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Fear Poem

Good morning to all you lovely people out there in the world today, I hope you are all having a fantastic week. As for me this week has been a busy one, what with my husband who has taken the week off work, so he can commit to finding a better job than what he’s currently doing at the moment, as it is affecting his health in a big way. Fingers crossed he manages to find something soon.

This week’s blog is to do with fear, it comes out of nowhere and takes over your life, “fear of the unknown.” It is always good to have a little bit, as it helps you to stay alert, when walking on your own in the dark. For some it can spur them on, into trying to overcome what ever is holding them back. But then for others fear can be very crippling for them as it affects there whole life in a way that can dominate their lives in such a dramatic way, as going out can become a nightmare for them, so they will give up on trying to venture out altogether because it as become unbearable for them. To get through that barrier of fear you have to try and push through it no matter how scared you are. I have lived with fear since I had sepsis about 4 years ago, which I nearly lost my life too. I am thankful every day that I’m still here, but since then I have had to deal with excruciating fear, as the slightest cut could lead to sepsis again (I am prone to infections), the fear as been intensified with what happened a few weeks ago when Morrisons’s shelves and bottles fell down on to us. So, for today’s blog post I have done a poem on Fear.

I look in the mirror,
And what do I see,
It’s not the same,
As it used to be,
But a stranger,
Starring back at me.

For the past few years,
I’ve been hiding all the tears,
As I’m living in constant fear
Every second of the day,
Every day of the year.

All I want to do,
Is run away and hide
From the fear,
That sits deep inside,

Fear is a curse
An enemy at worst,
Nor is it a friend,
Something…
That won’t ever end.

By Aria

Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to read this weeks post on Fear. Enjoy the rest of your day, and have an even better week.

Date Night Ideas

Hi everyone, I hope you are all enjoying your week, so far… My week has not been so great especially where people are concerned. I am not going to put everyone in the same category, as that’s not me, because there really are some lovely people around, but there are some who really don’t seem to care if they knock or hit you, whether it’s by accident or not, there’s no apology just a scowl on their face if you dare to say something to them. Last week I was at the self-checkout with my husband and daughter minding our own business, when someone who worked there repeatedly hit me in the back, but when I picked her up on it, she outright denied it, instead, she turned the tables and made it out to be my fault. Then this week at another self-checkout the ones where they have this wobbly divide between the checkouts,, someone with a trolley bashed it and knocked it hard enough that it left my daughter in tears, but still no apology was said, just because someone’s in a wheelchair doesn’t always mean they can’t feel anything as she is in constant pain that she has to live with daily. Anyway lets get on with todays blog post.

Do you ever find yourself struggling to come up with something for you and your partner to do on your date night. It can be difficult coming up with creative, and fresh new ideas for you to have a fun date. There’s so many ways to spend the day, night, or weekend, It depends what you want out of it., You might want a romantic evening, a more adventurous day, or a more relaxing one, whatever you decide it will be special, because you are spending it with the one you love, and that will be special in itself. If you are stumped on what to do on your date night, take a look at some of these great ideas of what you could possibly do.

Meet Up For Breakfast

Instead of meeting up for lunch or having a dinner date, why not try something different that’s a bit unique and quirky by arranging to meet up for breakfast, not only will it say how they really feel about you, but you’ll get to see their fresh face starring back at you.

Take A Long Walk In The Park

This is one date that won’t cost you anything to do, but its is the most romantic and refreshing date you can have, as you stroll hand in hand around the park, you can talk freely without distractions, share stories with each other, enjoy the fresh air as you soak in the surrounding nature. if you get peckish grab some snacks from a nearby shop or mobile van where you can enjoy a yummy ice cream cone.

Go To A Comedy Show

Who doesn’t love a good laugh, and the perfect place to take a date on, so why not check out a comedy show in your city. See what’s happening in your area and plan for a laugh-a-minute comedy show. It is a sure way to find out what type of sense of humour each other has.

Visit A Museum And Dinner

Put on your best clothes and head out with someone special to go and see a new exhibit at your nearest museum. There’s nothing like being with someone, looking at some beautiful piece of art or artefact, that’s rich in history. Then afterwards head off for some drinks and a nice dinner.

Take A Weekend Trip To Your Favourite City

There’s nothing like surprising your partner with a weekend away in one of your favourite cities. There are plenty of last-minute deal sites like booking.com, lastminute.com, Groupon, LivingSocial, Hotel.com and so many more for you to find a great deal to have the perfect trip.

Pack A Picnic

Load up the car with a basket of your favourite outdoor things like, a blanket, several cushions for lounging on for more comfort, a basket and cooler packed with some tasty treats for you and your partner to enjoy, followed by a beverage of your choosing (sparkling water, wine, champagne, pre-mixed cocktails, soda etc.)

Go To A Drive-In Movie

Step back in time as you go to a drive-in to watch a movie, there’s nothing more romantic than snuggling up with that someone special under the stars as you settle down to watch a favourite movie, no matter the season.

Take An Arts And Crafts Class

Whether you’re creative or not, it doesn’t matter, this is just a fun way to spend your time together, no matter what your level of skill is. Book an introductory class something neither of you has done before, that way you can learn the basics together such as woodwork, sketching, painting, glass blowing, and pottery to name but a few.

Have Dinner by Moonlight

This is a simple budget-friendly date. Set the scene outside in your back garden with some fairy lights, tee lights and a candelabra to give it that more romantic feel. Set the table, open a bottle or two of your best wine that will be left to chill in an ice bucket (only white, leave red to stand at room temperature). Watch as the sun goes down before you tuck into your meal.

Re-create Your First Date Night

Do you ever feel nostalgic about your first date? Why not re-create it, the first moment when you realised you had started falling in love with your partner. It is always good to go back to the place you had your very first date, the moment you knew you wanted to be with them, it will make you fall in love with them all over again.

Go Dancing

Dancing can be a great way to relieve stress and have fun at the same time. It can also be a great way to connect two people together. You don’t need to be an expert dancer to let your hair down and just let your body move to the music, no matter how whacky you may look, it’s all about having fun with someone special, and the fastest way to fall in love.

Attend A Wine Tasting Class

If you love wine, where you can sample the very best, a wine tasting class is definitely for you, where you can learn, taste, create, and have a tasting experience like no other,

Have A Staycation At A Luxury Hotel

Pack your bags and take your partner for the night or weekend which ever you prefer, to a nearby four or five-star hotel, then kick back and order room service and spend some quality and relaxing time together without any interruptions.

Retreat To The Spa

There is nothing like spending a relaxing day at a spa, but spending it with someone you love, makes it all the more magical and special. Its an affinity of the finer things that you would definitely want to include this in your list of dates. Reserve a slot at one of the countries many retreats and surprise them with a relaxing date.

Rent An Entire Movie Theater

Can you picture this, having a whole cinema to yourself, it will be a private party just for two, no one kicking the back of your seat or someone going pass you during the movie. Instead you have it all to yourself, without any interruptions, and you will get to see the latest new releases. It sounds like heaven. Book at your nearest theatre such as Regal, Cineworld, Odeon, Vue, AMC, to name but a few.

Attend A Cooking Class

Whether you love to cook or a mere beginner, it doesn’t matter, Cooking together is a great way to spend time as a couple. Whether its doing Pasta, sushi, French, Italian, Indian, or Chinese, there is so many choices for you to choose from. You can learn together by checking out an interactive class, where you will soon learn a new skill with a loved one.

Visit An Aquarium or Zoo + Lunch

Take a trip to see one of the many aquariums or zoos, where you get to see some of natures most beautiful creatures, before you head somewhere for lunch or a casual dinner.

Enjoy A Private Catered Dinner

Impress your partner by hiring a private chef, where they will provide you with a curated wine and dine experience, like no other. You will surely win brownie points with this date night, all in the comfort of your own home.

Hop On A Train To A Nearby City

Why not hop on a train and spend a day or even extend the trip for two days in a nearby city, see some sights, explore the sites, go to places you haven’t been to before, and experience new things together.

Plan A Cosmic Bowling Outing

Take your partner to your nearest bowling alley, for a very an exciting evening filled with flashing lasers, low lights, music, comfort food, refreshments and plenty of bowling too.

Enjoy a Game Night at Home with Pizza

Game On! Having a game night is always fun to do, whether its a board game, play station, Wii, or other. You can have many hours of fun playing games, pop a pizza in the oven for something to snack on while you continue playing.

Go On A Role-Play Date

Dressing up is always fun, but dressing up as someone else, a character that you have made up is even better. Invent a background, choose an outrageous name, be someone you wouldn’t usually be, then arrange to meet up at a designated place and let the fun begin.

Thirty-Five More Date Night Ideas, Just For You!
  1. Try a New Cuisine Together
  2. Visit a Karaoke Bar
  3. Take a Dance Class
  4. Go Biking Together
  5. Attend a Candle-Making Class
  6. Test Drive a Luxury Car
  7. Solve a Mystery at an Escape Room
  8. Go Line Dancing
  9. Go to a State Fair
  10. Attend a Paint and Wine Event
  11. Visit a Pop-Up Immersive Experience (like the Van Gogh Expo)
  12. Go Stargazing
  13. Get a Couples Massage
  14. Tour Your City Like A Tourist
  15. Take a Sailing Lesson
  16. Go Horseback Riding
  17. Murder on the Orient Express Experience
  18. Book a Vintage Couples Photo Session
  19. Explore an Art Gallery
  20. Play a Life-Sized Game of Monopoly
  21. Try Something New Together
  22. Take A Hike
  23. Head to the Track for Go-Carting
  24. Rideshare to a Bottomless Brunch
  25. Go Dream House Shopping/Browsing
  26. Attend a local Music Festival.
  27. Book a Dinner Cruise
  28. Take a Carriage Ride Around the Park
  29. Warm Up with Hot Chocolate and Go Ice Skating
  30. Plan a Camping (or Glamping) Weekend
  31. Have An Indoor Picnic
  32. Order Takeout and Plan a Couples Vacation
  33. Visit an Amusement Park
  34. Plan a Surprise Trip for Your Partner
  35. Go Wine Tasting at a Vineyard

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read this week’s blog post. I hope it gives you some idea of where to go on that all-important perfect date night, but remember the most important thing about a date night is spending it with someone special. Enjoy the rest of your day and have an awesome week.

10 Tips On Time Management

Good morning world, hope you are all having a great week. On Sunday my family and I went in the dreaded Morrisons, to do some shopping, we popped in on our way back from the dentist. We were at the self-checkout when the red light started flashing and on screen it said unexpected item, It is so inconvenient when it does that for no reason, and you have to wait for someone to come along, to key something in before you can finish and be on your way. We were waiting patiently and saw the person who would do that for us, so we tried to get her attention, even when she was practically in front of us, but instead she blanked us all and went straight passed us. Eventually she came to our self-checkout, took one look at us, and instead of doing her thing for us to continue on with scanning the rest of our shopping, she turned around and said, you need to move to another till and started moving us to a different till, she was rude and obnoxious who seemed to have an attitude with us. Is it because my daughter is in a wheelchair? Does she not like the way we looked? or was it something else? When my husband voiced his opinion about the store, she attacked us back with words in such a disrespectful way. That really didn’t help my anxieties of going into Morrison, after everything my daughter and myself have been through with this supermarket chain. Anyway, lets get on with this weeks blog post.

No matter who you are, you always find that you don’t have the time to get all the important things done, because there’s not enough hours in a day for you to achieve it. You are left wishing you had more time to do the things you love to do, instead you are left feeling overwhelmed with getting chores, or work, done. A lot of us get distracted by social media or frequently interrupted by non-important phone calls. Time management is something that we all want and need in our every day lives, that will improve your life dramatically, and won’t leave you stressed out, leaving more time to spend time with your family, friends, and having fun. Here are 10 tips on how to manage you time more efficiently.

Wake Up Early

Wake up half an hour earlier, that way you will always be so far ahead of everyone of your tasks, that you won’t feel the need to hurry. You won’t feel the stress of time going by so quickly, instead, you will be able to find the time for more important things in your life.

Daily Planner

A daily planner is always a good idea, its a way of making lists of tasks which you want to accomplish on that day, you can also add deadlines, upcoming meetings or appointments that you need to attend and be aware of. As you complete each task that you achieve, be sure to tick it off, that way you know that you have completed it.

Set A Reminder

One of the key factors and success to time management is setting a reminder every 15 minutes before a meeting or an event, but if its for an in-person appointment 30 mins so you can gather your things and prepare yourself. Its also good to set reminders on when to start your next task.

Put Time Limits on Tasks

One of the great things to do is put a time limit on each of your tasks, on your daily lists of things to do. You have control of how long each task will take. Don’t worry if you haven’t finished your task within the slotted time limit, you can always come back to it later. When the time is up stop whatever you are doing, sometimes stepping away from one responsibility and going on to other ones, can help you immensely, that way when you go back to the unfinished task it will give you a fresh perspective.

Block Distractions

There is a lot of distractions out there in the world today, from phone calls to social media. It is always good to stop any distraction, that way you can accomplish your daily tasks. It’s always best to turn off your email notifications. Set 30-minute blocks to check your emails every couple of hours, instead of checking them every 10-minutes. Minimise your phone calls, social media and online shopping or anything else that distracts you from your daily tasks.

Take Regular Breaks

It is always good when doing a lot of tasks to take a break, as its hard to stay focused and motivated if you burn yourself out. Step away from what you are doing and allow yourself some downtime to clear your head and revitalise. Go for a short walk, meditate, go have some refreshments or take a brief nap.

Eat Healthy

It is always good to eat healthy so you can stay more productive, It gives you more energy to do the things that need to be done and does not leave you feeling sluggish and bloated. You need to keep your energy levels up, so its a good idea to eat at regular intervals, that way your energy levels are not going to dip, and you can finish your tasks.

Get Inspired

When following a to-do list or doing a specific task, can begin to get boring. It might take you a little longer as your not really motivated, and it gets hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Instead, you need to inspire yourself, so you can be more productive. To stay on course, put time management quotes on your fridge, desk, anywhere you need the inspiration, or go for a walk to clear your head, see what can inspire you while out walking.

Learn To Delegate

You may think that if you multitask, your getting your tasks done much quicker, but in fact you only put half the energy into it, flitting from one thing to another, never actually completing either task. Relinquish control and let other people help out, you may find that things will start to get better than you had ever expected. To accomplish that you need to put your trust into other people and spread out the tasks. That way you will finish three times faster if two people were helping leaving you more time for family and friends,

Establish A Routine

It is always good to establish a routine that makes sense to your needs. You might think why is this so important? the answer to that is everyone needs to follow a routine, otherwise your day becomes chaotic and all over the place, okay you will eventually get your tasks done but it will make your stress levels accelerate. Whilst a routine will create a more stress free lifestyle.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog today, I hope these time management tips help to make your life a little more easier. and more productive. Enjoy the rest of your day and have an awesome week. Until next time.

101 Dalmatians

Good morning all, I hope you all are well. I have to admit that since the accident two weeks ago, I have been struggling a lot with going out, I try my hardest to venture out, but it makes me physically ill. So I’m doing what is needed and getting help before it escalates into me being confined inside and then it takes years to get over it. Anyway, I went to see the doctor, regarding my hand that got cut in the accident, as it’s not healing, so she’s sending me to physio to try and help it, yes i did say physio and if you have the same inquisitive look on your face as we did, then you are not alone. I also told her how I was struggling mentally with going out, but all she did was dismiss it. I am someone that won’t give up, trying to find some form of help. in last week’s post, I said that I would give you an update on my daughter, there’s not much to say apart from she as to go to the MSK (Musculoskeletal) and there they will be able to advise her on what is the best course of action whether its an X-ray, physio or something else. Keep you posted.

This week’s blog post is on one of Disney’s best-animated movies of all time. Celebrate with us as 101 Dalmatians turns 63 years old today in the United States where it was first released. 101 Dalmatian is a timeless classic that will never get old. From the moment it was released it just captured the hearts of generations of moviegoers and will keep on entertaining generations to come both young and old. This family favourite continues to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages, with its engaging storyline, stunning animation and characters that you will never forget. This truly is a movie that’s worth watching.

Cast:

Ben Wright – Roger Radcliffe
Lisa Davis – Anita Dearly (voice)
Rod Taylor – Pongo (voice)
Cate Bauer – Perdita (voice)
Betty Lou Gerson – Cruella De Vil (voice)
Martha Wentworth – Nanny (voice)
Frederick Worlock – Horace (voice)
J. Pat O’Malley – Colonel/Jasper (voice)
David Frankham – Sgt. Tibbs (voice)

101 Dalmatians is a Disney animation classic. Pongo a Dalmatian is tired of his bachelor-dog life. On one of his walks with his pet human (that’s what dogs call us human folk), he sees another Dalmatian the lovely Perdita and starts steering his master, Roger, towards meeting Perdita’s owner, Anita. The owners fall in love and then get married, which in turn keeps Pongo and Perdita together too. Soon afterwards Perdita gives both to a litter of fifteen puppies, Anita’s school friend Cruella De Vil turns up soon after the birth, wanting to buy them all. Roger declines her offer, which Cruella doesn’t take well, So she hires two criminals, the Badun brothers Horace and Jasper to steal the puppies. The wealthy Cruella De Vil has made it her mission to own a coat made of Dalmatian pelts, it escalates and turns into an obsession of hers to own one. The puppies are taken to a crumbling and in disrepair country estate, along with eighty-four other Dalmatians. Meanwhile… when Pongo, Perdita and their owners return home from their walks, they soon discover the puppies have been dognapped. They are beside themselves and embark on a treacherous journey to get the puppies back. It is a race against time to get the pups back in time or risk losing them forever.

Here are some interesting facts about the adorable puptastic movie. Enjoy!

Dodie Smith and her Dalmatians
  • The author of the book on which the film is based, Dodie Smith, was a successful playwright and novelist who had nine Dalmatians of her own, including one named Pongo. She got the idea for the book when a friend who was at her house saw all the dogs together and remarked, “Those dogs would make a lovely fur coat.”
  • The birth of the puppies actually happened to the author Dodie Smith. Her Dalmatians had 15 puppies, one was born lifeless and her husband revived it. However, they sold most of them and kept only a small number.
  • Xerox was a crucial help in the animation of hundreds of spotted dogs. Disney was able to bring the movie in for about half the cost thanks to this process.
  • Disney was in debt following the flop of Sleeping Beauty (1959) and desperately needed a hit. There was even talk of closing down the animation division as the company was refocusing on live-action films, television and theme parks.
  • Clarence Nash (best known as the voice of Donald Duck) did the dog barks for this film.
  • When Walt Disney read Dodie Smith’s story in 1956, he immediately snapped up the film rights. Smith had always secretly hoped that Disney would do just that.
  • The male puppies wear red collars and the females wear blue ones, as always seen with Pongo and Perdita.
  • The movie showcases various London landmarks, adding to its charm and authenticity. From the famous Tower Bridge to the bustling streets of London, the film captures the city’s essence.
Cruella De Vil
  • The film’s success led to the creation of the Disney Animation Studios, which continues to produce beloved animated films to this day. It paved the way for Disney’s dominance in the animation industry.
  • Cruella’s telephone reflects her mood. Watch the face on it closely each time Cruella’s mood changes.
  • The animators had a hugely significant undertaking, has they had to create and animate a large number of characters.
  • The film’s popularity led to the creation of various merchandise, including toys, clothing, and accessories. Disney capitalized on the success of 101 Dalmatians by offering fans a wide range of products featuring their favourite characters.
  • The character of Cruella de Vil is often compared to the fashion icon and editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour. Both are known for their unique style and fierce personalities.
  • The dogs aren’t actually white-they’re very light grey. White would have been too bright on screen, and wouldn’t have worked well in the snowy scenes.
  • 101 Dalmatians was the 17th animated feature film produced by Disney. It became a significant project for the studio and helped establish Disney as a leader in the animation industry.
  • Cruella De Vil was designed as a manic take-off on the flamboyant actress Tallulah Bankhead, as well as some of her personality quirks.
  • Pongo and Perdita, are the main Dalmatian couple, it’s their love story and determination to save their puppies that have resonated with audiences for generations, and what has made them such iconic Disney characters.
Nanny, Anita, Roger, Pongo and Lucky
  • When the puppies are watching TV, (at about 23 mins in), you can see that the spots on Lucky’s back form a horseshoe – a symbol of good luck.
  • In the book, Roger is not a struggling composer but a financial wizard who helped wipe out Britain’s national debt.
  • The movie introduced the song “Cruella de Vil,” which has since become synonymous with the character. The catchy tune captures the essence of Cruella’s wickedness and has been covered by various artists over the years.
  • 101 Dalmatians was one of the first Disney films to feature a contemporary setting. While previous Disney films were set in fairytale worlds, this film took place in modern-day London.
  • Pongo and Perdita, the main Dalmatian couple, have become iconic Disney characters. Their love story and determination to save their puppies have resonated with audiences for generations.
  • Lisa Daniels only provided about a third of Perdita’s voicework in the film. Halfway through the movie’s lengthy production, she got married and moved to New York City so Cate Bauer completed the vocal performance.
  • The character of Horace, one of Cruella’s bumbling henchmen, provides comic relief in the film. His clumsy and dim-witted nature adds a touch of humour to the intense chase scenes.
  • Bill Lee is Roger’s singing voice. Four years later, he would go on to provide the singing voice for Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music (1965). Ben Wright who provides Roger’s speaking voice also appears in The Sound of Music as Nazi Gauleiter, Herr Zeller.
  • The character Cruella de Vil is one of Disney’s most memorable and iconic villains. Her distinctive black-and-white hairstyle and obsession with fur coats made her instantly recognizable.
Horace and Jasper
  • Out of the 15 puppies Perdita gives birth to, only 6 are named in this film (Lucky, Rolly, Patch, Penny, Pepper, and Freckles). Other incarnations like the live-action film and the TV series revealed 6 other names (Wizzer, Dipstick, Two-Tone, Cadpig, Fidget and Jewel), which combined still leave’s 3 puppies unnamed.
  • The movie emphasizes the importance of family and teamwork. Pongo and Perdita’s devotion to their puppies and their determination to protect them showcases the strength of love and unity.
  • The movie’s message of love and compassion towards animals has inspired many viewers to adopt pets from shelters. It raised awareness about the importance of giving abandoned animals a second chance at a loving home.
  • The movie’s success led to the creation of a 101 Dalmatians animated television series, which aired from 1997 to 1998. The series expanded on the adventures of the Dalmatian pups and continued to capture the hearts of viewers.
  • The film was adapted into a stage musical, which premiered in London’s West End in 2021. The musical received positive reviews for its energetic performances and catchy songs.
  • In the book, Roger and Anita’s last name was Dearly instead of Radcliffe. Presumably, Walt Disney changed it since they already had two similarly named couples: Jim Dear and Darling from Lady and the Tramp (1955), and George and Mary Darling from Peter Pan (1953). However, Dearly would later be used as their surname in 101 Dalmatians (1996) and 101 Dalmatians: The Series (1997).
  • HIDDEN MICKEY: In the opening credits and also on almost all the Dalmatians.
  • Cruella de Vil’s car, a long black vehicle with a red interior, became an iconic symbol of her character. Its sleek and menacing design perfectly represents the personality of the villainous Cruella.
  • There is a scene where The Colonel and Jasper come face to face. They are both voiced by the same actor, J. Pat O’Malley.
Perdita and Pongo
  • The movie’s theme of animal welfare and the dangers of the fur trade resonated with audiences. It sparked a conversation about the ethical treatment of animals and the importance of preserving wildlife.
  • Walt Disney disliked the rough drawing style brought about by the Xerography process.
  • In 1996 the movie was adapted into a live-action film, starring Glenn Close as Cruella de Vil, this version brought the iconic Disney villain to life in a whole new way.
  • One Hundred and One Dalmatians premiered and was released in theatres on January 25, 1961, accompanied by the documentary The Horse with the Flying Tail (1960).
  • The film’s success inspired several direct-to-video sequels and spin-offs. These included 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure and the television series 101 Dalmatians: The Series.
  • To cut costs, the studio was forced to reduce its staff of inkers from 500 to less than 100.
  • This film was a commercial success, grossing over $215 million worldwide,. It became the highest-grossing film of 1961 and remains one of Disney’s most popular and enduring films.
  • Not only was it nominated for a Grammy Award but the puppy-centric film won a BAFTA award for best animated film.
  • This animated film was nominated for two Academy Awards. It received nominations for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Cruella de Vil”.
  • The film’s success led to the creation of several theme park attractions featuring the Dalmatian characters. Visitors can now experience the world of 101 Dalmatians at Disney theme parks around the world.
The Cast

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this week’s blog post. Have a great day and an even better week. Right, that is it, for now, see you back here next week.

Winnie The Pooh Quotes

Good morning all, I told you in last week’s post about the shelves coming crashing down on me and my daughter in Morrisons. By the end of the week, we had to take my daughter to the Doctor’s after-hours clinic on Friday evening because the pain she sustained in the accident had gotten worse over the week. Anyway, the doctor did the tests to see how flexible her range of movement was, she couldn’t move it that far without screaming in pain. The Doctor said he wanted her shoulder X-rayed again, and he would see if he could fast-track her by phoning the hospital, instead of having to go through the A&E department and having to wait, but the hospital wanted my daughter to go to the fracture clinic but they will phone us the next day with a date and time. We waited all day Saturday for their call, it wasn’t until 7:30pm on Sunday night they eventually rang and offered Thursday at 9am. I will let you know what happens in next week’s post, on her progress at the clinic. On another note, I’ve been reconnecting with some family members which has been really nice catching up with them.

Today is National Winnie The Pooh Day, this gave me the idea of what I should do for my blog this week and it gave me the perfect reason to relive my daughter’s childhood, by doing some of the most famous and iconic quotes on the wholesome, honey-loving bear that has became a childhood favourite, not just for my daughter but for generations and will keep on being for many generations to come. I know for one, how popular it became as it did for my youngest daughter when she was little, and like many others around the world. 

It was originally created in 1926, by author A.A. Milne, his stories produced one of the most beloved characters of all time.  Although there are many characters within The Pooh Universe (Christopher Robin, Tigger, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo, to name but a few), each has a preference on whom they prefer, and they are right at the top of the list, is none other than the red-shirted bear with his hand stuck in one of his honey-pot jars than the infamous Winnie The Pooh, who as become a firm favourite amongst fans.

Piglet: “How do you spell love?”
Pooh: “You don’t spell it, you feel it.”

Pooh: Have you ever had one of those days when you just can’t win, Eeyore?
Eeyore: Yup, I know how that feels.

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day” Winnie The Pooh

Winnie the Pooh “If you live to be a hundred, I hope I live to be a hundred minus one day, so that I never have to live a day without you.”

Winnie the Pooh: “A hug is always the right size.”

Winnie the Pooh: “Never fear the shadows they simply mean there’s a light somewhere nearby.”

Winnie The Pooh: “I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I have been”

Christopher Robin: You know Pooh you did a very important thing today.
Pooh: I did?
Christopher Robin: Well yes. Instead of thinking of your tummy you thought of your friend.
Pooh: Oh thank you, Christopher Robin. And now I don’t think i shall be hungry again for a good long while.
Additional Voices: Growling sound
Pooh: Oh bother.
Christopher Robin: Silly old Bear.

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, What’s the first thing you say to yourself?”
“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh, “What do you say Piglet?”
“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully, “It’s the same thing,” he said.

Winnie the Pooh: “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

Winnie the Pooh: “I wasn’t going to eat it, I was just going to taste it.”

Winnie the Pooh: “I’m never afraid with you.”

Tiger: “Hmmm, Look at those beady little eyes and that preposterous chin, And those ricky-ticking striped pyjamas.”

[singing]
Winnie the Pooh: Hum dum de dum, hum dum de dum / I am so rumbly in my tumbly.
Winnie the Pooh: [hits head] Ooh!
Winnie the Pooh: Time to munch an early luncheon / Hum de dum dum dum / Oh, I wouldn’t climb this tree / If a Pooh flew like a bee / But I wouldn’t be a bear then / So I guess I wouldn’t care then / Bears love honey and I’m a Pooh bear / So I do care, so I climb there / I’m so rumbly in my tumbly / Time for something… for something…
Winnie the Pooh: [branch breaks] … sweet! To eat!

Winnie The Pooh: “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”

Winnie the Pooh: “Rivers know this: There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”

Eeyore: “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”

Winnie the Pooh: “I am short, fat, and proud of that.”

Winnie The Pooh: “Sometimes you have to rethink the things you thought you thought through.”

Christopher Robin: You’re next, Tigger. Jump!
Tigger: Er, jump?
[chuckles sarcastically as he shakes his head]
Tigger: Tiggers don’t jump, they bounce.
Winnie the Pooh: Then bounce down.
Tigger: Don’t be “ridickorous”; Tiggers only bounce up!
Christopher Robin: You can climb down, Tigger.
Tigger: Ah, but tiggers can’t climb down, uh, uh, because, uh… oh, oh their tails get in the way!
Rabbit: Hooray! That settles it. If he won’t jump, and he can’t climb down, then we’ll just have to leave him up there forever!

Eeyore: “After all, one can’t complain. I have my friends.”

Winnie the Pooh: “Christopher Robin! Will you kindly shake your umbrella and say ‘tut tut it looks like rain!’?”

Piglet: “The things that make me different are the things that make me, me.”

Winnie The Pooh “I knew when I met you; the adventure was going to happen.”

Winnie The Pooh: “A Day without laughter is a day wasted”

Tigger: Honey! Oh, boy, honey! That’s what Tiggers like best.
Winnie the Pooh: I was afraid of that.
Tigger: [gulps down a few handfuls] Oh, say.
[chuckles, then smacks]
Tigger: Yyyyyuck! Tiggers don’t like honey!
Winnie the Pooh: But you said you that you liked…
Tigger: Yeah, that icky, sticky stuff is only fit for heffalumps and woozles.
Winnie the Pooh: You mean elephants and weasels.
Tigger: That’s what I said, heffalumps and woozles.

Eeyore” Could be worse. Not sure how, but it could be.”

Winnie the Pooh: “Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my new favorite day.”

Eeyore: “They’re funny things, Accidents. You never have them till you’re having them.”

Winnie the Pooh “If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”

Winnie the Pooh: “Think, Think, Think.”

Tigger: Hello Pooh! I’m Tigger T i double guh err That spells Tigger!
Winnie the Pooh: Yeah I know. You’ve bounced me before.
Tigger: I did? Oh yeah, I recogonize you. You’re the one who’s stuffed with fluff.
Winnie the Pooh: Yeah and your sitting on it.
Tigger: Yeah and it’s comfy too. Well, I gotta go now I got allot of bouncing to do. T.T.F.N Ta ta for now!

Christopher Robin: “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together… There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.”

Owl: “If the string breaks, then we try another piece of string.”

Winnie the Pooh: “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, ‘What about lunch?’”

Winnie the Pooh: “I wonder how many wishes a star can give.”

Winnie The Pooh: “Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved.”

Christopher Robin: Pooh, promise you won’t forget me, ever?
Winnie the Pooh: Oh, I won’t, Christopher, I promise.
Christopher Robin: Not even when I’m a hundred?
Winnie the Pooh: How old shall I be then?
Christopher Robin: Ninety-nine.
Christopher Robin : [chuckles] Silly old bear.

Winnie the Pooh: “I’m just a little black rain cloud, hovering under the honey tree.”

Eeyore: “It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.”

Winnie the Pooh: “I’m not lost for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.”

Winnie the Pooh: “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.”

Piglet: [Pooh, Rabbit, Owl, Eeyore, Kanga and Roo are trapped in a hole and Piglet gets a rope – only to cut it up into six pieces] And six! There! Now we can ALL get out!
Pooh: How very thoughtful you are, Piglet.
Rabbit: [loses patience] Good grief! Tie them together, Piglet! Can you tie a knot?
Piglet: I cannot.
Rabbit: Ah, so you CAN knot.
Piglet: No. I cannot knot.
Rabbit: [in disbelief] Not knot?
Pooh: Who’s there?
Rabbit: Pooh!
Pooh: Pooh who?
Rabbit: No! Pooh… eh… Piglet, you’ll need more than two knots.
Piglet: Not possible.
Owl: Ah, so it IS possible to knot those pieces.
Piglet: Not these pieces!
Pooh: Yes. Knot those pieces.
Piglet: Why not?
Eeyore: ‘Cause it’s all for naught.

Winnie the Pooh: “When you go after honey with a balloon, the great thing is to not let the bees know you’re coming.”

Winnie the Pooh: “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”

Christopher Robin: “What I like best is just doing nothing.”

Winnie the Pooh: “Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.”

Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Kanga, Christopher Robin, Owl, Roo, and all the other characters wouldn’t have been a success if it weren’t for the mind and talent of A.A. Milne whose birthday is also today, so happy birthday to both Pooh and A.A. Milne and thank you for bringing Winnie The Pooh to life for all of us.

Thank you for visiting my blog, and taking the time to read this week’s post, I appreciate every one of you. Enjoy the rest of your day, and have an amazing week. TTFN (Ta Ta For Now).

Brigid Kemmerer Books

Good morning all, I hope your week has gotten off to a great start, well, better than mine as. At the beginning of the week, my family and I all had separate appointments at our doctors, for various and ongoing problems. The main thing that happened was when we went to Morrison’s for a quick shop. We had just gotten to the fridge section when I went to get something off its shelf, I barely touched it, when all of a sudden, everything (including the shelves) came tumbling down on my daughter (who was in a wheelchair) and myself, injuring both of us in the process, causing us unable to use our left side all day. Still, the staff were lovely to us as they rushed over as soon as it happened, making sure we were okay. They even left a bunch of flowers at the customer service desk (which we thought was nice of them).

The following day we both were still in a lot of pain, and had a bit of a rough night. So once my husband finished work, he drove us both to the hospital to get our left sides looked at. The doctor sent us both to have X-rays, to make sure nothing was broken, luckily mine came back okay, he told me it’s not broken, I’ve just bruised the bone but they noticed my daughter had an ACJ injury an impact from the trauma of the day before, but will get better with rest.

Author Brigid Kemmerer

Today’s post is to celebrate American YA author Brigid Kemmerer’s 46th birthday today, so I thought it was only fitting to do a selection of her books. Brigid started out by working in finance before becoming a full-time writer. She as gone on to carve herself a successful career as an author and has become a New York Times bestseller with A Curse So Dark and Lonely which is an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Anyway, let’s get on with this week’s blog post. 

Defy The Night Series:

Defy The Night Book 1

Defy the Night is the first of three books for you to enjoy in the Defy The Night Series. The kingdom of Kandala is on the verge of disaster, as sickness is making its way through the streets, and only the richest can get a cure, King Harriston and his brother Prince Corrick are forced to rule with an iron fist.

Tessa Cade is a masked outlaw who has been marked for death, but she wouldn’t want it any other way. Along with a mysterious, handsome Weston, they band together to form an alliance, where they take from the rich and give to the poor, giving food and medicine to those who need it most. It soon becomes crystal clear what needs to be done, which is to assassinate the King, as it’s the only way to save her people. Tessa must embark on a deadly and treacherous mission that will take her to the darkest parts of the kingdom, and force her to work alongside the very people that she intended to destroy.

Defend The Dawn Book 2

Defend The Dawn is the second instalment in the Defy The Night series. The embers of revolution continue to simmer in Kandala as it’s still plagued with the continuing disease that is still savagely making its way around. There is a cure but it is very scarce, it’s called moonflower elixir, but only the rich can afford it. 

Tessa Cade has gone up in the world, from masked outlaw to the palace’s advisor, but she is still all about helping the people of Kandala. With the supplies of the moonflower elixir running out, Tessa along with Prince Corrick embark on an uncertain journey to the mysterious neighbouring kingdom of Ostriary. Taking the journey is the only way they can save the people of Kandala, but it will hold some untold danger for both Tessa and Prince Corick, as they try to make their way through the perilous and dangerous waters and face their feelings for one another. The journey will have consequences, it will be dangerous and unpredictable.

Destroy The Day Book 3 is a new one in the series expected out on January 23, 2024.

The Elemental Series:

Storm Book 1

Storm is the first of five books in the Elemental series. Becca Chandler suddenly started getting unwanted attention from all the guys at school, and it was not the kind of attention she wanted or needed, thanks to her vindictive ex-boyfriend. Becca saves Chris Merrick from a fight which is happening in the school parking lot – he’s a nice guy, just a bit unusual. Chris never really fought back against the ones who attacked him. She soon realises that he is not weak, he’s just different and can influence water, just like his brothers who control fire, wind,  and earth. They are dangerously powerful and therefore have been marked for death, now Becca knows the truth, and so is she.

Secrets always have a way of coming out, especially when one’s life is at stake. Then in comes a mysterious new kid Hunter, who proves to be a possible ally. Becca thinks that you can trust him, but Chris and Hunter clash and go head-to-head. Now she must try and find out which of them is hiding the most dangerous truth of all. Because a storm is brewing and it’s heading their way soon…

Spark Book 2

Spark is the second instalment of the elemental series. Gabriel can sometimes control fire and sometimes not so much… He always had his brothers to depend on, especially that of his twin, Nick. But, there is an arsonist in town and he’s wreaking so much havoc, that everything seems to point towards Gabriel. The thing is, he has nothing to do with it.

No one seems to believe that he is not involved in the arson attack, apart from a Shy, brainiac sophomore girl named Layne. She understands what it’s like to have family problems and secrets that need to be kept, as she as her a few of her own. Gabriel needs to prevent her from finding out or even guessing about him and his brothers’ abilities, and the danger that’s not far behind him. But there are some risks he can’t help but take.

Spirit Book 3

Spirit is the third instalment of the elemental series. Hunter Garrity is a loner and all he wants is to be left alone and get through school unnoticed.  He’s learned the hard way, that his unusual abilities come with a price, so, he can’t afford to have any form of ally. He is surrounded by hostility, his grandfather as a chip on his shoulder, as he’s always looking for a fight. The Merrick brothers think he’s discovered who they are and what they can do, Calla who is the scheming one, wants to use him as bait.

There is a new girl at school named Kate Sullivan, who is bold and funny and not hostile at all. But like everyone, she too has an agenda. There is some kind of secret power that’s trying to burst to the surface from all around him. Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he needs to find someone he can trust…

Secret Book 4

Secret is the fourth instalment of the elemental series. Nick Merrick the twin of Gabriel, is stretched to breaking point, what with keeping his grades up, or he will be stuck in his hometown, instead, he wants to get far away from it. Keep his brother’s business going or risk being on the street. He as to Keep a secret from his twin brother and prevent him from finding out where he’s going in the evenings or risk losing his family. He also needs to try and keep his mind of this hot, self-assured dancer, who is supposed to be his girlfriend’s partner.

Then there’s Quinn, a homicidal freak, who is now hanging around, and to top it off you have the Elemental Guide who is counting down the hours until they can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. There is a storm coming from all sides, can Nick hold everything together? Or is he going to fall apart when he is needed the most?

Sacrifice Book 5

Sacrifice is the fifth and final instalment of the elemental series. With one wrong move, they could lose it all for the last time. Michael Merrick is the eldest of the brothers and is used to pressure, as for years he has been the only parent to his three brothers at just 23. He has the power to control Earth and could end up killing someone if he miscalculates. But now the Elemental Guide is out to get his family, and he is all that stands in the way.

Hannah is Michael’s girlfriend, and she understands all too well, what it’s like to put yourself in dangerous situations and have family responsibilities, as she’s raising her child, as well as being a firefighter, a job that could end her life without notice. But some have had enough of Micheal’s defiant behaviour. Before he knows it, Michael’s foes soon become  Merrick’s enemies, and they are armed for war. There’s no surrendering, but then again, Michael isn’t the type to wave a white flag. No matter what, blood will be spilt on the ground tonight…

Curse So Dark And Lonely Series:

A Curse So Dark And Lonely Book 1

A Curse So Dark And Lonely This is the first of three books in the Curse So Dark And Lonely series. Fall in love, to break the curse, sounds so simple; but nothing is ever that easy. To save the Kingdom, you need to fall in love, which will then break the curse.

The heir to Emberfall Prince Rhen has been cursed, he is forced to repeat his eighteenth year over and over again, the thing that can free him is love… At the end of every autumn Prince Rhen is transformed into a beast, hell-bent on destruction. Who will save both him and his kingdom? The thrilling Cursebreakers series continues in A Heart So Fierce and Broken and A Vow So Bold and Deadly.

A Heart So Fierce And Broken Book 2

A Heart So Fierce And Broken is the second book in the Curse So Dark And Lonely series. Harper released Prince Rhen from the curse that he had to relive every year, which almost destroyed his Kingdom. But everything is still not great in Emberfall, as rumours are circulating and doing their rounds, that there is a rival heir, with a stronger connection and claim to the throne, and that Princess Harper of Disi is nothing but a fraud.

Grey has fled to the castle, carrying the burden of a terrible secret with him, that he’s been hiding from everyone. He is soon discovered by soldiers and is forced to return to Ironrose, Grey’s allegiance soon starts to shift, and he soon begins to grow closer to the enemy princess. Will he stand against Rhen, for a crown he’s never wanted, 

A Vow So Bold and Deadly Book 3

A Vow So Bold and Deadly is the third and final book in the Curse So Dark And Lonely series. It has been revealed that Grey is in fact the rightful prince of Emberfall and heir to the throne. But the kingdom is falling fast, it is crumbling down all around them, before their very eyes, he is torn between that of the reigning Prince Rhen and Princess Harper. 

Now crowned the new Queen of the enemy kingdom Syhl Shallow, Lia Mara finds it hard to rule with a more softer and gentler hand, than that of her mother. When Grey moves closer to claiming the crown of Emberfall, Harper and Lia Mara are both forced to question where exactly they stand, and how far will they follow the dictation of their heart. This is the final conclusion to this epic saga, as two kingdoms and old enemies resurface and as they come closer to destroying it all.

Thank you for visiting my blog today, and taking the time to read this week’s post. Enjoy the rest of your day and have an awesome week. See you back here next Thursday. Bye for now!

New Year, New Start

Good morning to all of you lovely people out their in the world today. I hope you have had a good Christmas and New Year. With this being my first post back after taking some time out to spend with my family, I would like to start off by saying a Happy New Year to you all. I have to say mine was rather a quiet and relaxing one, which I was thankful for, as my schedule had been full on, and I needed a bit of down time, a more slower pace, to be able to rejuvenate and recharge myself, as I knew after the holiday season things were going to pick up again, with new challenges and new prospects to look forward to, A year full of so many changes. I look forward to what ever comes my way.

With each new year comes new dreams, challenges & goals. Many of us tend to make New Year resolutions, for some, it may last an hour, a week or a month , sometimes less, while others will have the determination and willingness to follow it through to the end. Whether you accomplish it or not, as long as you’ve tried. It’s the not trying, that you will be left with wonder and regret.

Seeing as it’s my first week back and the beginning of a new year, I thought I would start off by doing a poem for you.

A new year,
A new start,
A year that…
Will set us apart.

Open your mind,
And there you will find,
Your dreams and desires,
Of every kind.

Get a paper and pen,
Then you shall begin,
Write what you desire,
Of everything you require.

Shake off the pain,
Of the year before,
You don’t want…
The heartache anymore.

If you set your mind,
There you will find,
All your hopes and dreams,
And wishes of some kind.

Throw away the old
And bring in the new,
There is plenty out there,
For you to do.

Whether it’s a job you require,
A house or new love you admire,
Let your heart guide you and inspire,
Your journey will then transpire.

You can aspire to be,
What your heart desires,
As inspiration takes hold,
A sign you have now struck gold.

Aria

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s blog post, Have an amazing day, and an even more extraordinary week, See you back here next week.

Happy Birthday Jane Fonda

Good morning all, I hope you are all fighting fit despite these cold and rainy days that we keep having. This week has been busier than ever, what with appointments and travelling to drop off Christmas presents at relatives’ houses. Christmas is fast approaching, and will soon be on us. From today there will be just three days left for you to shop for that perfect gift for that special someone in your life. Do you ever wonder what all this fuss is about, I know it’s really exciting as a child and it becomes really special when you have young children. But in reality, all this fuss and expense just for one day, whilst so many people are in crisis at the moment. Anyway, lets get on with this week’s post which is about one of the most legendary figures in the world of entertainment, the iconic Jane Fonda.

Who is Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda is a remarkable and talented individual, besides being a great actress, she was a former model before that and now adds being a producer to her resume, the list is endless of what she has done and accomplished in her life over the years. Jane is the daughter of acclaimed actor Henry Fonda. She has starred in an array of films from celebrated films like Klute and Coming Home, where she won an Oscar for both. Fonda is known for captivating her audience with her comedic timing powerful performances, activism, and her longevity in the showbiz industry, which has spanned over 60 years. She already leaves a legacy behind that will last a lifetime for not only this generation but for future generations to come. Throughout her career, she has not only got to collaborate with the likes of Fred Zinneman, Sydney Pollack, and Rene Clement, but she also got to rub shoulders with the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Katherine Hepburn to name just a few. However, Jane Fonda is much more than just a celebrity, she is a role model and an inspiration. She is a powerful activist and uses her platform to fight for what she believes in, and uses it for many of her causes to make a difference. Her talent, beauty, and passion for creating meaningful work have solidified her status as one of the greatest celebrities of our time,

Early Years

Jane Fonda was born via caesarean section on December 21, 1937, in New York City, US to Canadian-born socialite Frances Ford Seymour and American actor Henry Fonda. According to her father, the surname Fonda came from an Italian ancestor who immigrated to the Netherlands in the 1500s Fonda comes from a Hollywood dynasty of sorts. Her father Henry was one of the top actors of the 20th century, and her brother Peter and niece Bridget have also had their fair share of success on the big screen. Jane Fonda has enjoyed a tremendous career as an actress, and made her acting debut with the 1960 Broadway play There Was a Little Girl, for which she received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play, and made her screen debut later the same year with the romantic comedy Tall Story.

She was named after Henry VIII’s third wife Jane Seymour, whom she is distantly related to, on her mother’s side, and with the knowledge of that, Fonda had said that up until the fourth grade, she was called “Lady” (as in Lady Jane). She comes from a very creative family as Peter Fonda her brother, was also an actor. Then there’s her half-sister on her maternal side, Frances de Villers Brokaw (known as “Pan”), whose daughter Pilar Corrias, is the owner of the art Gallery in London.

Jane was faced with many challenges and obstacles while growing up. Her father had a side of him which made him cold and distant. Her mother socialite Frances Seymour committed suicide In 1950, when Jane was only 12 years old, while undergoing treatment for an eating disorder which she had struggled with for many years. Later that year her father Henry Fonda married socialite Susan Blanchard, 23 years his junior; but that would soon end in divorce. Fonda attended Greenwich Academy in Greenwich, Connecticut; the Emma Willard all-girl boarding school in Troy, and then went on to Vassar College, a private liberal arts college, in Poughkeepsie NY. By the time she was 15 Jane would start teaching dance at Fire Island Pines, New York.

In 1954 while appearing with her father Fonda in a charity performance of The Country Girl at the Omaha Community Playhouse, she became interested in the arts. Fonda dropped out of Vassar College and went to Paris to study art for six months. Upon returning to New York, and before her career took off she went on to model for a short time, where she appeared on the cover of Vogue twice. In 1958, she met Lee Strasberg; a meeting that would change the course of her life…This was when she went to study at his famed Actors Studio and studied her craft with Lee Strasberg, he told her that she had real talent, and that was the pinnacle and turning point of her life and career.

Her Career

It was the year 1960 when Fonda’s career started to really take off, once she made her debut film in Tall Story (1960) starring Anthony Perkins, throughout the 1960s her status soon rose to prominence with comedies like Sunday in New York (1963), Cat Ballou (1965), and Barefoot in the Park (1967). Jane’s first most dramatic role in 1969, came in the form of a psychological drama They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? earned her first win of seven Academy Award nominations. After that, she went on to establish herself as one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation for Best Actress for Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978). Over the years her career has just gotten better, it has gone from strength to strength, providing her versatility, which has made her one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation.

Political Activism and Causes

Jane Fonda is a political activist in many things like the Civil Rights Movement, she’s been a supporter of the feminist movement since the 1970s, and a supporter of women’s rights. She supports several causes, like helping abuse victims “realize that [rape and abuse] is not our fault,” this cause is truly dear to her heart and closer to home, which resulted in her mum taking her own life. Another cause she is active in is the V-Day movement, which works to stop violence against women and girls. She established the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health, which aims to help prevent teen pregnancy. The Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential (GCAPP) in the 90s, she founded the Jane Fonda Foundation in 2004 giving one million dollars of her own money. She has shown her support towards the LGBTQ+ throughout her career, Even her highly successful books and exercise videos have gone into funding her Campaign for Economic Democracy, an organization she founded with her second husband Tom Hayden in 1978. Jane Fonda is an incredible and inspiring person, whose charitable works have focused on youth and education, adolescent reproductive health, the environment, human services, as well as the arts.

  • Jane Fonda comes from a lineage of actors, with her father being the renowned Henry Fonda. Although she was born into a family of actors, her father initially disapproved of her decision to pursue acting as a career.
  • Jane Fonda’s lineage includes her grandmother, Frances Ford Seymour, a prominent socialite during her time.
  • She was named after Henry VIII’s third wife Jane Seymour (one of the few of Henry’s wives who wasn’t beheaded) to whom she is distantly related on her mother’s side.
  • Has a maternal half-sister, Pan Corrias (1931-2008) and an adoptive sister, Amy Fishman (née Amy Fonda; b. 1953).
  • Her mother was Canadian, born in Brockville, Leeds, Ontario. Jane’s ancestry includes Dutch, English, Scottish, French-Canadian, distant Italian, German, Belgian [Flemish], Norwegian, and Cornish.
  • Her acting career took off when she starred in the 1960 film “Tall Story,” marking her debut in the industry.
  • Caught Ted Turner cheating one month after their wedding, prompting Fonda to hit him repeatedly with a car phone and pour a bottled beverage on his head.
  • Fonda has beaten cancer three times. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, where she underwent a lumpectomy to have it removed. A cancerous growth was removed from her lower lip and pre-melanoma growths were taken from her skin in 2018, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system in 2022. After the tumour’s removal, her publicist announced she was cancer-free.
  • Her nicknames are J. Fo, Lady Jane, and Hanoi Jane
Jane Fonda with daughter, Vanessa Vadim and son, Troy Garity
Jane Fonda with adopted daughter Mary Luana Williams
  • Throughout her life, Fonda has been married three times and experienced different love and companionship chapters. She first married Ted Turner (m. 1991–2001), activist Tom Hayden (m. 1973–1990), Roger Vadim (m. 1965–1973)
  • Throughout Fonda’s career, she has showcased her versatility by appearing in over 60 films across various genres.
  • Her workout videos have been incredibly successful, selling over 17 million copies, making it the bestselling home video ever and her an icon of this form of exercises
  • Jane has three children, two she birthed naturally during each of her marriages, and one she adopted with her second husband. Has a daughter, Vanessa Vadim with Roger Vadim, and a son, Troy Garity with Tom Hayden.
  • Fond has two grandchildren: Malcolm McDuffy (b. 28 May 1999) and Viva Arnett (b. 23 November 2002).
  • Jane’s appearance in On Golden Pond (1981) with dad Henry Fonda and son Troy Garity marked the only time three generations of Fondas appeared in the same film.
  • Fonda adopted (not legally) her third child Mary Luana Williams in the 1980s after she attended Laurel Springs Children’s Camp, a summer camp for kids that was founded by Fonda and Hayden. Her biological parents were two members of the Black Panther Party, and grew up in poverty, surrounded by drugs.
  • She has an IQ of 132. Which is considered to be above average.
  • In addition to her accomplishments in the film industry, Jane Fonda has written several books that have become best-sellers.
Jane Fonda with her 3 husbands
  • Her talent has attracted collaborations with esteemed directors, that have included the likes of Sydney Pollack and Alan J. Pakula.
  • Had hip and knee replacements. Unrelated to her workout regimen, it is a genetic condition. Both her father and brother also had replacements.
  • Born on the same day as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) premiered.
  • She was a close friend of Gregory Peck and he frequently attended political rallies with her.
  • For many years Fonda danced ballet until she broke her foot in her 40s. She took ballet class to keep fit, but after fracturing her foot while filming The China Syndrome, she was no longer able to participate.
  • Jane Fonda is the founder of the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential, a foundation that focuses on the health of teenagers.
  • She and her father Henry Fonda are the only father-daughter couple to receive Oscars for leading roles.
  • Graduated from Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY where she pursued her passion for acting and honed her skills. Her roommate was Lara Parker. Parker later co-starred with Jane’s brother Peter Fonda in the movie Race with the Devil (1975).
  • Sometimes goes by Jane S. Plemiannikov.
Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda
  • Jane Fonda’s empowering catchphrase, “Feel well, feel strong, feel happy,” has inspired many individuals to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
  • Daughter of Henry Fonda and Frances Seymour Fonda.
  • Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, are long-time friends. The two hit it off on the set of the 1980s hit movie 9 to 5 and have been pals ever since and have collaborated on many projects including the popular TV series “Grace and Frankie,” which ended last year after seven seasons.
  • The movie Swing Shift (1984) was originally written as a vehicle for Ms. Fonda. When her agent turned the movie down and Goldie Hawn took over, the project was rewritten as a partial comedy.
  • Fonda is such a passionate advocate for gender equality, that she co-founded the Women’s Media Center, an organization that amplifies women’s voices in the media.
  • Was taught to play guitar by David Crosby.
  • Turned down the role of Bonnie Parker, then played by Faye Dunaway, in Bonnie and Clyde (1967). Living in France at the time, she did not want to relocate to the United States for the part.
  • Fonda has been friends with Dolly Parton since the 80’s.
  • In a relationship with veteran record producer Richard Perry since October 2008, the couple live together in Los Angeles.
Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Lily Tomlin and Sally Fields
Sally Field and Jane Fonda
  • Jane Fonda, Sally Fields, Lily Tomlin and Rita Moreno have known each other for many decades, along the way creating lifelong friendships, which allowed them the opportunity to all star together in a movie.
  • Fonda is a philanthropist, actively supports multiple charitable causes and has made substantial contributions to society through her philanthropic endeavours.
  • She became famously known for her opposition to the Vietnam War in the 1970s and has since continued her activism on various political, social and environmental issues.
  • Jane Fonda has used her platform to shed light on the importance of mental health and has advocated for destigmatizing mental illnesses.
  • Jane was mentioned on Sir Mix A Lot’s 1992 hit single, “Baby Got Back”.
  • With Fonda’s timeless beauty and style, she has graced the cover of Vogue magazine on numerous occasions.
  • In 1962 she won a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer as well as “Year’s Worst Actress” from the Harvard Lampoon
  • Recognised as a film icon, Fonda is the recipient of various accolades, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Honorary Palme d’Or, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
  • In recognition of her outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry, Jane Fonda has been honoured with a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  • Recognizing her contributions to the film industry, Jane Fonda has been honoured with a star on the Canada Walk of Fame.
Monster-In-Law
Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken

Well, it is this time of year again when I say goodbye for two weeks, as I take time off to spend with my family. I would like to wish you all a happy holiday and enjoy spending time with your friends and family.

Thank you for reading my blog and for your continuous support this past year. Enjoy the rest of your day and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope next year is better than the last one. See you back here on January 4, 2024

On The Outside Looking In

Good morning World, I hope you all doing okay. I don’t know whether it’s just me, or everyone else has the same problem. I always find that when I go shopping what I need is always seems to be on the top shelf, which I can just reach, my daughter sits there laughing at me as I struggle to reach the top shelf, but more times than not I always find that I have to reach the back of the shelve, as whatever I need seem to accumulate back there. On Tuesday I was doing my usual trying to reach the back of the shelf when the bottle I was after fell over and knocked other ones that were nearby, which sent them one by one flying off the shelf and hitting me in the face nearly knocking me out in the process, missing my daughter’s wheelchair that was near (which I was glad of). Once I stopped being hit in the face, I noticed that several people just stood there, watching it happen, and not one came up to check and see if I was okay. 

This past week has not been a very good, or easy time as I received a message that left me in a state of shock, which was that my mum had been rushed to hospital after having a stroke. You think your mum is invincible and will always be around, but it takes something serious like a stroke, to really appreciate the time we do have with the people we love. It was caused by having high blood pressure (which she doesn’t usually suffer from), so to say it came as a shock, was an understatement. But I am pleased to say she is now recovering, her speech is a problem and trying to text is still problematic for her, where you can’t understand what she’s written, but we are fortunate, it could have been so much worse. I want to wish my mum a speedy recovery and send her some positive vibes. Anyway on with this week’s blog post ‘On The Outside Looking In’

Looking through the window,
A family I do see,
Laughing and playing,
As happy as can be.
Sitting in front of a fire
Watching it flicker away,
Wishing it was me,
Sat beside the fire
Having a cup of tea.

On the outside looking in,
There I do see,
A child on her knees,
Sneakily there peeking,
At the presents by the tree.
Early to bed, they must go,
Before you hear his footsteps,
Tread the boards below,

A curious child,
Will try to run wild,
To catch a glimpse of him,
But be careful,
A child is still a child,
No matter how wild,
They will never,
EVER…
Get a peek at him.

by Aria

Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to read this week’s post. Have an amazing day and a truly exceptional week.

Inside Marvel Studios

Good day, to all of you lovely people. Hopefully, everyone is fighting fit despite this freezing weather we are currently having. I don’t know about you, but where I live, we have had some snow on the ground, which has made it all the more colder. It looks good on photographs and postcards but that’s where I would prefer to see it, well apart from Christmas morning, which makes it all the more magical

This month is the busiest for so many reasons, but the main one is that Christmas will soon be upon us. We have already started the countdown to Christmas Eve, giving us only 17 more shopping days left, to frantically get those presents for all our loved ones, and then spend most of the day neatly wrapping them up, before handing them out to family and friends. Christmas time is so much more than just presents it’s a time for forgiveness and appreciation for what you have. It has been a very hard year for a lot of people, especially with the economic crisis going on, which has resulted in many people being without a home this Christmas as landlords have evicted them for no apparent reason, leaving many without a home and on the streets. There are more people than ever, that have been made homeless, than ever before in the U.K. and that’s just this year alone. I am astonished at the amount that’s been recorded as homeless, as of now there are 271,000 that have found themselves homeless, which includes 123,000 children. Nobody should be left out in the cold and on the streets any time of the year, but it’s this time of year that hits them the most, with both the freezing temperatures that bestow us, and then with Christmas fast approaching. I am not a religious person by any means, but I pray, wish and hope that they too, can find a place that they can call home and be safe.

I am so pleased and excited to do this week’s post as I am a big Marvel fan, so to say I was excited is an understatement, but when I found out Marvel Studios was first founded thirty years ago today on December 7, 1993, I just knew that I had to do a post on it. Anyway, lets get on with this weeks blog.

The Lobby – From the second you step off the Marvel Studios Headquarters elevator you are hit by a giant Marvel Logo that stands out. There next to the reception desk, you will see that it is decked out with some of Marvel’s most up-to-date costumes from their more recent film which are showcased on display. Behind the sofa and a coffee table, you will find the “Hall of Armour” which showcases three of Tony Stark’s earlier Iron Man suits, it is there to remind you when the MCU first began.

Art by Ryan Meinerding

Visual Development – On entering the glass doors you follow a race track design, there you will find some amazing murals by Ryan Meinerding who is Head of Visual Development and you can see why he is head of the visual department. The murals take up a lot of space, giving you a constant reminder of those past battles every where you look. Along the way you will get to see some concept art. There’s even ones that are off-limits-to-the-public of future films.

The Offices – There are many offices that’s filled up with collectibles, which are based on the Marvel Franchise’s superheroes, this includes actual costumes and props from every the films.

The Development Lounge – This is where the Marvel team develop their film slate, that connects the cinematic universe together. It is also a place where they play ping pong and pin ball. The lounge showcases a model of the Helicarrier from Avengers, Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, that is propped up against the TV and walls lined with signed Marvel posters.

The Library – This is the type most pop culture and comic enthusiasts fans of Marvel would be enthralled by, and of course love to have. It’s a more condensed comic book library, that features an entire length of a hallway, and in between the comic books, it is filled up with a variety of props from different movies, like the little alien Star-Lord using a microphone in the Guardians of the Galaxy, a model of Orloni, and of course the real Captain America’s Shield, Tony Stark’s early Iron Man helmet along with many more valuable props.

The Common Spaces – The Marvel Studio occupies some common spaces that’s packed with excitement, it is where the hard work happens and movies begin to come alive, that’s sealed by NDA, as behind them exists a world where the magic happens with the production and development of the movies both announced and unannounced continues on at a steady pace without any disturbance.

The Screening Room – This is a very intimate Theatre. It is where you get to watch raw footage of the films (blue screens, bad sound, with plenty of cursing) but it’s still looks amazing. You get to see the movie develop from start all the way to the finished product. You get to see all the time and hard work that was put into making it pay off. It is such a beautiful thing to see.

The Courtyard – Finally the open-air courtyard that sits in the centre of the building, it’s where you are able to get refreshments and sushi is served.

  • Since 2008, Marvel Studios has released 33 films within the MCU, from Iron Man (2008) to The Marvels (2023), nine television series since 2021, from WandaVision (2021) to Secret Invasion (2023), and two television specials, Werewolf by Night (2022) and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022).
  • Spider-Man’s black suit didn’t come from Stan Lee but came from a fan, Randy Schueller. Marvel offered Randy a chance to write the story himself and $220. His story didn’t work and ended with Marvel making their own version.
  • Tom Holland has credited Marty McFly from Back to the Future as his main inspiration for Peter Parker’s character.
  • Stan Lee created Thor to introduce a being more powerful than The Incredible Hulk. He stated that the only thing more powerful than a man would be a god.
  • Martin Goodman published the first Marvel comic in 1939.
  • Wakanda is an official language, it is a variant of Xhosa, which is primarily spoken in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Coincidentally, these locations are also close to where Wakanda is situated in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
  • The Mjolnir is the hammer that Thor is often seen using as a weapon. It is so powerful that its wielder can create force fields so great, it can destroy entire galaxies. It can also travel through planets to return to its wielder’s hand and can also move and manipulate large structures such as the Washington Monument and the Taj Mahal. It is also able to molecularly manipulate objects and control magnetic forces.
  • The author of Godfather once attempted to write for Marvel. Mario Puzo stated that writing comics was too difficult and instead asked Stan Lee if he could try to write scripts for comics instead. However, despite Stan Lee agreeing to this, Mario Puzo still was not able to do so.
  • Deadpool, one of Marvel’s most popular characters, was supposed to be a spoof of Deathstroke. The name Wade Wilson was a hilarious reference to his origins and how the character was inspired by DC Comics’s Deathstroke.
  • Marvel has released 32,000 comics as of 2009.
  • Venom was created by a fan in 1982 in a contest held by Marvel Comics. Randy Schueller submitted a concept art for a storyline that involved Spider-Man upgrading his suit to all black for stealth purposes.
  • Colossus gained the powers of Juggernaut during the Fear Itself story
  • Jeremy Renner trained with Olympic archers to prepare for the role of Hawkeye. He only had a few months to prepare for his role. As a result, he had to hire professionals. He trained heavily with Olympic archers to understand and master the bow and arrow.
  • In 2002, Marvel caught news of a boy around four years of age who suffered from hearing loss not wanting to wear his hearing aids simply due to the reason that no superheroes did. As an attempt to help the child, Marvel created the superhero The Blue Ear who uses a hearing aid to detect trouble.
  • In 1994, Marvel bought the rights for The Men in Black (originally owned by Malibu Comics). This simply means that all films, shows, and video games have been produced by Marvel.
  • The public knew about Tom Holland’s casting as Spider-Man before he did. Holland stated in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres that during his last audition, he was told that they would reveal the final cast the next day. However, six weeks passed and he had not been contacted yet until he discovered he was chosen for the role of Spider-Man through Instagram.
  • At one point in time, all five of the original members of the Avengers resigned
  • Deadpool can speak several languages apart from English. He can be seen speaking fluent German, Spanish, Japanese, and even American Sign Language (ASL). Coincidentally, the actor who also portrays Deadpool in the film, Ryan Reynolds, is also multilingual.
  • Black Widow and Captain America are of the same age. In the comics, she is confirmed to be over 70 years of age.
  • Thor’s line ‘He’s a friend from work’ wasn’t scripted in Thor: Ragnarok. The line originated from a Make-A-Wish Foundation child who had suggested it to Chris Hemsworth during a break between filming. Since the director, Taika Waititi encouraged its actors to improvise lines during filming, Hemsworth gave it a try and became one of the best Marvel lines in history.
  • In the Marvel Universe, Wakanda is the most advanced civilization on Earth.
  • Vin Diesel also recorded himself saying the lines in several other languages multiple times. He also voiced Baby Groot’s voice all by himself and without any additional effects on his voice. While the actor may be known for his deep baritone voice, he has been imitating and doing cartoon impressions since he was a child.
  • Human Torch made the first appearance of any Marvel hero in the comics.
  • Initially, Marvel producers saw Downey Jr’s alcoholic habits as a red flag and believed that he would not be suitable for the role of Tony Stark. It was Jon Favreau’s insisting that helped Robert Downey Jr. get the role.
  • Originally, the Hulk had grey skin. When the Hulk was first introduced in the comics, he was green-skinned due to a printing error with the four-colour printing process. Each time an issue of The Incredible Hulk was printed, it would be in different shades of grey each time.
  • The Thing from the Fantastic Four is married to Alicia Masters.
  • The Wasp was nearly cast to be in the movie Avengers Assemble. It was in the earlier drafts of the film with Henry Pym’s Wife, Janet was originally set to appear as the Wasp. However, Black Widow was instead chosen to fill the role of the last Avenger as she was already previously introduced in Iron Man 2.
  • Black Panther was the first African-American member of the Avengers.
  • During the 90s, Marvel had to sell the rights to the X-Men characters and the Fantastic Four to avoid bankruptcy.
  • Nightcrawler is Catholic.
  • In 1994, importing human figures and toys into the United States became more expensive than non-human figures so to get around this X-Men were labelled as mutants rather than humans to avoid legal issues.
  • Daredevil’s sense of taste is so acute, that he can even tell how many grains of salt are on a pretzel.
  • Peggy Carter had an unscripted scene in The First Avenger that made it to the final cut. It is during the scene where Captain America steps out of the chamber that turns him superhuman, that Peggy Carter examines a shirtless Steve Rogers with her hands. Because of how spontaneous this scene flowed together it was kept in for authenticity.
  • Charles Xavier has gained and lost his ability to walk several times.
  • Earth 3409 of the Marvel multiverse shows that Tony Stark was born female. Natasha Stark becomes the Iron Woman when she grows up. Ultimately, the comics show her being married to Steve Rogers which prevents not only the Superhero Registration Program but also the Civil War.
  • Marvel created a comic book series in the 1970s called ‘What if?’ which focuses on events in the Marvel Universe that might have unfolded if a few key moments in history turned out differently.
  • Tom Holland was not given complete access to the Infinity War script as he is known for accidentally spoiling plots during interviews and on his social media accounts.
  • Kevin Feige created the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was originally hired to be an assistant on the X-Men film However, he was given an associate producer credit when another producer discovered that he was a human Marvel encyclopaedia.
  • The dance that Baby Groot executes to the Electric Light Orchestra’s hit Mr. Blue Sky took two years to plan and create. This large project that took two years for the Guardians of the Galaxy 2 team to make with James Gunn paid off in the end as it was one of the most well-received scenes in the movie.
  • In the Marvel Comics universe, Tony Stark owns Area 51.
  • The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley’s trademark haircut was based on the Marvel superhero, Captain Marvel Jr.
  • Marshall Mathers, also known as Eminem, once teamed up with the Punisher in XXL Eminem/Punisher Comic (2009) #1 which was created by Fred Van Lente and Salvador Larroca.
  • Captain America was not a founding member of the Avengers.
  • A little amphibian named Throg wields the Frog Mjolnir. He also resembles the amphibian Thor himself once turned into. Even though Thor and Throg have many similarities, they are said to be completely different beings.
  • There is a Japanese version of Spider-Man that gained his powers from aliens.
  • Dr. Doom briefly played the role of Iron Man. After Tony Stark incapacitated himself in an obligatory super-powered fight with Captain Marvel in Civil War II, Dr. Doom took on the role of Iron Man. Dr. Doom became known as the Infamous Iron Man.
  • The Men in Black is owned by Marvel, who bought the rights in 1994 from Malibu Comics. This means that all films, shows, and video games have been produced by Marvel.
  • The Marvel Universe has a maintenance unit. This special unit is suitably called Damage Control. In the Marvel Comics universe, this group is a construction company that specializes in repairing property damage caused by conflicts made by heroes and villains. This group first appeared in Marvel Age Annual issue number four.
  • Charlie Cox did not know Daredevil was blind until the day before his audition. This was mainly due to him being unfamiliar with the source material before he signed up to audition for the role.
  • Deathstroke inspired the making of Deadpool. One of Marvel’s most popular characters, Deadpool was supposed to be a spoof of Slade Wilson’s villainous identity, Deathstroke. Deadpool’s secret identity, Wade Wilson was an inside joke with Marvel staff to the two characters being related. – As time went by, Deadpool’s character was re-imagined as a psychotic anti-hero.
  • The first Marvel comic book ever published was The Human Torch.
  • Before the films for the Marvel cinematic universe were made, Nick Fury’s earliest concept art already had an uncanny resemblance to Samuel L. Jackson. When Samuel himself saw this resemblance, he immediately contacted his lawyers and Marvel Studios to secure his roles for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic films.
  • In the Marvel Universe, the strongest mutant to ever be registered is Kris Kringle himself. This was stated by Cerebro in a distant future on Christmas Eve.
  • The Phoenix is a force of nature rather than a living entity. The Phoenix Force is one of the most impactful ones in the Marvel Universe. However, it is most notable for its appearance and central role in The Dark Phoenix Saga storyline. The Dark Phoenix has also ranked as the 38th most powerful villain on Wizard: Magazine of Comics.
Movies To Buy
Upcoming Marvel Movies and TV Series
  • What If…?” Season 2 (Animated TV Series)
  • Echo (Hawkeye Spin-off Series)
  • X-Men ’97 (Animated TV Series)
  • Deadpool & Wolverine
  • Agatha Coven of Chaos (WandaVision Spin-off Series)
  • Ironheart
  • Daredevil: Born Again
  • Captain America: Brave New World
  • Fantastic Four
  • Thunderbolts
  • Blade
  • Avengers: The Kang Dynasty
  • Avengers: Secret Wars
  • Armor Wars
  • Spider-Man: Freshman Year (Animated TV Series)
  • Marvel Zombies (Animated TV Series)
  • Vision Quest (TV Show)

Thank you for taking the time to come and read this week’s blog post! Wrap up, keep warm ‘I know I will be’ and please be extra careful when you do venture out. Enjoy the rest of your day and have an amazing week. See you all back here next week at Arias Writing Journal.