Sunday, April 5

Scripture and a Snapshot - Resurrection Sunday 2015

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But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." 
So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" 
And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me."
~Matthew 28:5-10~

Scripture and Snapshot
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Friday, April 3

Good Friday

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For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
~I Corinthians 1:18~



I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
~Galatians 2:20~

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, April 1

Recent Reads - The Tutor's Daughter

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The Tutor's Daughter

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen - Emma Smallwood and her widowed father are invited to live in a clifftop manor in Cornwall so that Mr Smallwood can be private tutor to the younger brothers of two of his former boarding school students. Their welcome is strained and strange, and it's not long before Emma notices mysterious happenings like someone sneaking into her room at night. Unlike the over-imaginative Catherine (in Austen's Northanger Abbey) however, Emma is practical and organized, and refuses to allow fear to get the better of her. Emma must also determine whether both or either of the older sons can be trusted. The oldest, Henry, teased and tormented her when he was her father's student; while Philip was kind and generous. Emma worries that one of them may to blame for the pranks played on her, and wonders at her own feelings about and for them. And is it possible that one of the brothers is especially drawn to her?

Although the strange goings-on in Ebbington Manor and the hints at darker motives are reminiscent of the setting for Northanger Abbey, Emma's no-nonsense nature handles the suspense in a much different manner than Catherine did. Despite her practicality, Emma is also warm-hearted and compassionate; but I was a little surprised that she wasn't quicker to put together the pieces of the puzzle. I wasn't always entirely sure of the motives of some of the minor characters, but there was a good mix of "okay, I could have seen that coming" and "wow, I would not have guessed that" as the events unfolded. I loved this book and am definitely becoming a fan of Julie Klassen's books!

By the same author: The Dancing Master




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Tuesday, March 31

Teaser Tuesdays - March 31, 2015

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. To play along, just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • Be careful not to include spoilers!
  • Share the title and author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
I just finished this book a few days ago, so my review will be coming soon! And I'm looking forward to reading the rest of Julie Klassen's books as well.

Someone had taken her journal, as she'd thought. Taken and returned it. But not before they had torn out a page.
~The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen, page 159
The Tutor's Daughter

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 30

Recent Reads - As You Wish

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As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes -  Having recently read Goldman's book The Princess Bride, I thought it fitting to read Elwes's memoir about the making of the movie. This book was a delight from start to finish. Cary Elwes shares stories both humorous and poignant about the experience, from his reaction to hearing that he was being considered for the part of Westley, through the final day of filming. He gives glimpses into the personalities of the other actors, and his affection and admiration for the entire cast and crew is evident throughout. Director Rob Reiner, Assistant Director Andy Scheinman, author William Goldman, and many of the actors contributed some of their own thoughts and memories, which are included in sidebars throughout the book.

I loved having the inside scoop on how some of the scenes were filmed, and how the actors prepared. Fascinating tidbits like these - Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin trained with Olympic fencers every day to master the swordfight sequence, and they didn't use doubles for the swordfight at all! In the scene where Count Rugen knocks Westley out before taking him to the Pit of Despair, Elwes really was knocked cold, when the handle of the sword actually struck his head. While filming scenes in which Billy Crystal (Miracle Max) and Mel Smith (the Albino) were ad libbing, Rob Reiner had to leave the set after shouting "Action!" because he couldn't help laughing out loud. And Elwes couldn't keep still enough to pass for "mostly dead" while Billy Crystal was cracking jokes, so a dummy had to be used for part of that scene.

Especially touching also were the many fond memories of Andre the Giant, who played Fezzik. It seems that Andre was one of the most beloved and popular people on the film, and there are many stories of Andre's sweet nature, generosity, and kindness.

A must read for every devoted fan of The Princess Bride!


©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Saturday, March 28

Scripture and a Snapshot - March 28, 2015

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The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
~Numbers 6:24-26~

Scripture and Snapshot
Scripture & a Snapshot is hosted by A Glimpse of Our Life.
The Weekend Brew is hosted by My Freshly Brewed Life.
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©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 24

Teaser Tuesdays - March 24, 2015

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. To play along, just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • Be careful not to include spoilers!
  • Share the title and author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
There's something inherently ridiculous about lying on your back, with suction cups attached to your nipples, staring up at Chris Guest and Mel Smith, pretending to endure searing pain while strapped to a massive "life-sucking machine." I remember both Rob and I lost it on the first take when Mel unexpectedly did that whole bit on the steps where he loses his balance. Then that whole coughing and hacking bit? Forget it. In the end I think I had to turn away during his off-camera dialogue just because I couldn't look at his face without laughing. 

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

©2008-2015 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/