Monday, September 22, 2014

Underrated Treasures Blogfest

It's time for Underrated Treasures Blogfest hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  Today we're posting about our favorite unknown MOVIE, BAND/ARTIST, TV SHOW or BOOK.  This one was hard for me, but I took a shot.  Today, I'm only posting on movie and music.  I couldn't think of a good underrated TV show that I liked.  I don't watch that much TV so...  As far as book, frankly, there are so many books that are underrated, I didn't know where to start.  That said, here are my two choices.

Grosse Pointe Blank


I don't how many people saw this movie, but it has to be one of my all time favorite 90's films that I thought was totally underrated.  My husband and I watched this film so many times it was a tad ridiculous.  Anyway, I'm not sure how many of you are a Better of Dead fan, but those movie films are classic to me.  This one is probably the last film I saw John Cusack do what he does best, play the brooding guy (Martin Blank) that is stuck in an untenable situation.  This story line of a hit man heading to his high school reunion had me roaring with iconic actors like Dr. Oatman,  Martin's terrified shrink, played by Alan Arkin. This film also featured other spectacular actors like Joan Cusack, Jeremy Piven, Hank Azaria and Dan Aykroyd.




 


Grosse Point Blank Soundtrack

The music of the film was another underrated piece to this film.  Here's a sample of the track here, including an alternate version of the Violent Femmes, Blister in the Sun.  Check it out!



What are your thoughts?  Are you a fan of Grosse Point Blank?

A-Z Blog REMINDER!

I'm over at the A-Z Challenge blog today, being interviewed by the awesome, Alex J. Cavanaugh.  Please stop by!


Have a great week!

Friday, September 19, 2014

Fabulous Friday, News & Fred

It's Friday. Woot! I have had a hellish sort of a week. What about you? Work has managed to squeeze every ounce of me these last few weeks, but guess what....I've still managed to get some writing done late at night. Hah! Take that world! This is no small feat for me, because between my family and running a business, writing is incredibly difficult to fit in. Which is flipping sad, isn't it? Eh, that's life. Anyway, I've tallied about 10K words in the last week possibly more. Hey, that's a pretty big deal for me. And to celebrate my small accomplishment, and because it's Friday, here's my happy dance:  

Source

Coming up

Underrated Treasures Blogfest:

Alex J. Cavanaugh's Underrated Treasures Blogfest is scheduled this Monday, September 22th.  Post about your favorite unknown MOVIE, BAND/ARTIST, TV SHOW or BOOK.  I'm participating and so can you.  Sign up here!





A-Z Challenge Blog Interview:

I'll be on the A-Z Challenge Blog being interviewed by the one and only, Alex J. Cavanaugh, about my classic monsters theme from this year's A-Z Challenge.  Remember that?  Yeah, good times.  I'll be reminiscing about those thirty days of hell  *clears throat*  writing those titillating posts about creepy, classic monsters.  If you missed them, click on my link of Creepy Classics.  Seriously though, the theme I chose this year was fun, which made the topic easier.  A-Z tip:  It's just like writing.  Pick a theme you love and it won't seem like work. :)  Anyway, I hope you stop on by on September 22nd.  Wahoo!  . :)



Downey Education Fund:  

Tina Downey's tribute was early this month, and wasn't it wonderful to see all the love and support from all the writers and bloggers in the blogosphere?  She was so loved, and she will be missed indeed.  I just wanted to mention again that Downey Education Fund has been created for her children.  If you can spare some money to support, I'm sure her family would greatly appreciate it.  Click here to donate.  And if you can't donate and you're a blogger, please consider adding this icon to your blog with a link to the donation page.  Thank you for your support!


Photo of the Week

This photo comes from Awesome Things in the World and boy is it awesome!  First question I have....do you know what these are?  (And no, you are not allowed to ask Elise Fallson...that's cheating!)  The second question I have is...can you write a caption?  Here's the one I posted.

"It's raining men! Hallelujah it's raining men. Amen!" 

Fridays with Fred:  Fred & Companionship

I think I've mentioned before about Fred getting older, becoming more grouchy and now he's having some health issues too.  He's fifteen years old so with his age comes a myriad of conditions.  *sigh*  That said, we does have good days.  Fred still gets frisky, palling around with his young whippersnapper friend, Spike.  What's it like have two Jack Russells under one roof?  Never a dull moment.



Do you have any plans this weekend?  Have any news you'd like to share?  Are you signed up for the Underrated Treasures Blogfest? Are you happy it's Friday?

Monday, September 8, 2014

Sunflowers for Tina - #LifeisGood

Today is a special day as we remember fellow author, A-Z Team Host and friend, Tina Downey.  I have a couple of images I'd like to post for this special tribute.  Before I do that, I want to mention how Tina's #LifeisGood message always made me smile.  If there's one thing I can remember about Tina--aside from her constant positive support, was her classic #LifeisGood motto.  We tend to forget that, but it's undeniably true.

Thank you, Tina for all that you did.  May God bless you and your family.








You can visit more of Tina's writer friends and see their tribute posts by visiting here. Do you have any special memories you'd like to share about Tina?

Update:  Special Donations


Below is a special link to donate to Tina's family and her children's education.  If you can contribute, it would be greatly appreciated.

Donate here.



Wednesday, September 3, 2014

IWSG: Ask the Universe

It's September and already time for another month of Insecure Writers Support Group.  This wonderful support group is courtesy of Alex J. Cavanaugh and other fantastic authors, including Michelle Wallace, L. Diane Wolfe, Lynda R Young, Susan Gourley/Kelley, Joylene Nowell Butler, and J.L. Campbell.  I mention this crew because they are tireless supporters who give freely and should be thanked often.  If you haven't had a chance to review the IWSG website, please do.  Last month, there were some great posts that I found incredibly inspiring including Seeking Validation As A Writer & The Trend in Indie Publishing - It’s Taking Over the Industry.  Check them out if you can!

As for IWSG, my insecurities are the same.  I'm progressing with my WIPs at a snails pace and that alone fosters insecurity.  Since there's little I can do about that, I stay positive as possible and keep moving forward.  Anyway, I remember watching a portion of Jim Carrey's commencement speech last spring.  Like many people, his words moved me.  There are times when doubt overcomes my thought process or exhaustion settles inside my bones, that I recall his inspiring words.

I was wondering how many of my writer friends ask the universe for things like better health, happy family, more love or even a successful writing career? Have you....asked the universe?  What have you asked for?



Can you relate to Jim's message about following your dreams?  Do you have any insecurities you'd like to share with me today?

On another note, last month Nutschell interviewed me on her Wednesday Writer’s Workspace, stop by if your interested.  And this month, Captain Alex is interviewing me about the A-Z Challenge and my Classic Monster theme.  I'm super excited about that, so I'll be sure an blog when that post releases too.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Mina Burrows