Offtopic Sofa Time

New arrivals, including the hello threads and the sofa.
begolden
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Post by begolden »

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!! :lol:

Thanks Weez and Kimber--that's the best laugh I've had in a long time...

And to answer your question, I live in an apartment. The part of town I live in is waaaay too expensive for a teacher to afford to own her own place. Maybe I could have bought a house here ten years ago, but I missed my chance--in fact, the housing prices all over San Diego are sky high. So, I figure I may as well rent in the beach area and at least enjoy my life! (well, except for the spoiled, inconsiderate brats across the street and the noise they create).
Last edited by begolden on Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:04 am, edited 1 time in total. word count: 109
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KimberHodgela
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Post by KimberHodgela »

You're welcome. There are often a strange variety of folk in and near apartment buildings, and I'm not sure why that is. My best friend, who has been living in this building with her family since we were 10 years old, has many, many stories. Her mother is the caretaker, and she keeps insisting that someday she'll author a book called Stories From the Caretaker's Daughter, and fill it with a variety of oddities. For a relatively small building (30 units in all), there has been quite a bit of action. A few people died in their units, lots have had to be taken out via ambulance attendants, and there have been many fires in the back lane (the dumpster, to be exact). I promise, though, I live in a really nice area of town! :)

So, Rebecca, you are in an apartment too, then. How about you, Steph? Victoria? Wil? I'd love to own a home someday, but I'm not quite at that point, financially, just yet!
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ThyneAlone
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Post by ThyneAlone »

We are very lucky. 7 years ago we moved into this place and despite the dilapidation that is inevitable when you have 2 young kids and no time to concentrate on the decor, it is a dream home. We love it here. It 's a very big semi-detached house in a cul-de-sac and dates from about 1897. We have been able to spread over it wonderfully well because it is a maze of rooms. If I take it from the top, there is a loft area comprising one small 'junk' room where we have our big must-clean-this-out-very-soon hoards and a light and airy space that doubles as an occasional games room for the boys and a spare bedroom for guests. Down the very steep and rickety stairs (I think the 2nd floor, would that be the 3rd floor in US parlance? used to be a servant's living quarters) and there is a tiny bathroom with separate toilet, tiny box bedroom which is both a spare bedroom and the place where I store all my teddy creations, three large bedrooms for the boys and us and a study where my husband has all his music and eclectic book collection (specialist history/nautical/musical material - the rest of the house also has bookcases in every nook and cranny, of a more general nature). Downstairs on the ground floor we have a dining room, small breakfast room, lounge, kitchen extension (the extension is pretty horrible - 70s-style and prone to ants in summer and leaks in winter - but the actual working space is quite attractive and we have a big cupboard which must have previously served as a pantry) and shower room, much-used by us all. Out front is a pretty rockery area and front drive. There is a garage, but we don't use it and intend to turn it into a workroom eventually. Out back is a small garden (yard?) which we had landscaped with shrubs last year and now looks very attractive when you sit out on the patio.

In addition, this house is right in the middle of every available amenity. Within walking distance we have doctor, pharmacy, service station, pubs, football ground, numerous shops, supermarkets, delicatessens, takeaways and restaurants, station, dry cleaners, laundrette...frankly it is fantastic here. Now before you all start thinking we're fabulously rich (on one full-time, one part-time teacher salaries?), not only did we buy it before the house market in the UK grew utterly ridiculous, but we bought it with the proceeds of my in-laws' home when they died within a few months of one another. Their house was theirs outright, they had scrimped for years to make it so, and now ours is the same - all ours and nothing to pay on it. It is a sad way to be so fortunate, and we would truly rather have had them than the house, but I know my husband's parents would have been so pleased to be able to give us this gift.

So now you all know you can come and stay anytime you happen to be in the area!!
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ThyneAlone
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Post by ThyneAlone »

Oh, bit of general info, I won't be around for the first three days of next week, so you will not have this mass of yellow text to negotiate. For his probably last proper family holiday (I am sure he won't be with us next year, he'll be vacationing with all his new uni mates), son no1 wanted to go back to a childhood and much-loved Wales resort and we are spending 3 nostalgic nights in Llandudno. I'll miss you all and look forward to reading your news on our return. Hopefully will get on a couple more times today amidst the cleaning and preparations!
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KimberHodgela
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Post by KimberHodgela »

ThyneAlone wrote:Oh, bit of general info, I won't be around for the first three days of next week, so you will not have this mass of yellow text to negotiate. For his probably last proper family holiday (I am sure he won't be with us next year, he'll be vacationing with all his new uni mates), son no1 wanted to go back to a childhood and much-loved Wales resort and we are spending 3 nostalgic nights in Llandudno. I'll miss you all and look forward to reading your news on our return. Hopefully will get on a couple more times today amidst the cleaning and preparations!
Hey, Steph! Your home sounds absolutely lovely!! I'm sorry that you were able to buy your house outright under the circumstances, though. I wish I could only be so lucky, as I long for a home of my own, a yard, dogs, kids, etc. However, since I'll be going on one person's full-time salary, that might be a ways off still.

We will miss you terribly (and yes, your yellow typing as well) while you are gone - but enjoy yourself! Sounds like it's going to be a fun family vacation. Make the most of it! :)
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Sinkwriter72
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New here

Post by Sinkwriter72 »

Wow. I was the second person to post on this site, life sucks me away for a while, and look what happens... the threads have exploded! I'm sorry I'm terribly behind on things... :D

I've stared at the screen and listened to three songs on iTunes while trying to decide what to reveal about myself. I never know how much or how little to say. I guess there's nothing to be done but to dive right in. Pull me up an arm chair, will you? ;)

I'm (*ahem*) 34 years old, will be 35 this coming Saturday the 25th (my, how time suddenly flies). I live in Illinois, USA, about 45 minutes outside of Chicago. Graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree, vocal performance emphasis, and an English minor. Unquestionably lifelong passionate interests in writing, music, film/television, and reading.

As with most things, I came to watch Bones on my own timetable. *GRIN*

I first tuned in to the pilot because I'd been a fan of David Boreanaz's performances on Buffy and Angel (interesting story how I came across those shows, but I'll save that for another time, if you're interested) and I wanted to see David's latest project.

I immediately loved the Squint characters (and wanted to see them develop), and David was his usual talented and charming self, but I admit, I didn't love the Brennan character. I suppose it's not unlike the various characters on the show who meet her and do not 'warm' to her immediately because they do not know or understand her -- I found her to be abrasive, arrogant, emotionally disconnected, and even a bit obnoxious. I struggled to relate to her. Obviously, I understood that these traits of hers were important for the writers to establish as a base from which she could grow and learn, but I needed a little bit more than what they showed me at the outset. I wanted her to show me something human, something that would make me like her enough to commit to watching the show. I watched three episodes, and -- I don't know, work was particularly stressful during that time period, I think I was in an impatient and dark mood -- I just didn't see it in her. She kept pissing me off. (I promise this story gets better.) Even though one of my coworkers teased me that I wasn't being a very good David Boreanaz fan by not watching regularly, I just couldn't see myself watching a show in which the lead charcter routinely irritated me and kept me from liking her at all.

I'd told a friend of mine that I had planned to watch the pilot, so she watched it too, and ironically she loved it, including the Brennan character. She became a regular watcher and every week she would tell me that I needed to give the show another chance, I needed to give Brennan another chance, that the character was developing and more sides to her were being revealed.

I was glad to hear the writers were developing the characters -- so few shows pay attention to that kind of detail these days; they want to jump right to the action and whatever will 'thrill' an audience, rather than inviting them to grow along with the characters -- but I still was hesitant. Ok, more than hesitant. At this point, I was resistant.

But I couldn't get it out of my head how much my friend Amanda kept talking about the Brennan character and how important (it seemed) it was to her that I give the character a chance. Early into the second season (and I still hadn't returned to the show yet) it dawned on me -- Amanda's very similar in personality to the Brennan character. She's brilliantly intelligent, bold, fearless, and a loyal friend. But she's also brash, able to divorce herself from emotional elements when need be (which sometimes drives me nuts because I'm unable to do that, for the most part), and like Brennan the things that come out of her mouth sometimes are cringingly uncensored.

I didn't know if she saw herself in Brennan, but I felt that somehow if I were to dismiss the show and the character so adamantly, she might feel as though I would have no problem eventually dismissing her as my friend as well (especially once I realized what traits bothered me about Brennan were similar to what caused me to struggle sometimes with our friendship). So I told her I would take another look at the show.

I watched the entire first season on DVD within a weekend, and by the final episode the words that came out of my mouth were these:

"Son of a bitch... Now I want to know what happens with all the characters, including Brennan. And now because I waited so damn long, I'm gonna have to wait all summer for the second season to come out on DVD. I'm such an idiot."

*laughing*

What can I say? I have to come to things on my own terms, on my own timetable. But I'm glad I did.

(And irony of ironies, now when I go back and watch the pilot episode and the early episodes that follow it, I no longer see her as irritating. Now I feel like I understand her better and can appreciate all her facets. That's to the writers' credit, and especially speaks to Emily Deschanel's talent. Though there are moments when I smack myself in the forehead and mutter, 'Geez, Brennan, have some compassion, do you hear what you just said to those people? Dial down the science a bit, will you?' LOL.)

As I mentioned earlier, from the very beginning I did see something very special in the Squint characters. Even when I was crabbing to Amanda that I detested Bones (the character), I was still pointing out that if the writers were smart, they'd develop not only Bones' character but also all the Squints who clearly had entertaining and outstanding personalities of their own and should not be ignored or left as secondary cardboard-cutout characters. Shows how little the writers of the show need me -- they were already 'on' it. *GRIN*

Jack Hodgins is my favorite character -- TJ Thyne was a standout to me from episode 1, and he continues to impress me, each and every episode. I really look forward to what's in store for him, and all the actors on the show, this upcoming third season.

Ok, that was a long-winded post. Sorry about that. :D I'll shut up now, and anything else to be revealed about me will, I guess, naturally unfold as conversations continue.

Thanks for letting me sit in.
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I want to thank anyone who spends part of their day creating [& sharing their experience]. I don't care if it's a book, a film, a painting, a dance, a piece of theater, a piece of music… I think this world would be unlivable without art. ~ S. Soderbergh

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ThyneAlone
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Post by ThyneAlone »

Oh wow, a singer, writer, and someone who writes as much as me. Welcome back and thanks for revealing so much of yourself. I can see easily how Brennan would put people off initially; I know many think of her as a bit cardboard and unbelievable even now. I actually took to her and found her quirky and quite interesting, but you have to remember that I started watching properly as a result of 'Best of..' reruns, so I didn't view things in order and didn't even see the pilot till I got my S1 DVDs. I liked DB (sort of - He's a bit too symmetrical facially to appeal to me, I'll explain that some other time!!) because of being a diehard Buffy fan, but not enough to watch from the start. Picked up on TJ immediately though, especially as my significant other was developing an inclination for Angela.

Well, I'd like to write more, but I have to finish packing and last minute preparations; we're off to Wales today for a mini family break. Really hope to get to know you better, as you seem to be interested in a lot of the things I like too! See you probably Thursday or Friday!
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Sinkwriter72
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Thanks for the welcome

Post by Sinkwriter72 »

Thank you for the welcome! :)

I noticed you mentioned an interest in choral music. Are you currently in a choir? Were you in choir in school? Do you have a favorite piece or pieces?

I ask because I was in a chamber choir (and a show choir) in high school, and in several choirs during college, and I have great memories of performing specific songs or choral works. I'm particularly fond of John Rutter's song cycle 'When Icicles Hang' (especially the song 'Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind,' which uses Shakespeare for lyrics and has an incredibly beautiful piano accompaniment) and his 6-piece work 'Magnificat.' I have strong memories of my college professor conducting us through those pieces -- he's just turned 80 and he's still an arrogant S.O.B. (he IS), but the man's taste in music is brilliant and his ability to get his choirs to really feel the music and perform it with grace and power and gorgeous dynamic is immeasurable. I learned a lot from the man.

Music gives me such a charge, like nothing else really. The right song -- like the one I'm currently listening to, Stevie Wonder's 'As' -- can energize me like a supernova, or relax me like I'm floating with a gentle ocean wave. Ok, that may sound a little over the top, but did I mention how much I love music? LOL.

I can't say I only like one style of music -- there are too many songs from different arenas that speak to me. Right now I've been listening to a mix one of my best friends made me -- it's got Neko Case, Regina Spektor, Martha and Rufus Wainwright, the Decemberists... all artists I hadn't heard before (except for Rufus), but now I really can say I enjoy and am drawn to. Especially love Regina's song 'Us' and Neko's song 'Maybe Sparrow.' I highly recommend those pieces if you get an opportunity to check them out.

If I'm forced to choose some favorites in music... hmm... it all depends so much on my mood. If I'm feeling quiet and reflective or hyper and bouncy or in the mood to sing along, all those things. I love the Police, Sting, Annie Lennox, Harry Connick Jr., the Dresden Dolls, Paula Cole, Tori Amos, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald... see, that doesn't even begin to cover my interests. I might be in the mood for jazz and big band music for two weeks straight, and then switch to Lenny Kravitz, and the next day something might strike me and I feel like listening to opera (though I admit that one doesn't come around as often as the others).

I suppose that makes me sound a bit schziophrenic, LOL. I'm just easily influenced by what music surrounds me -- I've become fans of a lot of different music groups and artists just by catching their work in the background of television programs or even commercials; for example, I'd never heard the Indigo Girls before, but one day I was watching 21 Jump Street (obviously this was quite a while ago) and one of their songs ('Kid Fears') was playing in the background of a scene, in fact highlighting the scene beautifully. I might never have found their music before, but it had such an impact on me while watching that scene, I couldn't help but check out their stuff. Happened when watching The X-Files too... there was a haunting piece playing in the background of one of the final season episodes, the ep written by Gillian Anderson herself, and I really wanted to know where that music came from -- months later, my brother-in-law was playing a CD while we hung out, and that very song came on. I yelled, "Wait a minute -- what is that, what is that, who is this?" Turns out it was Moby, and the piece was called "The sky is broken" (really cool song). I love when I'm introduced to music in odd and fun ways like that.

Okay, babbling again. I obviously have strong opinions on such a topic and could talk for far too long, so I'll cut myself off right here. Besides, I'm on vacation this week and I want to pop on my walkman and go for a walk. Hmm... what music am I in the mood to listen to today? ;)

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the start of the new week.

PS. ThyneAlone, enjoy your family holiday!
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I want to thank anyone who spends part of their day creating [& sharing their experience]. I don't care if it's a book, a film, a painting, a dance, a piece of theater, a piece of music… I think this world would be unlivable without art. ~ S. Soderbergh

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Re: New here

Post by saburcat »

Sinkwriter72 wrote:As with most things, I came to watch Bones on my own timetable. *GRIN*
YAY! Another person eagerlay awaiting September 11 and the release of the S2 DVD! I'm finally not alone!

I liked Brennan from the get-go, but some of the stuff she replied "I don't know what that means" to I knew had to be bull. No one is that out of touch with reality. But then, I thought I'm a bit like her too, except I do watch TV on a regular basis. I was actually put off by her when her old prof and love interest came into town and she hopped into bed with him. I didn't see her like that, and it seemed off to me. I think the writers tried too heard early on to make her aloof, so when she did act like a warm-blooded human, it didn't seem real.

Welcome to the sofa, though! I don't get on too often, and I'm often playing catch up with stuff, but it's a lot of fun here!

Weez
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Post by saburcat »

saburcat wrote:
KimberHodgela wrote:

(Not that I know personally, of course. Just the ears done, and one tat for me!).

What tattoo do you have? I have three.

Weez

Three, eh? That's cool. I heard that when you get one, you want more and more! However, I've just had the one now for about 2 years. I've got my astrological glyph on my ankle, which sounds totally white trash. But it's not, I swear! I designed the symbol the way I wanted it, too, so it's pretty small and modest. I also had been drawing it on myself since the age of 14, so I knew it was something I wanted. I even researched the glyph and its meaning (which is "creativity from within"), and I thought that was completely fitting for me.

I have plans for a second one, but it's larger and I want it to incorporate my animals, so I'll have to find a good artist to actually draw it for me. It's times like this I wish I could fly to LA or Miami, and get the lovely folk from Miami/LA Ink to design it for me!

What are you tattoos of, and where are they?
I'm moving some of the tattoo discussion over from another topic...

I have three, Pepe le Pew on the upper right side of my backside (hence my suggestion to "Kiss Pepe" AKA "Kiss my @$$." My second is on my left hip, an iguana and hibiscus flower, and the third (and latest), Flower from Bambi on my left foot. Yes, two out of three are skunks!

They are addictive. But I'm weird in that I don't want mine to clash, so I won't just have them everywhere.

OK, it's 5 o'clock and I'm leaving work...toodles!

Weez
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begolden
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Post by begolden »

Skunk tattoos--now that's cool, Weez.

Also, welcome to Sinkwriter72!

I was wondering where all the original people who had posted had gone--we were afraid we were scaring people off or something. Glad you're here to contribute to the discussions! Feel free to offer as much or as little as you'd like about yourself. Some of us here have no shame and even use our real names (gasp! :shock: )

Just wanted to let everyone know that if you don't hear much from me for a day or two, it's because I'm one, adjusting to being back at work, and two, having company for the next two days. My friend Deb is down from Long Beach (near Los Angeles) to celebrate her birthday with her old friends. Since I am the old friend who lives by the beach and has a futon in the living room, I get to host her. I'm always glad to see her, but this is rather bad timing for me. I'll be forced to go to the Irish pub tonight and the German biergarten tomorrow night... poor me... :D (well, the poor part is that I'll have to limit myself to one beer per evening).

Well, she said she'd be here by 5:00, but I think she underestimated the traffic on the 5 south--that means I can respond to few more posts, perhaps...
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KimberHodgela
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Post by KimberHodgela »

Hi'ya, Sinkwriter72!! Welcome to the group. That's really cool that you've got the background in music, and that it's a big part of your life! I was in a church choir as a child, and then my high school choir later in life. I also used to play flute, and still play piano and guitar.

Weez, your tattoos sound really cool! I love that you've got a "theme" with the skunks. You clearly enjoy those animals very, very much.

Rebecca - It will be a sorry, sorry forum without you and Steph for the next few days! But Steph will be away enjoying her vacation, and you'll be entertaining your company (and enjoying your Guiness, no doubt! :) ).
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Sinkwriter72
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Post by Sinkwriter72 »

Thanks for all the welcome, everyone! :)

saburcat wrote:
I liked Brennan from the get-go, but some of the stuff she replied "I don't know what that means" to I knew had to be bull. No one is that out of touch with reality. But then, I thought I'm a bit like her too, except I do watch TV on a regular basis. I was actually put off by her when her old prof and love interest came into town and she hopped into bed with him. I didn't see her like that, and it seemed off to me. I think the writers tried too heard early on to make her aloof, so when she did act like a warm-blooded human, it didn't seem real.
I go back and forth with the whole "I don't know what that means" comment. Sometimes I think it's conceivable; other times I shake my head and say, I'm sorry, there's just no way. I could see maybe TV references, especially if she grew up in a household that didn't allow television. But I think there was even a 'Grinch' reference, and while that was a film and a television holiday cartoon, it was also a book first, by Dr. Seuss, and what kid hasn't read Dr. Seuss? I don't know about overseas, but in the USA, it's one of those books that teaches us words and how to read. It's a childhood staple. I definitely muttered when watching the scene where she claims not to know that reference. It's a funny joke, but can be overused, I think.

As for the professor affair (heh, so to speak)... I was thinking about it after reading your post and came to a conclusion that in Brennan's case, I'm not sure it really shows an excess of 'warm-blooded' humanity on her part (which, as you mention, would be out of character for her). I keep thinking about the various scenes where Brennan talks almost clinically about sex, as if it's just something humans do, and that it can be proven like anything else as if it's part of a sociology or anthropology thesis. I can see her as being someone very comfortable with the human body and with sex, because to her it's like any other example of human behavior and physiology that can be scientifically explained. In that view, perhaps sharing (what she knows will be) an enjoyable experience with a man she cared/cares about and feels a connection with isn't a big deal. Also, because she isn't a religious person, she may not have some of the 'Catholic guilt'-type hang-ups about sex that others would. Just my thoughts. :)


begolden wrote:
I was wondering where all the original people who had posted had gone--we were afraid we were scaring people off or something. Glad you're here to contribute to the discussions!
I first came upon this site when trying to find some information about what other projects TJ had been in. When I find an actor whose work I like and admire, I tend to explore their other films/television shows so I can see the range of work they've done. I like to be supportive. Hee. I know some people prefer an actor to stay within the comfort zone of playing the good guy (or whatever role they became famous with), but I like a little variety. Makes me think they're in it for playing interesting characters and expanding their talent rather than simply obtaining popularity.

But once I'd visited this site, I got pulled away by other things and didn't have the time to come back and chat. I'm glad to be back and to find people who like to have a conversation.

Feel free to offer as much or as little as you'd like about yourself. Some of us here have no shame and even use our real names (gasp! )
*GRIN* I don't know why I'm hesitant. It's not like you can reach through the computer and attack me. (Heh, sounds like an X-File.)

Hey, speaking of which, Rebecca, I think I saw you said you enjoy The X-Files, is that right? I've been meaning to ask you, have you explored the multitude of XF fan fiction out there? I ask because a friend of mine has written what I consider to be the definitive XF fiction and ever since I came across it, I tout her work whenever I can (whether she knows it or not); in fact, I 'met' her through the 'net after I sent her feedback because I felt her writing was so spot-on. I truly felt as though I were 'reading' the show, but not in a boring way -- she's got an immense grasp of the character voices, she writes believably and intelligently (never pushing the characters into scenarios that wouldn't be realistic to who these people are), and she tells amazing stories. If you haven't checked out her work before, I highly, highly recommend it. And I'm not just saying that because she and I have become friends and email pals -- I think she's a great writer. Her work speaks to me. If you're interested, here's a link to the XF section of her website:

http://www.bardsmaid.org/XF/intro.htm

My favorites are the short story pieces "Overhead, The Stars" and "Outpost." She's also got some 155-word-length pieces that really illuminate character, if you want to read something in a quick moment. And if you've really got the time, read her trilogy entitled "Sanctuary" -- it's textured, the tension really builds by the final part of the trilogy, and it's got marvelous character development, shining a light on the inner workings of not just Mulder and Scully, but also 'secondary' characters like CSM and Alex Krycek and Walter Skinner. Top notch, seriously.

KimberHodgela -- did you take guitar lessons? How long have you played? Is it easy to pick up? I used to play the violin (still dust it off once in a great while when I know it really needs to be tuned), and I dabble in piano (though I've never taken formal lessons). I thought recently about taking up guitar, just to try something new and be able to accompany myself. There are so many cool instruments out there, it's difficult because I wish I could learn them all. Oh, for more time in the day, LOL.

Going back to the name thing... I suppose it's not such a big deal at this point. My name's already out there in the 'net universe because of a few things, including a small amount of fan fiction I've attempted (not for Bones, however), and I didn't use a pen name for any of it.

Okay, okay, I give. ;) It's Sherry.

And... now I better get off the computer. I've promised myself I would make some headway on a story of mine that I'm trying to edit, and today has been slow going so I better get back to it.

Thanks again for the conversation, all of you.
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I want to thank anyone who spends part of their day creating [& sharing their experience]. I don't care if it's a book, a film, a painting, a dance, a piece of theater, a piece of music… I think this world would be unlivable without art. ~ S. Soderbergh

begolden
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Post by begolden »

Thanks, Sherry, I'll check out the X-Files fanfiction link you provided. Love a good fanfiction!

Yes, X-Files is definitely the penultimate show for me. I used to read a lot of its fanfiction, back in the day. You don't happen to belong to an X-Files email group called O3P, do you? I've been a member for the longest time (mostly lurk these days) and I think we had a Sherry. It was established so that older fans (over 30, mostly) could chat about the show.
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Sinkwriter72
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Post by Sinkwriter72 »

begolden wrote:
Yes, X-Files is definitely the penultimate show for me. I used to read a lot of its fanfiction, back in the day. You don't happen to belong to an X-Files email group called O3P, do you? I've been a member for the longest time (mostly lurk these days) and I think we had a Sherry. It was established so that older fans (over 30, mostly) could chat about the show.
I was a weekly watcher of the show, for sure, but I didn't have a computer connection to the 'net back when it was on. Unfortunately, I think the show had come to its close well before I ever knew any sort of discussion existed.

In fact, I didn't even know about such things until I got a dial-up connection and started browsing for information about The West Wing, which had been recommended to me by a friend who thought its sense of humor and style would be right up my alley -- ironically, I declined to watch it for the first few years it was on because I thought I'd find a politically-themed show frustrating. I just didn't want to watch something that would irritate me on a weekly basis; already frustrated with the real world of politics, I was afraid the show would be about the kind of politicians who had no heart or conscience. I was so wrong -- it was a wonderful show. Had great dialogue, a team of talented actors who worked so well together, and really taught me a respect for the people who hold office (even when I disagree with their views, like *ahem* the current administration).

Anyway, since I was behind on the story arc of that show, who the characters were, etc., I started browsing the 'net for information, and was stunned at all the sites out there. Informative sites, episode listings, and fan fiction, which I'd never seen or heard of before (this was not that long ago -- late summer of 2003 -- so you can see my comment about how I come to things on my own timetable still holds true, LOL).

I was intrigued and surprised by the amount and types of fan fiction out there for The West Wing. It was a little bizarre to me at first, but I understood the basic reasons behind it and after a little research even found the concept of it goes much farther back than I ever would have anticipated.

In fact, if you think about it, a popular project like the musical Wicked is really one big piece of fan fiction -- the author of the novel took pre-existing characters from The Wizard of Oz and came up with his own creative spin on how they came to be the people they are (Glinda the Good Witch, The Wicked Witch of the West, the Tinman, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, etc.). Fascinating!

Blah blah... long story short... after seeing the plethora of West Wing material out there, it occurred to me that it might not be just that show that had episode guides and fan fiction, so I began to look up some of my other favorite programs. The X-Files was the very next show I looked up, and I was astounded at the volume of sites for that show. Ate it up! LOL.

I hear from Bardsmaid that there was a (long-since gone) group called eXcavations, or something like that, where they had indepth discussions about the show and its characters, and that the variety of people who participated was pretty amazing: scientists, writers, professors, journalists, doctors, students... I'm really sorry I wasn't around for the conversations that this group and your group had. I bet it would have been so much fun. :D

Who were your favorite characters? Favorite episodes?

I don't know the types of fiction you like to read, but I hope you enjoy Bardsmaid's work. She was frustrated with the turn of the show around the time of its sixth season, and I can't blame her -- Fox Mulder's whole life was the 'X' files and working for the FBI. For him to lose his job, his daily contact with his partner Scully, and his connections which helped him investigate the paranormal (as well as, and most importantly, search for his missing sister), there's just no way that wouldn't have a huge impact on him as a man, as a character. The writers of the show got lazy, in my opinion; they treated it like no big deal. Bardsmaid's frustration with their 'take' encouraged her to try her hand at writing her own version of events, which started out as a short story and ended up becoming her big trilogy Sanctuary. Funny how something small snowballs into something you never imagined before. *GRIN*

Anyway, I hope you like her writing.
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I want to thank anyone who spends part of their day creating [& sharing their experience]. I don't care if it's a book, a film, a painting, a dance, a piece of theater, a piece of music… I think this world would be unlivable without art. ~ S. Soderbergh

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ThyneAlone
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Post by ThyneAlone »

Ooh, ooh, catching up in order I see *stretches back on beanbag with coffee mug*. First of all, then, Wales was wonderful. As my elder son is quitting us for uni in about a fortnight, we wanted to revisit a favourite haunt of his, and Llandudno is certainly that. And it was perfect. Sun blazed down throughout, and we were able not only to spend loads of time on the beach together, but also on the pier, in the arcades, travelling up the Great Orme (and visiting its amazing Bronze Age copper mines en route), taking the bus to Conwy and looking round Plas Mawr (Elizabethan townhouse restored to its former glory - it was just fantastic)... the list goes on. We found an amazing Italian restaurant and the guest house was irreproachable. The Welsh are just wonderful, so friendly and helpful, especially when they heard that hubby used to be in a male voice choir. And then we did some shopping too. Convinced son no.1 to accept a leather jacket as an exam success present from us, and he loves it. Also got myself a new handbag - who is it out there who collects handbags? Well, I gave in to my obsession again, after all, we are on holiday! So - downhill all the way now, with lots of books and equipment to be bought for both sons.

Hope you enjoyed Deb's visit as much as we enjoyed our time out, Rebecca. Sounds hard on you though - all those favourite places and only one drink? I adore German biergartens. Some of my uni course involved au pair work in beautiful southern Germany and - well - wow.

Weez! I am fascinated by these tats of yours! I never realised how artistic and personal tattoos could be. The skunks sound adorable. Iguanas are the most graceful and poised creatures, too. You sound like a very attractive canvas. Are there any kinds of tattoo (or sites for tattoos) that you would never contemplate?

Sherry - well goodness, I wasn't expecting a book to read when I got back! You write really fluently and thoughtfully - I can tell it's a skill and a pleasure of yours. I can't possibly reply to all you said, though all of it interests me, but I'll try to come back on a few things.
First of all, happy birthday for tomorrow in case I'm not around. Have a great day. Any plans?
Then, the choir. Right, well, I have been in choirs - women's, SATB choral societies, small group ensembles, a cappella, operatic societies, church choirs - most of my life since the age of 11. At present I only really have time for the church choir and an operatic society, plus I help out at school. Since I also have occasional lessons, I also do a bit of solo work at my teacher's concerts. I am limited by the fact that I don't play any instrument except the recorder at elementary school level! I like Rutter, with reservations. His larger works are imaginative and challenging to sing, but I find some of the choral Christmas material for which he is so famed and popular rather formulaic and at times cloying! Nevertheless I have done a lot of the good stuff, including singing the lovely solos in his Requiem, and I have attended a choral workshop which he led and which was very interesting. My husband (who plays a lot of brass instruments) is far more serious about the whole singing thing, doing a lot of solo semi-pro opera locally. He has been in most types of choir but prefers operatic societies and solo work.
Music-wise, well, I have to say that although my tastes are pretty catholic, listening to it is not a huge part of my life. Husband and elder son tend to play all the music which is the background to my life, and I prefer actually performing to listening, though I am a regular attender at concerts locally. I will say more about this later as hubby is awaiting use of the PC fairly urgently.
BUT, very rapidly:
1) Agree with you completely about Brennan's sexual relationships. They are much more to do with physical/emotional/anthropological 'health' than anything else; although she does feel a sense of betrayal from her prof, I suspect this is more of a friendship betrayal.
2) The Grinch - well, I suppose you could escape it, but unlikely (even in the UK, where I came upon it a lot later on), as you say. I just think it's fun that something TJ has actually been a part of gets a mention!
3) 2003 isn't an unusually recent time to get into the Internet! I didn't get on the Net till 2001 and had an awful lot to learn in a very short time, especially as I was shortly after asked to help moderate a site I was involved in. I probably used the facility more to delve into Buffy than anything else. X-files was something I found intriguing and watched regularly initially, but I got fed up with the looooong conspiracy arc (how long can you go without confirmation one way or the other?) and some of the out-of-character behaviour you describe. Am always open to good fanfic, however.

OK that's all for now, good to be back and reading so much interesting stuff. See you soon!
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Post by sapphiresilt »

Hello, everyone. I don't know if I'm coming to the couch too late, but it's 5:15 in the morning and I have terrible insomnia.

My name is Eileen. I'm 42 years old (though still feel emotionally like I'm in my late teens). I'm married with two children (both boys, ages 7 and 3), and I'm about seven months' pregnant...with another boy! I was born in Connecticut but grew up on Long Island, the suburbs of New York {feels the shudders from Rebecca LOL}. I lived in New York City for over a year before getting married and moving to London over nine years ago. We live in Wimbledon, in a nice rented house, with quiet neighbors!!

Although I am a stay-at-home mom, I was a magazine editor and writer from the time I graduated college (where I was an English lit major...there is definitely a teacher/writer/creative folk connection on this thread!). I still do some freelance editing and writing from time to time, but my children and their busy schedules take up most of my time! My dream is to become a successful children's book writer (not JK Rowling or even a picture book writer...I prefer to write stories for the 8-12 crowd).

Unlike most of you, I am a "Bones" fan only. I've never seen X-Files, Buffy, Angel, House, etc. The only show I was ever really "addicted to" was ER, but that was more because I love hospitals. (I originally wanted to be a nurse but dropped the program when I found out I would have to cut open a cat in one of my classes...like Kimber, I am an animal lover and animal rights activist; unlike Kimber I am a vegetarian, not a vegan). And with ER, I cared about the characters but never *cared* about them the way I do these guys. I feel as if I know Jack, Angela, Booth, Brennan, Zack, and Cam. Healthy? Not sure. Fun? Absolutely! I wouldn't have it any other way.

My other interests include reading, musical theater, collage work, doing puzzles (crossword, jigsaw, Sudoku), and spending an inordinate amount of time on the Internet. Youtube is a particular favorite of mine, but I'm no stranger to tv.com, fox.com, or LJ!

In terms of my musical theater interest, I recently became quite obsessed with a BBC program over here called "Any Dream Will Do," in which Andrew Lloyd Webber used a talent/reality show to find the next Joseph for his "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" show on the West End. I developed a severe crush on a contestant named Lee Mead (the eventual winner) and have been to see the West End show once already...it was fantastic. My husband and I are going on Tuesday night, and I have tickets for a third show in October. This boy is just lovely...a beautiful smile and curly (black) hair , so TJ has defnitely influenced me there! And he's a genuinely nice guy, another connection to TJ. Oh, and Steph: Lee is an Essex boy!! :D

Anyway, I'm sorry to have gone off on that tangent. It's now 5:45am, and I'm starting to feel the effects of having been awake for well over an hour when I know I'm supposed to be asleep. And I can't even blame the baby...he hasn't kicked once! My due date is November 15, so I guess it's just inevitable that I'll start to become somewhat uncomfortable in my ever-expanding body!

Thank you all for listening. Hello again to all my friends from tv.com (like Rebecca, I feel so grateful to Bones and TJ for bringing you guys into my life!), and hello to everyone "new" to me. Wil, I've always enjoyed reading your stuff on LJ, and I think you and I have even written to each other once or twice (I'm also sapphiresilt on LJ...but jackandangela on tv.com and hodginsgirl on fox.com).

Although my life has been crazy busy the last few months, I fully intend to come here a lot more often. And for those who know me, I can "talk" up quite a storm, especially about Jack, but I'll try to restrain myself!! I'm very much like how Kimber describes herself in terms of being rather antisocial in real life, but if everyone here lived nearby, I'd be a social butterfly. Thank you to Steph for creating this wonderful sofa for all of us good friends!! :D
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sapphiresilt
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Post by sapphiresilt »

P.S. Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! to Kimber! I'm so sorry I was away from this board and missed your special day. Hope it was wonderful!
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begolden
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Post by begolden »

So much fun to read your biography, Eileen! Sounds like you're feeling pretty good, and I hope things are going well right now.
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ThyneAlone
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Post by ThyneAlone »

sapphiresilt wrote: it's 5:15 in the morning and I have terrible insomnia.
Ooh don't I know that feeling. It's a good 15/16 years ago, but I'd thought I'd never again have a night when I didn't have to get up for a wee 5 times a night!!
sapphiresilt wrote: still feel emotionally like I'm in my late teens
I don't go back that far. My mental age is about 23 or so - I was footloose and fancy free, well I was in a relationship but not actually fully committed - and finally reasonably confident in my chosen profession. Good times. I don't think you ever outgrow the best times of your life to date!
sapphiresilt wrote: Although I am a stay-at-home mom, I was a magazine editor and writer from the time I graduated college .. My dream is to become a successful children's book writer (not JK Rowling or even a picture book writer...I prefer to write stories for the 8-12 crowd).
That is a fabulous ambition and so creative. The 8-12 group is very demanding so you set yourself high targets - I am sure it will work out for you though, knowing your tenacity.
sapphiresilt wrote: doing puzzles (crossword, jigsaw, Sudoku), and spending an inordinate amount of time on the Internet.
Hey! that's me! Also a puzzle lover, though I don't think I've ever mentioned it online before. My present obsession is that Hanjie puzzle where you create a picture by shading in the logically right squares - do you do those at all?
sapphiresilt wrote: In terms of my musical theater interest, I recently became quite obsessed with a BBC program over here called "Any Dream Will Do," in which Andrew Lloyd Webber used a talent/reality show to find the next Joseph for his "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" show on the West End. I developed a severe crush on a contestant named Lee Mead .. And he's a genuinely nice guy, another connection to TJ. Oh, and Steph: Lee is an Essex boy!! :D
I'm not surprised. Essex natives are vital and talented - or so others tell me!!!! :P I confess this is not a type of programme I like, although I did occasionally watch the 'Sound of Music' one. There are lots of professional singers chasing very few jobs out there and I always feel sad for them when they are thwarted by what is little more than a TV gimmick. That said, the system does turn out some talented and watchable people.
sapphiresilt wrote:I feel so grateful to Bones and TJ for bringing you guys into my life. Thank you to Steph for creating this wonderful sofa for all of us good friends!! :D
You're so welcome. I too am grateful to the shared obsessions which have brought us together. You are all so interesting and easy to relate to. I could talk to you all for hours, hence the sofa! I'm glad you like it. I love it.
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