Life Perspective: Reviews & More

It's New Year's Eve , and my puppy Jack and I are waiting for the ball to drop. We are more than ready for a New Year. 2012 was a year of many losses for me following the Nashville Flood of 2010 in May and then my washing machine hose breaking in October 2010. After the massive water damage, seeing my house gutted, living in a tiny room at the Microtel for 9 months with a sick dog, having to pay for mold remediation and other repairs out of pocket, then having Landmark Construction cash their check and not finish the work, I lost my precious dog and faithful companion of 17 years, my dear little Miss Katy. Then I received so many damaged possessions back from the ServiceMaster in Nashville which did such a negligent job of packing out and storing my goods, it was just one devastating loss after another throughout 2012. But 2012 was also the year I got my little dog Jack (who looks very sleepy in this photo), started a new job at Sears, got to be an extra on "Nash...

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey another Middle Earth adventure - review & photos Peter Jackson's version of " The Hobbit " begins with the almost three-hour long "An Unexpected Journey" starring Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen, Ian Holm, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, and Elijah Wood. Review at: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey another Middle Earth adventure - review+photos - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner Also see: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey gets mixed but positive previews (slideshow) - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

It's Halloween! Are you ready for the local ghosts, goblins, guys, gals, and ghouls? Here are some fun articles, spooky movie reviews, seasonal poems, etc. for your Halloween reading and viewing enjoyment.  Happy Halloween!!!   Have a Happy Halloween! Halloween's origins are controversial and shrouded in some mystery, but no one can deny that the holiday has become one of America's most popular holidays i...  Halloween Movies Best Review - Top 7 Horror Movies for Halloween Looking for a scary movie for Halloween? Need a little fright for a sleepover, movie night or other occasion? You have come to the right place for seven spooky scares. by KathrynDarden   Horror & Supernatural Movies for Halloween Halloween is coming up -- are you in the mood for a spooky, scary movie or a supernatural film? This lens will cover some of the horror and supernatural movies... ...

Tolkien journal 'Silver Leaves' Issue 4 features art, essays, poems & dragons “It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien The respected Tolkien-based journal, “Silver Leaves” Issue 4 , is back from the printer and ready to ship. Published in Canada by the White Tree Fund as a literary and artistic journal for Tolkien and fantasy fans, the theme of this issue is Dragons. I am so pleased to have three of my own poems included in this edition of "Silver Leaves" -- "Dragon," "A Friend Like Sam," and "Snow Sprite." Article at: Tolkien journal 'Silver Leaves' Issue 4 features art, essays, poems & dragons - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner Related Blog Posts: ' Silver Leaves' Looks at Dragons in Their Many Forms in Issue 4 'Here Be Dragons' - Yahoo! Voices 'Silver Leaves' issue 4 Releases Featuring Christian Art, Poems ...

'Silver Leaves' Looks at Dragons in Their Many Forms in Issue 4 'Here Be Dragons' Issue 4 of the esteemed literary journal " Silver Leaves " was published on September 22, 2012--also known as "Hobbit Day." The journal begins shipping in October 2012 with the title "Here Be Dragons." The academic Tolkien journal features three of my own poems among the works of many esteemed artists and respected writers. Read the article at: 'Silver Leaves' Looks at Dragons in Their Many Forms in Issue 4 'Here Be Dragons' - Yahoo! Voices Also see: 'Silver Leaves' issue 4 Releases Featuring Christian Art, Poems & Essays | Christian Activities  

Gordon Mote to Release Christmas Project 'The Star Still Shines' in Oct. New Haven Records and RSI Music Group have announced that Academy of Country Music award-winner Gordon Mote's new Christmas project, the musician's award-winning keyboard prowess is spotlighted on the The Star Still Shines, will hit store shelves October 16. Article at: Gordon Mote to Release Christmas Project 'The Star Still Shines' in Oct. | Christian Activities

 Marilyn Monroe (born Norma Jeane Mortenson)  June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962 August 5, 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of actress Marilyn Monroe. Fifty years after her untimely and somewhat mysterious passing, Marilyn Monroe continues to be as iconic as she was in the 1950s and 60s. In memory of Marilyn Monroe, these are some of the articles I have written about Marilyn Monroe: Health & weight: How big was Marilyn Monroe & what size dress did she wear? A strange mythology has sprung up over Marilyn Monroe's dress size. For decades I heard Marilyn Monroe was a size 12 back in the 1950s. However, in more recent years, Elizabeth Hurley (2000) and Roseanne Barr (1996) have claimed Monroe was a size 16. (snopes.com) Read more about Marilyn Monroe's Weight at: Health & weight: How big was Marilyn Monroe & what size dress did she wear? - Nashville Skin, Health & Beauty Examiner   Iconic Marilyn Monroe remembered thro...

GMC World Premiere Original Movie 'Raising Izzie' a Success GMC TV announced today that the GMC World Premiere Movie "Raising Izzie," starring Vanessa Williams, Rockmond Dunbar, Kyla Kenedy, and Victoria Staley, set a host of new ratings milestones on its July 21 (7-9 p.m. EST) premiere. The network also announced that Raising Izzie will re-air on Friday, August 3 at 9 and 11 p.m. EST, Sunday, August 5 at 11 a.m. EST and Saturday, August 11 at 5 p.m. EST. Article at: GMC World Premiere Original Movie 'Raising Izzie' a Success | Christian Activities

Christian Track and Field Olympians Ready for the London Olympics 4 Winds Christian Athletics, a world-class track and field ministry, just completed a ten day ministry outreach at the USA Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon. USA Track and Field has a goal of winning thirty medals at the London Olympic Games. The track and field portion of the Olympics will begin on August 3rd and end on the 12th. Read more: Christian Track and Field Olympians Ready for the London Olympics | Christian Activities

Mother of Brad Pitt speaks out in support of Mitt Romney Proving that sometimes the apple does fall far, far away from the tree, actor Brad Pitt's mother Jane Pitt has been in the news for comments she made in a letter she sent to her hometown paper, the Springfield News-Leader (Mo.) in support of presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Read all about it at: Mother of Brad Pitt speaks out in support of Mitt Romney - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

Andy Griffith has been buried now, and so have George Lindsey and Doug Dillard who died in May. It has been a hard year for Mayberry fans to lose so many beloved actors back to back. We included this blurb from the November 1996 issue of Guideposts in a Christian Activities article (which was copied in the Huffington Post today). "I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship, and strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before." Entertainer Andy Griffith laid to rest on July 3, 2012 Musician, actor, and television personality Andy Griffith , who passed away on July 3, 2012, was laid to rest hours after his death. He was buried by family less than five hours after he died per his own expressed wishes. "It had been planned for some time," said a spokesman for the Griffith family. "This was the wish of his family." Read more at: Enter...

This is how I spent part of my day today, hanging out with some friends, being patriotic. I hope all my readers have a Happy 4th of July! Have a Happy 4th of July! Celebrate America's Birthday -- Independence Day! July 4 is is185th day of the year (186th in leap years), but it is much more than that to Americans. The 4th of July marks the signing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence, declaring our country's freedom from Great Britain. Top Ten WWII Movies for 4th of July, Patriotic Celebrations & Military Events My Top Ten list of World War II Movies for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Flag Day and other patriotic holidays Nashville 4th of July Celebrations and Patriotic Events in Middle Tennessee There are many 4th of July celebrations and patriotic events to chose from around Nashville!

Nashville Andy Griffith Fan Club (TAGSRWC) responds to passing of Andy Griffith  The Nashville-based The Andy Griffith Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC) for fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" has been celebrating all things Mayberry since it was founded in 1979 by four students at Vanderbilt University. More at: Nashville Andy Griffith Fan Club (TAGSRWC) responds to passing of Andy Griffith - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner  Also see: Actor, singer, storyteller Andy Griffith dead at 86 - Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment Examiner

 We have lost 3 of Mayberry's finest in 2012 with the coup de grace occurring when Andy Griffith died this morning. What a sad year for Mayberry fans, and the end of an era. This photo is of me with Andy Griffith in 2003 when I had the opportunity to present him with a copy of Christian Activities when Andy was on the cover. I had the chance to see Any Griffith perform at the Grand Ole Opry as well as dedicate the Andy Griffith Parkway in Mt. Airy. Photo of Andy Griffith © Kathryn E. Darden. All rights reserved. Actor, singer, storyteller Andy Griffith dead at 86  Beloved actor Andy Griffith has passed away at 86. The baby-boomer generation grew up watching Sheriff Andy Taylor solve small-town crime and family disputes with humor and compassion on "The Andy Griffith Show" in the 1960s.  Read the story at: Actor, singer, storyteller Andy Griffith dead at 86 - Nashville Gospel Music &  Entertainment Examiner Also see:  Celebrating the ...

New Integrity-Hasbro collaboration Jem and The Holograms dolls announced On June 27, 2012 Integrity Toys, Inc., announced their plans to release a brand-new series of collectible fashion dolls based on the 1980′s ground-breaking animated television series "Jem and The Holograms" which is still popular on The Hub today. via New Integrity-Hasbro collaboration Jem and The Holograms dolls announced - Nashville Doll Collecting Examiner

Kathryn's Perspective on Life & Living celebrated two milestones earlier today when it hit 60,000 page views and 975 posts! Now, a few hours later we are at  60070 pageviews and this post brings us to 976 posts. Thank you, readers, for continuing to visit and read these blog posts. Your visits are appreciated. I love my readers! Kathryn Darden

Skin Care events kick off summer in Southern California A national skin care event took place June 17 at the Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel in Newport Beach, CA and was telecast live to cities around the country. See: Rodan + Fields Skinapalooza kicks off summer in Southern California - National Rodan + Fields Examiner Rodan & Fields Skinapalooza in Newport Beach We came from all over California and beyond to gather at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, CA to hear personally from the Doctors who created Proactiv® Solution acne treatment, Drs. Katie Rodan & Kathy Fields. Via Rodan & Fields Skinapalooza in Newport Beach | gababoutskin Contact skin_and_health@yahoo.com .

  Recently, the Hillsboro High School Class of 1972 held its 40th high school reunion on the 40th anniversary of the exact date we walked out of the Hillsboro High School Gym as graduates. Through some fluke, although my parents and brother continued to live at the same address for more than 20 years after I graduated, I never got an invitation to a reunion in the past. This year was special, because I was actually added to a Facebook group where I was informed about the reunion in plenty of time to plan for it. After 40 years, I was finally officially invited to a class reunion! In attending the Friday night and Saturday night events, I realized what it was I had been missing out on all these years. I had no idea that I would enjoy talking to people I barely knew in high school so much or how much I would cherish catching up with old friends I haven't thought about in years. In high school, popularity, clubs, academics, sports, special interests, and other thin...

My bathroom still has no wallpaper, no fixtures &  a hand mirror thumb-tacked to the wall - since June 2011 The situation with Eric Roper and Landmark Construction of Nashville, TN, just gets odder and odder. A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by a woman whose older parents are pursuing legal action against Eric Roper and Landmark Construction because she says he performed the same kind of sloppy works with the same basic crew (Kenny and Frank) on her parents' house in 2010. I believe her parents suffered water damage during the Nashville flood as I did under my house. In my case it was followed by subsequent massive water damage when my washing machine hose burst in the night a few months later and pumped some 2500 gallons of water into my house. Like he did with me, Eric reportedly informed this family he was a licensed contractor. As he did with me, he allegedly told this family he would bring the documentation "another day" and never did. They were ...

RF temporarily suspends sales of Microneedle roller RF Dermatologists, the creators of 4 products lines for aging skin, announced June 6, 2012, that they have temporarily suspended sales of the popular Anti-Age AMP MD Micro-Needle Roller Read all about it at: RF temporarily suspends sales of Microneedle roller - NationalExaminer Contact skin_and_health@yahoo.com .