The Fantastical Life of Anna Williams

a revival of sorts

2010-09-12T13:03:00.001-07:00

I'm contemplating a switch of blogging back to the fantastical site.

Because it feels more literary.
Because it feels like fall.

Does it matter? Is it right?

No idea. But it's what I feel like today.

Great beautiful things

2010-09-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I want to find this man, and learn how to make gigantic bubbles.
Secondly, I want a Canon 550D.
Other cool images from the Canon 550D Camera:

Splash by Drippy2009 (Flickr)

just feel nice By TheMomentOfJack

Getxo at night by Aitor Agirregabiria

Wick by zomewhere

The Film by Jeremy Snell

I’m just going to rationalize that people who own this camera have powerful talent.

Single in the Suburbs

2010-09-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

There’s little more depressing (for a person of my demeanor) to suddenly find your perfect opposite, who also happens to be famous.

I’m the anti-Carrie Bradshaw.

I don’t live in a big city. I wear sales-rack clothing and own less than seven pairs of functional shoes. I’m single with no hope of escape and I write a blog that nobody reads.

Gah.

And my fish are acting really weird tonight!

Hurrrumph.

And I feel like I’m forgetting an important homework assignment.

Ack.

And all of the dresses that had been neatly hanging in my closet for the past few months are now draped over every surface of my room. And I have no where to wear them!

Ugh.

But on the plus side:

I got some good reading under my belt tonight. And today’s birthday/birthday/adoption party with the Cornish family was quite delightful. Oh, how I miss those adorable kids.

listen to this, and go to sleep

2010-09-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

It would be a moving experience to see this in person.

movies & books

2010-09-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight I watched Jerry Maguire for the first time ever.

I’ve read about this film for years, but it never actually struck my fancy. All I knew about it was “you complete me” and an adorable little three year old with spiky hair. Boy, was I missing out!

This movie is great. Its got something for everyone: comedy, romance, drama, sports, triumph! And who doesn’t like little kid with spiky hair?

We watched the first ten minutes of the film in my Fiction Writing class and I was hooked by the dramatic change that happened to the main character is such a short amount of time.

Right now, I’m really drawn to stories and people who are unafraid to undergo a dramatic personal change. Its cool to see it when it happens.

So I watched the second half on Netflix, and other than all of the f-bombs, thought that the script was really solid. One of the nifty things about studying scriptwriting, is you begin to anticipate certain elements of the plot. Its kind of fun to watch how they play out. As obnoxious as obnoxious as the Rod Tidwell character is, he is a wonderful example of how taking a personality to an extreme can create solid comedy. I loved watching Jerry Maguire go from this super suited salesmen to the guy in plaid—all while playing the role of manager.

Moving on now.

I’ve got to be more intentional about watching films… As I read my Screenwriter’s Bible, a whole lotta movie endings are being spoiled for me.

I think the next film I’m going to watch is Amadeus. My brother loves this film. And its frequently mentioned in the book…andfreeonnetflixs…

I’m also re-re-re-reading Jane Eyre. I thought I could get away with previous knowledge of this book in my class discussion, but my little guilt node is bothering me. Oh Jane… Its so hard for me to restart this book, because I just want to skip the first half and get to the part with Rochester. Oh Rochester…

So I’m reading it by candlelight. Which is actually super spooky.

Magical things shopping list

2010-09-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

If you wrote your shopping list on psychic paper, what could it read?

Baha blast flavored sparkling anti-headache elixir.
A transporter beam that could transport me from this chair to Kristen's house.
Time in a bottle
a magical frog with very sterile lips

travels

2010-09-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

I would very much like to take a trip. I've been living in a strict "routine" for three weeks. Perhaps if homework permits, I'll take a trip this weekend to Orlando.

Dear Weather,
Please get cold so I can break out my scarf collection before November. Late September would be superb, early October would be suffice.

Kailey told me that it was 54 degrees outside the other night in NC.

That could be very pleasant.

Anything to change the season.

Sincerely,

Anna who is very tired of her surroundings.

Dr. Who Night

2010-09-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

Clad in black and armed with brownies and sun-chips, we gathered at David's house to watch the final three episodes of David Eccleston's reign as the Doctor.

It was rather bittersweet.

But I'm so ready to re-watch all of the David Tennant episodes, so a little sweeter.

smart move, dumb person

2010-09-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

Pastor Jones called of the book burning.

Woo.

As much as I'd like to be celebrating the fact that this man's influence on how the world view's American Christians and putting our troops overseas in danger has decreased, I'm still really frustrated that he's in the limelight. I'd very much like for him to apologize for his intentions to hurt other, and start living like Christ.

I understand his desire to tell "radical islam...that we will not bow our knees to them" but he picked his strategy poorly.

I'm really ready to think about some happier things now.

dumb move, (some) religious people

2010-09-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

Bethany commented:

"I think the problem I have with prejudice against certain religions is that they tend to be based on the minority (aka terrorists) rather than the majority of that faith who don't condone it either."

This is true.

I actually spoke to a girl in one of my classes who has been associated with the Muslim religion. I realized that a great contrast can be made between the two instances.

While the people behind building the mosque in ground zero strive to make it a place of peace, it appears that the pastor's decision to burn Korans is for selfish reasons. It will do nothing but divide.

I gotta go to Dr. Who night, but I'm sure I'll finish this thought later.

dumb move, religious people

2010-09-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

You've heard about the uproar that occurred when a Muslim group decided to construct a mosque on ground zero...right?

I think the fact that most Americans (I've seen) are against the idea (because it's extremely inquisitive and kind of inappropriate) is a good indicator that construction should be stopped. Unfortunately, plans continue.

Sheesh, I really wish our government would listen to us.

Now I'm reading about a group of religious people in Florida planning on burning Qurans on 9/11. People are getting all riled up about that too.

From the CNN article:

"Americans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds reject the offensive initiative by this small group in Florida. A great number of American voices are protesting the hurtful statements made by this organization," the embassy said.

Why does this keep happening?

Prediction:

Many essays to come comparing and contrasting the two extreme actions taken by these religious people. Were ether group right? Did the government have the right to dictate what was permissible? Are we growing too tolerant of some religions, and less of others? Is it okay if by maintaining religious freedom, you are hurting others?

I honestly have no idea where religious expression in American culture is heading. I can only pray and live my life.

Interesting people & medication

2010-09-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

I’m reading about the “roles” of characters in film.

Basically, there’s the hero that the audience came to watch who runs into the oppositional character that causes a conflict (can be non-human) and then they tell all their problems to their buddies.

These “secondary characters” are extremely important to the film. And in my own script, they are going to pretty exhilarating to write.

why?

Because they’re based on real people, with some extra fluff to fill in the gaps of my memory. I’ve met some super interesting people that deserve to be known. They may actually out-personality the heroine….And considering the fact that she’s a mirror image of who I was in the past, that’s a little discomforting.

Here’s a list of qualities I’ve seen in people that I’m certainly going to include:

Crazy hair styles/color
the way they sit in chairs
how they walk when entering a room
noses
unique family heritages
whether or not they hug you when they see you
“crazy eyes”
what kinds of lines they draw

***

Today I had a wonderful visit to the doctors office…

I’ve been toying around with the idea of starting back on ADD medications. When I was in grade school, I struggled academically because of learning disabilities and tried multiple medications with the hopes that they’d help.

The all had negative side effects. One gave me headaches, another made me queasy and caused (we think) sleepwalking. Yeah, I did that.

So, skip ahead many years.

I’ve learned to discipline myself academically, superseding the need of medication to help with my now “adult ADD.” However, I have been living with “quirks” that sometime cause frustrations. Examples: I have a difficulty finishing tasks. Forgetful. Easily overwhelmed by a long list of things to do. I’m super sensitive to some sounds (like noisy chewing, mouth breathing, crunching, clicking…etc) while other things like clutter don’t bother me.

Okay, so the first three things are legitimately ADADD, the last one just makes me a weirdo.

As much as I want to think that I can manually fix my own self discipline issues, the fact that the need persists is causing me to re-think medication. I spoke to my physician today (yeah, I’m starting to sound like a commercial…….) and I think I’m going to give Strettera a try.

I’m a little concerned about the side effects, but curious I will react differently because my body has matured. I’m also a little apprehensive about how it will impact my writing, because last time I tried it I grew listless and very melancholy.

But, after some deep consideration, I think I can handle three weeks of it. Tomorrow I’m going in for bloodwork to make sure I don’t have any unknown conditions (spooky!) that might react with the focus pills.

And of course, I will be journaling the experience. Wouldn’t it be dandy if it helped me finish stuff? I may write a novel!

The happy list

2010-09-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it’s the rain, or Sarah going back to school, but I’ve been in a pretty sour mood today.

So here’s what I’ve got to be happy about:

Moscato
My wonderful church family who accept me and my quirks.
Singing old hymns in worship
Being quite the silly recluse as I read Bronte’s Poems of Solitude in a bubble bath.
Texting
Dr. Who night
Having red hair
Clean pajamas on clean bodies
AquaTanica Spa bath salts and gel souffle
dafont.com
little children
Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival!

(From our 2009 Epcot excursion…)

13. Autotuned interviews.

14. Movies on Netflix

15. A Fine Frenzy

I’m feeling a little better.

Stand by Me

2010-09-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

Its a really shoddy place to feel like you have no one to stand by.

So find someone, and stand next to them.

Star Wars with Maria

2010-09-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

With the help of her boyfriend, I was able to force my friend Maria into watching Star Wars. Tee hee.

Starting with Episode 4, A New Hope, we hoped Maria would come to appreciate one of the greatest films ever made…

She didn’t hate it, but she did seem a little *ahem* astonished that there were five other films.

Best quote of the night?

“Wait, I thought Darth Vader was a good guy!?!”

Creepy, and less creepy stuff

2010-09-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

Look at this book cover and tell me it doesn’t creep you out in the last bit…

Well it creeps me out. And its been sitting on my bed all day. Like some demented rabbit.

I’ve now got two weeks of school under my belt. Its a nice, satisfying feeling. We’re starting to verbalize our creative ideas, which is extremely intimidating because this is an opportunity to

a.) Sound really ingenious, creative and establish yourself as someone who is on their way to becoming a legitimate writer.

b.) Sound super facetious.

c.) Sound crazy, but entertaining.

d.) Sound crazy, and scoot your chair into a corner.

c.) Sound unoriginal and cliche.

While I aspire for a.), I fear that I might have sounded a little crazy when describing a plot revolving around an angry betta fish (what, I write what I know…) whose owner is a hoarder (uuuummmm….) and is strategically planning how to kill off all the other fish.

The twist is that fish have extremely short memory, so this fish would be constantly jumping from one idea to another. It would be both hilarious, and disarming…because you feel bad for him…

Then my professor remarked about the dangers of writing from a pet’s perspective. His comment was mildly disapproving but hardly discouraging… So I really don’t know if it was a good idea.

Later that afternoon I saw my old art professor and told him about the screenplay I’m planning about my experience with art school. The expression of terror on his bearded face caused every foul and frustration memory to melt away. And no, I was not threatening him with the terrible wrath of my vicious rhetoric… I think what I saw was the face of introspection.

Then I explained that because I want the story to be character driven, “Professor X” will be more than just a bad guy—okay, so I was able to squiggle my way out of calling him the bad guy, but I think there was mutual understanding that he was the conflict. Fortunately, because he is such a complex individual, I think he stands a chance of becoming a beloved character. Well, extremely memorable.

***

I don’t know what it is about those three asterisks that give me the feeling of proper transition. But I feel like they work.

***

There’s a kid in one of my classes who is lucky enough to carry on the family name “Youngblood.” It sounds like an accomplished name.

Victor (nothisrealname) Youngblood, author of the best crime drama series book fiction ever!

I’m still a little bitter that there’s an extremely talented and notable gal named Anna Williams who just so happens to have the career I wanted two semesters ago.

***

We now sell smoothies as a “healthy snack choice” at the Cafeteria. I make a fruity good smoothie.

This is strange...

2010-09-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

I was just paroozing through some old images of my drawings and noticed this one. Check out that ear. It is a nice ear..... Makes me want to draw again.

*Insert The Scream face here*

Remember

2010-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

The little shop from You’ve Got Mail has been resting in the forefront of my head all day long.

It started by thinking of the song, “Remember” by Harry Nilsson from the film:

Then I started thinking about how Meg Ryan’s character described twirling with her mother…Then I remembered how enchanting the little shop was… The little shop that paid homage to the old film Shop Around the Corner. It all reminds me that there must have been simpler times… When you could go to work and tell children stories in a princess hat…When you could trust random strangers with correspondence over the internet… When being sick meant people brings you flowers and take care of you… When you could dance with your mother.

I really want—maybe if only for a week—to live a simply delightful existence.

My new boyfriend Shakespeare

2010-08-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

I’m pretty sure by the end of this semester we’re going to be in a committed relationship. His works are so poignant and wordy… I feel like I’m inside of his head and his imagination is singing to me.

Oh Shakespeare.

Actually I think your imagination is taunting me.

That’s not a very gentlemanly thing to do.

So I’m thinking, that I might purchase another betta fish so I could name him “Shakespeare fish.” Its an Annanerian insult.

***

Can’t you tell I’m really struggling with proactiveness right now?

Le piddles.

to do:

2010-08-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Homework

Write sentence summaries of potential short story ideas.
Write short synopsizes of potential script summaries
Finish reading The Secret
Finish reading Twelfth Night

Schedule

Tonight—Fusion band rehearsal
Tomorrow—call Maria about carpooling in the morning
Send out invites for Dr. Who Night

Housekeeping

Find enough change on the floor to purchase a Baha Blast
Tackle that overflowing basket of laundry
Roll around in it for a few moments
Fluff pillows on couch
Nap
Just kidding.
But I really need to do that laundry

Watching lives change

2010-08-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

Remember those kids I babysat over the summer?

Little James’s adoption will be finalized tomorrow!

James is the Cornish’s 6th child to be “assimilated” into the family, and it has been amazing to watch. At three years old, this little boy was under the Florida foster care system with no family to claim him as their own…God really delivered this family to him.

I remember at the beginning of summer, he had been with the family a short while and Meredith was showing me the ropes of how to feed six children.

Because James’s upbringing, he lacked some of the motor skills that makes life easier for the parent—like holding his own bottle. Meredith explained that this was a neat opportunity, because it allowed her to teach him to eat. This allowed her to bond with him over cradling the bottle, to assisting him in learning how to do it on his own. I was amazed by how fast this kid learned how to do this with her help.

All of their children have their special personalities, it is amazing how he meshed so well with the bunch. And he’s an adorable blonde, just like the others!

I’m writing this now because I’m simply in awe of how beautiful adoption is. Two of her other children were adopted (okay, here’s a link to the family’s blog. Seriously check it out---> http://cornishadoptionjourney.blogspot.com/ ) and their stories are reflections of how lives can change when people simply open their hearts and homes to others. Ahhh!! Love these happy endings.

So yes. Tomorrow! He’ll be James Cornish FOREVER!

(Right now his image is hearted because of legal/privacy/paperwork stuffness…But tomorrow, his adorable little face will light up the internet.)

Write more, stretch the creative muscle

2010-08-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

When my professor asked our class of 25ish students to shout out plot ideas for potential short stories, an eerie silence fell over the room.

I came to the very pathetic realization that, while I have a zillion ideas floating around in my head, I have a paralyzing fear of discussing them in front of a group. They drained from my brain as soon as he started beckoning the crowd for ideas. I had to pull out my moleskin to remind me that yes, I was a creative writing student and yes, I am creative.

Since this afternoon, I’ve been making

(12:34, made a wish*)

conscious attempts to write down anything that interests me. Something funny someone said, an image that I like, a random “what if” that sprouts from unrelated events. That all helps me craft a story.

Confession:

I didn’t write much over the summer.

Whatever I started, I didn’t finish. I lacked accountability.

Once I’m out of the habit of writing, its like my creative muscles that DO are weakened. Now I’ve got to kick them into shape, because I’ve really got to pump out some impressive work.

I had a really cool idea that might help with creating characters and getting into their head/routine:

In my planner, I have a little plastic zippy bag that I stash little quotes, pictures and scraps of things that I like. These things remind me of my goals, what I love and what inspire me.

I realized that if someone were to find my planner and go through my little zippy bag, they’d have a small glimpse into what kind of character I am.

So to create characters very unlike me…

Start with an empty envelope. Inside of the envelope, cram clippings from magazines, found track, receipts, quotes, ticket stubs and other small flat objects that a person might take interest in.

I realized today that I have the tendency to write about very creative, middleclass, naive people who are deeply impacted by the thoughts/feelings and actions of the people closest to them.

Basically many versions of myself.

I think by filling these envelopes with objects I don’t connect with, I can craft characters who do care.

I’m going to give this idea a little test and see where it takes me.

And if you see me digging through trash for said random objects, just smile and nod. Smile and nod.

How are your fish?

2010-08-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

I’m starting to be concerned that someday I’ll turn into a crazy fish lady.

People will visit my house and smell the musty odor of dechlorinated water and fish food.

Here’s what happened:

I had a dream that I started collecting betta fish. I had at least ten (I recalled their appearance and names…) that lived on a little bookshelf. They all lived in peace. Then one day events occurred (and because it was a dream, the stimuli was vague) and the fish got angry.

Really, really angry.

They turned into angry betta/piranha hybrid monsters and started attacking each other. Jumping from bowl to bowl, the fish would tear at each other’s flesh and fins. I have no idea why I just sat there watching it, but finally I came to my senses and decided to split them up.

The only two left were Superman fish and Alan Rickman fish.

And again, for some vague reason I had to choose which one would live.

And so I chose…

And then I woke up. Feeling extremely guilty, I gave Superman fish extra bloodworms. I never ever want that to happen in reality.

Oh, and both my fish are fine. I really would like to purchase them new bowls because their current ones are very drab.

Sweet Sixteen

2010-08-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

This month my youngest sister turned 16.

I feel old.

Turning 16 is a really big deal for her circle of friends, and they throw huge expensive parties to celebrate. Because we’re not in a financial place to have a “Sweet Sixteen Birthday budget” so we decided to make it special with what we had.

She really wanted a zebra cake, so I tried my best to make it look professional made…. The icing tube didn’t fit with our piping kit, so I hot glued one of our caps to the lid. It worked like a charm. The finished product….Her friends kidnapped her and took her to dinner. During that time, me and a friend decorated the living room for the post-dinner party.

Happy Belated Birthday Bethany!

Jo Stafford

2010-08-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

I’m on the hunt for an audition song for Man of La Mancha. This is super daunting as I’m really wanting to sing something that shows off my range but doesn’t approaching the “iffy high notes.”

Okay, so that may not matter to you at all.

But Jo Stafford should. I’m browsing my music library for women whose music I sing comfortably (ELLA!) and through various researches via google I discovered Jo Stafford.

Musical sensation in the 1930s, Ms. Stafford created some beautiful renditions of classics such as “Blue Moon” and “You Belong to Me” that are her own.

Listening to her voice is kind of a sad experience, because her tonality just wouldn’t sell in today’s market…unless she had some kind of ridiculous/edgy lifestyle…

I’m listening and relistening to her version of “Stardust.” Its one of my favorite songs (maybe ever) and I really wish I could find her version’s piano music.

Le sigh.