Farewell Tree Hill: Thanks for the Memories!

 

        Today is bittersweet- its the end to One Tree Hill but at the same time will open many new beginnings for all the wonderful actors in this series. I haven't even been able to write this post until now ( Tuesday- a day before the finale) because I've literally been in denial. Don't think about the ending and it won't happen right? wrong... but that's not always a bad thing. I'm happy with where theses NINE seasons have gone and the memories that I have made along the way. 

So this post is dedicated to those Tree Hill memories... 

When One Tree Hill season 1 started it paralleled with my life- they were in the same grade I was, doing some of the same activities and experiences; Peyton and her Drawings, Cheerleading and watching Basketball play a major part in peoples lives. In a way it made a person feel like they weren't walking through high school alone, because lets face it, high school isn't all glitter and sunshine! 

But apart from the cheerleading, basketball & the drama... there's a message. Each character is beautiful and smart, and flawed in their own way. I think that's what made One Tree Hill so powerful-- every person can take away a different meaning from it- whatever it is they need to grasp onto to get by, OTH had that.

So THANK YOU Mark Schwahn, for letting me and millions of others have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the characters lives, in which you've created. And to the actors, I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

 Do you ever wonder if we make moments in our lives, or if the moments in our lives make us? - Lucas Scott

  

 Last August, my sister Emilee and I took a spur of the moment road trip to Wilmington, NC where OTH is filmed; both at private& public locations around Wilmington and also Screen Gem Studios. Of course we didn't get to every place that we wanted to see due to time constraints but we were able to see the most recognizable and popular filming locations...

 LUCAS SCOTT'S HOUSE!! This was of course one of our first stops! And a total fangirl moment-- I think more for me than Emilee ;-) but she enjoyed seeing his house also. Seeing where Lucas "lived" made the entire trip seem so real. I wanted to get a picture on the back steps next to the door to his room, but this was a residential home, so I refrained from doing so.

(In no particular order- because honestly I can't remember what days we did everything-- we were all over Wilmington!)

We went around and found the homes of Brooke Davis & Peyton Sawyer. Along with going downtown to Cape Fear community college where the high school scenes were shot. And also the building where Karen's Cafe used to be. They had a sign in the window marked "Karen's Cafe", so Emilee and I made sure to get our picture under it (of course it was POURING rain, so I will not post it! lol) but several years back they used to have the awning up- which would've been so neat to see! Of course it was taken down for C/B shooting purposes. And of course we had to find TRIC!

 on Saturday we took a trip to Screen Gem Studios where One Tree Hill has been set for the last 9 years, and were able to take a tour. Normally they show 3 sets, and told us we could come back next week if we wanted to see all 3 for our monies worth, because they had a "hot" set and therefore we could only tour 2 of them. I had to laugh because there was NO stopping us from getting into that building-- we drove 14hours for this, one less set tour wasn't going to ruin a thing. It was like these gigantic separate rooms built inside a huge warehouse... pretty surreal how quickly the set gets taken down also. We first went through Red Bedroom Records and oh my goodness! The neatest feeling ever! Every little detail was all there- I fell in love. Then we went into Brooke and Julian's home which was actually in transition to being set up for filming, so that was neat to see. There were baby toys and bouncy cribs everywhere! lol

...And last but certainly not least...

 I think for both of us going to the River Court was the most emotional and momentous experience of the trip. This was where it all started- there is so much meaning and love and loss packed onto this court that it was a dream to be able to see it. As of a few months ago, the River Court was torn up. When Emilee and I heard about this we were devastated! But very glad that we had the opportunity to see it before it was gone. So here is my little piece of Tree Hill that I'll treasure:

Port City Clothing 

In November I had the chance to go to LA for Breaking Dawn premiere and was shocked and excited to see Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer) walking down the "Black" carpet! What an amazing experience just to be there to watch all of the Twilight stars, it never even dawned on me that I may see other celebrities there lol. So Hilarie comes over to sign autographs and my friend Tracy asks if she'd take a picture with me. I'm not one to ask for pictures- was in way to much shock that I lost all train of thought, so I'm forever grateful she asked for me. Hilarie was more than willing to take a picture; very very sweet! This was definitely a highlight of the premiere for me :)

totally embarrassing pic of me. lol but Hilarie looks amazing! And the memory is just perfect!

Tonight, as we settle down to watch the final 2 hour episode EVER of One Tree Hill, we may say goodbye to the characters in which we've grown to love, but it's the memories that will stay with us. So, I leave you with this...

-Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always.
A promise. Like a reward for persisting through life so long alone.
A belief in each other and the possibility of love.
A decision to ignore, simply rise above the pain of the past.
A covenant, which at once binds two souls and yet severs prior ties.
A celebration of the chance taken and the challenge that lies ahead.
For two will always be stronger than one, like a team braced against the tempest civil world.
And love will always be the guiding force in our lives. For tonight is mere formality.
Only an announcement to the world of feelings long held. Promises made long ago.
In the sacred spaces of our hearts.

The Hunger Games:: Movie Review

The up and coming book to movie franchise that has been sweeping the nation; one that appeals to both the female and male population has finally made its way into our theaters! Here is my take on The Hunger Games first film adaptation of Suzanne Collins three book series:

Ever get the feeling when you are sitting in the theater, that no matter how much you know the storyline and the outcome of the movie because you've read the book, you find yourself a nervous wreck, a ball of emotion, because you are suddenly inside that characters perspective, to the point you question the next step in the storyline? Everything else is out the window, forget what you knew the outcome to be (even if it is exactly the same as the book) it doesn't matter, your emotional ties and instincts will overrule.

Katniss Everdeen and her family live in District 12; which is one of twelve Districts of Panem. Right away the audience gets a sense of the life in this District; poverty stricken, hard workers, minors. This is quickly in comparison with life in the Capitol; huge sturdy buildings, people overly dressed to make a statement,not having food is not in question. In the book, Suzanne Collins is detailed about the difference between each District and the Capitol- although we do not get a chance to see every district come to life, I believe director Gary Ross did a fantastic job at portraying the dramatic differences between life in District 12 and the Capitol.

 Katniss finds the Mocking Jay pin while trading in goods, this is a major difference from the book. One that I wasn't fond of, until I saw Prim hand Katniss back the pin. I believed it tied her to the storyline more, making winning for Prim that much more a goal. Although I am still interested to see how the this will tie in later from the events that happen in the later books

The audience is seeing this story through several viewpoints... as an outsider for the most part. We get to follow Katniss' journey right along with her, but still able to see the reactions of the people able her to the events that are occurring. Once in the area, we are more "becoming" Katniss! The audience gets a sense of how Katniss feels; after the Tracker Jackers I loved the part where it shows the hallucinations. That is exactly how the book described Katniss feeling after being stung and we got the chance to see how she would see the arena.

We also get to see the game makers in action. Which isn't in the book- their changes are but only through Katniss' point of view and understanding. I liked this change- sets up the story well. And it also gives insight into Katniss trying to figure out "the game plan"

Main Characters::
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen- Jennifer nailed the role! As someone who was skeptical from the beginning about 21 yo being able to portray a 16 year old, I couldn't have been more blown away her performance. Her emotions were our emotions! Burns- I've never felt so much pain in my life! The shaking, the tears, the lip biting... she didn't have to utter a word for anyone to know how much pain she was in. It was all so real.

Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark-- I loved the emotions he showed and lack there of during the reaping ceremony, the way Peeta knew how to "wow the crowd' with his charm at the Capitol, Josh did just that!  

Liam Hemsworth as Gale- We don't get to see much of Gale in the first book. But right as he came on screen I cringed a little- he just isn't "Gale" to me, he looked too modelesque to be in District 12. The chemistry was how I thought it would be- they are nervous about the Reaping so they keep the conversations short, but the care and compassion for each other as friends is there.

Willow Shields as Primrose Everdeen, Katniss' sister who gets called at the reaping. WOW! just wow! If there was one actor I could pick out of this entire movie, who really stood out to me, it'd be Willow. She didn't have a prominent role, but one that left a lasting impression.  Once Prim's name was called, there was nothing but void, as she slowly made her way down the aisle. As Katniss darts to her to say she wants to volunteer, the emotions are everywhere. I think its one of those situations where you as yourself, would I do the same? And throughout the entire movie, Katniss is always going back to Prim. She is fighting for her sister! She has a motherly instinct over her Prim which led to her protection over Rue. I was very happy with the way Rue's death was filmed. Then there was the flash scene to the District 11 revolting against the Capitol, which sets up for the next movie.

Chemistry: 
The brother/ sister chemistry I felt between Katniss and Peeta, worked well for this film! Katniss was never positive of her feelings for Peeta, she couldn't commit to them because in her mind she playing a game. She would do whatever she needed to survive. So there was skepticism written all over Jennifer's face at times, and then it would click that Katniss needs to pick up the flirting to get what they need to win the games. It was always about survival for her, even if there was some deep underlying love- survival was first, and THAT was evident throughout the film!

The chemistry between Katniss and Cinna I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to write about! I admire both of these characters; Cinna makes Katniss a stronger person- gives her the confidence she needs, she already has the knowledge and strength, she just needed the encouragement.Lenny Kravitz wasn't who I pictured as Cinna, I expected someone a little more "out there" and crazy and chipper, but the chemistry between these two overruled any thoughts I had about how I originally perceived Cinna.
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A big negative, which could ultimately make or break the movie for some was the camera work. Seeing The Hunger Games in IMAX, I would not do it again, unless maybe taking some Dramamine before going. In the beginning of the movie we are shown District 12 through a person's eyes; therefore, it almost looks like a home video- very unstable. I loved the concept of this and I think it could've turned out awesome, it was just poorly done. During "The Games" as all the Tributes are on their stands, as they take off towards the cornucopia once the buzzer goes off, the camera pans to one tribute running... then back to another few tributes fighting, then pans back to that first person. It was very difficult to tell what was going on. I'm not a movie expert but to me if they panned to one person, and cut to the next, we would've had the same effect and actually been able to see who was fighting who.

Overall, despite having to get past the awful camera work... I loved this film! The book to movie adaptation was great! I was floored by the detail that was taken into consideration. The screenwriter for The Hunger Games, I want to thank because even though there are a few parts that I noticed were different and aren't in the movie, I haven't really been able to come up with any lines or scenes that I truly wish were included. Yes, there were differences from the book to the movie- like all book to movie adaptations- but the story stayed true! The emotions that I had while watching the film were the same that I had while reading The Hunger Games for the very first time... and getting those reactions from a fan is what truly counts!

** A great post with all the differences.. THG book to movie differences

Superbowl Fun in the Circle City!!

Friday Kelsey and I made our way downtown Indianapolis. We were able to find parking close and in walking distance from where we needed to be for $20. Not too bad. The streets and sidewalks weren't crowded yet (later that night when more activities started, the crowds rolled in), but the energy in Indianapolis was great!

We walked around the circle for a bit. On Meridian in front of the circle were the Indy Cars with each NFL team logo on them. Later, we made our way down to the Superbowl Village where DJ Pauly D was scheduled to perform of the Verizon stage. We were packed like sardines listening to music, but with the cold weather, we were kept warm! lol

                VS.




 DJ Pauly D...

 The Huddle, which is located where Nordstroms used to be in the mall was transformed into an area where people could go in to have a sit, get something to eat, view an art gallery they had set up. WTHR also had an area where they are covering the superbowl activities and news.The second level is all merchandise-- anything and everything Patriots and Giants gear :-)

Kendra, Kelsey and I at the Cuda Lounge.

At night the XLVI numbers on the circle display light show. I didn't realize how long it was going to be until I started videoing and my arms about gave out on me. haha (I will upload on Youtube later)

To view more pictures from the night click here: http://imgbox.com/g/JLcbs3ustj

I can't wait to go downtown and walk around more- there was lots we did not see and many more activities going on that'd I'd love to participate in. To learn more about Superbowl activities going on this week visit http://www.indianapolissuperbowl.com/

Stop SOPA Stop PIPA!!



Click the picture to tell Congress: do NOT censor the web



SOPA is the Stop Online Piracy Act. The Act itself allows copyright holders to challenge the use of their content in any form on the internet.

To learn more about SOPA/PIPA click HERE.

Designer Blogs- Giveaway

Designer Blogs, who helped me set up BookMarked Memories is doing a giveaway on their site!! Go check it out!

CLICK HERE to visit DESIGNER BLOGS giveaway page!! 

We hope you’ll take some time to click around the site to see what else is new! To thank you, our amazing customers, we want to give away three $30 gift certificates!!

 

The winners can apply these babies to any custom or premade design!

goals and hopeful achievements for 2012

Last year my friends and I wrote down a list of achievements or goals that we (individually) wished to complete or things that we wanted to do over the course of the year. We all know that resolutions don't work out... so this was a fun idea and it worked out well. There isn't any rules to writing your list... but I always try to add a few fun easy accomplishments too.

so here is my list for 2012...

If you haven't made a list... you should try it!! And if you have, then what are a few things that you added for 2012?
XOXO

Andrea's Top 10 Reads of 2011

So here you have it- in no particular order I've listed my favorite 10 books which were released in 2011 that I read. There were some books I didn't get a chance to read that came out this year, that were a huge hit, but I'll be sure to blog about those when I get the chance to read them. :-)  And of course many more I read that should/could be added to list.. but I'm trying my hardest to stick with 10!!

Click the pictures to read my review!!

Review to come soon :-)

What are your best reads of 2011? Same or different than mine-- I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts. 

2011 has been a wonderful year. Thank you to Casey and Haylee for making me a part of the Dark Readers team, its been a fun year reviewing with both of you. Thank you to the Publishers for generously sending ARCS and books to be reviewed. Thank you to the authors who let us into their minds and escape to another world for a short period of time :-) Last but NOT least, thank you thank you to the followers who make all of what we do totally worth it! There isn't anything better than being able tell others about an amazing book!

I look forward to seeing what 2012 brings. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!