Midnight Sun

Prompted by an amazing friend of mine, I am proudly displaying the Midnight Sun banner here on my blog. The reason is simple: I want to show Stephenie Meyer how much I love her work. I want her to know that she is one of the best story tellers of this century and I am not the only adult fan who feels this way. We may not be the outspoken few, so perhaps our voices do not ring loud enough for her to hear us. As I have always felt and stated in the past, these are her characters and the Twilight world is her universe. We are all just lucky that she has chosen to share it with us. So please, Stephenie, when you are feeling down about the negativity or anything else that is going on, remember that there are millions of us who adore your work. You have truly changed the lives of so many people with just your amazing characters, I challenge anyone to find as well defined characters in other modern literature. So please continue to share your world with us, Stephenie. The most amazing artistic developments are also often the most controversial.

Teak's Release List

The fabulous and amazing Teak has created an amazing list of our upcoming releases from our favorite authors! This list so far goes through spring of 2009. I have posted it in my sidebar and will update it when and if Teak sends me updates!

Let's all give a big Blue hug to Teak!

Take a Blue Quiz

Sprtygal inspired me to make a fun little quiz for my book club blog!!! How fun!!!! So if you have a little time to kill, take my Quiz. I don't have any cool prizes, this is just for fun ;)

Missing Sunday chat - Rockin' Out

Well, you all know that I missed chat last night. I did have a good reason though! I was at the Projekt Revolution concert with my husband, sister and brother-in-law. We made it in time to see The Bravery (they rocked!),
Chris Cornell of Soundgarden fame and Linkin Park. Linkin Park put on one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen. And thanks to Stephenie Meyer, I am a huge fan of them now, so it was an incredible experience! We rocked out and my ears are still ringing today!!!! One of my favorite songs of theirs is actually a tribute to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. I caught a little of that on video. Also, when they performed "No More Sorrow", well, that was just unbelievable. I screamed and jumped! We had 4th row seats (I thought they were box seat tickets, which are further back, but NO!) I couldn't believe it! AND we had a front row parking spot too! So much fun!
























I also promised before and after pictures of Joey's room. My mother and I worked extremely hard last week on painting, cleaning and organizing his room. We had not really done anything with it since it was painted before he was born! So, what a LOT of work this was, but worth every ache and pain! Joey LOVES his room and is so happy about it. At first, he was pretty upset, didn't want the walls to change color or anything, but then he saw the coolness of it and is in there all the time. We also bought him a foam pad for his bed (his mattress is kind of hard) and he can't stop talking about how comfy his bed is. He took a friend of his up to his room to show him around and was very excited ("look at my new room!")

Old Room
























New Room!

















Joey's (ahem, Doug's) bobble head collection now beautifully displayed!






Finally, I have not yet blogged on here about the amazing Breaking Dawn concert! I met Larla and Mr. Belle at Giordano's (Chicago style pizza - yum!) and then we were off to the concert to see Stephenie Meyer and Justin Furstenfeld (lead singer of Blue October)!

We had 8th row seats at the concert, thanks to Larla! Also, they were happily not axe murderers (aren't they cute?) and we had such a great time together. It was totally a amazing experience and Justin Furstenfeld is such an amazing artist. His new song, "My Never", comes out in March of 2009 and it's already a favorite of mine. Of course, Larla and I both cried when he played it as we read page 355 of Breaking Dawn. We had our books signed by Stephenie and then much too quickly, the night was at an end. Tearing up, I jumped in the cab that Mr. Belle hailed for me and sped back to my hotel. It has just been so incredible to meet so many people I've come to love, but then also so sad to say goodbye to them!











Ok, book club is this Wednesday. We don't really have anything new to discuss, except for the addition of my dear friend Leslie to our group! She just finished the entire series this past week and has fallen as in love with the world Stephenie created as we are! YAY! Also, we need to be out there, getting our next book to read: Dark Warrior Unleashed by Alexis Morgan. Ms. Morgan is a friend of our own Simplicity and will hopefully be joining us in September as a guest author for our book club meeting!!! WOOHOOO! Here site is here: http://www.alexismorgan.com/talions.html if you'd like to check out her work.

That's all for now, my peeps!

Big Hugs! Blue

My Breaking Dawn Review

It's about time! My Breaking Dawn review!

Wow, this really should have been done a week ago. Alas, with finishing the book, driving up to Chicago for the Breaking Dawn Concert (next post, I hope!) and my mother doing a 'clean sweep' of my daughter's room (it's fabulous) - oh yeah, and a little stomach flu in the middle - I'm just now posting my review here. I have written a couple of reviews on both the Twilight Lexicon and The Host Index, but I also wrote a review for a Chicago reporter (thanks to Pel!) and I thought this one might be the best to post. You all have probably read my posts on the other site anyway, so here is my review in response to reporter questions. Her questions are in blue:

How quickly did you read it?

I attended a Midnight Release party reading that night. I finished the book on
Sunday afternoon, August 3rd. The online book club that I started were to
chat about it that night and I knew I had to finish by then.  

How was the book different from the earlier books? (Please be specific.)

Breaking Dawn, for me, covered so much more ground than the previous books
in my opinion. By that, I mean that there are so many major plot points covered
and dealt with. Whereas in Twilight, Bella met Edward and fell in love.
In New Moon, Edward left Bella and she discovered Jacob. In Eclipse, Bella matured
and was given the gift of seeing what an alternate future would be so she could make
the most informed decision. But in Breaking Dawn, there was so much more.
The Edward and Bella relationship was solidified. We had the pleasure to read
Jacob's story from his point of view and find his resolution. The Volturi and
Denali issues were resolved for the most part. And finally, Bella came into
her own, became the creature that she had the potential to be, she found
her family. She did not fit in the human world and how wonderful it was
to see her find her place.  

How did you feel about it?  

I think from my answers above, you can tell that I loved Breaking Dawn,
as I have all of her other books. I was definitely surprised about Nessie,
surprised about Alice leaving and surprised about the strength of
Bella as a vampire. But one of the reasons I love reading Stephenie's
work is that plot points DO get resolved, and this was truly a gift from her.
Additionally, I do not think I've read an author that can so beautifully
express the connections between people. Not just the Bella and Edward
relationship, which is amazing, but also the relationships with family,
other people surrounding Bella and their relationships to each other
(for example, Emily and Sam in New Moon.) I wrote a review on
the Twilight Lexicon, which you might find helpful:

"I have to say, I really enjoyed Breaking Dawn. I was very surprised by the
storyline and outcome of many of the outstanding issues for all of the
characters involved, but I also felt so happy about these outcomes. We got to
witness the fabulous wedding, the honeymoon, the anger and the reparation of the
Jacob/Bella relationship, Bella's change, a showdown with the Volturi and Bella
letting Edward read her mind. Bella became the strong, confident character that
I had hoped she would grow into. Edward's love for Bella was amazing and
beautiful, true to form. And Jacob's book? I love him even more. I loved the
chapter titles for his section and getting to see so much from his perspective.
I was also very proud of him for stepping up to take his role as alpha. What
growth he had during this book as well! I think that's the best part of the
storyline for all of these characters we love so much: they all grew, they all developed,
which makes their traits that much more endearing.

I must admit, I was also happy that so many things were tied up so well. I am a
fan of Joss Whedon and the school of irony and payment or balance for happiness,
but I am also just so happy for the happy ending. For once, the author has
actually satisfied me without breaking my heart!

Finally, I had a revelation while on my way to dinner tonight. Every book in
this series, aside from Twilight, has caused very strong and differing opinions.
Edward left in New Moon and was barely there! Bella kissed Jacob back in Eclipse
and admitted she loved him too! So while many people may think that Bella and
Edward having a child or the way Bella made her transition was not how it should
have been, we must remember that Stephenie is giving us this world as she sees
it and that is certainly no different than the other books she has written thus
far. YAY for all of the characters I adore! And even the evil new ones (those
crazy Romanians!)"

Would you read another book by Stephenie Meyer?  

Absolutely, and I plan to buy anything and everything
she writes in the future.  

Does it affect whether you¹ll go to the movie?  

No, it actually just increased my excitement for the Twilight movie
and for the potential of the rest of the books as movies in the series.  

What have been some other reactions you've heard?

I have definitely heard some negative feedback and some who were
just not pleased with this book. I can understand some of that viewpoint,
although I don't share it. It's my opinion that Stephenie created this universe,
this world, for us. We are lucky she was able to share it with us so beautifully. 
Breaking Dawn is exactly as she intended it to be. If she had been manipulated 
into a different outcome for the Twilight universe, that would have been so
much less enjoyable. I really think that some of the fans have to realize, as I
said in my above review, each of her books have had their own controversy.
If they go back, re-read Breaking Dawn knowing this is what she
always meant for our beloved characters, perhaps theywould see
it in a new light.


How was the Midnight Release Party? Well, I'm a freak of course!













Since all of you are so RUDE and live so far away from me,
I asked my sister-in-law to attend the Midnight Release party
with me and I even went to her Barnes and Noble, instead of my
Borders! When I picked her up at her house, she did not
seem all that thrilled to go with me. Actually, she was kind of
making me fun of me about it. But, we got to B&N and started
taking pictures, grabbed a table and some frappuccinos and
had some fun! We took pictures of some of the teens.
I told the manager in no uncertain terms that he should not
have fangs to hand out, but instead have teeth whitener
(the Cullen's teeth are very white, right?) and sparkly
body powder. No one listens to me!  

So we got in line and the next
thing I know, my sister-in-law
is telling everyone how I just
got back from Forks, and how
I have all of the great info on 
Twilight and they should just
ask me! Well, that waspretty
sweet of her, I thought. Maybe
she wasn't so embarrassed by
me after all! We giggled and
she took this fuzzy picture on
my phone and then I took her home.

I stayed up until 5:30 reading...
So much fun!!!



Next post - My Breaking Dawn concert experience
with Larla and Mr. Belle!  Hugs, Blue

Peep Dioramas, Saying Goodbye and the Hoh

PEEPS!

I almost forgot to post one of the most important (ok, not really, but it was fun!) parts of the trip to Forks. Four of us made Twilight Saga inspired Peep Dioramas! I painted the grass, sky and trees until 1 am the night before I flew out to Seattle and then put the rest together in my hotel room once we were in Forks! My diorama was 'Peeplight', inspired by chapter 13, it was Peepward and Pella in the Peepdow. Yes, I'm a geek and yes, I had a fun, giggly time making this! Then, at our big girls night party, Ouisa, Cory and Violet all brought their amazing dioramas: 'Peepterra' (this may have been my fave, if just for the awesome name along, Ouisa!), 'First Peep' and 'Peeps and Ice'.











Ok, back to my timeline! Sunday morning, most of the gang left! I was so sad to see them go and I actually cried when they did (probably not surprising actually!) Anyway, here is a picture and a video of some of my adorable peeps!















Sunday afternoon, Simp, SSVD, her girls and I went to the Hoh Rainforest and drove around Forks, hitting all of the hot spots! It was a very busy but very fun day!


























Monday, Simp and I went back to La Push to check out Rialto Beach. It was so beautiful! We couldn't make it back to the tide pools, the tide was too high then, but we did take some pictures and videos of this amazing and beautiful location.


Then it was time to head back to Seattle. Simp drove me all the way to I5, then I hopped in SSVD's car and cried and cried, waving goodbye to Simp all the while. I have to say that the darling Simplicity is adorable, sweet, fun-loving and was just the best roomie a girl could ask for. I went to the airport with SSVD and her girls and of course, cried while hugging them and saying goodbye. It was just soooo sad! To finally get to meet SSVD, have such an amazing time and then have it be over in the blink of an eye, was almost cruel. She is the most kind-hearted, funny and creative person I know. Thank you all for making this an amazing trip I will never forget.

I crashed in my hotel room that night, ordered room service and cried for a bit. Luckily, two of my very special friends wanted to talk to me that evening and it made all the difference in the world. I laughed and told stories and went to sleep happy and tired. Thank you both for that!

Next up....Breaking Dawn concert in Chicago!

Hugs, Blue

More Forks trip and Breaking Dawn!

It's been a month of Twilight yumminess!

Before I continue on my Forks trip story, I first wanted to say that I finished Breaking Dawn today, after annoying my husband all weekend with my intense reading (too bad for him!) and the midnight party at Barnes and Noble with my sister-in-law. We had a great time, and I absolutely adored BD! YAY Stephenie!!!!!!

In other exciting Stephenie news, I'm heading to Chicago for her concert and signing! Another big YAY! She is an excellent speaker and so friendly and down to earth. I am also meeting one of my dear online friends in Chicago, along with her long-suffering but gallant hubby, and am SOOO excited about that as well!

Forks Trip Continued....

Friday night was our girl's night out party night! I was so excited for everyone to be together in the same room, but I was also a bit nervous for some inexplicable reason. I am not one who normally is ever afraid in crowds and as soon as I got there, I was ALL good. I just adored everyone! All of the amazing ladies were so very friendly and warm. I felt loved and happy and excited, it was truly awesome. We took a huge group picture, had tons of great food thanks to Shandrath, Violet, Simp and SSVD, played very cool and funny games (sprty and Canz rock the house) and I even won an award! Yes, I was honored with the Queen of the Gutter award and I actually gave an acceptance speech! Ok, I'm such a dork, but I loved it. Many, many hugs to my peeps! The night went by far too quickly and it was time to crash.

Saturday morning we got up and all met at the Chamber of Commerce for another group picture. I believe I accosted some poor photographer, hoping to get his version of the picture, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We needed a little time to get it together and ate breakfast (ssvd, her girls, simp and I) at the place teak and her family were eating. The waitress was extremely efficient and brought us so much coffee! Then it was off to Port Angeles. We were driving around, trying to find our FMGs (you know who you are!) and finally did so. We took pictures, Port Angeles is beatiful, and while standing outside of La Belle Italia, the owner came out and told us we could take pictures inside! Hooray! So we did, and we saw where Stephenie sat when she was there just three weeks ago. So awesome. The man was so sweet, we decided to eat there after all! Pel, Alphie and BME came in not long after and we took pictures of each other, cause, you know, we are all fangirls like that. We also went in to this great little store that had the most fabulous pop-up book evah....Simp and ssvd found that one! HAHAHAHHAHA! Port Angeles was over too quickly and we needed to get back to Forks for some other festivities. We visited both Cozy houses, going back and forth, visiting with everyone! SSVD sold some of her amazing book gems at Dano's house and I chit chatted outside on the porch there and later, I did an impromptu reading of the yummiest parts of Eclipse's chapter 20 at Ouisa and Shandrath's house. So much fun! I wish I could have split myself into many pieces so I could have been with everyone all the time! Alas, my midwestern time zone caught up with me and I had to go back to the hotel for some much needed sleep!

Next Forks trip blog coming soon - Sunday: Saying goodbye, the Hoh Rainforest and around Forks! OH! and the Peep Dioramas! How could I forget!!! Peeplight, Peepterra, First Peep and Peeps and Ice!

*I am using the screenames to protect the identities of the innocent and not-so-innocent ;)

Hugs, Blue