"Avatar" the movie: My Reflections

I just saw the movie, "Avatar." I cannot stop thinking about it.

Not only is the movie just epic, and the effects, and plot well done, but it really gets to the heart on some issues...

My head is spinning at where to begin this review. This movie really made me think about life and love and what we value most in this world.

I found myself asking what do I value most? What is most important to me, and to our race as a people? This movie is not just a love story but it's also about being one with your people and the earth and your community. It's a story about believing in someone even when you have lost hope..it's a movie about faith.

Not just faith in a god, but in each other, and faith that love can conquer any obstacle it faces. True love (whether in another person, or a family or community) has the power to find a way to what is important, to what is true and pure.

There is a lot of ugliness in this world, a lot of betrayal and war. Their is a lot of destruction, not only to this earth, but to our souls as well. People have lost sight of why we are here on this planet. We are the caretakers, we are the ones that can protect this planet, and protect each other and the animals that live on it.

I am getting all philosophical now, haha-but it is what I truly feel. I have a heart for humanity, even when it is ugly. I have a heart for this earth and the animals. We are all connected, and that's what this movie portrays.

I think the movie also shows us that our minds and souls are more powerful than we believe them to be. If people would just be more open to the possibilities that the mind is a gift and a powerful tool, who knows what we could achieve. However, the minds of some are not always good, and that can be a danger as well.

The "love story" in the movie is a heartwarming one. It's a bit like the story of Pocahontas. Some of it really hit home to me, but that is something I won't get into. All I will say is that the story encouraged me to keep believing in the things that I know and to hold on to them. It helped remind me, that true love, can overcome any obstacle, if it is a fate, it will find a way.

I urge everyone to see the movie, you'll laugh, you'll cry, and it'll make your heart race! Get ready for a wild ride! ;-)

Peace,
Kelly

Winter Scenes

Here is a photo montage I have done a few days ago. A snowstorm hit the Midwest this week, and the snow was just beautiful...



One of my favorite Christmas music artists "Mannheim Steamroller"

Winter Conversation

by Joyce Wakefield

I listen to you explain the difference
between a right brain thought and a left.
I am distracted by the smell
of cold on your face.
I lick it away like a child
with an ice cream cone
sticky fingers and sweet tongue.

Aware that I have been here before
I pause in your words.
I have slept in this flesh,
dreamed these winter bones.

Waking in the darkness between us
I hear frost sweeping the porch,
edging toward the morning.
I reach for your hand.

What, you whisper, voice hoarse with dream.
My lips, swollen with you, cold,
are silent.

The Sky is the Limit

I've been having a lot of fun creating some really colorful and abstract photographs I've taken of our magnificent atmosphere...I'd like to share a few with you, along with some quotes I've found.





I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir, 1913





Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them. ~Bill Vaughn








And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything. ~William Shakespeare

I need the starshine of your heavenly eyes,
After the day's great sun.
~Charles Hanson Towne

The most beautiful view is the one I share with you. ~Author Unknown

The Man I Seek...

Is..

Compassionate: About everything he does. About people, and about life.

Sensitive: To others feelings and points of views.

Open-minded: Doesn't judge others.

Child-like: Isn't afraid to be silly or talk to children and make them laugh.

Optimistic: His glass is half full instead of half empty.

Creative: He uses his mind and talent to make beautiful things out of simple things.

Quirky: He has a sense of humor and a dorkiness to him that makes him different than other guys.

Intimate: Likes to cuddle, and isn't afraid to talk about his feelings when he needs to.

Down to earth: Easy going and not over dramatic or plays games with your head. He is real.

Sexual: Isn't afraid to try new things and express himself in a sexual way.

Handsome: The way he holds himself up and the little things about him, that make him stand out from the others. Or perhaps the way he looks at me :)

Romantic: Creative in his ways of showing how much he loves me, whether its something simple or over the the top, it doesn't matter to me. As long as it's from the heart.

A great kisser: He knows how to hold a kiss and keep you wanting more. ;)

Faithful and Honest: No matter how hard things get, he is there to work it out and support me. Believes in open communication.

Faith: Has faith in "something" that makes him want to be a better person and do good things. That makes him have a heart for the world...

Complete: Makes me feel like I am whole and protected when he is near.

He is...someone, that makes my heart flutter every time he is near, no matter how many times I see his face :)

Quotes & Snapshots

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. ~John Ruskin








There are three stages of a man's life: He believes in Santa Claus, he doesn't believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus. ~Author Unknown



Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right. ~John Donne




Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to draw blood in its defense. ~Mark Overby

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~e.e. cummings

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt





Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. ~Emily Kimbrough

May the roof above us never fall in
And may we good companions beneath it never fall out.
~Irish Blessing



I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.
~Vincent Van Gogh

Veterans & Armistice Day Photos

Found these photos online here

These are very powerful and moving. We need to honor those that have fallen, that have given their lives to serve their country.

"Last Wednesday was Armistice Day, when on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month", in 1918, the armistice was signed for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front at the end of World War I. The date is now observed by many of the allied nations from that era as Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day or Poppy Day"
-

My first HDR

I had no idea about HDR photography, until Sergey Poberezhny posted on his blog about it...

So I went on a quest and I conquered...well at least I think I did.

Now, this is my first try, so excuse it if it isn't exactly "great". I thrive on perfection with my photos, so I'm a little edgy about showing this. However I would like opinions on what I could maybe do better?

Some new work of mine

I've been really enjoying playing with colors with my photos. Here are a few of some of my favorites that I've done. You can see more at my flickr website:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellynichole

Just For Fun

Here is a photography website I enjoy venturing to once in a while. I like to put some of these photographs on my desktop once in a while too.

http://www.caedes.net/Zephir.cgi?lib=Caedes::Gallery&gallery=photography


Here are a few recent ones I thought were pretty amazing:




Having been to Estes Park, recently I thought this was beautiful and the place really is stunning to see!




I love the contrast in this one, and how the lighting worked perfectly in a sepia setting. It's not always easy to achieve.



Care for a drink anyone? I love the colors and the repetition in this one.




Like the color in the black and white setting, I love doing this with a lot of my photos. It really puts the focus on one particular image, almost like you want that certain part of the photo to speak to it's viewers and say something.

Autism Awareness

I have a heart for those children/adults who have been diagnosed with Autism. Having had some experience with hands on tutoring with autistic children, I have learned a great deal about them.

Also, in my Child Development classes, I have been educated about the effects of Autism and the research that is being done to help find a cure and the genetic make-up of why one child may have it and another may not. There are so many missing puzzle pieces that are yet to be found.

Here is a website that I strongly encourage you to check out. Just by watching one of the videos, will help raise money toward Autism research.

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/list/filter/autismspeaks


Here is one video that I find especially moving:



They are trying to get a bill passed in order that more Health Insurances will cover the treatment of Autism. If you go to the website, you can donate more money if you choose to.

My heart goes out to any families that have been affected by this tough disease. However I have found that Autism is a characteristic all on its own. Each child is affected differently. They see the world different from us, and in some ways they are blessed that they will always have the mind of a child, and have their innocence. In other ways, it can be outright frustrating for those who love them and care for them.

But in the end, what matters most for these kids, is the love and the attention and education and therapy that they need, so they can have a happy and fulfilling life.

Happy Halloweeeeen!

Since it is national "spooky day" I decided to post some zombie photos I found in a photo journal from the Wall Street Journal
































*Being a huge zombie fan, I couldn't resist posting a few of my favorites from the bunch*


here is the link: http://blogs.wsj.com/photojournal/2009/10/22/zombie-city-usa/




I am about to see Micheal Jackson's "This is It" in a few hours. I am excited to see it!



Hopes everyone has a safe all Hallows Eve!

Demand It NOW

Here is the link to demand the American Ghost Hunter: the movie.

View all Milwaukee events on Eventful

The American Ghost Hunter Movie

My Reflections:

This movie is definitely different than your average ghost movie. It's real, it's raw, and it's honesty is very moving. At the end of the film, the crowd at the Stanley Hotel at the PRS/AGH event, was silenced. We weren't sure exactly how to react, but we were sure moved by Chad Calek's story of his family and the shit they have gone through. I truly feel that this movie will help those that have gone through similar experiences, and aren't sure where to go or what to do about it.

Chad's perspective and his approach to the situation is interesting and motivating to watch. What I mean by that, is that it took a huge amount of courage to make this film and put his private life out there for people to see. This is not a film to take lightly. It is a film that makes you think about life, religion, and the people in our lives, and how it effects us daily. If you think you know everything about the Paranormal, you're wrong. Even experts who have studied in the field for years I believe will be scratching their heads while watching this film. I am understanding now, that no matter how long the paranormal has been a part of your life, there is always unexplained answers. Good or bad..

Having gotten to know the people in the film to a certain degree, I was affected by it. It was heart wrenching to watch at times. Chad and the others in the film are great people who worked super hard to get this movie out, in order that others will be helped and also "understood" with what they are going through.

My goal is to help promote this movie and get it out there. This story deserves to be heard, it deserves to be seen, for the sake of those that are crying out for help. Please pass the word on and get it out to the public.

**Thank you to Chad Calek, Ryan Buell, Justin Holstien, Joe Ansley, and Sergey Poberezhny for an amazing film and you have my best wishes and prayers!

UFO Sightings on YouTube

There are so many youtube videos with UFO sightings. There are a lot of fake ones too. Like people pretending to shake the camera so it looks like it's moving around in circles. Or they are actually airplanes, and I must wonder if they are drunk when recording the video...

However there are a few that stick out, that seem very possible, and real. For example, the think below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw2ceke9tYk

and the many videos of the recorded lights over Phoenix, AZ. and different parts of Arizona, between the years 2005 and 2006. Here is one I thought had the best footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eNtolbJLws&feature=related

UFO's and Aliens

Do you believe in this stuff? Well, I happen to believe in it. Why, you ask?

Well if I hadn't seen something strange in the sky one night, when I was about 19 years old, I would probably would still be doubting the idea.

Here's my story:

I was driving home from my job at the local ice cream/hamburger place. It was about 1:30 a.m. And it was a little out into the countryside, so the skies were very clear and you could see the stars that night. Well I looked out my front windshield, and I saw this orb of light that was pretty far up above me, and it was dancing around like those little laser pointers do. I mean it was super fast and there was no way any flying machine that we have, would have the technology to do such a thing. Luckily there were no cars on the road so I kept glancing up at it..It came closer and closer to the earth's atmosphere, as it was dancing around, and then suddenly it shot up into the sky and disappeared, obviously going at light speed. I was dumbfounded, I thought what the heck was that? That was not human, for sure. I know I wasn't imagining it, because I have never done any type of drugs that would cause me to hallucinate. I wasn't that tired, so it couldn't have been that. I'm not sure what it was but in my mind it was definitely a UFO.

Here is a youtube video that I found, that is somewhat familiar to what I saw on that late summer night. (Note: not the best footage, but it is similar to what I saw, only mine was at night)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-mPJZrEMfo&feature=related

My next few posts I will dedicate it to alien proof and conspiracies that I have found to be believable. Here is a video that I came across today by a fellow tweeter. It is very convincing, and very cool, if it is true!

http://jimharold.com/?p=2128

Peace to the above and beyond,
Kelly

Halloween Past

Considering that one of my favorite holidays is approaching I thought I would share some facts about the history of Halloween. (copied from Wikipedia)

On All Hallows’ eve, the ancient Celts would place a skeleton on their window sill to represent the departed. Originating in Europe, these lanterns were first carved from a turnip or rutabaga. Believing that the head was the most powerful part of the body, containing the spirit and the knowledge, the Celts used the "head" of the vegetable to frighten off the embodiment of superstitions.Welsh, Irish and British myth are full of legends of the Brazen Head, which may be a folk memory of the widespread ancient Celtic practice of headhunting - the results of which were often nailed to a door lintel or brought to the fireside to speak their wisdom.

The name jack-o'-lantern can be traced back to the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a greedy, gambling, hard-drinking old farmer. He tricked the devil into climbing a tree and trapped him by carving a cross into the tree trunk. In revenge, the devil placed a curse on Jack, condemning him to forever wander the earth at night with the only light he had: a candle inside of a hollowed turnip.

The carving of pumpkins is associated with Halloween in North America where pumpkins are both readily available and much larger- making them easier to carve than turnips. Many families that celebrate Halloween carve a pumpkin into a frightening or comical face and place it on their doorstep after dark. The American tradition of carving pumpkins preceded the Great Famine period of Irish immigration and was originally associated with harvest time in general, not becoming specifically associated with Halloween until the mid-to-late 19th century.

Origin of name

The term Halloween, originally spelled Hallowe’en, is shortened from All Hallows’ Even ("All Hallows' Eve") [eve is an abbreviation of even, an older word for evening.

Halloween gets -een as a contraction of even to e'en], from the Old English term eallra hālgena ǣfen meaning "All Hallow' Evening", as it is the eve of "All Hallows’ Day", which is now also known as All Saints’ Day.

It was a day of religious festivities in various northern European pagan traditions, until Popes Gregory III and Gregory IV moved the old Christian feast of All Saints’ Day from May 13 (which had itself been the date of a pagan holiday, the Feast of the Lemures) to November 1. In the 9th century, the Church measured the day as starting at sunset, in accordance with the Florentine calendar.

Although All Saints’ Day is now considered to occur one day after Halloween, the two holidays were, at that time, celebrated on the same day.

History

Halloween has origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain [pronounced: sow- wen]; from the Old Irish samhain, possibly derived from Gaulish samonios). The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year".Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient Celtic pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores.

The ancient Celts believed that on October 31st, now known as Halloween, the boundary between the living and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, into which the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks being worn at Halloween goes back to the Celtic traditions of attempting to copy the evil spirits or placate them, in Scotland for instance where the dead were impersonated by young men with masked, veiled or blackened faces, dressed in white.

Speculations

There is a situation going on in my life right now, that some people have speculated about, and wondered the validity of what is happening with me. I understand their curiousness, however when it becomes an obsession and an intrusiveness into my life, there is a line that has to be drawn. What is going on with me is personal. And you have no right to judge me, because it is not your business. Some people have talked about what is going on, because they have misread information or have eavesdropped on me. I have only confided in those that I can trust, and unfortunately I misjudged a few of them. I have only been sincere and trusting, but in doing that, I get stabbed in the back. So now I feel forced to get my armor on. Whatever you have been told or heard about, can only be of speculation, because I don't even know all the answers. However, because it is personal to me, it is also an emotional subject. If you have any respect for me, please stop intruding. I know that some people are talking and saying stuff to "spite me" because they *think* they know what is going on. However, unless you have actual proof of what it is, then you have no reason to judge and say stuff about me. I am tired of the drama and the people intruding on my life only because of their obsession with a particular social group. If you have respect for me and these people (if you know who I am talking about) then you would leave it alone. I have also talked with this group on the matter, so whatever it is that you are speculating you really have no business doing so, since you are not involved in the situation. I am not delusional and/or obsessed with anyone or anything, if you have come to believe that, then fine. I don't care what you think. I have only been sincere and optimistic as much as I can be. If you are concerned about my situation I appreciate the concern, but please keep it to yourself. Out of respect for me, and others involved. Thank you.

Shutter Island

Just a short blog today...here is a movie that I am really anxious to see. I've heard about the stories of Shutter Island. I saw a documentary on it, on the travel channel. Of course the movie is amped up to make it more entertaining, but the history behind the place, if you look it up, it is pretty creepy. I am stoked to see it. Not only cause scruffy and handsome Dicaprio is in it, but because not many people don't know about this place...

http://www.shutterisland.com/

Faith

What is faith to you?
I am not a religious person anymore. I used to be, but I consider myself to be more spiritual. I am a believer in a God. I believe He creates all things good and pure. I have a hard time in believing a God that is judgmental and cruel. I don't believe HE sends us to hell, but perhaps we send ourselves there...and maybe it is not merely a place, but a state of mind. Who knows? I guess we will never know until we cross over to the other side.

However, I do think that Faith is important, whatever yours may be. As long as it encourages you to do good to others and keeps you strong along this crazy path life leads us on. I went on a hike around this church here in southeastern Wisconsin, called Holy Hill. It is a Catholic Church and Monastery. It is beautiful to walk around and look at the nature and the images of the Stations of the Cross in these woods. As I was walking around in the woods surrounding the church, there was an odd sense of stillness and quietness. It was as if God had walked these woods and left an imprint of his peace. It is a great place to meditate and think, pray, listen, whatever it is that you do. Regardless of your faith, this place seems to draw people in. Here are some photos I took while walking the grounds. Of course I did some editing to them, for some effects. Enjoy.

Remembering 9/11

I know 9/11/2009 has passed, but these last few days, I've been thinking about that horrific event off and on. I just can't believe how so many people have forgotten that day...Ugh, I mean why are we in the sandbox, why are we over there pursuing a relentless enemy? All for nothing? These people will not die in vein! Now, I am not one for war. It is a cruel and hard thing for any country to endure. However what kind of message do we send if we just sit back and let them keep attacking, not only our country but others as well? How can we live in peace with our daily lives and have the opportunities we have, if we do not defend our country?

I'm proud to be an American, as I've said before. There is no other country I'd rather live in, but for the first time in my life on 9/11/01, I was scared in my own country. Not knowing where else they would try to attack, and if we'd be able to defend ourselves. For the first time in my life, I felt helpless and afraid. I've been very privileged to be born an American citizen.

Looking back on that day, I just pray that this will come to end someday. It's not going to be an easy road, and it make take years to crack down those terrorists. But what is the price of freedom? It is very high my friends, and that is why those towers went down...and why they attacked the Pentagon and attempted to attack the White House. They want to see that freedom, that is so costly, taken away from us, because they have none. Unfortunately, and sadly they are blinded by a hate. A hate, that I still cannot comprehend to this day...nor do I think I ever will...

Above are some photos I took while at Ground Zero, this past Labor Day weekend.

For Fun

Hey,
I thought I would put up a few funny quotes from some of my favorite movies...


Sally: (discussing orgasms) Most women at one time or another have faked it.
Harry: Well, they haven't faked it with me.
Sally: How do you know?
Harry: Because I know.
Sally: Oh. Right. Thats right. I forgot. Youre a man.
Harry: What was that supposed to mean?
Sally: Nothing. Its just that all men are sure it never happened to them and all women at one time or other have done it so you do the math.
When Harry Met Sally

Lieutenant Dan: Have you found God yet, Gump?
Forrest Gump: I didn't know I was supposed to be looking for him.
Forrest Gump (1994)

Mrs. White: It's a matter of life after death, now that he's dead I have a life.

Wadsworth: Professor Plum, you were once a professor of psychiatry specializing in helping paranoid and homicidal lunatics suffering from delusions of grandeur.
Professor Plum: Yes, but now I work for the United Nations.
Wadsworth: Well your work has not changed.

Col. Mustard: Wadsworth, am I right in thinking there is no body else in this house?
Wadsworth: Ummm, no.
Col. Mustard: Then there is someone else in this house?
Wadsworth: No, sorry. I said no meaning yes.
Col. Mustard: No meaning yes? Look I want a straight answer, is there someone else, or isn't there? Yes or no?
Wadsworth: Ummm, no.
Col. Mustard: No there is, or no there isn't?
Wadsworth: Yes.

Clue (1985)

Danny: Thirteen million and you drive this piece of shit cross country to pick me up?
Rusty: Blew it all on the suit.

Reuben: You guys are pro's, the best. I'm sure you can make it out of the casino, of course, lest we forget, once you're out the front door, you're still in the middle of the fucking desert!

Danny: There's a ninety-five pound Chinese man with a hundred sixty million dollars behind this door.
Linus: Let's get him out.

Danny: Saul, are you sure you're ready to do this?
Saul: If you ever ask me that question again Daniel, you will not wake up the following morning.
Danny: He's ready.

Oceans 11

Jack Byrnes: I'm just curious, did you pick the color of the car?
Greg Focker: Uh no, the guy at the window did, why?
Jack Byrnes: Well they say geniuses pick green.
Greg Focker: Oh.
Jack Byrnes: But you didn't pick it


Greg Focker: You can milk just about anything with nipples.
Jack Byrnes: I have nipples, Greg, could you milk me?


Jack Byrnes: Oh, geez. I just thought of something.
Dina Byrnes: What?
Jack Byrnes: Pam's middle name.
Dina Byrnes: Martha. ...Oh, no.
Jack Byrnes, Dina Byrnes: Pamela Martha Focker!

Meet The Parents

Casper the Friendly Ghost, or Not?

Here is a photo taken in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Taken in the former TNT areas where it is notorious for hauntings, and the original Mothman sighting. Can you find the creepy creature in the righthand corner of the photo? The fog is our breathe, however someone told me that it is possible the paranormal can use the surroundings around us to show us they are there..hm, could it be possible?? What do you think?

Speaking of Ghost Stories...

Here is photo my mom took while touring in Germany. When were looking at the photos I pointed out the 3 small blurs in the photograph. We cannot debunk it. She said it was not raining, and there were no smudges on the lens cause the other pics before and after didn't have anything like it. She was constantly taking photos at this castle. There was no fog in the area either. So we believe there could be 3 possible spirits in this photo..What do YOU think?