Firestorm!

"I'm standing where the lightening strikes; I know this doesn't happen twice."
-Landon Austin

It has been like, the whole school year, but I finally finished this book. Waterbrook Multnomah staff, y'all have been through high school; you know how time consuming it is. However I am very sorry that it has taken me this long to review this book you gave me. I hear my sophomore year should be easier and my summer won't be too busy, aside from the fact that I have a two-week summer camp for theatre and a new modeling job.

Now.
Let's.
Get.
This.
Review.
Started.

To begin, I must say that this was a pleasant read. Very good way of killing time at Fine Arts this year. Didn't make it to Nationals and while everyone else was blabbering about a possible trip to Disney World (which is heartbreaking for a Disnerd that didn't qualify) I read more than 100 pages in half an hour. So I finished this book in like, one weekend.

Firestorm by Lisa Tawn Bergren is the love story of Reyne Oldre and Logan McCabe (and book 6 in the Full Circle series), two people from two worlds (I'm sorry but I really had to use that Tarzan reference) who come together in Elk Horn Valley, Montana. They are both firefighters trying to get funding from the same people on different projects, and believe me, it is not love at first sight. After getting to know each other, the two begin to fall into a firestorm of love. Can Reyne face the past and battle the storm going on inside of her?

I had a feeling I would like this story but I knew it wouldn't be anything crazy good. There was nothing about the back-page blurb that really excited me. This book met my expectations, but easily could have been modified.

I recommend this book to young adults interested in Christian romantic fiction. I'm not a big fan of romance and maybe that's why I didn't like it. Who says every hopeless romantic has to like reading it? Well, maybe I do like reading romance, but not Christian romance. As bad as it may sound.

On the plus side, this book did have me a little attached. It started getting real good toward the climax. It made me smile, it made me cry, it made me think about my own life. Isn't that what a book is supposed to do? I could also relate to the book's protagonist, Reyne, very well. The whole time I was connecting her to Megara from Hercules in my mind: "No chance, no way, I won't say it, no, no!... At least out loud, I won't say I'm in love." I think she and Meg would be a great pair, bonding over being in denial even though both of their guys fell for them at pretty much first sight.

I do have a few complaints, since I think it is obvious "I won't say I'm in love" with this book. These are mainly little things. Let me start with the author's bio.

"Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than fourteen titles, including the novel The Bridge and the children's book God Gave Us You. She divides her time between writing, reading, praying, tending to her two small daughters, hanging out with friends, and finding moments to romance her husband, Tim."

Um.

Okay, maybe that's only 'cause I'm a teenager and maybe it's my fault that I was thinking that way. However, could you not, like... phrase that differently? That just sounds kind of... I don't know. Most authors would have just written "lives with her husband in Someplace, Somewhere" but hey, whatever floats your boat.

I felt like the characters weren't very diverse. They all seemed to have different versions of the same personality (with the exception of Reyne) in a way. All the girls sounded the same, all the guys seemed the same. It seemed like if they were all put in the same situation, they would all react the same way. They were all... and warning, this is gonna make me sound really bad, and believe me, I mean REALLY bad. They seemed... too Christian-y.

Now, before everyone starts thinking I've switched religions or something, I should probably explain myself. What I mean is... wow, this is so hard to explain without sounding like a heathen. So, let me just say it straight out. They prayed A LOT. It seemed like every other paragraph. Which, don't get me wrong, if you actually pray that often, that's great! However, it seemed they were all like praying over every little... maybe it would have been better if I hadn't even started writing that complaint. Now I sound like I hate prayer or something. It just seemed a little unrealistic. Like they almost always knew the answers to their prayers the minute they prayed them. And for most people---well, I really can only speak for myself---that's not the case. The answers aren't always clear-cut right then and there.

Another problem I had (a much less awkward one) is that there was like, no one who wasn't a Christian. I'm proud to be one, don't get me wrong, but I would have loved to see someone convert or something. Maybe that happened in the past five books, but I highly doubt it. I would have loved to see someone struggling in their faith a little more than these characters. It would have made it a little more real to me.

I also thought Reyne was a little predictable. Was it me, or was she almost always crying or something? The child's been through a rough time, I'm sure that's just me and my lack of compassion for fictional characters (hence putting my own through Mordor).

I will have to give this one three-and-a-half stars because that is still a passing grade. I give it a low score, but the reason it is high enough to pass (I have a teacher's mindset...) is because it actually is something I would read again and I would even let others borrow it. I liked it, it's just not in my list of favorites.

Paperback.
336 pages, including a novella, Sandcastles.
WaterBrook Press.

P.S. Thank you, Waterbrook, for lending this book to me and not tracking me down because it has taken me forever to finish.

Because I Knew You...

If you are a Broadway fan, your mind probably sang, "I have been changed for good."

In this song, a few lines really stand out to me.

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn 
And we are led to those who help us most to grow 
If we let them 
And we help them in return. 
Well I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you.
Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.
...
So much of me is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart.
And now whatever way our stories end,
I know you have re-written mine by being my friend.
...
I do believe I have been changed for the better
And because I knew you,
Because I knew you,
Because I knew you,
I have been changed
For good."

Okay, so when I said a "few" lines I basically meant the majority of the song. I'm in a really kinda depressed mood right now.

So, it is nearing the end of May, and what does that mean? GRADUATION! At my school, our first graduating class already had their last day. This year, and even last year, and next year are very life-changing graduation-party seasons for me.

Last year, my oldest sister graduated high school. It was so weird. She didn't exactly leave, so it didn't have as big of an effect on me, but it was like... she's growing up. It was also a year of change for me--- I had just become a teenager in late 2011 and I was entering high school that next year. It made me think, four years and this is me!

This year, some of my friends are graduating and next year my other sister will be. And it has me thinking about how they have impacted my life. Graduation isn't a far-off thought anymore. And each year, I draw closer to my own, which is pretty scary. I am basically a sophomore in high school now. Along with this, there comes changes.

People come into our lives for a reason, right? It seems like I learn more from them every day. Some have helped me learn patience. Some have helped me gain confidence. Some have helped me grow in my faith. Some have helped me learn that I need to just stop and let God take control. Some have helped me learn to be grateful. Some of these people have hurt me, or I've even hurt them, but something positive has always been learned. I would like to take some time to talk about experiences and what I have learned.

• I have learned that I do not need to change anything about myself to please others. I may or may not have mentioned this (probably not... I hadn't really thought about this until recently), but back when I was still fairly new to Ohio, I was a really shy little kid. Geeky, too. I was obsessed with getting good grades in science, crazy good at math, and all I wanted to do was read in my spare time. You know... one of those kids that just WOULD NOT accept a B. Or even an A minus. Times have changed, from 4.0 to 3.25. But anyways. Back to the point. I'm sorry, but by now you should know I am not one to be on-topic 100% of the time. So basically a little boy laughed at me and told me I sounded like a boy when I was just trying to be like the other kids and play with them. I went back to my shell and when I came out of it, I literally worked on expanding my vocal range so I would speak in a higher pitch so that no one would say that to me again. Now, I naturally speak in that voice, and only with people I'm comfortable with can I speak with my real one. I don't know why I felt the need to change myself because of him, but I will never do that again for anyone. 
• I have learned that when I take matters into my own hands... crap happens. Especially when it comes to dating and guys and... ugh. When I was little I actually kissed a guy, the first one I liked, and it ended BADLY. And then the last guy... well... he was actually a keeper if you ask me. He hasn't dated anyone, doesn't want to date anyone, and will not until after high school. He is also a Christian and takes pride in it (did I mention, about to become an Eagle Scout?). I was like, "Oh my gosh. It's him. I just know it (this was before I knew about his not being into anyone thing). God, let me know if this is Your will and if not then I don't really wanna know but just let me know even though I probably won't listen to You." That's me for you. That's actually every major prayer I've prayed right there. The typical, "Hey, God. Um... You've done so much for me and I feel bad that I usually only pray to You when I want something and I really am trying to get closer to You but... alright, here's what I want." Or, there's my let's-put-in-some-effort prayer. "God, I don't know where to go from here. I need You to take this matter into Your hands. And when I say that, I mean... you have 75% of my issue but I need control of the remaining 25%." God is probably like, "Okay. This is not a business deal. Unless you offer all of yourself to Me, how do you expect Me to work wonders in your life? When will you realize that I can handle this? This isn't a group project. Hand it completely over to Me. Notice, every time you try to handle it something goes wrong?" And I think He wants me to stay single and proud for awhile. But did I listen? No! And that's my problem. Control. Which other peoples' actions are confirmation that I should've listened, like a voice in my head saying, "I told you so!"
• I have learned that I have absolutely no patience whatsoever. I don't like people. Very much. I tend to be introverted, always keeping a lot to myself. But that's the thing about life--- people tend to be in it. And you have to learn to tolerate them, faults and all. I have learned that there is always something to like about everyone.
• My friends stand with me and have helped me gain confidence. If you know me in real life, then you know I am famous for the following sayings: "I'm gonna drop out of high school!" "I'll fail at life." "I will NEVER bring honor to my family!" "Guys don't like me because I'm dumb and ugly and blah blah blah." People have been like, "Girl. Get yourself some confidence." Some people have actually helped me improve it rather than tell me I need it.
• I have learned to be thankful. I never realized how lucky I am. I know people who can't stand being at home. Who have parents who are divorced/separated. Who have bad grades. Who have no friends outside school. Who have been bullied. Who cut themselves. Who have been in bad relationships. And me? I have a loving family, consisting of my mom and dad who are both crazy in love (and my girls), I have good grades (at my lunch table today, a girl was like, "I'm only failing two classes." When I said I wasn't failing any, I was told to shut up), and I have both a Disney Ohana and a church family. I truly am blessed. I learned from a friend a few days ago not to complain about something that may disappoint me (a B in Physics that ended up being a mistake... now it's a 100%) because it can bother others.

Of all this, what have I learned? These people I may never see again after graduation in three years. They have shown me so much and because I know them, I can say I have been changed for the better. It is important that they know that, so I will make sure I tell them. Sometimes I wonder, what if something happened different in my life? Do you ever think that?

If my family decided to move to Cleveland instead of where we are. If my parents kept me in homeschooling. If we had picked a different church. If I had never gotten a Tumblr account. All these people I would have never met that have helped me by being my friends, or even not friends.

This post goes out to those I meet in life. We'll laugh, cry, and enjoy it until the last day. And remember: Nothing is forever. It'll all come to an end, but how do you know if it was worth it? I'll tell you how I know.

"I know I'm who I am today because I knew you."

-"For Good" from the Broadway musical Wicked

What I Like About You!

I recently noticed there is a pattern in what I find cute, thing I never noticed until now. I think there is some psychology going on here. So, here is my taste in guys.

1. Left-handed. I just noticed that left-handedness and being ambidextrous attract me. Maybe it's because I'm left-handed, myself. I have a calendar meant for lefties that has a fact that we tend to spot other lefties easily. Maybe that's it. But I never seem to really notice they're left-handed until they mention it. Maybe that's a thing with psychology; my mind knows they're left-handed but I never really think about it, maybe.
2. Beautiful, brown or blue eyes. I cannot resist beautiful eyes. You can be tall, you can be muscular. But I do not care about that. If you have eyes that look like the ocean or hot chocolate, I'm bound to stare at you for a very long time. Especially if they are extremely focused. I'm not saying you can't have a lazy eye, but I love it when people actually look me in the eye. Which is strange, coming from a girl who looks down... a lot.
3. Disnerds. This is the name of my lovely, Disney-loving fandom. You don't need to be obsessed... just highly, HIGHLY knowledgeable about Disney and not turned off when I talk about it too much. And like to watch the movies (so, if there is someone who needs an eye exam out there who likes me, you need to go on and catch up on the films you watched ten years ago!). If you don't like watching them with me, that is understandable... after all, I do speak every line and sing every song, which I can imagine is pretty annoying.
4. Balanced conversation participation. I like a guy who doesn't talk too much, but isn't afraid to cut me off when I get annoying. Which doesn't allow him to be rude, I just like a balanced conversation.
5. Similar beliefs, but not necessarily the exact same. This only really applies to relationships. Which I haven't been in, like, any yet and I don't think I will for a while.
6. Smiley. You don't have to smile every minute or be fake, I just love people who smile every now and then.
7. Emotionally stable. I am not saying it's wrong to be depressed, but if I were to date a guy who constantly needed someone around him to be happy, it wouldn't work because I can't do that.
8. Smart. Now, now, now. I will be honest here. I am not a straight A student. I am not a straight B student (but hey, no Ds or Fs have shown up on my report cards... then again, at my school a D is an F). However, I put so much effort into my work... you don't even know. Most people are surprised when they hear I've never had a 4.0 GPA or that I have only passed a few math quizzes and tests. Others automatically assume I'm stupid because I am a crazy child ("If there's a prize for rotten judgment, I guess I've already won that"). No one quite gets it right. But wouldn't I love a man who raises his hand in class, isn't afraid of being wrong, is completely confident, loves to help those struggling. Someone who isn't just academically smart (meaning if you have a lack of common sense, I won't like you).
9. Musical. I am obsessed with music, can't you tell? If I were to date a guy who wasn't big on it, couldn't play an instrument, or, must I say, didn't know what the musical Aida was (only the most amazing love triangle ever, without a need for Team Amneris and Team Aida... wouldn't make sense), it wouldn't last long! I like someone with an appreciation for music in all its forms--- especially Broadway!
10. Clean. I am not talking about showering, though that's preferred as well. I'm talking about language. Cuss words turn me off just. like. that. I like people who can express themselves without being censored.
11. Into writing. Boy, do I admire a writer! I love poets, but bloggers... oh yes.
12. Respects me. Those that know me know that some things I just don't tolerate. It really bothers me that even fellow black people use the word (I personally don't consider it a cuss word, but derogatory) "nigger" or "nigga" because of the past behind that word. When people who clearly know my hatred for that word say it, it gets on my nerves. I also hate when people point out my flaws. I don't like 'em either, you know and I would like it if you didn't go all Claude Frollo on me ("You are deformed and you are ugly...").
13. Cuddly. I like to hug people. While watching Disney movies, I love to cuddle but since I usually watch them alone, I end up getting all snuggly with pillows and my Mickey Mouse blanket. So, warning: I am cuddly.
14. Passionate. One male version of Lilo, coming right up.
15. Appreciation for gymnastics. I really like guys who are into the Olympics, and especially gymnastics. However, I am even more attracted to those who participated in gymnastics. And if they made it to a higher level than me? Frustrating but impressive.
16. Desire to see the world. I long to visit West, South... anywhere and everywhere in Africa. Explore my ancestors' homeland. I have never been so proud to be black, so much that I am not as offended as I used to be with the title, African-American. I am American first, no doubt about it. However, my heart is in Africa. In this way I relate to Jane Porter, because if I had the opportunity, I wouldn't be like, "I belong in England... with you, with people..." I'd be like, "BYE!" I want to go everywhere. Take me to Paris, to Egypt, to Zimbabwe, to freaking Canada for all I care. I just want someone who is looking for adventure.
17. Fun. One of the most important things is never growing up together.

Well, this is all it takes for me to like you. Unfortunately. Well, I have been working on this post since 8 a.m. this morning.

Hakuna matata,
Hope!

The Impossible Lion King Quiz

How well do you think you and/or your friends know the Lion King franchise? Do you think you can pass the unpassable? From one Disnerd to another, let's see if you know it well. If so, see how your peers can do without researching the answers! This is fun for a movie night... well, for me, it would be. So, what am I waiting for?
~~~
1. Whose voice do we hear at the beginning of the movie in "Circle of Life?"

2. What is he saying? What is the chorus saying as well?

3. Where is this movie set? Specifically, where in Africa?

4. Who is the first major character we see and what is he/she doing?

5. What is the name of the queen of Pride Rock? Yes, this one's a freebie.

6. Can you list an animal native to Africa that we DO NOT see in the opening sequence?

7.  What is the first speaking line and who says it?

8. "He's as mad as a ... with a ..."

9. What movie was also being created around the time this was? Which was expected to be more successful?

10. What quality does Scar say he has the lion's share of?

11. What song is playing when it rains over the Pride Lands?

12.  Where do we first see Nala?

13. How is the circle of life connected?

14. What song was originally played in the Broadway production that was put into the special edition of the film?

15. Who voices Zazu?

16. Who voices Scar?

17. What is the name of Nala's mother? Hint: It's only found in the credits.

18. Who voices Simba's mom and why doesn't she appear in the sequels?

19. What colors are Nala's eyes (adult and cub)?

20. "Kings don't need advice from little ... for a start."

21. Who voices Nala in "I Just Can't Wait to be King?"

22. How did they make Simba sound like the air was knocked out of his lungs when Nala pinned him?

23. Who voices Shenzi?

24. Why do you think there is emphasis put on Mufasa's paw print? This falls into "Simba's Pride" a little.

25. Who composed the score for the movie?

26. Who did the choral arrangements? Hint: the voice we hear at the beginning of "Circle of Life."

27.  Who of the hyenas always suffers the worst of injuries?

28. What makes Shenzi shudder? "OOooooOOoooH, do it again!"

29. Why doesn't the speaking voice of Scar sing the entire "Be Prepared" sequence and who filled in for him? When?

30. What is the scene of the hyenas marching past Scar meant to resemble?

31. "Yes our ... and ... are ..., be prepared!"

32. What song plays during the stampede?

33. How long did it take for the animators to draw this scene alone?

34. What lines of Scar come up later on in the movie?

35. When do we last see Nala as a cub?

36. Who originated the role of Rafiki on Broadway?

37. "When the world ... ... ... ... ..., you ... ... ... ... ... ... ."

38. Hakuna matata. "It means ... ... for the rest of your days!"

39. Who is the singing voice of cub Simba? What about adult Simba? Hint: I mentioned the adult's singing voice in a recent post.

40. What is Simba's first speaking line as an adult?

41.  What song on Broadway is parallel to the cave scene with Zazu and the hyenas and Scar?

42. How does Simba recognize the lioness that hunts Pumbaa?

43. Who voices Nala in "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

44. What song plays as Simba and Nala walk on the log and what song from the Broadway production uses its melody? Hint: I've blogged the Broadway version.

45. In the Broadway production, why did Nala leave the Pride Lands and what song did Heather Headley sing? I blogged about this in Simba's post.

46.  What song plays after the battle?

47. How were the roars recorded?

48. Who originally was Simba and Nala's first cub?

49. What is the original version of "Shadowland?" Hint: The title is in the song.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Answers:

1: Lebo M.

2: "Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba" "Sithi uhm, ingonyama" "Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba" "Sithi uhm, ingonyama, ingonyama" "Siyo nqoba" "Ingonyama, ingonyama nengw' enamabala."

3: Kenya/the Serengeti Savanna

4: Zazu, flying over the Pride Lands.

5: Sarabi!

6: Tiger, for example.

7: "Life's not fair, is it?" -Scar

8: Hippo, hernia

9: Pocahontas, and this movie was expected to do poorly at the box office. Instead, nineteen years later, it is still the highest grossing traditionally animated film.

10: He is smart.

11: "This Land"

12: Sleeping in the lion's den

13: Lions eat antelopes, antelopes eat grass, when we die, our bodies become the grass... Mufasa says it better.

14: "The Morning Report"

15: Rowan Atkinson

16: Jeremy Irons

17: Sarafina

18: Madge Sinclair, who died of leukemia in 1995. Simba's Pride was released in 1998.

19: Sometimes green, other times blue, overall they are teal-like.

20: Hornbills

21: Laura Williams, she was ten at the time.

22: They hit his actor's back very, very hard. Child abuse? I don't know.

23: Whoopi Goldberg

24: Simba is trying to fill his father's footsteps. This is a question of opinion.

25: Hans Zimmer, the guy I went crazy over two years ago. I wrote all those posts about him... dang.

26: Lebo M.

27:  Banzai

28: Mufasa, Mufasa, Mufasa!

29: Jim Cummings filled in for him. Jeremy threw out his voice after shouting, "YOU WON'T GET A SNIFF WITHOUT ME!"

30: Hitler, with the German troops marching past him.

31: Teeth, ambitions, bared

32: "To Die For"

33: Three years

34: "What will your mother think?" accidentally paraphrased by Nala, "Run away and never return," quoted by Simba.

35: Mourning Simba's death

36: Tsidii Le Loka

37: "turns its back on you," "turn your back on the world."

38: No worries

39: Jason Weaver and Joseph Williams

40: "Thanks. Man, I'm stuffed."

41: "The Madness of King Scar"

42: She pinned him, just like she used to when they were younger.

43: Sally Dworsky, one of my favorite singer-songwriters

44: "Under the Stars," "Endless Night"

45: She left because Scar tried to make her his queen by forcing it upon her. She sings about how there is nothing left to stay in the Pride Lands for in the song, "Shadowland."

46: "King of Pride Rock"

47: Simba: Tiger roar because lion roars are not as powerful. Sarabi, Sarafina, Nala and other lionesses: Trash cans.

48: Kopa. He had an unexplained death in the books.

49. "Lea Halalela" by Khululiwe Sithole

The Lion King: Begin Again

I think it's safe to say that the message behind this movie tracks back to a famous Walter Elias Disney quote. "Keep moving forward."

When tragedy strikes, you've got to get up. That's the thing about life--- no matter what happens, it continues and you have to move along with it. You never know "what's around the riverbend waiting just around the riverbend." But you have to change. Change is good. What causes it can be bad, but something good almost always comes out of it.

Just about every character in this movie had to change in some sort of way for things to turn out right for them. Simba had to leave what was comfortable for him and face the death of his father. Nala was willing to leave her home to get help and as a result, found the one true king... alive. Mufasa saved his son's life and as a result, gave up his own. Sarabi got herself slapped standing up to the king for what she believed (let's not forget that she's the leader of the need-no-man crew--- her husband frickin' died and she's still the baddest cat in the pride!). Timon and Pumbaa could have died trying to make sure Simba could get past the hyenas. So, the one person---er, lion---who didn't change?

Scar. And we've all seen what happened to him--- what a way to go. Of all ways to die, I gotta admit he had it really rough. I mean, dang! His friends ate him! But he never changed. He kept lying, he kept scheming, he kept taking the easy way out. Long story short, Banzai got the entree he wanted!

The circle of life was messed up. And what did they have to do? Begin again. Start a new pride. A new future. And they didn't look back for very long. They kept moving forward.

Things happen. But if you hold onto your past and never forgive yourself, you can never move on. And so they kept moving forward, eyes looking straight ahead.

"Walking out doors only works if you shut them."

-Measure, "Begin Again"

Simba: Remember Who You Are

Remember...

Remember... what?

Simba sure can tell you.

Hakuna matata, he knows all about it. But the one thing he was running from is his past. While he kept remembering the worst things about his past, he forgot one very important thing.

Who he was.

He kept trying to hide from something that he couldn't run from. I can tell by the way he reacted to things.

NALA: "And your mother... what would she think?"
SIMBA: (looks scared at the mention of his mother, as Nala unknowingly quoted Scar) "She doesn't have to know... Nobody has to know."

"I can't go back. Why would it matter, anyway? It won't change anything."

NALA: "Scar told us about the stampede."
SIMBA: "He did? What else did he tell you?"

Anyone else sensing a pattern? Simba is up to his old habits again, running from the past.

Luckily, Rafiki and Nala talked some sense into him.

So, where are we now?

He's going home. Home to what is now, as Broadway Nala stated, a shadowed land.

"The leaves have fallen. This shadowed land, this was our home. The river's dry, the ground has broken." Basically, this place is messed up. That's all I can really say without going all Broadway singer on you (GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZA BUYABO, GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZA BUYABO). And what is Simba supposed to do?

Busa le lizwe bo! And what does that mean? "Rule this land."

Of course, he can't do it all alone. That's where my favorite Disney girl comes in! She knows it'll be dangerous helping him fight his crazy uncle, and still, she goes on and does it. See? Now that's love. Timon and Pumbaa put their lives at risk so that he could fight his crazy uncle. That's love, too. Maybe not the kind you can feel tonight, but it's love.

The only problem? He still thinks he is responsible for his father's death and Uncle Scar knows how to use that against him (notice... he stops addressing him as his uncle when he sees the shadowland).

SCAR: "I would hate to be responsible for the death of a family member. Wouldn't you agree, Simba?"
SIMBA: "That won't work, Scar. I've put it behind me."
SCAR: "But what about your faithful subjects; have they put it behind them?"
NALA: "Simba, what is he talking about?"
SCAR: "Oh, so you haven't told them your little secret. Well, Simba, now's your chance to tell them. Tell them who is responsible for Mufasa's death."
SIMBA: "I am."
SARABI: "It's not true. Tell me it's not true."
SIMBA: "It's true."
SCAR: "You see? He admits it! MURDERER!"
SIMBA: "No, it was an accident."
SCAR:  "If  it weren't for you, Mufasa would still be alive. It's your fault he's dead. Do you deny it?"
SIMBA: "No."
SCAR: "Then you're guilty!"
SIMBA: "No! I'm NOT a murderer!"
SCAR: "Oh, look, Simba, you're in trouble again. Daddy isn't here to save you, and now EVERYONE. KNOWS. WHY!"

See? I told you he was smart, didn't I?


So, now who looks like the bad guy? Our beloved, beautiful, red-maned, downright gorgeous baby. Er, Simba. And yet still, Nala is concerned for Simba when he's about to fall off Pride Rock. I'd be like, let him fall and let him burn. Their love just gets stronger as the movie goes on. And then suddenly...

"Hmm... where have I seen this before? Oh I remember! You look just like your father did before he died. Oh, and here's my little secret. I killed Mufasa."

He says this because he thinks Simba is about to die, right? Only, he... doesn't. Hearing this gives him the strength to keep fighting.

SIMBA: "Tell them the truth."
SCAR: "Truth is in the eye of the behol----ghsfjdsifjs--- Alright. (Simba chokes him) ALRIGHT! I did it."
SIMBA: "So they can hear you."
SCAR: "I killed Mufasa!"

And there goes that Nala, you can tell as soon as he says that, she's like, "Oh heck no!" and just sprints to attack him. This is where the war begins.

So, then Scar tries to run away from fighting his much stronger, handsomer, bigger-maned nephew. He sure did grow up to be the mane event, like no king was before. When Simba catches up with him, the first thing he says is: "Why should I believe you? Everything you ever told me was a lie." Which, sadly, is true.

Come to think of it, most of what is recorded that's he's said to his nephew has been a lie or a masked truth. Like, how he convinced him to go to the elephant graveyard. Or, how he convinced Simba that he was responsible for his father's death when he was just a little cub who didn't know better than to believe him. It's like convincing a two-year-old that they're the reason you lost your job. It scars them for life and they aren't mature enough to not take it to heart.

So, the rest I can't really narrate. How about I just let you see it?

So now you've finished the movie for the most part (I only embedded major scenes). And can we watch that mother-son bonding again?

Isn't it so cute?

I hope you know why I love this movie so much now. Especially that one last "Remember." Everything that could possibly go wrong has, but it is fixed. I mean, the trauma he went through can't be undone (he is still haunted in the film's sequel, Simba's Pride), but still. He is now not only "the king I see inside," but now he IS being that king.

And Scar gets what he deserves. When you try to put the blame on others, it falls back on you. He learned that the hard way and his so-called friends ate him. I would have done the same thing, but... so much for friendship!

My favorite scene (competing with all of the Simba and Nala romance) has got to be when Simba returns victoriously from his battle with Scar. The way he goes back to his mother and we see more head-nuzzling and then he goes to Nala and they do a little hug/kiss/whatever-it's-the-equivalent-to and then Rafiki shows up again, binky thing and all. I love the change in their relationship. Remember when Simba first met him? He called him a creepy little monkey and was obviously annoyed by his presence. Here, he gives him a big hug. Makes me smile every time. And then we hear that famous music...

He's walking up Pride Rock. This is where body language is important, you guys. He looks... almost like he's reluctantly taking the place as king. Everyone around him seems to be sensing hope from it. My favorite part of it is when he looks down and sees the skull falling down in the rain. It makes me think of how the past is dying and now a brighter future is coming. And it gets better. "Remember..." Mufasa says. And that is where Simba suddenly gains confidence (remember the "Endless Night" lyric, "one word, just a word will do to end this nightmare?") and...

ROARRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

Busa le lizwe bo!

And then, the revival of the Pride Lands. Is it me or does this movie have the best finale in the Disney Renaissance ever? Tarzan fans might disagree--- that finale was epic as well. The circle of life is back in balance, the hyenas are gone, the leaves have gotten back on the trees, the ground is unbroken, the river has water in it again, and Simba and Nala have a baby (says in a baby-shower-attendee voice mixed with fangirl mixed with church lady mixed with female toddler)! My OTP, plus a cute little lioness! Or, lion if you've read the books. But, let's say we're talking about Kiara. The way they look at their cub and then they look at each other... I'm fangirling again. Which leads me to this Phil Collins lyric...

"Put your faith in what you most believe in. Two worlds, one family. Trust your heart, let fate decide to guide these lives we see."

This brings me back to talking about my favorite couple. They started out as best friends. They had fun together, got in trouble together, wrestled with each other. Then, they grew up to be best friends still, and they fell in love. They fought with and for each other. They support each other through thick and thin.

And look at how Simba has grown throughout the film. He was an adventurous, slightly arrogant ("I am a genius!... I pulled it off!") cub, then grew to be the king we all knew he was, the king we saw inside (as you can tell, that's kind of my favorite line from "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"). He has taken his place in the great circle of life.

Busa, Simba! Busa, Simba!

"It's the circle of life and it moves us all through despair and hope, through faith and love 'til we find our place on the path unwinding in the circle... the circle of life."

-Carmen Twillie & Lebo M.

Adult Simba's best lines
"...It means no worries for the rest of your days!"
"Hey, it's okay."
"So many things to tell her, but how to make her see the truth about my past... Impossible! She'd turn away from me."
"No one needs me."
"Look! You think you can just show up and tell me hot to live my life? You don't even know what I've been through!"
"You said you'd always be there for me! But you're not. And it's because of me. It's my fault."
RAFIKI: "Who are you?" SIMBA: "I thought I knew. Now, I'm not so sure."
"How can I go back? I'm not who I used to be."
"The winds are changing."
"That won't work, Scar. I've put it behind me."
SIMBA: "Tell them the truth." SCAR: "But truth is in the eye of the behoghawjwk--- alright. ALRIGHT! I did it." SIMBA: "So they can hear you." SCAR: "I did it. I killed Mufasa."
"Why should I believe you? Everything you ever told me was a lie."
"I'm not like you, Scar... run. Run away and NEVER return."
"ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!"

It's Been Four Years... What's Changed?

I had to interrupt my The Lion King series for this post because I have been putting this off for too long. This post was supposed to come to you on February 24th, but... as you can see, that didn't exactly happen...

What's so special about February 24th? "Let Clopin tell you about the tale of a man... and the monster!" Okay, no. The tale of a fifth-grader... and Blogspot.

I was obsessed with writing. I also was into creating my own website. I was ten years old, what was I gonna do with my life? I was reading a blog one day and was like, "What the heck, I'll make one of my own." So I did. And that day was known as 2/24/09. That day was a little more than four years ago. You can just look back at that first post and you will see typical fifth-grader writing. It was terrible! But there was a passion in it that mattered more than the quality. That is what drove me to get better at it.

So where am I now, nearly half a decade later? I am a freshman in high school and fourteen years old. I have made several blogs connected to this one. I have finished writing six novels. I probably won't publish any of them like I had originally dreamed of. But whatever. I've got a music career to focus on now, I guess. That's another thing that's changed. I'm a musician now. I own two guitars now, a violin and autoharp. Others, too, but these are instruments that are exclusively mine, not the whole family's.

These are a few changes I've made. Another fun way to document changes every year? A tradition of mine has been questionaires, asking me about my favorite music, movies, etc. Let the fun begin.

Favorite movie company
1. Walt Disney
2. DreamWorks
3. Pixar
4. Walden Media

Favorite movie
1. The Lion King
2. Prince Caspian (Disney/Walden)
3. What Happens in Vegas
4. Tarzan

Favorite animated boy
1. Simba
2. Kovu
3. Flynn/Eugene (even though "Tangled" is CGI and I have never actually seen it)
4. The Tramp (I know he's a dog, but... woo!)
And I must add a fifth, even though this blog isn't five years old yet... ALADDIN!

Favorite animated female
1. Nala
2. Megara
3. Jane
4. Jasmine

Top OTP
1. Simba and Nala, king and queen of Pride Rock
2. Rory and Amy Williams (or, Pond)
3. Tarzan and Jane Porter
4. Emma and Thayer (The Lying Game)

Favorite soundtrack song
1. "He Lives In You" by Lebo M (I also like the Broadway versions, including "They Live In You")
2. "A Girl Worth Fighting For" from Mulan
3. "Go the Distance" by Roger Bart
4. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"

Favorite Broadway-style song
1. "The Madness of King Scar"
2. "Shadowland"
3. "Endless Night"
4. "Strangers Like Me" (Broadway version)

Favorite chorus song
1. "The Bells of Notre Dame"
2. "Grasslands Chant"
3. "One By One"
4. "Busa"

Favorite singer-songwriter
1. Kiersten Holine
2. Sally Dworksy
3. Amy Stroup
4. Andrew Belle

Favorite Disney song overall
1. "Two Worlds" by Phil Collins
2. "A Girl Worth Fighting For" from Mulan
3. "Circle of Life" by Carmen Twillie and Lebo M
4. "Colors of the Wind" by Judy Kuhn

Favorite band
1. Athlete
2. Local Natives
3. Barcelona
4. Measure

Songs that I was pretty much raised by
1. "I Want it That Way" by Backstreet Boys
2. "100 Years" by Five For Fighting
3. "I Don't Want to Be" by Gavin DeGraw
4. "You'll Be In My Heart (Phil Version)" by Phil Collins
And, I must add "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton.

Favorite TV shows
1. The Walking Dead
2. Pretty Little Liars
3. The Lying Game
4. Switched at Birth

Favorite school subjects
1. U.S. History
2. Chinese (I'll be in DEP Mandarin next year)
3. Language Arts
4. Art

Dream colleges/universities/internships
1. Disney College Program
2. North Central University
3. Evangel University
4. University of Louisville

Dream jobs that I have a chance of getting
1. News reporter
2. Published non-fiction author
3. Signed musician
4. High school English teacher

Dream jobs that I am less likely to get (but will still try)
1. Voice actress
2. Broadway actress (I want to play Nala!)
3. News reporter for NBC World News
4. Disney face character (I don't noticeably resemble any Disney women due to my weird complexion, but I very loosely resemble Jasmine, Tiana, Pocahontas, and Esmeralda)

Favorite girls' names
1. Nala, meaning "gift"
2. Kiara
3. Aurora
4. Phoebe

Favorite boys' names
1. Aden
2. Jason
3. Joseph
4. Dwayne

Favorite sports
1. Artistic gymnastics
2. Cheerleading
3. Volleyball
4. Diving

Favorite places
1. Louisville, Kentucky
2. Anywhere in Africa, particularly Kenya or South Africa
3. Anywhere in the Southwest
4. New York City

Favorite sayings
1. Keep moving forward.
2. Just keep swimming.
3. What happened yesterday is done. Today is your chance to make things better, and it's your decision to take it. (I made that one up!)
4. Hakuna matata!

These are a few of my favorite things as of 2013, my freshman year of high school!