Stunning Sunday: Theo James

Happy Mother's Day!!!

To all mothers everywhere, I hope you all have a wonderful days full of love and laughter. I am not a mother, but I can’t wait to join the ranks.

So, what to write about on this cloudy hot Sunday? How about the hottest craze sweeping the nation- Theo James.

Can't you see him in this? 

I’ll admit it, I really had no interest in seeing Divergent. Another movie based on a book post-apocalyptic America where people are grouped and forced to live due to strict guidelines then another group gains power and tries to wipe out a certain group and there’s a rebellion led by an unlikeable female, blah blah blah…. Yeah, I know I’m in the minority but I grew up on Harry Potter, Narnia and Tamora Pierce, I’m kinda a book snob. But I went with my friends to see it because they really wanted to and I was pleasantly surprise. No, not by the plot (though it wasn’t bad) but by the HOT male eye candy. Hellllooooo sailor! In fact, that should be his next role! He should be a sailor or marine or navy seal or army pilot, basically anything that has his dressed like Josh Hartnett in Pearl Harbor. (Don’t judge my indescribable attraction to men in 1940’s military outfits)

See it? 

Of course, Theo James’ face was plaster in every theater and the trailer played before every movie and in every commercial break, but it was nothing compared to seeing him in tatted up action for approximately 2 and a half hours. I think that every comment made during that movie, beside the few made about the Macklemore looking jerk and that her brother is going to be her boyfriend in "The Fault In Our Stars",  was about how F.I.N.E. he is. Even my friend Aim, the most reserved of my comrades, had some feisty, uncharacteristic comments.

That little minx.

So what makes the desirable Theo James desirable? Well, Auntie Catherine is here to break it down for you.

Let’s start with the face, shall we. He has one, a nice one. And it’s the perfect mix between rugged manly man and pretty boy.

Jawline? Manly

Cheekbones that might be the offspring of Benedict Cumberbatch’s? Pretty boy

Every present, five o’clock scruff? Manly

The most perfect set of teeth and lips which creates the most beautiful smile? Pretty boy

The hair? A mixture of both- a perfect combination of thick brunette style so effortlessly perfect

Combine these gorgeous attributes with a pairs of smoldering brown eye and a perfect nose and you get this:

This boy…man…has is ALL!

Now, the voice. If you think that a man’s voice in no way contributes to his overall attractiveness, then obviously you’ve never heard Hugh Jackman speak (or sing) or (again I have to mention) Benedict Cumberbatch.

Theo had such manly voice (see link below) and, though not present in Divergent, he is British which means that he also has an accent. (again see link below) 

He could sell a car to an Amish elder.

 Can I get an Amen?

The body. I feel like I’m just wasting my breath discussing his body. Yep, it’s perfect; rock hard abs, biceps as big as my head, suspected muscular thighs. But he isn’t ginormous like the Rock or perfectly leaned and tone like Andrew Garfield. He’s, as the old tale goes, just right. Here a gif of him shirtless- because I’m a giving soul.

I feel like I have to mention his tattoos from Divergent here too. I am not opposed to dating a man with a tattoo or two. I've never dated a man with one, but that’s because the majority of my boyfriends happened in high-school and they weren’t old enough to get one. But the thing about tattoos in regards to attractiveness is that they have not be stupid or obnoxious (like that)  and well placed. They nailed (or needled) it on the head with is. Though there were a lot, they were simple, black and placed on his back. Good job Divergent. (I do know that they design, placement and color were probably indicated in the book and only followed by the producers of the movie, so well done Divergent author as well)

I know nothing of his personality. Is he the complete gentlemen that Tom Hiddleston and bring tea and soup to waiting reporter? Don’t know, though his English upbringing might be an indication that he is. Is he a closet nerd like Henry Cavil who almost missed his role for Superman because he was playing World of Warcraft (I do love a hot nerd) or Andrew Garfield who’s always wanted to be Spiderman. Does he spend his time surfing like Liam Hemsworth? Or playing with his dog like Kellan? Is he a big flirt like Chace Crawford or Leonardo Dicaprio? (Theo and Leo do rhyme)  Can he sing like mi amor, Ben Barnes.  Or does he just take naked selfies like James Franco and hit on underage girls. (Seriously, James, we need to have an intervention) I don’t know, but I’m sure we are going to be seeing a lot more of this British hunk in the upcoming years- at least until they finish Allegiant II. Right Theo? 

Of course I will, Theo. 

So, happy Sunday everyone. Enjoy living life and looking at hot guys!

Love you bunches and see you on Tuesday!

XX Catherine 

Book Review:

Before the trailer came out, I new NOTHING about this book. I remember scrolling through the new trailers on my IMDB app, a favorite before bed activity, and it caught my eye. Knowing nothing that the book-or that there even was a book- I watch the trailer. (see below)

The Fault In Our Stars Trailer

"That looks sad, but good" was the only description I could muster after watching the live manifest of a book. I stupidly decide to look it up through Wikipedia, found out that it was written by John Green-who I knew from YouTube- and read the plot summary. Did you catch the stupid? I stupidly read the plot summary, not the synopsis, and stupidly found out every major detail of the book. Yep, I'm an idiot. I went away thinking that it was like "The Notebook", but with cancer. 

Boy was I wrong. 

I decide to read the book- even though I thought I knew every think about it already- this past Sunday in the land on Target. I was looking for a book to read and since everyone was so hyped up about this movie coming out (I mean, seriously Twitter) I would try to figure out what was so important about the sad book about the sad teenagers who have cancer. I case you know nothing about it, the book in a boy meets girl story about two teenagers who met at a cancer support group, Hazel and her Augustus. There are laughs and tears and anger and joy wrapped up in roughly 250 pages of printed paper. 

I finished last night around midnight.

Imagine "Starry Night" by van Gogh. Every stroke was place in the precise position, at the precise time to form an eternal masterpiece. That's how I feel about this book. It's a masterpiece. Now, it not my favorite novel of all time, I've read it once and I'm sure I'll read it again some day, but I don't have the overwhelming feeling to reread it now. I placed it on the shelf with all of the other books I've read, all of the other worlds I've live in and lives I've lived. 

But John Green's worlds are important. Each sentence is like a stroke of a paintbrush to this masterpiece. And I have to admit, I've never felt more stupid reading a book. He didn't use the simple, run of the mill words that we use daily to describe our lives. He's writing and his use of words reminded me of that scene from Dead Poet's Society where Robin Williams is standing on a desk teaching his class how to write. He tells them to use solid, all encompassing words rather that adjectives/adverbs to describe something.  

John Green might as well been that speckled guy in the front, for that's exactly was he did. The descriptions and emotions he arrayed through mere pen on paper is extraordinary. 

Now, I will say this, these characters are supposed to be highschoolers. The language in which the spoke, the fluidity of words and the emotional self awareness they felt is not something have ever encountered, in high school or college. Perhaps the thought that death was near forced them to enter this greater state of self awareness, but it sometimes felt out of character for a teenager. Maturity as an individual does come with realization that they are staring down death. Teenager usually feel invincible- Hazel and Augustus knew that they weren't.  Maybe that's what make is so beautiful, choosing to live when you know that you are going to die. So many would just give up, not in their personal well being, sure they would do what the doctor said, but put off their live until they were "done" with whatever plagued them. Hazel and Augustus lived their life in spite of cancer. 

Now the love story. Their love story is going to be one of modern day literature legend, right up there with Allie and Noah, Big and Carrie and even Bella and Edward. These are the romances that we wish we could live but know that they will never be ours. No one will ever write me 365 letters or build me a house or bring me into a life of eternal darkness with a bit. (I'm okay about the last one, being alive forever would be exhausting- and, as Peter Pan said "To die will be an awfully big adventure") But that's why we have books- to enter words that are not obtainable in ordinary life. 

In short, I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for something wholehearted to read. This book is a literary rollercoaster of emotions that leaves you feeling whole. Now, be forewarned, there's language and non-graphic sexual content in the book, so read at your own risk- but it is worth the read. 

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” 
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

I do, John. I do. 

Read. Love. Live. 

Catherine, professional reader since 13, hopefully one day an author

Tutorial Tuesday: Leia Inspired Hairstyle

In case you unfortunately missed in, Sunday was Star Wars Day! A nerdy holiday celebrated throughout the world with Star Wars food, shirts and, of course, viewing of the movies. It was also a Sunday and, though my mother wouldn’t let me wear my Star Wars t-shirt to church, I decided to wear a Star Wars inspired hairstyle. No, it’s not Leia’s legendary buns or the ridiculously awesome braided up-do that I absolutely LOVE (pictures of both below) but a mixture of both. And this hairstyle can be wore not only on a nerdy holiday, but for anything from special occasions to sweaty, summer days outside. It keeps you both cool and cute while keeping your hair out of your eyes- useful when you are fighting against the empire.

Supplies Needed:

The little helix pins are Simple Styles Spin Pins made by Goodys. I got them around 4 years ago and I LOVE them. I highly recommend them for anyone who wants/needs pins for buns and other up-dos.

The How-To (with pictures)

Step 1: Brush the ever loving crap out of your hair. If you have a thin or silky straight hair (I am totally jealous of you then!) spray some texturing spray. Braids hold better when you have some sort of texture. Today I’m working with second day hair that hasn’t been styled because I’ve only been cleaning and running errands, so it’s either been up or in a braid. Please don’t judge it.

Ugly hair! Oh what to do!

Step 2: Part your hair as normal and tie off the side with less hair (the side closest to your part).  Run a brush through your free hair a few more times, then part it with your fingers for braiding. Start French braiding close to your scalp, grabbing small sections and working them through your hair. Braid behind you ear, stopping at the base of your next and pinning it off with bobby pins. You could try to tie the braid off with a ponytail holder/ hair tie, but I find bobby pins to be the easiest.

Step 3: Repeat on the other side. Start high up on your scalp and braid using tiny sections. Braid the hair at an angle towards your opposite shoulder. When you meet up with the other braid, hold the current braid with one hand and try slip the pins out of your hair. Try to not let the completed braid get too undone, but start incorporating the remaining hair into your bigger braid.  Once you meet the other braid, you can start using larger sections until you have a completed braid over your shoulder on the side of your part and tie it off.

Step 4: You are almost done! Yay you!!! Fluff out you braid a little bit by gentle (gentle being to key word) pulling the plait from either side. Then roll the braid up counterclockwise, wrapping the end over the braid and towards your head. Wrap it up to the side of your head and secure it with bobby pins or spin pins.

Now, you’re DONE! See, wasn’t that easy. I get so many complements on this hairstyle. It’s quick, easy and looks quite impressive when finished. Now, you are ready to attend a dance, day at the pool or fight some stormtroopers, whichever you chose.

If you do this, I would to see pic to tweet me or post them below.

XOXO,

Catherine

Today is May the fourth, otherwise known as Star Wars Day! In case you don’t already know, I am a HUGE Star Wars fan! Like Jabba that Hutt huge. (For all of you non-Star Warsy peeps, that’s the huge slug thing most often seen accompanied by Carrie Fisher in a metal bikini) So, due to the celebratory nature of the day, I feel compelled to write a Star Wars theme post and since I am me, it can only be centered around one thing:

                The Hotties of Star Wars.

Yes, this franchise contains some very physically and characteristically appealing characters. So, here is my countdown of the hottest characters of Star Wars (Episodes 1-6 only, of course)

5. Young Obi-Wan Kenobi: Ewan McGregor. The singing poet from Moulin Rouge is number five on the sexy list. For all of you who don’t know, Ewan plays young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the later made Episodes 1-3. And boy does he. The young Jedi knight trains Anakin Skywalker like he trains our hearts. And, though sometime Obi can be Obibearing (haha get it? Like overbearing but with Obi) we all know it was in hopes of keeping Anakin on the side of the light. Of course, it could probably be argued that this nature is what drove Anakin to the dark side,  but that is neither here nor there in account to his looks. In any case, the gorgeous Ewan made many a girl swoon and hope for private Jedi lessons with this master. Or only misfortune? That he wasn't the singing Jedi master. 

4. Lando Calrissian: Billy Dee Williams. He made be a bit of a scum bag, but we still love him. Lando Calrissian is the Baron Administrator (think like governor/mayor) of Cloud City and first introduced in Empire Strikes Back. His charming nature and powder blue suit charmed many a moviegoer back in the 80s. In fact, four years ago when I attend Star Wars Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, my own mother yelled “Looking good Billy Dee” to him as he rode passed us in a parade. I nearly died of embarrassment but I can’t deny, in the words of Kingsley Shacklebolt, Billy Dee’s “got style”.  Lando is one of those characters that we all love, then hate, then love again (like Captain Jack Sparrow) but at the end of the rebellion, we know he’s fighting for the light. So Lando, if you are ever in need, I’m sure I can find a few girls who will live with you among the clouds.

Dashing in a cape. Looking good Billy Dee.

3. Anakin Skywalker- Hayden Christenson. Many Star Wars fans have mixed feelings about George Lucas’ choice for the young future sith lord. But there’s one this that you can’t deny- he’s hot. From those gorgeous blue eyes to that seductive smirk, we all knew that we wanted to be his Padmè. Don’t deny it, you know you wanted it too. Even with the unattractive mullet haircut and padawan braid, flocks of teenage girls flocked to the theater to watch the little cutie. Of course, Anakin did turn out to have a bit of an anger problem, but many of us in love with him just wrote it off that he was passionate and fell more in love. Unfortunately, at the end of his time in the Star Wars universe, he was leg less, arm less, hair less and hope less and his women followers mourned for our fallen hottie. But never fear, he (in his entirety) makes his final appearance in the recently update Return of the Jedi where his smiles with alongside Obi and Yoda as one of the light.  Anakin says that a Jedi is encouraged to love and with a face like his, I’m encouraged to love too.

He warned you not to underestimate his power, and don’t underestimate his hotness either.

That SMILE! 

2. Luke Skywalker- Mark Hamill. He’s a Jedi, just like his father before him and a hottie also. The pivot character in the whole Star Wars franchise is, of course, on this list. Those charming good looks, feathered out blonde hair and moisture framer charm charms the ladies from here to Hoth. No wonder his sister kissed him. Luke Skywalker was my first ever character crush. I had it so bad for him that I scratched out Leia’s face on the back of our Empire Strikes Back VHS (yes, I said VHS) with a pen because I was insanely jealous that she got to kiss him and not me. Unfortunately, between the filming of A New Hope and Empire Strike Back, he was in a car accident that affected his innocent, boyish looks and made him actually look darker. But, despite the accident, he was still quite a babe in the final two installments of the original triology- especially when he was being trained by Yoda- hellloooo Dagoba.

And the number one Star Wars hottie is…..

1. Han Solo- Harrison Ford. Have you seen Harrison Ford? Have you seen him in Star Wars? Thought I was originally not attracted to him that much in my young years, with age came my mature appreciate in men and can I just say, he is a FOX! That smirk, those eyes, that chocolate brown hair, those smooth moves and, last but not least, the outfit with the vest and blaster holster- he’s hotter that Alderaan when it gets blown up. (Too soon?) Yes, he’s a cocky scoundrel, but you want him to be your cocky scoundrel. For real. He’s the only guy who could ever reply to a declaration of love with “I know” and totally get away with it. Most guys would probably get slapped, he makes you swoon. He’s the quintessential bad guy turn good guy that all girls want. AND he’s played by the sexy Harrison Ford who also portrays the history loving hottie, Indiana Jones. We might all happen to like nice me, buts it’s Han that we all want.

Now I can’t write a post on the hotties of Star Wars without mentioning the beautiful women of the legendary franchise.

First up, there’s Natalie Portman who plays Padmè Amidala. Though she was often seen with odd makeup and hair, there is no denying that she was a true beauty. Don’t believe me, just watch the wedding seen from Attack of the Clones. I just hope I look that beautiful on my wedding day.

The true woman winner has to be Carrie Fisher as the awesomely amazing Princess Leia. Her white dress and side buns might be iconic, but that is not all that the princess has to offer. She also rocks some amazing braided hairstyles and empire fighting outfits that put many to shame. Strong, stubborn and in love with a scoundrel, she’s one of my favorite princesses (second only to Princess Aurora). She’s not afraid of fighting for a cause and can rock a metal bikini like no other- Princess Leia, I tip my metaphorical hat off to you.

Princess with a blaster gun- that's the type of Princess I want to be!

Now there are some cuties of Star Wars that have to be mentioned as well.

C3PO- the proper droid who could have been a butler in a pass life. He’s always worried, but no matter, we love him anyway.

Chewbacca- Chewy!!! Where would we be without Chewy? Dead…we would be dead.

R2D2- the little droid who could. Even his beeping form of communication is ADORABLE. And he saves their butts more times than you realize.

Yoda- The little green alien who’s older, wiser and more deadly with a lightsaber that any other character but who you kinda want to hug, just once.

The Ewoks- If you don’t love the Ewoks, you are wrong.

So, that wraps up the Hotties of Star Wars tour. Happy Star Wars Day and May the Fourth be with you…always. 

"So Catherine,  you've graduate college- What are you going to do next?" 

I have been asked this question countless times since my matriculation last Saturday. I am now a college graduate with a B.S. in Biology. Yeah, it only took a 7 years but I will unveil the tragic time of transferring later. For now, I'll stick with the present. I have a college degree but nothing to do. You see, I didn't get into grad school. I failed. Not very used to that. But I'm trying to keep a positive outlook on everything like, "It's really really hard to get into the program I applied to" and my biggest cheering chatter:

"I now have a whole year to do whatever I want!"

Okay, granted I can't do whatever I want. Unfortunately I won't be backpacking around Europe or swimming with dolphins or following Coldplay around the U.S. for the next year (as much as I might want to). I will have to get a job and try to pay off my tremendous loans over the next year. But I am looking at the year as a year of opportunity, because I'm going to be positive...yeah.

So, for my first post back in a LONNNGGGG time (seriously, school was trying to kill me), I have decided to compose a list of all of the things that I want to accomplish over the next 12 months. 

1. I want to go to A LOT of baseball games. I've already been to 2 spring training games, but, now that the new season has begun, I feel compelled to make an often mecca to Atlanta to watch my favorite boys of baseball play. My younger brother will be living off and of with us this summer and he is a HUGE Braves fan, so I don't think it will be hard to coax him to a game one Friday or Saturday. Go Braves!

2. I want to become a proficient seamstress. About two years ago, I got this passionate idea to learn how to sew. After my grandmother's death, I inherited her ancient sewing machine. I was assured that it was the prime machine back in the day, but it had many flaws when it got to me- mainly the whole it didn't sew correctly one. But that still didn't stop my eagerness to learn. I tried to sew by hand, and ended up making a few little makeup bags- but I never managed to make any clothes. Last summer, I treated myself to a new sewing machine and tried to unsuccessfully make a skirt and went back to making makeup bags. But now I'm determined to figure out how to make something, like a simple skirt with a bow, because then I could make all of the cute skirts I wanted and I would be happy. Thank goodness for Pinterest and all it's pinning awesomeness and tutorials, hopefully one will lead me the sewing wonder. 

3. I'm going to organize my life. I consider my stuff to be in a state of organized chaos. I know where pretty much everything is and, when my room is clean, everything technically has a place, but the last few stressful months have slowly turned my organized room into a mess. And on top of that, I now have all of this school work that I can't really throw away (because it might be useful in grad school- welcome to Biology) but I don't necessarily want to look at it every day- or until need be. So I'm going to organize and basically redo my room so that it's mine. 

4. I'm going to read more. I have been putting off reading books so long that my "To Read" list in like a mile long! Book after book after book being put off for school. Reading is one of my greatest passions in life. If y'all could see the stacks of books under my bed you would understand- and I don't even have my whole collection. I have so many have read books that are begging for their pages to be flipped and words to be read and I can't wait to dive into their worlds! Especially you "The Hobbit"...I will conquer you. 

5. I think I'm finally going to learn how to play my guitar. I got a guitar for Christmas when I was 15 but never managed to learn how to play it because I have tiny little baby hands. I still have said guitar, though it definitely needs to be re-stringed. Maybe this is the year that I will finally be able to do so, especially now with the great resource of YouTube. Or, if a sexy guitar player wants to come teach me, I'll give you my number. ;)

6. I'm going to write more. And I mean it. That means more blogs (like a few times a week so get ready) about nerdy stuff and makeup and crafts/DIY and stupid times that happen to me and maybe, just maybe, I'll write a hair post and tutorial. Holla. Yeah, that's right, I said "holla". I have also challenged myself to finish my book. Yeah, I'm writing a book- I've actually been working on it for nearly 5 years and am only 13 chapters in. This year should be the break I need to finally put in the effort it deserves to finally be finished. I don't know if anyone will every read my book, I hope at least my friends will, but I'm going to finish it. Who knows, I might put a preview on here. Or not. You'll just have to wait to see. 

I can't wait to see what this next year holds. It wasn't exactly what I wanted to happened, but I'm going to be positive and see it for all of the opportunities it can bring. And, of course, I will be bring you guys along for the ride. To paraphrase the great philosopher Shay Carl, "If live's worth living, it's worth recording". So I'm going to record my life and hope the next year is amazing. 

Peace, love and buttercups, 

Catherine  

My new beauty trend: The Calcium Bentonite Clay Mask.

More than a year ago I purchased a tub of calcium bentonite clay from a local GNC. I had seen an idea for a body wrap on pinterest and decided to try it for my brother's upcoming wedding. Well, I never did it and the powder eventually got lost in my bathroom cabinet only to be rediscovered a few weeks ago. Curious about this mysterious powder that's supposed to be very beautifying and beneficial, I took to the Google to figure out what it did. It seems that calcium bentonite clay has a list of benefits of which it boasts with its biggest one being that it's the "World's Most Powerful Facial"! Yes, I had the world's most powerful facial under my sink and didn't even know it! One YouTube video later and I was whipping up my new mask. 

The calcium bentonite clay mask works by supposedly pulling the toxins in your skin to the surface so that you can wash them away. It also increases blood flood to you face and I can say for experience, it sure does. You can actually feel your face pulsate, which is what the bottle (tub? container thingy?) says!

It was surprisingly easy to whip just. Just add equal part clay and water/ apple cider vinegar (what I use) in a plastic bowl and stir with a plastic spoon. That's it. And the bowl and spoon must be plastic or paper or wooden- not metal. Not to get to sciencey on you but calicum bentonite clay carries a negative charge- which is what makes it beneficial for beautifying. If the powder was to be added to a metal bowl, the charge would be transferred to the bowl and therefore not have the beautifying power it needs!

Almost dry mask of pulsating fun!

Once whipped up, just smooth in on your skin and relax. You will quickly start feeling the blood pulse through your skin as the mask does its work. After 5-20 minutes, depending on you skin type, rinse it off. I personally follow up with my usually face care routine and apply toner, then moisturizer. It's just that simple.

I have only been doing this mask for a week- only three times- and I already love it. It's quick, easy, doesn't break out my skin, and it removing toxins! How much better could you get?

I hope you all try it out and let me know how it work for you!

Peace, love and beauty,

Catherine 

  

My love affair with Harry Potter:

I honestly can't remember them moment I heard about Harry Potter. If I had to guess, it was probably because of the big hype that was surrounding it in the south where I live. There was a group rallying for it to be taken out of school libraries and other places like that since it promoted witch craft and was, therefore, an abomination. My dad,a Christian preacher, even preached a lesson about it around this same time. In my pre-teen year old state- when I had the attention span of a fruit fly- I highly misinterpreted his message. I thought he was saying that we shouldn't read books like that. So, color me confused when he brought home the first movie- on VHS- on day that summer. 

"So, we can watch this?" the eleven year old me asked, probably examining the rectangular box on a boy on a broom stick and some very, hairy man.

"Yes, did you not listen to my lesson at all?" I was caught.

"I thought you said these were bad."

I sure he probably rolled his eyes at me at this point- that sounds like him.

"No, you can."

That night, my family had a movie night and I was introduced to the magical world of Harry Potter. I think, back in those days, we had the movie for a week. And I watched it every single day. I was in love, I was obsessed. (Though probably not as bad as the A Knight's Tale VHS rental of 2002- but that's a different story) I remember even staying behind one night while my entire family went to my little brother's baseball game so that I could sit in my bed and watch it again, with a bowl of white rice. I was sad to see it turned in, but happy to know that the next one was coming out that fall! 

However, though I loved the movie and was excited about the next one- I didn't want to read the books. They were too long and I, in my infinite 13 year old snobbdom, didn't want to look like a nerd reading nerdy books...because that's nerdish. Also, I didn't like reading in my spare time. There were backstreet boys CDs to listen to and Lizzis McGuire episodes to watch. 

So I threw Harry and it world into the back of my mind until November. November 22, 2002- if I remember the day correctly. No matter what date it was, I remember that it was a Sunday and my friend L asked me if I wanted to go see the new Harry Potter movie with her after church. Though I'm sure I played it off really cool, inwardly I was ecstatic! After church, we headed to the nearest movie theater, which was 20 miles away and they were sold out. I was disappointed! Luckily, her parents, who just happen to be some of my parents best friends at the time, were quick on their feet and bought tickets for that night's showing. We headed back home, went to church then jumped in the car immediately afterwards to head back to the movies. 

I remember sitting in the theater with my friend L besides, munching on popcorn and drinking probably Dr. Pepper out of my large, Harry Potter promotional plastic cup and watching one of the greatest movies of my life. I don't think I had ever been drawn so much. I watched a boy, young boy, a boy that was my age, endure so much including risking his own well being in a slithering sanctuary of evil for his best friends little sister. Then, on top of that, he gets stabbed with a basilisk fang while trying to slay the terrible beast.(For those of you who don't know, basilisk venom is very poisonous and will kill you within minutes) As I watch the young, too young, hero die, I began to cry. It didn't matter to me that somewhere, in the back on my brain, I knew that there were going to be 7 books and, therefore, they couldn't kill off their main character. All I knew in that moment was that a boy my age was dying, he was so brave, but he was dying. I don't think I could ever fully describe what I felt at the moment, maybe enough words haven't been invented, but the heartbreaking scene was my entrance into the world I have come to know and love. 

The next day, I checked out the first book from the school library. 

Do you remember those accelerated reading test you could take at the school library to get points...well, not to brag, but I got the most points that year in my grade. Within a month, I blew through all of the available Harry Potter books (there were only 4 at the time) and left hungry for more. The next book wasn't coming out until my birthday (holla) so I started picking up other books that seemed interesting. You see, Harry Potter started my reading obsession. If it wasn't for that little book series, I wouldn't have the 30ish books I have stashed under my bed, night stand and closet or the boxes of books I have at my old house in storage plus the Word files I have on my computer filled with my favorite fanfiction. (Oh fanfiction, how I love you.) 

And it wasn't enough for my to just read. I wanted to write. Ever since I was young, I would make my storied in my head- all involving a white horse name Rose- but I would never write them down. My freshman year of high school, one of my friends introduced me to fan fiction and, by my junior year- I had began writing one. Now, as of this date- I have started three and only finished one. Bad, I know, but I've moved on to bigger and better things- a book of my own, completely original (except for the ancient legends that surround the premise and plot) Any free moment I have from making thousands of flash cards and writing chemical equations, I'm writing it. In fact, as this very moment it is open on my desk top waiting for me to finish the 12th chapter. 

I say all of that to say this- Harry Potter changed my life in more ways than one. I read now because of it. I write now because of it. I have a Quaffle in my closet because of it. I can't believe now that I used to think it was nerdy and just for nerds. I am now PROUDLY one of those nerdy nerds because it has made me be the person I was, but too afraid to show. (I've always been a little nerd, I just tried to fight against it to be cool)

Now, here comes the hard part. I could sit here all day and tell you how Harry Potter has changed my life, but it doesn't scratch the surface of the real impact it has had on me. I have said it so many times before, and this won't be the last, but I have a very strong emotional connection with Harry Potter. I will never forget July 16th, 2007- the day the last book came out. Of course, I was there at midnight, dressed to the nines at Ginny Weasley. (my favorite character. She had to put up with 6 brothers and was the girl you shouldnt' mess with- my hero) You could literally feel the excitement pulsing through library. Everyone, from Snape to Umbridge to Cho to Harry flying Buckbeak was there, all chatting away happily about the ten year ere of magic ending that night with the final chapters. And I was the saddest one in the crowd. I wanted the book more than anything, but I didn't want the magic to end. The previous five years of my life had been full of magic and wonder. The characters were my friends, I loved them all. And their fates were going to be determined in a cover bound book. What if Ginny or Hermione or Ron or, dare I not think it, Harry died? How would I pull myself up from that emotional turmoil. 

Yes, I know that they are "just characters" and "aren't real", but there's something about have an emotional investment in a book, that they are real to you. My family thinks I'm insane, I'm sure. I remember the night I read that Dumbledore had died (also known as the day the book came out, I read it in a day). I walked into my parents room sobbing. My mom, being the loving and caring mother that she is, inquired as to why I was blubbering like a baby.

"He's dead, Dumbledore is dead." I wailed. 

"He's not real, they are just books." So much for caring. 

Yes, he's not real and they are just books, but it was so much more than that. I loved him and I knew that his death was going to have serious impact on Harry's fate in the next one, especially since Dumbledore was the one who really knew what all was going on.

Dumbledore wasn't the only death that brought me to tears. I won't ever mention Dobby's death here. The music score from part 1 alone can reduce me to tears.   

But back to the night of the last book release. I was sick in my stomach, waiting for the clock to strike midnight and to be handed my copy of their fate. I had to wait in a line that wrapped around the whole library and I was at the front with all of the others who had reserved copies- thanks to my mom for surprising me and reserving me a special edition copy. The whole time, I didn't speak. Instead I clutched my other purchases for the evening and tried to mental prepare myself for what I was about to receive. Luckily my best friends, K and Lee were there to try to cheer me up. K who was the only one in the reserved line with me, kept her arm around me the whole time and kept offering tiny words of encouragement. If any moment solidified K and my relationship as bestest of all best friends- it was that moment. She knew how I was feeling. As I got closer and closer to the end, the tears began to well up in my eyes. My "childhood" was coming to an end. I was 18, starting college in the fall, and my favorite books series was ending- how poetic. 

By fate or luck, the guy who checked me out was dressed as Harry. As he handed me my book, my very special book, the tears began to drip down my face. I was trying to hold them back through the whole check out process, but my eyes were like dams about to break. And they did, as soon as transactions ended. 

K was right behind me and, through great efficiency on Barnes and Noble's part, so were the other member of my party. I was a sobbing mess by the parking lot. K put her around around me and talked to me, all which is caught on film. (Thanks Laura) We were able to snap one quick picture of us all smiling, holding our books up high, before we all scattered to our respective homes. 

The pages of that book at spotted with the tears I cried while reading it. I still have an attachment to it. Only two people have touched it since I bought it, my older brother who took when I got home to read the ending and me.I have only read it a few times since then, and only as part of my pre-movie book reading agenda. For some reason, I can bring myself to read it more that necessary.   

There were only three movies left when the final book came out, but they seemed to go by so fast. Each movie earned its own party thrown at my house (with the wonderful cooperation of my parents). The last was by far the best. Just think Gatsby Harry Potter themed party. Okay, maybe not that glamorous, but you get my drift. I spent a ridiculous amount of time making decorations- including my favorite, a furry Monster Book of Monsters- and even more than I want to admit on food. But I was my last sha-bang! 

I cried the whole movie- even at parts that weren't sad. But, as the ere grew to a close with the sweet notes of John William's "Hedwig's Theme" playing, the tears were happy. It ended like it was always supposed to- with magic. 

It's been months since I've watched any of the movies and years since I've read the books, I can't really bring myself to do it. It's odd. They are something that I love so much, that I am incredibly passionate about, but entering into that world again need emotional preparation on my part. So, I keep them safe for now in hopes of one day sharing their magic with my sister and my own children. 

In the end, it's really simple. I love Harry Potter. I have read 4195 pages of love, friendship and sacrifice. I have made friends with Harry, Ron and Hermione. I have mourn the deaths of Cedric, Sirius, Dumbledore, Hedwig, Mad-Eye, Dobby, Fred, Remus, Tonks and Harry himself. And at the end of it all, all I can say it "All was well".