Light the World: Christmas Stories

 

We had a discussion at the office the other day about what constitutes a Christmas movie. Is it about Christmas? Does it take place at Christmastime? Was it released at Christmas? 

It was also pointed out that Die Hard and Home Alone are essentially the same movie — the protagonists are just different ages.

Read all about it!

Yes, once again it's Banned Books Week! It's an annual event to celebrate the freedom to read. Some of the best books have been on the chopping block, ranging from Captain Underpants to Catcher in the Rye to the Holy Bible and other religious texts. In fact, some of my favorite books have scored high on the lists! One thing that some people don't understand is that as soon as you try to ban a book, it soars in popularity!

Celebrate the ability to read this week!

Where the shadows lie

Thank you for indulging me. The road does, indeed, go ever on and on.

Something to celebrate

Did you know that tomorrow, March  25, is J.R.R. Tolkien Reading Day? It's an event that encourages reading, particularly reading Tolkien's works.

To commemorate the event, we at the Oregon DOT made these ads/memes to run on our social media accounts.

Here are a few of the finalists.  Check back periodically through the day, I'll put up some more every couple of hours.

Literary friends

Reading has always been a major part of my life. The first book I ever bought with my own money was a Peanuts collection, Slide, Charlie Brown, Slide! I picked it up at the BYU Bookstore to keep myself entertained while my folks went to classes during Education Week. I still have it among my collection.

The first chapter book that I owned was Marguerite Henry's Brighty of the Grand Canyon. I thought it was awesome! It, too, still sits on my shelf in a place of honor.

Spend some time today with a friend: read a good book!

One does not simply walk into middle school

Over the summer the district did a few upgrades to the local middle school. The changes did NOT include, however, hiring a Dark Lord as principal -- although there are those who say that may be up for discussion!

Signs

I've seen the sign of Gandalf saying, "You shall not pass," but I wondered what other signs they might use in Middle Earth. Personally, I like the "no pedestrians" sign by the exit sign to Mordor. You can't just walk there!

That special glow

One ring to rule them all.

Where the shadows lie

Ever get those home teaching assignments that you just wonder about?

One stink to rule them all

My son, who just got home from a scout camp overnighter, said this wasn't fair. Hmm.

Orthanc, the impenetrable

As a missionary, you get to know the standard responses of when people don't want to let you in. One of the most common excuses we ran into was, "The baby is sick!" Although there were many who said (above the noise inside), "No one is home" or "We already talked with you." That's one of the reasons missionaries much prefer to teach people rather than just knock on doors. That and there could be an evil wizard inside. You never know!

It wasn't Hogwarts

Gandalf could handle orcs, trolls, men and the Balrog, but even he was challenged by high school students!

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Remember, it's not too late to like the "The Lord of the Rings - A Choral Symphony" on Facebook. Check it out!

Product placement

If you haven't heard, filming is underway for the new Hobbit movie. that got me thinking about creative ways movies are financed...
And speaking of product placement (what a smooth segue, yes?)...



My gifted, talented and extremely musical cousin (or cousin-in-law if you want to get technical about it) is one of the creators of "The Lord of the Rings -- A Choral Symphony." She's created a Facebook page to promote it, and would very much like you to like it, too! Go on and give her a "like" on Facebook. Thank you.