Vampires and Pretty Girls

I have to say that I would be the last person to watch a zombie or a vampire movie, let alone read a book. In my entire life, I havent done either, until recently. The "Twilight" bug has bitten me and I am madly in love and complete awe of this saga. My friend Kads described this book and her obsession to me in simple words - what really got me was the way her eyes conveyed how this whole thing had her in its spell and convinced me that I had to read it.

Read I did and in a matter of a few days. "Twilight" is the story of a 17 year old girl "Bella" who lands up in a dreamy, foggy Washington town called Forks and immediatley falls in love with a mysterious character named Edward Cullen. She quickly figures out that Edward is a vampire - a fact that does not deter her from completely, hopelessly falling in love with him. Most of the book is about how these two totally different creatures, beauty and the beast, find each other and become inseparable, despite their fundamental and scary differences. Edward becomes Bella's protector from all things normal and paranormal and saves her many times, and ultimately in the climax from other vampires.

Stephanie Meyer is brilliant in how she has written this book. Its a young, adults novel, but the themes and the writing is very appealing to all ages, IMO. She is also very tricky - her Bella is a very smart, young high school junior, very good in studies, reading complex books and writing papers on these books effortlessly. I am sure this is her way of influencing her young readers to read old classics, appreciate them and be really good in school.

I have to admit and am almost embarrased when I say this, but the narrative about how Bella falls in love with Edward is beautiful and lyrical - it is bound to take readers down memory lane. and will remind them of the longing and intoxication of first love. The vampire angle is extremly interesting and dark. I have been watching documentaries and reading wikipedia about the whole phenomenon.

I am now reading "New Moon" which my friends have promised is even a better read! I cant wait to finish it and watch the movie, which I am sure will be no where as good as the book, Twilight sure wasnt.

New year, new beginnings, new dreams

I do this every year - first week in January I visit one of the office supply stores to get some cardboard boxes to stash away papers, clutter from the past year. These boxes are stashed away in the attic and I am sure will never be opened again. But its a must to begin the decluttering process. After spending a restful day with the kids roaming Ardenwood farm and taking a long nap to recover from the New Year eve party, I set out to do the needful. Instead of the Office Max, I ended up at Border's hoping to get a stiff cup of joe. It was a nice surprise to be greeted by the coffee shop lady who offered me a sample of their raspberry mocha latte. As I sipped the concoction which was quite good, I roamed the bookstore aisles and was quite lost for a good two hours. Tthe bookstore is a funny place - stirs so many hidden thoughts and dreams. I had not made any serious new years resolutions but maybe, just maybe...

The first thing I picked up was a "How to draw" kit - complete with a pencil set, guide book and a sketch pad. I love to draw but am so limited with what I can do when it comes to it. I have been doodling with Rohan this past year and its been fun. So this one was a keeper.

The front of the bookstore had several cases full of the latest teen craze - Stephanie Myers New Moon series. A friend has me convinced that I have to read this. I picked up "Twilight" and wanted to read a chapter or two.

Not a new resolution, but surely a dream is to learn languages. I found a really nice and cheap "Learn french in 30 days" kit. Again, Rohan, through his mandarin which he is picking up in school, has me convinced that I will learn new languages. Also this morning I was chatting with a friend way back from my St Joseph Convent days who can speak 10 languages. Gosh - that would be awesome - to speak, understand, watch movies in French or Spanish.

As I was walking the isles, it was quite evident that there were many like me - eager to learn something new - how to play the guitar, harmonica, card tricks- there was something for everyone. I am sure Border's sells these "How to do XYZ kits" the most during the first week of the new year as people bid farewell to the old and try to get something positive going early on.

I am not sure whether Ill really draw or learn french - I did buy both of those - but I can surely dream. As for Twilight, I know Ill eventually read it and will watch the movie at the next slumber party with the girls:)