Birthday Story Bash: Day 2

Welcome to the second day of the Toy Story party here on my blog! I know I'm getting this day started a little early (it's still technically the first day of my party!), but I thought I would post this when I knew I could find time. We'll just keep this party rolling!

Just as a reminder, each day of the party will include a guest interview; movie, book, and song-of-the-day selections; and a giveaway! And each day will have its own theme based off of one or more of the Toy Story characters.

Today's character is . . . Buzz Lightyear! Thus, today's theme will be space/flying (because Buzz can fly, at least when he has a rocket strapped to his back!).

To get us started, I invited Renee from Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot to get us started! Renee is a dear blogging friend of mine. When I have blogging questions, Renee has blogging answers! She is patient, kind, and she has a wonderful blog! If you don't already follow her blog, head on over there as soon as you're done reading this post!

Amber: Who is your favorite Toy Story character?

Renee: I would definitely have to say that Buzz Lightyear is my favorite character. He is super funny and way cool, I mean he can fly (kind of) plus he has little green men for groupies! I also liked Buzz in the TV cartoon series that was released, I believe, right after Toy Story 2! I loved XR the witty robot, and Buzz's sidekicks Mira and Booster. Is it okay if I admit that I also like Evil Emperor Zurg? Really, what is a movie without a villain or two to issue a good challenge?

Amber: What is one of you favorite stories? (This could be books, movies, family stories...anything goes!)

Renee: Oh goodness this is a toughie! I will go with a book, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Ever since I first read it in high school I've been enthralled with everything Austen (I've read most of her books plus a lot of the modern "retellings").

Elizabeth is the perfect heroine and Darcy...*sigh* there are no words for him. It's easy to see why these stories have remained popular for over 200 years. There are lessons that today's readers can take away regarding first impresions and the like. Plus it's also fun to see how society has changed and how it has remained the same.

Amber: If you could be any character/toy from Toy Story, which one would you be?

Renee: Hmmmm I would have to say I would love to be Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl! She is so independent and not to be crossed LOL! She's also a tomboy like me. However the girly girl in me also likes Bo Peep with her pretty pink dress. ;-) I'm anxious to see what they do with these characters in Toy Story 3!

Amber: Do you have any other Toy Story/Pixar info you would like to share?

Renee: Besides Toy Story I really love the Disney/Pixar movie Cars! Being a bit of a car fanatic I was pleased when they decided to release this movie. I love McQueen, Mater, Sally, Doc, Luigi and Guido. I usually like the secondary characters and Luigi and Guido are definitely my favorites, especially when they meet the Ferrari towards the end of the film...soooo cute!!! I thought it was really cool, too, that Dale Jr, Darrel Waltrip and other NASCAR folks lent their voices in cameo apprearances throughout the movie. It made it seem very authentic.

Amber: Thanks so much for joining us today, Renee! It was fun to read your responses! =)

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Now for the selections of the day! Going with the space theme, I have some fun recommendations for you:

• Movie of the day: WALL-E (Another great Pixar movie! It's a bit different from the others, but I suppose all of their movies are rather unique! The robots in this one are just too cute!)


• Book of the day: Once in a Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis (To read my review of this book, click HERE. And to read my interview with Leanna Ellis, click HERE.)


• Song of the day: When You Come Back Down by Nickel Creek

Here's a video of the song that I found on YouTube. It's a beautiful song, and I think it fits with the flying part of our theme!

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Today's book giveaway is from another dear blogging friend, Angie over at Never A Dull Moment. Thank you so much, Angie, for your generosity!

Here's the description of the book from Zondervan: "In this intense, emotionally charged supernatural thriller for young adults by author Dawn Miller, the angelic forces of heaven and hell wage battle over mankind, placing five gifted teenagers in the middle of a war only they can end. Each of the five has struggled since a terrifying night in their childhood, and as memories of that evening’s events come rushing back, and the dark angels make themselves known, they discover that what was meant to destroy them has instead opened their eyes to a world otherwise hidden from humankind."

I think the cover fits well with today's theme, don't you? =) To enter this drawing, just leave a comment saying you would like to be entered. You must have a U.S. mailing address, and you must leave your e-mail address in your comment to qualify. (Just as a reminder, all the winners this week will be announced on Saturday, June 5.)

Good luck to all of you! And I wish you a fabulous day, full of fun "to infinity and beyond!"

(Toy Story picture from the Pixar website.)