Events Leading Through January and February 2024

I have a really bad habit with not writing in the winter, usually due to hibernating, and becoming a hermit, but I’m trying to be better on that front. 2023 has come and gone and going into 2024 has been a challenge for a lot of reasons. The first of the year, we got hit with snow and rain, and it was like we were stuck inside for the whole month. However, in that time, I have been getting inspired again, so let me begin.

Around February, there was enough decent weather for me to go out, and get some important errands done. The piles of snow are still about but were starting to melt. Downtown Burlington is full of hearts, and good stuff to see and do before catching the bus home.

I also got some serious house cleaning done. Things have been starting to look up, so I’ve just been keeping at it. Our cat, Dulce, hasn’t made it easy, but we’re working on getting around him. I’ve found some order in my room, including my futon that I bought.

I thought of some great series for my edited videos. Comichorde is what I label several of the series of videos I edit, the series, and seasons based on comics, like the DC comic, including The Sandman, and now, The Dead Boy Detectives. And these are just some of the projects I’ve gotten started.

A New Book Turned Into Movie

This amazing new story has become a Netflix series. It looked amazing, and the song in the trailer was awesome, so I looked into both. The story in the book is slightly different than the series, and the song is “Fall with You” by Emma McGarth.

I was able to find the eBook version of the original story and seems to be a little different than the Netflix series. When I first read it, I was a little disappointed with the ending because it felt so unended. Maybe I'm just so spoiled on happy endings. 

I enjoyed watching the Netflix version, it was amazing, and the actors were amazing. I managed to find an interview with some of the main characters, and I'm going to post it here.

Life Throws Us All Kinds of Curves

The First of January was insane, we had a major change of plans. Sometimes, it's hard to go with the flow. First, you can get excited for an adventure, but then reality hits your plans. I’ve always enjoyed road trips, but they can be really hard on the budget, especially in the future, after you use your credit, and you end up overcharging a lot.

So, we had to go the doctor’s in Iowa City the first of the month. I was looking forward to that, until I realized I wasn’t going to have as much as the month before. Getting to the city wasn’t that bad, but the University parking was crazy as usual. All of that went pretty smoothly, and the hospital had Pepsi, and chips in the vending machine, so I was good. It’s what happened after, that through us for a loop.

We were supposed to keep lunch inexpensive, and we were trying to find a good place for waffle fries. But the place that I looked up on DoorDash was permanently closed, so that was disappointing. We ended up settling for Subway, which wasn’t terrible. After that, we were supposed to have only two stops. Chong’s, the Asian store, and Walmart, for my favorite brand, and blend of coffee.

The Asian store wasn’t that bad, I was able to find most everything we needed, including some good ramen for my sister, and some chopsticks. For me, I just needed a key ingredient for my miso soup, and Mom wanted some coconut water/juice. Next, we went to Walmart, but when I went in, they didn’t have what I was looking for, even though I checked the website. So, mom took me to three different places, until finally we found a Walmart close to Burlington that had it, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Needless to say, we were pretty tired when we got home. I don’t usually regret what do, or get, but I have a habit of regretting the choices that put us in hot water. I really need to control my spending habits. There’s a phrase I’m looking for, but I can’t place it right now. Anyway, the start of February seems to be coming down, in a good way. I’ve been working on video projects, and my blogs, while doing house work. Imbolc passed by, and I made an interesting dinner, inspired by what I read. There’s been some warm days, so maybe the cold front will end soon, and next month will hopefully be better.

Grocery Haul & Healthy Foods to Cook With

I don't usually talk about what I buy, but I wanted to share some of things I've found at the grocery, and the health food store near us here in Burlington, Iowa. My mom has a lot of allergies, so it's really important that I find, and work with ingredients that are ok with both of us, and I've been very lucky to find these ingredients, sauces and flavors, that don't have anything that can make us sick.

My mom loves her sauces, so I've been trying to come up with some of my own. One of my first, that she seemed to like a lot was coconut aminos, with sesame seed oil, especially on chicken. I also was able to find a health food store near us called Nature's Corner, and they have a vegan mayonaisse, made without eggs, or soybean oil, which is very important in our diets. They also have a ketchup made by the same brand, Primal Kitchen, as well, and later I was able to find it our local HyVee store, as well. 

Recently I also discovered another brand that is a little healthier for us, called Noble Brand (by the New Primal), and they have a good, and spice bbq sauce. Plus, at Nature's Corner, they have soup packets, that don't have anything bad, like soy, wheat, or any added perservatives.

I've always enjoyed cooking healthy, and even doing things from scratch. Sometimes, when I'm working on the basics, it's nice to have quality sauces, and it makes it easier on me. It can get pricey if your not careful, but I always say it's worth it.

Local History & Architecture: Burlington Public Library

I’ve posted on interesting sites in other parts of Iowa, and other states, but I’d like to write about some incredible places right here, in Burlington, Iowa, where I’ve lived for a couple of years now, after leaving California.

One of the first buildings I fell in love with was the public library for a lot of reasons. Last summer, I discovered that the first library is now converted into the Historical Society and I'm going to join sooner or later. Right now, though, I'm learning more about this awesome place we call home, and its own history.

Reading the booklet, the library passed out, I've discovered that in 1868, Senator James Wilson Grimes donated $5,000 to start a subscription library, which is financed by private funds either from membership fees or endowments. Shareholders contributed $10, and those who were unable to join, were encouraged to purchase borrowing allowances for $4 a year. All of this didn't stick around very long, but it was apparent there was a need for having a library in the community.

The People of Burlington

More to Come....

Local Art and Artists in Burlington, Iowa

There are a lot of undiscovered places, and things to do, right here in Burlington, Iowa. I've lived here for a few years now, and I've seen a few places downtown, but I haven't really had the chances to experience more of it, until now hopefully.

Let's start with the Burlington Art Center on Jefferson Street. They not only have an amazing store, filled with pieces, made by local artists, but there is also have an amazing lounge area, complete with a piano. There are scheduled nights when the gallery lounge is filled with both pictures, paintings, and live music. One can come in to see the pictures, and even hear the music for free, but it is encouraged to get a drink at the very least, and they have water, and soda, along with wine and beer.

When went in today, I found the lady at the store was very friendly, and helpful with my questions. Apparently, they show different style of pictures, paintings, and photography. When an artist would like to show their work in the gallery, a panel reviews the art, and decides if they will showcase them, that was impression of how she explained this.

There were some types of art they haven't at the Art Center, yet. Artists like origami artists, or art installments, like you see in other galleries. But in the future, who knows what different type of art will be featured there. And coming soon there will be an art competition, known as Battle of the Brushes. Let's see what these artists have to show!

Goings on in the Beginning of the New Year

Not that’s it’s an excuse, but so many things have happened this last summer, it’s been difficult to do any writing, but I’m going to get caught up now. I’ve mentioned quite a bit of what’s happened this summer, so let’s wrap it up, as we go into autumn, starting with Halloween.

From now on, there’s no more farmers market, the last time we dropped by, there was fewer stalls, and vendors. It’s been getting colder too, less sun, and more clouds, and winds. I’m just waiting for the rains, or skip that, the snow.

Investigating Coffee Presentations

I saw this amazing coffee drink on one of my favorite coffeehouse’s Instagram account. It was presented in a mason like jar, and it got me thinking, how could you use a jar like that? Does it have to be brand new, or can you recycle and reuse them? So, I got to make a special trip and got some of these questions answered.

The drinks in the mason jar are only available for staying inside. There’s a lot of prep that goes into getting them ready to serve. They’re bought in pristine condition, probably online, and they washed with specific cleaning solutions because of the pandemic.

In the end, I took the drink to go, rather than sitting down. It was a tasty treat, sweet but not overwhelming. I think this was a good experiment, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Through the Early 1810's: Starting with Bridgerton

On the streaming series, Bridgerton, starting in 1813, Great Britain was under the reign of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and King George III (also known as Mad King George). In the series, Queen Charlotte was the face of the crown, she was the one who debutantes presented to, and Her Majesty was presented at various events for the royal family.

They King and Queen had 15 children in total, 13 of whom survived to adulthood, two of whom were future British monarchs, George IV, and William IV; as well as Charlotte, Princess Royal, who became Queen of Württemberg; Prince Edward, the father of Queen Victoria; and Prince Ernest Augustus, who became King of Hanover. Early in King George's reign, Great Britain defeated France in the Seven Years' War, becoming the dominant European power in North America and India. Further wars against revolutionary and Napoleonic France from 1793 concluded in the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Fashions of the Period

The fashion style between 1813 and 1815 was inspired by the classical antiquity, modeled into the high-waisted neoclassical silhouette, increasingly broken by trim, colors, and a new angularity as the tubular skirts were gradually replaced by triangular versions. I focus on the women, because I am a woman, and their clothes always fascinate me.

First was the shifts, or chemises, that were meant to protect the rest of the undergarments from the body’s perspiration. Corsets were necessary, yet unbelievably uncomfortable, made with whale bone, and tightened to give women a more feminine figure. And then a petticoat, which was a layer between the women’s clothing and underwear.

Clothes worn inside the home was called the morning dress, and lacked a whole lot of decoration, and was modest, simple, and hopefully comfortable. While, evening gowns were meant to be seen at parties, and were styled with more colors, accessories, and embellishments.

The classical influence extended to hairstyles. Often masses of curls were worn over the forehead and ears, with the longer back hair drawn up into loose buns or Psyche knots influenced by Greek and Roman styles. Here are some videos of modern versions of the styles I’ve been inspired by. This is just a small sample of the period, and culture in the early 1810’s.

First Month of the New Year 2021

This January, there has been so much going on, I’m just now getting caught up, and posting. A lot of new seasons, and even some new series on streaming channels, have begun, and I’ve even got caught up in plenty of older series, so now I would like to share so much.

For starters, I’ve been discovering a lot of interesting period dramas, going back to Bridgerton, and finding other series connecting to that time frame. Belgravia takes place in 1815 which is two years after, right around the Battle of Waterloo. Queen Charlotte and King George’s reign was during the Napoleon wars, and their descendants including Queen Victoria, who along side Prince Alfred were mentioned in Belgravia, twenty years after the first scenes.

The CW, along with a few other channels, have released new seasons of their series. Starting with a brand new Batwoman. Kate Kane has been presumed dead after a plane crash, she was on. Now, Ryan Wilder has found the suit, and wants to take up the mantle to give justice to those in Gotham. On Netflix, the rebirth of interesting story, Fate: Winx Saga; Bloom and her friends reimagined in an interesting tale.

All of these and more, there is so much starting with this new year, I hope to keep writing and sharing, without fall behind.

"Bridgerton" in the Timeline

The new series on Netflix, based on a series of books by author Julia Quinn, is a period drama and is awesome. I have read the first four books of the series, and I loved the storyline. After watching the series, it is pretty different, but also pretty incredible too.

While several young women are making their debut into society, in order to find suitable matches for marriage, a society paper, kind of like a gossip column (a little like Gossip Girl), premiers as well, a tell-all about the Ton, a reference used during this time period, a term commonly used to refer to Britain's high society during the late Regency and the reign of George IV, and later. The first season focuses on Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter, and fourth in an exceptional large, loving family, and her finding love with the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor, and Regé-Jean Page.

Capturing Authentic Moments

Based loosely on the Regency period, in 1813 London, the show gives a glimpse at some fashion, and culture of this era. Starting with fashion, I recognized the empire dress, a silhouette also from Pride and Prejudice. This one of my favorites, because of the slim, elegant look, even on slightly small forms, was inspired apparently by the neoclassical look, meaning a simpler and elegant style of women’s fashion. Corsets were also in style, and while these were beautiful in design, they were probably not as comfortable, back then in history, or present for the actresses who had to wear half corsets for the show, while the bloomers were a little different.

While women were meant for extraordinarily little, we see in both the books, and the Netflix version, that they were a force to be reckoned with, and had ways to manage any situation they found themselves in. Particularly in the social seasons, the mothers were a driving force, for their sons and daughters.

How much of all this is historically accurate, the creators left some wiggle room, but did a lot of research to show a truly inspired period of time, and an incredible story. The first season was amazing and I’m excited to see what happens next.

Working on Sharing More of My Favorite Moments: T@gged 1x05

Been having trouble posting on YouTube, but so far Vimeo is working out well, and I'm also using MixDrop, and Userload now. I hope these don't these for anyone interested in my videos.

The night before, Jake and Rowan spend the night together. The next day, Rowan and Hailey figure out who knows where Elisia is. Ash helps the girls find, and rescue her, and they tell show him the video.

 

Loosely Based on the Books, Starting with Riverdale Mentioning

Several series have been returning to their networks, including Riverdale, and Nancy Drew. These are two of my favorites, but now, one of them maybe reading for its series finale, which always makes me sad.

Last season of Riverdale was somewhat epic, beginning with the actor Luke Perry, and his character, Fred Andrews, who had died, which was sad. It also kind of mentioned two series which we have heard of. Jughead starts attending a creepy prep school, where there is a competition to be the next ghost writer for the Baxter Brothers, a book series franchise. Moving forward, this sounds an awful like The Hardy Boys, especially when you add another character, Tracy True, into the mix. The season ended with Jughead, Betty, FP, and their half-brother, and Jughead’s grandfather, solving a horrific secret, and series of murders, surrounding this empire.

The Real Nancy Drew

Season two has finally released its first promo, and it looks even spookier, and mysterious. There’s a new sheriff in town, and Nancy and her friends are dealing with a scarier entity that wants payback, probably literally.

After re-watching the first season, I saw something near the end that caught by attention. Lucy Sable had her baby, and after giving her to the Drew’s, she went over the bluff to her death. While we all thought she just slipped off the cliff or jumped, what if she saw something that freaked her out, and she stepped back. At the end of the first season finale, Nancy had a vision of her being scared of something and falling backward on the bluffs, maybe just like Lucy.

The Hardy Boys Makes Their New Debut

On Hulu, we see a new version The Hardy Boys. It looked interesting, so I gave it a watch. It looks a little different than the actual books, or older series, but in the end, it was incredible series, and I hope there is another mystery for them, and their friends to solve.

Like Riverdale and Nancy Drew, the boys are hit by tragedy when their amazing mom, is killed in a car crash with suspicious circumstances. So, their dad packs the boys up to stay with his sister in their hometown, where their maternal grandmother nearby. A throwback to what their used to, the brothers deal their loss, figuring out their mom was murdered because she was looking into something going on in town, dealing with the old families and a mysterious antiquity. Frank and Joe Hardy have deal with thieves, assassins, and a bunch of other crazy people all after one thing. After all that, with the help of their family, and friends, they solve the case, and save their new home.

It was amazing, but there are still some unanswered questions. Hopefully, this means a new season will come forward in the future. I love when they keep those doors open.

Trivia Junkie: New WordPress Blog + Possible Podcast

I was working on my blogs theme when I just decided to try and work with WordPress and use this as another blog. It’s a little harder than on Google Blogger, but I’m hoping it will be worth it.

I though it would be cool to set it up as my site for my tidbits and trivia, maybe my podcast. I am still working on figuring out how many pictures I can use because there is a limit, unlike Blogger.

Original Reading Material: When Calls the Heart

I have been inspired to challenge myself to do some actual reading. I watched the pilot movie, When Calls the Heart, with Poppy Drayton, and Daniel Sherman, two of my favorite actors, and I wanted to see if the original story matched with the movie, and tv series.

I started reading the actual book, not just an epub file on my phone, but an actual paper bound book from the library. It was hard to get into the story, partly because the names get mixed up in my head. Elizabeth was the name of the protagonist in both the series, and the movie, as well as her aunt. In the show, Julie was her youngest sister, and she had an elder sister too. So, in the first book series, they are talking about the aunt, I think. So confusing.

The story starts out with Elizabeth talking about her family and giving kind of a run down about them all. It’s interesting the different types of writing styles. I’ve always wanted to work on my own stories and put them out there. Reading has always been both enjoyable, and a learning tool for me, in so many ways. This experience will hopefully help me again.

Getting to Share Your Work + T@gged Favorites 1x04

After Elisia is taken, Rowan and Hailey need to solve the clues given to them in order to find her, and now someone is getting closer then they know.  Rowan gives as good as gets, right back at Brandon and his crowd.

Vimeo is really good place to share my videos so far. I hope there enough room for most of what I would like to do. People can also find some of my other stuff on Instagram occasionally.

Publishing Personal Videos + T@gged 1x02+03

I’ve just started to post my own edited videos on Vimeo and YouTube. They first came through really nicely, but they second got snagged because of someone else has copy rights. How do I post the videos of my favorite moments, while not getting in trouble? That is the question. For right now, I don’t have to take the video down, but for those who are having trouble seeing, I backed it up on Vimeo, so check it out.

Rowan, Hailey, and Elisia get messaged a time and place. When they resist going, they get threatened with their secrets coming out. After arriving, Elisia gets grabbed, and driven away, leaving the other to shell shocked.

Binging Series: New and Old

I’ve been waiting for some new series, and season to start up again after the COVID-19 hit, and all productions halted. There have been some cool reruns lately, and I have been going through all my downloads, and Netflix to watch. Some days, I get so into what I am watching, I just binge a whole season, or series, movie after movie. I have also found some other cool stuff to watch.

Recently though, there have been some new movies from Hallmark Movies and Mysteries streaming. Two really good ones that have come out are my favorite. Aurora Teagarden: Reunited and It Feels So Deadly, that was scary good. Aurora and her friends, and new fiancé, Nick, head to her high school reunion, unfortunately where one of the football stars ends up being murdered. It ends up being someone close to them,

In Picture Perfect Mysteries: Exit Stage Death, our favorite photographer is invited to the play of formerly famous screen write, that her friend is in. However, when the lead lady is murdered, Allie Adams feels the need to solve the case, with police detective, Sam Acosta, right behind her.

Both of the amazing detective movies, and just part of what coming now that tv and movies productions are starting to roll again. It is exciting to see what coming next, including a bunch of holiday fun, and romance. I cannot wait to see what is next.

Prayer for Nashville and Others in Tennessee

Some time ago, I'd heard about the tornado that hit Tennessee, and the devastation in Nashville. For me personally, it was terrifying to her, because my sister does not live that far from this incredible city. I still have photos from a car ride in Nashville, and it breaks my heart.

I felt a need to reach out, so after I texted my sister, I called a friend of mine from our church, and I told him of what happened, so hopefully, all of us can pray for the loved ones lost, and the ones left behind, and some way, all of us can help rebuild.

Investigate Trip Moments

My mom and I had to take a quick trip to Des Moines to deal some stuff, and on the way there, we got see some beautiful fields, and houses.

We went to Hoover State Office Building, which was very impressive, with wide spaces inside. Also driving up, there was this amazing building with this, golden dome, which was the highest point. I recently discovered it's the historical Iowa State Capitol building, I think. You can see a reflection of it in the windows of the Wallace State Building. Close by is the Holocaust Memorial, which is significant, and sad to acknowledge.

We didn’t get to make it over there except to get close while looking for a place to park, but maybe in few months, we’ll find some time to go check both the memorial, and the building out. That would be fascinating to see.