Writing Prompt #226: Romantic Movies (Day 25)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

Tuck Everlasting (2002)

Tuck Everlasting (2002 film) poster.jpg

This is another book-to-movie adaptation. I was assigned to read it in sixth grade, and the movie was released the following year. I think either my English class or my youth group went to see it in theaters. I loved Alexis Bledel in particular.

Winnie falls in love with Jesse, and also finds the idea of “living forever” romantic and intriguing.

It wasn’t the best movie in the world, but it was really cool to see a book, recently read and studied, come alive on the silver screen.


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #225: Romantic Movies (Day 24)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

A Walk to Remember (2002)

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This is perhaps my favorite Nicholas Sparks book-to-movie adaptation. The movie was released when I was in middle school. I think we even watched it at church. Shane West and Mandy Moore, two of the most recognized actors at the time, were great choices to play Landon and Jamie.

While a “star-crossed lovers” story, it’s very endearing, and brings a sense of nostalgia. The book was set in the 1950s. The movie setting was updated to the 1990s, but the small town feel is definitely apparent.

I haven’t seen this movie in several years, so I may watch it again very soon!


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #224: Romantic Movies (Day 23)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

The Princess Diaries (2001)

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I fell in love with this movie before it was released in theaters. I can’t remember if I read the book first, written by Meg Cabot, since it was released the year prior.

While not a true romantic comedy, it demonstrates love in other ways. Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis is perfect. And I love Julie Andrews as her grandmother, Clarisse Renaldi, Queen of Genovia. Seeing the differences between Mia’s crush, Josh, and Michael, her best friend’s brother, is fun and entertaining. Mia truly comes of age in this film.

I highly recommend the book series, as well!


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #223: Romantic Movies (Day 22)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

Love and Basketball (2000)

The first time I watched this movie, I had to analyze it for a class assignment in college. After completing the assignment, I watched it again over that summer. It’s a fun movie, showing how relationships develop over time with growth and change. I love their chemistry!


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #222: Romantic Movies (Day 21)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

She’s All That (1999)

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This is another movie where Al was incredulous I hadn’t seen it. It’s not my favorite movie in the world, but I enjoyed it.

An adaptation of Pygmalion and My Fair Lady, this was one of the most popular teen films of the late 1990s.

I love how Freddie Prinze, Jr., as Zack, slowly develops a relationship with Rachael Leigh Cook, as Laney. Despite the drama of multiple popularity contests, it all seems to work out.

Seeing the cast on screen made me think of several “unsavory” characters in high school. It’s not entirely realistic, as most movies are, but I think this one basically hit the nail on the head in terms of behavior, gossip, and drama.

I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it, but I love the graduation scene in particular. Well played, Robert Iscove, well played.


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #221: Romantic Movies (Day 20)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

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I love this movie, so much. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, I love the modern adaptation!

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is positively adorable, and Larisa Oleynik is more “grown-up” after her stint as the main character on Nickelodeon’s The Secret World of Alex Mack.

Then, there’s the polar opposites of Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. Swoon! Julia Stiles, as Kat, takes no prisoners and I love it. I love how the four of them are intertwined almost from the start. And Larry Miller as Kat and Bianca’s overprotective father is funny, yet also relatable!

I’ll probably watch this movie again this weekend. It’s somewhat of a guilty pleasure movie for me now.


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #220: Romantic Movies (Day 19)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

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We had this on VHS! I remember being scared by a few of the scenes the first couple of times I watched it. Now, I want to watch it again. It’s been years!

I love the historical fiction take on this Cinderella-inspired story. I remember being fascinated by France and French history after watching this. Drew Barrymore is beautiful!


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Tag #80: “What’s On Your Heart Tag”

February - What's On Your Heart Tag

PHOTO BYΒ FREESTOCKS.ORGΒ ONΒ UNSPLASH

Thank you to Stuart, author of Something To Stu Over, for tagging me!

I realize now that I should have done this tag in February, but better late than never, right?

Here’s the link to Stuart’s post, where I was tagged:


Here are the rules:

  • Thank the person who nominated you to participate.
  • Link back to the original post (Purple Rose’sΒ &Β Dollfaced Writer’s)
  • Attach an image that inspires you regarding the month’s theme (or use the original).
  • Talk about what this month’s theme means to you.
  • Answer the questions.
  • Nominate 3 people to participate.
  • Enjoy the rest of your monthΒ πŸ™‚

What’s On My Heart

  • How blessed I am! I’ve been wrestling with a significant financial burden recently, but I feel like I have some direction now. I trust God to lead me in the right direction. He knows everything!

Here are the questions for this month’s tag:

1. Do you believe in love at first sight?

  • Yes, definitely. ❀

2. Do you believe in soulmates?

  • I do now. I truly believe Al is my soulmate, and so many amazing things happened to bring us together.

3. What’s the first thing you notice about a person?

  • Their eyes, and their personality.

4. What’s your ideal date?

  • A wonderful meal together, and either a movie out or a movie at home. Al and I have had, and continue to do so now, dates like this, and all of them have been great.

5. What traits do you look for in a friend / significant others?

  • Honesty, humor, treating others with respect, willingness to discuss things deeply, and enjoying time with me.

6. What are your thoughts on being friends with an ex?

  • I’m Facebook friends with the first two guys I dated in high school. We’re not as close anymore, but that’s fine with me. One is happily married. The other is in an amazing relationship, and I hope they do get married someday. In a way, I’m actually closer to their parents, since we all met through church years ago.
  • However, there’s a significant difference when comes to the long-term relationship ex, and an ex-friend / acquaintance. The long-term relationship ex wanted to remain friends with me, but I said absolutely not due to the abuse and manipulation I went through from 2007 through 2010.
  • The ex-friend / acquaintance was a male friend and classmate of mine in college, and we developed an online friendship in 2014. I failed to recognize so many warning signs and red flags. He wanted me to chat with him on Facebook all day and all night, so much so that I was reprimanded once at my job, which was incredibly mortifying. In addition, he wanted more from me, although we were both in committed relationships during that period of nearly two years. He eventually told his girlfriend everything he wanted from me – Kissing me, and hints of more than that – and both of them ended up blocking me on Facebook in 2016. It’s been so much better since then! I now realize how toxic the entire thing was, and I’m still healing from it today.

7. If you’re a believer, when did you give your heart to the Lord? If not, what in life keeps a bounce in your step?

  • I truly gave my heart to God in sixth grade, at my first-ever youth retreat. I’ve been raised United Methodist my whole life, but I truly accepted Christ at age 12.
  • I was actually baptized / christened twice. Once in New York, where we were living at the time, and then in Florida at my grandparents’ church.
  • I continue to attend New Creation United Methodist Church – The church I grew up in. It will always be Aldersgate to me, since the name change happened when I was in high school. We became members in 1993, and my parents are dynamic members, for lack of a better term. I’ve scaled back my involvement significantly, but it will always be “home.” We’re excited to be celebrating the church’s 50th Anniversary in October!
  • I lost my faith a bit in college. I realize now this was mainly due to the manipulation of my ex-boyfriend, John, who didn’t want to be involved with the United Methodist Church as much, and he led me away in the process. It makes me sad occasionally, but I know things happen for a reason. After four long years, I finally recognized I was not happy, that I was a different person, and needed to leave. I ended the relationship on July 17, 2010, and I truly felt freedom. After ending it, I immediately prayed to God, and asked for forgiveness. I found out later he was planning to propose to me on August 8th, roughly three weeks later. We were seniors in college, attending the same university, but he wisely chose to keep his distance from me, despite being on a small campus.
  • Fun fact: Al and I were asked to be Mary and Joseph in the church Christmas celebration in 2010, about three months after we started dating. Everyone got a huge kick out of it. We were pretty embarrassed, but we went along with it.
  • I became involved with New Creation again after my college graduation, and I’m so happy I have continued the relationship. I help my dad with the blood drives at the church, serve on the media team, and serve on the Communications Team. It’s a great balance of service and involvement.
  • Al and I married in New Creation’s sanctuary on November 14, 2015.
  • Although Al does not participate in worship services or other church activities, aside from donating blood regularly at the church, he’s 100 percent supportive of my involvement and my service. He always has been, and that’s a HUGE deal for me.

Here’s a few photos from our wedding day! You can read more here:Β Getting Personal #18: Best. Day. Ever.

Disclaimer: All photos in this post, unless otherwise stated, were taken by Amanda MacDiarmid, or her second shooter, Cathy. Amanda owns and operatesΒ Stellar Exposures.

All credit goes to them.

The sanctuary.

Beautiful shot.

Pastor Eric Song playing his guitar during the groomsmen entrance.

Married!!

Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling stained glass piece.


Tag – You’re It!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #219: Romantic Movies (Day 18)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

The Wedding Singer (1998)

The Wedding Singer film poster.jpg

I LOVE this movie!!

In my opinion, this is one of the best 1980s-period movies. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are adorable. And I heard the name “Julia Gulia” for YEARS before I saw this movie in full.

In a way, this movie is still relevant today. There are people who fall in love with others who have certain images or ideals of them, like Linda did with Robbie. However, Robbie finally comes to his senses and recognizes what a good thing, and a good person, Julia is. And that’s part of what makes this movie so endearing.

Glenn’s character reminded me of my ex, John, in a really creepy way. I’m glad Julia finally saw the light, but her character reminded me of me when I was in school. It was weird!

This movie is easily in my top 10 films now. I’ve only seen it twice, but I plan to watch it more frequently. Like other films, a big selling point for me is the soundtrack. I also love how Billy Idol is involved!


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚

Writing Prompt #218: Romantic Movies (Day 17)

Romantic Movies

Image by Nietjuh on Pixabay

Fools Rush In (1997)

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About a year ago, Al and I were looking for something to watch on streaming during a weekend. He asked if I’d ever seen Fools Rush In. The blank look I gave him said it all, and he couldn’t believe it.

This movie is now in my top 20 favorite movies. It’s very much of the time period – Matthew Perry was in the limelight because of Friends, and Salma Hayek’s star was rising, having been a telenovela star and then in a few feature films at this point.

Although insta-love doesn’t always work, this movie is an exception. Their characters are instantly attracted to each other. And, in a city like Las Vegas, nothing is surprising.

One of the best things about this movie is the soundtrack. So many good songs! I mean, Elvis! Also, Dean Martin, Wayne Newton, Enrique Iglesias, and Gloria Estefan!

The story itself is very sweet, and I enjoyed their chemistry. I want to watch it again!


Come back tomorrow for a new movie!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth πŸ™‚