Movie Lighthouses: Marshall Point – Maine

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Marshall Point-GumpI was saving this one as it’s kind of a gimme. Not many people HAVEN’T seen Forrest Gump, and the triumphant end to his cross-country marathon run. I’ve “borrowed” a still from the film, here. What a shot, eh?

So what did you think of Forrest Gump? I haven’t seen it in years, and I think I’d like to watch it again. There are some big highs and some profound lows, but excellent acting all around. It was the first time I saw Gary Sinise. Sally Field is an all-time favorite of mine. And Tom Hanks? What can you say about him that hasn’t been said. Back-to-back Oscars for two very diverse roles. I don’t know if I could watch Philadelphia again.

Marshall Point. Port Clyde is a charming coastal Maine town, one I’d certainly like to visit. It’s been called an artist retreat–indeed, American painter Andrew Wyeth had a studio there. The lighthouse itself is a shortie – only 31 feet, but one of the more picturesque beacons around as you can see above. So picturesque, in fact, that apparently the area surrounding it is often congested with easels, tripods and budding artists. Built in 1823, automated in 1981. See Don Moore’s beautiful picture here.

I have never been to Maine and it’s on my ever-lengthening list. Marshall Point is a must-see!

Friday Potpourri: Weds., Sept 30

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Moesha.

Moesha.

Suffering. I made some kind of mistake, not knowing (well, if we knew when we were making mistakes, we wouldn’t make them, duh!) and now I am trying to fix it. It’s not an easy thing to fix, either. My day was going pretty well, too. The thing is, I’m the kind of person that doesn’t take mistakes that easily. I know people who basically just shrug it off when they goof. Life’s too short for regrets, right? Yeah, but.

Moesha is not my mistake, but she is kind of a mistake, hence her photo here.

We’ve had great weather the past two days. Excellent weather. We are neither sweltering, nor under water. Breezy, 72 degrees, the kind of weather the rest of the nation thinks we have all the time. We don’t. In a matter of days, it will be either HOT again, or the pre-Halloween cold snap will settle in. But I’m okay with it, I really don’t want to live anywhere else. Not permanently. I think I’d enjoy London for a few months. Kahana, too, would work. (That’s in Maui, FYI.)

I’m probably 2/3 or 3/4 through my oddball book. This book will need serious editing. I may consider self-pubbing this one, as an experiment, since the story itself is experimental. My cross-cultured characters are struggling, and I am trying to help them find peace. We shall see.

I caught up with George this week. BOY GEORGE to most of you, George O’Dowd to some and just plain George to me. Although he doesn’t yet know it, we have become good friends as he unwittingly helps me to write my story. Although there have been periods where he has tried to shed the “BOY” part of his moniker, it does have a bit of franchise with it and likely serves him well even now. Unfortunately, his good name has been hi-jacked, used as a somewhat derogatory nickname for conservative British Parliament member George Osborne. (While I’m sure you laugh it off, dear George, I’ll bet you hate it, wish you’d trademarked it way-back-when.) Anyway, George is looking good, sounding good, and I’m happy to see he is busy and productive.

Saturday I’m heading out to the Duarte Library Festival of Authors. Fellow Echelon authors Gayle Carline, Jeff Sherratt and I will be participating in a mystery panel as well as hawking our books to hungry readers. On Sunday, I’ll be signing with Sisters in Crime/LA at WEHO – West Hollywood Book Fair. Should be a fun weekend!

Los Angeles Times reports that ebook readers are expected to be a hot item for holiday sales this year. Great news for all authors, I think. Since CAPE SEDUCTION comes out in November, I’d say that’s very good timing.

Okay, back to obsessing about my mistake. Back soon.

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Movie Lighthouses: Diamond Head, Hawaii

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mvc-006sWhen I remembered this setting, I immediately felt the same emotion that poured into me the first time I saw the film Pearl Harbor. This is an epic film, one that encompasses romance, history, tragedy. A picture that has something for everybody. It starts off slow, recounting the childhood friendship of the two male protags, Rafe and Danny, who dream of being pilots before they are out of short pants. The film then advances to these same two as hot shot pilots, and their impending love triangle with nurse Evelyn.

Played by Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale, the characters in Pearl Harbor are completely fictional and written to create a commercially viable vehicle for the filmmakers. The proverbial love triangle is certainly soapy enough, predictable and efficiently enacted. For me, however, the best part of this film is the actual day of infamy, the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

If you go to IMDB.com and check out the reviews, you won’t want to watch this movie. I was surprised at the outrage, the vehemence with which these viewers expressed their opinions of this film. They hate it! Historically inaccurate, Sappy, too long, Views like a video game. Fighter pilots cannot become bomber pilots. No Army nurses died in real life. Okay, gimme a break!

The success of any film or book is its ability to allow the viewer/reader to suspend disbelief long enough to enjoy it. If you are going to sit there with a damn history book in your lap, forget it. I concur that it’s lengthy, and traverses a long period of time. But I feel the storytellers and filmmakers had a tale to tell. If one wants historical accuracy, go rent a documentary on WWII. Check out Tora! Tora! Tora!.

And yes, Diamond Head Lighthouse is in the film, and was an original star in the original, real-life day the Japanese attacked Pearl. I’ve been there, sneaked around on the cliff adjacent to the lighthouse(it’s actually built on the side of an extinct volcano!) trying to get this photo. Almost fell. Was worth it, of course!

Maybe the reason I like the film so much is that it brought to life an event I knew so little about. I think I was absent that day/week/month in school when we studied about this horrific event. Yeah, so, maybe it’s not nitpickingly accurate. But I believe it captures the terror, the feel of that horrible day in American history.

Movie Lighthouses: Sheringham Point (Vancouver)

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SheringtonThis is amusing. As I was perusing movies that feature (no matter how small) lighthouses, I was delighted to see one of my very favorite movies on the list:  DOUBLE JEOPARDY with Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones. Really a big favorite. There are many scenes in and around water, so I thought, sure, there must be a lighthouse there somewhere, although I didn’t remember seeing one.

So rather than be counterfeit, I decided I should at least identify the section of the film where the lighthouse appears. I didn’t have time to watch the whole film as I’m busier than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. So I did the next best thing: scanned through it on double speed, watching for the lighthouse. The first half of the film takes place on Whidbey Island, in and around Vancouver Island, and in the prison where Judd’s character is incarcerated. I carefully scanned, then actually watched, all the water scenes to no avail. No lighthouse. The second half of the film centers on Colorado and New Orleans, but Sheringham would not be found there!

Out of time, I gave up, and just for safe measure, put the film in reverse one last time. Imagine my shock when I almost escaped noticing the VERY FIRST FRAME of the film, after the black screen that follows the “Paramount” logo, as  the music begins … a gorgeous landscape shot of Sheringham Point at dusk, on the south coast of Vancouver Island. The first time I started the DVD, the player on my laptop just skipped it. Started on the next frame, which is a beach scene with a fence traversing it.

Here is a link to a beautiful image: http://www.pbase.com/mgrove/image/87613912

Can’t believe the film is already ten years old. Great plot, great acting, wonderful “American” scenery. From the Washington ferries to the New Orleans Mardi Gras. Well worth a second viewing. And don’t miss the lighthouse!

Movie Lighthouse: Round Island – Michigan

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round islandMackinac Island. Any romantic film lover will recognize this beautiful setting in Upper Peninsula. Often called the “all natural” theme park of America, Mackinac was the setting for one of the best loved romance films of all time:  Somewhere In Time, starring two of my very favorite actors, Jane Seymour and the late Christopher Reeve.

The lighthouse is where the Richard Collier (Reeve) takes Elise McKenna (Seymour) for a picnic. The popular red and white landmark is one of several locations where fans of the film congregate yearly to celebrate and discuss Somewhere In Time, first released in 1980. The lighthouse itself, however, is not open to the public.

Round Island Lighthouse, not to be confused with another of the same name in Mississippi, was first lit in 1894, automated in 1924 and decommissioned in 1947, when it was abandoned and left to suffer the elements. It’s seen more than its share of weather, too–winds during a terrific storm in 1972 actually blew off a lower corner of the building, allowing later access for vandals. Makes any lighthouse lover’s heart sad. Eventually, as a result of fundraising (and diplomatic begging) funds were appropriated and the exterior was nicely restored. Interior repairs are on-going. sit_poplars

As for the film, brilliant. Romantic. Artistic. Some would call it sappy, but you can’t count me among them. In the romance novel industry, the “time-travel” genre attracts a whole gambit of readers. After all, the message is that love transcends all time. This one is well done. Yes, it has sad moments, but well worth a hanky or two. If you haven’t seen it, do. The lighthouse plays a small but worthy role.

If you’re already a fan, check out this fab website.

Jane has a wonderful website, where she shows off her books, jewelry designs, paintings, linens, etc. And fans should also check out the “Friends of Jane” sight for more goodies on this talented, beautiful actress. (I myself have two lovely ceramic dolls made in her likeness!)

Friday Potpourri: Sept 11

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patriot_day7Wow. An Eleven day disappearance. Where have I been? WRITING. In fact, as I type this entry late Thursday evening, my back is giving me loud complaints from the days sitting at the keyboard. So what am I writing? Other blogs, homework (I am now studying the Constitution), a review of Michael Moore’s SICKO for my Crossing Cultures class. That’s it, you ask, unconvinced?

Okay, I’m also writing a new book. Yeah, I know, I shouldn’t be, with school, and the edits to CAPE SEDUCTION due on my desk at any micro-second. (Katie?) I’m also just gearing up to participate in the upcoming political campaign of a good friend. Fun, but time consuming.

Oh, the book? You want to know about that. Well, it’s about… a secret. I mean, the story is a secret. It’s different, WAY different than anything I’ve ever ventured into. I guess you could call it a romance, of sorts, and it involves two unusual, needy people who persist in getting into trouble and rescuing each other every few years. What’s so different about that? Well, not much, actually. It’s just that one of the characters is rather… androgynous. Or maybe a little gender-bent. There I go, spouting off secrets. Zipping lips now.

Have you heard about Echelon Shorts? Well, similar to Bermuda Shorts, only a lot more fun. The authors of shortac-whms-cvr fiction at Echelon are blogging about their great stories. Hey, I think I’m there today! Yep—I’m there, yapping about WHEN HARRY MET SOLI. I love this little story. It’s great fun, about a little boy who is convinced he is the real Harry Potter. Easy, 30-40 minute ebook read for $3.00. Enjoy it today…

Let’s see… today is September 11th, a day we do, and don’t, really want to remember. What I do recall was my husband sitting beside me on the bed as we watched (again and again) the towers burning, collapsing. He said to me, “the world will never be the same after this.” He was right, of course. Some good info on Patriot Day here.

Today is also my super duper smarty-pantz niece’s 18th birthday. I can’t believe she made it this far without talking herself—and me—to death. Happy Birthday, Litter Box!

Heading out to the Hollywood Bowl tomorrow night with friends. Our last deal of the year. Blame it on Rio! With fireworks finale! Can’t wait.  (Note to self:  take extra cushion for aching back.)

Okay, chums, have a great weekend and hopefully I’ll be back on track next week…

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Movie Lighthouses: Forever Young (1992)

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Forver_YoungMost people have seen this popular Mel Gibson film about a man who opts to be frozen in order to await the eventual revival of his comatose girlfriend. Although IMDB lists the on-location shots for the diner/accident scene as being filmed elsewhere, I was there the day production crews set up the portable “diner” set on a street corner in Northridge, California, just a half-block from where I was working. We could see Mel and other cast members filming all day.

Most memorable, however, is the lighthouse scene. Mel’s character, having been thawed out sixty years after his cryogenic deep freeze, goes looking for his now senior gal-pal, and ends up at Point Arena. Crews built a shell of a Victorian house and a gazebo on the land (only the gazebo remains today) and cameras rolled as Mel landed a small plane with the lighthouse as a backdrop. (Collective sigh, here!) (Note:  his little boy buddy was none other than that famous “One Ring” caretaker, Elijah Wood.)

Would it be hokey to say that Point Arena is forever young? The original tower, razed after the 1906 earthquake, was first lit in 1870. The replacement, a 115 foot beacon that was placed into service in 1908, celebrated its centennial last year. According to the go-to web lighthouse experts, The Lighthouse Friends, although 1.6 million dollars in renovations were made last year, the lighthouse is still in need of paint. The Fresnel lens has been moved to the fog signal building, and the now-empty lantern room began providing a large observation area for visitors as of February, 2009. Read more about it here.

There are four rental homes adjacent to this majestic lightstation that are rented out to visitors. You can bet this is a vacation locale near the top of my list!

Pt Arena Lighthouse-Aerial Photo

Friday Potpourri: Aug 29

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Hasley Hall at COC

Hasley Hall at COC

(Yeah, I know it’s Saturday. I ran out of minutes yesterday.)

School. My first on-campus class was great. I got a spot in the upper parking lot and arrived at my classroom early. Well, it’s not really a classroom, but a good sized movie theatre, with cushiony seats, cool air conditioning, great sound system… My instructor is Melinda Johnson, and she describes herself as the foremost expert on Tinkerbell, among other very impressive things. Like working with Disney on the restoration and re-release of vintage animated movies. Snow White is next, she told us. Liked her a lot. Lots of energy and an obvious love of sharing knowledge. The class is “Cinema 123 – Crossing Cultures” and it meets the “diversity studies” requirement.

We talked about Senator Ted Kennedy, and she chose a film which, she felt, would spark some thought about Kennedy’s career:  Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur. Well, as Jimmy Stewart is one of my most favorite actors, I was delighted. My nephew, a big fan of Mr. Smith, just commented that he doesn’t remember Kennedy filibustering for Boy Scouts. He may have something there.

Fire. We are again living under the haze of smoke and the fear of flame. Just another hot August in So Cal.

Film. Today, hubby and I went to see District 9. Not at all what we were expecting. Peter Jackson’s reputation put our anticipation higher than warranted. Not a bad film, but just not anything on par with his previous blockbusters.

rosary brideBook. Last night, I finished The Rosary Bride: A Cloistered Death by Luisa Buehler. Wow! Great first-person mystery. Well-paced, interesting settings, great writing. First in the Grace Marsden Mystery series, so I’m hopeful of downloading the second this week.

Funeral. I did watch Ted Kennedy’s services. Once again inspired by Barack Obama’s public speaking skills. Well done, Mr. President. Moved by Edward Jr.’s speech. Surprised that although the cameras paused on Jimmy Carter, Bill & Hillary Clinton and swept past George & Laura Bush, I must have blinked when they showed our governor and his lovely wife Maria.

Website:  I am seeking someone with experience in making flash animations. I’d do it myself except that the learning curve would put me into next year, and I need it sooner than that.

Have a great weekend! Or what’s left of it.

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Cover Art: Cape Seduction!

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My New Cover!

My New Cover!

My upcoming release has a face! I am so delighted with this cover. The lighthouse is none other than St. George Reef Lighthouse, the inspiration for CAPE SEDUCTION. This photo, taken by the delightful Lighthouse People, perfectly captures the dark, broody mood of the setting in this novel. The young woman represents Darla Foster, a young starlet whose terrible plight is central to the plot, which takes place in both 1948 and in present day.

Cover artist Nathalie Moore did a wonderful job in matching the artwork on my previous book, POINT SURRENDER, also created by Nat. I can’t wait to hear what people think of this cover.  Oh no! Here comes the commercial…

“In 1949, up-and-coming starlet Darla Foster goes missing after the release of Cape Seduction, a tragic romance filmed in a California lighthouse. Now, sixty years later, the long abandoned lighthouse is causing trouble for its present-day owners. Has the sexy, eccentric actress returned to avenge her stolen life? CAPE SEDUCTION by ANNE CARTER, November, 2009, from Echelon Press!”

Whew. End of commercial. For now.


Lighthouse Movies: Half Light (2006)

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Twr Mawr Lighthouse

Twr Mawr Lighthouse

A movie sticks in my mind. 2006’s Half Light starring Demi Moore, written and directed by Craig Rosenberg, was filmed partially on Llanddwyn Island in Anglesey, Wales. Although the story takes place in the Scottish village of Ingonish, filmmakers thought the setting surrounding real-life Twr Mawr lighthouse warranted the trouble.

What trouble, you may ask? Well, first of all, beautiful Twr Mawr has no gallery, no conventional lantern room. It was, in fact, modeled after a popular windmill design. How then would Demi Moore and film paramour Hans Matheson have a romantic moment at the railing? Not to mention that Llanddwyn Island is a sacred place to the Welsh, who didn’t take too kindly to the overpowering film crew that invaded their turf. According to IMDB, Ms. Moore’s acquisition of 20 crates of beer for the crew’s enjoyment after filming probably added to the outrage exhibited by the community. Worse, the blackguards painted the lighthouse red!

Naturally, filmmakers got around the lack of a gallery with the help of CGI:  Computer generated imagery. It is said that they also built a false top for the lighthouse, but ended up not using it.

Personally, I liked the film. I mean, it’s about a lighthouse, right? Duh! Plus it has a supernatural angle, which I won’t go into for fear of spoiling it for those of you already clicking on Netflix. Demi Moore does a respectable job as a writer’s blocked author who is also grieving for her lost child.

I do regret, however, that the film company created such a stir in this quiet, spiritual community.

PS:  A bit of trivia… actor Hans Matheson, who stars as the handsome lighthouse keeper, was born in 1975–the same year Twr Mawr was deactivated, after 130 years of active service!