Monthly Archives: March 2012

True Love, The Most Magical Potion

When I first wrote about Once Upon A Time a few months ago, I had such high hopes for this tv series.

I’m thrilled to report that, seven episodes later, I have enjoyed every one, from the story of Jiminy Cricket, to Hansel and Gretel, to the paranormal Little Red Riding Hood.

Robert Carlisle as Mr. Gold

Subtle clues are woven into each episode about a variety of fairy tale characters’ lives and the overall story arc built around Snow White vs. The Evil Queen. As detestable as Rumplestilskin/Mr. Gold can be, he’s one of the most fascinating characters, a credit to Robert Carlisle and the show’s quality writing.

Exciting, too, is the arrival of a writer to Storybrooke, the only person other than Emma’s son to believe a book of fairy tales may be more than a bunch of stories. Perhaps that writer will turn out to be her love interest. Emma has been through so much in her life. Doesn’t she deserve a fairy tale ending?

With the March 18th  episode, we’re drawn back into the central drama of Mary Margaret (Snow White) and David (Prince Charming), after David’s so-called wife Catherine has gone missing. Of course, the audience knows Mayor Regina (The Evil Queen) is behind Catherine’s disappearance, and that’s confirmed with the gruesome discovery of Catherine’s heart in a box.  Yes, the Evil Queen has quite the MO. Anyway, Mary Margaret is framed for Catherine’s murder, and the only one who believes in her innocence is Emma, the sheriff who has no choice but to charge and arrest her friend.

Yes, you read that last sentence correctly.

Emma is the only one who still believes Mary Margaret is innocent. That’s because, in true fantasy-soap opera fashion, David attempts to learn from his memory lapses by undergoing hypnosis. Sadly, he misinprets his memory and, in one of his most uncharming moments to date, questions Mary Margaret about her role in Catherine’s disappearance. Here’s the heartwrenching exchange:

Every week this show treats the viewer to more memorable lines. The HEART OF DARKNESS episode is no exception:

“Revenge is not the answer. It will turn you into something darker than you can imagine.” (Jiminy Cricket to a vengeful, desperate Snow White)

“Everyone has a dark side. Evil doesn’t always look evil, sometimes it’s staring you right in the face and you don’t even know it.” (Regina, aka The Evil Queen, to David when he says Mary Margaret couldn’t hurt anyone)

“Evil isn’t born, evil is made.” (Mr. Gold to Prince Charming)

“It’s the only thing I broke that I can replace. All I can say is ‘I’m sorry.'” (Snow White’s apology to the Seven Dwarfs)

“No potion can bring back love. Love is the most magical potion of all. If you can bottle love, you can do anything.”  (Rumplestiltskin gets the best lines!)

The scene that includes the last line shared here gives you a glimpse into Mr. Gold’s investment. He often refers to it when speaking with Emma, Mary Margaret, and David. If for no other reason, enjoy Carlisle’s acting:

What are some of your favorite tv show or movie lines?


Exploring the Eastern Caribbean

Explore eks-plore v. 1. to investigate, study, or analyze: look into 2. to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery.

RCL Explorer docked at St. Thomas

As much as my husband and I enjoy Key West, we have a soft spot in our hearts for the Eastern Caribbean islands, each of them gems in their own right. In 2003, We were fortunate enough to explore Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas on a seven-day cruise

Our first stop is San Juan. We opt to kayak the San Spiritu River, a calm river northeast of Puerto Rico’s capital city. Chattering monkeys and squawking parrots greet our small tour group as we paddle along, surrounded by the greenery of El Yunque Rainforest. I spy two manatee in the water and an iguana in the trees. What a wonderful start to our Eastern Caribbean experience!

Whimsical water feature outside a shop

St. Maarten/St. Martin is our next destination. It’s a unique island, ruled on one side by the Dutch and the other by the French.

We shop on the Dutch side, grabbing incredible bargains on cameras, linens, and rainbow topaz jewelry. The Belgian chocolate is delicious. Don’t plan to bring any home with you, though. It’s not a good traveler.

On the French side, there are beautiful beaches (including a nude beach if you’re so inclined). We visit a butterfly farm, where I get my first glimpse at the elusive blue morpho butterfly.

My lamb isn’t too baa-d, is it?

Days at sea gives us an opportunity to explore the ship. We play mini golf, learn how to make towel animals, make friends with our dinner mates, and take in the nightly shows. There’s so much to do, but we spend part of each day simply sipping a cool drink and taking in the stunning Caribbean views from our comfy spot in the Solarium hot tub or pool.

St. Thomas is another port. We venture out on our own today, the taxi ride through the hills to Magen’s Bay Beach a bit like a roller coaster ride without the safety of the rails! We arrive early, so the beach isn’t crowded. I soak in the crystal blue water. It’s heavenly.

Magen’s Bay Beach, St. Thomas

We leave the beach before I turn too pink, travel down the windy road into town, and then take a tram up to Paradise Point, St. Thomas’ lookout point. The blues of the Caribbean mix with the vibrant tropical flowers and trees. Everything is lush and beautiful.

 Leaving St. Thomas

For our last day of sun, sand, and water, we join a friendly group on a booze cruise to Pearl Island away from the busy commercialism of Nassau. We enjoy a spicy lunch and rum drinks as we wade in the warm waters. Later, we explore the island’s tiny lighthouse and look at the seashells. The boat trip back to the ship includes music and dancing, and puts us in the mood for a fun last night at sea before returning to reality.

I enjoy our getaways to Key West, never tiring of its natural beauty and its people, but cruising is a wonderful way to learn which destinations may hold promise of an extended holiday to suit your needs. I’d definitely like to visit St. Thomas again, perhaps while vacationing in nearby St. John–secluded and romantic.

Oops, gotta go! I hear the blender whirring and steel drums playing in the kitchen. Time for a margarita moment or two. Until next time…