Bitten by Paranormal Romance: I’m Smitten alright! Now, where did I put that . . . . Giveaway

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

I’m Smitten alright! Now, where did I put that . . . . Giveaway

Posted by Artemis |

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Happy Valentine's Day!

Welcome to the final day of Smitten with Film and Music.

It has been a blast!

As I started putting this post together, I never realized just how much I enjoyed Music and Films. Over the years, I’ve grown bored with the boob-tube. I don’t have the patience for ridiculous commercials and the programming has become mindless. I'd rather read. Yeah, and the Hubs channel surfs. (You have one of those too?)

I have always enjoyed movies and music, but there was a time when other (life, family, children, etc.) obligations came first. Now, it seems I’m finding more time for Music and Film once again! It all began a few *cough* years ago. . .

when Mom took me to see the premier of DR. ZHIVAGO at the UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE in Downtown Detroit. This was an evening performance: You DRESSED to go to “The Theater.” No slacks allowed *GASP* Women wore dresses or skirts and maybe even gloves to finish off their outfit. I was in awe of the beauty and the grandiosity of the theater itself.

UNITED ARTISTS THEATRE - DETROIT

I was Alice stepping into Wonderland as soon as I entered the lobby. Once we were ushered, yes, ushered into the main seating area, I knew I would never be the same.

My crush only continued at my local neighborhood, one screen theater. Where on a Saturday afternoon, I would meet my girlfriends and we would watch the latest Disney movie and purchase a drink and popcorn or candy. All for one buck. Yep, one US dollar.

I really fell in love when my first job landed me at the ALLEN PARK SHOW (Show is Yankee talk for movie, theater, film, etc.). I was in heaven! – OMG – It was a two-screen theater and I worked on the side (behind the concession stand) that showed only G or PG movies. The “other” side showed the PG-13 and R movies. What was so great were the Monday and Tuesday nights when no one came to the movies. I could stand right at the back of the theater, watch the movies and still be able to see if anyone came to the candy counter. SWEET!!!!

How was I to know *shrugging shoulders* I just wanted to go and see the premiere of STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE. Except this time I was all the way across the country in California at Camp Pendleton. So, I stood in line to see the movie with this guy I was currently dating. Listening to him grumble the whole time. About the line; about the movie - it being sci-fi; about him not usually going to movies, blah, blah, blah.

To this day, I love my movies on the big screen. I’ll usually see whatever is on my "Must See List" within the first week of release. Took the Grandson Saturday and caught a matinee showing of STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D. Hmm, wonder if I can get the Hubs to take me to the movies tonight for the special showing of THIS MEANS WAR. . . .

L'Amour et Psyché (Cupid and Psyche, 1817)by François-Édouard Picot

The Myth of Cupid and Psyche.

Music, now that’s another story completely. I’m usually quite predictable in my choices: country or rock-n-roll. But, that isn’t necessarily set in stone either. I’ve been listening to rock (I do claim Motown as my ole’ stompin’ grounds!) since its infancy and there are so many flavors of rock and country alone it makes my head spin!

For instance, I like certain movie soundtracks – a very few mind you. And this one just blew me away. Not only is the movie on my Best Ever List but the soundtrack is to die for. A Gift of Thistle is a very special one.

On the other hand, WHOA, oh yeah, I want to get SATISFIED and LOVED LIKED THERE'S NO TOMORROW. And can I get a little more action please?

*clearing throat* getting serious now. Valentine's Day isn't always about finding love, many times it's about losing love, lost love, loneliness; and why many people don't like VD in the first place. Which brings me to DWIGHT YOAKAM'S CD, BLAME THE VAIN. There are plenty of tunes about heartbreak and heartache, but this CD is choke full of them - every single one. What also impresses me is Dwight Yoakam wrote the words and music to each song on the CD. My favorite cut is the last one: THE LAST HEART IN LINE. The combination of acoustic guitars, strings, and French horns make this a hauntingly beautiful piece of music.

There are two others that encompass the fragility of humanity and our ability to love. The simplicity of the lyrics with the brilliance of Zeppelin – classic.

This is my all-time favorite for several reasons. The writing team of LENNON AND MCCARTNEY set the benchmark. These MOP-HEADS took the world by storm and will remain my favorite group for all time. I can tell you where I was and what I was doing the moment I heard John was killed. I dedicated this song to Hubs when we were married.

That’s all from me, for now. As you can see, yeah, I do like my music and movies. What about you? When was it you realized you were smitten? And who or what were you smitten with? Oh come on, spill. . . .

Oh, BTW, that grumbling dude I was dating all those many moons ago who wasn’t a Trekkie. Still isn’t a Trekkie, he’s Hubs!

One lucky commenter will win this prize package that consists of an autographed book by Vicki Lewis Thomspon, FOREVER MINE, VALENTINE, a Betsey Johnson “Love Bites” hinged bracelet, and two mini Passion Kits to put a little spark into your romance! Be sure to answer the question I asked above; include your email address in the comments please. Open to US residents only and runs through February 17, 2012.

Labels: giveaway, Valentine's Day

8 comments:

bn100 said...: Happy Valentine's Day! I enjoyed your post and list of songs. I like music and movies, such as The Phantom of the Opera.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com; Feb 14, 2012 4:10:00 PM
Artemis said...: bn100 - Thanks for stopping by today. I need to revisit The Phantom!; Feb 14, 2012 4:41:00 PM
Laurie (BittenbyParanormalRomance) said...: Its been years since I've been to that theater, I really need to visit my home state soon.... Love the post and the event you put together. Now that I've seen what you can do lookout chick LOL.; Feb 14, 2012 7:33:00 PM
Bethie said...: Thanks for the giveaway. Happy Valentines Day. I became smitten with books after reading Flowers in the Attic.

Lizzi0915 at aol dot com; Feb 14, 2012 10:27:00 PM
June M. said...: Other than books which I am totally smitten with, I guess the only other thing that I can really think of would be music. I have always loved music, just about all kinds. I listen to everything from classical to classic rock, hard rock/metal, rap, country, pop, and sooooo much more. When I was a teen, and would get in trouble my parents would take away my tv (loved MTV, back when they actually played videos) and my stereo. They knew this was the best punishment for me, except for books but they never threatened them (I guess it kept me out of trouble, lol). I have passed on this love/obsession to my nieces and nephews.
June
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com; Feb 15, 2012 12:45:00 AM
Alex @ Is It Amazing? said...: I do love music. I usually have my itunes playing something at any given moment. I think I've always been smitten with music. I remember being 6ish and playing a Tim McGraw cassette tape again because I loved his music! :) I also love movies! My favorite movies are horror, romances, and comedies! :) Thanks! allicat0818[at]yahoo[dot]com; Feb 15, 2012 10:59:00 AM
Artemis said...: @bethie-I've heard of FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC, will have to check it out.

@junem - yikes! Taking away music! How did you make it?

@alex - did you wear out that cassette tape? LOL!!; Feb 15, 2012 10:30:00 PM
Leni said...: I discovered I was smitten with movies when I started watching Turner Classic Movies and American Movie Classics(when they didn't show commercials). I was glued to the television and watched every genre that they showed. That lead me to find other movies on my own.
As for music, it was when I found a local classical radio station and listened to it all the time. I couldn't name half of the composers or musicians, but I love the emotions that they express.

lenikaye@yahoo.com; Feb 15, 2012 10:46:00 PM