Jamie's Attic

[jlc4310]

FWIW - The Librarians Season 3 Episode 1

The Librarians and the Rise of Chaos...

The Librarians season 3 has finally started...which, of course, is one of those good news/bad news situations for people like me that enjoy the series. We get to see what the cast and crew have created for us, but with only 10 episodes, the season feels like it ends before it has a chance to truly begin.

For what it’s worth, here’s my opinion about “And the Rise of Chaos”....I enjoyed it immensely.

The Librarians is a family-friendly adventure show. I’ve heard people describe it as ‘campy’ and ‘cheesy’, as if those are bad things. But, The Librarians is more than that, it’s smart, too.

Do they take some literary license with their story lines? Who wouldn’t? But, where else can you find a story where you get to hear about Apep - the god of Chaos, Clotho - the youngest of the three fates, Horus, and Nephthys? Oh, you aren’t interested in Greek and Egyptian gods and mythology?

Do you like board games? Have you heard of Gwyddbwyll? It’’s the Welsh name of an ancient Celtic board game. I find that fascinating.

No board games, no deities? Well, how about 1950s submarines? It has those, too. And, in fact, a portion of the episode was actually shot on board the Barbel class submarine docked in Portland.

Naval strategist? They talked about the Battle of Salamis - an ancient naval battle between two disparately sized forces. Go check it out, it’s quite interesting.

Interested in ancient astronomical devices, well ahead of their type - the Antikythera mechanism plays a part in the story.

Then let’s get to another important point for me. Although I must be in a minority, I do not enjoy reality TV. Oh, I do love a good cooking show, of course. But, when I want entertainment, I want fantasy, fun, adventure, action, drama, mixed in the appropriate portions. For me, that’s exactly what The Librarians deliver. 

Makeup, costumes, sets, camera angles, settings, story-lines, music; they all contribute to weave a story that keeps me on the edge of my seat, makes me happy, makes me think, and gets me to watch it more than once to see what I might have missed. And once, they even made me cry because of a sword. You should watch the first two seasons if you haven’t already and you will know why.

And, the amazing thing is they deliver all this in only an hour (including commercials).

Oh, and the cast, let’s not forget about the cast. They are like the family you would love to be a part of. John Larroquette as the witty, sarcastic great uncle that seems to have lived forever. Noah Wyle as the quirky, eccentric uncle. Rebecca Romijin as the mothering aunt that you love to hang out with but you know she’s going to be bossy and keep you in line.

Christian Kane, the cousin you always thought of as the brawling blue collar worker until you discovered he was a genius with multiple PHDs and that he speaks too many languages to count. Lindy Booth, the always excited, joyful cousin who sees numbers as colors and does math in her head like no one you’ve ever known. And, we mustn’t forget Ezekial Jones as the snarky second cousin who is always getting into trouble.

It’s a great show and the only complaint I have is that the season is only 10 episodes long.

[jlc4310]

Why Watch The Librarians?

It’s November 20 and finally, season 3 of The Librarians is premiering tonight.

Being a fan of the three The Librarian movies, I was interested in the show from the very beginning. The movies were a great of action, adventure and, honestly, silliness. With just the right amount of magic mixed in. Noah Wyle was perfect as The Librarian. And who doesn’t love Bob Newhart and Jane Curtin?

Admittedly, I was concerned I’d be disappointed with the series - my expectations were high. I should never have doubted Dean Devlin, Electric Entertainment and the cast and crew they put together. With writers like John Rogers, Kate Rorick and Jeremy Bernstein (to name a few), the stories have been incredible. Not to mention directors like Jonathan Frakes, Marc Roskin and Dean Devlin, himself.

Magic, history, legends - they all abound. The movies were sillier but I’m loving the new, more action and more drama presentations. And I hear this year is supposed to get a tad darker, but not like the trend of fantasy/sci-fi these days to be hard-core dark.

So, why should you watch?

Great writing, stellar productions, quality cast and the most amazing crew - and that’s just for starters.

Interested in history? You’ll love The Librarians.

Wishing for a bit more magic in your life? Again, you’ll love The Librarians?

Need some escapist entertainment? Look no further!

Good, clean, family fun? This is your show.

Next week - more about the characters and the people that play them....oh, didn’t I mention? Christian Kane, Rebecca Romijn, Lindy Booth, John Harlan Kim, John B. Larroquette and some familiar faces make appearances as guest stars  - heroes and villains.

[jlc4310]

Where Have I Been?

I got called out this week for not being on tumblr in a while and I promised I would work on that...so here I am.

It’s funny. When I started this blog, my plan was to do my ‘journaling’ here. My way to get things off my mind so they didn't fester. I honestly never expected anyone to read it, but if they did, I wasn't expecting people to like it. As it happens a select few are following me and I've been blessed/lucky enough that a couple of my entries have been shared through tumblr, Twitter and Facebook.

So, why did I stop? I've been pondering that for a few days. Have I run out of words? Not even close. As is evidenced by the fact I finished my first book and sent it off to some people for initial editing. And, I’m 10,000 words into my second book.

What’s next with those books? I have no idea. The first one, which, if you ever read my blog about daydreaming - you know how that one started - is based, loosely on the characters in the TV show Leverage. My research indicates I need to get permission from Leverage Holdings to shop it around to an editor to maybe find a publisher. My Google searches have failed me, no web site, no white pages entry, no entry in any business database I can locate. I've tweeted, Facebook messages, and emailed the Electric Entertainment website, but nothing there yet, either.

For the second book, however, which has quickly turned into a series, I have some plans. I’m using my ‘emergency’ fund and going to a writer’s conference this year. My hope is that this is not the dumbest idea I've ever had. Rumor has it there will be agents there for you to pitch your ideas to. I have no idea how to do that, but I’m going to give it a try. The people that house sit for me when I’m out of town aren't exactly thrilled, I’ll be gone several days, but they have agreed to it.

I know it’s a long shot, but how cool would it be to actually publish a book? And, even more amazing if someone actually bought it and read it!

With all that going on, why haven’t I posted anything? I think I was afraid it would all be whiny. Making decisions like attending this conference mean that other fun things have to put on the back burner. And I am terrified of this trip. I've never done anything like this before nor I have ever been to this city. 

Wish me luck!

Tomorrow, if I can swing it, Tuesday by the latest...some thoughts on what I've seen since I've joined ‘fandom’.

[jlc4310]

Why I Already Miss The Librarians

It has been a bit over two weeks since the two-episode season finale of The Librarians aired on TNT. I fear I have delayed writing this because once I do, I will have to admit the season is over and there is no promise or even a hint of a season 2 from TNT. In fact, so far, there has been no word from TNT about either renewing or canceling the show. Honestly, I don't know whether this should make me hopeful or hopeless. Right now, it is making me sad.

One only needs to look at my DVR list to know that I enjoy several different genres of television. One thing you won't find a lot of are comedy or reality shows. There are a few, but they are rare. It's a story for another day why I have issues with virtually every new comedy show I have watched over the last few years and I don't even want to think about the 'reality' shows. Even the name doesn't make sense to me. Most of them are completely unrealistic.

Most of the shows you will see on my playlist or my schedule are dramas, fantasy or science fiction. The majority of them are dark, some near the border of the horror genre. You would notice some other similarities between certain ones. Supernatural, Grimm, Constantine? Definitely have some familiar themes and I have varying opinions about each of them.

On December 7, 2014, however, TNT premiered The Librarians. I was a fan of The Librarian movie trilogy and had been eagerly anticipating the series. It was with some trepidation, however, that I watched the premier. How could anything live up to my expectations? As I've said before, I needn't have worried. The story, the acting, the scenes, the sets, the score - all high quality production work.

As the season ended with And the City of Light along with And the Loom of Fate it was clear everything had gotten even better. 

I also noticed something else important to me. I never missed watching a single episode live. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I did that. The closest I ever got before The Librarians, was letting a show get about 30 minutes ahead so I could fast forward through commercials. But, The Librarians, for all the angst you hear from Jacob Stone and Cassandra Cillian's back stories, all the action and drama of saving the world, had made watching TV fun again! I didn't mind sitting through commercials because I enjoyed the journey immensely.

Have some of those stories been done before? Yes, of course. But not like they did them.

Were they rushing to move relationships along? Well, sometimes, but what other choice do you have with only 10 episodes and so much to tell.

Did it take a bit to work out the relationships between the characters? Of course, but real life would have required time to. I just started on a new contract at work and I can guarantee it's rough at the start.

Do I want to know more about each character? Absolutely. Although, I have to admit, that I wonder if the writers lived in my home town. Every new tidbit I learn about Jacob Stone hits me hard. Part are my life, others from the lives of those I grew up with or went to school with. I left that small town in Oklahoma a lifetime ago, but this show has made me think about things I had filed away. In spite of the sleepless nights rethinking those things from my past and the tears I've shed over some of them, I still want to hear the rest of the story. I certainly want to learn more about Jenkins, Cassandra, Ezekial and, of course, Eve.

The last couple of weeks, I noticed something interesting. I started clearing out some of my DVR schedule. Suddenly, I realize I don't want to watch shows anymore just to pass the time or be background noise. If I need something, I've still got my DVR and a copy on Amazon of The Librarians. As many times as I've watched each episode, I see something new each time. 

The Librarians proved that TV can take me on a roller coaster emotional ride - both in the show and personally and still be tremendous fun! After that, it's hard to settle for something else.

In a few days, I'll work up the courage to write about the episodes themselves, but for now, I wanted to share this.

With no word from TNT, however, I'm already missing The Librarians. No news feels like a parent telling the child 'maybe' when they really mean no.

[jlc4310]

The Librarians - And The Rule of Three / And The Heart of Darkness

This week I delayed writing down my thoughts about the past week's episodes of The Librarians. I enjoyed this double header immensely, but I'm a bit maudlin because next Sunday will be the season finale - another double header. Simply put, I don't want it to end!

I'm hoping that TNT is just attempting to torture us by not giving us news of season 2, but I am figuratively holding my breath hoping for news any moment now.

For those of you who may have read my thoughts before, you know how much I'm enjoying this show. I still don't know how they pull it off, but every week gets better. Everything is spot on and high quality - the writing, the sets, the score, the VFX, the twists on old-time fables.

I have read several articles comparing The Librarians to Warehouse 13 and Scorpion. They occasionally forget that The Librarian (the movie trilogy) started first.

Having watched both of the shows in question (and I have the t-shirts to prove it for one of them), I can tell you they are not the same. Not for me. Don't get me wrong, I loved Warehouse 13. Except for the artifacts, The Librarians is different. Yes, they both have the quirky factor. Warehouse 13 had more science, The Librarians has more genius and a different kind of magic.

Scorpion has the genius, but not the personality of The Librarians and definitely not the magic. Scorpion has the magic of science.

I like all the shows, but The Librarians is the only one that brought fun back to my TV and it's the only one that I make a point to watch live. In fact, I try to ignore the phone and the door when I'm watching.

When TNT premiered The Librarian: Quest for the Spear, in 2004; I was front and center. Noah Wyle did an incredible job playing the 30-something full-time student (who still lived with his mother) and had never had a job. Then he took that genius mind and his 20+ degrees an started saving the world! 

Fast forward 10 years (to the day) and TNT premiered a new series: The Librarians. I was thrilled and torn, at the same time. How could a weekly series live up to the movie trilogy? Having seen all the actors (except John Kim) before, how could they carry the torch of The Librarian? What would it be like?

Would Dean Devlin and his crew be able to add in the production quality in an hour that they could in a movie? How could I ever have doubted them? They did that and so much more. 

Their interpretation of the Santa myth, the way fairy tales were 'weaponized', the rule of three applied to magic spells cast for personal gain and last, but not least, The House of Refuge!

Each episode has gotten more fun, shown us more action and revealed more back story. John Rogers and the other writers did an incredible job. They didn't try to make 3 more Flynn Carsens. They made 3 more credible Librarians!!

Lindy Booth killed it in the last few episodes, we got to see several different sides of Cassandra. 

John Kim showed us that Ezekial Jones can save the world and still be cheeky!

Christian Kane, ok, well I have to admit something here. Eliot Spencer (from Leverage), is one of my all-time favorite TV characters. Long, boring story why. John Rogers managed, however, to create a character in Jacob Stone, that is disturbingly familiar to me. Christian Kane nails the portrayal of that character. 

Rebecca Romijn, whom I enjoyed in King and Maxwell, has done an excellent job showing the growth of Eve Baird from the by-the-book, squared away soldier, to a protector of genius and magic - a huge transition.

John Larroquette - well, what couldn't he do? Right? He plays the grumpy hermit with a serious past quite well!

I'm counting the hours until Sunday's double header, but I will be sad when this season is over.

[jlc4310]

The Librarians and the Fables of Doom - My Random Thoughts

Never had an opportunity to form a coherent story about The Fables of Doom, but here are some random thoughts...

What a wonderful episode! "Weaponizing Fairy Tales"...so many good lines.

One of my favorite parts was at the very beginning. The Librarians and their Guardian (Eve Baird) are popping out of the door to the restroom. (If you haven't watched the series before they travel through a 'portal' of sorts, but it has to be a door.)

Eve Baird is not happy. She says she will never get used to this. (That first step through the door is tricky.) Jacob Stone says "I know, right?" but he is clearly excited about it. And he won't get used to how awesome it is. Such fun!

I am enjoying how Christian Kane's and Lindy Booth's characters are excited about the magic and having fun with it. And, John Kim seems a natural for the cheeky, snarky thief.

Eve Baird (Rebecca Romijn) is growing slightly more comfortable with magic but is still working on it. Jenkins (John Larroquette), well, enough said. Jenkins is awesome! 

The scenery of the location shots was absolutely beautiful and I'm still loving the sets. The art department did a smashing job on that staircase. Loved the owl in this episode. Dimitri is beautiful!

The theory on this episode is that something has gone awry and story tales are coming to life. Only these are not today's 'happily ever after' fairy tales. They are the original ones that were dark and full of darkness.

Ted Rooney did an excellent job as the Sheriff who becomes a fairy tale wolf. Sophia Mitri Schloss did great as his daughter, Jamie, the girl with the unknown illness. And, it goes without saying that Rene Auberjonis was spectacular as the evil librarian (interesting, Librarians fighting Librarians).

Another nice thing is we are at the time in the series where the team is beginning to learn to work together and, even though they have some issues still, they manage their way through to solving the problems. 

In addition to so many great lines, I appreciated how they made Cassandra (Lindy Booth) Prince Charming. That was a nice spin on the original fairy tale. 

Some of my favorite lines: (can't list them all - it would be too much) "Reality, a shared narrative we choose to believe" "You're a very odd cowboy."

Of course, there are those times we have to suspend 'our' reality...hospitals aren't really going to turn over their records to just anyone..and even if they did, odds are in these days they wouldn't be in folders. And some of the stories I couldn't figure out a fairy tale for.

Some part did seem a bit rushed to me, but with only 42-43 minutes to tell so many stories and save the day, it is difficult!

That being said, I am still loving The Librarians. It gets better every week for me. I do wish there were more episodes this year. So many back stories to tell, and 10 episodes is hardly enough.

My only real complaint right now is there has been no word about renewing it for season 2... :)

[jlc4310]

The Librarians - 12/31/2014

After five episodes of the new TNT show The Librarians, I must say it is my new favorite show. There isn't an episode I haven't watched at least twice.

No one is more surprised about that than I am. Don't get me wrong, I loved the move trilogy "The Librarian" starring Noah Wyle. Noah Wyle did a phenomenal job of portraying the genius, hapless librarian. I had looked forward to another installment of the movies. When that didn't come after a few years, I assumed it was gone forever.

Then, early this year, came the announcement that TNT had purchased 10 episodes of the series! Hooray! I admit that waiting so many months was excruciating.

When the long-awaited premiere rolled around on December 7, I watched with rapt attention and some trepidation. I had anticipated this almost too much. How could anything possibly live up to those expectations? Well, I should't have worried. As far as I was concerned, Dean Devlin, John Rogers and the crew, along with Noah Wyle, Rebecca Romijn, Christian Kane, John Larroquette, Lindy Booth and John Kim knocked it out of the park. It not only met, but exceeded all my expectations. Plus, there were modest parts of Jane Curtin and Bob Newhart - who I just adored in the movies.

I knew that Noah Wyle, Jane Curtin and Bob Newhart wouldn't be in every episode; and to be honest, I wondered what I would think once they had departed.

I needn't have worried. The next two episodes showed growth in the characters as individuals and as a team. It's tricky to move that growth along too far with five characters and only 43 minutes of air time a week. Plus, you don't want to just lay out everything all at once. There has be something more you want to see next week, right? But, John Rogers and his writing crew are taking us on a fantastic journey.

When I saw that Noah Wyle was going to be back in the "And the Apple of Discord" episode, I was thrilled. Then the strangest thing happened. After watching the episode, I realized I didn't need Flynn Carsen anymore to love this show. In fact, much to my surprise, I was jealous of his time because it took away from the other characters. I love the Flynn Carsen personal, but I wanted to know more about these new people!

I would never dare to presume what the viewing public likes nor would I presume to question Dean Devlin, John Rogers and the other writers and producers.

However, I will tell you this. I am absolutely invested now in learning about Colonel Eve Baird, Jacob Stone, Jenkins, Cassandra and Ezekiel. 

This show is light and whimsical and what is wrong with a little whimsy? Although I have to say, they managed to make me cry over a sword. I never imagined I would say that!

I know there are serious issues in my life, in my city, in my country, in the world. But for an hour each week, I get to go into a different world and just have fun!

There are only five more episodes left in the 10-episode run. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the rest of the world is just as interested and that TNT asks for another season (or 10).

[ladyleverage]

Leverage slides show my fairwell

I spent the last month creating concept art for our favorite series and this is what came of it. posters can be seen in more detail here http://ladyleverage….

Seeing as how yesterday was Christmas as I posted a few days ago I was not around but a very little bit, that being said I will post this today, It has been two years since Leverage has been on the air (ok and one day!), I cannot believe it has already been that long, there is still no show like it on television and there never will be I can assure you of that, in that two years we have watched the cast grow and achieve so much success it has been amazing watching them flourish as they have! Everyone felt the disappointment when it ended, not in its ending but in the fact that it WAS ending. This page went from supporting the show to memorializing it and supporting the cast and crew in there endeavors there after. There is still so much enjoyment to be found in our crew so I have no plans on ending anytime soon, Thanks again to Electric Entertainment Dean Devlin and the entire crew, Christian KaneBeth Riesgraf Aldis Hodge ‪#‎GinaBellman‬ ‪#‎TimHutton‬ Mark Sheppard and the entire cast, who gave us an amazing show and worked so hard for us through out its run! And of coursre for teaching us that bad guys are indeed so yeah. Anyway let us take a look back on their amazing journey from beginning to end (which can be found on Netflix) Through something old I posted after the shows end, since I have nothing new. Thanks again and we will always miss you guys! Now I am off to go share all of your amazing works from yesterday! I kow there has to have been some postings! Thanks again.

[jlc4310]

The Librarians - "And Santa's Midnight Ride"

The Librarians Christmas episode aired on Sunday, December 21, 2014. The episodes just get better each week and the Santa episode is no exception.

Bruce Campbell portrayed Santa and I must give kudos to the writers, Paul Guyot and John Rogers, I know of, and I'm sure there were others.

Since it has been a couple of days, I will risk a spoiler or two, but if you haven't seen the episode, please stop. You will want to experience it yourself!

in this version of Santa, the premise is that he gathers all the goodwill of mankind throughout the year. And then, on Christmas Eve, delivers this gift back to the world - as hope. What a wonderful interpretation of the magic of Santa Claus.

Belief systems aside, I loved this episode. What is wrong with giving hope back to our world? With all the dark, horrible things that happen each day; with news shows that only get ratings by airing the most controversial and horrendous stories; we can all use some hope.

This episode made me laugh, it made me cry, it allowed me to believe in Santa Claus again.

Thank  you, Christian Kane for the reminder of family from Jacob Stone; Lindy Booth for the joy from Cassandra when learning Santa was real; John Kim for the cheeky Ezekial Jones discovering he has a good side, even temporarily; Bruce Campbell for creating a very believable Santa; John Larraquette, for all the little clues from Jenkins about what the future may hold.

Thank you Dean Devlin, Electric Entertainment, TNT, and the cast and crew for an awesome gift!!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Joyous New Year. Or Happy Holidays.

[jlc4310]

The Librarians - TV is fun again!

A little history here - I adored "The Librarian" movie trilogy. The movies were developed by Electric Entertainment (Dean Devlin and others) and aired on TNT, starting in 2004. The last of the three movies premiered in 2008. When 2010 came and went, then 2011, 2012 with no new installment, I reached the conclusion the series had ended and I missed it.

Then Spring, 2014 rolls around and to my delight with it came the announcement of a series! TNT and #ElectricEntertainment had reached an agreement for a 10-episode deal! I was overjoyed!

Of course, waiting until December 7 for the premiere was excruciating. (LOL) 

I have to be honest, there was a thought niggling in the back of my mind that I was too excited for this show. Nothing could live up to that expectation.

As it happens, I was thrilled to be wrong! #DeanDevlin, #ElectricEntertainment and all the cast and crew knocked it out of the park. I laughed and I cried (for a sword - you had to be there).

#JohnRogers's writing, #GaryCamp's camera work, the set, the score, everything was spectacular. Even after three episodes, I still revel in the shots of the staircase with the card catalog along the wall. During filming, they shared some stills looking down that staircase and it's phenomenal.

Having #NoahWyle, #JaneCurtin and #BobNewhart in the premiere pulled in the thread of the stories from the movies and help make a marvelous transition to the series. The bits they shared about the last 8 years laid the groundwork for the new crew wonderfully! Yet, you were not lost if you never saw the movies.

The series also follows the theme of the female guardian by bringing in #RebeccaRomijn. For me, it was just another way to help fans of the movie feel that the series is a continuation of the journey. On the other hand, #JohnRogers did an awesome job of making the arc of the series story stand alone for viewers that had never seen the movies!

The new librarians - #ChristianKane, #LindyBooth and #JohnKim are wonderful! The new caretaker figure, #JohnLarraquette? No introductions necessary and his delivery of seemingly simple lines such as 'Oh Joy' is remarkable. His expressions, combined with his tone, speak volumes.

If I'm going to be completely honest, #ChristianKane brought to life one of my favorite TV characters in the person of Eliot Spencer from #Leverage and I questioned what kind of librarian Jacob Stone would be.

#JohnRogers created a character in Jacob Stone that hits a little too close to home for me as it happens and #ChristianKane is doing a spectacular job bringing him to life. How could I have doubted?

My only experience with #LindyBooth was from Supernatural, but I adore the excitement and joy of Cassandra's character as well as the poignant discussions of her illness. #LindyBooth portrays her wonderfully!

#JohnKim is a new experience but I'm tremendously pleased with the cheeky, snarky thief.

If you are wondering if I'm only interested in light-hearted shows, check out my playlist and you will see it is full of serious, sometimes dark drama. I have been unenamored with the comedy shows I've tried in recent seasons and honestly, I am not one of the masses that follow all the reality shows that are taking over the airwaves.

#TheLibrarians isn't all fun and games, they have serious work to do. But they bring joy and excitement to that work and that makes the show fun. There are emotionally touching moments so you can get to know these characters as people. It's a great balance to the action and magic they deal with in each episode.

This is the only show I watch 'live' right now. I'm weeks behind on some of my DVR items, but not #TheLibrarians. Not only do I watch it live each week, I've also purchased the season online and I've watched the extended cut.

Thank you, #TNT and #Electric Entertainment for bringing fun back to TV again.  

[jlc4310]

The Librarians: Magic and Reality

Recently, I read an article discussing a new upcoming TNT series called 'The Librarians'. The show is a spin-off of the movie trilogy that starred Noah Wyle and had such actors as Bob Newhart and Jane Curtin in recurring roles. For me, these movies were a perfect mixture of action, adventure and humor. 

Anyone who sees my feed on Facebook and Twitter know that I am beyond excited about this new series. Created by the crack team from Electric Entertainment, led by Dean Devlin, that brought us the movie trilogy (and many other awesome productions), it looks to be a wonderful addition to the winter lineup on TNT.

We know Dean Devlin and Electric Entertainment put together a formidable crew, but what about the cast? Noah Wyle will be reprising his role as Flynn Carsen. Although he won't be in every episode, his presence brings a great transitional tie-in to the movies. In addition, Jane Curtin and Bob Newhart are purported to have recurring roles as well. Hooray! Their interactions and chemistry in the movies would be dearly missed.

From there, it just keeps getting better. John Larroquette will be joining the cast in a leader/caretaker role. Rebecca Romijn will portray the protector of the new librarians in training. Another great tie-in to the movies - Flynn had female protectors, as well.

One of the new librarians is Christian Kane. You may remember him from another Dean Devlin/TNT show 'Leverage'. He is a man of many talents: actor, singer and chef! How can you go wrong?

Rounding out the librarians are Lindy Booth and John Kim. I am new to their work, but if the promos are any indication we are going to love them!!

The question has been raised about whether or not we are ready for the world they advertise. One where 'magic and reality collide'. So let's pretend there aren't already a half dozen or so currently active shows where magic and the supernatural exist. Those tend to be dark or full of angst. The Librarians TV series appears to remain on the lighter side of entertainment.

Don't get me wrong, I love a good procedural crime drama as much as the next person. Just check out my DVR scheduled recordings and you'll see.

But sometimes, I like something a little more light-hearted, humor that doesn't depend on constant use of innuendo or  derogatory comments directed at individuals or groups.

There is so much in our world that is dark, dreadful and sobering. There are serious things we are faced with every day in our lives, in our cities, states, country and in the world. Occasionally this means we miss the good that exists.

So, yes, I'm ready for a world where magic and reality collide; where a group of brilliant people are looking out for us. Keeping our world safe from the bad magic. 

Especially a group of librarians who can be excited and find wonder in their own jobs. One of my favorite lines in the promos: "Is that a flyin' sword? He's got a flying sword".

Speaking for me, I'm beyond ready!!! December 7 is a sobering anniversary but this year it brings an early Christmas present for me!

Thank you, TNT and Electric Entertainment!!

[jlc4310]

I loved your write up about the DallasCon!! Welcome back to the family xx kaz

Thanks!

[jlc4310]

What Defines a Family?

I had the unique (for me) experience this past weekend (9/20) to attend the Dallas 2014 Supernatural Convention. It was my first experience at a convention like this. When I was younger, Comic Con and Star Trek conventions were not possible for me to attend. I grew up, had too many responsibilities and never thought of going again. So, why now and why Supernatural?

I watched Supernatural when it first debuted and for several years. Honestly, when they started with angels, prophets and the apocalypse, that started hitting a little too close to my belief system and it made me uncomfortable, so I stopped.

Recently, however, my daughter reminded me that I still enjoyed other shows that I knew weren't true. I mean, I know there really isn't a crew like the Leverage team taking care of the underdog. And, I know Warehouse 13 isn't really there. This was just another time I needed to suspend my belief system and just enjoy the show. So, I binged watched starting with season 1 again, got 'caught up', and now I can't wait for this season to begin.

In recent times, quite honestly, there hasn't been a lot of fun in my life. Oh, admittedly, I love my job so it's fun and my life is tons easier than many others, but because of some family crises there's been no time for fun but lots of not-so-fun things happening. Not really even time for my normal volunteer activities. But, on a whim, I splurged on one day at the Dallas convention.

I don't know exactly what I expected but I know what I didn't expect.

I didn't expect Osric Chau to talk to a young woman, sitting alone at karaoke and encourage her to go out and talk to others. He told her to look around and reminded her that she had at least one thing in common with everyone in that room. Hmmm, I hadn't thought of that.

I didn't expect the young girl who stood up and told Richard Speight and Rob Benedict that something they said to her saved her. She had been in a bad place and had attended a conference a few months back and they just happened to say something that convinced her to stop hurting herself. I'm pretty sure they never expected that either. I didn't expect their response but it was amazing. They encouraged her to keep taking care of herself and reminded her that she was the one who made the decision and found the strength to take better care of herself.

I didn't expect I would suddenly be a mute but giggly person when having my picture made with Mark Sheppard and Misha Collins (honestly, I didn't expect I would want something like that, but I'm glad I did it).

I didn't expect that when Mark Sheppard walked to the center of the room and said, "Hello, boys", in his "Crowley" voice that I would be react with the phenomenal enthusiasm of the other 1000+ people in the room.

I didn't expect that while sitting alone at dinner (killing time while my picture printed) another woman, about my age, would ask me to join her. She had seen the shirt I had on and my wristband and she knew she had something in common with me. We had a great time!

I didn't expect a teenage girl, dressed as Castiel to strike up a conversation with me as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Yes, I have a shirt that says "SPN family don't end with blood". I got it as a lark and to support a fundraiser. It was one of my favorite quotes from Bobby on Supernatural. But, it never occurred to me that it might really be true. It's not the first time I've heard or thought of this theory. Even the theme of 'The Tigger Movie' was that family isn't all about blood.

I wonder what Eric Kripke expected when he created Supernatural. Did he expect millions of people would feel like they were part of a family?

I wonder what Jensen Ackles and Jared Padelecki expected when they auditioned for Supernatural a decade ago. Did they expect that millions of people all over the world would follow their journey?

I wonder if Misha Collins expected that a guest role as a 'broken' angel would give him a platform to encourage tens of thousands of people around the world to participate in Random Acts of Kindness.

There are some many people involved in bringing Supernatural to the world. Besides those already mentioned there's Mark Sheppard, Jim Beaver, Kim Rhodes, Jim Michaels, Robert Singer, Guy Norman Bee, Adam Glass, Sera Gamble, Jeremy Carver, Robbie Thompson. Too many names for me to get them all correct. They are the executives at the network, the producers, directors, writers, casting, craft services, bodyguards, drivers, camera crew, actors, everyone! They work long hours, for days, to bring us each 45 minutes of wonder. Did they expect, on their first day, that it would end up here?

I don't know how long this journey will last or where it will take us all, but this weekend, somehow, did make me feel like part of another family. A family with all shapes, sizes, nationalities and personalities but we have at least one thing in common. 

And I never expected that.

[jlc4310]

Getting my Music Back - 9/5/2014

My life is blessed in so many ways. The only health issues I have are really 'self-inflicted', and I'm working on those. I have a job and a place to live.

But for a long time now I have felt like I was merely existing and I didn't really know who I was anymore. Seems like a strange thing to say, but it's the truth.

Then, things started to really go sideways and I wasn't sure how long I was going to have that job or anything else, family started having health issues, money problems...you all know the drill. Life just starts piling up. 

I took some money I probably shouldn't have spent and bought 'Leverage' on DVD. I loved that show. I understand why it was canceled, there just weren't enough viewers. But I loved how the underdog had someone looking out for them. 

To insert a random fact here, I love all kinds of music, well, most kinds of music. I will admit to not listening to a lot of country music. Don't get me wrong, when I used to go dancing, two-stepping was always fun, but listen to it on the radio? Not really. And, it was probably the only genre not represented in my music collection. Except for a few old time songs by Willie Nelson and one ode to Bob Wills. Had to get that one, rumor has it my grandmother was related to him somehow.

In the Leverage episode, "The Studio Job", Eliot Spencer sings a song "Thinking of You". Although not the first time I've watched that episode, this song really got me this time. So, I 'googled' it to find out who the artist was and see if I could get a copy of it.

Imagine my surprise. I had no idea that Christian Kane was the artist. I didn't find it on iTunes, but I did manage to find his website and order the CD.

This is where my journey began. I had a question about my transaction, so I used the email that was associated with the store and Eric Griffin, I believe he is Christian Kane's music manager, was very attentive and also very kind. I'm certain he is extremely busy, but he always answered quickly and professionally. We ended up having a very nice email conversation about independent music in general.

Because of that conversation, I've been listening to more and more independent musicians and I have found some amazing music that I had been missing.

The funny thing is, I know some local, independent musicians. And for years I went to shows, supported them and really enjoyed it and then I just stopped. I allowed people and situations to drain all the music from my life. 

This journey to get my music back hasn't been an easy one. Suddenly realizing you've wasted so much time is hard. The funny thing is I didn't just find my music, I re-discovered books, and more. I found my muse (or maybe I should say muses), and I haven't seen them in years. My journey isn't complete, by any means, but it's a great start.

So, thank you universe, for starting me on this journey. Thank you for that simple song that started me searching. Even though all those problems still exist, I'm working every day to be sure the music stays!

And, about those muses, I just finished writing my first novel! That muse must have been working all this time and I just wasn't listening. My other muse keeps niggling at my brain to write another song. I've always kept my creations to myself. The book, however, I've never written anything like that before. Amazing how letting music back into my life awoke some other parts of me, as well.

I'm including a picture I found from that episode - no copyright infringement intended. 

And, in case anyone reads this who hasn't heard the song, here's a link to a video excerpt from the performance in the show:

Christian Kane - Leverage "The Studio Job"

And, if you haven't heard Christian Kane's music, I would encourage you to check it out. And, while you are doing that, support independent musicians.

[jlc4310]

How do you Daydream? Do you Daydream? - 9/3/2014

A couple weeks ago, I posted a story about why I missed the TV show Leverage. I never really expected anyone to read it. But, as it happened, several people did and suddenly I felt so much pressure that everything I said had to mean something that I stopped doing this blog.

I remembered, however, that I started this as my 'attic', my way to leave bread crumbs for someone to stumble on and either laugh at how foolish I was, smile at something silly I said or find a kindred spirit that might have lived in a completely different time.

I am humbled by and amazed at the number of people that re-blogged, re-tweeted or liked that post. And, I'm especially thankful for the followers. I hope you find something else some day that you enjoy.

Now, let's think about daydreaming...

One of my favorite volunteer things is working at the adoption center for a rescue group I volunteer with. Taking care of the fur-babies, helping potential adopters find that perfect match, it's not always easy, but your heart is always full.

About 4 months ago, a few of us humans were standing around chatting and I happened to mention how these stories are constantly running around in my head. It's been true my whole life. I see a movie or TV show and suddenly, I see a whole new episode, or a sequel. I read a book and then I see it playing out and I add or change it. Or, now don't laugh, I see someone in a store or restaurant and I just make up a life for them. And then there are those random stories that just pop into my head. I had always assumed this happened to everyone. I figured this was what people were talking about when they discussed daydreaming. 

Based on the reaction I got that day, I decided maybe I had been wrong. My daughter is working on her PhD in Literature, so I asked her about this phenomenon. I got this response, "Uh, no, that's not normal. Maybe you should write some of them down."

The thing is, though, I never really tried to finish anything. These stories (dreams) would come in one day and might be replaced the next. Oh, there are a couple that have stuck around. They come back in a few months, or maybe a year but they don't all do that.

Well, now I have finished one of the stories. I wrote a book. In fact, I'm printing it out tonight to go through and spruce it up a bit. I don't know if anyone will ever read it. I don't know that I'll ever have the nerve to give it to someone to read, but it was an amazing, cathartic process.

As it happens, it has the characters of Leverage in it. Most of the stories that come through my daydreams don't involve Leverage, but this one did and somehow that seems fitting.

So, do you daydream? What do you daydream about?

[jlc4310]

Why I Miss Leverage - 8/17/2014

When I watched Leverage while it was current and in production, I really enjoyed it. The interaction between the cast members was great. The story lines were occasionally serious, but most often there was some humor and once in a while a little whimsy. 

A few months ago, though, I started missing Leverage. TV shows come and go, it's just a fact of life. So, I wondered why I suddenly started missing this one? I missed it so much, in fact, that I purchased all the DVDs so I could watch it whenever I wanted.

I've seen so many posts on line about Leverage - apparently I'm not the only one who misses it. However, recently, I've been seeing posts from people telling those of us who miss it to 'let it go'. 

So, first of all, if you don't like that I miss Leverage, why are you on the Leverage Facebook fan page and can see my comments. That's one of those things that makes me go, 'hmmm'.

Second of all, it did make me wonder. Why do I miss Leverage?

I miss it for the same reason I loved it at the time. For me, they were all stories about imperfect people, helping other people that had been hurt or taken advantage of, by a person or organization that the law couldn't touch. 

I've always had a soft spot for the underdog and I'm definitely an imperfect person who tries to help when I can. Lately, I've been feeling a bit like I am the underdog.

In today's TV land, I just don't see any other shows like Leverage. Where someone is watching out for, well, for us, the people without the money and without the power. The people who think the system is going to work for them and suddenly discover it doesn't.

I'm especially haunted by this right now as we struggle to pay for the care my mother needs and we get shuffled from doctor to doctor - over 7 weeks now. She broke her back at the end of June. They didn't properly diagnose her until 8/1. Seriously? And, now, here we are 8/17, and treatment still hasn't begun. And, the assisted living facility she is in costs way more than her meager Social Security check. We will figure out a way, we have to. But, it also makes me think of all the people without family to help.

I know there are serious issues in the world right now. Depression, suicide, riots, war. But, sometimes, when the life around you is overwhelming, it's hard to think about all those things!

Stealing from the show: I could really "use a little Leverage" right now! And, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one!

[jlc4310]

What a Day!! 08/04/2014

Well, the contract proposal request we have been expected at work arrived Friday. That same day, we finally got a diagnosis for my mom. She has a broken back. This is 30 days after her first complaint of excruciating pain. Good grief!! The good news is we convinced her that maybe it was time to move into an assisted living apartment that is closer to where my daughter lives and also closer to me. She seems excited. Now, all I have to do is manage to pack up a 3 bedroom house and load it up and move it to Texas in one day because that's all the time I have. Sunday will be another crazy day! Wish me luck, universe!

In addition, the #GISHWHES2014 scavenger hunt began on Saturday. Our team has people from Texas, Minnesota and Instanbul. So far, it has been great fun. None of us have ever done it before, so we are learning a lot as we go.

So, reality and whimsy are seriously colliding in my world.

Monday is the day I work two jobs - 7:30 am to 17:30 on the first and 18:30 - 21:30 on the second.

Then, it's home to take care of the foster critters, my fur kids and then call it a day.

I didn't want to forget to say something though. So I can keep filling up that attic!