Word Wednesday by KM Wilsher

WORD WEDNESDAY
Have you missed it?
WORD WEDNESDAY is not a Bible study, sermon or deep devotional, just a place to reflect on a verse or passage that may have touched us this week.

Psalm 35
1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin
against those who pursue me.
Say to my soul,
"I am your salvation."
_______________________________
These are rough times.

* My sister in Christ is seperated from her husband for 15 more months.
* My other sister, a single mother, is without car and in refi negotiations for her house.
* My other sister's daughter went to live with her father for now.
* Another sister is unemployed.

Speak to us oh Lord, as we wait upon you, comfort us, strenghthen us.

What are you reading this week?

Monday at the Movies

Here is a random movie review I wrote. :)

Paul Blart: Mall Cop On DVD June 2009 Comedy
This is an “out there”, sweet comedy about an overweight, over 35 year old man who is unable to graduate the police academy due to health issues. So he takes a job as mall security.
A single father, Paul Blart, takes his security job very seriously, so seriously he ignores his social life, health and his own happiness. As he stumbles on a hot girl working at the kiosk in the mall selling wigs, he also stumbles into the middle of the crime of the century.
Mall Cop is good for a few laughs and a couple of eye rolls. It is not wholesome but does not have any wild sex scenes or lines full of cussing. I loved Kevin James in Hitch, and he does well with this character (Sorry never watched King of Queens)
Rent Paul Blart: Mall Cop if you are looking for a couple of laughs but expect to roll your eyes too.
2 ½ out of 5 stars **

GOODBYE TO BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER 2009

Tuesday 9/22 was the last day of summer ~ Can you believe it?
Welcome Fall 2009.

Thank you so much for visiting BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER by KM Wilsher. Starting Father’s Day/ Summer Solstice 2009 and ending this past Tuesday, the Autumn Equinox.

(Ending with my first participation in the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog tour!
CLICK HERE TO SEE DONITA K PAUL'S LIBRARY Contest AND HER BOOK THE VANISHING SCULPTOR)

If you missed BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER,

CLICK HERE FOR BACK COVER BLURBS a study in back cover blurbs spotlighting published and unpublished writers. Thanks to all who participated.

FOR KM Wilsher’s TOP 3 MOVIE PICKS OF SUMMER 2009
CLICK HERE FOR NUMBER 1
CLICK HERE FOR NUMBER 2
CLICK HERE FOR NUMBER 3

CLICK HERE FOR KM WILSHER’S TOP RENTAL PICKS OF SUMMER 2009

CLICK HERE FOR the most popular song in BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER, SUMMER SONGS series SHACKLES by MARY MARY.

CLICK HERE for my first ever participation in the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog tour spotlighting THE VANISHING SCULPTOR by DONITA K. PAUL.

CLICK HERE to see BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER 2009 OPENING POST the Father's Day post - a pic from 1970/me as a baby and my daddy!

You know, I started this blog to get my name out there and my writing out there. Thank you so much for coming to visit me. Godspeed!

Stay tuned for KM Wilsher’s 2009 HOLIDAY SERIES.

The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K Paul

I am so excited to have joined the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour. This is my first post with CSFF. Make sure to visit the links and support Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy. Thank you!

The Vanishing Sculptor Donita K Paul

The Vanishing Sculptor. Is that a great title or what? I have not yet read The Vanishing Sculptor, but I have a few friends that are die hard DragonKeeper fans, and their recommendations have motivated me to read this book by the Queen of DragonKeepers, Donita K Paul.

The Vanishing Sculpture takes place in the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicle series, only earlier and in a different location. Young, insecure Tipper, a female emerlindian, is shocked when her sculptor father disappears. In his absence, the family estate falls apart, along with Tipper’s mother’s health. Tipper is forced to sell her father’s artwork in order for them to survive. When she discovers that she has inadvertently put her father in danger, it looks as if Tipper, alone, must save her father. But, with the help of some colorful companions, Tipper and her friends set out to save her father’s life. On their way, they not only find adventure, wizards and unusual librarians, but also miracles and grace.

***
Some things I’ve heard about The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K Paul:

The Vanishing Sculptor is right up there with the rest of the books in the Dragonkeeper series.

I love that this book takes place in a different time and country, but still has a couple of the old characters. I won't say who, but they brought a smile to my face!

If you loved the DragonKeepers series, you will love this book. If you haven't read the series...do.
***

I read the first chapter on Donita’s website. I broke out into a joyful laugh over the character: Beccaroon, a very large parrot. I really liked the author’s description of the main character, Tipper -–The colors that Tipper had “decorated her face” with and the “fancy braid that started at the crown of her head”. The first chapter looks like we are in store for some truly interesting and alluring characters.

Please head over to the following places to get more information about Donita K Paul’s book The Vanishing Sculptor.

CLICK HERE TO buy the book, The Vanishing Sculptor

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Donita Paul’s Web site
CLICK HERE TO GO TO Donita Paul’s blog

MAKE SURE TO TOUR THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Rachel Briard
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Linda Gilmore
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen (posting later in the week)
Nissa
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Crista Richey
Cheryl Russell
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams
KM Wilsher


My favorite quote from a friend regarding the author:
Mrs. Paul is the only author for which I own a t-shirt. It's got a picture of a dragon on it, and says, "Look wise, say nothing, and eat only those who annoy you."

Look what Donita K. Paul said...
Man, I just realized I should have asked you all to promote the library contest we are running. You could win a box of WaterBrook books or a visit from me to your library (public or school.) Check out the front page of my website. www.donitakpaul.com.

FRIDAY FLIX, DVD, BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER by KM Wilsher

Top Video Rentals for Summer 2009
FRIDAY FLIX
BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER 2009
A Summer Series by KM Wilsher

#1 ROBIN HOOD SEASON 2
Robin Hood season 1 was good. I enjoyed the modern look to the costuming, and, of course, I love the Robin Hood story. All the merry band of do gooder thieves: Little John, Robin, Marian. The old familiar enemies, like the sheriff of Nottingham and Guy of Gisborne. However, it is Robin Hood season 2 that I recommend to you.

I adore these characters. I love to hate Nottingham’s sheriff. Seriously, this character is fresh, and funny. Marion is a new kind of Marion, strong, independent, and capable. Not a princess in a dress waiting for her knight in shining armor. Robin is believable. He has an intricate past and emotion and arrogance – strength and flaws.

There are many great adventures in this 4 disc set. So add it to your Netflix queue, you’ll be glad you did.

#2 DEFIANCE

Based upon a true story, Defiance was like a blending of Schindler’s list and a post-apocolyptic thriller.

As the Nazi’s begin to round up Jews, or kill them, three brother’s escape into the ubiquitous Belarussian woods, only to find they are not the only Jews hiding there. When the three discover more Jews, they are forced to make a decision: Will they make these “others” their competition in the fight for survival, or will the join together in the battle against the Nazi’s and the elements of nature?

I am purchasing this one. It is an imperative addition to my knowledge of faith, history, and the human condition.

Honorable mentions for Summer 2009 DVD:
Love story? AUSTRALIA An epic love story with Casa Blanca style.

In the mood for hokey? THE KING’S GUARD A fun loving fantasy --- A mixture of A Knights Tale and The Princess Bride.

With the kids? THE RAILWAY CHILDREN must watch with the kids!
And the horror fantasy? UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS (**THIS IS AN ADULT THEMED FILM - NOT FOR KIDS **)

EYE OF THE WORLD by Robert Jordan, a review by KM Wilsher, BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER

BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Book Review

Robert Jordan EYE OF THE WORLD from the Wheel of Time Series

Did you love Lord of the Rings? Do you still hail the chief: JRR Tolkien?

Robert Jordan has created a world much like middle earth. Names, characters, enemies and lands ~ all reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.

My Synopsis: Meet Rand Al’thor, a teen citizen of the cozy, medieval town called Two Rivers.

Rand is almost as likeable as Frodo and Harry Potter. Just the son of farmer, in a tight-knit community full of tradition, folklore and epic legend; but Rand Al’thor also struggles with the mundane, his day-to-day chores and; of course, the awkward, social growing pains of any normal young man. But is Rand a normal medieval young man?

While going about his days on the farm, Rand begins to notice stalking shadowmen on the horizon. And on the eve of the traditional, annual festival, Two Rivers is ambushed by an army of magical beasts called Trollocs. The baneful creatures are searching for a certain person – and it looks like that person may be Rand, or one of his best friends: Matrim Cauthon or Perrin Aybara.

This devastating, life changing, siege on Two Rivers propels Rand and his friends on a journey far from home. Protected by the good and magic, Moiraine Modred, and her Warder Al’Lan. Well, Moiraine is magic, but is she truly good?

As this group -- travels through many, dulcet lands; uncovers curious secrets; witnesses legends come to life; meets exotic people; and learns to battle unimaginable foes – they all must learn to trust each other and themselves, while not only try to escape evil, but end it for good.

My Review: I enjoyed this great, epic adventure. Robert Jordan’s characters drew me in, as did his Tolkien-like locations. A friend, Avily Jerome, said something like, “Robert Jordan only has to give you a few images, and he sets you directly into his world.” It’s true. Robert Jordan can truly paint your way into a whole other universe.

I enjoyed his transitions and hope to learn from them. With one paragraph, Robert Jordan can transport you from one scene to the next, one week to the next, one town to the next, one battle to the next, etc. Literally awe-inspiring. I feel like this book was a study in master story telling.

The only complaint I have is that Robert Jordan took me to two destinations too many. I was ready for the crowning point a few chapters before it appeared. But don't let that keep you from reading. Robert Jordan is at the top of this genre.

EYE OF THE WORLD is the first in the WHEEL OF TIME’s series of 12 books. And I am confident the late Mr. Jordan only gets better from here - so I have dusted off my bookshelf, just in case.

Do you have Robert Jordan on your bookshelf?

THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE #3, Monday at the Movies, BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER by KM Wilsher

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Trailer

BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER
MONDAY at the MOVIES
-Count them down with KM Wilsher
NUMBER THREE MOVIE OF SUMMER 2009
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

I truly expected TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN would take third place this summer. But no, TRANSFORMERS 2 is a sellout. Sold out to what you ask? Instead of trusting in its compelling characters and strong story, this group of creators sold out to obscene humor, lewd images, and fraudulent action scenes. I cannot endorse it -- I sat embarrassed in the seat between my teen nephew and my dad wishing I’d gone to see ICE AGE with my niece.(Tell us how you really feel, KM. hee hee)

Ok, THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE, was not one of my favorite sections of the JK Rowlings’ Harry Potter series, and so I didn’t know if it would be one of my top movies this summer. Not because the story is awful, or the characters are not adorable, but because it is dark. Not scary dark, I can handle that, but emotional dark. I will never forget my heart ripping apart as I closed the book version of THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE, and so I did not look forward to seeing it on screen. Can poor Harry lose anything more without losing everything he holds dear?

But to my delight, Harry’s sixth cinema installment was thoroughly entertaining. The colors and style of the cinematography were delightful. Sitting in the theater, it felt like a reunion of old, dear friends.

What did I love about HARRY POTTER THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE?

The characters for one. I feel like I’ve watched these kids grow up. Their first day at school, first kiss, their first final exam week. Their developing friendships and shocking discoveries that all in life is not fair. I’ve watched their doubts and fears grow into strengths -- only to uncover new weaknesses to overcome.

The big picture for two. This world that JK Rowlings created is fascinating and believable. Enough real mixed in with fantasy to delight even the most negative of viewers. The fight between good and evil is addicting. I want to see the guys in the white hats win, despite the ground the guys in the black hats threaten to gain.

If this is your first Harry Potter story, don’t judge the whole series by it. Go back to the beginning and watch/read them all. As in life, there are seasons that are not fulfilling. Whole years that seem like “all is lost”. Thus is the content of THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE. You have to see it to appreciate Rowlings’ saga.

So at number 3, I say, “If you haven’t given JK Rowlings’ world a taste, dive in.”

THE SKY CHRONICLES WHEN THE SKY FELL, a review, BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER by KM Wilsher

BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER
THE SKY CHRONICLES WHEN THE SKY FELL by MIKE LYNCH AND BRANDON BARR
A review by KM Wilsher

My synopsis: A couple hundred years in the future, Earth is on the brink of destruction at the hands of an evil alien race like you have never seen. The only man brave enough to stop the annihilation, is Commander Frank Yamane. And Yamane’s only hope lies in an enemy he defeated a few years prior. Can he trust his old rival to aid him in Earth’s salvation?

After a heart pounding prologue (see my review of the prologue/first chapter here) I connected with THE SKY CHRONICLES: WHEN THE SKY FELL characters right away. The two main characters Yamane and Kershaw were the kind of men I like to think hold high ranks in our very own US Military. They are reflective men with a strong sense of patriotism and a great love of duty, their country, and their crew. Whereas most characters I’ve encountered in these roles are driven by dark revenge, these two are light characters driven by purpose, duty and the greater good. Refreshing.

I could really relate with Yamane’s adoration for the planets and stars and all of creation. I could also relate to his adoration of ships and star fighters – I have been a somewhat muscle-car junkie my whole life and I love to put the pedal to the metal.

I liked how the authors explored what I called the character’s "alien/space theology". I mean the age old questions of: What is over the next rise? Who is on the other side of the mountain? And who can lay claim to territory?

Mike Lynch and Brandon Barr are brilliant minds. I am fascinated by their technical jargon that reminded me of algebra and geometry. I trusted them with every parabolic curve, and longitude and latitude. Mike and Brandon can give you a space battle – for sure!

Faith is evident through the whole book. In fact, in the later middle, When the Sky Fell’s spiritual elements blossom, pulling from the New Testament of the bible. The authors took a few unexpected, entertaining turns that truly did make me smile.

The only negative thing I would have to say is that I couldn’t get a handle on the big battle plan. I know there was a big picture (battle plan) in the mind of the characters as they moved toward the climax, but I couldn’t follow it. Meaning some of the skirmishes were reduced to fireworks, blasters, and questions about how much power does the ship have. To be fair, this could have just been my reading skills.

I hope lots of science fiction fans get a hold of this book. I think faithful sci-fi fans will love this space opera. Lots of Skyjackets, unique aliens, and great spaceships! I know I did. And, though I’ve said it before, I say it again, “You got to buy this book.” (I know Mike and Brandon have more novels on the way! Keep an eye out!)

(Click here to purchase THE SKY CHRONICLES WHEN THE SKY FEEL by MIKE LYNCH and BRANDON BARR)

Thank you Mike Lynch and Brandon Barr for such a wonderful ride.

Terminator: Salvation #2, Monday at the Movies, BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER by KM Wilsher

BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER
MONDAY at the MOVIES
-Count them down with KM Wilsher
NUMBER TWO MOVIE OF SUMMER 2009
TERMINATOR: SALVATION

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is one of my favorite movies. Probably in the top ten movies of all time for me. Terminator: Salvation will not replace Judgment Day, but then it almost could -- it’s that good.

SALVATION takes place post-apocalyptic devastation. Nice. If you are familiar with the Terminator series pre-Terminator: Salvation, you know that until now, John Connor has been trying to keep the apocalypse at bay. Terminator: Salvation does not drudge through the event. We just enter a world where The Resistance is hanging on by a thread -- ever fighting Skynet, the evil corporation that created the Terminator (robot army) in order to bring the human race to its knees.

I had my doubts about Christian Bale trying to fill John Connor’s shoes. He made a good Batman, but Resistance fighter? I shouldn’t have doubted. Buy me a poster, and sign me up for Bale. (My mom loves this guy. Did you know he was in the musical: Newsies?)

There is a great twist that I will be vague about on purpose. Any premature unveiling may steal some of the “science fiction romance” from your viewing pleasure. But this twist, as with all the Terminator movies, provokes dreams of redemption. And the question: What would I do?

I have to watch this again – conversation from my fellow movie watchers ruined some of my experience – but I loved this movie. Awesome, heart-pounding soundtrack. Believable, high-voltage action scenes. And of course, in typical Terminator fashion, a feast of Judgment Day/apocalyptic, speculative elements, that will leave you salivating for the next one.

TURN THE PAGE, Summer Songs, BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER, by KM Wilsher

(BY THE WAY, I AM SO EXCITED. THEY ARE HACKING UP THE FIRST 200 WORDS OF COBRA CUTLASS by KM WISHER (me) OVER AT: http://electricspec.blogspot.com/ IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.)

BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER
SUMMER SONTS
Summer 1985

This summer in a small town in Colorado I paid $60 a month for my 1972 Chevelle (loved that car!). Two roommates and I split rent on a place that charged us $90 a month. By Labor Day, our summer fun ended, and I packed my bags and went to Lubbock, Texas for college.

My friend Daren introduced me to a Detroit Legend. Detroit? Detroit sounded like another planet to that small town girl.

I think the egocentricity of this song probably struck the chord in me at that time, because college meant I was leaving my small town, my friends, and my comfort zone behind. I definitely turned a page.

Daren and I sat in front of the record player (YEP, RECORD PLAYER) and sang this over and over:
Bob Seger and Turn the Page

PROPHET, a review, BLOG DAYS OF SUMMER, by KM Wilsher

PROPHET
BY FRANK PERETTI
My synopsis of the story: A television news reporter finds himself caught up in a mystery of political deceit and human tragedy all the while re-establishing his relationship with his family and God.
Review
I felt drawn to PROPHET'S main character, John Barret, the moment the author introduced the strained relationship between John Barret and his young adult son. The snapshot Frank Peretti presented of the father’s emotions, regrets, and inadequacies astounded me. Then and there I signed up for this story and knew I’d be invested to the very end.
I’d never read anything like Peretti before. Until then, Christian fiction had been pretty disappointing -- detached and unreal, surfacy and preachy. Frank Peretti breaks all the molds I had encountered. He tells a real story about real human beings. Frank Peretti’s characters let you into their internal dialogue as they face problems that you and I face.
PROPHET includes a speculative aspect, but I think it can be enjoyed by those who adore speculative fiction and those who are not sure.
I liked this book with its relevant, modern day issues, and it real characters, however, it was too long. I did not enjoy the drawn out details of John Barret’s duties at the television station and other drawn out passages. They were distractions and threatened my desire to finish the book. However, I would still recommend it. I think the Christian aspect, the hot political issues, the speculative features, and most of all the characters are enough to say, “Pick up this book.”