Eclipse Premiere... Anyone?

Hi everyone. My admiration for the Twilight Empire has remained inspired but unfortunately life is not a forgone constant. Sometimes in life your schedule is open and malleable enough that you can go to midnight showings of movie premieres and sleep in the next day. Other times ratty old job commitments ensnare you in their evil grip and won't let go.

Essentially what I'm saying is shit happens.

So, I have to work crappy hours now and since I owe a mortgage company part of my mortal soul I haven't seen Eclipse yet. Grrr! Don't big corporations understand the order of importance: Eat, sleep, poop, family, friends, pets, TWILIGHT, 100's of other things, work and bills.

Guess not.

I do have plans to go see it this Monday. I'm excited. I've heard good things so far. I have remained removed from the hype this time around though so I really have no expectations about the story or actors or special effects and all that. But I know I'll like it all the same. It's kind of better this way. I'll see it totally unconditioned for what's coming. It might be more intense that way. I'll let you know.

I'll post my review here sometime next week.

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, my fellow Twilighters.

Bet you thought I forgot ya.

Hi Twilighters. I just bet you think that I, a fellow Twilighter, had forsaken you. Not so. I must say that I've been doing some heavy thinking though. I suppose you can say that I've been soul searching and figuring out how to proceed.

It's true that when I started this blog I was so full of opinions and suggestions pertaining to the Twilight Saga that I felt I would bust if I didn't immediately start getting it all out. And it's also true that lately I've been rethinking my motives. What is my ultimate goal for this blog?

Let's face it: there's only so much you can say about one franchise. I knew this when I started blogging. But I just loved the Twilight books so danged much that I didn't worry about the future.

My interest in Twilight has waned. This has been coming on for a while. At first I thought I'd just keep rereading the books to keep them fresh in my mind and blog about the intricacies of those. But since I've decided to expand my area of writing and attempt a novel (or 2.. or 3) I just haven't had the time to devote to multiple rereadings nor the enthusiasm to convince myself I should.

So instead I thought I'd come up with unique ways to blog about the Saga like the 'alternate cast' blogs. While I still find that a valid idea, I have had to postpone that recently due to other pressing obligations. And then, it seems that the longer I go without blogging, the easier it is to forget to feel guilty about not blogging.

One thing's for certain, when I started this blog I never had to feel guilty about not blogging because I wanted to blog here more than anything else.

But then two things happened: 1 - after the first movie opened I could never quite recoup that insanely exciting feeling leading up to the Twilight premiere and 2 - during those long months until the release of New Moon I wrote weekly installments of an unrelated story to post on this blog to pass time. The ratio of my excitement was displaced from blogging Twilight hype to writing my own story. It became painfully clear to me that although I loved blogging Twilight stuff, my heart's desire had become making my own way in the world of writing. I yearn to create my own characters, places, situations. And most of all, I yearn for an audience to appreciate my stories too.

As of right now I have no plans to abandon the Twilight Saga Blog. But I will also continue to nourish my career as a writer, which may cause more sporadic posts here and an eventual demise to this blog. But before I go, I will leave bread crumbs for you, mi amigos, to a new more inclusive blog that may contain posts relating to Twilight but will also include general thoughts not strictly related to one topic. I will forever be grateful to the Twilight Saga Blog and you all for giving me a forum to express my thoughts creatively and also for teaching me more than I've ever known before about writing for an audience, sparking an eternal passion for the written word.

Twilight Alternate Cast: Carlisle Cullen

Happy -almost- St. Patrick's Day Twilighters!!

I guess I've been on hiatus for a while, you know how life goes. But you've always been there in the back of my mind.

"I must post some quasi-interesting opinions on Twilight soon!", I'd say to myself.

Finally my self-inflicted peer pressure has won over. So here I am, at my own insistence and at the hand of my own intimidation tactics; I bring you the first of the alternate Twilight cast posts.

There is no significance to the order of the posts. I'm starting with Carlisle because I hadn't really given him or the fact that he is played by Peter Facinelli much thought. I am completely content with Peter playing Carlisle. As a matter of fact, I think he is one of the cast who actually is proud of every aspect of being involved with the Twilight franchise. He doesn't seem to mind the over zealous fans or dodging sunlight on his own time to remain pasty skinned. I think he does a fine job of being Carlisle. He portrays Carlisle with compassion and a hint of sensuality that is very appealing. Peter's look is distinct and for me there is no way to not associate him with Doctor Cullen now.

Because of Peter's total and inseparable meshing with the character of Carlisle, I've been inspired to go in a different direction. I chose a guy who is different than Peter in a lot of ways. I chose this particular guy because I've always liked him and so he remained a little nougat of dreamy goodness saved in the back of my brain.

For the part of Doctor Carlisle Cullen, I have chosen...

RUPERT FRIEND

A Friend-ly Carlisle

Many of you are (hopefully) aware of the yummy, quietly dignified English actor Rupert Friend. If not, allow me to jog your memory because you've probably seen him but maybe you don't remember you have. Give this young bloke a year or two and I'll bet everyone will know his name. He studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London and made his acting debut as Billy Downs opposite Johnny Depp in The Libertine. He's gotten steadily good reviews for his roles and he looks to be on the fast track to fame. He met his current sweetie Keira Knightley on the set of Pride & Prejudice and they seem a well suited English couple.

Although it's roles like Downs in The Libertine and Mr. Wickham in P&P that will bring him to the attention of the media and therefore, millions of screaming fans, my favorites showcase Rupert's subtle charm and dreamy leading man quality. If you really want to get a feel for Rupert Friend, I suggest watching Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont starring the wonderful Joan Plowright as Mrs. Palfrey, a woman who moves to a hotel for retirees (sort of an English version of an old folks home for upwardly mobile geriatrics). She has a daughter and grandson who don't give her a second thought, let alone visit her. So when Mrs. Palfrey bumps into a charming young gent while out on an errand, she propositions him to 'play' her grandson to placate her curious hotel mates who wonder why her grandson never visits. It's really a heartwarming story.

You also should rent The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Rupert has a supporting but memorable role in this film. It's a good movie, definitely worth watching. It's about a Nazi who, unbeknownst to his wife and two children, runs an Auschwitz style concentration camp. He decides to move his family from their mansion to an intimidating looking house a lot closer to the camp. Of course it's a bad idea and one they'll all regret. Check this film out, I think you'll enjoy it. And you really have to see Rupert rocking the Nazi soldier's uniform. He has to be the hottest Nazi soldier in history.

Overall, I think Rupert Friend would bring a different feel to the role of Carlisle. I believe he'd give Carlisle a depth that would make the viewer yearn to hear more about his past. Rupert's haunting blue eyes can have a hollowness that conveys 'secrets' that would serve the character well. He usually looks kindly and compassionate but when he's serious there is a dangerous edge to him. He's gorgeous, which all the Cullen's are supposed to be. He's light complected naturally so there would be nothing contrived about his pallor in the films. His features are angular and his body lean, which gives him a predatory air. Even though Carlisle doesn't hurt anyone, he is a predator none the less and would, in some ways, look it. The vampires in Meyer's novels are said to put humans off, like their nature speaks to humans in a subconscious, inherent way. Rupert can be intimidating (just watch The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas).

I really do think that Rupert Friend would look the part and play the part of Dr Cullen wonderfully. I think he'd give the character a different depth that would be really interesting to watch.

...And yes, I'm aware of the fact that he looks a bit like Orlando Bloom. So what's wrong with that?

Volvo's Ingenuous Idea: What Drives Edward

Volvo has jumped on the Twilight Saga bandwagon now too. And who better? I mean, one of the most memorable things about Edward is his shiny Volvo.

Stupid shiny Volvo driver! :)

I would say it would be a great oversight by the marketers for Volvo corporation to NOT do a campaign that is Twilight related. Talk about the perfect advertising storm!

Here's what Volvo has come up with:

Sign up for a chance to win 2 free tickets to the premiere of "Twilight Saga: New Moon" in L.A. on November 16th. By signing up, you can also play 'What Drives Edward' contest for a chance to win a shiny new Volvo XC60. Just like Edward's in New Moon!!!

Go to this site

Register to play - there are 6 stages of the Edward game

Play through the 6 stages to unlock the final puzzle

Be the first to solve the puzzle to WIN THE CAR!!

When you sign up, a cool pop up box informs you that 'A shiny new Volvo could be yours'. Nice... The first challenge is to put screen shots from the New Moon trailer in chronological order. I haven't had time to do it yet, so I don't know what comes next but I thought I'd put this out there so my fellow Twilighters can get cracking!

Good luck, friends.

PS - there is also a page with the high res trailer for New Moon. I am so hyped for the premiere! I cannot freaking wait. It'll blow Twilight outta the water. I mean it!

I'm in love with Edward all over again. Like the man himself, my love never dies... ;)

*tingling with anticipation...*

Howdy Fellow Twilighters!

Hi all! It's me! And not the narrative me that you've grown accustomed to over that past couple of months, ;)

I hope you are enjoying my story of Kate and David. The end of this lovely duo's journey is nearing! I had to break formation though and speak to you as a fellow Twi-Hard. If you've visited His Amber Eyes recently, you'll notice the countdown to the New Moon premiere in the right hand nav. Only 69 days left to go!!!

As the premiere nears, my story will wrap up and you'll see more posts regarding New Moon details and specifics - cast interviews, on set photos, video clips, trailers! Got to get the masses amped!!!! I feel it already, don't you?? What a wonderfully enticing year this has been so far, counting down to the end of our wait. I can tell you that I think New Moon is going to be ridiculously great!! We'll have to go see it twice as many times as we saw Twilight (right, Peggy? ;))

I know that I'll be torn between who I love best - Edward or Jacob. Just like when reading the book. You can tell from the newest video clips that the heat between Bella and Jacob.. AND Bella and Edward is going to be white hot!

So on to the real reason for this post: VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM NEW MOON! Yay!!!!

I, of course, have viewed it already and all I can tell you is I CAN NOT WAIT . . . !

Enjoy, friends :)

The Twilight Saga: New Moon 'Meet Jacob Black' Preview in HD

Get Your Hands On Edward!

Okay Twilighters, here's your chance to get your feverish little mitts on Edward. He's tangible, 3-D, smooth skinned and oh so cool! He doesn't even breathe! In theory he's exactly what we've all dreamed of, our very own Edward to own; to keep locked up in our bedroom and brought out whenever we want!

Unfortunately, this Edward is only 17 inches tall. The Edward doll by Robert Tonner is super neat but slightly outdone by the Bella doll who has a more realistic, interesting face. Tonner says more Twilight character dolls are to come.

I can't wait to see how the Jasper and Emmett dolls turn out. I'd like for Emmett to look like he was explained in the book, all boyish with springy brown curly hair!

In an interview with the Insider, Robert Tonner said "I'm having such a blast reading the books and getting to know all of the characters. I'm also reviewing movie stills, sculpting and designing. I'm completely immersed in their world."

Completely immersed in their world? Join the club, Robert.

Twilight the Graphic Novels

Hey Twilighters, I haven't forgotten about you! I am still working on bringing you more installments of my serialized story "It was a dark and stormy night...". But I wanted to tell you about something I read in Entertainment weekly: Twilight the Graphic Novel! Yay!

Graphic novels are wildly entertaining and gaining popularity like a snowball downhill. No longer are graphic novels the exclusive domain of geeky comic book lovers. Graphic novels are like really thick comic books that entail an entire story instead of serialized chapters published weekly or monthly. Twilighters have been asking for years that Twilight be made into a graphic novel and finally those prayers are answered. Not only will it be penned by renowned artist Young Kin but it will be closely edited by Stephenie Meyer herself.

The article said that this graphic novel is "essentially Meyer's brain on paper." She is reviewing every page and every panel to make sure that the novel remains true to her vision. How cool is that?

I'd read it just for sheer voyeuristic curiosity. To actually see what Stephenie saw when writing would be grand. I'm curious how my imagination upon reading her words differ from what she saw when writing them. No publication date has been announced yet.

And Now, for you're Viewing Pleasure...

Hi All,

Found this poem written by that busy scribe 'Anonymous', :D

These words seem suitable to accompany the beautiful images of Rob, as his angelic visage could indeed inspire such eloquent and thoughtful prose.

How do I love Thee; Must I tell ye

Is it fair that the Ancients know

What we still search to find

A love that is truly rare and bright

Such as that mirror of the Sun’s light

The Moon while it travels about

Bound to another; nor pain nor delight

Without the Sun’s light it goes

As a ball of dust in the blackness cold

So is my need for Thy light.

Yet, the Sun shines on it as ever

Its rays pass on beyond our reach

For the Sun can not beholden long

Scorching are its Rays

The Moon yet shines with that perfect glow

Making all other light pale when it is full

The Rays that he reflects are more;

Wondrous to Behold

Many are those who pass beneath

The light of the Rays reflected so

For to linger long or short

The Rays are kind to all

Thus as the Rays are soft

So is my love for thee

And as the Moon is Ancient
So shall my Love Remain

Gosh, that smile...

Happy Friday Twilighters!

And sweet dreams, courtesy of Mr. Edward Cullen :)

FINALLY - New Moon Set Photos!

Hi fellow Twilighters! I'm ecstatic to be bringing you new movie photos of Edward and Bella in Italy during shooting of the clock tower scene.

I'm almost speechless. I cannot comprehend how beautiful Rob is in these photos. He looks like the cover model for Vampire GQ. He's breaking my heart already. I can't anticipate this movie more!!

...Jacob who?

source

that's it... take it off...

nice pants...

2 words for you: 'treasure trail'

run bella, run!


Come here, you sparkly stud-muffin!


banzai!


lucky girl

lucky girl 2


is it just me or does it look like
Rob's channeling a Greek God here?

New Moon the Movie: differs from the book?

Just read that there definitely will be at least a few detours from the book in New Moon the movie. So far, it's nothing to ruffle your feathers over. So, settle down Twilighters.

Life & Style magazine states that in New Moon, when Bella plays the dare devil to conjure up the sweet voice of beloved Edward, the actual image of Edward will appear. This of course allows for more Edward screen time. Which apparently Summit and Chris Weitz believe is the key to continued success in the movie adaptation of the saga. Maybe it's just me, but I would enjoy the movie even if Edward was a 'no show' for the whole middle of the movie. Not that I won't LOVE seeing him in phantom-ish visions throughout. But just like in the book, we all anguished over his absence, and it made his return all the sweeter.

Whatever though. Either way I'm stoked to see it.

More On Edward & Jacob

Am I any closer to solving my dilemma of who I love the most, Edward or Jacob?

Nope.

But I will tell you that all this introspection has really got me in touch with what drives my feelings. It's not like it's a new thing for me, I pretty much set around thinking all the time, :D I'm an introverted kind of gal. I guess that's why you are reading this now. I formulate thoughts on something and it feels like it might bubble over if I don't get it out. Hence, blogging.

So anyway, back to Jacob and Edward. I'm reading Eclipse now and all this closeness between Edward and Bella is like a fix to a junkie. I can't get enough of it. And yet, when I put the book down to do annoyingly unavoidable stuff like, GO TO WORK, I find my mind drifting to Jacob.

Funny, isn't it? The story of Bella and Edward is what drives us all to turn those pages with vampire quick reflexes. Jacob's character may be considered by some readers as just a means to add friction and conflict to the story. But to me, he's that warm and fuzzy thing (literally) in the story that worms his way into my heart. His character, more so than any other besides Bella perhaps, grows (again, literally) and becomes more than what he starts out as. He's very human in that.

Through trial and triumph, his character develops. But he is always true to himself and looks at life through the eyes of an optimist. The light of his infectious happiness is addictive itself. Bella refers to Jacob as her own personal sun and I think that's an apt description of him. He has an undeniable pull for anyone lucky enough to be close to him, as any celestial body should. And I think that is one reason Jacob always nudges Edward out in my daydreams. I'm drawn in by his light, endearing, happy contentedness no matter how much my X chromosomes may demand that I yearn for the dark, complicated, brooding one.

These are all qualities that a real person could have. And even though he is no less fictitious than Edward, there is something inherently attainable about Jacob.

He may be a werewolf but his love is within the realm of believability. Edward's love is perfect and unerring. Edward's love is like him, to good to be true. Too good to even pretend to be true. And in that perfection lies the crux. His love is flawed in it's very nature. I find it hard to wrap my brain around such total consuming devotion. To my fantasizing mind, it's not even plausible to imagine such a love for myself. Because although I may be able to imagine a vampire or werewolf lover, I just can't seem to trick my head into believing anyone, human or otherwise, could honestly express feelings like Edward has for Bella.

Maybe that says more about me than it does about the love itself. Maybe it's a sign of some inner self deprecating notion. Maybe it's a sign of self contempt. ...I think I like me. I think it's more to do with my lack of ever finding what I've been looking for. I've had relationships. But I've never experienced any relationship that complimented or completed me in the fashion that Edward and Bella's love completes them.

And I know now that that has something to do with why I get so emotionally involved with the books. And why I feel so destitute every time I finish reading them. I am elated while reading. My mind pushes to the side the fact that I yearn for that kind of love and will never find it. Instead I focus on enjoying my voyeuristic view into this most coveted of fictional lives. I stave off the heartache of reality until the end, when I have no choice but to evaluate my own life in comparison, whether I want to or not. It just sort of happens.

Freshly after reading the saga, it's painfully obvious that I feel like something is missing. Not in a panicky kind of way either. In the sense that although I am totally content, I know that my experiences would be heightened if I had that perfect of soul mates to share each day with. I may step onto the porch to enjoy a beautiful moonlit night, or wonder at the invigorating electricity of a rainy day. No matter what, all things would be better if I could share it with an Edward, or especially a Jacob.

That's all the insight (ha ha) I have for right now. But be warned, my emotions run the gamut every other minute and I'm always on the precipice of an epiphany. So tomorrow's post may contradict this one completely.

Until next time, dream on fellow Twilighters.

6 of Jacob Half a Dozen of Edward

Er, you know the old saying '6 of one, half a dozen of the other'. That's where I'm at right now in regards to picking a camp. Am I a wolf girl or vamp chick? I thought for sure during the first 2/3s of New Moon that I was leaning toward Team Jacob. But when Bella rescues Edward in Volterra, Italy, his love is so consuming and intoxicating and even more focused and on fire than before he broke her heart that it's extremely hard to resist him. It's no wonder women all over the world are enamoured of Edward.

How can we not be?? He's just so committed ...and there. I love him, I swear it. He melts my heart. His attentiveness is addictive instead of smothering. There was something triumphant about his return. I realized that throughout the whole book, on some level, it's what I was actually looking forward to. It kind of snuck up on me.

It seems impossible that Stephenie Meyer conceived of such a love, I've never heard of anything on this level in the real world, unfortunately. I can believe she is a devout Mormon. A concept of love so pure has to come from a devotedly loving mind.

Okay, just thought I'd share with you my state of mind as I continue traveling on the wonderful journey of the fictitious lives that touch me, and all of us, in such a real way.

More later Twilighters.

It's Happening Again

Hey fellow Twilighters. Just a quick note to let you know that yes, it's happening to me again. The hopelessness and obsession picked right back up where it left off before. There should be warning labels on these books!

Oddly enough, it didn't start during Twilight. It started during New Moon, which has me believing that I might fancy Jacob a little more than I do Edward.

~GASP!~

Please don't lynch me. I'm still muddling through my reaction to the books this time. I'll formulate a more accurate diagnosis a while later after I sort it all out. But for now I am seriously wondering if I'm a Team Jacob.

Stephen King on Stephenie Meyer!

Calm down Twilighters, it's not as dirty as it sounds. But it is pretty bad. During a recent interview, epic popular writer Stephen King was asked his opinion of current chart topping writers, in particular J. K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer. In Stephen King's eloquent style, he surmised that "Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good.”

Now Steve, you are breaking my heart. I only hope that if I am ever lucky enough to have anything published that my style either appeals to you or you never read it. I can only imagine what Stephenie thinks of your comments. Although, I doubt she puts as much weight on your meandering talky-talk as I do. For I've grown up loving and respecting your work, and have been inspired by it. However, I will tell you, dear Mr. King, that I have never once read one of your books that I felt I couldn't put down (Although Cell came close). As is the case with Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga. And not one book in particular, take your pick; Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse or Breaking Dawn. I had to have more, couldn't stop! Her writing is so addictive that as I neared the end of the saga, I (like a LOT of Twilighters) become melancholy at the thought of having no more of Stephenie's wonderful words to consume.

I am surprised that Steven King would be so hasty to write off Meyer's writing ability with such finality. Especially since he was considered a hack by many critics for a long time before finally gaining the respect he deserves. I would think he'd show some empathy for new writers, having been denied it himself.

Why is he saying that Stephenie's not a very good writer? I have my suspicions. I wonder if in his old age he's become a snobby elitist who sets high atop his mountain of money and picks apart the efforts of others writers. Maybe when he says she's not a good writer, he's referring to technical aspects of her writing. You know, the stuff that no one cares about except other elitist writers. For example, he may be saying that there are grammatical errors. Or he may be focusing on sentence structure - Meyer's does have an annoying habit of incessantly using em dashes throughout her prose - or maybe even the meandering uncohesiveness of plot development.

What King is overlooking is that 17 million (and counting) readers can't all be wrong. Meyer's writing has merit if so many people get enjoyment from it time and time again. Her writing evokes such loyalty that her fans are somewhat, um, fanatical. And we're not just talking about 'the girls' Stephen mentioned. There are boys, Twilight Moms, twenty somethings, thirty somethings; heck there's 40, 50, 60+ somethings out there pining over Edward, Jacob and the world of Forks, WA.

So, in summation, I have to ask: Is Stephen King saying that all of us who love the prose of a writer he thinks "can’t write worth a darn" are literary cretins? That's kind of how I feel; like my love is baseless in his eyes.

Not cool, Steve, not cool.

Just Some Thoughts

As I read Twilight some more, I realized how much I liked the Cullen house, and how very different the movie house was. I remember thinking that the movie house was very cold feeling and sort of corporate like. I didn't love it at all. Some houses have such character that they become a staple of what makes a movie work. I love the old colonial feel of the house in the book. If you want to see an example of what I mean, watch the movie Just Like Heaven (one of my all time faves!). Reese Witherspoon's character's apartment building in that film was one of my favorite things about the flick.

I was also reading where Edward explains Carlisle's early life after becoming a vampire. About how he never fed on humans and he is so pure of heart that it took Edward 10 years to decide to go against him and try hunting humans. I got to thinking, I'd really like to read a story about Carlisle 'falling off the wagon'. I'd really just like to see him get nasty, take out a few humans. Then deal with the aftermath and his remorse and so on.. Would be interesting I believe.

I'd also like to see a story about Alice and Jasper. To me, next to Bella and Edward, these two are the most interesting. I love Jasper, it's no secret and I love Alice too (albeit for different reasons). Jasper is one hot Southern gent of a vamp and I'd like all the gory details of their relationship and how they came together the first time when Alice was waiting on him. Also, maybe Alice's history behind being turned could be expounded upon. One thing's for sure, I'd rather read about anyone other than that freaky relationship brewing between Jacob and Renesmee. I don't care to go there ever. I couldn't care less to ever hear that tale. It's creepy to me. I love Jacob dearly and I'd like to see him with someone else. Maybe he meets a lady a little older than him, like late twenties.. I'll have to give it some thought to figure out what kind of woman would be suitable for my Jacob.

That's all for now, I'll yak at you later my fellow Twilighters!!

Don't you believe it, Twilighters!

What a sadistically cruel April Fool's joke! It's been circulating around the Internet on blogs and other sources that RPattz won't return to New Moon as Edward, instead to be replaced by (steady there, gag reflex) Zac Efron. I will spare you the rant on why I really can't stand this Zac Efron character.. (Focus, self) Okay. You may have read this, or varying stories about Rob doing a Houdini, but don't you believe it.

Rob isn't crazy enough to abandon his sweet gig and we love him for it. No matter what revolving door policy Summit Entertainment has for directors, or budget stinginess they may display, they ain't gonna mess with the smartest decision they've made in regards to bringing the saga to the screen. And that is the magic of casting Robert Pattinson as Edward. That right there is the cash cow. Any way you slice it, he's the draw. Tell me your heart didn't beat a little faster the first time his angelic visage graced the screen.

Sure I can't wait to see how Taylor Lautner looks after pumping iron like a maniac for 8 months and I especially wanna see what the Volturri turn out like but one thing is certain: I mostly cannot wait to get a glimpse of Edward again. There are lines uttered by Edward in the book that I've dreamed to hear spoken aloud. Sigh...

Now for you're pleasure (and mine), have a gander of RPattz in the April issue of GQ:

(Click on images for larger)

Okay, very nice...

Mmm, oh my!!


















Oh dear Lord, is it getting warm in here?!















Holy Schnikeys! I can't take this!




















Gah!!! I'm dead. I've died of sheer eye candy pleasure. RIP me.

Twilight, all mine!

Hi Twilighters. Did you all go out like good little obsessive fans and get your copy of the Twilight DVD? Me too!

I was really really lucky though. Because I have a friend (Peggy) who owns a school building. And in that school building is a projector and surround sound.

Well, the Saturday that Twilight came out on DVD, she invited me over to once again enjoy Twilight on the big screen. It was great! Like a private screening. The only thing that could have been better is if Rob had been there to hold me close during the scary parts. :D

We watch the special features included with the movie. We were in Twi-hard Heaven!

I've just gone out and got my copy of the movie. I know, I'm late. But better late than never. And even though I've seen the movie like, 5 (or is it 6?) times now, I am yet to get into my PJ's, snuggle up in my favorite chair, and devour every detail once again. This time, I'll pause on my favorite images (Edward), rewind my favorite scenes (baseball field, bedroom) and finally just absorb the movie on a level that wasn't possible in the theater. Then, I'll retire it to the shelf where it'll await the arrival of it's counterparts.

We were all anxiously awaiting the DVD release of Twilight, and now that we've gotten that, we can turn our attention to anxiously awaiting the movie release of New Moon and more Edward.

Chris Weitz to Direct New Moon

Well, folks, it's a done deal. Summit Entertainment has signed Chris Weitz to direct New Moon. Those unfamiliar with the name or face should know that he directed American Pie and The Golden Compass. I suppose he's a satisfactory director. But as far as I can tell he holds no special powers in story telling like 3 of my favorites: Sam Raimi, Tim Burton or Guillermo Del Toro. I mean, you know when you are watching a Guillermo Del Toro flick, no question about it! I singled out those 3 directors because they are masters at spinning fanciful, mystical stories. In my mind I can imagine how each of them would leave their distinctive mark on New Moon, or Twilight for that matter. It'd be cool, that's all I'm saying. I suppose that Chris Weitz will do ok. I gotta rag on him a minute because it's hard for me to fathom the delicate budding teenage emotions of New Moon being handled correctly by the guy who directed American Pie. I was really nervous until I read the letter Weitz wrote to the Twilight Saga fans. Apparently many other Twilighters had misgivings for he felt compelled to placate us all with a heart felt letter (posted on Stephenie Meyer's website):

Dear fans of Twilight, New Moon, Bella, Edward and Jacob,

In the past few days I have been involved in a whirlwind romance with Stephenie Meyers’ extraordinary books.
And I am very grateful to have received her permission to protect New Moon in its translation from the page to the screen.
For fans of the books and of the film of Twilight, this may come as an unexpected twist. So I want to write briefly to try to put you at ease, and to give you reason to hope for and expect the best.
For the last decade of my career as a director, I have chosen to make adaptations of complex and involved works of literature. This has always begun with the love of a book and its characters, story, and theme; and it has always involved a respect of and responsiveness to the feelings of other people who loved those books.
When I saw the film of Twilight, I was alternately entranced and left hungry for more. I was also struck by the extraordinary passion for the characters, story and theme that was evident in the people sitting in the seats around me. My job is to live up to that devotion.
Like many of you, I am a fan of Catherine Hardwicke’s work. I can’t really say much about why she is not doing New Moon because I wasn’t involved in those decisions. But I can say that I will devote myself to making the very best and most faithful version of New Moon that can be brought to the screen. To those who doubt that as a male director I can capture Bella’s experience, I can only say that emotion is universal and that my work has often involved working with some of the most talented actresses in the world.
For the rest, the proof will have to be in the pudding. But I promise to remain responsive to your hopes and fears.
I thank you for this opportunity and for your faith.
Very best,
Chris Weitz

I admit, the letter from Weitz did wonders in softening my contrary position. I promise all of you that I won't dwell on whining about what in my opinion is a directorial misstep on the part of Summit. Unless Weitz does something stupid, then all bets are off.

If any one's interested, Chris Weitz starred in a movie once. It's pretty creepy, hope he didn't write it! It's called Chuck & Buck.

Twilight Gross to date: $214,568,151

Hey all!

Just read, according to http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=twilight08.htm Twilight has grossed $214,568,151 worldwide so far. AND it's still playing in some theaters. As a matter of fact, yours truly plans to see it one more time tomorrow afternoon. That's number 4 for me :) So, for any of you other Twilighters going to the 4 o'clock viewing at Colony Square Mall in Zanesville, see you there! Yay, Twilight!!!!!! My fervor for all things Twilight is waning so I suppose as soon as I finish the Christopher Moore novel I'm reading I will get out the saga and once again immerse myself into the wonderful world of Forks, Washington. Look out Edward, here I come!