My Favorite (And Not So Favorite) SOA Relationships

So, the day came yesterday where I finished all seven seasons of Sons of Anarchy on Netflix. When I texted my friend, emotionally shaken because it was over, she replied with amazement. She told me I could have broken the record for how quickly I binged seven seasons of a show. It took me about 3-4 weeks. Yeah I know, I need a life.

The reason it went so quickly is because Sons of Anarchy is an amazing show. I laughed, I cried,  my glasses fogged up whenever Jax was shirtless. When it ended, I sat on my bed and mourned the characters in my mind. I had become so attached to them individually, whether it was pure love or hate, and didn't want it to end.

I decided to write a post on my favorite, and not so favorite, relationships on SOA, because if I chose to do a post on the entire show, we would be here awhile.

Here we go..

For anyone that hasn't seen this show, know there are spoiler alerts. 

Gemma and Unser

I would consider these two to be one of my favorites because of the undying loyalty. Yes, there are several times when both of them are so horrible that you want to wring their necks, but together they are just two very close friends from the same town. Unser, the aging sheriff in Charming, who also happens to be dying of cancer, would do literally anything for Gemma. It becomes apparent early on how in love with Gemma he is, and that emotion drives his character throughout all seven seasons. 

Even in the last hour for Gemma, in the second to last episode of the show, Unser cannot leave her side. When Jax finds out that Gemma was the one who murdered Tara, he comes to his grandfather's house, where Gemma is hiding, and begs Unser to leave. Clearly, he won't and even utters, "this is all I have left" before Jax shoots and kills him. I found it to be a noble death for Unser and was glad he went out that way, rather than attached to tubes and weak from cancer. 

Clay and Juice

I pretty much hate any relationship involving Clay because he is the anti-Christ, but for some reason, this specific one really rubbed me the wrong way. For people who know the show, Juice ends up being quite the traitor to the club. The reason behind his betrayal is an ancient rule where no black people are allowed in the club. Turns out Juice's father was black. DUMBEST REASON. I apologize, I just hate Juice. He is the worst kind of coward, running from his fate constantly; from attempting suicide to physically running. His relationship with Clay was one of approval. Juice merely wanted to feel like someone in the club loved him. Clay, who I believe was not capable of said emotion, merely needed Juice for his constant agenda of bringing down the club. 

Jax and Tara

Jax and Tara are my Romeo and Juliet. From beginning to the tragic end, these two were it. Even though they had their horrifying moments, like when Jax cheats on her with that psychotic porn star, or when Tara shuts him out while she is in jail, you could always feel their love. Whenever it would be scenes with just the two of them, I'd gasp a little while watching because I felt so much emotion. This is a testament to the actors that play them really, Charlie Hunnam (sigh) and Maggie Siff. No matter how hard it got for the two of them, they always wanted the same thing: for their sons to have the best life possible. Tara made Jax the happiest he would ever be, and the scene where he finds her dead is one that can't really be described, just watched and sobbed over. In the end. Jax granted Tara's one wish: for her boys to leave Charming and never know the Samcro life. 

Opie and Lyla

This relationship is tricky for me. I originally wanted to write about Opie and Donna, because they are a relationship I really loved to watch, but it's also a much less complicated one. Opie was clearly in love with Donna, and when she was killed, it shook his entire world. When Lyla, the porn star, came into the picture, it seemed like things were looking up for Opie. Boy, was I wrong. 

For people that have seen the show, they know of Opie's brutal death while the Sons are in prison. Before all of that goes down, Opie brings Lyla into his life. He's painfully lost, with Donna's death and the club's association, so Lyla should have been a map to direct him on the right path. I found Lyla to be extremely selfish and not really that concerned with Opie's feelings. Yes, she did go through a lot while they were together, but I felt like she made excuses and ran away from the relationship more than fighting for it. From the beginning, it kind of felt like they were doomed. 

Tigs and Venus

Tig is a very intense character, one that I had a love/hate relationship with through all seven seasons. When we are introduced to him, he seems pretty black and white. He would constantly do anything Clay asked, and didn't think of the consequences. When Clay's loyalties come into question, and also when he kills Donna, is when we start to really see Tigs. He is a wounded soul, from all the death, and is torn up about Donna. 

When Venus comes on the scene, Tigs is immediately drawn to her. It's an unconventional relationship, but honestly, one with the most love. Venus, a transgender woman, comes to the club for help with her nephew. After the episode, we find out some horrible family secrets about her and that the nephew is actually her son. Later in the show, Tigs and Venus become a full couple, and at first, Venus pulls away because she is so in love with him. The scene where they proclaim their love for each other made me cry because of its raw honesty and truth for Tig. He replies to her concerns by saying he wants to know what it would be like to have her. For anyone, the scene is heartwarming and has you rooting for Tig and Venus. 

Gemma and Wendy

These two made me want to pull my hair out. Wendy, Jax's junkie ex-wife and mother to Abel, comes on the scene and we're led to believe she might not change. She stays away for awhile, but then reemerges sober and doing well. Now, as an individual character, I really like Wendy. I love her underdog story and was proud of her by the end of the show for getting her life together. Gemma and Wendy together, not so much. Gemma pretty much poisons any relationship, but with Wendy she is the worst. She is constantly making Wendy doubt herself and feel like that junkie in the hospital after Abel's birth. After all, she did try to kill Wendy very early in the show. 

Chibs and Jarry

I was so happy to see that Chibs was given a love interest. Chibs is such a wise and loyal character, especially to Jax, that he deserved to have someone. I don't know whether it's the Irish accent, but Chibs was one of my favorite characters. When Sheriff Jarry stomps onto the scene in the seventh season, we are forced to recognize her presence to the club. I loved her character. She's a strong, powerful woman that wasn't afraid to be vulnerable and in love. The two went back and forth with their relationship, but in the end they called it quits. The pressures of the club and sheriff's office were too high. They lived in two different worlds. RIP Jibs. Or Chirry? I'll perfect it eventually. 

Chibs and Jax

For my last relationship, Chibs and Jax. These two were a force to be reckoned with. I always loved how, no matter what shit they were going through, they both loved each other fiercely. Chibs was the most loving member, in my opinion, even proudly telling Jax he loved him no matter what in a scene, and sorrowfully mourning Jax before he was even dead. The fact that he went through with the Mayhem vote and respected Jax's wishes, even though that meant Jax would die, shows his level of respect and love for Jax. Jax always looked up to Chibs and saw him as a father figure, more than Clay ever was. 

Those are the best and worst relationships in SOA, in my humble opinion. I know I left out many different relationships, but these were the ones that spoke to me. 

What's your favorite (and not so favorite) SOA relationship? Tell me, cause I wanna know. 

6 Seriously Shakespearean Modern Adaptations

In honor of the original wordsmith, William Shakespeare's, day of birth, here are some of the greatest on screen adaptations.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Based on: The Taming of the Shrew

Why it's awesome: With Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles as the infamous Katherina and Petruchio, you know this is a good one. There are several nods to the Shakespearean play in the movie, such as Ledger's character Patrick Verona. Verona is the place in Italy where Romeo and Juliet takes place. Julia Stiles' last name is Stratford, which is a reference to Bill's place of birth, Stratford-upon-Avon. Cameron, the sweet guy who is madly in love with Bianca Stratford, says the line, "I burn, I pine, I perish." This incredibly romantic line is from The Taming of the Shrew. Oh yeah, and Joseph Gordon Levitt is pretty adorable reciting it. 

Favorites: David Krumholtz, That is all.

Romeo + Juliet (1996) 

Based on: Romeo and Juliet 

Why it's awesome: Leonardo DiCaprio. Need I say more? This 90's flick, directed by the always-creative Baz Luhrmann, gives us a paradox of Shakespearean language and modern setting. While it can be hard to keep up with the speedy lines of Shakespeare, once you see Leo's acting chops, you won't be disappointed. This is the film that made all teenage girls lust for Leo, after all. 

Favorites: Leo's Hawaiian shirt and when Romeo and Juliet gaze adoringly at each other through a fish tank. Good stuff.

She's The Man (2006) 

Based on: Twelfth Night 

Why it's awesome: Ahh, the days when Amanda Bynes was a hilarious comedy actress. This modern retelling of Twelfth Night has Bynes as Viola Hastings, a girl who wants to play for the best soccer team, which happens to be at a boy's high school. So obviously, she impersonates her twin brother and goes to his school. If you love Gouda and Channing Tatum (oh yeah, and Twelfth Night) this is the comedy for you.

Favorites: David Cross playing Gold, and Malcolm's pet spider, Malvolio.

Hamlet (2000)

Based on: Hamlet

Why it's awesome: Hamlet has been brought to the screen many, many times with play adaptations and film. This version sets the Shakespearean play in modern day New York City, but keeps the powerful language. The star studded cast includes Julia Stiles (the queen of Shakespeare adaptations), Bill Murray, and Ethan Hawke as Hamlet. 

Favorites: Staring deep into Ethan's soulful eyes.

The Lion King (1994)

Based on: Hamlet 

Why it's awesome: Disney and Shakespeare fans unite! This classic childhood film is loosely based on the themes of Hamlet. You know, the old "my uncle killed my father to rule Pride Rock" drama. The fact that Timon and Pumbaa's characters are considered the Rosencrantz and Gildenstern of the film just adds to the awesome. 

Favorites: Pumbaa, obviously.

Warm Bodies (2013) 

Based on: Romeo and Juliet

Why it's awesome: This may not be a film you think of when you hear Shakespeare adaptation, but honestly, I really enjoyed it. It's very loosely based off the classic love story. Girl meets boy. Boy is a zombie, Zombie decides not to eat girl. They fall in love. The film definitely takes on the theme of the star-crossed lovers living in two very different worlds. You know, one living, one dead. 

Favorites: Rob Corddry as M, or Marcus. His line, "Bitches, man" will always make me LOL.

Happy birthday Shakespeare! May you continue to inspire many more fantastic films. 

5 Radiant Redheaded Characters

Honestly, you should have known this post was coming. As a redhead, I've always admired the gingers that have graced the big screen. While there are some badass real redhead actresses, this post will focus on the leading ladies that are animated. Well, let's get to it.

Ariel 

I wish I could brush my thick, tangly locks with a dinglehopper. 

One of the OG Disney princesses, Ariel is known for her rebellious attitude and hair so perfect, you had unreal expectations later in life. As a fellow redhead, I grew up wanting Ariel's hair so badly that I think she may be the reason I'm the worst perfectionist when it comes to my hair. Thanks Ariel, gawd.

Jessica Rabbit

Roger Rabbit's loving wife was never afraid to express her sexuality.

She's not bad, she was just drawn that way. Jessica Rabbit is the ultimate bad bitch of the toon world. As if Who Framed Roger Rabbit? wasn't a cool enough movie when I was a kid, let's add a confident chick with looks to kill and a voice so perfectly sultry, you'll want to get sick just to have a voice that comes close. To top it all off, Mrs. Rabbit was named Sexiest Cartoon Character by the male population. Good choice guys, good choice. 

Anastasia 

I really think Anastasia is my spirit animal.

The Romanov princess is incredibly sassy and a true testament to the fierce personality of a redhead. Voiced by Meg Ryan, Anastasia makes it very clear she is no damsel in distress, with her amazing line, "Men are such babies!" Anastasia teaches us that it's okay to be strong-willed and feminine. 

Merida

Uhm, can I have your hair please?

While Brave didn't come out when I was a wee lass, Merida is a wonderful example of the modern woman. I have to give Disney props for creating a female character who rebels against the traditions of her family and chooses to be independent. You know us gingers, we are natural born leaders. 

Jessie 

I totally get what Buzz sees in her, even if she is a doll.

If you weren't sobbing during Jessie's flashback and "When She Loved Me" song in Toy Story 2, you have no soul. Jessie's character is seen as a rough around the edges cowgirl who just wants to have her pal Woody back, but as the movie goes on, she shows us a vulnerable side that just makes us love her more. P.S. Her flirty scenes with Buzz in Toy Story 3 are precious. 

There's nothing better than two toys salsa dancing.

Well there you have it. Those are my favorite sassy redhead animated characters. There are so many great redhead characters in the animated world, who are some of your favorites? 

Lastly, I leave you with a special Spotify playlist I put together. Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

7 Children's Book Quotes to Inspire Your Creativity

Sometimes, we all need a little inspiration. I find myself stuck in a rut occasionally, and it can be hard to dig yourself out of it.

As a child, I had the Roald Dahl treasury of his short stories, poems, and excerpts. To this day, I will take that wonderfully heavy book off my bookshelf and open the all too familiar pages to soak up some creativity. Children's books have a sort of wonder that you just won't be able to find anywhere else. Some of these authors have done magical things to my imagination, so here are a few of my all time favorite children's authors and some of their pearls of wisdom.

1. 

Naturally, I picked Roald Dahl first because he is my idol. This genius author is the reason I love to write, and aspire to do big things with my writing one day. I always cherished his sense of wonder, and reality when writing to children. This quote in particular resonates with me. 

2. 

You can't talk about children's book authors without having at least one Dr. Seuss quote. I have always been drawn to this quote from the master of rhyme. If you have ever felt like someone, or something, caused you to question yourself, just think of this quote. 

3. 

Shel Silverstein will forever make me feel like I am capable of anything. From The Giving Tree to The Sidewalk Ends, the guy just knew how to make the spirit soar. 

4. 

Peter Pan always gave me the chills when I was growing up. In the best possible way. J.M. Barrie created not just a character who never wanted to grow up, but an entire world of endless dreams and possibility. 

5. 

Another classic from Shel Silverstein, this quote encapsulates the idea that we care way too much what people think and expect from us. As children, we acted impulsively and danced like goons. Why not do the same as adults every once and awhile? Screw what people think, put something silly in the world. 

6. 

William Joyce created a masterpiece with The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. If you haven't read this children's book, I don't think we can be friends. I joke. For real though, go get it at your local bookstore today and read it. You won't regret it. It will fill you with a sense of childlike wonder and leave you wanting to either cry or write an entire novel from how inspired you'll be. 

This children's book was so magical that a short film was created from it. I loved the short film just as much as the captivating book. The entire story revolves around a single idea: what is your story, and how will you write it?

Check out the short film: 

7. 

Alice in Wonderland is a timeless work of fiction that instills a sense of the fantastical with some actual, deep messages. This quote always stuck with me. Alice (or for that matter, Lewis Carroll) just seems to understand people, and what makes them unique. 

Well, those are my favorite children's book quotes! I hope you find some creativity and inspiration from them. Go write a novel, or do something that terrifies you. Get yourself out of that comfort zone, it's a dangerous place to live. 

Rambling Reads | Miss Peregine's Home for Peculiar Children Review

Welcome to the first chapter of Rambling Reads, the place where I give you my two sense about the books I'm reading. Don't worry, you'll love it.

 Miss Peregine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

So, I was given this book as a secret Santa gift in my old work's gift exchange, and I'll be honest, I always wanted to read it merely because of the cover. It's a creepy, old photograph that gives you the heebee jee bees, and makes you think, "oh man, vintage is so cool."

The story introduces you to Jacob, a lazy, entitled kid who just wants to spend his summer barely working for his family's supermarket. Once we are introduced to Jacob's grandfather, we understand the real meat of the novel. Grandpa Portman always told Jacob tall tales as a child, and once Jacob is all grown up, he believes them to be far-fetched, like any regular kid would think. Poor Grandpa is written off as "crazy" merely because he's getting old and reminiscing his past.

We sort of wander through Jacob's mind in the beginning of the  book, and I found it to be slightly irritating and whiny. I mean, come on, you're a white, wealthy male: how much could you possibly have to complain about? I have a bunch of money but my parents don't really understand me, blah blah blah. You get the drift. His mother is a shallow woman who is embarrassed by his father, a failing author and bird watcher.

Something I really loved about this book was the incorporation of the photographs into the story. Ransom Riggs created the entire narrative around the photographs, which I find to be fascinating. It's an original way to craft a story and makes for a wickedly dark tone for the novel.

Back to Jacob. Basically, some shit goes down and Grandpa Portman gets murdered by some mysterious shadow beast (which is revealed much later in the book.) The relationship between Jacob and his grandfather is one that I found to be interesting. It wasn't perfect, which is refreshing. Because this is a YA novel, I felt like the family relationships needed to be perfect by the end, all the problems fixed and wrapped in a nice, little bow. That's not the case for Jacob and his grandfather. Grandpa Portman dies pretty early on in the book, and their issues of trust are never truly solved.

Jacob hears his grandfather's cryptic last words telling him to go to the island where he grew up, so naturally he begs his dad to take him. The remainder of the book takes place on this island, where Miss Peregine's Home for Peculiar Children lay in ruins, from years of decay and a tragic bombing.

Jacob, and his drunk father, spend months on the island. I found it to be shocking that Jacob could spend literally all day off with total strangers and his father was just sitting at the bar on the island, getting wasted. By the end of the book, Jacob's father felt like a complete failure. He had never completed any project he started, whether it was bird watching novel ideas, or explorations, and he was in constant fear that his wife would leave him for someone better. It wouldn't surprise me if she did.

Jacob becomes more acquainted with the island, and through exploring, finds a time loop. He is transported back to 1940, when the orphanage was at its prime. It is no longer in ruins, but populated by children. We are given a glimpse into the peculiarity of the children, some with powers like levitation and reanimation. Jacob bonds with the children, and fills in blanks about his grandfather's past.

One of those blanks involves Emma, the girl who is literally on fire. I know, that sounds like Katniss Everdeen, but this girl is different. She makes fire with her hands, and heats up the story for Jacob. He becomes infatuated with her. We come to find out that Emma had a relationship with Grandpa Portman while he was at the orphanage, and since all of the peculiar children are stuck in a time loop, cursed to never age, Emma is still the same age that she fell in love with Jacob's grandfather. Jacob is naturally weirded out by this (any normal person would be, yuck) but eventually shakes the feeling and proclaims his love for her. Personally, I think it's a little too weird, but hey, if you want to kiss a girl who also made out with your grandfather, that's your life choice.

Most of the peculiar children weren't incredibly interesting, but there was one that I found to be intriguing. Enoch, the boy who could reanimate living things by collecting hearts and placing them into dead people, or animals, was fascinating. He carried around little hearts for his army of tiny clay soldiers that he lovingly tortured. He's not the most lovable character, but that's why he is so interesting. I would have liked to know more about his backstory. I really hope we learn more about him in the sequel, Hollow City.

Miss Peregrine is another character I felt was slightly short changed in the description department. She has an authority figure persona, but also a great deal of pain in her life. Her past is hinted at in several photographs, but nothing major. I would very much like the next book to explore her past and learn more about her as a character.

There are some creepy crawlers and twisted doctors that come on the scene towards the end of the book, but I won't ruin the action packed parts for you. The way the novel ends definitely sets it up for a sequel, but do I find myself racing to the bookstore to get Hollow City? Sadly, no. I do want to read it eventually because I'm interested in where the story will go, but not obsessed.

Overall, Riggs delivers an eccentric tale of a young boy trying to find out more about his grandfather. Jacob succeeds in finding out the secrets of Grandpa Portman, but at a cost. He discovers a whole new world of peculiar children like Emma, and learns he may even be peculiar himself.

As if this book wasn't creepy enough, it will officially be made into a movie directed by none other than the king of weird, Tim Burton. It is set to release in March of next year, with Eva Green cast to play Miss Peregrine. I give a thumbs up to that cast selection, and I'm interested to see how they cast for the rest of the characters.

Rating:

I hope you enjoyed my ramblings, and pick up a copy of the book today. It's definitely worth a read.

Are You There Blog? It's Me, Erica

Hi friends. I have been wanting to get serious and start a grown up blog, so here goes.

I will be your resident rambler for the duration of this blog. Nice to meet you! I'm Erica, an almost 24 year old (my birthday is in three days) who is way too invested in what my dog is thinking most of the time, and what book I will read next, on my overbearing pile of tomes next to my bed and on my new, gorgeous bookshelf.

Not the best quality, but I'm working with an iPhone 5 people.

I also am a firm believer in the idea that the right Spotify playlist can make you feel on top of the world. I am currently listening to "He Said | She Said," a playlist dedicated to folksy duos. Perfection. But, that's besides the point. Let's talk about how I came to find the name of this blog. 

Recently, my life has taken some turns that I did not expect. Just three weeks ago, I was laid off from my dream job (blogging at a pet start up company) unexpectedly. Start-ups are notoriously unstable in terms of a job, but I was in sweet denial of that fact while blogging happily along at my desk. Life slapped me right in the face that day, because I was finally in a place where I could move out of my mom's house and now I was jobless, about to sign the lease. Needing a space of my own lit a fire under my ass, so I found a job in a little under a week that was not only higher paying, but gave me more responsibility in my career field. 

It was in this new job as a Social Content Manager for a law firm in sunny San Diego, my hometown, that I have the privilege of working with my now friend, Morgan. She runs a blog, The Flame Dame, that is my current obsession. I have annoyed her with many questions and she has been extremely patient with my novice level of understanding with Blogger. She is the main reason my blog looks mildly attractive right now, so thanks friend. 

When I thought of names for my blog, I immediately went to the color of my hair, because seriously. That's a huge identifier for my character (sassy, fierce, loyal, what-have-you) and it's just me. I love being a natural redhead, and I wanted it to be incorporated in my blog. At first, I wanted "Reading Redhead," but it was a brief trip to the mall with a close friend, while walking around the food court, that I discovered the word reading would narrow what I wanted to write about. I know what you're thinking, the food court is the perfect setting to have a in-depth discussion about the title of your blog.  We brainstormed "R" words and up came rambling. I am a rambler, so it worked perfectly. It was destiny. 

Then the day came (today) that I would type the fated words and create the name of my future blog. Immediately, "rambling redhead" was taken. Not a shocker there. I decided to take a detour and see who had stolen the title that I had dreamed about for weeks. Guys, I went to a scary place and time in the Internet. I was taken to a blog that was dedicated to the dating world of 2006 (that's the year of her last post.) It was like a dating car wreck, you just couldn't look away.

I've never been to "just this side of sanity" in North Carolina, but I hear it's beautiful.

This rambler refers to one of her lovers, and yes she used the word lovers, as "Harlequin Romance Boy." If I remember 2006 correctly, and I think I do, I'm pretty sure not one person used that slang when referring to their annoying ex. In the comments, one of her readers calls her the "Simon Cowell" of dating. Needless to say, I spent a good hour going through her posts and a wide range of emotions before I decided to just add "SD" to the end of my url, because I love my city. I'm going to go ahead and assume that since this "Rambling Redhead" hasn't posted since 2006, that she was eaten by the many, many cats she most likely owns. 

So, that's the story of how my blog name was created. It may not be a deep background story, but hey it's funny. Man, I did a lot of rambling and it's only my first post. Get used to it. 

I plan to create a series for all of the books I want to read (because I can't seem to leave any bookstore without at least two books) called "Rambling Reads," where I will ramble about the current books I'm reading. Hey! Check out my current read on my sidebar, it's pretty cool and I'm proud of how it looks. With my new house I just moved into, I plan to do lots of DIY. I'm hoping to get a nice camera for my birthday, so I'll have some gorgeous pictures of my bookshelves, my attempted DIY, and my favorite dog in the world, Gussie. Don't worry, I'll devote whole posts to that guy. 

Well, I hope that was enough of an introduction to me. I'll leave you with the Spotify playlist I listened to while writing this. You won't regret taking a listen some of these folksy gods and goddesses.