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Thursday Book Review: M.C. Beaton Mystery Series from Book to Screen

Published on July 14, 2022July 14, 2022 by Zents Music Studio1 Comment

Do you prefer the character of Agatha Raisin,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agatha_Raisin

The TV actress does not physically resemble the author’s portrayal of Agatha Raisin in her books

or Hamish Macbeth?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamish_Macbeth

Robert Carlyle is too short for the author’s portrayal of Hamish

I have read both series by the late M.C. Beaton aka Marion Chesney.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marion_Chesney

I feel the reason the Hamish Macbeth series is so readable and likable is because the author grew up in the very country Hamish is from!

I love mystery doused with comedy, and if you do too, Hamish Macbeth is for you!

Whether you are on Team Agatha or Team Hamish, keep in mind the books are always way better than the shows on TV!

I like Ashley Jenner and I like Robert Carlyle as actors, nevertheless, I think perky, blonde Ashley Jenner would be an ideal in the character’s mind, but bears little resemblance to the close-set, bearlike-eyed, thick-waisted, and brown-haired Agatha Raisin of the Agatha Raisin novels!

Also, 5’8″ Robert Carlyle is no 6 foot plus tall police constable Hamish Macbeth. 6′ 1″ David Tennant would probably suit the role of Hamish Macbeth a whole lot better.

I imagine it would mean hiring shorter actors amd lowering ceilings to see the gangly Hamish bumping his head on door entrances!

(No. Unrelated to all this, I am not pleased with Anna Chancellor playing Lord Veternari either in Terry Pratchett’s TV rendition of, “The Watch.”)

To summarize, the books are way better, and sorry if I was harsh in my critique.

Nevertheless, M.C. Beaton is a fine writer and her books are a lot of fun!

Question: Have you ever been disappointed with a character’s film portrayal in comparison to the book?

Car Watch: Another Car Show

Published on July 10, 2022July 10, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

Today we went to a summer festival in Winthrop.

Along with longest parade I’ve ever seen, there was a car show.

There were so many cool cars!

You would be glutted for choice.

There was inspiration for upcoming Car Watch features, but today is just a taste of some fine vehicles.

Enjoy the ride!

Memoir Writing Group

Published on July 8, 2022July 8, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

I am writing a little memoir of my college years.

Here is the Oxford dictionary definition of the word, “memoir.”

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/memoir

Or Monday I am going to the public library to attend a public memoir writing group.

I enjoy writing.

I really enjoyed college.

Too much!

I worked at the campus radio station for 15 years as a broadcaster as well.

And yes, like Albert Einstein I am a polymath too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath

Unlike Einstein I did not discover the Theory of Relativity.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_relativity

My only phenomena was surviving two car accidents in two months that totaled both cars!

When I graduated I had over 500 credits from my University spanning 14 years.

I took a double major in Music and in English, along with a number of other credits in subjects ranging from anatomy, science fiction, film studies, to sailing, theater arts, chemistry, horsemanship and many, many more classes.

I took morning, noon and night classes.

I attended classes Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer.

My thirst for knowledge was driven by the fact I dropped out of high school at age 15.

I was a non-traditional student who began college at age 29. When I graduated I was in my forties!

I felt I needed to catch up intellectually.

I liked being a perpetual student.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetual_student

I will let you know how the memoir writing group goes next week. ✍

Wednesday Diet Wisdom: Gym life

Published on July 6, 2022July 6, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

Three times a week hubby and I work on strength training.

However, every morning when the sun comes up we go to the pool at the Recreation center!

So after joining the gym we have gotten into the habit of exercise.

Whenever it is time to eat we focus on high fiber and high protein.

Of course being vegetarians it takes extra effort to eat protein and we find it in many good foods including lots of vegetables, soy products, nuts, nut butters and eggs.

Having a garden helps.

Tasty homemade pizza full of protein and fibre I cooked for noon lunch yesterday 😋

This morning after I rose at 5:30 I took things that were in the freezer. I cooked them in my steamer.

My big house cleaning project yesterday was to clean the fridge and freezer.

Anyway once we get home we like to play outdoor ping pong. That’s our thing we do as a couple. No holds barred! We each play to win!!!

Time to eat now

Every day instead of asking what do I want for dinner? Ask what do I want from dinner?

Stay active, grow slender and be strong.

Like they say, if I can do it you can do it!

P.S. All diet advice by me is my opinion and does not reflect on any professional advice. Lose weight at your own risk.

On the Tube: Home Economics 1954

Published on July 4, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

Stockings and skirts were the norm in the 1950’s

So things have changed for homemakers in the 21st century.

Women rarely do many of the chores and tasks of yore.

The home economics classes of the past promoted some great ideas for those who wanted to live a classy life, but many of those ideas have disappeared from our consciousness.

I watched this hilarious YouTube about some modern-day women who took a 1954 home economics test.

https://youtu.be/OE6E1sWhgZ8

Fitness Paradise

Published on June 28, 2022June 30, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

Today and every day I get to go workout and go swimming! 🏊‍♂️

I love to swim!

I joined our local community recreation center!

The recreation center director was kind enough to have one of the employees give my husband and I the grand tour.

Spin classes. a specially treated comfy walking track, a giant pool and exercise equipment, all at our disposal!

All that swimming made me hungry!

Pops of color, pops of joy!

Published on May 3, 2022May 3, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

Flowers give me such joy. I just love them so much!

The colors, the scents, the freshness and the beauty are as romantic today as it was when I was in New York City decades ago.

I saw an eager gentleman give his lady love two dozen beautiful red roses at Grand Central Station.

It was a sight to behold! It seemed straight out of the pages of a Harlequin romance!

Flowers not only say, “I love you,” they say, “I love me too!”

Buy yourself or your sweetie a flower or a bunch and make your world a happier place today!

A Tantalizing World

Published on April 27, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

Everywhere we look, people look for happiness.

They seek it online and in person. They are full of dissatisfaction.

They can’t get very much done because they are distracted.

Life is meant to be fun.

Life is meant to be enjoyed.

Here is a story I never heard of before, but it is the origin of the word tantalize.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalus

If you ever feel like you are missing out on all the fun, you are not alone.

Most people feel that way and that’s why many seek temptations and escape from the drudge of work.

Nevertheless, if you want to be a better person, the key is to plan your work and work your plan. The joys are hidden behind and in between your efforts in the daily service of others.

Yet, you need to also take time for yourself and live with balance and gratitude.

39 Steps on the Stage

Published on April 23, 2022April 23, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

Last night we went to see a local theater production of “The 39 steps,” a thriller.

It was peppered with unexpected comical camp.

With sparse sets. and a stretch of the imagination, 10 actors played 30 parts.

For more info you can check the link:

Home

Avian Flu Precautions

Published on April 15, 2022June 6, 2022 by Zents Music StudioLeave a comment

Today I do not have to go to work.

It’s my day off.

Nevertheless, a woman’s work is never done.

There are always things to do here at home.

According to the news, we are supposed to take down our bird feeders and empty the bird baths for a month.

There is an outbreak of Avian Flu in Minnesota.

So, as much as I would like to stay in bed on my day off, need to get up to safeguard the health of the wild birds , by removing the bird feeders from the backyard this morning, and emptying the bird bath.

I pray that the many variety of wild birds out there will be okay, and won’t be too disappointed with the loss of their regular refreshments.

I know that the chipmunks, rabbits, and squirrels won’t be too happy either with the absence of their free birdseed food.

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