On Love At First Sight

Love At First Sight

Does it exist? Is it a myth? Can you really, truly fall in love with someone in a matter of seconds? There must be a reason for all those stories. Right? 

I have my own theory on why Love at first sight is a common theme in fairy tales. It expresses the innocence, kindness and compassion of the character. 

Two people find each other, and instantly feel like they're meant to be. I suppose it's possible. 

I may have experienced my first brush with this phenomenon at the Disney College Program. Within a few seconds of meeting someone, I felt like I could just be myself. The first time I didn't have to put up my guard, or feel compelled to do so. 

Even though I was cynical and refused to believe that love could actually exist, now I wish that things could be that simple. And for a moment it was simple.  But moments are fleeting, and I refused to think that it was possible. So I pushed it aside. But maybe, just maybe, love at first sight does exist. Or, people can find one another, despite the distance, time and history they would have noticed with anyone else. Maybe that's what people mean by soul mate. 

It's that one person, despite all you've been through, or allowed yourself to believe, who doesn't make you feel like you have to put on an act. The one person who seems to know, instantly that they want to be a part of your life, and you know that you want to be a part of theirs. 

Book Review: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin

Book Review:

Where the Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin

I came across this book by chance and started reading it right away. This is a creative story, inspired by Chinese mythology and it has beautiful illustrations. In some ways, it reminds me of 1001 Arabian Nights, because it is layered with stories, and all the stories are connected. Minli is very wise, resourceful and loyal to her family. Her journey to find good fortune is like a fairy tale with many stories woven together.

Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin

This book worked like a mystery. Each story became a clue to the real tale of Rendi and the moon's absence in the sky. But the story is also how Rendi learns about the world, and discovers who he is and what he is capable of. The reader wonders  who everyone is, and what part they have to play in the mysterious disappearance of the moon. I enjoyed this book almost as much as Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, but Rendi was harder to relate to than Minli. He seemed cold, but once it is revealed who he is, it makes more sense.

Both of these books are fun journeys through the imagination and the world of Chinese fairy tales. 

OUAT Challenge Day 14 : Picture or gif that expresses your reaction to the show.

This show is special to me. We watch it as a family, and all the Disney cameos make me feel like I am back in that world. I love the powerful and positive themes of hope and love. And the fairy tales, being iconic as they already are, have been changed in a way that is interesting and intriguing. I won't say that I agree with all of the portrayals of Disney characters, or even the way the fairy tales are performed, but relating to Emma, her attitude of the world, and her expectations in life, make this show a journey and a story to live as much as watch.
I love a lot of the quotes, but the one that stands out the most is what Mary Margret tells Emma in the first episode.
"What do you think stories are for? They're a way for us to deal with our world, a world that doesn't always make sense." -Mary Margret
And of course
"I gave Henry the book because I wanted him to have the most important thing that anyone can have. Hope. Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a very powerful thing."- Mary Margret

I think the popularity of the show is almost psychological. These are characters we all know, and we want them to achieve happiness, especially when they are stuck in situations and misfortunes that we all deal with in life. And Emma is the character for the audience, watching her begin to believe in happiness and discover what really matters in life, makes this show charming and deep at the same time. It's more than archetypes and plot lines. It's a familiar family of characters living life.

30 day challenge day 7: Formal

Prompt: Formal

It was a formal ocassion. Sharp suits and fancy dresses surrounded me as I entered the ballroom. The first step I took in this place, I would be at the mercy of the guests. I checked my hair and took a deep breath. This was my first royal ball, and I had not worn a fancy dress since my mother and father were alive.
The announcer stood in front of me, looking confused. He had just introduced a princess from the neighoring kingdom, and motioned for an escort to lead her to the long line of women, waiting to dance with the prince. A giant clock towered above the King and Queen and chimed eleven o clock. I had an hour. Even with the fancy dress, I didn't feel like I belonged. If anyone recognized me, I would be locked away for the rest of my life.
"Young lady." The announcer said as he offered his hand. "May I announce you?"
I had to think, and fast. My real name was not an option. I tried a different approach.
"That isn't necessary." I said with my best smile. "I'm not accustomed to being announced."
It wasn't a lie. If he knew who I was I would be dragged away.
"Very well then, I wouldn't want to trouble you."
An escort walked up and took my hand.
"This way please."
I was headed directly for the line! I couldn't go there. My sisters were only two people in front of me.
"Please sir. May I have some water?" I asked before we got closer.
"Water?" He asked with a laugh. "My lady, only the finest refreshments in the kingdom are offered tonight. And you want water?"
"Refreshments then, may I?" I looked around.
"Of course. The prince is not ready to dance at the moment, so there is no hurry."
I curstied and made my way to the table. A tall, well dressed gentleman was standing by the punch bowl and scowling. As I poured a glass of punch he spoke to me.
"Disgusting isn't it?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
I looked around expecting bugs or mice. My sisters always screamed at the sight of them.
"This so called royal ball." he answered. "It's all a ploy to make the prince wed."
"I didn't know that." I said.
"You should." he answered, "It was on the invitation."
"I wasn't allowed to read it." I said.
"Truthfully?" he asked.
"Truthfully." I answered.
"That is strange." The gentleman took a sip and looked around. "Then why did you come here?"
"To be free." I smiled. "Even if it's just for one night."
"You have an interesting view of freedom. I wonder if you have an intetesting name."
I panicked. I only had until midnight, I couldn't reveal who I was to anyone.
"I'm afraid not." I laughed, "My name is probably the most dull and uninteresting name in the world.
"Well then" He bowed. "I'm going to ask you a question that I've asked many ladies tonight that I previously dreaded. Would you care to dance?"

Fairy Tales

Wisdom disguised as magic.
Lessons disguised as words.
On paper or air
the mystery unfolds.
Delicate details
Mysterious magic
Spells that are cast
Fulfilling or Tragic.
Some call them silly
others, pointless.
Some see the meaning
others could care less.
The power of a story
can only ring true
If the person that listens
Believes that they grew.
Each story brings something
a curse or a blessing.
Morals and Madness
Tales worth telling.
Scattered and evolved
they stand the test of time.
Bringing imagination:
the ring of a chime,
the glow of a star,
the shine of a pearl,
a wish and a dream,
adventure will unfurl.
The meaning in a flower,
a promise by a well,
the tune of a birdsong,
a tree that fell.
All these icons
bring something to start
a journey of the soul,
and a wish of the heart.

Books in the Photo
Once Upon A Time: a collection of stories by Hyperion
Enchanted by Alethea Kontis (recent find)
Beauty by Robin McKinley
Wildwood Dancing by Julliet Mariller
East by Edith Pattou

Inspirational Music: Dreamer by Elizavetta

(Photo of me taken by my friend on Halloween)

Part of my writing playlist and just a gorgeous song!

Words that inspire me

 Phrases and quotes:
Once upon a time
Follow your dreams
Keep moving forward
"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere." - Belle- Beauty and the Beast
"The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible." Alice in Wonderland
Dear Daisy . . .
Rainy days were always the best
"This is my story" FFX- FFX2
Be yourself
Beauty is on the inside
Never judge a book by its cover
"I've heard it said that girls can't keep secrets. That's wrong: we'd proved it" - Wildwood Dancing
"A philosopher once asked, are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human. Do the stars gaze back? Now that's a question." Star Dust
"There is no such thing as coincedence. What there is it Hitsuzen." Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle
"Love is hope." Once Upon A Time
Camp Half- Blood - Percy Jackson
"The reason why books are heavy is because the whole world is inside them" - Inkheart
"That fool of a fairy Lucinda did not intend to lay a curse on me." Ella Enchanted
All good stories begin with a wish

Names:
Adrian
Percy
Belle
Jenica
Costin
Alleah
Alan
Rose
Alec
Kyo
Tohru
Peter
Tidus
Yuna
Tatiana
Sorrow
Silvertongue
Dustfinger
Farrid
Dexter
Remy
Westley
Hermione
Ron
Celeste
Jareth
Aurelie
Cybelle
Serenity

Objects:
rose
stars
tea cups
books
perfume
masks
post cards
envelopes
jewelry boxes
paintings
fans
kimonos
puzzles
music boxes
journals
hair barrettes
music
bottles
letters
chop sticks
rugs

Topics:
Mythology
Folk Lore
Fairy Tales
Classics
Astrology
Magic
Self Discovery
Heroism
Culture
Justice
Balance
Dreams
Goals
Stories
Courage

Details:
Dark
Light
Rain
Wind
Lightning
Water
Flowers
Crystal
Pearls
shadows
rays of sunlight
paths
spirits
guardians
palaces
festivals
silver
fountains
waterfalls
ballrooms
water gardens
mist
libraries
languages
fashions
curses
sea creatures
clouds
constelations

Places:
Spira
Gran Pulse
Cocoon
 The Sohma Estate
Middle Earth
The Wildwood
Avalon
Disneyland
Walt Disney World
Egypt
Ancient Greece
Enchanted Forests
StormHold
Neopia
Talia
Pemberly
Neverland
The Wizarding World
InkHeart
The World of the Gods
Piffle World
The World Beyond
Lakeview
Persia
Myst
The Hanshin Republic
The Country of Clow
The Country of Shura
The Labyrinth
HalloweenTown
Radiant Garden
Twilight Town
Beast's Castle
The World beyond the Mirror
Atlantica
Zanarkand
Pandora
The Northern Water Tribe
Ba Sing Se
The Northern Air Temple
The Spirit World
Agrabah
District 12
Ponyville
Canterlot
Kingdom of Dreams
The City of Recourt
Yume Kira Dream Shop
Ancient Japan
Wonderland/ Underland
ANJEL's headquarters
Yubaba's Bathhouse
Howl's Moving Castle
The City of Laputa


Miscellaneous:

Dragons
Fairies
Aeons
Avatar
Shiva
Ifrit
Isbjorn
Summoner
Faelin
Foi
Pegasus
Unicorn
Borrower
Butterfly
Pokemon
Demi-God
Wanderer
Siren
Mermaid
Dolphin
Polar Bear
Lion
Stravanga
Blitzball
Hitsuzen
art of the Hikari
Sailor scout
Pig rabbit
Gumiho
Moon
Sun
Ocean
Sky
Keyblade
Kingdom Keeper
Magician
Dreamer
Adventurer
Reader
Believer

Two Good Stories

             Today was a day for stories. Mom bought Beauty and the Beast tickets a while ago, so we went to see the Broadway musical at the Buel Theatre. The musical was amazing, and I loved the artistic accents they used for the castle, tavern and the village.  Beauty and the Beast is clearly my favorite fairy tale, and Disney movie. The musical expands on the story and focuses on a few themes for Belle and Beast. For Belle, the theme is home, as she feels she doesn't belong anywhere. Belle finds a way to live in the castle, and goes through a lesson of self discovery. She decides to stay with the Beast, but that doesn't mean she won't care for her father anymore. As her signature song "Home" states: "Home is where the heart is" and Belle learns what that means when she has to save her father from the villagers and the Beast from Gaston. For the Beast, the theme is acceptance. He must learn to accept the side of himself that he doesn't want to show. This acceptance can only be achieved through his own opinion of who he is, and how he wants to live. Once he lets Belle go, he learns that you can't make someone care for you by force, and it is you that must decide who you will be.

            After the musical, my family and I saw John Carter. I've been reading the book, but I haven't finished it yet. The movie is a little different from what I've read so far, because Edgar Rice Burroughs is actually a character in the story. This movie had everything I love about a good story. A flawed character, epic plot and a good message. John Carter carries a burden from the beginning of the film. He his not able to let go of his past. His grief drives his decisions to avoid war, battles and getting close to anyone. Once he lands on Mars, he is forced to face his fear, with a war raging and the whole planet, except one city, under the influence of a brutal war lord. But even this nemesis is a pawn in a much more dangerous game of fate, secrecy and deception. Carter's choice is whether or not to live life again, after experiencing so much pain in the past. He finally makes his decision and even passes on the advice to Edgar Rice Burroughs. The message is to live life and make a difference, because sitting by and doing nothing is also a decision. 

             No matter what type of story we read, watch or write, the purpose of these tales is a disguised journey into what life is all about. Stories define who we are, whether we are heroes, outcasts or wanderers. Stories give us courage to face our fear, follow our dreams and live life in the best way we can. They inspire us to discover who we are, why we're here and what we are able to do. From greek myths and fairy tales to modern day novels and TV shows, stories teach us what it means to be human, and how to discover and achieve who we truly want to be.

Writing Prompt 31: My Dream House/ Room

 (The Beast's Library in Disneyland)

Prompt located here: http://writeonrightnow.blogspot.com/2006/12/writing-prompt-your-dream-houseroom.html

My dream house would have a water garden and a library.  It would be a light blue with brown trim, similar to the house I grew up in. It would probably be two stories with a small balcony, or a nice patio. A porch swing would be a must. The living room would be a soft green, very light with a few nice paintings and an indoor water fountain or water fall and aquarium. The stairs would be a soft blue with cherry wood railings. The kitchen would have a strawberry theme with frog salt and pepper shakers on lily pad shaped dinner mats. And yes, I would own a Mrs. Potts and chip teaset, along with a homemade tea set based off of Skin Deep.  It would be a simple place with a wood floor and small roses in the window. The must have room for my dream house would be a library with a Beauty and the Beast theme. Stained glass windows, if possible with the pictures from the movie, and "an enchanted rose" on a table by a nice arm chair and a globe. If possible, there would be a rolling ladder, and the walls would be covered with books and fairy tale paintings. The books would be organized and arranged artistically around my Beauty and the Beast collection.
The backyard and front yard would have gardens. The front yard would be relatively simple and feature a few roses and daisies. The backyard would have a koi fish pond with a small bridge going over it. I would love a Cherry Blossom tree and a willow tree, along with a small zen garden with sand and a rake. My kids would have a playhouse outside with a swing set and a slide, similar to one I had in my childhood. The dogs would have a little doghouse and play pen outside, and the cats would have a scratching post. And yes I will have wind chimes. My bedroom and kids bedrooms would probably have a theme, mine most likely Beauty and the Beast, and the guest room would have a story book or fairytale theme as well. The bathrooms would have a frog and waterlily theme, with a fish theme for the kids. If there was a basement, It would have a secret passage and an entertainment room for special events.
In short, my dream house would be based on the three things I love most, Beauty and the Beast, Fairy Tales and Asian Culture.

Photographer: Samantha Decker

(Picture from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sammers05/4755548594/in/photolist-iHJh39-eTJMLK-iwJK3E-kyTrod-8feqV9-eiZzx4-9FH2oh-fKdfcR-efA2j9-eeHZxA-eE4GDH-e9zsfy-jqGDpL-eS72Rg-9Kjntc-8KNBJA-mfXp2F-eAHoJd-7JCT3j-ed6xrV-7AMhCW-7ytRWU-6sCyEx)