps I could publish without doing so, but I digress. It's not that I've unequivocally given up on publishing, but I certainly no longer hold it as an immutable goal on my bucket list. 

In addition to these pros losing a bit of their sway, there are cons as well. My school life keeps me very busy, not to mention my studio, job, and other responsibilities, so it's fairly common that I can't keep up with posting. Oftentimes, when I do end up posting, I end up posting either something completely random, or a cop-out post like a tag or something. Maybe I could remodel things and make a bigger effort with the blog, but I just don't think the blog is my priority, nor do I want it to be. There are lots of things going on in life that I haven't really even taken a look at yet, and I think I'd like to get out of my head and out into the world a little more. I think that it's better for me, better for my writing, and perhaps better for this blog as well. 

In other words, I think I'm leaving the blogging sphere. I'll probably leave this up, just because it has a lot of writing things stored on it, but I will not be posting anymore. I'll miss all you readers, but I'll keep on reading your posts, so I'm not totally splitting from the blogging world. Whether in a chatbox, email, text, or what have you, I look forward to the writing journey with everybody from here on out. 

God bless!

Life Updates

     Well, in all this time, it is a logical assumption that I have been doing things. (Or, at least, if I haven't been doing things, that I've successfully wasted a whole year.) 

Life in General

    To start, as I mentioned in my last post, my family moved this summer. They are now living down South, and I still abide in the lands of the North. I'm in a music school at present for a dual degree in Music Performance and Music Education (my primary instruments are voice and piano). I got another new sibling this past summer, and he's very cute and very fat. Pressured by location, I am back to the Novus Ordo grind and in the choir. I live with my best friend and writing confidante, and we have gotten a lot of nonsense and very little writing done thus far with this arrangement. On the side, I teach music, work a pretty effortless desk job, and help direct a high school musical theater group. Those are really the biggest things that are going on at the moment. 

Writing

    As far as writing goes, I was somewhat productive up until the school year started. The Second Brother is now finished and under critique from beta readers, and the sequel(s) have been started with some headway. I decided to trash My Land, My Heart (the idea was very trite), and my opera's present plot, In Greater Hands, and my Giselle retelling are also prospectively on the chopping block. I wrote some draft ideas for He Travels the Fastest, and I may be writing it in earnest as the next main project. I came up with another archive novel idea (which I will probably expound on in another Meet the Books! at some point). 

    Probably the biggest thing that happened as far as writing goes was a redraft, though. My writer friends on Camp NaNo may remember that I have a coauthored novel project which has never been talked about on this blog (mainly to respect my coauthor's privacy). Now, however, Grim has her own blog, and I plan to introduce the story via Meet the Books! sometime very soon. In a nutshell, the story was dull, medieval fantasy of a rather cliche type and has been - um - remodeled, shall we say? Very, very remodeled... Anyhow, more on that later.

Reading

It would take all night for me to cover the reading of a year, so I will just touch on some honorable mentions:

The Journal of Hildegard of Bingen, interpreted by Barbara Lachman

• You must read it!
• Don't read my translation because it was terrible. The lady was intent on making St. Hildegard out as some proto-feminist or female priest or something. Her footnotes were beyond weird. Do yourself a favor and find a better version. 
• Overall, even with the terrible commentary, it was quite a fascinating look into life in a twelfth-century abbey. St. Hildegard was quite an inspiring woman, too - scientist, singer, composer, doctor, abbess, and mystic, and writer of the first musical, to boot. 

Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology by Noelle Mering

• This fabulous book takes the reader through a careful reconstruction of the processes leading to common political thought today in America. She then proceeds to look at each aspect of the philosophy through a Christian lens, with frequent recourse to the Bible, Catechism, writings of the saints and other great Christian authors. Certainly worth reading.

Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph by Jan Swafford

• Okay, guys, you need to know about Beethoven. For better or worse, intentionally or not, this guy created the musical world we live in now. (The musical nerd side of me wants to promote it more, but I think I'd probably better stop before I get carried away.)
• The one huge problem I had with this book was the anti-Catholicism of it all. The author showed rather painfully that she had no competent understanding of Christianity at all. She was quite biased when mentioning anything about the Church, and very strangely positive about every conflicting philosophy except traditional Catholicism. I find this a very high failing when dealing with a composer like Beethoven, who had a complicated and influential relationship with Catholicism. You'd think she would put a little more time and thought into that aspect of the book at least for Beethoven's sake. 

A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt

• To be perfectly honest, I was actually a bit disappointed by the play. It was not as good as the movie (*gasp*), and the author had a very strange way of looking at St. Thomas's philosophy that didn't really show up in the original movie version. 
• All the same, beautiful verse, splendid play. Definitely go watch the Paul Scofield movie. 

Music

    Well, All's Fair got two new songs added to it that it really didn't need and doesn't have a place for. I also wrote a quite useless, cheery little WWI style song and a fantasy for oboe and piano (the fantasy was for a composer's competition which I did not win but had a lot of fun with... the WWI song still has no purpose). I sang on the radio over the summer and got to perform at the reopening of a certain old theater building here, so that was cool. I also got somewhat addicted to TwoSetViolin for a period. 

    As far as music goes, I'm quickly gaining a persona as someone who collects and learns really random instruments. I've sung and played piano for a while now, but I now also play organ, banjo, and ukulele. I dabble in recorder and bagpipes. I plan to take up violin or cello for my strings class this semester and drop the recorder as soon as my wind exams are over. If anyone has need of a dying cat meme track, I would be happy to pick up my recorder for a little bit longer.

Well, that's really about it. How about all of you? What has life held for you this past year? How are the writing projects? Reading? And my musical buddies? (Does anybody else name their instruments...???) 

An Apology, An Explanation, and Some New Goals...

    So... If you're reading this, chances are you are an invaluable friend blogger of mine who has somehow stayed a faithful reader through my year-long disappearance, or you are a random person internet-surfing. In the light of Romantic optimism, I will wishfully assume the former. So, yes. I disappeared for a year. For that, I apologize to my readers and blogger friends alike. I don't really have a good excuse other than I got really focused on college and rather ignored everything else this past semester. Over the summer before that? Well, my family moved. That still really didn't cover the whole summer, though, and not the school year before it either. I suppose there was really only one decent reason I had not to post something in that whole time, and I took a lot longer deciding it than I should have.

    To tell the truth, I've been considering giving up this blog entirely for a while. One of the character flaws I struggle with is a tendency to intellectual pride, a conviction that my opinion is actually quite worthwhile and expert and everybody wants to hear it, bla bla bla. As any good theologian can tell you, one human being is as fallible as the next. My opinion is merely the collection of prejudices and experiences I've built up in my short life (for better or worse), the truths that better, wiser people have taught me, and my often-faulty interpretations of those truths. I think this blog has sometimes given me an avenue to ignore that fact and make a lot out of my own thoughts. It's very easy, when you have a platform to express yourself, to fall into the idea that you necessarily have something wonderful to express. 

    Now, I don't think this blog has been a waste of time. I've had a lot of fun on this blog, and I've been able to meet and keep up with some other splendid bloggers who I would not be able to contact without this platform. I suppose that touches on what I'm really trying to get around to saying... I'm not going to give up the blog, for two main reasons: a) I would like to keep in contact with the other amazing people who've built up this writing circle I've been blessed enough to join, and b) I need to combat a secondary fault of laziness. One of my resolutions this year is to stop committing to things and then dropping them. I need to start distinguishing between what I can't do and what I'm just not making time to do. I intend to put more of myself into the things I'm working on, and not commit to anything I can't work on. I've done a lot of letting people down this year, and perhaps I need to be held accountable to work on things in earnest. 

    In other words, this blog from here on out will look somewhat identical to the old one, but its purpose will be a different one. From here on out, I'd like this to be a way of staying in the circle of wonderful Christian writers I've met here, and I would like this blog to be a report to keep me accountable as far as writing and reading go. With the new year, I'd like to propose a new beginning - no ranting and raving about things I don't know much about, no politics, and no argument-pandering. I will still probably post opinion pieces and such, but I would like to make them more civil and more humble than they have been in the past. In addition to this, I'd like to make more of an effort to read the things my fellows post. (I'll try to post something else over this next week or so, and hopefully I'll be able to figure out this new format a little better.) 

    So, if there are any readers left here, I'd like to apologize and promise to turn over a new leaf this year. Thank you for sticking with me all this time - I really appreciate it. Here's hoping that the blog is better than ever! Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

August Updates

I suppose it's been a while since I've done a general life update post, so I'll remedy that now. As always, I seem to have misplaced my time and written the post after an awkward silence has already arisen... which, also as always, I apologize for. One of these days, I'll get my head on straight and actually blog like a real blogger. Perhaps today will be the start. Anywho… I suppose I'll get onto books first, since that's what's important.

Books

The Lost Cause by E. A. Pollard

Because this book is as thick as a Tolstoy novel, I still have not finished it. It is, however, a highly commendable book from what I have read so far.

 The Lost Cause is a Southern history of the Civil War, and is mostly very accurate (except in battle statistics and a slight pro-Southerner prejudice, it has been quite infallible so far). While it is nonfiction, it reads very much like high fiction, and is extremely light of prose, if rather heavy of bulk. The way the war is characterized in it certainly makes you feel the tragedy that the war was - while it brought about a good thing, it certainly spared no cost to get there, in a "the end justifies the means" sort-of way. 

Overall, I would highly recommend it, providing you have a source of more updated battle statistics for the War to follow along with.

King Lear by William Shakespeare

I  am also still in the midst of this one, due to my policy of having an "at home" book and a "traveling" book. King Lear leaves with me because it's probably about the size of one chapter from The Lost Cause.

As far as Shakespeare goes, the prose (does one use the word "prose" for a play...?) is fairly easy to follow, and the vocabulary is mostly self-explanatory. The plot is, so far, extremely interesting, especially since, unlike seemingly everyone else I know, I actually do not know how it goes (because apparently my education on Shakespeare is very limited...). The characters come through very well, though it is hard to pick a favorite yet, as I am only about halfway through.

As it is Shakespeare, I would be a snob, not to mention egotistic, to give or withhold recommendation of the document to readers - it's a classic, so it should be read regardless. However - for my own opinion and those who have one of similar genre, I have certainly enjoyed the book.

The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket

Alas, I am still working my way through A Series of Unfortunate Events rather slowly, but every library trip brings me closer...

This particular episode of Mr. Snicket's was definitely one of the best ones I've read. Honestly, as light and comically-inclined as Lemony Snicket's writing is and all, I have rarely read such a brilliantly simple presentation of the question of evil. Mr. Snicket, through the tale of the Baudelaires and their misdemeanors, asks us all a question that is fundamental to human existence - "What is evil?". And, wordlessly, he gives us the answer as well. While many different characters in the series have many different answers, including evil as a necessary balance to good, evil as an entity all its own, evil as an ignorance of reality, and a good few others, he continually shows us that evil is the crack in a broken glass - a distortion of something that could have been good. While many other running themes in the story definitely bear mention (such as "the ends do not justify the means," suffering as a basic part of life, and the beauty of classical reason), this is probably the one best illustrated in the series.

The whole series is recommended - and this installment no less.

The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket

Coming directly after The Slippery Slope, I was slightly disappointed by this one, which was not quite as good. It was, nonetheless, good writing, and an intriguing update to the series. Overall, I think I didn't like it as well just because of the general setting and the side characters, both of which were personal preference, I suppose. As a whole, it continued Mr. Snicket's sterling plot with a razor-sharp suspense that left one roaring for the next edition. The theme could have used a little more fleshing-out as opposed to the book's predecessors, but it was a small detail in light of the plot development. 

Barnstormers by Megan Chappie

If you have not heard of it yet, I suggest looking it up on her blog, here (as I am very bad at summarizing other people's works). Barnstormers, so far, has had a potent flavor and beautifully rustic prose - enough to make one's mouth water in literary awe. I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

(The cover is Catherine's.)

The White Rose by Catherine Hawthorn

Poor Catherine... She's had to put up with one of the slowest (and probably least helpful) alpha readers ever, but has been a doll about it. I am still not even halfway, though I picked up this wonderful book almost a month ago... *cough cough procrastination cough* Anyways, though, so far the work has been quite refreshing - new ideas, thorough setup, and classic romance. What more could a reader ask for?

As a whole, I would certainly recommend it, though I also recommend looking it up via Catherine's blog (here) rather than Belle's ranting. 

***

Unfortunately, as a whole, I did not get in nearly as much reading as I would have liked (so I apologize for the short list) - hopefully this month will be better.

Movies

The Egg and I (1947)

My best friend set to her work with educating both me and my dear friend, Megan Chappie, on the beauty of the Murray and Cole pairing. The Egg and I was her very first attempt, and I'd say it met with fair success. I mean, cute romance, chaotic chicken farming (with screwball comedy), and loveable old movie side characters - how much better can it get?

No Time For Love (1943)

Starring Claudette Colbert (It Happened One Night) and Fred MacMurray (The Happiest Millionaire), the movie was a romantic comedy chronicling an eccentric photographer (Colbert) accidently losing a grouchy ditch-digger (MacMurray) his job, and trying to make up for it by hiring him as an assistant. It was utterly hilarious, with a thrilling climax wherein Colbert is nearly drowned in the very tunnel MacMurray worked in, trying to get him his job back. The movie was another one of my first "Murray and Cole" experiences (shocking, I know, but apologies to any Murray-Cole fans out there), and I must admit I found the pair delightful - the oh-so-feminine and oh-so-clever Colbert with down-to-earth, ultra masculine MacMurray was a paragon of the saying "opposites attract." Aside from a cheesy dream scene, the movie was certainly recommendable.

Family Honeymoon (1948)

This was the top of the Murray and Cole streak for the month. This one was screwball comedy at its best - a widowed mother of three (Colbert) marries a young bachelor (MacMurray) and then finds out that there is no one to keep the children whilst the two are on their honeymoon... chaos ensues. The movie came just a week too late to be added to my movie block of pro-family movies, unfortunately, but I would definitely add it as an honorable mention for its beautiful pro-family theme. The need of a father for children was illustrated both comedically and deeply in it, and the strength of marriage was a theme to save the story. This was easily the best of the Murray-Cole bunch.

Teacher's Pet (1958)

This one was a re-watch, but since it's been a while, and I don't believe I've blogged about it for a while, it's worth bringing up. While definitely a slightly more adult movie as far as Golden Hollywood goes, it's a splendid romantic comedy with splendid acting, courtesy of the star-studded cast of Clark Gable (It Happened One Night, Gone With the Wind), Doris Day (The Thrill of it All!, Young at Heart, The Winning Team), and Gig Young (Young at Heart). Gable plays a cynical newspaper editor who attempts to play a prank on night-school journalism teacher, Doris Day, and gets the butt end of the joke in the end. With Gig Young playing the teacher's best friend, an amiable, know-it-all psychologist as a side character, the comedy was played to perfection. For anyone over the age of twelve who enjoys romantic comedies, I would certainly suggest this one.

The Black Swan (1942)

This one's another re-watch. Tyrone Power (The Mark of Zorro, The Razor's Edge) and a young Maureen O'Hara (The Quiet Man, The Parent Trap) head the action/adventure movie's cast with some swashbuckling splendor. Telling of some of the escapades surrounding the infamous Cap. Morgan's rise to the government of Jamaica, the movie is refreshingly unprejudiced and honest concerning piracy. Neither English nor Spanish is favored or libeled in the movie, and Catholicism is not butchered... *glares at Errol Flynn movies* Likewise, piracy is not really romanticized except by a couple of the pirates themselves, and the movie shows it for exactly what it is - drunkenness, debauchery, thievery, and mercenary violence. It is not at all portrayed as desirable. *glares at The Pirates of the Caribbean movies* And even aside from the splendid figure cut by Mr. Power, the movie is worth watching.

The Black Rose (1950)

I'm sensing a theme in the titles of Tyrone Power movies... Anyways, though, Tyrone Power stars in another action movie here, set in late medieval England, Mongolia, and China. (Other honorable mentions in the cast include the inimitable Orson Welles.) On a whole, it's a slightly odd movie, with the exotic Oriental feel through most of it, but the quality is sublime, and the story is unbiased and truthful... even on the dreaded topic of Normans vs. Saxons, which is unusual even for old movies. 

King's Row (1942)

As the final movie of August, I explored a famous movie of Ronald Reagan (The Winning Team). King's Row was a historic suspense/drama uncovering a sequence of strange and tragic events in a town of the same title, with Robert Cummings (It Started With Eve) and Reagan heading the cast. The movie was about as suspenseful as I could stand - it was all I could do to keep watching. So, as my form of recommendation... a warning - to those who are faint of heart, hesitate before watching. To those who enjoy suspense, have at!

Music

As far as artists discovered in August go, the only one of note was Clamavi de Profundis, a chant/polyphony/fantasy music group that wrote some splendid musical renditions of many of Tolkien's poems. I highly recommend looking them up, especially their take on the Song of Beren and Luthien. 
As for my own music, I have been fairly inactive except for the binge-reading of a few songs over in Lia's corner.

Other General Life Events

This past weekend, I just arrived back home from Amish Country in Northern Ohio. Amish Country was beautiful, with hearty food and hearty society, making one's heart ache for days of yore. It was a beautiful trip, and I hope to visit there again at some point. 

School also started up for me as of today, which will make blogging a bit harder... though I intend to try nonetheless, of course... 

I also recently met the splendiferous Catherine Hawthorn in person, which was a wonderful experience. The authoress of one of my reads above was a pleasure to meet, and I only wish that the visit had been longer.

On a whole, as usual, I have been busy, but relatively unproductive - a horrid combination, if you ask me ("We didn't ask you!"). Anyhow, though, this post is horrendously long, so I suppose I shall sign off despite that rather unfortunate note...

And what of my beloved readers? What have all of you been up to? Listening to any good music? Watched any good movies? Read any good books? Any life updates at all? Chat with me - tell me all about what's up and down with you!

Get to Know Me: Writer's Edition Tag

So. You probably are all wondering why, after so many sincere apologies and wishes to do better, I have vanished off of the face of the earth yet again. Well. All I can say is "meep." Because there really is no better excuse I can give, I'm afraid (though, as far as excuses go, "meep" is a pretty good one, even if it is overused). Lent happened. And the school year decided that now was not the time for Belle to blog. Oh well...

Anyways, though, the reason I'm back to seek redemption once more is because, a) I love you guys, of course, and b) Catherine offered me a wonderful little tag that looked quite fun. But before I get into it, I must touch on the rules (and quote, as always - "what is fun without the rules?").


1. Link back to the person who created the tag. (Miss Savannah can be found here.)
2. Thank the person who tagged you.
3. Share the tag graphic (optional). (Well, I don't know about you, but generally, when I see the word "optional," I think "actually, don't do it, it's not necessary.")
4. Tag eleven bloggers.


My most hearty thanks to you, Catherine *tips hat, but then realizes it's not ladylike and curtsies instead* - hopefully my attempt is as enjoyable as Catherine's own post was (I suggest checking it out, here, despite the fact that she is photo-shy).


As for who I'm tagging... I don't even know eleven bloggers, I don't think. So. I shall tag two bloggers who (I think) have not done it yet, and whoever else passes this post by idly (and is a writer, of course). I tag Megan Chappie and Lia. And now, I shall hope to it...!

Vital Stats/Appearance

Name: Belle Anne (no kidding - but not my full name, of course, because, if you haven't noticed, I am a cyberphobe, and don't like using my full name online.)

Nicknames: Most prominently Bellbell, but also occasionally Anyone, Peanut, or Granny/the Old Lady (Spiderman has also shown up as a name from time to time).

Birthday: In November, the most disagreeable month, of course.

Hair Color and Length: Oh boy. Um, think a mix of chicken broth and dishwater for hair color, haha, but semi-wavy and hip-length. Basically very long and a rather hideous shade of blond.

Eye Color: Very bright blue, as I love to boast of constantly as my own version of Jo March's hair.

Braces/Piercings/Tattoos: Ugh, haha, no tattoos, but I do have my ears pierced, and, while I never wore braces, per se, I used to wear plastic trays and still wear a retainer at night.

Righty or Lefty: A boring old righty, I'm afraid!

Ethnicity: Barbarian, haha. While the variations thereupon are a bit diverse, I am almost completely Viking and Celt (so lots of Norwegian, Slavic, and Scottish), though I am an Italian wannabe.

Firsts

First Novel Written: Um, a long-trashed version of Snow White that was basically the exact same as the typical fairy-tale, just slightly elaborated on. Either that or a Red-Riding Hood one that was a similar story.

First Novel Completed: Huzzah - The Pain of a Memory was completed just this past year, and it is now in the halls of glory as one of my most prized possessions.

Award for Writing: Haha, no awards yet, except the honor of successfully turning everybody's least favorite character into their favorite, including my rather persnickety writing confidante.

First Publication: Um, hehehe... aside from stuff on this blog and a writing newsletter I recently left, I have never published any writing, I don't think. I am publishing a song, however...

*cue music for a musical number*

Conference: The first and only writing conference I ever went to was a conference of Bryan Davis, the writer of a few commendable Christian fantasy novels. It was pretty fun, I remember it fondly, and it was a good initiation into the writing world, I suppose, but I will note that Bryan Davis' styles generally do differ from my own preferences, to say the least...

Query/Pitch: For a story...? Okay, here goes...

Sometimes a memory can have a lot of power. It can make a man. It can shape the most twisted monster or the most virtuous hero, as Anwynne, a young queen-to-be, finds while on her journey to her future throne. When that journey is halted, she meets many a hero and monster shaped by fighting or forgiving memory, and discovers her own humanity in the light of others' suffering.

Favorites

Novel (that you wrote): Okay, that's just cruel. You want to start a sibling rivalry or something?! Because that's what will happen if I choose between my kids, you know - and they're unruly kids at that, so sibling rivalry is something I need like a hole in the head. But... if I had to say... I guess I'd say either The Top-Hat Gang or Alomina.

Genre: Probably historical fiction, at least for reading. Though my appreciation for nonfiction, particularly philosophy, has skyrocketed in the past couple years.

Author: Ooh, that's a toughie. Probably either J.R.R. Tolkien or G.K. Chesterton.

Writing Music: Hmm, depends on the story. But usually it is either movie soundtracks, particularly the 2015 Cinderella (for my medieval novels) or swing music, particularly by Bing Crosby or Glenn Miller (for the five novels that are twentieth century onward).

Time to Write: Either afternoon or evening, because those are the quietest times of day.

Writing Snack/Drink: If a snack, then either pretzels, veggie straws, or chocolate, but if a drink, almost always coffee.

Movie: Okay, I don't actually have a favorite movie. There are way too many. I used to, but then I could never decide satisfactorily, so I just don't have a single favorite now. But... of my favorite movie types, I'd say most things with Gary Cooper or early Tyrone Power, Abbot and Costello movies, and the couple really good religious movies there are out there (namely The Passion, The Robe, and For Greater Glory). (And I just realized that only two out of all those movies are not in black and white or Technicolor...)

Writing Memory: The wonderful writing group I used to be a part of, particularly one day when we were discussing clichés. It was... quite amusing, to say the least.

Childhood Book: Some of the first chapter books I remember reading were Little House in the Big Woods (high five, Catherine!) and an abridged copy of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and both remain quite beloved with me.

Currently

Reading: Cardinal Sarah's The Power of Silence and also still Imitation of Christ.

Writing: Mostly this year's big project - my frustrating Fantasy series-starter, The Second Brother.

Listening to: Il Divo!

Watching: Anything Gary Cooper that I can get my hands on, but most recently High Noon.

Learning: Latin and Italian, how to play the full version of Fur Elise (finally!!!), and still the E Strano... Sempre Libera sequence from La Traviata.

Future

Want to be Published: Actually, I don't really care that much if I never get published. Sure, I would like to be at some point, but I realize that most of my writing is directed more towards the rare sort-of stodgy tastes like mine, so it is unlikely to ever get published. So I'm totally fine just sitting on the sidelines of the writing world - besides, most of the people I would want to read my story could without it being published, though I am rather sad that its theme might never reach anyone in need of it due to the bad writing quality and the fact of not being published.

Indie of Traditional: I'm assuming this means self-publishing or press-publishing? In that case, if I did publish, I'd prefer to press-publish with some smaller, more lenient press.

Wildest Goal: To get my musical and opera performed on stage, or at least one of them.

That's all for now, folks! What did you think? Have you done this tag? (If not, please pick it up!) What are you reading right now? Is anybody else here an Il Divo fanatic...?!







January Updates

Hello, mi amici. I apologize for my sudden disappearance - I wish I had an excuse. Unfortunately, as you all know me well, you know that I am very prone to be absent-minded, and often poor old bloggie suffers for it. So... I apologize. And I figure, since it's been a while, I'll attempt to re-start the blogging train with what I've been up to lately.

Life

I'm not even sure why this is a section of my life updates, because, obviously, my life is not a big part of my life. Anywho. Primarily, I went to a swing dance, babysat a ton, and failed to make enough time for homework.

Books

Now we're into the more interesting part. I am in the midst of reading C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy (I'm almost finished with the last book), but not quite done, so I'll probably write a review of it as soon as I finish, but so far, I can tell you that these books are seriously worth reading - I would say that they're easily better by far than The Chronicles of Narnia, and Narnia's pretty awesome, so that should say something. I also am reading the Sacred Heart Press's Imitation of Christ, which is also quite commendable.

Writing

I finished TPoaM, as you all know, of course, and am currently on a bit of a break before my next big writing project. I am working on a short story which I intend to make known soon enough, but just haven't written a Meet the Books! for yet - but I am trying a new genre. Also, the story that will get finished this year has been decided, I believe - The Second Brother will hopefully not see the end of the year incomplete. I have been reading a lot of other people's writing as well, though, and come across some serious gems, some honorable mentions being Catherine Hawthorn's The White Rose and Megan Chappie's Barnstormers.

Music

Well. It seems that I'm in over my head... as usual. Not only am I performing in a musical (thankfully in the chorus), but I agreed to do a piano duet for a talent show, and sing solo for a Mass at my music teacher's parish. Help. Not only that, but I am on the road to getting a song I composed published, which is both exciting and simultaneously terrifying. If it is without kinks, then it should be out probably before the summer, but even with kinks, I shall probably announce its arrival within the year. As for the rest of my music... I'm taking it easy for a while. I realize that my music is still pretty amateur, so I'm putting my opera on hold for a time when I can do it more justice, and working strictly on more simple things right now. Hopefully this will allow for more devotion to choir and more attention to other people's compositions.

In Conclusion...

Well, all in all, it's not been a terribly busy month due to sickness (thankfully my siblings are all better now), but blogging will be better soon, I hope, and I will definitely try not to lose the thread again. I suppose I shall try and get that Meet the Books! post up soon and another snippet of TPoaM, as well as (perhaps) a new tag. For now, though, I believe that's all!

What have you been up to this month? Have you ever been swing-dancing? Do you know Lewis' Space Trilogy? Can you ever forgive me for forgetting the blog?!

Updates For June

As usual, I needed a post... and didn't know what to put up. And usually, I scrape something or other together at the last minute. But today, it seems I am giving in to laziness and just putting up life update... or it's possible that I'm giving up to those three semester end essays I need to write. Anywho. I suppose I'll get started instead of rambling.

What I Read

Mostly, I was still reading Philosophy of Mind, finishing that up. But in my free time, I decided it would be fun to do the summer reading challenge at my local library one last year. So I've been catching on some books I've meant to read for a while mainly.

How to Train Your Dragon was a good book, though rather crude in its humor (however, I'm told by a few someones whose opinions I trust very much that the books get better as they go on, so I'm sticking with them this time). I was going to get the second one as well, but it seemed that the library had lent it out to someone else already. Oh well. I shall amend that situation when I return the first book. It was definitely interesting, particularly that part at the end where *spoilers* they get the two giant dragons to fight each other *spoilers end*. However, on a whole, if the books didn't apparently get better, I probably wouldn't go on reading the series, as it was rather shallow and typical, if entertaining as light reading.

A Series of Unfortunate Events was the same case as How to Train Your Dragon in that the library only had the first book at the time (somebody must've just been going through and reading the same series as I, just one book ahead). However, despite this inconvenience, I enjoyed it far more. The humor was far more respectful, and less shallow, though, unfortunately, still on the slightly more common side. It was definitely light reading (this first book, btw, was called A Bad Beginning), but it was a good beginning to a good series. I - heathen that I am - watched the tv series first, but have wanted to read the books since. The first book was good, but I can't wait until the second (it was my favorite of the episodes!).
I also was beta reading a good deal for my best friend, who started yet another new story recently. But that was probably the most enjoyable of the books I've read this month.

Overall, aside from the first-mentioned, it was a rather light reading month, but in my defense, I have only managed to get to the library once all month due to being sick, so I was not exactly as able as in other months.

What I Watched

I watched the first two Tobey Maguire Spiderman movies for the first time. What else even matters. These were some of the best movies I have seen in ages, and possibly the best superhero movies I've seen period. I absolutely loved them. I loved Spiderman. I loved Tobey Maguire's acting. I loved everything about them. Especially with how disappointed I had originally been with Tom Holland's Spiderman. You see, from a very young age, I was in love with Spiderman - my first great fandom love. When I was about seven, I used to watch the Spiderman cartoon all the time, and I absolutely loved Peter Parker. His hair, the way he dressed, the way he acted, and how lovable he always was. And I have had a distaste for every other Spiderman possibly because of this. Until Tobey Maguire. He was almost exactly like my beloved cartoon Peter, even down to the swept-aside caramel hair and constant adorable dorky way of saying 'Mary Jane.' I loved him. I hardly think any other movies I watched this month mattered.

The Bat, The Undying Monster, and The Last Man on Earth were my 'talkie' horrors of the month. I watched a lot of silent movies this month, as well as a lot of horrors, but these were the non-silent horrors I watched, I think. The second was a British Wolfman film (so, unfortunately, no Mr. Talbot in it), but it had the feel of a murder mystery more than an actual horror. Same case for The Bat, a Vincent Price movie that you should not watch at night when the only people up are you and your sister watching with you. The Last Man on Earth was very eerie, but its eeriness was betrayed near the end by a giveaway 1960's cheesiness. The ending, however, was no joke, and put you right back on the idea that this was no happy - nor cheesy - movie. Another Vincent Price that I don't recommend watching at night. Actually, come to think of it, I did watch two more 'talkie' horror movies - I watched Son of Dracula and House of Frankenstein. Both were Lon Chaney movies, and the latter was also a Boris Karloff, but both were cheesy. The second one was less so, but Son of Dracula had only a rather shockingly good ending to its name and nothing more. House of Frankenstein at least had some proper scares.

It was one of the most famous romantic comedies of all time, though a silent movie. I liked it, but the so-called 'It girl,' Clara Bow's character, was rather unlikable. Her two best friends, however, Monty Montgomery, and the young mother whose name I could not catch, were quite likable characters. The main guy, Mr. Rich, or whatever his name was (it's so much harder to catch names in silent movies!), was also a good character, though a bit of a dunce, honestly. The plot was pretty good, and I can see why it gained such fame.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the silent movie version, was another horror movie of the month. While being good, the overall creepiness of the film was interrupted by the rather bad acting of Dr. Jekyll during his transformation scenes - unless, of course, my laughter had been what the producers had wanted during those scenes. The Haunted Castle was good, though decidedly a murder mystery and not a horror as it was labeled (the genres seem to cross often in old Hollywood...). Let me see. What else. Well, I started to watch another old movie called Eternally Yours, but once I realize the cover was no joke, and David Niven (an extremely boring fellow) really was the male lead, then I switched it to something else.

Yeah... it seems most of June was spent watching old movies. Which is kinda pathetic. But, I suppose, better old movies than new ones. At least the acting's better (most of the time).

What I Wrote

I didn't write a whole lot this month. Mostly, I wrote more in The Pain of a Memory and The Second Brother (and, yes, to any readers of The Second Brother that are reading this, I will be sending it soon). Also, I suppose I was writing a lot in my co-authored fantasy (which I may or may not introduce on here at some point). I also joined an online writing group with some acquaintances from a parish back in Virginia. Our newsletter is in the making, and, if allowed, I may post it on here when the first edition is finished.

What I Listened To

Music-wise, I had a good month, I think. I discovered a new artist, called One Voice Children's Choir. I don't listen to most of their things (just because I'm not a big fan of modern music, and they seem to do a lot of choral covers of popular songs), but a few select ones got replayed a good few times. Namely, When You Believe, A Million Dreams (from The Greatest Showman), and Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep, a very sad, but particularly beautiful choral piece. I highly recommend checking them out, and - to the more modernly-minded listener - check out Something Just Like This as well, as it is also worth checking out, if a modern song.

I also discovered that there is a new Il Divo album (called Timeless) coming out - I am checking today if it has actually come out yet, and I will probably come on here and rant with delight if it has... and probably moan in agony on here if it hasn't. Either way, you'll hear of it. ;P

Also, I was shown a song which has immediately become a common sing-around-the-house anthem by a friend, this song being Style, from Bing Crosby's Robin and the Seven Hoods. If you have not listened to it, you must needs do so. (Warning: It will probably get stuck in your head.)

What I Did

"Eh... I play de guitar." But seriously, despite the fact that that's a quote from an awesome movie, and well-worth quoting, unfortunately, I do not play the guitar. However. I am learning a simplified version of my favorite piano piece, Fur Elise, on my cupboard piano, as well as The Entertainer (a classic ice cream truck anthem) and a Paisello piece. I have been writing accompaniment finally to the main theme for my opera, which was a task long overdue, and not altogether easy. I also was finally assigned to sing Der Holle Rache, which is a very difficult, very famous opera aria I have always wanted to sing and probably will take a million years to get right.

I have mainly been doing a lot of unpacking. However, I have still found time to procrastinate (you have to make time for it, you know), and so I have three essays long overdue that I need to write. So, until my next post, arriva derci!

What did you think? What have you read this month? Watched? Written? Listened to? Been up to in general? Have you ever seen a Vincent Price movie?







The Liebster Award

Finally, another tag! This one is called the Liebster Award, and it's from Hope - thanks, Hope!

The rules are as follows:

• Create a new blog post on your blog thanking the person that nominated you, link to their blog, and put in a graphic of the award.
• Answer the questions that were provided, and then share some facts about yourself.
• Create a new set of your own questions for others to answer.
• Nominate others (around ten) and share your blog post with them so they can accept their award! This award is for bloggers with 200 followers or less.

And here are the questions Hope provided me with -

Are you an indoor or an outdoor person? Elaborate on your answer with pictures.

I am most certainly an indoor person. However. I just moved, and so don't have any pictures of the inside of the new house yet. Plus, outside pictures are more fun anyways!

What's one goal you'd like to accomplish in your lifetime?

Well, finishing a book, for one thing. Which I'm very close to doing. Publishing it, for another. Aside from anything strictly writing-related, I would most love to get one of my musical works performed - in fact, that probably more than getting a book published.

What's the weirdest thing you've ever done?

Haha, I don't think I'd put it on the internet even if I could pinpoint what it was! However. As far as things I will divulge, I once wrote a rap/poem concerning a hungry chicken and duck (in my defense, it was for a rather goofy relative who liked such things). I also have made a movie (with my sisters) using Barbies on strings as puppets (it was pretty hilarious!).

What's your favorite thing to do in the summer?

Probably roller skating. Or swimming. Something like that. Or very possibly staying inside and reading.

If you could choose your superpower, what would it be, and why?

Well, perhaps this is boring, but I'd take a page from my dad's book and choose to be able to control whatever powers I'm given in exactly the proportion they need be controlled in. It's boring, but really, you know, if most superheroes were able to have perfect control under reason of their every mental and physical ability, they wouldn't get into scrapes of their own making all the time.

What's on your bucket list?

Well, finishing my opera. Finishing a book. Finishing my musical. Basically... finishing stuff.

And now, some facts about yourself...

Hmm. Well, I think you guys know most of what there is to divulge at this point. I suppose, as what's new, I am currently in a bit of an obsession with silent movies. I have just been watching silent movie after silent movie, most of them horror movies, but a couple divergents from that path. I also have been watching a lot of horror movies (old horror movies). I fairly recently moved back up north, I am about to be the oldest of nine children, and I absolutely hate the movies Coco, Frozen, and Brave. I think that's everything even relatively recent that you didn't already know.

Now, while I can't nominate all ten people - almost everybody I know has been nominated, I think - I shall still give this tag some questions and send it out to whosoever has not yet done the tag yet.

What is your favorite musical?

If you were to choose your name to be something else, what would you choose?

Who do you hang out with the most?

What are you most likely to be seen doing?

What is your most despised book? Movie?

What is the most beautiful place you've ever seen?

What were you doing before writing this post?

What is a place you definitely don't want to go to?

And those facts about yourself...

This goes to whoever has not yet done the tag, as well as

Catherine and Lilah

Thanks again, Hope, for this lovely tag!

What did you think? Have you done this tag? Or are you going to pick it up? What's your favorite thing to do in the summer?





A Handful of Lenten Traditions From Belle's Corner of the Season

Haha, I know this post is incredibly last-minute, but I did want to post a little more on Lent - just wasn't brilliant enough to find much to say. :P But! - I at least have some things to share, if no wonderful meditation to speak or profound speech to give. So I decided I'd share a few of my own Lenten traditions with you folks for the last few days of Lent there are. :)

The Movies of Lent

One of my family's traditions every Lent is to watch certain movies during the season at some point, the most unbroken one being watching The Passion on Good Friday with whoever is old enough to watch. Another movie, though a more recently-added one, is watching Risen on Holy Saturday or Easter. I also tend to watch The Robe during the Easter season, but I guess that doesn't really count for this post. ;P The main one, however, is watching The Passion, and it gets more fulfilling each time because each year or two at least one more person is old enough to see it for the first time, so the audience gets larger with time. :) This time, it'll be me, my parents, and three(?!) of my siblings.

The Friday Meal

I'm sure all of you probably have your own preferences and traditions as to what meal to do on those Lenten Fridays wherein carnivorousness becomes heinous, but we have one of our own that goes back a couple generations. Mia famiglia (and me, of course) have a tradition of doing grilled cheese and tomato soup... for whatever reason. Maybe 'cuz it's a filling, non-meat meal. Maybe it's 'cuz most of us despise fish and any other seafood. Maybe it's just 'cuz we know how to make it. But, for whatever reason, that's what we do.

Holy Week and Mass

Perhaps we could be a bit more creative with our traditions, but we always like to go to daily Mass during Holy Week as a family at least once. However, as this is probably a fairly common one with all you Lent-lovers out there, I will skip over it. ;)

The Watch of the Hour

Even from my youngest days, I remember my dad always watching the hours on Good Friday for the most Holy of Hours. Every year, whatever us kids were doing, he would come and tell us when it was the time, and we would usually do a Rosary or other prayer of some kind. I used to hate it, because my dad would always interrupt whatever we were doing, but now I look forward to it as a helpful reminder.

Getting in the Mood

My mom, my sisters, and I all are advocates of the veil/mantilla/hat/other awesome head covering at Mass, and Lent is no exception! However, when the priest gets his seasonal Mass vestments, doesn't it make you want to get in the mood too? Well, it did me, so now I (and sometimes the women of mia famiglia join me on this) wear a black mantilla all during Lent instead of my favorite white one - just to get into the look of things during the season of penance. I mean, really, we used to do this back in the old days, why not now? :D

The Torture Device

Ya know, I used to think giving up sweets for Lent was such a wimpy thing to do. And perhaps for me it is. But my dad does it - along with other things - every single year. And this perhaps wouldn't be such a big deal... except for my sister. She has a fascination with baking, and is extraordinarily skilled at it, and she always picks Lenten time to try out those delicious new sweet recipes... just when most people have exempted themselves from sweets. I almost think she does it religiously now, as an unbroken tradition to tease all those poor, pious souls who have given it up. However. I actually love it that she does do it, because now, giving up sweets is a much more grace-garnering penance than it used to be. ;)





What did you think? What are your Lenten traditions? Your family's? Have you done any of these? Would you consider them? Have you ever seen The Robe??? :D

Tidbits and Miscellany

I wasn't really sure what to post today, but I had a variety of things that needed said (as it often is), and so here I am, jamming them all into one not-too-neat little post, but there you are. Such are the ways of Belle when she's in a scatter-brainedly ecstatic mood (don't ask me why I am in such a state exactly, I don't believe I could answer you properly... if at all). Maybe it's the fact that I had a plate of cheese and crackers (which I adore). Maybe it's because I've gotten all of my schoolwork done and it's not even two o' clock. Maybe it's because of the prospect of the beautiful sunshine outside that is pretty enough to enjoy but too cold to be pushed out into. I don't know. But. Anyways. I have a few random things to tell you of. First of all,

What has Belle been up to?

A question... I do not usually answer on this blog as a principle. But, as this is labeled 'Tidbits and Miscellany' I think a little unorthodoxy is in order. I have been watching a movie I seem to be fated never to finish (the movies in question being Gunga Din, with Cary Grant). I have started the Oresteian play, Agamemnon, and am enjoying it greatly and even contemplating making it into and opera because would that not be just splendid??? What else. I have embarked upon the brainstorming stage of a new novel, coauthored with a friend (if she is alright with it, late on I may introduce it on here). I have also reached new heights in the word counts of The Pain of a Memory, Alomina, and The Ever-Three (The Second Brother's sequel). I think that's about everything exciting. Oh, yes, actually, I guess I also discovered an amazing new artist (been listening to him non-stop ever since) called Patrizio Buanne. If you like pop, check out his Solo Tu, if you like jazz, check out his Crazy, if you like swing, check out his L'Italiano, and if you like hilarious parodies, check out Home to Mamma. He's really got everything. And with that, anything of interest I had to say, I believe, is said. :) Now, the next thing.

Questions for Alagna? Please...?

So, I'm not really sure what else to do. When I posted the last character bio (of Alagna Arleine, from Alagna), for the purpose of character interviews, nobody asked her any questions. Which is completely understandable, just kinda awkward in my situation. Because with no questions... no interview, unfortunately. Maybe somebody could scrape together a few so that the interviews don't get stopped? I would be very grateful. :) Thanks!

The Second Brother

I have not written even one more word in The Second Brother, but have written immense amounts in the sequel. Why? Who knows? I really, really want to share the beginning of it, but I don't think I will just yet. However, there is something else of it that I will share - a surprise at the bottom of the post. *mysterious smile* ;)

What's Ahead?

Within the next several posts, here's what you can expect if you want spoilers:

• Character interview (if Alagna gets enough questions)
• The next part of The Pain of a Memory
• Possible another Meet the Books! feature
• Tags, tags, tags
• Snippets of a story

Just for those who were curious to desperation, haha. ;)

The Surprise

You probably skipped ahead to this, didn't ya? Oh well. I wouldn't really mind even if anyone did, because I'm very eager to show this off. :)
https://www.playbuzz.com/bellea15/which-quester-from-the-second-brother-are-you
Tell me who you got and if you liked it! :D
Any questions for Alagna? Any questions about what posts are coming up? Any questions concerning the quiz? Any suggestions for movies after I finally finish Gunga Din? ;) 



The 10 Most Loveable Cartoon Characters of All Time

Hi! So I've been watching a lot of cartoon shows I used to watch - mainly for fun. But, in discovering some old beloved shows, I uncovered something else. Some of the most loveable, endearing, just plain 'Awww!'-invoking characters - you know, those ones you couldn't get enough of once upon a time, and somehow somehow(!) forgot with time. Today, I'm reminiscing a bit about those old loves... I'll always hold a place in my heart for all of them.

#1 - Arthur from Babar, King of the Elephants

I've been watching (and loving) Babar since I was three years old, and it's never gotten boring. When recently, for the first time in two years, I saw it again, I fell in love even more than I had before. And my old love was still just as great - Arthur. Arthur is the rambunctious, adventurous, tall-tale-telling explorer brother of Babar's wife, Celeste, and he really is the best character in the show. With his characteristic white beret that has its red pom-pom on top, he was a sight received most delightedly by my memories. Always adventuring off onto nigh-impossible endeavors, always getting swept up in large-scale plans and plots, and yet always coming home to tell the stories afterwards (usually somewhat exaggeratedly) to his fascinated nieces and nephews. My favorite character in my favorite cartoon, Arthur always will be a pleasing sight to me - and I hope that children of this day won't ever lack for the sight of his silly beret either. :)

#2 - Jay Gordon/Walker from Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu

Jay is the most recent rediscovery of my old cartoon loves, though he's not quite so old as the rest (I actually started watching Ninjago only about a year or two ago - and the series, NOT the messed-up movie!). He's the court jester of the ninjas, perhaps, but he's ever-endearing with his common panicking, his constant joking, and his adorable bashfulness. Not to mention his cute, though often failed romance. Rare a laugh come from watching Ninjago has not come from Jay. And at first, all he seems to be is the loveable clown of the group. It's in his season, season #7, that you really get development on him. He's a gentleman at heart, always striving to help others, and be chivalrous even in his modern age. And he endures more than most cartoon characters I've seen just for the sake of others (in fact, in one particular episode, he gets beaten/tortured by pirates repeatedly to the point of temporarily losing his ability to walk, use his powers, and see in one eye, yet keeps his composure amazingly). And if there's one thing that's endearing, it's a character with an unassuming appearance who shows themselves a rock of fortitude in hard times. Now that's a loveable character.

#3 - Scooby Doo from What's New, Scooby Doo?

Really, Scooby should be first, but he's so well-known, I think that he can afford a little less mention. In fact, I don't think any introduction to him is necessary. How often does one come across a talking, constantly hungry, mostly cowardly, mystery-solving great dane?

#4 - Starscream from Transformers

How on earth did a villain get on this list? Don't ask me, it's just Starscream! Somehow, even for being the cowardly, treacherous, villainous right-hand man of Megatron, leader of the Decepticons, Starscream was always my favorite of all the transformers (with only maybe Optimus Prime as competition). Constantly a mutineer vying for alpha position among the Decepticons, somehow the shady, bojo-esque character of Starscream always made him strangely enjoyable. And that high-pitchedly tense voice was always so familiar and smile-enticing. (And no, people, I'm not talking about the popular Transformers Starscream - not the new moves, but the old 1980's series. They're way better, you know!)

#5 - Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe: The Real American Hero

By this point, you can probably tell that I love old 80's cartoons (some of them, at least). And G.I. Joe is no exception! The best of the Joes, though, is a mute martial arts expert who constantly wears a blind mask and has a pet timber wolf. Who? Snake Eyes! Perhaps the name is a bit cheesy, but cheesy's fine by me. And, being the only G.I. Joe that isn't constantly making painfully punny jokes all the time (he couldn't make one even if he wanted to), Snake Eyes already had one thing going for him. He doesn't speak, but nonetheless his character shines through vibrantly. And no other character exhibits the same amount of common sense, I assure you. Or cool ninja moves. ;)

#6 - King Babar and Basil from Babar, King of the Elephants

Though I love Arthur better, Babar has always held a special place in my heart (despite my sister's avid hatred of him and his show). And Basil the rhino has always been a great source of laughter in the show. I couldn't decide which I liked better, so they're tied as it is. They're so different! - Babar, in his steadfast, humble, kingly character, and Basil with his cheapskate tricks but unerring loyalty to King Retaxes of Rhino Land. Though often at odds, both Babar and Basil are characters deserving of praise amongst cartoons.

Unfortunately couldn't find one with Basil in it, but there's Babar, Celeste, and Retaxes.

#7 - Kai Smith from Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu

I know, I know, another Ninjago one. But, seriously, guys, this show is pretty awesome! I mean, Legos, ninjas, amazing characters, and intriguing plot arcs - how could it not be? And Kai is the main ninja it centers around. Hot-headed though he is, sometimes Kai's hotheadedness is endearing... and sometimes it's very frustrating. Either way, though, he never fails to amuse. And being the main one, you get to see a lot of him. Perhaps not quite so loveable or dependable as Jay, but still one of the best characters in the show.

#8 - Basil the Hare from Redwall

This show is another I love but my sister unfortunately loathes. Most of all she loathes the tall, gangly white hare in a red feathered cap always striding about the place saying "What, what" - however, as we usually do, we differ greatly on this character. Basil the hare is undoubtedly Redwall's best character (I actually didn't like him much when I first read the books, but the show softened my heart somehow). An adventurer of sterling loyalties, though perhaps rather haphazard habits, Basil is quite the loveable character (what is it with loveable characters being called Basil...?).

#9 - Peter Parker/Spiderman from Spiderman

I couldn't tell you the specific name of which cartoon Spiderman he's in (as it's been a few years now), but whichever one it was, it was good. This Peter Parker was not the awkward punk we see in the Marvel franchise, but a Peter Parker of troubles and conscience, and actual background. A Peter Parker really striving to be his best in a world that loves him one day, hates him the next. A Peter Parker having to carry his cross everyday of working for his worst enemy. He had virtue beyond most cartoon characters I've seen, and he had troubles equal to it. A chivalrous protector of the alleyways of New York, lover of simple things, vilified by everyone, but doing his duty anyways. That's the Spiderman I know and love. :)

#10 - Tigger from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Best version of Winnie the Pooh ever. And Tigger, as he has in almost every representation of the series, remained my favorite above all in this version. Bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! Who knows what the most wonderful thing about Tigger is? Who could pinpoint just one single thing? All I know is, for the total, Tigger is the most wonderful (and nostalgic) thing about Winnie the Pooh to me.

And that wraps things up. What did you think? Are you familiar with any of these characters? Perhaps they bring nostalgia to you as well? Do you have any favorite cartoon characters? Any favorite cartoons? Chat with me!