And, yes, at long last the lj has returned! Not that it was out of commission so very long, but I get twitchy when I can't procrastinate. :D In the meantime, I have purchased the soundtrack to Garden State, which I am enjoying very, very much...despite the fact that 'tis making me want to buy the movie. Probably will buy the movie, but I don't think I'll regret it. Such a good movie. Such, *such* a good movie. For all the Adult Stuff that feels all too much like fiction (to me; maybe it's more factual to others), the story has so much that's real and honest. Fear and growing older and feeling adrift and falling in love. There's such simple beauty to it. ::sigh:: Plus, the soundtrack is awesome. Has my favorite Shins song on it. How could it *not* be awesome? ;)

Have also finished the fourth Harry Potter book---Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. As usual, I'm now desperate to read the next in the series. Only the flimsiest thread of willpower is keeping me to my promise of reading the book only *after* I've seen the next movie. (How is it I have willpower in this and not with writing? O, the mystery!) Regardless, I greatly enjoyed it. 'Twas sad, though. I think I'd gotten so used to the sort of fluffy suspense in the other books that I was triply shocked to find something so heart-aching in this one. And then to look at the picture of Cedric on the cover and to remember the beginning of the book, when I first met him. Gah. I'm a sap. I know this. But books just tie me up in knots. And add to his death the threat of war---and division of the good guys---in the wizarding world, and I think I went into a kind of Harry Potter PTSD. Too much trauma when I was expecting only the lightest suspense and fun and frolic with much-loved characters. Oy. Has made me very, very curious about the upcoming film, though. Who's playing the characters, when it's due to release, whether the script is expected to be good, etc. I *hate* having to wait. Bother.

I've just recently begun reading J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, as well. So far, despite definite oddness, I'm greatly enjoying it. He seems to be writing---in a rather ingenious way, IMO---from inside a child's mind. The language is choppy and abrupt, the topics frequently changing without aid of a transition, but reading it aloud is almost magical. Cadences settle, excitement and awe breathe through the words, and even the most nonsensical images and concepts (Mrs. Darling rummaging through her children's minds each night after they're asleep, for example) gain depth and substance and truth. It's delightful. Wild. And so clever. We'll see if I continue to think so....

So. Hmm. I think that's about all I need to dump on you nonexistent visitors. ;) Before I go, though...


The Scottish selkie was a being who appeared to be a seal, but had the ability to shed their skin and roam the land in human form. If a human were to happen upon the discarded seal skin, he or she could hide it and force the selkie to marry him or her. However, if the selkie were to ever find the skin, he or she would immediately reassume seal form and return to the sea from whence they came, leaving their spouse and offspring on land to forever mourn their loss.

As a selkie, you are a very withdrawn, secretive, and somewhat sad person, and those around you find you alluring and mystifying. People who come into your life find it difficult to find the inner you. You are also curious, but you enjoy the comforts of home most of all.

Who is your inner Shapeshifter?
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You are Form 0, Phoenix: The Eternal.

"And The Phoenix's cycle had reached zenith, so he consumed himself in fire. He emerged
from his own ashes, to be forever immortal."Some examples of the Phoenix Form are Quetzalcoatl (Aztec), Shiva (Indian), and Ra-Atum (Egyptian). The Phoenix is associated with the concept of life, the number 0, and the element of fire. His sign is the eclipsed sun.

As a member of Form 0, you are a determined individual. You tend to keep your sense of optimism, even through tough times, and have a positive outlook on most situations. You have a way of looking at going through life as a journey that you can constantly learn from. Phoenixes are the best friends to have because they cheer people up easily.

Which Mythological Form Are You?
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