Author

Rachael Parker

Browsing

Most of the streaming networks have amazing programming; this is a fact that cannot be denied. From Stranger Things, The Crown, Mozart in the Jungle, The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Harlots to so many more that should be named, but for time sake I will leave out, choices are almost unlimited. With more added almost every month, the flood can be daunting. I want to throw out a new one, one that has me looking forward to Wednesdays.

Summer is coming to a close and autumn is running up the road to greet us. This means the weather will be turning cool and crisp, which is just lovely weather for reading. And there are many books to read out there in the lovely weather that is coming up. Well, I have combed through some of the upcoming releases and I am here to help you with a few ideas of what to grab off the shelf.

Let’s be real, social media is amazing. It allows you to keep up with old friends, make new ones, discover whole groups of people who have your interests, helps you find new interests. Some have found their significant other. It helps you keep up with news, not to mention the animal videos!

But let’s be real, social media is often terrible. Political bickering, back biting, drama, the constant need to feel validated by someone commenting on whatever it was that you shared, “facts” that are shared, that one friend or family member that you aren’t quite sure about, who might be stalking your profile, just not always a safe space. Especially emotionally.

For most of my life, I have striven to be a strong woman. I wanted to be someone who could handle anything and everything for anyone and everyone. I wanted to be that person that you wanted by your side, whether you were going into battle or sitting down to a long meeting.

Strong women were praised. Strong women were the ideal. Strong women don’t need help. They can do everything without their perfectly manicured nails chipping or their mascara running.

As I have grown, I’ve discovered the problem. Strong women, as I perceived them, are a myth.

Book vs. Movie: The Ultimate Showdown

How familiar is this situation to you?

You find this great book, you devour it, love it, recommend it to everyone, then find out there is going to be a movie. At first you are excited! A whole new group of people will experience this story that you love. But then as the promotional material comes out, you begin to become concerned that the movie will be nothing like that book. You then try to maintain hope that it will be good, but end up being disappointed in the movie.

I am a geek, nerd, wonk, whatever you prefer. I always have been. When I was younger I boldly wore the shirts, dresses, pants, scarves, etc. that proclaimed loudly to the world I was indeed one of the geeky persuasion, daring them to fight me on it or question my geekness. Movie and book premieres were costumed events. Barely a day went by when there wasn’t some item of geekery on my body, generally more than one. T-shirts, patches, messenger bags, beanies, you name it chances are I wore it.

Growing up, when asked who my favorite Disney Princess was, I would answer, “Maleficent.” I have always been drawn to strong women. They are who I want to be. For the longest time, the only options for me were villains (the why of that is a whole different post).

Back in March, Kit Cronk had this to say about badass Disney women. I was excited to read that list, and while every woman definitely deserved to be there, it lacked some of my favorite characters: the Disney female villains. I would therefore like to offer this as a supplemental list for those of us who like the dark side.

Chances are we have all been subjected to a Monopoly fight, a Risk eternity, or a Scrabble dictionary dive in our life. These tabletop fiascos can ruin evenings and quickly turn people off to games in general. There are so many more options out there now, that not only are bad board game nights no longer a problem, but there is no reason not to play some of the newer options.