2017 August 12

The prompt for today's Whedonversepics is "Nightmares"

In this episode a young boy in a coma is responsible for nightmares plaguing the town of Sunnydale. As the spread of people's nightmares grows, the gang must face their own fears in order to stop the mayhem and save Billy from the real life nightmare that haunts him.

Not so surprisingly, in this era that she has grown up in, one of D2's nightmares revolve around guns. She has had nightmares of being caught in a school shooting since she was 7. Never a pleasant idea.

As for me, I have always suffered from an extremely mild bit of claustrophobia. It started when I was a little girl. For fun, my father one day bundled me up in pillows and blankets and thus padded, let me roll down the stairs. It was so much fun. However, my brother got the idea to continue this after my father left for work. Unfortunately, he got me all wrapped up and then my mother called us for lunch. I was trapped in those blankets for over ten minutes and ever since then, have had a moderate fear of blankets around my neck or being caught in a too small area. Understandable, I'm sure. 

Lately, with other fears and worries played out or dealt with, this one has been coming up for me to deal with in dreams. I don't panic so much in real life. Mostly because I don't go into situations where I'm likely to be confined or trapped. But my dreams are not so logical.

2017 August 11

The prompt for today was the Buffy episode "I Only Have Eyes For You".

In this episode, several members of Sunnydale High school are possessed by ghosts playing out their ill-fated romance and tragedy. Eventually Buffy and Angel, enemies at this point, are ensnared in the moments and the ghostly duo find resolution and peace at last.

The music of the episode is what we focused on, such a beautiful song. For D2, it reminded her of her older sister and that sister's boyfriend. Her best relationship yet!

For myself, the song made me think of my parents. They are fond of reminding people that they hadn't known each other for long when they married and most people in their family and friend circles didn't expect their marriage to last. 44+ years later, they are still going strong. 

2017 August 10

The prompt for this day was chosen deliberately. "A Hole In The World" from the show Angel, simply because today is the one year anniversary of my Uncle's passing. He was a huge influence on my entire life. There were times that I saw this man more often than my own parents, once I was grown and living with my husband and children in another country.

in the episode, Winnifred "Fred" Burkle accidentally ingests some contaminated dust that infects her. The gang discovers that she is being hollowed out by an ancient demonic creature known as Illyria, an Old One. Fred is slowly subsumed and decimated by this creatures possession. Though she and the other's fight it, one by one, they must come to terms with Fred's death and the dark being that rises in her place.

There are really no other words to say. Most adults and some children are familiar with death and grief and how different it is for everyone. 

D2 chose to remember our cousin's wife who had such a huge effect on our families life.

R.I.P. Margaret R

I was able to honour my uncle, who as I mentioned above, was a great guy. I can't even go into what he meant  to me and to my family without having a two hour tearfest, so I'll leave it here.

R.I.P. Michael T

2017 August 9

The prompt for this day's picture was the Angel episode "Lullaby" It was a wonderful episode that explored the character of Darla coming closer and closer to a horrible truth. What was the cost of her reckless encounter with Angel in the previous season. Yes, she became pregnant in what should have been an impossible situation. The nearer she came to the birth, the clearer things became for her. 

She realized finally that it wasn't impending birth that was staring her in the face, but death. Her child's death. 

As a Vampire, she couldn't continue to nourish the life inside of her. She couldn't give birth because her body just didn't work as a human's did. And when it was at the end, she chose to make the sacrifice of her life because a living child would be a greater thing than she could ever be. Their child would be the best thing either of them had ever done. And thus, Connor was born.

D2 of course has no children, but she understands well the love a parent of even a grandparent has for their children and their children's children. There is no shortage of love in her life. And that is evidenced in this lovely snow globe that plays a lullaby that her Nana gave her.

Having children, I've not been called upon to make life or death sacrifices. I suppose that I've made sacrifices, but it has never felt like I lost something for the exchange I made. And it was not often that I sang lullabies, as I have a terrible singing voice. But long, long ago, when afternoons were meant for naps, my children would allow themselves to be lulled by the Winnie The Pooh theme song. (Along with a medley of other tv theme shows.)

2017 August 8

The prompt for today was "Lies My Parents Told Me" from Buffy.

In the episode, the group must investigate the trigger that has been implanted in Spike's mind. Robin and Giles manipulations help Spike break through the trigger to understand the manipulation he suffered at the hands of the demon that invaded his mother.

D2 had a very quick answer as to lies that I may or may not have told her when she was growing up. I can't deny this one though and it was excellent. When she was little, D2 came to me, showing me her tongue, crying. She had either bitten it or burned it, but she had a raised portion that was damaged. 

She thought she had cancer of the tongue. (I nearly choked on trying to hold my laughter in.)

I calmly explained to her that it wasn't cancer and that it was simply a new taste bud. Because it was brand new, she needed to try out new foods to see what type it was. When she found the right food, it would go away. So, she began trying all sorts of vegetables and other things to discover her new taste bud category. Apparently her tongue liked corn. And this went on for years! She didn't understand until high school science class what a bluffer I was!

As for myself, my parents had a few teasing moments of "don't swallow gum, it will sit in your stomach for seven years" but that was something they really believed at the time. Or the old "if you keep making that face, your face will freeze!" 

However, as I was discussing this with my mother today, my youngest daughter reminded me that her tooth was loose. And that led to a discussion how the last time she lost a tooth, I couldn't have possibly put the money under her pillow, since I had already left for work. She doesn't really believe in the Tooth Fairy any more and decided it had to be me. But I pointed out all of the inconsistencies with her timeline and finally had her convinced that one of her sisters must have done that. As D4 walked into the other room, my mother asked me silently if it was me that put the money under the pillow. I nodded and she started howling with laughter. 

So here it is...

2017 August 7

The inspiration for today's picture was "Echoes" from the Dollhouse series.

In this episode, the central character, Echo has been sent out on an "engagement". However, seeing a newscast on tv prompts memories that she should not have and an overwhelming desire to save... someone? The echoes of her memory affect her every move.

D2 chose a picture of her little sister listening to her favourite song, "Echo".

Echo in my mind, is most clearly and easily seen in my own children. Genetics don't lie and these girls look like so many family members on my side. It's easy to see the features echoing in their faces.  (in other words, my uncle thought it was his daughter, my cousin, in this picture. Nope! It's D1 and D4)

2017 August 6

The prompt for this day was "Waiting in the Wings" from Angel. The episode focuses around an evening at the ballet. Enjoyable for some, until Angel notices some starting similarities to a ballet he'd seen ages ago. A little investigation, some illicit ghostly haunting/loving and a few tragicomedic battles and they discover that it IS the same ballet.

 So D2 went swimming with her sisters and this little one did an impromptu ballet in the wave pool that had everyone cracking up.

 And here is my little Queen Purry. She is still waiting for her turn to be the star in our house.

2017 August 5

Today's inspiration was the episode "Meet Jane Doe" from Dollhouse. The central character, Echo, had multiple personalities forced into her mind. While learning the way of the world after escaping from the Dollhouse, Echo must help another young woman, accessing the things these new personalities have to offer.

 D2 was unsure what she wanted to post, but after some conversation, chose a picture of her great-grandmother. Strangely, D2 was born on the 10 year anniversary of this woman's passing. It created a bond that others saw that D2 didn't and couldn't embrace. Told that she was just like this woman, D2 always found that she didn't really know this woman and it was like somehow, Great Grandma T was always a stranger to her.

 For myself, I focused on the aspect of the episode where the character was strong enough to endure life and beginning to embrace it. Making the personalities and things she had had forced upon her, to work for her instead of against her. Much like how young people like these 3 below are doing.

2017 August 4

The inspiration for today was Andy Hallett. For those of you unfamiliar with his body of work, it essentially boiled down to Lorne (Krevlorneswath of the Deathwok Clan) on Angel the Series. We designated this day for Andy, as he was born on August 4th in 1975 passing away March 29, 2009.


One of my absolute (second) favourite quotes of the series comes from his character.

"It's like a song, now I can hold a note for a long time, actually I can hold a note forever. But eventually that's just noise. It's the change we're listening for. The note coming after and the one after that, that's what makes it music."- Happy Anniversary.

As for episodes, my daughter and I had a difference of opinion as to our favourite. She chose the wonderful episode "Over The Rainbow" in which Lorne had to return to his homeworld of Pylea to learn a few truths about himself.

She was playing Warioland: Shake It when she saw her opportunity.

As for myself, the episode featuring Lorne that I enjoyed the most (for his character) was "The House  Always Wins" in which Lorne has moved on to Vegas, but not without problems. What is fate and what is destiny? And how many fabulous outfits can Lorne wear in one episode!

And today worked out well, because my house always wins when my eldest and her boyfriend come to visit!!!

And ever the sweetheart, she had Journey's "Any Way You Want It" playing, with disco lights, when she came into the living room for hugs and inappropriate face making.

2017 August 3

The prompt for today was "Shiny, Happy People".

In this episode from Angel the Series, one of the characters has birthed a being that claimed to have been a former higher power. Named Jasmine, this being advocated for an Eden-like earth, but there was a dark secret to accomplishing this plan. The main characters had to discover the truth and see things as they really were.

D2 gave us this picture that she snagged from me.

I like it because it is an excellent counterpoint to mine below. Not everyone is shiny and happy all the time.

But for me, they will be shiny and happy!!!

2017 August 2

The prompt for August 2nd was "Flooded".

In the espisode from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the newly resurrected Slayer not only has to deal with the supernatural baddies, but badness of the natural kind. Bills, family, friends, and the lovely flooded basement are just a few of the things weighing on the Slayer's shoulder.

I think any adult and a good number of kids understands this feeling.

D2 gave us this. She was flooded with likes and notes from one of her apps.

As for myself...

It just never stops!

2017 August 01

The inspiration for today was the Angel The Series episode "Five By Five". The rogue Slayer, Faith Lehane escaped Sunnydale, heading to Los Angeles where she quickly became embroiled in a plot to take out Angel. There was a lot more bubbling away below her surface and the consequences of her actions began to settle in.

For D2, looking just to the title of the episode, produced this picture;

Her first cup of coffee in the day really get's her ready to go and afterwards, she is Five by Five.

As for me, I looked at the intent of the episode. Many characters, like children, don't think too much of the consequences of their actions. Add that to the stress of puberty and middle/high school and it can be one of the hardest times in life. And that's what this chickadee (D3) of mine is dealing with. I must say though, I think she's handling it all better than I ever did.

2017 August Challenge

Another new month, another new challenge. We have our list for the month of August in honour of Joss Whedon and his Whedonverse. This list is compiled from our favourite episodes of shows that he in some way touched. As always, everyone is welcome to join in! The premise of this challenge month will be to demonstrate how the individual photographer interprets the title given. The titles are as follows:

Day 01- "Five By Five"- Angel
Day 02- "Flooded"- Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Day 03- "Shiny, Happy People"- Angel
Day 04- Andy Hallett day- photographer's choice
Day 05- "Meet Jane Doe"- Dollhouse
Day 06- "Waiting In The Wings"- Angel
Day 07- "Echo"- Dollhouse
Day 08- "Lies My Parents Told Me"- BtVS
Day 09- "Lullaby"- Angel
Day 10- "A Hole In The World"- Angel
Day 11- "I Only Have Eyes For You"- BtVS
Day 12- "Nightmares"- BtVS
Day 13- "Innocence"- BtVS
Day 14- "Epiphany"- Angel
Day 15- "Man On The Street" Dollhouse
Day 16- "Hush"- BtVS
Day 17- "Smile Time"- Angel
Day 18- Dopplegangland- BtVS
Day 19- "Once More, With Feeling"- BtVS
Day 20- "Tabula Rasa"- BtVS
Day 21- "The Body"- BtVS
Day 22- "Storyteller"- BtVS
Day 23- "The Harsh Light Of Day"- BtVS
Day 24- "Soul Purpose"- Angel
Day 25- "The Cautionary Tale of Numero Cinco"- Angel
Day 26- "Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind"- BtVS
Day 27- Serenity
Day 28- Glenn Quinn day- photographer's choice
Day 29- "Brain-Dead Poet's Society"- Roseanne
Day 30- "Briar Rose"- Dollhouse
Day 31- "I Will Remember You"- Angel