jenn

Voting is now closed for this contest. Thanks to everyone who participated. The results will be posted by this evening. Hugs, Jenn

Last day to get your votes in GALS! We've got a really tight race going, let's hear from everyone! Hugs, Jenn

Last day to get your votes in GALS! We've got a really tight race going, let's hear from everyone! Hugs, Jenn

One more week of voting! Hugs, Jenn

One more week of voting! Hugs, Jenn

Welcome to the Gals 3rd Birthday Peotry Creative Contest! You may vote for ONE peom and ONE poem ONLY, by sending a PM (personal message) to me (Jenn) by 12 NOON Pacific Time on August 15 th. You cannot send in proxy votes. In other words, you can't send me a PM telling me that you're also sending me so-and-so's vote. So-and-so needs to PM me themselves. Those entering in the contest are also welcome to vote! *There are 5 poems entered, please scroll down to view all poems* Happy voting! 1. Redroseblackribbon Welcome to GALS.... My favorite place to be.... Touching people's lives... For years numbered three. It's not just GALS birthday that we celebrate you see.... Because every day, I'm shown by GALS, How to celebrate me. The moment that Gerry entered my life, gracing the television screen.... With one swoosh of his cape and a masked backward glance..... My life was changed forever.... My heart never stood a chance. His characters stole my heart.... But the real Gerry captured my soul.... Which lead me to this place.... Where I've been blessed ten fold. Gerry knows we stand by him with hope, love, and devotion.... The same things we share with each other.... Every feeling, every emotion. We come here for friendship, support, and strength... We stand beside one another to fight the good fight to any length.... Our love for Gerry gathers us here every day... Envisionment, encouragement, empowerment.... That's why we come back, that's why we stay. Welcome to GALS... My favorite place to be.... Touching people's lives.... For years now numbered three. 2. 57th Brigade A GALS Daughter - written to commemorate the 3rd birthday of the site Congratulations GALS, your website is three, But let me just tell you what it's done to me! I'll let you in on a fact only known to some That I am a girl living with a GAL as a Mom! She used to like John Hannah, but that didn't last long And then Gerry Butler came along... Her favorite is Phantom, Andre Marek too, And Drac, Jack, and Leo, to name a few. Thanks to her obsession I know them by heart And can tell the movie where he plays each part! Wait now, I'll remember what things I can And I'll let you know this all began... It all started when Grandma took Mom to see A presentation of show-tunes, if you will, a medley. One of the songs from "Phantom" came on She let the music absorb her and then she was gone! Home she came and to Netflix she went And soon enough the POTO DVD was sent. As soon as she watched and saw Gerry act There was nothing I could do to bring her back! She watched over and over, how gorgeous he looked, Absorbed by his hotness, what can I say? She was hooked! "Gerard Butler" she read as the credits rolled And the next move she made, for her, was quite bold. To the computer she went and typed in the name Hoping to find other who felt the same. Soon she came across a new fansite called GALS And after some time she even made some new pals! It was a bit weird at first, I have to admit But eventually I learned to just live with it. Just before Gerry came along you see The only family member with an obsession was me! But it's normal for me, a simple teen To get crushes on characters from movies I've seen! From John to Gerry, guess it's just a thing for Scots At least that's what I got when I connected the dots... But never mind that, it's all cool in life It's not her obsession causes a strife. On the site she posted and anxiously awaited replies while looking at pictures and marveling at Gerry's....ummmm..."size." The first event she went to she let me tag along We drove to LA singing each POTO song. A midnight show awaited next night And my mother marveled at the spectacular sight. Seeing Gerry that big, she rejoiced *Fangirl scream!* 'Twas like being inside a truly wonderful dream! Her next trip to SF she took alone I wasn't so lucky and was left at home. Yes, it was I she didn't take So she could watch 'Wulf slay monsters at the bottom of a lake. More adventures came as she made more friends "Smoke Tiki" birthdays and fun without end. Next came Wonder*Con where I longed to go But I had a speech tournie then...so no. Zack Snyder and Gerry in person she saw As they promoted a film where the action was raw! Speaking of which, on opening night I was able to join her and watch sexy men fight. And after all that she couldn't possibly wait, So for Vegas '07 she set the date! Upon her arrival she met GALS galore Overjoyed to meet others who obsess and adore. Friends, slots, and shows, topped off with Greek Ball Was surely enjoyed by GALS one and all! Soon later I got to again join the fun When Mom and I planned a party for Spartans who lost...but won. She went LA again, this time I missed out When she went without me, yes, I did pout! But I was a senior, school had to be completed And unfortunately my Grad Party with this years Vegas competed. I wanted her to go! Really! No Lie! Instead she gave me a look and heaved a sigh And then decided to stay behind For my Luau-themed party we both designed. After it was over she said it was fine, "But I wanted you to go!" I continued to whine So she took me upstairs and I was filled with cheer When she showed me her new fund for Vegas next year! She faces opposition from Grandma and Aunt Who cross their arms and begin to rant That she is committing a sin, it's called "lust" I roll my eyes, whatever, they're just being a bust. I support the obsession, really, I'm glad Once you get used to it, it isn't so bad. My best friend even calls after an earthquake to say to my Mom "Is the Gerard Butler Collection Okay?" See, our guest-room is plastered with pictures of Gerry In his gold Leo garb and really...not hairy. Over time I've learned phrases like "Thighs of Glory" and GB movies annoy my sisters, but they won't bore me! So now by this time you've been reading a while And I was going to end this with panache and style But instead I'm going with an ending quite sappy Just telling you all how you've made my Mom happy! She really loves all you GALS and I thank you for that ...although she does mention Gerry at the drop of a hat. So to conclude, Happy Birthday, There'll be more to come As long as Gerry lives...and then some! My Mom is a fangirl, great to see her this way So thanks for reading, I think I've covered all I'm going to say! -Oh, Wait! One more thing, let you know That over the years I will continue to grow I hope to join Mom on adventures abound So GALS let me tell you...I'll see you around!!! 3. Lorie McKinney (inspired by King Leonidas) Temptation In the oceans of your eyes I drown. In need of the breath that is you. Falling into your depths, surrounded by the waves of your caress. The sands of time whisper your name softly across my skin. I stand naked before you, Yearning for what can never be. You are my temptation from which I cannot escape. 4. TopazVonZ (inspired by a dream of a certain Scottish man) Dreams Lay Captured A stir of echoes in this, relentless night. Your voice like a vague whisper, pulling at the gossamer threads that bind me to this moment. Tempting consciousness. It's then that I realize this dream within a dream, One can no longer go on. And, as suddenly as I appear, I disappear. Headlong into an obliqueness that all at once, is mine. I crack the window inside my lonely room and breathe. Tasting the whisper of my hearts desire and feeling his ethereal touch Carried on velvet darkness, a thousand miles long. 5. Gerran (inspired by Gerry's performance in POTO) "Is Death Really Death?" Wondering in the grassy meadow Flowers blooming for the sake of springtime The sun shining brightly But storm clouds gathering about the dark woods nearby I turn away "The woods hold nothing but Death," people say And I believe them I often hear cries of despair Screams of anger Coming from those dreary woods at night Which cause me to cower under my blankets in fear "Please, Death," I would beg "Stay in those woods, don't come hear" But now it's morning And I'm joyous in the meadow Trying not to think about those dreadful woods I suddenly hear thunder And I see a flash of lightening Funny how that lightening is only over those despairing woods Then I hear a cry of despair A scream of anger And it's not night "It's Death," I breathe "Coming for me" I begin to flee The meadow no longer safe Not even in the daylight Why does the meadow have to be next to those fearful woods? I hear something coming behind me "Death is coming for me!" I scream "Death, please, go back to your woods And leave me alone" Suddenly something grabs me from behind And spins me around And I look Death in the face And I'm amazed Death is sad Is Death really Death? I see despair, desperation Tears of sadness Eyes begging for me to stay "Follow me," Death says "Please come with me I mean you no harm I have been watching you in the meadow So beautiful you are I'm not worthy of you But I yearn for your company I merely want someone to talk to And nothing more" I look Death in the eyes Filled with anger But also sadness and desire I pity Death I have sympathy for Death How lonely those woods must be I take Death's hand and follow without fear Death is not really Death It's merely something who's tired of being alone In those hopeless woods Filled with nothing but dread But I shall bring light to that darkness A light that will forever shine

Welcome to the Gals 3rd Birthday Graphics Creative Contest! You may vote for ONE graphic and ONE graphic ONLY, by sending a PM (personal message) to me (Jenn) by 12 NOON Pacific Time on August 15 th. You cannot send in proxy votes. In other words, you can't send me a PM telling me that you're also sending me so-and-so's vote. So-and-so needs to PM me themselves. Those entering in the contest are also welcome to vote! Happy voting! *click them... they get bigger* ~ Zanyzombie ~ Givemeabeach ~ Lady Fran ~ Greeneyes ~ Illiesa ~ Irish ~ Lady Elissa ~ Nanlynn

The poetry and graphics contests are now closed. We have some wonderful entries. The entries will be posted soon for voting. Thanks to everyone for participating. Hugs, Jenn

http://chud.com/ Long Lost Cinema: Dear Frankie Matthew Tort, August 1, 2008 Of all the films I've seen (and believe me, there have been many), very few have actually moved me to tears. Only two, in fact. The first being The Elephant Man, which is easily one of the most incredibly heartbreaking films ever made. The other being Dear Frankie, a little known Scottish film that deserves a much bigger audience than it has received since its release in 2004. While not necessarily a "long lost film", Dear Frankie is one that isn't widely known, for reasons I am not completely sure of. The cast is small, but powerful, with Emily Mortimer, from Match Point and Gerard Butler who is enjoying much success due to 300. And the story is one that is simple, but incredibly detailed, truthful and honest. At the end of the day, it is obvious that the filmmakers did not have a very big budget, so they wisely focused on the story and made it the star of the picture. Dear Frankie tells the story of Frankie, a highly intelligent deaf boy who lives his days idolizing the father he's never met. He moves from home to home with his mother Lizzie and grandmother Nell for reasons unknown. To protect her son from the truth about his father, every couple of weeks Lizzie writes letters to Frankie, posing as his father, a man working at sea on the HMS Accra. But what Lizzie doesn't know is that Frankie's been keeping track of the HMS Accra and, one day, much to his delight, discovers that it will be docking not too far from where they currently live. With not enough time to move away, Lizzie is forced to either tell Frankie the truth or think of something a little more creative. After much thought, she decides to pay a complete stranger (Gerard Butler) to act as Frankie's father. The act eventually turns into something that reveals more about their characters than they ever expected. What I adore most about this picture is that the story develops in a surprising fashion, but also a realistic one. I notice that when it comes to dramas, plenty of filmmakers tend to tweak emotions here and there in order to come to that always-important happy ending. While Dear Frankie ends on a happy note, it reaches that goal without betraying the audience. For ninety minutes, we get to know these characters, see how they act in certain situations, as well as see their flawed personalities interact with one another. It's only fitting that the ending suits their personalities. I'm sure by now you've come to the realization that the film has a slow pace, but that is also one of its most endearing qualities. It takes its time telling this simple story, one that is the very definition of the bittersweet love story. The picture focuses on the love between mother and son, as well as father and son. The thing is, in this story, the father figure isn't necessarily biological. Another beautiful aspect of the film is its habit of avoiding predictability. Seeing as how the main character is a deaf little boy, it would be assumed that the filmmakers would make the audience feel sympathy for him. Incredibly, that is not the case. His disability is rarely focused on, if at all. Dear Frankie is a story about forgiveness and the love that should exist within a family. Frankie is constantly surrounded by people who love and care for him. I mean, even the stranger hired to pose as his father for a day adores the boy by the film's end. As a matter of fact, in order to further elaborate on the character development, I have to tread into spoiler territory. So if you plan on seeing the film and don't want to know key elements of the third act, stop reading now. By the end of the film, it is revealed that Frankie knew all along that the stranger was not his father. It's an interesting way of emphasizing the intelligence of the character. While it's a surprise to the audience, it's not impossible that Frankie would know such a fact. He is very observant, after all. It's one of many nuances that help fully develop the character. After Frankie reveals the truth, one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the movie takes place. For the first and only time, Frankie speaks (he reads the letters he writes to his father throughout the film through narration), asking the stranger not to go. It's a heartbreaking moment, one that is affecting on so many levels that it takes a while for you to realize the deep impact it actually has. The moment is quiet, reserved and incredibly moving without being forceful, predictable or unrealistic. While there are subplots involving Frankie's mother and her budding relationship with the stranger and her mother's opinion of it, as well as Frankie's biological father re-entering his life, the film's strongest scenes involve the little boy and the stranger. Even though they are strangers, they know so much about each other and they connect on a very real level. Like I mentioned before, the film ends the way you expect it to. And that is not necessarily a negative thing, especially in the context of this film. Dear Frankie isn't a film dedicated to telling a suspenseful story, full of surprise twists and turns. It's a very human story that takes its time developing the characters that populate its world. It is a beautiful film that, when discovered, you will hold very dear to your heart. I know I do.

Thanks for helping out Zany!! Only 3 more hours gals!!! Hugs, Jenn

LAST day Gals! You have approximately 25 hours to get your entries in! Hugs Jenn

Yeah Susan... we're all curious now??

We're OK down here. Just had some books tumble off a shelf. Glad you're OK Susan! Hugs, Jenn

http://www.contactmusic.com/ GERARD BUTLER - BUTLER WOWED BY HONEST COMIC BOOK FANS 300 star GERARD BUTLER has given the comic book geeks the seal of approval after they passed up the chance to claim his watch and glasses as souvenirs. The Scot was at this year's (08) Comic-Con in San Diego, California promoting his new Guy Ritchie film RocknRolla when he suddenly realised his expensive timepiece and sunglasses were missing. At first he believed rabid comic book fans had picked up a couple of extra souvenirs - at his expense. He says, "It was madness... I was signing posters and my watch kept catching on them, so I took it off and put it between my legs and then walked off. "And then I thought someone stole my sunglasses." But Butler didn't take comic book fans' code of conduct into account - the items were turned in to event security by fans. He adds, "This place is great." 07/28/2008 12:54:07 AM

Wow! It's been forever since I posted in here. I hope everyone is doing well on this fine Sunday. And keeping cool if you're in one of the hotter parts. I got new patio furniture this morning Squeeeeeeeeeeeee. It take so little to make me happy these days LOL Hugs, Jenn

Sure, as long as it fits the theme.

CONGRATS Cassie!! Welcome to the world Isabelle! Born on my Mom's b-day LOL Hugs, Jenn

Yeah! Can't wait to see it! Hugs, Jenn

Thanks Linda! I AM expecting an entry from you BTW! Hugs, Jenn

Very nice Linda! Thanks. I'm going to use it! Hugs, Jenn