Book-Movie Debut

This entry is in lieu of today's opening of Martin Scorsese's film, Shutter Island. Leonardo DiCaprio stars with a supporting cast of Ben Kingsley and Mark Ruffalo. It was August when I first saw this movie previewed in the theater. The preview intrigued me so much that I knew I had to read the book first. The movie's original release date was October 2009, so in August I ran out and bought Shutter Island by Michael Lehane (Mystic River). The book sat on my desk for a while before I committed since I thought I was going to have to dedicate at least two weeks to reading it. I was wrong! This book was so gripping that I could not put it down and I had it finished in a week, which is a record for me. This book will draw you in and almost like the main character Teddy Daniels, you will develop a trusting/untrusting, mixed relationship with the storyline and it's characters....until the very end.

October 2009 came with no buzz about the movie. I wondered why. The release, I found out had been postponed until February 2010. Now that the film is out, I have to admit that I won't be the first in line tonight at the theater. I loved the book. It's a great story; however, we all know that books tend to be better than their cinematic afterthoughts, so I'd now like to postpone the book version of the story from possibly being damaged by watching the movie. Honestly though, I'm not sure if that will actually happen since the buzz I'm hearing today says it is going to be a hit film. Furthermore, I know myself...I'll be jumping out of my seat in the dark theater and peaking through my fingers during certain parts of the movie. The book coming to life on screen, well it brings the movie to life! Enough said. They say that despite the disturbing images, Shutter Island "will make you think more than it makes you jump". I'd love to hear the opinions of anyone out there who decides to see the movie, but promise me you will read the book before, or even after. I promise I will see the movie even if I wait until it is released on DVD so I can sit on my couch with a blanket nearby to cover my eyes.

The Chocolate Lab

I love The Chocolate Lab. No, not the dog although they are pretty great dogs from what I hear. In honor of Valentine's Day I am talking about the chocolatier in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I stumbled across this confectionary two Christmases ago when my boyfriend and I were visiting Bethlehem for a Christmas getaway (we stayed at the historic Hotel Bethlehem). I am a truffle gal myself, so after the bittersweet chocolate smells lured me into the shop I went straight for the glass jars that separated me from them.

Unless you absolutely need Lady Godiva etched onto the box that contains your chocolates, give The Chocolate Lab a try (you can order online) and support small town businesses. Her prices are reasonable and anyway, the size of her chocolates is about double the size of Godiva! You may not find the full variety of truffles on your first visit as they do sometimes vary, but I guarantee you'll find something to satisfy your taste for chocolate!

She is located in downtown, historic Bethlehem, so while you are there you can also experience the various other cute shops, boutiques, art gallerys and restaurants right on Main Street such as the Moravian Book Shop, Topsy Turvy, Donegal Square, The Attic, Heavenly Hedgehog Icrecream, Bethlehem Brew Works, and in August you can attend the Musikfest in Bethlehem.

A Taste of the Tropics

I'm here! I'm here! I'm sorry that I've been slacking on my posts, but I must say it was great to be away from a computer for a week and a half. I was on vacation, away from the cold and snowy northeast, enjoying the Caribbean with my boyfriend. In the meantime of writing something substantial, here are a few, teasing pictures from the trip.

El Morro in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Caribelle Batik in St. Kitts

Orient Beach in St. Maarten
(yes the topless or nude beach)