Avatar

My Beloved and I celebrated Christmas Eve by going to see Avatar 3D.

It had the same effect on me as seeing the first Star Wars film when it came out: it took my breath away. I've not seen anything like it before.

The special effects are perfectly integrated with the real actors. The plot is only so-so in places and with a few real holes. I could see the ending coming from a long way off but that didn't seem to matter. What makes this film extraordinary is the beauty of the alien world and with the 3D effects you feel like you're there with them.

It's exciting and tender and sad.

A major theme is the transformation of the main character. It's also a love story but not just the love between a man and an alien: the man falls in love with the whole world. And so did I.

These pictures don't do it justice. You really must see it!

A Free Book for Christmas

I've just come across the latest free online book: Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson. It looks like fun.

Reading books online just isn't the same and I don't have a Kindle so if I really like a book and it isn't too dear I tend to buy the paperback. It means that offering free online books is a good way to let readers see if they want to buy. I wonder if that will change in a few years time when we all have portable book readers.

Oh, and Merry Christmas one and all.

A day late

It was the winter solstice yesterday and I missed it. Yay! That means I didn't even notice the shortest day and from now on things can only get better. Well, the days will get lighter, anyway.

It's always a relief to me when we've passed the darkest day, although at least winter doesn't mean I'm cold for months on end these days like it did when I was growing up. We didn't have central heating or double glazing and although Jack Frost patterns on the window are pretty I'm much happier not having them.

Happy Holidays everyone!

No comment

I'm having trouble with commenting on some blogger blogs, so if you'd expect me to comment but I haven't then that's why.

In particular, I wanted to sympathise with Sarah over her poo problem. I hope it gets better soon.

Clarity of Night Contest

You've probably seen this, but the picture above is the prompt for the Clarity of Night January short fiction contest.

There's always stiff competition from the many talented writers that follow that blog so I'm not sure if I'll enter or not. One thing is certain: I won't win if I don't enter! And the discipline of writing my absolutely best 250 words is probably worth the effort. If I can think of anything to write.

Will you be going in for it?