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,

Teeny, tiny confession:"it's on like Donkey Kong!"

First off, a great big thank you again to all my blogging friends who have left dear comments and have kindly checked in on me/us.  My mom is doing as well as she can and her friends and family have been keeping up with her and loving on her too. 


Last night, after a family busy weekend (cousins, in laws, fishing, grilling, hanging out) I sat back a moment and watched some TV with my family.  And my confession?:

I love the Amazing Race.  I have watched it every year since it started and was totally involved in the premise of 12 couples on a world wide scavenger hunt for a million dollars.  Unlike my unfave: Survivor, these couples don't just sit around, have game show challenges, and fakey tribe meetings.  Typically the pairs (marrieds, dating, friends, siblings, parents/children..whatever) perform a challenge, find a clue, search for historical sights that fit the region/country and spread their wings personally and culturally. 

But this year David and I have a favorite team that has become one of our all time faves:
Jet and Cord McCoy:

Twenty-something cowboy brothers from small town Oklahoma that race in cowboy hats and jeans, constantly have each others' backs, are encouraging to each other no matter the situation and above all find humor and good in times of testing.  They have "it" people, they are men of "good character". 

And on the plus-iest of sides they are so funny.  One time, when at the mat with the host, Phil Keoghan, commented to them that a challenge, playing drums, had been fairly troublesome for them.  Jet's answer? "Yea, we don't play musical instruments. The only musical thing I ever played was the radio."

And the Donkey Kong quote, was from Cord on the promo for next week's finale (CBS, Sunday May 9th at 7pm Texas time) when the McCoys race against the last two teams for the million dollars.  They are supposed to do some kind of video game task and thus Cord's response to the challenge said in his distinctive country nasal twang.  I told the girls that, that was gonna be my quote from now on when we have family game nights.   "Girls, it's on like Donkey Kong!" Eyes were rolling all over the place.