I’m not a morning person. I much prefer staying up late and sleeping in. As a result, I’ve done my best through the years to have jobs or appointments or otherwise structure my life so I don’t have to get up until about 8 or 8:30. Now that my kids are grown and pretty much out of the house (I have one 16 year old still at home), that is pretty much my schedule. Most mornings, my husband gets up about an hour or so before me. His leaving wakes me up just enough that I start my “waking up” process, which is pretty much drifting in and out of sleep for the next hour or so.

          This morning my husband woke up an hour earlier than usual. That, of course, brought me to wakefulness. Right on schedule, about an hour later, I woke up, looked at the clock and realized it was early. I lay there listening to the rain and debating if I wanted the extra time for enjoying the luxury of lying in bed or if I wanted to use it to get a little extra work done (like write this blog!). After a moment’s debate, I drifted back into listening to the rain and wind outside. After several minutes, or so I thought, I flung back the covers and got up. When I looked at the clock, it was 8:30! I’d been lying there for an hour. I must have drifted off to sleep and not realized it.

          My next thought, though, was, “Thank You, Lord,” because I had my blog topic.

          So many times I think of things I would like to do. Time passes and suddenly I realize that wonderful thing didn’t happen. I either have to scramble to make up lost time or I let the idea die a regretful death. If I want to accomplish things, I can’t drift through my days or meander through life. Yes, there is a time and place for play or relaxation. I experienced one this morning. But progress only comes with conscious thought and planning.

          What do my meandering thoughts have to do with this blog? I think it might be time to do some planning. I’ve been winging it for the past six months. The reviews I’ve written have been what I’m reading, the musings what I’m thinking at the moment I sit at the computer. (Or, like today, what I thought of first thing in the morning.) I’m not sure anything is going to change drastically right away, but it is time for me to stop drifting and start planning.

          If there are books or movies you would like me to review or topics you’d like me to discuss, now is the time to comment.

         I went to this movie expecting to like it. Several friends recommended it t. They said it was the best Star Trek movie ever. I like all things Star Trek, so I expected to like this. Just before I went, though, someone mentioned Romulans. That concerned me, made me wonder if maybe this movie wouldn’t live up to the hype. After all, as any Trek follower knows, the Romulans were first encountered in the original series. So even though I expected to enjoy the movie, I was on the alert for inconsistencies.

          I’m pleased to say the movie covered all the inconsistencies. I’m not so pleased to say I didn’t really get the story I expected to get. Supposedly I was going to see the younger Dr. McCoy, James Kirk and Spock, among others, meet and experience their first adventure. I didn’t really get that. I got an adventure, a wonderfully cinematic one. I didn’t get an introduction to the early years of the characters as I expected. They had the same names. They had the burgeoning versions of the same quirks. (The actors were superb! I forgot immediately that these people were actors. They became the characters.) They had the glimmerings of the same character chemistry and conflicts. But they weren’t the same. From the first moment we saw them on the screen, their lives had been subtly or not so subtly changed by a timeline invasion.

         I am of two minds about this movie. On the one hand, it was an excellent movie, with great acting, an interesting storyline and a set-up for many more adventures. On the other hand, though, it was NOT a movie chronicling the early years of Spock, McCoy, and Kirk. Yes it was enjoyable. Yes, the actors did an amazing job in portraying these younger counterparts. Yes, the story was compelling. But it was not the story of “my” characters, the characters I knew in my childhood and teens. In the words of young Kirk to old Spock, “coming back in time, changing history . . . that’s cheating.” That’s what it feels like . . .cheating.

          But if I can lay all that aside (and I can) to see this story without all those generational expectations, I am impressed. This is a superb movie. The acting is fantastic, the characters believable and the plot, while extraordinary is at least plausible. Add to that the potential of numerous more new on-screen adventures, and you have a movie worthy to be listed in the Star Trek library.

         There are the usual “red flags” many Christians (me included) object to, cursing, double entredres and outright physical encounters. This is to be expected. Unfortunately. However, they are few and almost inoffensive. Even the physical encounters are brief and not too explicit. I would have preferred not to see a scantily clad Kirk and alien cadet or Uhura strip down to her underwear for the camera, but those encounters were brief. There was no lingering on the scenes with the seeming intent to arouse (unlike Uhura’s distracting display in “The Search for Spock”). And, if you wait for the DVD and you have/buy a ClearPlay DVD player, you can easily filter out those offensive scenes without losing any of the major plot points.

          Overall, I liked this movie. It was an enjoyable 2 hours. It just wasn’t the Star Trek experience that I expected. It was the creation of a new Star Trek experience. As with the Next Gen, DS9, and Voyager stories, this one is full of possibilities. Once I’m past the disappointment of not seeing “my” Star Trek beginnings, I’m sure I will enjoy this new timeline as much as all the others.

          As for Christian merit, I can’t really cite anything memorable for or against. This movie was faith-neutral. Unlike many of the episodes, spiritually was not ridiculed or debunked, controversial social issues were not cast in a light at odds with traditional Christian thought. In fact, those issues were not explored at all. This was purely an action-adventure movie. There is no social commentary that is so prevalent in the TV shows. There was none of the evolutionary theoretical science presented as fact that is prevalent in the multiple Trek series. The only objectionable parts of the movie are the already-mentioned minor cursings and an aborted bedroom scene.

          I’m not sure I actually recommend it. That would imply that I see something that encourages and uplifts a Christian who chooses to watch it. I can’t really say that. While there is little that is objectionable, this is in essence just a fun ride. Possibly a bit more so for those already fond of the Star Trek universe. And fun rides are . . . fun. So go enjoy it if you want.

          For a more detailed review and analysis (compatible with the Christian perspective, of course), Focus on the Family’s Plugged in does a good job.

          IMDB has a full synopsis of the story.

         I’ve missed an entire week! My only excuse is my scatterbrained nature. My son is home on leave from the Army and most of my time has been doing things with him. I thought I’d written something for the musings, earlier this week. When I went to post it, though, I discovered . . . nothing. I thought I’d be able to write and post something Wednesday, but that didn’t happen. Now I’ve realized I don’t have a review written! And I have to walk out the door in ten minutes with my family to go see the new Star Trek movie.

         So . . . . .

         Stay tuned. When I get home, I’ll write up a quick review of the movie. After all, I do say somewhere on this site that I review books AND movies. I should be able to find the time since my son is going off with his friends this afternoon and evening.

         Be back soon!

          I first discovered The People when as a teenager in the 1970’s I happened across “The People: No Different Flesh. There I met Eva-Lee, her family and her world as they absorbed the tragic news that their Home was dying and they must build ships to take them Elsewhere. Eva-Lee and her People had Gifts and Persuasions that allowed them to enter minds (only under dire need or with permission), move objects and fly (they called it lifting). When one of the ships that left the Home crash landed on Earth, the People were scattered and stranded in a strange land.

          Zenna Henderson’s People stories chronicle many of the encounters between residents of Earth and the People. From the fearful religious cult that sees them as an abomination to the struggling desert farmer who only sees a badly injured boy to the traveling pioneer family who rescues a frightened, abandoned girl, the histories of this exiled People are shaped and shared in several People anthologies. All these stories vividly depict a People struggling to adjust to their new Home. Amidst that struggle is the determination to remain a distinct Group, even as they hide their differences from Outsiders. The People, a loving, forgiving race thrill to discover echoes of their own spirituality in this new world and consistently strive to reflect that spirituality as they use their Gifts and Persuasions, albeit circumspectly, to aid and heal and help those they meet.

          Originally published as short stories in the 1960’s and depicting rural Southwestern life with amazingly realistic detail, these stories are timeless. Written in a gentle, conversant manner, they vividly portray the life and emotions of rugged, sensitive characters. These characters reveal a wide range of human emotion and need, all the while showcasing ideals worth emulating, sometimes even by exhibiting its opposite.

          In the years since they first appeared as short stories, several compilations have been published. Rather than just producing straight anthologies, Zenna Henderson created stories to connect, or bridge the short stories, creating, in effect, a novel. The only compilation still in print is “Ingathering: The Complete People Stories of Zenna Henderson.” Ironically, this is the only one I haven’t read. I’m told there are a couple of stories, as well as a letter written by Zenna Henderson that do not appear in any other collection.

          These are stories that will enrich all who read, but a Christian may find them particularly delightful. Every one of the People stories I have read has reflected and encouraged a lifestyle and principles compatible with Christianity. Many of her stories include Scripture and all of them apply Scriptural principles. Her terminology (“The Presence” - God, “Called” - the awareness of imminent death, “Festival” – a group funeral/memorial service for all who died that year) may surprise, even startle some, but in reality these terms may perhaps be a closer depiction of truth

          I recommend everyone read these stories, from pre-teens to octogenarians. They are that good.

         Regular visitors will notice a change. I have unstuck the “Orientation” post that explains my schedule and method of posting. I originally had thought there might be times when my reviews contained spoilers and wanted a way to warn readers before they read my post. Over the months of writing reviews, however, I have not once needed to include spoilers in my discussions. So those instructions seem unnecessary.

         I will add a calendar page soon that includes the fact that reviews are posted on Fridays, musings on Tuesdays. I am considering some changes to that schedule so it might be a couple of weeks before that page is posted. There are some non-fiction books I want to review and I am considering musing a little more often on a more general topics. As soon those decisions are finalized, I will create and post the page. In the meantime, continue to enjoy the reviews and musings.

          “Ranger’s Apprentice” is yet another young adult series. (Can you tell I have young adults in my house?) There is much that is being published in this genre that is admirable. This series by John Flanagan is one of them.

          Will is “ward of the manor,” a foundling who has been raised with the charity of the lord of his region. The story opens on The Choosing Day, the day when he and the other 16 year-old wards of the manor are chosen by one of the many guilds If no guild takes them as an apprentice, they are sent to be a hired hand of a farmer in the region. This seems to be Will’s fate until he demonstrates curiosity, honesty and other ranger-needed traits when he passes an unknown test devised by Halt, the local Ranger. The Rangers are an elite group of men charged with being the King’s eyes, ears and hands throughout the region. Halt recruits Will into the Ranger Corp and begins his training.

          His ward-mate, Horace, is chosen for the Battle School. Both Will and Horace have character building struggles and misunderstandings to overcome during the coming year. In the end they both discover their strengths and find success in their chosen apprenticeship. At times their bickering and other choices seem juvenile and obtuse, but they are teenagers, after all. Male teenagers. With all the angst and fire to prove their mettle. They soon learn to value and rely on each other’s strengths.

          This is a wonderful series, showing characters making choices and experiencing the consequences, good and bad, of those choices. Admirable traits such as honesty, courage, determination and more are portrayed favorably while their negative counterparts are revealed as less desirable. Positive growth is seen in the characters and noble actions rewarded. Although obviously written for the young adult market, and somewhat lacking the intensity and complexity of more sophisticated stories, this is a series even an adult can enjoy.

          While I really like the entire series and I don’t know how he could tell the same story and not do this, I have one compliant. The books are not stand-alone. The story is not completely told in one book. The first book is complete, but 2-4 tell a complete story and 5 ends on a cliff hanger, with the fate of at least one person in jeopardy. If he fails to write, or his publisher decides not to publish the next book(s), this story remains in limbo. I realize one of the greatest stories of our culture, The Lord of the Rings, does this very thing. I know sometimes a good story does need to span several books. I just don’t particularly like this trend. I prefer stand-alone books. I love books that pick up the storylines of characters from previous books, telling more of those character’s stories (such as Harry Potter, the Enchanted, Inc series, the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series). I just don’t like a single story arc to span multiple books. I like all the questions answered, the story arcs complete and a rosy future, or at least an acceptable one, in the horizon. There are exceptions, though and “Ranger’s Apprentice” is worth reading even with this “fault”. In fact, I highly recommend it and am eagerly awaiting the 6th book.

         Recently a friend and I were discussing entertainment. She made the comment that there really isn’t any such thing as pure entertainment. All entertainment has an agenda. The author or producer has a worldview and has imprinted it into the book or movie. No book or movie can be entirely free of the author’s morals and mores. She has a point.

          That reminded me of something I read a few years ago. Apparently a major movie mogul had made a comment about creating and producing movies that influence young minds into the next century. An older gentleman commenting on this condemned it, implying it was wrong to produce entertainment with the purpose to influence. I remember wondering at the time how it could be possible to do anything else.

         I think what the man was lamenting was in fact that the principles and values that would be promoted were contrary to what he considered appropriate. I agree. The current culture promotes many views that I find offensive. Lifestyles and patterns of life are promoted that lead to destruction or exploitation. Values I hold dear are ridiculed. It is a shame that our entertainment promotes that.

         And that makes it even more imperative that those with the inclination and ability write stories that address these pathologies in our current culture. Someone should write stories of true love, real happily-ever-afters, selfless sacrifice and maybe even sappy sentimentalism. Who is composing scenes and tales of heroic deeds of valor or simple acts of kindness? Where can I find entertainment that inspires and encourages me to be a better person?

          Those stories are being written, they are being published and produced. Perhaps not in abundance, but they are there. And slowly, one story at a time, I am reading and commenting them.

         I have returned from my cross-country jaunt and am back to posting regularly. I posted a new review below and will have some musings for you on Tuesday.

         Glad to be back!

         Fortune”s Fool by Mercedes Lackey (ISBN-13: 978-0-373-80266-1 or ISBN-10 0-373-80266-8) is another story from the 500 Kingdoms and is published by Luna, an imprint of Harlequin in 2007.

         Like the previous 500 Kingdom stories (one of which I reviewed), Fortune’s Fool is set in a fantasy land that has a magical force called The Tradition that nudges (or pushes) people toward well-known story-paths. The hero and heroine of Fortune’s Fool both come from families who have learned to, if not manipulate The Tradition, at least to influence it to the benefit of their respective kingdoms.

         Sasha’s great-grandfather, while he was still a Prince, procured the help of a Godmother to teach him, made a bargain with a dragon for the needed dragon blood and set about learning all he could about The Tradition. He taught his family that there always needed to be a Scholar, one who studied The Tradition and could predict and guide the family so that they and the kingdom prospered.

         Katya and her Sea-King family also knew of and used The Tradition to aid their kingdom. As magical creatures, mer-people were even more at the mercy of The Tradition. Katya’s father, while still a Prince, determined that they would instead control The Tradition. One such tradition he changed was the one that mermaids would sing sailors to their death. He sent out bards singing songs depicting an alternate story for mermaids, that said sailors merely forgot their One True Loves, at least until the One True Love managed to break the spell. And, soon, because of “seeding” The Tradition this way, that story became prominent.

         Both Katya and Sasha are the youngest in their families, seventh daughter and seventh son. According to The Tradition this was the position of Fool. Both families used this to their advantage. Sasha appeared foolish on the surface, but in reality went about singing songs that manipulated The Tradition and bringing prosperity to his kingdom. Katya, seemingly insignificant to those who bothered to notice her, slipped in and out of the Drylanders and the Sea Kingdoms, watching and listening and bringing reports back to her father, the Sea King of one of the most prosperous and benevolent sea kingdoms.

         Katya and Sasha meet and fall in love while on their many wanderings. Unlike many romances, this is really just the beginning of the story. When Katya is kidnapped by a djinn intent on gathering magical power and taking over neighboring kingdoms, Sasha begins his search. Both face many perils as they struggle to defeat the rising evil surrounding them.

         Mercedes Lackey creates a wonderfully detailed and believable fantasyscape. Her stories are a joy to read, with one exception. Physical intimacy is, while not casual is at least common in the land of the 500 Kingdoms. Sasha and Katya indulge in several explicit encounters. It is refreshing to learn that Sasha is a virgin, but both Katya’s and Sasha’s attitudes in that area are off-center of what is considered moral to a practicing Christian. Fortunately, the bulk of the intimate encounters occur in one short section, about halfway through the story. If you are so inclined, you could easily skip over those scenes. The rest of the story is an enchanting adventure and romance that you might well enjoy. I did.