My Favorite Disney Princess

  I've read many little articles and writes on the forgotten Disney princesses. Mostly referring to all the princesses who aren't Cinderella, Snow White, Elsa, and Belle. As I read through the list, I see many old princesses who I loved to watch during my childhood, Maid Marian from Robin Hood, Princess 'Kida' Kidagakash from Atlantis, Venellope Von' Schweetz  from Wreck it Ralph, Nala from Lion King, or even Princess Ada from Bugs Life. There's so many that they leave out of the list and of the Disney Princess circle, but there is one girl, however, that is left out entirely.

  My favorite Disney princess is Jane Porter from the film Tarzan. She originally comes from the book series called, "Tarzan of the Apes", then later in the books that followed. Throughout this series, we learn of Tarzan, an orphaned man who was adopted into a family of gorillas (or apes), and later, becomes their chief (king). And within the stories, he and Jane become married (technically) making her Tarzan's queen. So I guess, she is actually a queen.

    Whatever the case, I count Jane in the large group of Disney princesses. And reasoning to why she is my favorite? This can be explained easily.

    Jane is, in my opinion one of the most relatable princesses. Unlike the perfectionists like Aurora of Sleeping Beauty, she is clumsy, bashful, and very open toward her feelings. I also love the fact that she traveled all the way from London to Africa just to study gorillas. To pursue her passion and do something she loves. This is what I think a Disney princess should be to a young girl, a fine example of someone who lives their life and lives their dream.  And Jane doesn't stop there, Jane shows girls that you don't need to be perfect, that you don't have to be proper all the time, and that being imperfect doesn't make you any less of a person.

 

    I know I mentioned this before, but Jane is clumsy. As she is dressed for a Sunday stroll through London, she realizes quickly that the jungle is not a fit place to where heels, a laced gown, or carry an umbrella. Even her first interacting with a simple monkey goes horribly wrong as the monkey rips through her drawing journal, steals her boot, and she is later a mess from running after him.

 

Despite being clumsy, she is very stern toward the gentleman she is associated with, and does not let them walk over her. When she and Tarzan first meet, she is already aware of his lack of personal space. But, as the two connect more, she becomes his tutor and teaches him English and the ways of a civilized man.

     Throughout the Tarzan film, Jane is sketching the animals that she sees and one includes Tarzan, a wild man of the land who has found them intriguing. But the two learn off of each other, giving the other what the other half needs. And though their love relationship is a bit "odd" being a young artist and an orphaned gorilla man, it's no different than Beauty and the Beast. If anything, it's a bit more romantic; and here's why. As the boat arrives to take Jane and her father back to London after their long expedition in Africa, Jane has a choice. She can either stay with Tarzan, her new love and companion or, return to her high class society life in London. And she gives up everything, turning away the life she knew, for the life in the jungle. Which honestly, that took some serious guts.

   It saddens me that Jane is so under appreciated. She would teach girls so much; from social interactions, to traveling, to art, and the study of animals, and overall, she's just an awesome forgotten Disney princess. I hope that she may catch on someday, as with the many other princesses that sit behind the more popular ones of today. But it makes me happy to be a bit different, to like something not of the same crowd. Like Jane, I want to be different, to reach out and be inspired. To be artistic and live life to the fullest! That's what a Disney princess should be.

 

 

 

 

(Also, has anyone else noticed Disney's lack in English girl names? Jane Banks from Mary Poppins, Jane Porter from Tarzan, Jane from Peter Pan)

 

 

 

                        
 

London Calling.

     So a few of you might have read my 'I need to see Paris' blog awhile back, and as I look at that list, it inspired me to write more. Because honestly, there are so many places I'd love to visit someday. (I need to become a travel agent or something)

     And as we're over in the Europe area, it lead me over towards England! I find it funny how my ancestors from so long ago wanted to leave England, and now I want so badly to go there. I don't know what it is about that small little country, but I love the people that come out of there, I love the music, the accents, the properness, the oldness and historical sense of it. My grandma always loved collecting photos and watching documentaries on the many beautiful castles that lay throughout England, and I think it's her love of England that rubbed off on me.

     My all time favorite band also took their first steps to fame in here. The Beatles, the best band of all time started and spread throughout England, sprouting in a little town of Liverpool. And now, all the legendary landmarks are there for people like me to go and explode with excitement.

                                 So here is my list of ten things I'd do over in England.
                                        (For both fun and educational purposes)

                                                1. Ride on of those big red buses.

 

2. Visit the British Museum in London Borough of Camden.

 

3. Take a picture outside the Cavern Club with John Lennon.

 

4. Go on the Magical Mystery Tour.

 

5. Have tea at tea time. (Pinky's up!)

 

6. Visit Portmeirion in Wales.

 

7.  Visit the Stonehenge.

                                    8. Visit platform 9 3/4 at the king's cross station London.

 

 

                                                      9. Hiking around the Lake District

                                                
                                        10.  Use one of the red phone booths to call family.

                Those of you who are from the U.K., I have two things to say to you. One: I envy you! Two: Did I leave any important places or activities off my list? Let me know below.  Of course though, this is just my own list and only basing my list off of films and photos, I don't know the true amazing things to do in England or in Paris. I'm just a girl with hopes for the future. Anyway, that's it for now. Till next write,

 

Christmas Time Blues...

     Now, I know that Christmas is a time of cheer and giving. But are there any of you out there who are feeling a bit lonely on Christmas? Like, for some reason you're just not feeling that *poof* of magic Christmas air or something. It is shown in so many movies and t.v. commercials, the perfect Christmas. And though I am a very lucky and fortunate person who can enjoy Christmas with the family, I still feel like Charlie Brown.

 

 

And even in the Charlie Brown episode, Lucy, one of the kids, tells him that the only way to

get out of his holiday gloom is to become more involved with a Christmas project. So I have, and I actually have for many years at my church. But instead of feeling helpful, I get anxious and dread the performances I help out at.

 

So I look at the other Christmas traditions. Maybe I feel lonely cause I'm single, but then

again, I don't have much interest in the whole Christmas couple bit, though I do hate having the constant flair in my face from friends.

 

I think what I'm facing is age. I've been shot with the needle of reality, seeing what Christmas

brings out in the young adult life. Froo~froo romance, expensive gifts, over the top stress giving Christmas shows, and overall the loss of Christmas excitement.

 

But this is what I think I've learned from these Christmas time blues, I've fallen into

the trap of man-maid happiness. The false screen that shows us pictures of gifts under the tree, the hungry child devouring to open them. And of course, they receive a toy, or a game system, or some item of current desire. And this goes for adults too. One minute this gift is just pure and utter bliss, but in a few months, years, that gift is given away, broken, not worth looking at. These are gifts only a man can give.

 

The true happiness that I'm expecting, is only from one gift.

And the true meaning of Christmas.... 

 

 

I know now, that I've been missing the true meaning, and that is why I've been so

disappointed like a greedy little child every year. I can't expect such a high from mere manmade gifts. For the true gift is worth more, and never runs out, never leaves you bored, and will always fulfill your needs. And that's what I needed this Christmas.

 

 

 

My personal favorite couples.

            So as far as my movie watching goes, I've evolved from my child favorites toward some more romantic chick flick type films. Now I am not an absolute fan of the genre, but out of the few I've seen, I've developed a definite love for some of these adorable couples. As long as film couples go, there are also real life couples that I admire and feel like they too should be on the list. And these couples aren't picked not so much for just their dedication to one another, but also their story, how they met and so on. So without further adu, here are my picks! All the names are links, in case you'd like more information on that film or person!

                                 

                                                     
                                                        Edward Bloom & Sandra Templeton
                    
        The first couple that pop into my mind are the adorable Edward and Sandra from "Big Fish". The two are very dedicated and just so loving toward one another. Their background starts at a carnival, there Edward sees her amongst the crowd of people. At that moment, Edward had to meet her and find her, saying, "I'm gonna spend every day for the rest of my life looking for her. That, or die alone!" So hearing that, you can hear the didication he already has towards Sandra. When he finally finds her after working years to get information from the carnival owner, she's at college and though she thinks he's sweet, she's already engaged. He won't give up though, through his kind acts, he slowly wins her heart and she finds that this stranger loves her more than her fiance. The two grow old together, facing the war, children, and just life. Definitely one of my biggest favorites.

                                                       
                                                                   Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers

              Though these two never did actually marry or "date" pursay, the two did share many kisses on the screen, creating a beautiful duo. The two had made a total of ten films together, most relating toward the theme of musicals. Not only were their voices perfect together, but the real perfection came when the two danced. With Fred's quick movements, it seemed like noone could keep up with him, but, Ginger was always right behind him following along beside him. The two were a classic, making several memorable songs together which have inspired many people in the musical industries.

     

 

Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland

 

Another duo from around the same decade as Fred and Ginger are Mickey and Judy. These

two did "date", but I believe it was just a publicity scheme. But like Fred and Ginger, these two held  deep friendship and respect toward one another, a true pair of best friends. The two were in nine movies together, each film differing from the other. From musicals to comedies, these two did it all together. And even as the years faded the duo apart, I feel like they never could truly forget about one another.

 

 

Max Campion & Penelope Wilhern

 

One of my favorite films to watch far too much is Penelope, a modern day fairytale about

a cursed family and a marrige that could break that curse. As the curse says, the daughter will be born with the face of a pig and till 'one of her own kind' learns to love her will the curse be broken. And sadly, Penelope gets the cusre. So once she hit eighteen, her mother began trying to find the perfect suitor that will love Penelope as their own, despite her appearance. And the one to do so is Max Campion. The two meet after the other suitors leave quickly and Max speaks with her through a thick mirror, allowing Penelope to see him but he can't see her. But, I won't spoil anything for you guys! You'll just have to see the film!

 

So that's it for now, maybe I'll try to find some more to add to my list! Till next write!

 

 Other amazing couples that I love are....

 

 

The Book Thief (Film)

         For those of you who haven't read, "The Book Theif," I do warn you to stop reading. This is a review and my thoughts on the film,
and though the film and movie are a wee different, I still don't want to spoil anything that this amazing story has to offer. If you are interested in knowing about the film or book, here is a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_Thief_(film)

                       

 

I'm not very sure how many of you reading this have actually read this amazing book.

But for those of you who have, I hope you are fully aware that they've made a film of it! I was a bit skeptical about it. Because if you're like me, you crave perfection in these films. After reading such a powerful book, you have these images in your head of what you want, how you want it, and in short, you've written the film in your head. And again, if you are like me, and your ideas are not up to standards with how the film portrayed the book, your brain just turns to hate.

 

In this case, I was looking for everything. I wanted exactly what i imagined in my head to come

true. And though the film did leave out a few things, I was just as amazed with the film than with the book. The characters fit and the story still hung strong.

 

_________

 

I never like to admit being wrong, though I have had to a lot of times. And I am now having to

say it again, I was wrong. Before I had seen the film, I had every intention of being a snob and sticking my nose up at it. Claiming that the book is far more superior than it's film. But frankly, I was wrong.  It was a perfect cast and beautiful set. All bringing togetherthe story of Liesel. And even down to the voice of Death, they nailed it.

 

And my last rant before watching the movie is that I swore it wouldn't make me cry as hard as

the book did. ...... Again, and again, I was wrong. Thankfully my friend had recently bought me some tissues and now they are gone. For some of you, maybe you got through this film without crying, but this story hits me hard every time. Whether I be reading it or watching it, "The Book Thief," shall remain on of my favorites for a long, long time.

 

_________

 

Quotes from The Book Thief

 

 

 

 

 

Fall is here!

             This morning as I woke up, I found that my windows were open and a cool sweet breeze had swept in. I shivered but couldn't help but smile as the sweet crisp air of a good rain greeted me! A long awaited rain finally came to us over in California. I've been dying in this heat, and with my calanderreading that it is now fall, i had been angered my the sun's annoying persistance to keep shinning. I need my fall rain!

 

               Today's blog write, I will be plainly stating my reasons for why I sincerely love fall.

         
              When fall comes: The leaves from the trees begin to crinkle as they slowly fall from the trees, creating a crunchy pathway for me to walk on. The big oak trees begin dropping acorns.  Stores begin to sell Halloween decorations and big fat kid bags of candy.

 

                The tastes of fall: When fall comes, so does the delicious tastes of fall. The warm foods begin to come. Stews, soups and noodles fill the kitchen with steam, warming you up as the rain freezes your hands. Bisciuts and turkey and green beans heat up in the later months of fall, as family comes in and noise echos through the house. The endless supply of candy you've collected over Halloween.

 

            The smells of fall: The strong smell of pumpkin guts as you carve your pumpkin. It's smell overpowers your nostrils as you clean the inside of the soon to be jack-o-lantern. While inside you light a small candle in your room. Both the smell of smoke and the clean smell of apple-cinnamon fills the house. Such a warm smell!

 

              The touch of fall: Rain drops falling on your face as you eagarly head outside to jump in puddles. It's cool touch chills your skin as the breeze begins to blow by. Or the coolness of night as you hunt down door to door for more candy as you trick or treat. Or the sticky, gross, feeling of the insides of a pumpkin as you carve it.

 

              The sounds of fall: A hard rain on your patio roof. The snapping of burning logs in a fireplace. The laughter of family members. Trick or Treaters running down the streets. Cool jazz inside a Starbucks. Charlie Brown.

 

           The style of fall: Thick sweatshirts and socks go along with your cozy pj pants as you curl up in your bed. Boots and gloves begin to show as you walk outside. Beanies and hats and scarves!

                And lastly, the refreshing feeling you get, when you take in a deep breath and your
                                          lungs fill with that super cold air. Ah, fall at last!

                    

Sincerely, Anne Frank

    I didn't know what caused it, perhaps maybe through school it kicked in, but not until about seventh grade did I firmly grasp what World War Two was about. I new it was a big war, America was in it, and Hitler was definitely in the whole scene. But I lacked so much of what trul went on in World War Two. The many men and women and children who died in the pits of Jewish concentration camps, who died in the bomb attacks over in Poland, who died along the shores of France. So many beautifal and honest people gave or had their lives taken from them, in a brutal ambush of races and discrimination. A longing for a perfect race.

 

  I remember reading about Anne Frank in my english class. The way the story was written, was as if we were reading a play or script. With stage directions and scene intro directions. I was very into the story, but seeing the way it was written, I imaginged it being simply a play, a memory or made up story representing a possibility of WWII. I had no idea that Anne was real, that she actually went through the months and years of silence and secrecy. Never knowing if your hiding place would be found.

   Do any of you remember playing hide and seek when you were young? You'd find a place, behind or inside of something, like in your closet. You cover yourself with some blankets, trying to hide yourself even more. Your heart beats fast, you try to quiet your breathing as you wait. Listening and staying alert, for those sounds of feet approaching your hiding place. You bite your lip as you watch them get closer, and closer, you close your eyes tight, hoping they'll leave. And maybe they do, but most times, they don't.

   Now imagine a game of hide and seek, but where if you're found, you're thrown into a camp full of scrawny un-human looking people. Starving and cold, you strive to survive. Your body covered in your punishment for hiding, and now you are found. This became a constant thought for Anne and her family. I can't even fathome this feeling. Fearing for my life that strongly, hiding away for years, praying that this war will end. But see, Anne was different.

   Despite this horrid nerve racking circumstance, Anne was still her happy self. Trying to keep the normalness of her past life, in her now crampt small world. Applying her favorite actors and actresses on her wall with tape, and keeping her attitude up. I'd imagine if i were in there along with Anne, i would have yelled at her many times to calm her attitude way down. I'd be on edge, fearful, and not in the mood for happy thoughts. And yet, she still kept going.

  I believe a big reason in this was her father. He tried to see the best for his family, and tried his hardest to maintain a normal life for his family. Though this new living situation was far from normal, he had them all continue their normal routines, school, chores, keeping a maintained bedroom and to obey his rules. The family got along well following these rules, and when another Jewish family arrived, they too were fine with the rules. Sometimes.

    As we all know, Anne did not survive WWII, but sadly in a died concentration camp months before the war was ending. The family was discovered by German soldiers, and later seperated into different camps.  Anne described this as a somewhat of a relief, no more envisioning that door opening wide, no more fear of their secret being found. And when she did arrive at the camp, she endured terrible treatment. Her hair was shaven off due to bugs, she grew skinny and weak. But she continued to look on the brighter side, trying to keep her sister's and her own chin up. Other Jewish women describe her as fearless, not afraid to still show happiness despite her situation. But when she witnessed her sister die, I believe this is when the happiness, could not cover things anymore.

     Soon after, she became depressed. Fearing that all her family was gone. And that she was alone in this. She died there in the camps, never being able to see the Americans who came months later. And she neer was able to find out she was not alone. Her father had managed to make it through the war, hoping to see his family once again, but was later told that both his daughters and wife had died.

              _______________________________________________________________

    Though her story holds much cold truths of war and its destruction, this is a story that has been an inspiration. A key to the past, an insider's look to how it was. And a warning to the future, a warning of what rage and hatred can lead to.

     Anne dreamt and wrote many times that se wanted to make a difference, wanted to be a writer and change the world with her stories. And though she didn't live to see them become that, through her death, her writes became treassures. She became a writer, she became someone who changed the world. And now she is a brave woman of war. And I pay my deepest respects towards her.

 

                                                            In Memory of all
                                                               who passed
                                                             away in WWII.