REDIRECT!

Let me FINALLY re-direct you to my much better, much lovelier, completely designed & built by me, BLOG! I will blog there from NOW ON! So, please go there and subscribe via RSS feed, drop me an email, comment, whatever! Thanks for reading this blog & I hope you will continue on my new blog!
blog.michellemccrary.com

: )

Blogging and my website.

Hi folks! Sorry for the confusion, but I have decided to leave my blog here....for now. I tried to implement a WordPress theme and blog on my personal site, www.michellemccrary.com, but it didn't work out like I wanted to and I don't have time to fool around with it right now. I have several clients who are waiting on websites, so that takes precedence!

Anyhow, keep reading my blog here and eventually, I will post something awesome! Until then, go read my OTHER blog about my awesome son, Sammy! His equally awesome brother Michael, who is a teenager and would be totally embarrassed by his mo blogging about him, is also frequently mentioned on the sammyisawesome.wordpress.com blog.

Hugs!!!
XOXO

Moving my Blog!

Hi everyone! My blog has moved...I will now only blog at my website:
www.michellemccrary.com
You can click on the link to my blog from there.

Hope you will still read up on it, and don't forget to visit sammyisawesome.wordpress.com!

Michelle

How am I even typing this, you may wonder?

I finally had the inclination to sit down and blog about the past few weeks. Let's just say THANK YOU to all the high school keyboarding/typing teachers out there who BEAT those home keys into us....if it wasn't for all of you, I wouldn't be able to do this right now.

Last Monday, well, the one before the last, anyways, I woke up with funky vision. I thought to myself, "Great, here comes a migraine." I went ahead and took Sammy to day camp, went to Starbucks and worked on a website, and now know I should NOT have been driving. It was hard enough sitting at Starbucks with my face in my Mac, fearing that any second, the pain would hit me, but I had to get this design finished for my client, like I promised.

The day went on, no migraine. My vision never cleared up. Let me try to describe it to you. Better yet, since I am a Photoshopper, let me show you a picture of what I can best filter-up for you.




















I added a "frosted glass" filter and a few gray blind spots, to best show the little "spots" that block my vision, although they are everywhere, and the worst one is there on the top left, on Sammy's head in the picture. So I am not BLIND, but imagine trying to live your life with this. It is difficult, especially making you feel REALLY disoriented! I can't focus on any ONE thing, or may things, which is why driving is a no-no. I drove a day or two at first, then realized that I almost blew through a red light that I didn't even see, so that kind of woke me up.

Anyhow, I was "diagnosed" by lots of well-meaning friends and family, of having an "occular migraine" which just means you have the vision problems but no pain. I knew that wasn't it - and having Multiple Sclerosis makes you a bit more cognizant of your health and not so easy to just let vision problems go. So I ended up at the ophthalmologist, only to have them tell me there was nothing wrong with my EYES, thank God, but they didn't know what was wrong with me. I have this wonderful best friend, actually, per my neuro doc Kundo's notes, "THE best friend" who forced me to go see my neuro doc immediately after we left the ophthalmologist, even when I didn't have an appointment and was more worried about pissing off the receptionist. Luckily, it all worked out and they had a cancellation and got me in for an appointment. Didn't realize when I left the house that day I would be admitted to the hospital or I would have washed my hair.

Yep, Doc Kundo was worried I had "optic neuropothy" which basically means a new MS lesion on my optic nerves, and it can cause permanent damage, even blindness. He sent me to the hospital right away to get me started on IV steroids, the only real treatment for MS attacks. Sometimes they help, and the sooner, the better. I spent 6 days, 5 glorious night in the hospital, with several times being promised I would get to go home to next day to get that taken away when MRI results came back not good. I have exactly what Kundo was afraid of - a new lesion (pretty good size one, according to the Dr who told me the results) on my optic nerve, right where they both cross in my brain which is why it is affecting both of my eyes. BUT, Dr V, my optic neuro guy says that according to all the test he ran, it's probably not in the optic chaism, which would be bad if it was. So, what do I do now? I sit at home, not driving, trying to adjust to my vision being JANK.

I can't drive, so I rely on friends and family. I have so many wonderful ones, too. They all stepped up in ways I couldn't have imagined, from cleaning my house, bringing us food, constantly checking on me, prayers, etc...I am so lucky for everyone and I don't deserve it all one bit.

Anyhow, I might blog more later about it, but just wanted to update everyone. In the meantime, I am planning the Shreveport Zombie Walk 2011, which is gonna be kinda a big deal. hee hee hee

www.shreveportzombiewalk.com

Love yall!!!

Always wondering why? Me too!

Sometimes, most of the time really, I just go go go...."just keep swimming!" as Dory would say. It's times when I stop, sit & think that I get all thoughtful about life.

I wonder why things that bother me so much don't bother other people. I wonder why there are people who constantly feel like they are biting their tongue, or apologizing for speaking their mind or feeling the way they feel.

Everyone, in this great big world, is entitled to their thoughts and opinions. I just can't stand when someone is made to feel like their words don't count, their feelings aren't worth anyone's time, and they just need to "shut up" or "drop it." It's like you can see it in their eyes...when they just give up. When they realize it doesn't matter anymore and no one is listening. What happens to those people on the inside? They don't feel worthy. They constantly second-guess themselves, and constantly wonder what it is that THEY are doing wrong. What are they doing wrong? They are questioning why they can't have a chance to speak their mind or stand their ground. Don't we teach our children to stand up for themselves, to not let anyone take advantage of them or walk all over them? If so, why do we belittle people who are trying hard to do the very thing that they were taught was the right thing to do for themselves?

I think that lots of people don't realize that they are doing this to other people - because if they did, they might not do it. Who wants to be that kind of person, that "bully on the playground?" Those kinds of people are entitled to their words and feelings also, but they really need to realize that it goes both ways. It's the old adage of "treat others as you would have them treat you."

Walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Feel someone belittling them, hear the words they say to them. Listen to people when they tell you that they don't control your feelings. You might realize that it's true: other people don't control your feelings...but they sure do have a huge impact on them. Possibly you would realize that you aren't over-sensitive, just a normal human being who doesn't know what it is like to be lifted up & respected, held in high regard, by the ones that you need it from the most.

Then when you get that feeling...what will you do? Will fighting back work? You probably will feel that it won't. You will put on your thick-skin armor, and live day to day, pretending things don't bother you. But they do bother you. You just tuck it under your armor and move on...until the armor is so tight and constrictive that it bursts from you, out of your control. Then everyone else will wonder why, and what will you tell them?

A new website and so much more

Since I am now doing websites and graphic design freelance work, let me get my obligatory self-plug out of the way....check out my website at www.michellemccrary.com!

Now onto other things.

Last night was the first of the Shreveport Zombie Walk 2011 planning meetings. It was well attended (yes!) and I am so glad to have folks willing to help out! As much as I love coordinating it, it is getting bigger and better every year and I really need to delegate out some of the jobs, so that I don't get burned out! I'm really excited about some of the ideas we discussed and have planned.

On a personal note, I have to say that I am kind of bummed that Doctor Who split into 2 parts for this season. It was really cool to know that on Sunday afternoons after church, we would all sit down and watch the new episode. (Yes, Sammy & I sucked in my husband and other son, Michael. They aren't as hard-core Whovian as we are, but watch the new season with us.) It won't be back until the fall, but so will our other show, Chuck, and MY other show, The Walking Dead. I really don't have other shows. And I really don't watch anything when it actually comes on! I just don't seem to be home at the time and we only have basic cable and no DVR. For some reason, we just refuse to give into that. I'm not judging you if you do have DVR - I think it's really cool - but I don't know...it's just an added expense that my family can't really justify. Hell, we went without cable or satellite for about 9 years until last summer! Having a ton of DVDs and then later, Netflix Instant, was enough for us, and probably still would be.

But...I MISS THE DOCTOR! Even Matt Smith, as weird-looking as he is! I guess I just miss the whole world of Doctor Who. Sammy and I do watch older episodes sometimes...from the new season, because we just can't seem to get into the older, original Doctor Who episodes. Maybe someday we will, but we do have lots of respect for them . : )

If I haven't mentioned it, I do keep another blog about my son Sammy, and Michael occasionally, because what teenager wants their mom blogging about how "awesome" they are...its at sammyisawesome.wordpress.com. If you are a fan of Doctor Who, that is the place to be!

On Father's Day, my family went to see "Super 8." The boys and I absolutely LOVED it! My husband liked it, but felt it suffered a little from poor story-telling. He is certainly entitled to his opinion...wink wink...

The best part about the movie, in my opinion, is that the kids are good actors....and they act like REAL KIDS. Yes, they curse every once in a while, they pick on each other, etc...but guess what? That is what kids do when there are no adults around! That is why, growing up, we all loved "The Goonies" so much! Although as an adult, my favorite line in the movie is from Mama Fratelli: "Kids suck." Ha ha ha! Whether you agree with her or not, it is hilarious that she says that.

We also took Sammy to see "Kung Fu Panda 2" last week, while his Michael was gone to camp. You have to understand that kung fu movies hold a place in our hearts - Michael & Sammy have been practicing kung fu for 8 years. Not karate or tae kwan do (no offense to those, it's just not the same) - real, for really real kung fu, like the Furious Five do in the movies. As a matter of fact, Michael is outside right now, waiting for his ride, to leave for a 3 day kung fu camp that is very intense. He will return home with crazy, dangerous weapons the likes I have never seen....and he will know how to use them. Scary right? Not really. They also teach them to respect what they learn and to "empty their cup." In other words, don't use kung fu if you don't need to, and don't be cocky. But I digress...as usual.

Now...back to the movie...it was REALLY good! I mean, laugh out loud funny...and even one part brought me to tears! I would go see it again in the theater, I liked it that much. If you go, be sure and stay for the credits - the drawings of Po growing up during them are well worth watching.

More movies we are looking forward to are the last Harry Potter, and of course...Captain America! Michael's favorite super-hero has been the Cap for years and well...I can't deny going to see a movie about a man in uniform, being married to a super cute one myself!

Alright, my break is over. Back to work! Gotta get into Photoshop again and get lost in the world of layers and layer comps....byyyyeeeee......

So much has been going on!

I hope this isn't too long, but it's been awhile since I blogged.

My mom had back surgery last week. I have been with her all this week, helping her out and such. She lives "in the country" and it has been kind of nice to get away from everything for awhile. My mom & stepdad have a nice garden and we have been eating fresh veggies all week - what a perk!

My mom is doing great, recuperating well and coming along as expected. I have been spending a lot of time learning a new program to build websites this week. My part time job stopped a few weeks ago due to the business closing, so I have now started doing web design to earn money. I have a friend that owns a hosting company - he needed someone to design websites who can use Photoshop, and lo and behold, we happened to come to an agreement that I would be his designer. I am excited about the new program, Site Grinder, and glad I was at my mom's all week so that any free time I had was spent learning it and making a website that I needed to finish for a client.

Our community got a real shock this week. I got a phone call Tuesday from one of my best friends, telling me that a fellow friend and church member, who was also my oldest son's Youth Group leader, was killed in a tragic accident. He was on a golf course and lightning struck near by, killing him by traveling through the ground. We are all still in shock that such an amazing, wonderful man is gone from us - I cried, Peanut was so shocked that he couldn't speak, and Mikey told me Sammy cried several times that night at home. The services are tomorrow for Jay, and I know it will be packed - he was a very loved man in our community and church. His family is so sweet and kind - we got to see them for a bit last night and I am in awe of how wonderfully they are holding up. His youngest daughter, Maddie, is friends with Peanut. She is celebrating her 14th birthday today, and her dad's visitation is this evening. I will be praying hard during that time for her. That has got to be rough for that precious girl.

Anyhow, things are just moving along in life. Blessed beyond belief to have all that I have, my family and friends more than anything. I hope that now I will have more time to write - and that you may see more from me in the near future!

Angry Birds!

So yes, I am addicted to Angry Birds. My 11 year old son, Sammy, is also. He won himself an iPod Touch in a fund-raiser at school and we have been playing all weekend, simultaneously, although I am way ahead of him. I just had to make these Easter eggs! Sadly, we didn't make a slingshot and bomb the green pig egg because we had an egg hunt instead...maybe next year!

Oh noes, where haz I been?

I haven't blogged here in almost 2 months, I guess because I was busy writing! That's a GOOD thing, right? I became a huge fan of our new women's roller derby team, the Twin City Knockers, and wrote and article about them what will be published in the May/June issue of The Minute magazine in Louisiana! I'm so excited about that - my first article publication, and my first non-horror publication to boot! (ha ha!) Unless you count Gori Dori...she is one of the derby girls...
Any hoo.

I have been blogging, of sorts, at another blog I started: sammyisawesome.wordpress.com
After winning a contest at Neatobamino (an off-shoot of Neatorama.com) that consisted of "What funny things do your kids say?" I realized that Sammy needed a website. Many friends and family members have said to me, "That kid needs a blog" or "I would LOVE to read his Tweets!" Well, I find that an 11 year old probably won't sit down and do that...but his mama will! It's been fun writing all the funny things he says and does, because he really is a unique character indeed. I do also mention Michael, my 13 year old, because he's not getting away free and clear on the blog! I figure no 13 year old wants their mom blogging about them exclusively, but I will take times to mention how awesome he is too!

Things have been hectic in my life, per the usual. I did take my family with me, early yesterday morning, to the Walk MS event. There were a LOT of folks there, raising funds and awareness to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Not only do I have it, my cousin Frank and my little brother-in-law, Thomas, who is only 8 years old, has it also. It's not fun for any of us, but I am lucky that my progression is really slowwww.....that being said, I go back to the doctor tomorrow to get the results of the memory test I had to take Friday morning. Hey, I remembered to be there, don't I get bonus points for that? Last time I took it, they told me I didn't do so great and that I have ADD. Yay for me! Dr. Kundo told me that if the results aren't the same as last time, meaning if they have declined from a year ago, he is going to treat me for the memory loss and ADD. Dangit, keep your fingers crossed for me. If I can remember, I will update you all later. HA HA. (Hey at least I can laugh at myself!)

Have a good week folks, oh and one more thing...
Remember that somebody always has it worse off than you, so be grateful for what you have.

Mardi Gras Zombies...

(Picture from the Shreveport Times website of Peanut in the lion)


Last night, we had the privilege of being a part of the Krewe of Centaur parade here in Shreveport. The boy's kung fu school, Lee's Kung Fu, did some awesome performances during the parade and we were happy to be a part and help out. We have several parades to celebrate Mardi Gras here, but the Centaur and the Gemini are the big ones, and last night was the first. So the crazies and the drunks were out in full force! We are so worn out today!

Most of the parade, the first half actually, was okay. The kung fu and tai chi students, kids, teenager and adults alike, entertained the crowd with lion dances, kung fu stunts and the really cool dragon that takes 9 people to operate. Meanwhile, some of us stayed on the very nicely decorated trailer and played the Chinese instruments - drum, cymbals, gong. Unfortunately, before it all started, I played around on the drum and showed them I knew the beat...so I was asked to play the drum several times during the parade. Which was fun...but DANG....my arms hurt! Not just from that, but from throwing beads to folks! I also played all the other instruments, as did Sammy and eventually, Mikey even picked up some cymbals!

Sammy was the star when he was on the drum, though. Everyone cheered and screamed for him - it was awesome! And when he saw his friends on the sidelines, he really got into it!
Several times, grown men sat on the trailer to ride along, only to be poked in the butt by a kung fu spear (once by me!) and crazy and/or drunk people tried to play instruments, take weapons, dance with the lions, take various things, etc....man...some people!

The best thing (said sarcastically) was when a crowd of crazy folks got too close and were trying to beat the gong on the trailer. Mikey was trying to break them up when someone reared back and threw some beads in his eye just as hard as they could! It actually scratched his eyeball! He didn't see who did it, lucky for them, because he might have done them a lot more damage than they did to him! It's really painful for him, on top of already having a broken arm right now!

On that note - folks watching the parade - behave! They are just plastic beads! And the people on the floats and trailers are sometimes kids and teenagers - stop trying to dance up on them!

Other than the crazy people in Shreve City and toward the end, we had fun. It was an experience, for sure, for the kids. They had never been in a parade before, whereas Mikey and I did them all the time in marching band in high school, even in New Orleans Mardi Gras in the 9th grade. Man, that's a whole other blog there! I remember somebody jumping into to hotel swimming pool fully clothed.....

Have a great week, everyone...and Happy Mardi Gras!

Cool beans...zombie beans, that is....

So many cool things have been happening lately! Where to begin?

The book that I co-edited last year, with Joe McKinney, Dead Set, is on the preliminary list for the Stoker Ballot! It's not official as a nominee yet, but I think it's pretty ding-dang cool to be a prelim, right? In a few weeks, we will find out if it makes the ballot! Fingers crossed!

Also, I blogged a few weeks ago about what a wonderful time I had in Jefferson, TX at "Girlfriends Weekend," which is a yearly conference of sorts for the national book club I am in, The Pulpwood Queens. I met so many wonderful people and authors, but was truly excited to meet Carolyn Turgeon, author of best-sellers "Rain Village," "Godmother" and the upcoming "Mermaid." We chatted for a bit...I am afraid I might have gone a little "fan-girl" for a second there...hope I didn't freak her out too much! I guess I didn't because after mentioning to her that I wrote a short story about the zombie Little Mermaid, she asked for my contact info to interview me for her blog. I got the interview questions a few days ago and have sent them in to her, along with a picture that my best friend's son, Sean Adams, drew at my request. Here it is, the zombie Little Mermaid that goes along with my story!


Isn't it amazing? I love her purple hair also! Sean is an awesome artist, and only 15 years old! I have watched him grow up over the years and carry around his sketch book - I knew he was a budding talent and the one to draw my zombified Little Mermaid!
In case you are interested, the story will be appearing in "Feary Tales," from Library of the Living Dead Press this summer. It's a zombified tale of the little mermaid, from the Hans Christian Anderson original story, not the Disney version, although I do poke fun at that a bit.

What else?? Hmmmm....OH! Yes, here is a good one! My friend Chris, who works for the Louisiana Tourism and Travel Bureau, contacted me a few weeks ago with a cool offer! Family Circle Magazine, yes, that one you always see in the check-out aisle with flowers or food on the cover, contacted him and wanted to find a family to feature in their June monthly article called "My Hometown." It features a town in America, and family that lives there to represent it. Chris wanted to recommend my family, and after discussing with the hubby, we said yes! I did an interview with the article writer and a photographer will be snapping my family within a few weeks! I think it is super cool that Shreveport is being spot-lighted - and the writer was very intrigued with me being the coordinator of the Shreveport Zombie Walk! I hope we get lots of attention on that because more publicity equals more zombies equals more FOOD for the local food bank! The issue will hit stands on May 10, so be sure to pick up a copy!

Now, onto my kids. My oldest son, Michael, who is 13, is a budding film maker. He created a short film, titled "PTSA Training Video" for the PTSA Reflections contest and entered it at the regional level. He came home a few days ago and told me that it won at the regional level and is going to compete at the state level! I am so proud of him! Sammy, my 11 year old, had 2 poems printed in a local publication that is released yearly for students, called The Seedlings. It is an honor to be printed in The Seedlings, even more to get an Honorable Mention, which he did, for a poem called "Crayons." Here is his poem:

Crayons

So colorful and bright,
Making pretty images
The more ideas grow
the shorter they get.
Running on paper
Leaving a trail of color
So many to choose from
but all very colorful and bright.

Isn't that clever? "The more ideas grow the shorter they get." Brilliant, kid! Sammy also received a lot of awards and pins at his Cub Scouts Blue and Gold Banquet yesterday. Way to go, McCrary boys!

Well, I suppose that is enough gushing for now. Onto the plugging!
If you haven't read my BFF's blog yet, please do! Carey is an awesome writer and has great insight!

I also have another writing venture going on. It consists of short memoir-as-it-happens blogs of a survivor of the zombie apocalypse. It is a great way for me to write more frequently and in short bursts...which is good for my ADD....LOL! Here is the link to the blog: http://appofthelivingdead.blogspot.com/
Funny side note...I actually wrote the first post on my cell phone on a Notepad app on the way home from a trip to Dallas a few weeks ago! Hence the idea for using a smart phone to blog about zombies! Don't know if it's been done yet, but there it is! Hope you enjoy!

Thanks for reading my blog - check out the links contained for more great reading!

A story....with blood....

Hi mom!
My mom is my biggest fan, so this is for her. You can read it too, you might get a chuckle out of it.
She tells me, and everyone that will listen, that ever since I was about four years old, I have been telling scary stories. I only slightly remember some of them, but they were short, like the ones currently write. Last year I was told by my neurologist, after taking a long and boring memory something, something test for my multiple sclerosis, that I show the signs of adult ADD. This surprised me at the time, but looking back at my life, I can totally see it. I will be lucky if I ever actually sit down long enough to write an actual book much less a short story that is more than five thousand words!
Back to the stories...oooohhh...something shiny, oohhh a pony!
But I digress.
Mama says all of the stories I told ended with the same four words: "...and blood came out."
Yes, even as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed elementary schooler, I was trying to shock my friends and family with minimal gore and twist-endings.
I actually remember a few of these stories, so I will give you a few of them here today. This is for you mama, for always encouraging my writing, and beaming with pride every time I sign a book to you with those four little words. I haven't made it big yet, but if and when I do, it will be because you always told me that I could do it, no matter what! You never made me feel strange or weird for liking horror, like some other people do. Thanks Mama, you're the best! I love you!

The Christmas Present

It was Christmas morning, and all the little girl wanted was a new bow and arrow. She had asked Santa for it special. She was so excited when she opened her gifts and there it was: a shiny new bow and arrows to go with it. She also got a new target with a bright red bullseye right in the middle. The little girl wasted no time and took it outside to try it out. She set the target against a tree, stood back, and steadied her bow. She shot an arrow. She walked over to look at the target to see if she hit it. The arrow had hit the bullseye right in the middle.....and blood came out.

The Vanilla Wafer

The little girl came home from school and was really hungry. She wanted a snack so badly. She kept bugging her dad for some chips, but instead he gave her some vanilla wafer cookies. She told him it wasn't what she wanted, but he made her eat them anyway. The little girl took a vanilla wafer cookie and put it into her mouth. She took a bite...and blood came out.


Hahaha! Those are all I can remember right now. The Christmas Present really stands out the most to me. But the cookie one? That's just gross! Where did I come up with THAT? Let me know what you think, and Mom, if you can remember any other ones, let me know!

Later readers!
Michelle

Stoked about Stokers!

Ok...so it's not an official nomination, but a preliminary ballot, so I can't say that I am "Stoker nominated" but O. Em. Gee. The anthology that I co-edited with Joe McKinney (Dead Set: A Zombie Anthology) and also have a short-story in, is on the preliminary list!
Check it out here:
http://www.horror.org/news-2010stokerprelim.htm
This is not the final ballot, and you have to make the final cut to officially say you are a "Stoker Nominated" writer, editor, etc...
So I am not getting ahead of myself and going there, because it is not a cool thing to do. Although it is an honor to make the preliminary, among so many talented and deserving people. It's kind of overwhelming. The president of the Horror Writers Association friended me on Facebook and sent me a message inviting me to join the HWA. I had already considered it but didn't know if I fit the qualifications. After looking them over, I do fit for a supporting membership, and maybe after a few more of my short stories are published, I can move up from there.
Wow, this is inspiring. I'm off to write more scary stuff, so see you guys and ghouls later!

....and blood came out....

Contest!

I am having a contest over at my Shreveport Zombie Walk Facebook page!

Go check it out - the prize is REALLY awesome!
I wanted to give one of these away soon, so I used my birthday as an excuse to have a contest.
Go enter and good luck!

Tasty Slice of Life

I promised I would blog more. I was off today and wanted to give you all (14 of you) so much! Alas...I was chopping fresh garlic last night and mistook my left pointer finger for a clove. It's difficult to type this with a band aid, so I am keeping it short. But I felt like I just had to write something today, even just a short blog about my finger-flavored pasta sauce. Just kidding, I threw it out and used garlic powder instead.

On an awesome note, I did finish reading "Godmother" by one of my new favorite authors, Carolyn Turgeon. If you like fantasies told from a different perspective - like "Wicked" and others, you NEED to read this one! I met her over the weekend and she is a cool person indeed! Can't wait to read her new book "Mermaid" that comes out in March of this year.



Well, that's all I can do for now. Later taters.

More fabulous things to come once the cut has healed...

Run and tell that....

Consider an early birthday present for me!

If you haven't already, please go vote for the Black Quill Awards.

In the Best Dark Genre Anthology, vote for "Dead Set: A Zombie Anthology" edited by Michelle Suhar McCrary and Joe McKinney. Vote however you want in all the other categories, but just please vote for the book I co-edited! Voting ends Jan. 21st!

http://www.darkscribemagazine.com/reader-voting-ballot/

You can vote from your home computer, work computer and cell phone; heck, any computer you can get your hands on!

So, tell your kids, tell your wife, and tell your husbands, cause they voting everybody up in here! You don't have to enter any personal info or your email address, they won't be looking for you, they won't find you. So you can run and vote now, run and vote now, run and vote now, please friend, please please please friend!

Gonna try to blog more...with reviews! The Walking Dead!

Hi everyone of you! All 13 of you! That's right, I have a "lucky" 13 followers on my blog! Woooooo! In an effort to try to keep up my writing, I am going to try to blog more. And what better thing to write than reviews of stuff that I read/watch/hear? Maybe there are some folks out there that care what a *&^tysomething year old horror fan lady has to say about the genre, specifically zombie related stuffs....if not...well then, you can just hit "next blog" and move along. No harm, no foul!

I was trying to decide what to review first. Well, since it is over and done with for Season 1, I will attempt to tackle AMC's "The Walking Dead." I will just say SPOILER ALERT because I don't think that I myself can properly review it without spoiling the ca-rap out of it...and the comics. So consider yourself warned!

First of all....I am a HUGE fan of the comics. I have read up to trade #12 probably all the way through at least twice. And yes...I am one of those people who will say that the "book is way better than the show." That's because IT IS.
Not to say the show is horrible...but it's also not that...great either. Before I really get started, I just hope that Season 1 was just like a 7-hour-long pilot and Season 2 will blow us all away with its awesomeness.

Episode 1 started out pretty solid. The opening scene alone probably turned off a lot of viewers; I mean....a child zombie getting shot in the head right out? I can handle it, but I'm a hardcore zombie fan. It still makes me shudder though...cause I'm a mommy. : (

The zombies are amazing. Nothing was spared on gore. They look pretty real, aside from a few small things like obvious latex work on faces. But, whatcha gonna do? Go really kill some folks and reanimate them? Probably not.

They did a pretty good job telling the story...but they added some things in there that I could have done without, and from what others have said...lots could have also. They added racial issues, domestic abuse, etc...it just all made me say yuck. I know its a drama and it needs to be amped up...but come on. If I wanted to watch that, I would watch Desperate Housewives or some other crap.

I want to see people surviving. I want to see the characters that were in the comic. If I am not mistaken, they blended a few together, cut out one or two, and definitely added some! I know some things that work in a comic doesn't work so well on screen...but why did they have to put the whole "scientist in a lab trying to find a cure" story arc in? That is SO overdone! If not in TV, then in movies and definitely in books! And it all had to end with a huge explosion, right? Where were the zombies? In the comic, Rick and crew come upon a gated community and think they have found their safe haven, only to have that hope crushed. They move on to discover a prison, and why, oh WHY!?! couldn't that have been the season finale? It would have been PERFECT! They could have added some drama/action to that somehow. Certainly we could have done without Shane being an even BIGGER a**hole and trying to sexually assault Lori! Really with that?

(Side note: I say "Really with that?" a lot. That is my way of saying that I can't believe that actually happened. I might shorten it to RWT when I don't fell like typing so much.)

Basically, I will try to sum it all up. My favorite episode was #2 - Guts. It was pretty gross, and a lot like the comics in style. It made me have hope for Season 2. I will continue to watch for Season 2, which will not come out until (rumored) October 2011. I hate to wait, but being a recovering Lostie, I know what it means to wait if I want to receive a quality series. Plus, what other TV series do I have to look forward to this year that is all about zombies, huh? None. RWT?