Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 5

I haven't read all the books yet, but today's character is

Anne Shirley

I saw the mini series first-and loved it. I love Anne.  I think she is clever and charming (and her hair's as red as carrots! I have always wanted red hair!)- and I have always wanted to be the kind of person that leaves people happier than how I found them. Anne meets up with all kinds of crabby, unhappy people, and everyone can't help but love her. She leaves the world a better place-and because of her, I try to do the same.

I fail a lot, but I try nonetheless.

And if being Anne means I get Gilbert Blythe- I'm sold!

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 4

I could not find a suitable picture to go with today's post. That really bugs me... Maybe later if I find one I'll add it... Well, that's not entirely true. I found a good fan art drawing of him- but I'm never quite sure where that line is that says I can't use someone else's pictures. And since it's an actual person's drawing and not just a stock photo or something... then I figure I'd better not. But I guess I can send you there and you can see the drawing here.

Eugenides from the Queen's Thief series

stolen here- praying I wont land in jail

I think he is one of the cleverest characters I've read about in a long time. He is always surprising me. I keep thinking he'll act one way, and then he acts another. I love him. I love him. He's strong, and faithful - not only to his queen but to his gods. He is smart. In every sense smart. If you have not read these books- seriously, you need to (author Megan Whalen Turner) so you can see why I love him so much.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 3

I know I would not be the only person in line to meet this next character if she were to ever come into being:

Elizabeth Benett from Pride and Prejudice

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I think Lizzy is amazing. As Meg Ryan says in You've Got Mail, Elizabeth Bennett is one of the most complex characters ever written. At times she seems shallow- others very deep. But what I love most is how she makes fun of people right to their faces- and they are too oblivious to know what she's doing, especially Mr Collins.  She knows how she wants her life to be and even though being constantly tortured by a ridiculous mother, she doesn't allow herself to be swayed.  I think that takes guts- to turn down a sure thing (albeit a sure thing that will surely make her miserable forever) and hold out on the hopes of something greater.

Have you ever read Shannon Hale's Austenland? You totally should. If they really have vacations like this, I'd love to do it. To submerge oneself in Georgian times, the culture, the clothing- I think it would give us a real appreciation for what we have now, while still getting the chance to experience the romance of it all.

Of course, if we're going to be honest, I only want to meet Elizabeth so I can size her up and see what needs to be done to get her out of the way so I can have Darcy all to myself.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 2

It's a rare story indeed that I have read and seen on screen and not thought one was better than the other (usually the book is better) but this next one I like both and would love- that's L.O.V.E. to meet the story's namesake.

Howl from Howl's Moving Castle

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I saw the movie first and really liked it- then I read the book and loved it! but for different reasons. They are not the same. The movie takes a kind of... odd twist on it (it being a Miyazaki film and all... you know) and needs to be looked at as something different than the book. There are things I like about the book that I don't like about the movie, and vice versa.  But either way, I love Howl (though the movie howl seems awfully shallow at times).

I mean, I love Sophie too, but Howl- I just wanna hug him for being so wonderful.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters

Allrighty- I think this will be the last go round of celebrity lunch dates- for a while. Maybe I'll come up with some other awesome ideas that I just have to share. And to be honest- I don't know how to narrow down the zillions of characters that I would love to meet!  I'll try to not overload the week with heartthrobs- but I make no promises.

First up- My favorite fictional character-

Princess Cimorene from the Enchanted Forest Chronicles

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A silly fantasy? Scoff if you must- but these are my favorite books. Ever.

When I was in high school we had to write an essay about a character that we really identified with. I chose her. I won the essay contest and I was published in the local paper.

Cimorene is clever. She is different and quite OK to be that way. In a world that tells her she must learn etiquette, embroidery, and the proper decibel to scream when being carried off by a giant versus when being carried off by a dragon- she prefers to bully the court magician into teaching her magic, or the castle cook into teaching her how to make a mean cherries jubilee (which I've always wanted to try, simply because she makes it).  She runs away to avoid marriage and lives with the Dragons. It's just so cleverly written and she is by no means a namby pamby damsel. She is the kind of character that shows that women can still be ladies- and independent at the same time.

I can guarantee you we would be friends.

Crap... now I need to dig my books out of storage so I can read them...

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 7

*****Yesterday's post was re-thought and re-done- so make sure you check it out!*****

Again, today I could not decide between two of my favorites... so because it's my blog and I can- I'm teaming them up. Which is not a new thing to these two jokesters.

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby

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I have never seen any of the "Road to..." movies [hangs head in shame] but that doesn't mean that I can't love these two overly talented men (seriously, God got a little disproportionate when he passed out talent to these fellas).

But Mr Hope is arguably the funniest man to ever come out of Hollywood-

And Bing? The greatest crooner EVER!? That lovely voice of his! Sigh...

I can't find a video that does the two of them justice. They are hilarious together. Chemistry, that's what they had. Chemistry.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 6

No disrespect to the lovely Ms Hepburn, but after much deliberation, I decided that she is not someone that I would bring back from the dead to have lunch with- so I am editing my list a little bit.  I realized that today is Friday- and therefore only had so many spots left- and it's a tight squeeze. I had a bump a few- but these guys can not be bumped- and even though it's not exactly going along with the rest of the week- today, we have a team up lunch.

There is no way to decide between these two guys. None. So they get to go together.

Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire

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Who comes to mind when you think of classic Hollywood dancers? Most likely one of these two will waltz into your imagination. There were some great dancers in the Golden Era of Tinsel Town, but no one could quite match the caliber of these two. True, they're style is different- but they are both so amazing.

Gene has the fortune of being in one of my favorite musicals *ever* Brigadoon. (of which a clip was shown on Van Johnson Day {you like that? like how I made it sound like a holiday?})

And Fred is in one of my favorite Christmas shows- Holiday Inn. He's such a light, airy dancer, and always has a bit of mischief up his sleeve.

And to my knowledge- this is the only time to two of them danced together. Awesome! Two Hollywood Legends coming together like this? I wish I'd been there!

I can't dance to save my life- but I would imagine one lesson from these guys and I could at least keep my feet from tripping over themselves. I hope.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 5

Whilst perusing the cobwebbed corners of my rather unused brain, I was trying to think of who should be today's poster celebrity. When the answer came tumbling like a polar bear on roller skates sliding down a slippery glacier. DUH!!!!

Danny Kaye!

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How had I not thought of him sooner? He's only one of the funniest actors *ever*!!! 

I can't think of any movie he's in that doesn't just make your heart light. Even his "serious" rolls are fun. Granted, I've not seen everything he's ever been in- but what a guy. Singing, Dancing... and just down right hilarious.  Can you do this:

note the young and incredibly gorgeous Angela Lansbury and Glynnis Johns!

They just don't make movies like this any more- and it's a crying shame. This has got to be one of the best- cleverest- hilarious-est movies ever filmed!

And how can this song not make you feel better on a sad, down, ugly day?

It's not possible to be unhappy if Danny Kaye is anywhere near your TV screen. I love him. And I'm ashamed of myself for not thinking of him sooner! Doh!

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 4

Today's entry is another one of my favorites. He's wonderful as male lead- but he was also fabulous as the quirky best friend in any film.

Van Johnson

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He just seems like someone who gives really good hugs. He is just so darn lovable. But he could play serious roles too.  He could sing a little, and dance enough to keep up with Gene Kelly- but it's just his all round lovableness that has him on my list.

this video includes two from my list this week! Sa-weet!

Again, I was very upset the day he died. It seemed that he died alone in some forgotten corner of the world. I don't even want to think of what things in his life lead him to that end. No, I'd much rather think of him as the happy go-lucky type, a little sarcastic- but always with a hidden grin.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 3

This person probably has one of the most infamous personal histories.  She led such a crazy, sad life.  But she was so incredibly beautiful and so amazingly talented.

Judy Garland

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Learning what little I know about her life, I think it's crazy that someone so lovely never knew how wonderful she was.  And I don't blame most of her problems on her.  She was ruined from the very beginning by people pushing and pulling her in every direction, giving her sleeping pills, giving her waking pills. Telling her she's not good enough. No wonder she didn't grow up to make very good decisions.

[pardon the Christmas-ness of this video, but I think she is simply gorgeous in this movie- and this part in particular.] I would love to hear about her life from her perspective. I'm sure that biographers- even her children- couldn't explain how she really felt.

But really, what kid didn't grow up loving her as Dorothy?

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Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 2

Today we talk about one of my all time favorite leading men!

Howard Keel

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If we were to ever go to lunch, I would eat- he would sing.  I've loved him since I was a little kid.  Seven Brides for Seven Brothers? Calamity Jane? Showboat? Even Annie Get Your Gun is awesome (only because of him though- I kinda want to punch Betty Hutton in the face in that movie) He seriously has the most amazing voice.  To all of you unbelievers- watch these videos then tell me you wouldn't just want to listen to him sing all day.  He's amazing.

I could make believe.... sigh...

I cried the day he died.  I was actually thinking of him that day, and got on IMDB to do some reading up on him and realized that he'd died just that day.  See? I knew there was a connection there!

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past

[Alright, enough break.  It's not like anyone really read the posts from the interim anyway. I guess I've come to an understanding with my blog. No one reads it- and by "no one" I mean... I look at my friend's blogs and they have dozens- sometimes hundreds- of followers- and nary a post goes by without lots of comments on it. I have resigned myself to the fact that I blog for myself. I amuse me. I go back and re-read my posts and I think I'm hilarious! So, Bakeshow, this one's for you.]

We've had celebrity lunch dates, we've had celebrity couples lunch dates- now I'm gonna list the people that I never got to meet before they parted this life.

Lucille Ball

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How awesome would it be to hang out with someone who has been called the world's funniest woman? I have always loved this lady.  From her TV shows- to her movies (the Long Long Trailer? Hello! hilarious!!!)

But she seems so much more than a funny, funny lady. I would be interested to really know her. What were her heartaches? Was the comedy a cover up for a truly broken soul? What was the method behind the madness? Seriously, these are things I would like to know.  If I was going to do celebrity couple's of the past, I would invite Desi Arnaz to come too. Just to get his side of things.

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How do you tell your best friend that you don't like her favorite movie?

You blog about it and tell her publicly, that's how.

Dear... You Know Who You Are.

Thank you for trying to save me from myself. You were my Jiminy Cricket- and I practically stepped on your little cricket body and made conscience stew out of you.  Against your better judgement I watched the movie.  I wanted to. You were right. I knew the consequences. I'm all growed up. I wish I hadn't watched it.

Thanks for trying.

Love,
       Bakeshow

PS. Once a prude, always a prude.

Let's take a break

I have more Celebrity Lunch Date posts coming up, but let's take a break for a few days... or a week... or so, to get reconnected.

I have two funny stories to tell you.

Last week I was helping my mom weed her flowers (a rare sight, indeed). I had my flip flops on so I kicked them off to just be barefoot in the dirt. While I was pulling up weeds, I felt something on my foot (we all know how I like bugs) and saw some kind of critter crawling up my leg. I didn't even stop long enough to see what it was- I kicked out to shake the critter off my foot- and accidentally kicked the house. With bare feet.

OW.

So a few days later I was playing with my toes- and wondering why the heck my second toe on my right foot hurt and felt like it needed to be popped- but wouldn't pop... then I remembered kicking the house. I jammed my toe-ey! Owwweeeee!

****

Night before last I had a hilarious dream! I dreamed that my sister Mel, my mom and I parachuted into Disneyland (so we wouldn't have to pay).

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We landed just inside the front gates and no one said anything to us- or threw us out. So we decided we wanted to go on the new Star Tours ride (which for some reason was a mash up between Star Tours and the Haunted Mansion). While my mother and sister shopped in the candy store for giant, Mickey shaped SweetTarts, I went to get in line.

stolen here

The line for the ride was like, a mile long. So I stood near the entrance acting nonchalant, letting the line pass me by.  When Mel and Mom finally came, we just walked right into the line. To the people who protested, I said, "Look, I've been in line, but I had to wait for these two so I let people pass by me." That seemed to appease them so they let us in line. I totally lied to cut in the line! It saved us hours of waiting in line! I was soooo proud of myself!

Anyway, so the line would move really fast, and then stand still for a while, then move really fast again. You know how inside Disney rides they curve you and curl you around corridors and hallways to make it seem like the line isn't as long as it really is? Well we were weaving through some cave looking hallways. The line moved and the people in front of us moved really fast around a corner. When we reached the corner, I could see that two roped off lines went right, and one line went left. So I chose the left line. We wandered and wandered and never found other guests in line. I began to think I chose the wrong way so we tried to find our way back but it was so dark we just kept getting more and more lost. Finally, we came to a huge cavern filled with people. As we hid off to the side, we could see we'd walked into a rally of disgruntled park custodians who had to wear Renaissance costumes.

stolen here

 I don't know what they were mad about, but I never *did* get to go on the ride.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition 7

These two have been around a long time. Not meaning that they're old- just that they both started so young!

Remember back when they were this?

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They have both been in all kinds of productions, musicals, comedies, dramas... you name it. Though I'm probably the only person on the planet who has never seen an episode of Sex in the City- and I can't quote Ferris (having only seen it once) I still think these two would be nice to be with. They have a lovely little family and appear to be uh... normal (?). I think we could find some fun conversation. We could talk about theater- and family history. They both appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? and I also take an interest in family history- so see, we could talk for a while and not get bored.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition 6

After much deliberation and discussion- my chum, Melissa A and I have decided that these two would be hilariously awesome to hang out with.

Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller

stolen from here

Only, this couldn't be just lunch. It would need to be a full day at an amusement park or something. They say that laughter is the best medicine. I'm pretty sure that after a day with these two Yahoos, nothing would ail a body. (Remember the rule is that it is two people who would be more fun together- I am not suggesting these two are a "couple")

And if Owen wants to invite his brother... you know... so there's even numbers to go on roller coasters- then I won't argue. 

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Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition 5

Now, don't pretend to judge me. You know this next couple is on your list too, whether or not you admit it out loud.

William and Kate

photo stolen from here

Royalty aside, they seem like such a fun pair.  They *seem* real. They seem like they would be able to hold intelligent and interesting conversations. My only fear would be that *I* would bore *them*

But we do have small things in common... Like, Wills and I share a link to the same family tree. I attended Cambridge... they're the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge... See? We could cover that five minutes, noooo problem!

And I'm sure Kate could give me the inside dirt on the hat thing...

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Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition 4

Today, let's just get to the point.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

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For yeeeee-ears Tom has been on my celebrity lunch list but a year or so ago I had to rethink it. He went off on some bitter tirade about Mormons... and yeah... that would put a damper on our lunch conversation.  He made an apology, but to be honest, I don't trust Hollywood apologies. It's all about image and not about sincerity. But I think if Rita came along, she could act as a buffer and help us if the conversation started to take a political/religious turn. Plus, I love her. She's stinking hilarious.

But anyway, I hope that he is like the characters he plays, sweet, smart and funny, a little bit playful and not afraid to act like a kid.

You've Got Mail pic stolen from here

 (granted, in Big, he *was* acting like a kid... but you know what I mean)

Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition 3

Who wouldn't want to meet this next couple. Seriously?

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith

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Not are they only the world's best looking couple- but they genuinely seem madly in love. If you see them together, whether on TV- or in photos, he's either looking at her adoringly, or has the biggest smile on his face, like he's the luckiest man alive. And she seems so happy just to be by his side and in his arms. I hope it's as genuine at it appears. And again, with Hollywood, and all the beauty that is wandering through there, there just seems to be shortage of respectable couples. These two, however... They're like the real life Huxtables!

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 (ummm... it's possible that I've been watching too much of the Cosby show lately).

Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition 2

***in case you missed it- I added a little video to yesterday's post***

With the people who are married- You'll notice a trend.  They are couples who have been together for a long time. They are (for the most part) scandal-free and respectable.  And I have nothing but respect for this next couple.

John Travolta and Kelly Preston.

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I have always admired Mr Travolta. Ever since they days of Grease (although, as a kid I didn't get *quite* how... uh... naughty that movie actually is) and Kelly has been in lots of bit parts here and there but she always seems like such a gracious lady...

...and sometimes... so does he.

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Maybe he'll take me flying along the Florida coast. That would be awesome!

Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition

There are some people that I would like to go to lunch with- but they would be much funner (I know that's not a word... but that's the beauty of the English language) if they were paired up with someone else.

Tim Burton and Helena Bonham-Carter.

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I just think they are a fascniating couple. And they have been together for a long time- which in Hollywood world is quite an accomplishment.  My friend and I were discussing our top five favorite Tim Burton works. In no particular order mine are: The Corpse Bride, Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Big Fish, and Vincent.

And I've yet to see anything with Helena that I don't like. She's a great crazed Bellatrix, and she was brilliant in The King's Speech (as well as all of her collaberations with her hubs.).

 and if this guy shows up, we won't throw him out.

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Celebrity Lunch Date 7

You know how I spend a lot of time commuting, and on that commute I listen to audio books. And do you further recall my rather... unfavorable opinion of the book The Count of Monte Cristo? Well, I'll tell you what. I would have *no* problem listening to it, if it was read by this man:

Alan Rickman

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Oh, how I adore Alan. I fell in love with him first as Col Brandon in Sense and Sensibility. 

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That movie was my first ever exposure to Jane Austen. I didn't like it the first time I saw it. I thought he was too advanced in years for the young Marianne (oddly enough, played by Wednesday's lunch date celebrity) but it only took me watching it a second time to fall madly in love with not only Col Brandon, but Alan as well. His voice is so... silky. I don't even know how to describe it. It's so... mellifluous (isn't that an awesome word!?)

He makes a fantastic bad guy.

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And the most amazing misunderstood hero ever.

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I don't care what you say, I say Snape was good from day one. I always knew it- and I will defend him till my dying day!

Of course, if I ever get to have said Celebrity Lunch Date, I have to invite my friend, because she's told me she'd never forgive me if I met him and didn't include her.

Celebrity Lunch Date 6

I don't know if this next one would be a lunch date per se, or a whole day's worth of hanging out and listening to her stories.

Angel Lansbury

photo shamelessly stolen from here

Seriously, do you know how much acting this woman has done???

photo shamelessly stolen from here

She is hilarious! She is serious. She sings She dances. She does voice over work for cartoons (can you believe the same voice that is Mrs Potts is also Mommy Fortuna!? I know!)

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She's just so incredibly talented. And she's still working at it. Just amazing!!

Celebrity Lunch Date 5

This next lunch guest has been on my list since I was a little kid.

Julie Andrews

photo shamelessly stolen from here

She is so lovely, and such a lady. I mean, like someone who would not be embarrassing in public. She is very classy. A true credit to her profession. Her voice is so beautiful. It's a shame she doesn't sing like she used to. I know she can't- and the world is worse off because of it.
But seriously, who wouldn't want to hang out with the worlds best nanny?

photo shamelessly stolen from here

photo shamelessly stolen from here

photo shamelessly stolen from here

Celebrity Lunch Date 4

Since she was in the video from yesterday, it's only appropriate that she appears on the list today.

Kate Winslet

She just seems like such a nice person. She's not raunchy or scandalous (granted, I haven't seen any of her rated R stuff... so maybe I'm wrong). She is incredibly lovely yet, seems humble. Plus she keeps her personal life as personal as she can (as far as I can tell anyway, I mean, I'm really not one who reads up on their ["their" being celebrities] current lives. No seriously, I'm not).

I think we could have wonderful conversation. I would like to think of us as the chatty kind of friends that arrange to meet every few months or so to have a long lunch where we just blab about nothing.  Again, if she's really not like this, I don't want to know. Don't kill the dream!