Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Self-Rewarding

I hope everyone had a fun, relaxing (and maybe productive?) Labor Day weekend. I'd like to thanks all my new followers who came courtesy of Karen Gowen's BBQ festival. Hopefully things will be entertaining enough for you to stick around.

I've recently decided not to commit to any particular blogging schedule. I know that bucks all the "rules" for a blogging "platform," but I'm nothing if not a rule-breaker (except for real ones). I'll definitely be posting once a week, and more likely twice, but only when the spirit moves me.



Say what you will about Mr. Costner's acting ability, but Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves is without a doubt my favorite movie of all time. I remember watching it right after its video release; I was an impressionable young lass around the age of 5 or 6. Even then, I knew it was something special--if only I could get past the hand chopping scene in the beginning!

Don't worry, I was exposed to K.C.'s shiny white butt at that tender age: I just closed my eyes during the scary part (only later did I realize the butt scene is a scary part).

What I'm trying to say is

ROBIN HOOD HERALDS FALL.



Oh man. Tell me that picture doesn't make you want to frolic in those leaves, heart fluttering with the anticipation of things that can only be discovered beneath red and gold (not blood-stained doubloons).

I'm barely keeping my head above the revision waters, and I think I'm about to go crashing over a waterfall. Possibly with rocks at the bottom.

Something I've seen repeatedly but have yet to internalize is the wise advice to give yourself breaks during the revision process: work on something new, indulge in other hobbies, watch movies that inspire.

I can't exactly say why I love Robin Hood so much. Maybe it's the woods, maybe it's the season, maybe it's just the legend--I don't know. I've literally watched it over 100 times, and for me that's saying something. But every time I watch this movie, I take away something wonderful.


Now tell me I'm not alone. What's your go-to pick me up? 

30 comments:

Gary Baker said...

I can't get past Robin Hood with an American accent. Sorry. Richard Greene is / was my Robin Hood - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adventures_of_Robin_Hood_%28TV_series%29 - just realised I still know all the words to the song! Jeeze I'm old! Aaanyway, my go-to pick me up has to be Harold And Maude .. just love it.

Jamie Gibbs said...

I could never get into Costner's Robin Hood - I was more of the Mel Brooks fan of the story, hehe. Have you seen the BBC's adaptation of Robin Hood? It was made a few years back and it's quite good :)

And yes, that picture does make me want to jump into those leaves :P

Aubrie said...

I love that movie, too! I own it. And I've seen it numerous times! I can't get over the fact that Christian Slater is WAY more hot than Kevin Costner. But I do like the romantic scene by the lake with Maid Marion when she says, "I won't do it for my King, but I'll do it for you." And then Kevin Costner looks so blindsided (that's what he's good at!)

Hannah said...

Love love love, Robin Hood:POT! You may or may not have noticed I have a quote in my fave quotes on FB. LOVE IT! I could recite the entire movie.

"There was a rich man from Nottingham who tried to cross the river! What a rich dolt he tripped on a rope! Now look at him shiver! Beg for mercy, Rich Man!!"

Wow. I feel like a huge dork all of a sudden.

Anywho, Robin Hood is a fave. Princess Bride of course.

The Count of Monte Cristo is my oh so feeling fine movie. Sigh. Now I just want to sit at home and watch movies. *shakes fist at day job*

Saumya said...

Ahhh I love love LOVE that movie and your picture of the gorgeous leaves!! It goes with your autumn template :) I'm glad you're not sticking to a blogging schedule; my favorite posts are the ones I wrote because I really wanted to! Congrats on the new followers!

Summer Ross said...

Congrats on the new followers. Robin hood is a good movie, but I'm more "A knights tale" type though I am a fan of Costner.
When I take breaks- I read, I read about writing, or sometimes I read a school book to remind me that the revisions are never as bad as a tech school book---lol

Erica Mitchell said...

I think of all the Robin Hood movie versions my favorite will always be the Disney one. I watched it ALL the time when I was growing up. One of the best story/legends of all time.
If I need a break I generally take one in another creative venture like painting or something along those lines. I take a full on break from looking at it and try to revitalize my creative side by doing other creative things. Seems to work most of the time.
Congrats on the new followers!

Christine Danek said...

I'm not a big K.C. fan but I loved Robin Hood too. I watched it at least 100 times. How funny. Love the fall picture. I'm ready for cooler weather.
Talk to you soon.

Sarah Ahiers said...

oh man, i LOVE that movie! I think i'm like you in that it was a very formative movie for me as a child, so therefore it is still full of win.
Also, that fall picture made me squeal in excitement. I LOVE FALL!

Wendy Ramer, Author said...

Love Robin Hood and have loved Kevin Costner ever since his "No Way Out" film. (Yes, I'm considerably older than you.)

My go-to film is "French Kiss", another not-famous-for-its-acting movie, but the chemistry between Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan gets me every time. Can't count how many times I'v seen it.

Old Kitty said...

You were how old when you saw this film first time round?!?!?!

I suddenly feel ancient. Autumnal even! LOL!!

I just remember the Bryan Adams song being like no.1 in the charts for like a million years!

Good luck with your revision - it's an evil process (I know! oh how I know!!) but hopefully the pain will all be worth it!! I hope so !

Take care
x

Summer Frey said...

@Gary: I guess since I started watching it so young, the lack of his accent never bothered me. And all the rest of the cast was so brilliant, he's just a happenstance.

@Jamie: I haven't seen it, but it's on my Netflix queue! I've heard great things. :)

@Aubrie: Yes, I loved Christian Slater for a time in the early 90's. :) And that scene by the lake, with the fog rolling in...so beautiful.

@Saumya: Thanks; I figured my content was suffering when I was forcing it, so why keep it up?

@Erica: The Disney version IS awesome. I always really liked the voice actor of Robin--his voice was very soothing. And I love the intro music.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Go watch Robin Hood! Movies are my pick-me-ups as well. So's my guitar playing. And I'll frolic in those leaves after all threats of snakes and ticks have been removed...

Crystal Cook said...

I love fall!! It just makes me happy :) But then when winter comes I get tired of it REAL quick :)

You're doing awesome with those revisions, I know they are gonna be perfecto! ;)

My favorite soothing movie is Pride and Prejudice, the 2005 one. I never, ever get tired of it.

I really don't think I've ever seen Robin Hood all the way through. Shame on me!

M. said...

*sits next to the other ancients* Yes! Robin Hood does make me feel all autumnish. I can't wait to run through the leaves. Revisions are something I like. I can't handle blocks and that's where I have been for a while. I broke away and watched a movie instead of writing and the inspiration kicked up a notch or two. Taking breaks is the way to go. :)

Franklin Beaumont said...

I think that's the only Robin Hood film where I wanted the Sheriff of Nottingham to win :)

Unknown said...

The Godfather is to me what Robin Hood is to you. Michael C. has to be one of the most interesting and complex characters I've ever watched on television. I have read the book and seen the movies so many times that I can quote many of the lines from either of them.

I understand what you are saying here about the revision process. I'm outlining my second draft before plunging into the re-write. Before plugging one word into the computer I want to ensure my plot is cogent and flows well. It's taken a lot of my time, but I think the book will read better for it. Anywho, FWIW, good luck on your revisions.

Unknown said...

The Godfather is to me what Robin Hood is to you. Michael C. has to be one of the most interesting and complex characters I've ever watched on television. I have read the book and seen the movies so many times that I can quote many of the lines from either of them.

I understand what you are saying here about the revision process. I'm outlining my second draft before plunging into the re-write. Before plugging one word into the computer I want to ensure my plot is cogent and flows well. It's taken a lot of my time, but I think the book will read better for it. Anywho, FWIW, good luck on your revisions.

Liza said...

Love that movie too...Morgan Freeman is a hoot...the sherrif and the witch creep me out and I have to watch it whenever it is on.

Lola Sharp said...

While I do not love that version, I DO appreciate the Hell that is Revision, and the very real need for go-to pick-me-ups! And movies are good escapism. :)

I like a lazy PJ day of Pride and Prejudice or Gilmore Girls (dvd box set)...or getting out of the house, frolicking or shopping or a bike ride.

Revisions are HARD. Be kind to yourself.

JB said...

Fall is such a melancholy, but beautiful time of year for me. I do want to stroll down that leafy lane in your picture! I appreciate that you are fore-going structure to allow yourself to be led by spirit. Enjoy the freedom!! Janelle

Tiana Smith said...

I LOVE Robin Hood. Also, 3 Muskateers is a guilty pleasure of mine :) And don't worry about holding yourself to a schedule, I seriously only post about once a month now because that is what works for me. We all just need to do what works :)

Matthew MacNish said...

Man I love that movie! It totally stomps all other version into the ground. I even queued it up on the XBox the other day on the NetFlix instant queue for my kids ... not only did they like it, but I realized it was actually as good as I remembered from years ago. This is rare.

Morgan Freeman and Christian Slater rocked that movie. Kevin wasn't bad either.

Kimberly Franklin said...

I'm with you on the blogging schedule. I haven't been able to keep one lately.

And that picture, with all those pretty leaves, sigh... Can fall hurry up and get here already???

Though I don't have a particular book or movie that inspires, I find that reading or watching movies, in general, usually inspires my writing. In some way or another. :)

The Words Crafter said...

You're making me feel so old-5 or 6!?!! I do love that movie, though. And, for one of the same reasons: signaling fall. LOTR, Snoopy-any adventure movie (with lots of trees).

Also books: Lightning, Harry Potter, Dragonlance series, Neverwhere...and music. Lately, it's all about Dead Can Dance...

Here's how I feel about 'rules'...they're meant to be broken and bent. People have to do what they have to do. And it's your blog!

Do find some time for a break and something fun. And good luck getting it all done soon...I'll be looking for you!

Roxy said...

Fall is my favorite! I love the photograph of the autumn woods. Wow. Gorgeous. Thanks for this post. I've always liked that Robin Hood movie as well. I even watched it while I was in labor with my first baby. (I know, I'm a little weird.) Have a great week.

DL Hammons said...

Is it funny that I had the Blueray version of that movie in my hands this weekend (on rollback at WM). I ended up putting it back, but it will be mine soon.

My go-to pick me up is either ALIENS or LOVE ACTUALLY (I know...polar opposites right). Depends on my mood.

Hang in there with your revisions. We are here to help if you need it.

Meredith said...

Yay for fall! Definitely my favorite season. I love going for a walk in the cold air--it never fails to give me inspiration. And now I have to watch Robin Hood!

Anonymous said...

Any kind of movie is an excellent pick-me-up for me.

That picture of fall is absolutely beautiful!

Guinevere said...

My go to pick me ups? Chocolate, root beer (neither of which I can have right now as I'm doing a detox), running and my kitties.

I love Robin Hood. Many different film versions, including the new one with Russel Crowe, and the books. Even the "Men in Tights" parody. It's just a timeless story, and usually fun and exciting in the telling.