Eurovision 2021 is here!!!

 I believe everyone will admit that 2020 was one of the most nerve-wrecking years we have lived through. And 2021 is just another chip off the 'ole  block. But this year, for a few hours, we can momentarily forget about our fears, worries, and pain, as we enter an incredible land of music through the ESC. 

If the perkiness below is offensive to you, please note that it was not intentional. I only want to amuse, not offend. So, without further ado........

🌟 Means that it is one of my favorites.😉 Means that it wouldn't surprise me at all if it won.

1. Jendrik - I don't feel hate - Germany - WHAT ON EARTH? I can't get this irritatingly perky earworm out my head. 

 2. Ana Soklic - Amen - Slovinia - Deep, moving, I'm getting choked up listening to this song. Can't wait to see the live performance.🌟

 3. Lesley Roy - Maps - Ireland- This song makes me wish I knew how to ride a bike. I want to feel the wind in my hair while listening to this song.😉 

 4. Blind Channel - Dark Side - Finland - Let's just take a moment to get our rock on with Finland, shall we?🌟

 5. Tix - Fallen Angel - Norway - Why is this song not in a moody teen movie or a corny Rom-Com? Everyone, quick! Wave your cellphones! 

 6. The Roop - Discoteque - Lithuania - Why am I bopping to this song? IDRK. Back to the dancing, please. 

7. Eden Alene - Set Me Free - Israel - I love this song so much more than last year's. I feel like this is closer to her true sound. It has a more authentic feel.🌟 

8. Benny Cristo - omaga - Czech Republic - Another song that is better than last year's entry. It so fun and bouncy.😉

 9. Barbara Ravi - Voilá - France - It has an old French cinema sound that entrances you. Slow in the beginning, by song's end you feel as though you've encountered a whirling dervish.😉 

10. Anxhela Peristeri - Karma - Albania - I wish I knew what she is saying because this song is so beautiful.

 11. Albina - Tick Tock - Croatia - Truly a dance jam. 

12. Fyr & Flamme - Øve Os På Hinanden - Denmark- They're bringing old school Euro Disco back. 

13. Blas Canto -Voy a Quedarme - Spain - You make me wish my Latina card hadn't been revoked. Love it! 🌟 

14. Elena Tsagrinou - El Diablo - Cyprus - Spicy. Fun. Totally Danceable. 

15. Go A - Shum - Ukraine - This song is way too easy to get stuck on my replay for some reason. Let's Crazy Dance.😉 

16. Galasy ZMesta - Ya Nauchu Tebya - Belarus - This has a Goldie-Oldie sound, like they went rummaging through old records. 

17. Gjon's Tears - Tout L Univers - Switzerland - I didn't like their song last year, but A -Game was brought this year and I have to admit that they sound pretty awesome this time.😉 

18. Jeangu Macrooy - Birth of a New Age - The Netherlands - Those Afro Drums! Way to connect with your roots! 

19. Hooverphonic - The Wrong Place - Belgium - Last year's entry made me think of a smooth Lounge Bar. This year's entry makes me think of an edgy Hipster Bar. 

20. Hurricane - Loco Loco - Serbia - Dust off your Dancing Shoes for this number! I dare you not to dance.🌟 

21. Montaigne - Technicolour - Australia - This yet another great dance number from Montaigne.🌟 

22. Manizha - Russian Woman - Russia - So much attitude, Love it!😉

 23. Senhit - Adrenalina - San Marino - When I first heard this song, my jaw dropped. I did a double take because, you know, it was San Marino, who normally sends an act that is am touch corny. But this song is so hot, I think it just might burn it's way all the way to the top.🌟 

24. Natalia Gordienko - Sugar - Moldova - Sooooo much better than last year's entry! This track must've been smokin' when it came off the press, it's that hot.🌟 

25. Roxen - Amnesia - Romania - This song is so beautiful that I am almost without words.🌟 

26. Vincent Bueno - Amen - Austria - Why is this song so sad? I need a honeybun and hugs now. 

27. The Black Mamba - Love is on my Side - Portugal - This song belongs to a whole 'nother era. Also, they do know that the Black Mamba is a poisonous snake, right?😉 

28. Uke Suviste - The Lucky One - Estonia - Incredible Song. Beautifully Epic. 

29. Vasil - Here I Stand - North Macedonia - I'm getting choked up right now. Epic🌟 

30. James Newman - Embers - United Kingdom - A fun and bouncy beat. Gorgeous vocals. My repeat button almost broke.🌟 

31. Daoi of Gagnamagnio - 10 Years - Iceland - A super fun retro song. Everyone Dance!🌟 

32. Samanta Tina - The Moon is Rising - Latvia - So much Attitude. A total boss song.🌟 

33. RAFAü - The Ride - Poland - It appears that the 80's have left lasting effects. I'm not complaining. I'm dancing!😉

 34. Victoria - Growing up is getting Old - Bulgaria - 2020's theme song right here.🌟 

35. Stefania - Last Dance - Greece - Beautiful, strong vocals. A beat that entices your feet to dance. All the makings of a hit.🌟 

36. Tusse - Million Voices - Sweden - The Live performance for this song is going to have to blow socks off. A song this lovely demands it.😉 

37. Destiny - Je Me Casse - Malta - One of my new Girl Power songs. So gorgeous!🌟

 38. Efendi - Mata Hari - Azerbaijan - Beautiful and Exotic like the namesake.😉 

39. Måneskin - Zitti E Buoni - Italy - A Total Rockout. Feel free to whip your hair around.🌟

 40. Tornike Kipiani - You - Georgia - A slow number. I think I like last year's entry better. Sorry. 

And that is Eurovision 2021 for you. I can hardly wait for the first Semi-Finals. It will be on May 18th for those who don't already know. The second Semi-Finals will be on May 20th with the Finals on May 22nd. Take this time to pick your favorites. And if you are in a place that can vote (unlike me), do so. 2020 was a very drab year music wise. Let's come out swinging this year. As always, feel free to leave a message below.

And the rain, rain , rain came down, down down.......

 As I write this post, it is pouring outside. The unfortunate side effect of this lovely rain is that my knees are so sore and achy, I can barely stand. My one of my brothers (who is not that far in age from me) called me an old woman. I couldn't say anything back because that is how I was feeling.

If you all get how I'm feeling, feel free to leave a message below.

Headaches Suck!

 I got a awful headache right now so this is gonna be a short post. I gobbled down a couple of acetaminophen an hour ago. I am still waiting for them to kick in.  

I have finally finished K.M. Shea's Timeless Fairy Tales Series. It is so goood! You totally go to check it out. 

Feel free to leave a message below.

Pride & Prejudice, pt.1

 "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." This is the opening line of one of the most beloved novels, Pride and Prejudice. I'm sure many of you all have read it. For those who haven't, please do one day. It's a classic. 

 One of my friends told me years ago that, though she tried to read it, she just couldn't understand what was going on. She liked the Kiera Knightley film version, though. (Que all Austen fans: groaning and pulling hair.) I saw that one and while it was good(cinematically speaking), it had way to much angst. The best film version is the Colin Firth one from the 90's. You can't perfect perfection.

 I would love to write about all the retellings and fanfiction that exists, but I would be here for the rest of my life (I don't think this is an exaggeration). I can't even begin to tell you all my favorites. So what I will tell you is this, if you've found that you understand only one word in ten of Miss Austen's classic, try watching the 1990's BBC miniseries starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. You should be able to understand that. Also,check out one of the retellings. But please, on behalf of most tried and true Austenites, avoid anything with Zombies and/or Vampires. We really hate those. 

This will definitely not be the last time I talk about Jane Austen's work, so I am going to label this part one and leave it at that. I have read all but two of her novels after all. I could talk about her for forever. Don't worry, though. I'm not going to.

As always, feel free to leave a message below.

Tricia Levenseller

 I recently discovered this wonderful YA author I wanted to tell you all about. Tricia Levenseller has a way of writing that draws you in and absolutely refuses to let you go until you either finish the book or you collapse from sheer exhaustion from staying up all night reading. And yes, that is exactly what happened to me.

If you're a fan of The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Tricia Levenseller's duology, Daughter of the Pirate King and Daughter of the Siren Queen is most definitely the series for you.

In DotPK, Alosa is the daughter of the Pirate King sent on an undercover mission to find a treasure map. She finds herself thwarted at almost every turn by the very handsome First Mate, Riden. The darn man is just a bit to obvant for Alosa's comfort. No bother. She can handle him. Right?

In DotSQ, Alosa has completed her mission and now has all the map pieces her father needs. Upon returning home, she makes a devastating discovery. With the help of Riden and her loyal crew, she sets out to right a wrong and get revenge. But the foe she faces is one who knows her every weakness. He is her father, after all.

In her standalone, Warrior of the Wild, Rasmira is the youngest daughter of the Chieftain and his chosen heir. While utterly beloved and spoiled by her father, she is hated and mistreated by her most of her peers and mother. On the day of the Trial each warrior must take, she is horribly betrayed. Banished into the wilderness, her only hope is to complete an impossible task if she is to ever return home. While struggling to survive, she meets two other outcasts who are also facing impossible tasks. Will they be able to complete their missions or will the challenges they face destroy them?

I do hope you get a chance to read one of Tricia Levenseller's books. I read three of her books in two days. She is that good. As always, feel free to leave a message below and tell me what you think.

If you're a fan......

 If you all loved WandaVision, then I know that you will love Defy the Stars by Claudia Grey.  We have an evolving AI robot who falls for a spunky orphaned soldier (who lost her parents and brother tragically) who is determined to save her world, no matter the cost.

I am in the middle of the second book the series, Defy the Worlds. I can't wait to start the final book, Defy the Fates.

Let me know below what you think.

Family Get-togethers

 Yesterday, my cousin and her children came by. It was nice to see someone I'm distantly related to. Normally, it's just me, the sibs, and my parents all surrounded by people we share no genetic tie to.

It was nice to talk to them, to watch the younger ones run around and shout. Before COVID-19, this used to happen more often. I have a cousins I haven't seen in over a year and they lived in the town newt door. 20 minute drive. 

So thanks, COVID-19, for making it just that much harder (or easier) to get in touch with people. Totally loving that.

As always, feel free to leave a message below.