You can't always tell just by looking, but today is Easter.
Am I celebrating the same way I used to in the "old days"? No, but it's still Easter.
I didn't get a new dress (or hat or gloves, for that matter), but I am wearing seasonal earrings. It's still Easter.
There are no dyed eggs, Peeps, or jelly beans, but we will be eating ham. It's still Easter.
I did not hide any baskets or buy a lily, but I did put up window clings and bunnies. It's still Easter.
I did not attend a church service, but I did watch The Ten Commandments and listened to Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar. It's still Easter.
Our son did not come home for the weekend, nor did we drive to anyone's house for a family gathering. It's still Easter.
It's been a rainy, gloomy day, but flowers are poking through the dirt and there are buds on the lilac bush. It's still Easter.
I am not typically too bold when it comes to discussing religious matters. My faith and relationship with God is very personal to me. (But here I am bringing it up in public!) Regardless of my behavior, it's still Easter. I do believe that Jesus Christ:
...
suffered
under
Pontius
Pilate,
was
crucified,
died
and
was
buried.
He
descended
into
hell.
The
third
day
He
rose
again
from
the
dead.
He
ascended
into
heaven
and
sits
at
the
right
hand
of
God
the
Father
Almighty...(I believe in)
the
forgiveness
of
sins,
the
resurrection
of
the
body,
and
the
life
everlasting.
(from The Apostles' Creed)
It is springtime; it is a day about fresh starts and new beginnings. It's Easter! And that is reason to celebrate.
Easter 2013
Easter 2012
Easter 2010
Just a quick pat on the back for myself for finishing my copy of The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume 1.
I purchased the set of two books years ago, and I've picked them up and read bits and pieces numerous times. But recently it dawned on me that if I'm going to call myself a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I have to go back to the source and reacquaint myself with the original. I absolutely love Sherlock on PBS with Benedict Cumberbatch. I enjoy the Robert Downey Jr. films. I adore Jeremy Brett's depiction. And Basil Rathbone was THE Sherlock in my mind when I was younger.
But the stories still impress me more than all the actors who've played Sherlock combined. As I was reading, I didn't picture any of them in my mind. I still see him as a unique character, separate from any onscreen portrayal. I truly enjoy all of their interpretations, really I do. But Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock is, in my opinion, so much more than any one man can bring to the role.
I'll still be eagerly waiting for the return of the PBS show, and I'll watch almost any Sherlock Holmes that I come across. But to pass the time until then, I'll be getting a start on Volume 2. I may know Sherlock's methods already, but I'll keep soaking up every demonstration of those methods that Doyle wrote. And I wouldn't be surprised if when I'm finished with that, I'll pick up the first book again. I've got a ways to go before I've had enough.
If you're reading this, you already know that I use Blogger to "publish" things that come to mind. Usually I'm just talking to myself out loud (as it were) rather than for an audience, though I truly appreciate the occasional visitor.
I've used Twitter for years (as ProofingSandy). I think at first I was looking for other proofreaders/editors who shared my love for the language. Then I started following celebrities. I even share with friends and family, people I actually know...in real life. I still toss out random thoughts, but most often I'm tweeting during TV shows. It takes some practice to be able pay attention to the episode and to read tweets simultaneously, but it can be a lot of fun to get immediate reactions from other viewers about what's happening onscreen right at that moment. I can't tell you how tickled I was awhile back to get a retweet from PBS about a Sherlock episode which then got another 75 favorites or retweets. I felt "famous" for just a bit. I considered it a virtual, "'Atta girl!"
Naturally I have a Facebook account. This has been great for staying in touch with friends and family members across the country...and those across town, too. Plus, it's provided a way to reconnect with friends from college and high school who otherwise would have faded into merely fond memories. Sure, it has its faults, but I haven't gotten so frustrated that I'm about to delete my profile anytime soon.
I created a profile on LinkedIn years ago, when corporate America was trying to connect without all the grumpy cat (or cute cat) pictures. I haven't felt any tangible benefit from it, but you'd hate to be caught without an online work history, especially when you're seeking employment. I'm sure many people, especially in the sales field, find it extremely valuable.
I've tried Pinterest, but I haven't become too attached. I suppose if I focused some energy in that direction I might like it more. I don't take many photographs or videos, so I wouldn't look for me on Instagram or Vine in the foreseeable future. And I'm OK with that.
A niece had spoken of her fondness for Tumblr. Initially I didn't see the attraction, but I hated to judge without giving it a fair shake. So, I created an account (you can find me as ProofingSandy, A Proofreader Ponders) and looked around. I have to admit that I like it! So far I'm only following a few people, but whenever I log on I'm sure to find something pretty, or cool, or funny, or even thought-provoking. I've learned that some people have way too much time on their hands to be able to create all those animated gifs! But I appreciate the chuckles I get. This site is also a fantastic way to connect with your inner "fangirl." The shows that I watch regularly have enthusiastic fans, so I am never at a loss for posts relating to them. I don't post that often (yet), and I don't have any fancy images to share, but I think I'll be visiting on a fairly regular basis. Interestingly enough, my most viewed post wasn't even about TV, per se. I made a comment about how Sherlock Holmes, as a character, is so much more than any one actor could bring to the role. I've been reading the stories again lately and realized that as much as I enjoy most of the shows and films, the book will always be better. A popular Sherlock-themed Tumblr reblogged my post. From there, it got another 250 interactions. That may not seem like much to those folks who post quality material and post it often. But to me...250! I think that's about as close to my 15 minutes of fame as I'll get, and I'll take it. I consider myself "hooked."
The internet in general, and especially social media sites, have something for everyone. Last year, I wrote about some of the things I enjoy about different social media sites. (You can read that post here.) All of them can be used in whatever way works for you. You can check in hourly or only weekly. You can type whatever you want whenever the mood strikes, or you can lurk in the shadows as an observer. Basically, you get out of it what you put into it. And sometimes, you get out of it a little bit of the unexpected.
Now, just one more check of them all before bedtime. Just one...
Remember when the TV season basically paralleled the school year? First-run shows were on (more or less) from Labor Day to Memorial Day, occasionally being preempted and with some scattered repeats. It's so hard to keep track of a TV schedule these days, however.
Some shows are on the same day at the same time each week, but they seem to take breaks when viewership is expected to dip (e.g., Christmas season, the Olympics). Some series seem to run for the first "half" of the regular season then go on an extended hiatus. Another series takes its place for a month or two, or it might not return until fall. Cable television is all over the map. One show may run September through December, another from January through May, something else through the summer, and so forth in order to always have a "season premiere" in practically every month of the year. Makes it tough to get attached to a show because you just never know when to keep your eyes open for it.
That being said, I still find myself drawn to the finale episode of a show that's run for more than a few years. That's certainly true if I've been a regular viewer, but also if I'm just casually on the fringe. I count three in as many recent weeks. Did most shows even get a finale episode back in the "old days"? I remember parts of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show (note: Now that I think about it, I believe it was actually "Newhart" that I recall), M*A*S*H...felt kind of let down by Seinfeld...and of course, there was LOST. (I wrote about that here. Hard to believe it's been almost four years.)
Tonight, I watched Being Human on SyFy. It's a remake of a British series about a ghost, a werewolf, and a vampire who become roommates and best friends. I enjoyed the first two seasons but admit I hadn't kept up for the last two. Like the advisory says, some material is graphic and violent. Clearly it's not one that everyone would enjoy. While it clearly had supernatural elements to it, at its core it was really about relationships with family and friends and how those interactions can destroy you or uplift you. I didn't actually cry, but there were definitely some emotionally moving moments. I wouldn't call it a "happy" ending, but for me, it was the "right" ending. I think they were more human than a lot of people you meet.
Last week I watched the finale of How I Met Your Mother. Though I rarely watched, I didn't completely avoid it during its nine seasons. I knew the premise and was familiar with the characters. It was fun when I saw it, but it never hooked me enough to make it onto my weekly schedule. Honestly, I can't imagine what kind of new situations could sustain that set-up for that long. But it was such a part of pop culture that I didn't want to feel left out by missing the ending. Since I wasn't a regular viewer, the resolution didn't really matter to me. But I could relate to a close-knit group of friends who believe they'll always be there for each other and reach a point where life just pulls them in different directions. Again, it's about interactions with friends and family and those people who are family by your choice rather than by blood.
A few weeks back, I watched the last Psych. Eight wacky seasons came to an end. I think we started watching it only because it followed Monk, but I'm sure glad we did. Sometimes the show's schedule was frustrating. USA network would run maybe six episodes, then there would be a hiatus, then another six would air. Just when you settle into the routine of watching, you were forced to take a break! But it was worth it. It wasn't a heavy "police drama," but there was a crime to solve each week. There were serious moments, exciting scenes, and of course, comedy. But at the risk of sounding like a broken record, part of what made the show successful was the variety of relationships. The main character's father was on regularly, and his mom made several appearances. Other characters had visits from their family members, too. Was there a "traditional" family a la Leave it to Beaver or The Cosby Show (which was sort of a recurring inside joke on the show)? No, but the family relationships were just as complicated as any in your life or in your neighborhood. What really kept the show going was the friendship between the two male lead characters. It was so much fun to see two men (in their 20s and/or 30s?) who had been friends since they were kids still genuinely care about and want to spend time with each other. Sure, they had different lifestyles and habits and goals, but even at the end, the bond they shared was really what mattered the most. This was also a show that really used social media for all it's worth. Lots of Twitter activity, online games, and even an overnight marathon. What other fan base would stay up all night to re-watch episodes? It could only happen because of the cyberspace community that could share the experience. *sigh* That's one show I am going to miss.
So, what's my point? I guess it's simply that I'm glad these shows existed in the first place. All good things must come to an end, but at least I know that television can still find the right formula for a quality show once in awhile.
Is there anything you've been sad to see end recently?
"It's a long way...to Tipperary. It's a long way...to go..."
Ah, the first day of April. The time when some folks' fancy turns to pranks.
I don't think it was ever a particularly big holiday for me. Oh, one year our son taped down the handle on the kitchen sprayer in an attempt to give a sprinkle to whoever turned on the water. And I think one year at work someone tried to get us believe they were expecting a little bundle of joy. We've toyed with the idea of calling my mother (who has worked in libraries for a good portion of her life) to tell her she has an overdue library book with a big fine, but we've never secured an accomplice whose voice she wouldn't recognize.
But I do remember being the victim of a prank, though no harm was really done. It had to be at least 25 years ago, and it wasn't even that elaborate, really. But it has stuck with me.
I was working at the front desk of a hotel. The evening was progressing slowly yet steadily. One of our regular local clients came in. He'd often reserved groups of rooms for his out-of-town colleagues if they were having a meeting. So he says to me, he says...something along the lines of, "The guys will be getting here soon. Do you have their keys ready?" Uh...blank stare from me. "How many rooms was that? I don't see anything here, but I can get them ready for you." I was flustered and annoyed with the salesperson who hadn't properly made the reservation. So I start pulling out blank folios (the "bill") and keys and key envelopes and tried to gather as much information as I could from him while trying to not let him know that someone else had dropped a pretty big ball here. Biting my lip while trying to keep a smile on my face. I wasn't prepared for a group check-in, but I couldn't fix that now. All I could do was forge ahead and make the best of it.
He casually asked me what the date was, as if to write out a payment check. I surely answered, "April 1st." Then he asked me again...maybe even a third time until it dawned on me. April 1st, as in April Fools' Day. The sales manager came up from her office (I don't know if I even knew she was there) and the two of them surely had a few chuckles at my expense. I laughed, too, and I was probably relieved that there wasn't actually a missing group reservation rather than angry. As I recall, they were a little disappointed that I didn't freak out more. I was just too darn good at handling situations professionally, if I do say so myself.
In a weird way, I was a little honored that someone took the time to prank me. We were a close-knit group there for years. The people are what kept me there long past the time when I enjoyed the actual work.
In recent years, I remember LinkedIn making it look as if some famous (or was it dead?) person had visited your profile. And at least once, Google Analytics showed that the International Space Station had been reading your blog! But I think I'm happier not having to look over my shoulder all day or question everything someone says to me. If I'm going to play a practical joke on someone, I'd probably do it on a different day...when they least expect it.
Do you celebrate April Fools' Day? Or has anyone ever really "gotten you good"? No joke...don't be shy about sharing!
