Do you befriend your neighbors?

The other day, I read a short article detailing with whom we should not start friendships.
A psychologist said we should not be friends with our children (agreed) or with our neighbors (disagree).
I dismissed the article as hokum and moved on with my day.
This morning, however, I watched a Today Show clip on the MyIntent Project that whipped my mind back to the "don't befriend your neighbors" article. Chris Pan founded the project to create a way to bring more positivity, togetherness and happiness into the world.
The project provides a simple bracelet - which Pan gave away at the beginning - a metal circle stamped with a word of your choice and fitted with an adjustable bracelet.
So, why am I bringing up the MyIntent Project? There's always a lot of talk out there about the need for tighter communities, more compassion, better conversations and so on. Well, MyIntent reminded me that community is something that everyone needs.
Most who know me, know I'm not a big people person unless there's a specific purpose in interacting with said people. However, in a small group or one-to-one situation, I'm alright and enjoy a good conversation.
Which brings me to the fact that I strongly disagree with the opinion of not befriending your neighbors.
We're not buddy-buddy with our neighbors, but we have good relationships with them.
The family who lives directly behind us is so nice, and hospitable, and kind. It's hard not to like that. If Donny's outside, he'll yell and wave, and sometimes just walk over and chat for a bit. Each spring and summer, he'll kid us about our garden and how crappy it looks.
I wouldn't say we're friends, but we're neighborly and I consider that a type of friendship.
The older couple who lives to the east of us is much the same. They moved in last summer and we instantly got along. It was fun watching them transform their yard into something of an oasis, when it was absolutely bare before. They took to Jacob right away and often wave and talk to him as he zooms by on his bicycle.
When Derek accidentally ran over Jacob's bike in the fall (due to Jacob leaving it in the driveway), the neighbors noticed. One day, after I'd taken Jacob's bike to be fixed, Jacob and I came home to a boy's bike propped up by our back door. Our neighbors to the east had put it there. They found it at an auction for free and knew Jacob's bike was broken, so they just put it there, knowing how much Jacob loves to ride.
The former neighbors to the north, across the street, were our friends from the beginning. Although they only stayed about nine months, I got to know them the best and was sad to see them go.
The couple often, and sincerely, said if we needed anything to give them a call. They had three dogs and so we often had front-yard conversations while their dogs were outside. I don't regret getting to know them at all.
Those are just three examples of what it is to be neighborly friends. These people enhance our lives with good conversation, a helping hand and a friendly wave once in awhile.
Not befriend your neighbors? What a load of bull. There are some neighbors worth befriending.

Life is a Journey. Writing is Life.

Novel writing has always been my dream. It's hard to cobble together a decent plot let alone go over the story time and again.
Discipline is my journey this month as I begin a serious attempt to develop a novel and complete it.
I've procured a copy of The Novel Planner: A Daily Planner for Authors, created by Kristen Kieffer and am slowly working my way through physically manifesting my ideas.

I was super excited to get my Novel Planner
it in the mail. (Photo by Anna Jauhola)

The back cover of the planner I received.
(Photo by Anna Jauhola)

The planner is pretty cool so far, and with help from Kieffer's site ShesNovel.com (soon to be called Well-Storied) I'm really getting the most out of it.
Kieffer really breaks down how to dig into character, plot and scene development, even better than I experienced in college classes.
I've fleshed out my protagonist a lot better on paper than I ever expected. Usually, I'm the type that creates a fantastic plot in the shower, perfect characters just before falling asleep and amazing scenes while I'm washing the dishes. Of course, when I sit down to write it in a notebook --- BLANK. Who were those people I was thinking about? What was my story again? Damn it.
In a few posts I've read, Kieffer stresses discipline and the need for writers to make time to sit down and plan. Physically write down ideas, not just amazingly create them mentally only to let them slip away 10 minutes later.
Discipline. It's a tough word. I can't stress enough how hard that aspect of my writing is for me.
But The Novel Planner has so far helped me understand the importance of even a general outline .
Writing down the outline for my idea was actually super liberating. It was like my author eyes sprang open and I saw my protagonist's purpose, along with my antagonist's.
Outlining. Do it.
The Novel Planner will help me keep track of all aspects of my life with spaces for personal, work and writing project to-do lists; room for project goals and project marketing strategies; character sketches; room for doodling or jotting down different story ideas; and accomplishments like weekly word count. And, since I have an ever-growing list of books I need to read, there is a whole page dedicated to jotting down book titles and authors. :) Wonderful!
I haven't been so excited about a planner since I entered high school.
The Novel Planner will help keep me accountable and motivated so I can become a better writer. Who knows? My goals and plans might actually come to fruition with a finished novel in 2017.

Old authors and new will fill my 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
My holiday was filled with binge reading. Well, as bingey as I can get.
I read two books - WATCH OUT! - "Speaking from Among the Bones" by Alan Bradley and "Took" by Mary Downing Hahn.

Hahn has long been one of my favorite authors and I now intend to binge on several of her other books. Despite the fact she writes for a very young audience, I still love her master craftsmanship.
I first read "Wait Till Helen Comes" when I was in second grade - age 7. Scared the dickens out of me, but also intrigued me to no end. I read it at least twice every year through middle school. In fact, I remember a substitute librarian asking me once in third grade (age 8), "Don't you think you're too young for chapter books?" when I placed the book on the checkout counter.
I looked at her and said, "No. I've read this book many times already. And other chapter books."
Even now, I often think of Hahn's writing and ponder how in the world I could possibly become that great of a writer.
So when I saw she had a new book out, I couldn't wait to read "Took."
Hahn is known for her ghost stories aimed at elementary-aged readers.
I read "Took" in an afternoon. It was not only easy to read, it was so gripping I couldn't put it down.
It is based on an old folk tale and is set in West Virginia, where a family relocates to a spooky old house that had been abandoned for 50 years. It's completely worth the read. If you're jumpy, try reading it in the afternoon, though, especially if the view out your window is the woods.

"Speaking from Among the Bones" is the fifth in the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley.
This is the first I've read of Bradley's work, which I don't think made a huge difference.
However, I WILL be starting the series from the beginning very soon. Flavia de Luce is one of the most intriguing characters I've read in a long time. Her obsession with chemistry is intoxicating, despite the fact I hated chemistry in high school. I'm not the sciencey type.
Oh, did I mention she's 11? She's a little genius living in a time when girls were expected to dress nicely, sit up straight, keep their mouths shut and generally settle in the background.
Flavia is unique in every way opposite the 1950s norm for girls in England. And I love it.

I do not make New Year's resolutions, because -- SHOCKER -- I never keep them.
However, a resolution I can keep is to read more books! I've got a list I have to keep so I can continue reviewing them online, but I also have a growing list of books for fun.
Watch out 2017! I'm super excited to add more and more books to my new bookshelf and to check off the ones added to my "to read" list.

Princess Leia gone too soon: RIP Carrie Fisher

In my early years, I sure did love Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," but I really wanted to be like Princess Leia Organa in "Star Wars."
Today we mourn the loss of Carrie Fisher, who so magnificently played the iconic Star Wars princess.

Carrie Fisher rockin' those awesome cinnabuns in "Star Wars: A New Hope."

Not only was Princess Leia beautiful and intelligent, but she was one badass spy and infiltrator. Despite her position within galactic royalty, Leia risked her life to do her part in delivering the Death Star plans to the rebels. Plus, she totally mouthed off to Darth Vader.
Bad. Ass.
Okay. So I understand Leia is a completely fictional character, and completely acknowledge it was Carrie Fisher the whole time making her so awesome.
Fisher portrayed a range of emotions, but my favorite of hers was anger when she choked the life out of gigantic galactic mobster Jabba the Hutt. Seriously, she turned her chains into a lethal weapon, all while wearing the skimpiest space bikini.
Bad. Ass.
I know Fisher didn't ONLY play Princess Leia, but it is pretty much her defining role.
However, a few of her other roles that were my favorites include the therapist in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" and the Mystery Woman in "Blues Brothers."
I also enjoyed her appearance on "The Big Bang Theory" a few years ago when James Earl Jones and Sheldon Cooper pranked her by ringing her doorbell and running away.
It is sad that she died so young. Thank goodness she was willing to return to the iconic role that so defined her as an actress for nearly 40 years. Despite what others say of her performance in "The Force Awakens," I don't think anyone could possibly have played the role.
RIP Carrie Fisher.

'Me Before You' unconventional, but an important read

Books are like really long movies for me. Some are bad, some are, "Blah, but I guess I can make it to the end." Then there are those like "Me Before You" that are just so good that I literally cry, laugh and get mad throughout.

This beautiful story is one of making difficult
choices.

"Me Before You" is a story set in 2009 Britain. An ordinary girl named Louisa Clark loses her job after her boss closes his business. Out of desperation, and because the money is amazing, Lou takes a job caring for a quadriplegic man named Will Traynor. Will was injured in a road accident two years prior and hates his life. He hasn't left his home in two years, with the exception of medical appointments and emergencies.
So, without giving too much away, this is quite the unconventional story line and I loved it.
Lou is bubbly and sunny, but with dark undertones. She uses her clothes as a way to stay cheerful and often reminds herself she needs a job to help her struggling mother and father. But it's hard for her to remember all that when her family constantly reminds her she doesn't quite live up to her sister's standards.
Despite her bubbly nature, Will is unmoved and treats Lou like garbage ~ until one day Lou says enough.
"Me Before You" literally had me laughing out loud and tears rolling down my cheeks, in public, mind you.
Lou forces Will on several adventures just to get him out of the house. Despite some setbacks, Lou's plans start to take shape and Will's attitude begins to soften.
I could hardly put this book down at night. I found myself reading long past the time I'd promised myself I'd go to bed, saying, "Oh just one more chapter." I haven't done that in quite some time.
JoJo Moyes' writing is fluid and encapsulating, and each chapter flew by like I'd actually been watching a movie. Her characters are vivid and enjoyable, despite how stupid a few of them act.
This beautiful story is about hard choices, not only for Will but for those around him. It's an invisible subject for many people, but for those whose lives are spent dependent upon others it's a very real situation.
A big thanks to Hanna Lindstrom-Henning for suggesting the book! It was completely worth the read.

Fuss & Bother Boutique more than just a store

On Friday, I found two unique women with whom I simply expected to have a brief encounter while checking out their small business. 

Instead, I stood in their little shop for nearly two hours visiting and hearing some pretty entertaining stories. 

Bonnie and Angie own Fuss & Bother Boutique. 

A screenshot of Fuss & Bother Boutique's Facebook page.

They set up shop in a two-story, white house behind Taco John's in Mitchell. They feature handmade jewelry, crocheted bookmarks and other fun items to enjoy browsing. The mother and daughter duo have been vegans for decades and offer many spices, sauce mixes, stew and soup spices, and so much more. 

Despite the house being in a strange location, it is totally worth anyone stopping by.
Bonnie and Angie offer a unique shopping experience, accompanied by two cats and off-kilter senses of humor (which is a good thing!). Fuss & Bother Boutique is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

"Fantastic Beasts" super freaking amazing

If you HAVE NOT SEEN "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and PLAN on seeing it, don't read this post. I don't want to ruin it for you. 

Ever since I started reading the Harry Potter books, I wished there was some sort of series focused on or at least based in a U.S. magical community.
So when J.K. Rowling created "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," I nearly squealed with delight. Her quirky characters and wonderful imagination once again brought to life a community I can only dream to be a part of.
I unashamedly went to "Fantastic Beasts" alone yesterday at the Mitchell movie theater. I sadly couldn't find anyone to go with, but I suppose that gave me the clearance to solely concentrate on the movie.

The Actors

I'll comment briefly on the actors, just to get it out of the way.
Nearly everyone was excellent! I loved Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander. He is so strange that he fits the part perfectly.
I enjoyed that a no-maj (non-magical person) was included as a supporting character in Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski. His wonder personified a generation of us muggles reading the Harry Potter books, and how I feel in diving into a completely different magical era.
Colin Farrell, who portrayed Percival Graves, played the part well. Since I haven't seen many movies of his, I was all right with him being cast in such a large role.
The only portion of the movie I completely disliked, as far as actors, is that they cast Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindlewald. Depp has portrayed some outlandish characters, and I just feel he has no place in the movie. Grindlewald was British, and I figured Ms. Rowling would cast a British actor to fill the role. I'm hoping she'll see her mistake, or that Johnny Depp will prove me wrong and not be as eccentric in the role. Although I know Grindlewald is an eccentric character, I have this vision in my head of how he should be and Depp does not fulfill that portrayal.

The BEASTS! 

The wonderful magic that is cinema animation could not have produced this movie more seamlessly. It was beautiful ~ a Thunderbird; a niffler; a bowtruckle named Pickett; an erumpent; a demiguise; a swooping evil; and many more. It's just too wonderful. Not gonna lie, I was nearly in tears watching this movie for a couple reasons.
Not only do I wish I could see these creatures in real life and (even as a no-maj) be a part of the wizarding world, I wish I had half the imagination and determination of J.K. Rowling. Damn that woman has a fantastic brain.
It's one thing for J.R.R. Tolkien to have completely created a world of his own, but for Rowling to have created a world within our own world and have them intertwine so perfectly, is amazing. This movie was much more mesmerizing to me because I love the 1920s, I have wanted to see backstory of Grindlewald and Dumbledore fleshed out and learn more about the wizarding world not through Harry Potter's eyes.

The Soundtrack

Thank you, Ms. Rowling, for including the Harry Potter theme in the soundtrack, but not overdoing it. The rest of the soundtrack was so wonderful, particularly the jazz, that I stayed for the credits just to hear it again.
I feel music makes the movie complete. Without a mix of music, great dialogue and superior acting, a movie is a flop for me. Music tugs at emotions and makes an audience realize when something suspenseful, happy, sad, horrible or otherwise is happening.
This is the first time in years I've even thought about purchasing a soundtrack.

Final Thoughts

If you are a huge nerd, like me, consider a few things if you'd like to learn more about the wizarding world Ms. Rowling has created. Sign up (for free!) on Pottermore.com. Rowling has added many new writings about North American magical history, including a history on the North American school of magic. My heart flutters when I even think about it. Also learn more backstory on your favorite Harry Potter characters, locations, beasts and more!
Also, here's a fun link to learn about the magical beasts in "Fantastic Beasts." Also, you will also find many writings about magical beasts on Pottermore.
As I watched "Fantastic Beasts" I had a sudden flash of the possibilities of the rest of Ms. Rowling's career. And the possibilities of my reading list for the rest of my life.
The depth of a world which Ms. Rowling has created opened up in front of me as I watched the movie. I'm pretty sure I missed about three minutes of the show just thinking of the story possibilities.
That gives me a good reason to gather $7 and go see it again before it exits the theater.