Quotable....

Quotable....



Robert Frost

The best way out is always through.





Monday, November 15, 2010

The Boy Who Lived...my countdown to Friday


I can't tell you how much I have toiled over this post, or how ridiculously silly I feel saying so, but seeing as the day to the US premiere of the Harry Potter film is approaching (November 19th at a theater near YOU..I am sure!) I want to be on task about something bloggy around here, and yes, please excuse me, I chose Harry Potter...and if you have not met him...Please, pretty please, let me introduce you. 
Harry and his owl, Hedwig

I have watched Harry Potter from when it first came out in 2001 and so enjoyed the movies, that finally, this past summer, Harry Potter in JK Rowling's words, was a constant companion on my nightstand.  And, I even got my hubby to crack open the last large tome (7th book) in order to be "in the know" for these last two movies. 

I know, I know.  Yes, I am nearly 40....a late comer to the Harry Potter fan base for sure.  No one that knows me would expect to find me tucked in bed late at night pouring over this book series, or hoping to be the first in line for the movie.   I find myself missing Harry, Ron and Hermione (the main 3 characters) and reading/watching their friendship be tested evolve, and strengthen.   
The trio in the their Hogwarts common room

 Author J.K. Rowling deftly weaves her tale of Harry (The Boy Who Lived) the unloved and unappreciated orphan raised by unkind aunt and uncle, who only until he turns 11, finds he has all along had magical powers passed down to him by his wizard mom and dad, who died fighting the "evil" wizard Lord Voldemort and his lot of dastardly followers.  And though Harry was not but a year old He Lived!, tho' Voldemort tried to strike him down, because his mother shielded him from the curse and in her death her love saved Harry and took out Voldy....or so they thought...this is where the first book starts. 

From the first book to the last we join Harry in discovering this wizarding world that is a marvel of author JK Rowling's wonderful imagination.  Hogwarts (boarding/wizarding school that young wizards in training attend beginning at age 11) comes to life, set in an enchanted castle in the hills of Scotland, Quidditch is a thrilling sport, Rowling's complete creation, as it is played on broomsticks, and Diagon Alley is a shopping wizard's "downtown" of sorts that is "magically" tucked away from Muggles (we non-magical folk) off one of central London's narrow alleys.....BUT before I lose you amidst the new words, places, and names in the book you must know that the strongest themes in all the books are the triumph of Good over evil, Friendship, Faith, Courage, Loyalty, and above all Love. 
Diagon Alley

I loved that the books, though taking us into a wizarding world did not involve any Satanic leanings....simply the truths of good vs. evil.  That the wizarding world is a combo of the old fashioned principles + magic.  There is not a TV, computer, smartphone or even rotary dial to be found in Hogwarts.  Harry and the lot send notes on parchment carried by messenger owls, roaring fires light and warm all the rooms, and they dine by candlelight (albeit magical candles that float above their heads in the great hall's rafters, like stars). 
Hogwarts Great Hall alighted

I even delighted in being immersed in the language of some English colloquialisms and Rowling-speak like when a character has a "crazy" idea, he is being "mental", or when a "whoa!" could be exclaimed we hear a "Merlin's beard!"  I found myself wishing I could say "Accio"-purse (accio being a fetching charm to bring things to you), such was the magic of the literary world I became familiar with. 

So, there you go....my explanation of why I have a giddy anticipation for the forthcoming film and wish I could be in the crazy cold line at the first night's midnight showing but my reality of 3 kiddos needing sleep on a school night and me, well, being almost 40 and I most certainly needs my beauty sleep...SO I will be there at a more respectable time on the first DAY, and maybe just maybe sporting the Harry spectacles with a lightening bolt drawn on my forehead in honor of the occasion...

as always

In Christ,

8 comments:

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

I think it would be more exciting to go at NIGHT ... Oh yeah you are really old :-) :-) .... I am a lot older than you .. .

I have to be very honest , not read one word of Harry Potter .. I don't understand it to be very truthful.. I do hope that you get too see :-) xx

Jenny said...

Hello Anne! Sorry if I went on about the age thing but I just seem to think that I am out of the traditional target demographic for a fan. And yes, I would love to go at night too. Now, I could not get "into" the Twilight series, but I do love this stuff, like yikes, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and the like along with the regular stuff with a little highbrow fare along the way...hope this wasn't too much tho...thank you so much as always for the visit.

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Jenny,
Alas, I have not read the series, but there are so many times when I wish I had. I'm always going places here in England where someone will point out that a scene from one of the movies was filmed there. The world premiere was here in town last week, and it's opening this week here in London too. Hope it exceeds your every expectation!

Enjoy,
Debi

Jennifer K said...

Hi Jenny, cute post! I saw the first Harry Potter movie and liked it, but didn't really get drawn into it much. I think I would get more into it if I read the books. I'm more of a book person.
Oh, and I'm older than you too!

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Hello Jenny ...there are lots of other ladies I know of your age who love Harry Potter too.. :-) No you didn't go on about the age thing.. either .. We can all like what we want to really, what makes us happy might not be another persons like .. I love to read just normal Chick Lit books.. or travel books .. especially France and Italy .. ! God Bless and thanks for all your wonderful comments too :-) xx

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Jenny!!! Oh, what a long day at work, having started out today LATE because I woke up sick! SO here I am, finally, able to come to visit with you and thank you for visiting me today! Your kind words are sweet to my soul and I TOO LOVE HARRY POTTER! We have all the movies and they are delightful. How are you dearest? You are always welcome to come and chat. Enjoy your evening! Anita

Jenny said...

Hello Debi!! I am sure I will update once I see it. Thank you for stopping by and if you ever do read some Harry Potter let me know what you think....I know you will love it.

JenniferK...thanks for encouraging me along. Yes, do read the books, when you have the odd moment. I feel pretty sure that if you are gonna get hooked the first one should do it. Hope your week is going well.

Hey again Anne...oh, yeah, I am all about the chick lit, too.

Anita...ah, a comrade in my love of the Potter films..I would have never guessed. I just told my husband that surely when the last one comes out in July the next Christmas I should see a definitive collectors set of all 8 films under the tree...guess we should start saving now...heehee. You are always so kind and I do hope you are feeling better soon....thank you for the visit.

Jenny said...

Hello Debi!! I am sure I will update once I see it. Thank you for stopping by and if you ever do read some Harry Potter let me know what you think....I know you will love it.

JenniferK...thanks for encouraging me along. Yes, do read the books, when you have the odd moment. I feel pretty sure that if you are gonna get hooked the first one should do it. Hope your week is going well.

Hey again Anne...oh, yeah, I am all about the chick lit, too.

Anita...ah, a comrade in my love of the Potter films..I would have never guessed. I just told my husband that surely when the last one comes out in July the next Christmas I should see a definitive collectors set of all 8 films under the tree...guess we should start saving now...heehee. You are always so kind and I do hope you are feeling better soon....thank you for the visit.

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