ABC

My Fall 2019 TV Schedule

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Dancing With The Stars – MONDAY 9/16 @ 8PM on ABC

The Resident-TUESDAY 9/24 @ 8PM on FOX [New Night]


This Is Us- TUESDAY 9/24 @ 9PM on NBC


Chicago PD- WEDNESDAY 9/25 #onechicago (PD,MED,FIRE) starts @ 8PM on NBC

How To Get Away With Murder- THURSDAY 9/26 @ 10PM on ABC [Last Season]

Supergirl- SUNDAY 10/6 @ 8PM on The CW

Riverdale- WEDNESDAY 10/9 @ 8PM on The CW

Don’t think they’ve released a new trailer for Season 4 so here is the Netflix trailer.

Charmed – FRIDAY 10/11 @ 8PM on The CW

Don’t think they’ve released a new trailer for Season 2 so here is the Season 1 trailer.

Dynasty – FRIDAY 10/11 @9 PM on The CW

Don’t think they’ve released a new trailer for Season 3 so here is the Netflix trailer.

I kind of lost track with a bunch of these and really need to catch up before they premiere their new seasons. I’m only caught up on The Resident, Charmed, and Dynasty. As for Dancing with the Stars, this is a show I really like but I don’t usually watch unless there is someone I really love on it and even then it is such a heavy two night commitment so….I never know. We’ll see what happens with it this year. I just know I want to see Hannah B. (The Bachelorette) and James Van der Beak (Dawson from Dawson’s Creek)! Supergirl is another show that I kind of lost interest in a few seasons ago, because so many characters left, but I hear they are bringing Wynn back so maybe I can get back into it, we’ll see.

New Shows I May Check Out: I don’t know if they’ll stick for me, but we’ll give ’em a go!

Nancy Drew- WEDNESDAY 10/9 @ 9PM on The CW

Stumptown- WEDNESDAY 9/25 @ 9PM on ABC

^the music in this promo is fire!

Emergence- TUESDAY 9/24 @ 10PM on ABC

 Almost Family- WEDNESDAY 10/2 @ 9PM on FOX

^Emily Osment & Brittany Snow! This could be GOOD! I love them both! And I can already tell that this odd storyline is going to bring out some serious sisterhood vibes.

 

Other shows that I watch like Will & Grace, Roswell, and In the dark are mid-season shows and will most likely pick back up in January 2020 or sometime in 2020.

Check your local listings!

What are you watching this Fall?

-<3-

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 16- TV Shows to Binge watch in the Fall Season that will give you a little spook…

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Fall is a time for cozy nights in with jack-o-lanterns flickering  and shows that give you that eerie feeling. Need a show to binge this Fall season, look no further! 

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Stranger Things (Netflix) 

2017-Present [2 Seasons, filming Season 3]

When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.- Via Netflix Original site.

How To Get Away With Murder (ABC)

2014-Present [Currently airing it’s 5th Season]

A group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defense professor become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change the course of their lives. – Via IMDb

Riverdale (The CW)

2017- Present [Currently airing it’s 3rd Season]

A subversive take on Archie and his friends, exploring small town life, the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome façade.- Via IMDb

YOU (Lifetime) 

2018 [Airing it’s first season on Sunday nights]

A clever bookstore manager relies on his savvy Internet know-how to make the woman of his dreams fall in love with him. -Via IMDb

The Vampire Diaries (Netflix, Hulu)

2009-2017 [8 Seasons]

The lives, loves, dangers and disasters in the town, Mystic Falls, Virginia. Creatures of unspeakable horror lurk beneath this town as a teenage girl is suddenly torn between two vampire brothers.  -Via IMDb

The Bates Motel (Netflix)

2013-2017 [5 Seasons]

A contemporary prequel to Psycho, giving a portrayal of how Norman Bates’ psyche unravels through his teenage years, and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma, truly is.- Via IMDb

Scream (the MTV series) (Netflix, Amazon Prime)

2015-2018 [2 Seasons]

A serialized anthology series that follows a group of teenagers being targeted by a masked serial killer. – Via IMDb

*Season 3 is said to be coming soon.

Eye Candy (MTV.com, Amazon Prime)

2015 [1 Season]

A New York woman suspects that one of her online dates is a serial killer.- Via IMDb

Pretty Little Liars (Netflix) 

2010-2017 [7 Seasons]

Four friends band together against an anonymous foe who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets, while also investigating the disappearance of their best friend. – Via IMDb

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (Hulu, YouTube)

1996-2003 [7 Seasons]

When a 16-year-old high school student finds out she’s a witch, her two aunts offer guidance on how to control her newly-discovered magical powers. -Via IMDb

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Hulu, YouTube)

1996-2003 [7 Seasons]

A young woman, destined to slay vampires, demons and other infernal creatures, deals with her life fighting evil, with the help of her friends. -Via IMDb

Roswell (Hulu)

1999-2002 [3 Seasons]

Follows the lives of three young alien/human hybrids with extraordinary gifts in Roswell.- Via IMDb

Charmed (90’s original) (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube)

1998-2006 [8 Seasons]

Three sisters discover their destiny, to battle against the forces of evil, using their witchcraft. They are the Charmed Ones. – Via IMDb

The X Files (Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime)

1993-2018/present (on and off) [11 Seasons]

Two F.B.I. Agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained, while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.-Via IMDb 

Tales from the Crypt (YouTube, Amazon Prime, HBO)

1989-1996 [7 Seasons]

Tales of horror based on the gruesome E.C. comic books of the 1950s presented by the legendary Crypt Keeper, a sinister ghoul obsessed with gallows humor and horrific puns.-Via IMDb 

Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction (YouTube/Amazon Prime)

1997-2002 [4 Seasons]

Within the course of one hour 5 stories are shown. None of these stories have any logical explanation, and some of them actually occurred. You are left to decide which of these stories, if any are fact, and which are fiction.- Via IMDb

The Walking Dead- Watch at your own risk. (Netflix)

2010-2018 [Currently airing it’s 9th Season on AMC]

Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins [#ZombieApocalyse], and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive. – Via IMDb

^I am including this last one, because I have such great memories of it, that is before they killed off certain favorites of mine. Now I feel like the show has gone down hill, and I haven’t watched in a few seasons. But there is something about it that just screams Fall to me. So if you can stomach losing precious characters, have at it! 

As you may have noticed some of these shows are throwbacks and no longer on tv.  They can be found on Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, etc. Others are very new or currently still airing, and can be found on those same sites, as well as their networks/free on demand. In any case each of these paired with a cozy, cold, fall night in, would be perfect to get your Halloween spook fix. So pop your pop-corn, grab some tea or apple cider and pick your poison. Happy Binging friends! 

Enjoy!

And let me know if I missed any of your favorites! 

* I do not take credit for any summaries/images/videos used.*

-<3-

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 6- Witchy Reboots…

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

It seems like every where you turn, there is another 90’s tv show reboot. To be honest, I’m here for it ALL! I was born in the 90’s and I remember watching these shows and loving them, so these shows are basically my childhood. Nostalgia is so good, sometimes.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Charmed is coming back to The CW (formerly known as The WB) with three new young witches with many new adventures to face and evil to conquer. Looks kind of good, I’m going to see if it holds up to the original. Because I used to love the original. My best friend and I used to “Play Charmed.” Where we would each  pick one of the witches to be and create spells and cast them. We often fought over who would be Prue or Phoebe, but let’s be real eventually we loved Piper because she’d get candle lit dinners with White Lighter Leo. 😉 #BESTFRIENDINSIDEJOKES

 

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Milano, Doherty, Combs

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Combs, Milano, McGowan


The original premiered in 1998 and starred Shannen Doherty as Prue, Alyssa Milano as Phoebe, Holly Marie Combs as Piper, and Rose McGowen as Paige. Doherty’s character dies in Season 3, which is why they had McGowen show up to take the place of the third witch in the Halliwell family trio. The Series aired for 8 seasons on The WB.

 

Check out the Reboot Trailer below:

The synopsis reads:

Mel and Maggie Vera suffer a shock when their mother dies suddenly, but before they have time to heal from their loss, another surprise shows up on their doorstep in the shape of an older sister — brilliant geneticist Macy — whom their mother never told them existed. The emotional stress takes its toll and the girls begin to exhibit impossible new abilities. An explanation comes from an unexpected place: the new chair of the women’s studies department. Harry Greenwood reveals that the three are powerful witches, and he is their white lighter, there to advise and guide them as they battle dark forces.–[Via Wikipedia]

The idea of this reboot seems relatively similar to the original so I’m interested to see how this plays out. I want the key components of the original, but not an instant copy, and they’ve already changed things up by casting three Latina actresses. Cheers from a fellow Latina! I think this could be really cool. However, the reboot did get backlash from the original actresses, when the reboot proclaimed itself as “Fierce, Funny and Feminist.” OG fans seem to be in agreeance and are skeptical to watch. Alyssa Milano also spoke to Entertainment Tonight saying, “I wish that they would have come to us and we would have been involved since the beginning…But having said that, I do hope that it reaches the newer generation and impacts that generation the way ours was able to do for its generation.” As an OG fan, I feel that the original witches were 4 badass FEMINIST women, but that doesn’t mean we can’t leave room for these new actresses to claim their own feminist badassery. At least they aren’t stepping into the same exact character roles, trying to be something they aren’t. So hey, let’s just give it a chance, shall we? No matter what- Milano, Doherty, Combs and McGowan will always be our original Charmed ones.

The Reboot airs Sunday, October 14th @ 9 PM on The CW

NEXT UP...

The latest 90’s sitcom to be revived is- Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Well sort of…let’s dive in.

The original live action TV series premiered in 1996, and starred Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina Spellman. The show follows Sabrina Spellman – a teenager with magical powers who comes from a long line of witches. Until going away to college, she lived with her wacky aunts, who would teach her to use her witchcraft wisely, and Salem, the talking black cat, who always has a scheme up his paw. As a high-school student, Sabrina is less judicious about using her powers than when she enters adulthood. The series is  said to be based on a 1960s Sabrina, a spinoff of the Archie comic franchise, and an animated TV series that originally aired in the 1970s. –[Via Wikipedia.]

The original live action tv sitcom (1996) was funny, and light hearted, even the scariest of adventures had some humor attached, very kid friendly. I remember some of my favorite episodes were the ones where Britney Spears, and *NSYNC guest starred/made musical appearances. Another would be when Brian Austin Green played Sabrina’s Boyfriend for the night-yes they created a dough boy and basically baked her a boyfriend! Seriously I wish I was able to point my finger and be dressed and ready, or to zap myself to work, without the travel. Witches man! LOL.

The sitcom aired for 7 seasons on ABC and The WB and included two television movies and one soundtrack release. The series is also said to be outside the Archie comics. 

Thanks to my free Hulu trial I get to 90’s it up! Hey remember that time DJ Tanner (Full House/Fuller House) played a psycho cult witch and then Sabrina visited Philly in Boy Meets World…SO good! I’ll be watching that episode on Hulu asap. Been on a bit of a Boy Meets World/Sabrina the Teenage Witch throwback kick. 

This Sabrina Witch storyline has been revived/readapted several times, across several mediums. Comic book, Animation, Live Action TV sitcom, cartoon/animated series, films, and now it’s being given a darker, Netflix twist. 

Sabrina: The Animated Series

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In 1999, Hart provided the voice of Sabrina’s two aunts for Sabrina: The Animated Series, while Emily Hart (Melissa’s younger sister) voiced the character of Sabrina. This series lasted one season and produced 65 episodes, the television/direct-to-video movie Sabrina: Friends Forever, and the continuation-spinoff series Sabrina’s Secret Life. –[Via Wikipedia]

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Both of Sabrina animated shows and a movie are all produced by DiC Productions, now called DHX Media. The series is outside the Archie comics. –[Via Wikipedia] 

Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch
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In 2011, Archie Comics announced plans to produce a new animated series based on Sabrina the Teenage Witch to be released in late 2012. The show featured CGI animation that was produced by MoonScoop, and a brand new look for the Sabrina characters. As of October 2012, The Hub has picked up the series, and it finally debuted on air on October 12, 2013. –[Via Wikipedia]

Films (with Melissa Joan Hart) 

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996 film)

 

Not to mention there were many books too!

 Not to mention the many Sabrina books!

NEW SABRINA NEWS!!!

Riverdale (2017 TV series-The CW)
On July 23, 2016, at San Diego Comic-Con, K.J. Apa, who portrays Archie Andrews in the darker, subversive live action take on Archie, confirmed that Sabrina will eventually appear in the CW series. Sabrina was originally slated to debut in the show’s season one finale, but this was eventually decided against, as showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa said it would’ve distracted from the rest of the episode, though she is still being considered for a later season.–[Via Wikipedia]

This could be really cool.
I wonder who will play her? 

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Sabrina Carpenter??? I could totally see her on Riverdale and her name fits the role! Or they may opt to do a crossover with Kiernan Shipka, who knows!

*Read the FULL Sabrina history HERE

Check out the trailer for the latest Sabrina journey-

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, where Kiernan Shipka (will be taking on the role of Sabrina Spellman.)

The synopsis reads: 

Her name is Sabrina Spellman.

Half witch. Half mortal. On her 16th birthday, Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) has to make a choice between the witch world of her family and the human world of her friends. With her aunties (Miranda Otto, Lucy Davis), her cat Salem, and her boyfriend Harvey Kinkle (Ross Lynch), Sabrina will face horrors and new adventures in the mysterious town of Greendale. From the executive producers of Riverdale comes a haunting new tale. –[Via Released by Netflix]

From the trailer I can definitely see the Riverdale esque influence. To be honest I didn’t even know the character Sabrina was based on an Archie comic. I was never a comics kid, but I loved TV, (clearly still do!) Being a kid in the 90’s, Melissa Joan Hart was my Sabrina. Although all Hart’s Sabrina related content (Live Action TV series, Animated Series, Films) was considered “outside the Archie comics,” it does still say she was based off the original Archie comic character. So I’m guessing it’s a loose adaption. Hart was the Sabrina I know and love, as she is for many. So now I can understand the difference in direction for this Netflix reboot, it isn’t based on the 90’s sitcom. However, wasn’t Archie more humorous and silly? Where is this darkness coming from? But then again I wasn’t an Archie comic reader.

WAIT!!!! 

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is an American comic book series published by Archie Horror, an imprint of Archie Comics, beginning in 2014. The series focuses on Sabrina Spellman during her teenage years in the 1960s. The series is a darker take on the characters and setting of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.— [Via Wikipedia]

NOW I GET IT….DUH???

I know I’m intrigued just to see the same few characters pop back up. Looks really cool! 

The Reboot Premieres Friday, October 26th. Only on Netflix.

 

*DISCLAIMER: I used Wikipedia/IMDB to fact check, so please don’t quote me on any of this. Sometimes their information can be off. My apologies for any mistaken information. 

So who’s watching these Witchy Reboots? Any takers? Let me know how you think they’ll measure up to the original content in the comments below.

 

*I do not take credit for any images, video clips, films, trailers, or Wikipedia information*

 

-<3- 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 3- My Fall 2018 TV Schedule

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment


tv
Fall is the time where all the returning shows start their season premieres, or when the new shows have their series premieres. And it is seriously like Christmas morning to me.  This year there are a few newbies and some good oldies that I’ve invested a few seasons in already. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Warning…I watch ALOT of tv, it’s my favorite form of storytelling. I love getting to know characters and having them be there every week with new adventures. Hey it’s research! One day I’m going to have my own TV show, that’s the dream!

day 2 sneak peek

I try to watch live as much as I can, because I hate spoilers and I like the sense of community. #Livetweeting for the win! But sometimes I just can’t, because life and well sometimes I have to actually #Adult. But I usually catch up when I can, thanks to free on demand, and the internet. Here’s a peek at what I’m watching this fall season…

MONDAYS

The Resident @ 8 PM FOX *New for me [On it’s 2nd Season]

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Oh man oh man, so this show just started it’s second season and I had seen a bunch of promos for it. Of course it peeked my interest because Matt Czuchry (Logan from Gilmore Girls) and Emily VanCamp (Amy from Everwood & Emily/Amanda from Revenge) are in it! But I figured it was a hospital drama and it would break my heart just like Grey’s Anatomy did. So I kind of strayed away. And then one day YouTube happened, and I started to watch a few clips and I quickly realized that I was going to be in LOVE with Czuchry’s character, Conrad Hawkins. He’s basically a younger/sexy version of Dr. House. He uses unconventional methods to save his patients lives, and he’s lovably arrogant. He’s a third year resident supervising new first years, and he has one rule “He is always right.”  Very rough around the edges because he had a rough go at childhood and served in the marine corps as a medic. I love how he doesn’t even wear full scrubs he just wears the shirt and black jeans and combat boots, with his beaded and leather bracelets and chains and bolt like rings, and tattoos. He’s just so damn cool, I can’t take it. 

However he really cares about his patients and will break any hospital rule (especially when it involves billing and insurance) to help save them. Just the way he walks is amazing. It’s like a strut.

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I LOVE him, and even more so, I love his relationship with VanCamp’s character Nurse Nicolette “Nic” Nevin. You know if there’s a love story, complexities and all…I am ALL IN!

Thanks to hulu I just finished Season 1 and caught up on the first two episodes of Season 2. I will admit it’s my current obsession. This happens when I find a new tv show, I just can’t stop thinking about it. LOL. Season 1 was really strong and I am so happy I gave in and watched it. 

The show takes place in Chastain Park Memorial Hospital in Atlanta Georgia, and it drops us in the middle of these character’s lives, so there is a lot of backstory still left to uncover. Especially when it comes to Conrad and Nic’s relationship. It’s really interesting because I’m used to seeing these relationship stables play out- when did they meet? Who asked who out? What’d they do on their first date? When did they first say I love you? When did they have their first love scene? SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!! But I kind of like how they are showing their relationship unfold. It’s very cool. 

In college I had a college writing professor who used to always tell us to “tell it later,” I would always get so frustrated, because I felt like I wanted to tell it now, from the beginning. But as I grow older and watch tv shows and see how they differ in their storytelling, I totally see the appeal of dropping your audience smack dab in the middle of a couple’s complex relationship. For instance in the pilot, the first scene we see between Nic and Conrad is him pulling her into a room and kissing her, telling her he’ll do “whatever it takes to get her back.”

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SWOON! It leaves us wanting more. Nicely played FOX. I’m hooked. 

I don’t mean to go off on a tangent on this one show, but it’s a new one for me, so I have to get the obsession feels out! I also really like the way the show is shot. Very  hand held, snory cam- at times first person shots. The music they use is pretty dope too. For instance in Season 2, they used these two songs and I am obsessed!

I think I may need to do a full on review of this show so I will just stop rambling here and move on… 

TUESDAYS

New Amsterdam @ 10 PM NBC *NEW Series [1st Season]

All these doctor shows coming in and taking over…another doctor who is not a fan of billing or the medical system and is trying the fight for patients, you may think it’s the same as every other doctor show but…there is a mega twist at the end of the pilot…watch and wait for it…

This Is Us @ 9 PM NBC [3rd Season]

You guys…come on now, do I even have to explain how good this show is. I would just like to meet these writers and directors and creators and just give them a standing ovation because, the way they let these stories unfold is just brilliant. I cry almost every week, but it’s still just such moving television. 

WEDNESDAYS

Riverdale @ 8 PM The CW [3rd Season]

Chicago PD @ 10 PM NBC [6th Season] 

THURSDAYS

Will & Grace @ 9 PM NBC [2nd Season Reboot]

How To Get Away With Murder @ 10 PM ABC [5th Season]

FRIDAYS

Dynasty @ 8 PM The CW [2nd Season] 

SATURDAYS

FREE DAY! (Catch up day?) haha

SUNDAYS

Supergirl @ 8 PM The CW [4th Season]

Charmed @ 9 PM The CW [*New Series Reboot]

We shall see how this holds up to the original…I loved the original!

YOU @ 10 PM Lifetime [*New Series]

This show is so good, and is so creepy you just can’t help but be intrigued by what’s going to happen next. It takes stalker to a whole new level. 

 

Happy Watching…what are you guys watching this fall? 

 

* I do not take credit for any images used in my edit (or otherwise)

or any videos/music used.* 

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

My Fall 2017 TV Schedule

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

*Yes I usually watch most of my shows Live. I like the experience.

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Fall tv schedule 2017

 

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MONDAYS– Dancing with the Stars (8pm), Supergirl (8pm), The Good Doctor (10pm).

*Although Supergirl will probably take the 8 o’clock spot for me, I do like to check in on Dancing with the Stars here and there- depending on who the Stars are this year. The year Bethany Mota was on, I was obsessed!

TUESDAYS– This Is Us (9pm). *I really need to catch up before this season starts!

WEDNESDAYS– Riverdale (8pm), Chicago PD (10pm).

THURSDAYS– Grey’s Anatomy (8pm), Will & Grace (9pm), Scandal (9pm), How to Get Away with Murder (10pm), Chicago Fire (10pm).

*I check in on Grey’s Anatomy here and there via YouTube and sometimes I will watch live. And although Scandal and Will & Grace are in the same time slot, I will probably watch Will & Grace live and catch Scandal on demand, I have to catch up on last season anyway! And I will probably choose to watch HTGAWM live @ 10 over Chicago Fire, since I kind of lost track of it. I love HTGAWM more, so I will just have to catch Chicago Fire on demand.

FRIDAYS– Jane the Virgin (9pm) and let’s be real probably streaming/binge watching Fuller House and Stranger Things.

SATURDAYS– _______________________

SUNDAYS–  _________________________

(Low key debating getting back into The Walking Dead- AMC (October 22nd @ 9 pm)… but that’s a whole other blog post, if I make the decision, we’ll discuss more!) 😉

See you on the flip side, my fellow TV Junkie’s.

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I’m sure I will be live tweeting on my twitter- @Shellbelle91

-come chat with me all things TV!

 

Happy Season Premiere Season!

*I do not take credit for any images, or gifs used.*

-<3-

 

 

Welcome Home.

michelleleighwrites 8 Comments

Hey guys, it’s that time again…I’ve been toying around with this first bit of a new short story series for a while. I like how it’s shaping up. This new story series will probably send us into the new year, and long after. #AlwaysRambling.  I hope you will join in and read along!

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Meet Melanie…

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Melanie stares at her reflection in an airport bathroom. Her crystal blue eyes stare back at her.

She fluffs her hair and reaches into her purse for her lip gloss, as she applies some of her favorite very berry with just a hint of pink, and is instantly hit with a feeling of déjà vu. 

Time freezes and she thinks of him. As she often does.

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There she stands in front of her vanity applying her lipstick as she feels him watching her from the doorway of their bedroom.

Turning with a smile, she says, “What are you looking at?”

He smirks, “Everything,” he says casually leaning against the wooden door molding.

“Yea? And…do you like what you see?” she says showing off her outfit.

He smiles and walks over to her, taking her hand he spins her around, as his eyes glance over her full ensemble.

“You. Look. Sexy as hell,” he smiles pulling her to him and kissing her.

She smiles against his lips as she cups his face, her diamond ring sparkling as it sits on her left hand.

Melanie is brought back to reality as a stranger sets off the hand dryer nearby.

She shakes off the memory as she looks at her now empty ring finger.

She looks at herself in the mirror once more.

You can do this, she thinks to herself.

Melanie wipes a tear from her eye, as her cell phone begins to ring.

Grabbing her plaid suitcase and purse, she strolls into the airport lobby, answering her phone.

“Hey mom.”

“Sweetheart! Did you land yet?”

“Yes. Just now actually, I am just about to head out and grab a cab.”

“Oh honey I’m so sorry we couldn’t meet you, there’s just so much prep to do, we have the whole family coming early tomorrow morning.”

“Mom it’s really ok. I understand. It’s no big deal. I will see you soon.”

“Ok honey! Oh I am so excited to see you!”

“Me too. Love you, see you in a bit,” Melanie says with a smile.

“Love you, bye.”

Melanie hangs up and heads toward the exit. Stepping toward the end of the curb, she raises her hand to hail a cab. The fall chill nipping at her nose.

********************************************************************************

“Thank you,” Melanie says to her cab driver as he unloads her suitcase for her.

She looks up at her childhood home, and instantly her heart is full.

She smiles at the festive decorations of hay stacks, pumpkins, scarecrows and twinkling lanterns that line the pathway to the door which is dressed in a sunflower wreath. Orange, yellow, red and green flood her eyes as she blinks to feel more grounded.

It’s been a while.

She reaches for the door knob, the cold gold feeling strange yet familiar at the same time. And turning it, she peers in. Her nostrils instantly flooded with her mom’s famous sweet potato pie and cranberry stuffing.

“Hello?”  She says wheeling her suitcase in as her low heeled booties click and clack over the hard cherry wood floor.

She hears some clinking and banging in the kitchen and then is met by her mother’s streaks and open arms.

“Melanie!!!! Oh my word. You look fantastic,” she says hugging her daughter tightly.

“Hey Mom,” she says smiling.

“Is that my Mel belle that just walked in?” her dad says walking in the front door in his work clothes and rushing to hug her too.

Melanie smiles as she hugs her parents.

“It’s good to be home,” she says finally feeling an inner peace.

********************************************************************************

“Mom can I help you with anything?” she asks as she settles in on a chair at the island across from where her mother works on mixing up some cornbread batter.

“You could get started on the sticky buns?” she says with a smile.

Melanie smiles back with wide eyes.

“Sure,” she says standing and heading to the fridge.

“You remember how to make them?” her mom says peering over the edges of her red rimmed eyeglasses. 

“You put them in the oven, let them rise, add some honey and brown sugar and then get to starting on the glaze.”

“And…” her mom says with a questioning smile.  

“Add a little extra cinnamon for a lot of extra love, How could I ever forget?” she says as her mom smiles at her.

*********************************************************************************

Melanie sits in front of the fireplace. Her eyes glazing over as she watches the flames flicker away.

An image flashes in her mind of him. Them. On that very same couch. He leans over.

“So…are we actually alone in this big old house?”

“I think so,” she says looking over at him her eyes smiling with a sparkle.

He smirks, and leans over to her, kissing her. As he leans into her, the kisses intensify as he switches them to a laying down position, him above her gazing down into her eyes.

“Promise me something?” he says tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Anything,” She says gazing back her hands wrapped around his waist.

“Promise you’ll never leave me.”

“Never,” she says reaching up and cupping his neck, pulling him into a kiss.

“Good, because I don’t think I can handle that.”

She smiles, her heart bursting as they kiss into the night, their clothes disguarded piece by piece.

Melanie looks around her living room, it’s emptier now.

She shifts uncomfortably in her seat.

She sighs, her heart heavy.

You can do this, she thinks.

Her eyes begin to well up.

“Honey?”

Melanie looks up to find her mother looking at her with concern.

“Melanie, what’s wrong? Or do I even have to ask?”

Melanie smiles simply as she brushes a single tear off her cheek with her cream colored oversized sweater sleeve.

“If we’re going to do this…I’m going to need a little liquid courage.”

“I have some Thanksgiving Day punch, shall we sneak a little in tonight?”

“Yes please,” she says smiling faintly.

********************************************************************************

“So…have you seen him?” Melanie asks looking over the brim of her glass as she throws back a giant gulp of Thanksgiving Day punch.

“I have,” her mother says carefully, calmly.

“How is he?” Melanie inquires  caught between wanting to know and not wanting to know but having to ask anyway no matter what the truth may be.

“He seems good.”

“Good. I’m glad. I want him to be good.”

“He asked about you.”

Melanie sighs looking away.  

“Did you tell him I was coming home for the holidays?”

“Did you want me to?”

“No. I mean I don’t know. Town like ours, I’m sure I’m bound to run into him anyway so…”

“He knows. He guessed.”

“Ah,” she says her eyebrows raising.

“He always had a way of knowing you better than anybody…”

“Except you.” She says smiling at her mom.

“Well yes, mother knows best.” She smiles.

“I know I see him every few years. You’d think it’d get easier. But it hasn’t, it just gets harder. I don’t know what to say, or what to do. He deserves so much better than I could ever give him.”

“Honey, I don’t think there is any resentment there. Not anymore. Time does heal.”

“Not all wounds.”

“Maybe not yours. But he seems very much ok. Moved on even.”

Melanie ponders, her eyes watering, and her mind racing as she looks back at the fire, the flames crackling and glistening in the night. She takes another sip of her punch as she stares off into space.

Her mother watching on with a sad heart.

**********************

Who’s this mystery man, that lurks through Melanie’s thoughts?

To be continued…

-<3-

Things I’ve Been Loving

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Music. What would I do without you?

My current obsession has been Shawn Mendes’ new album Illuminate (deluxe).

It kinda has a really familiar favorite vibe to me. Like a John Mayer, Kris Allen, Ed Sheeran vibe. Which I LOVE! He’s definitely matured artistically-writing wise and vocally. And his lyrics are still beautiful…sexier, but beautiful. Lol.

Here are my current favorites-

Fav “Ruin” Lyrics

Do ya… do you think about me?
And do ya… do you feel the same way? Yeah
And do ya… do you remember how we felt?
‘Cause I do. So listen to me, baby.

And do ya… do you think about me at all?

And I’m not tryna ruin your happiness,
But darling, don’t you know that I’m the only one for ya?
And I’m not tryna ruin your happiness, baby,
But darling, don’t you know that I’m the only one?
Do I ever cross your mind?
Do I…
Do I ever cross your mind?
Do I ever cross your mind?
Do I ever cross your mind?
Do I ever cross your mind?

Fav “Treat You Better” Lyrics

I know I can treat you better than he can
And any girl like you deserves a gentleman
Tell me why are we wasting time
On all your wasted crying
When you should be with me instead
I know I can treat you better
Better than he can

I’ll stop time for you
The second you say you’d like me too
I just wanna give you the loving that you’re missing
Baby, just to wake up with you
Would be everything I need and this could be so different
Tell me what you want to do

Fav “No Promises” Lyrics

Oh no we don’t need to overcomplicate it
Cause I’ve been here once before don’t even say it

Baby please no promises
Cause we won’t keep our promises
And I know the consequences
So baby please, baby please no promises

I’ve never been a fan of heartbreak
So tell me what you want
Take my hands across your body
We don’t have to hold on

Fav “Lights On” Lyrics

*Um Dang Shawn Mendes….smooth criminal you, how old are you dude?

Damn, you look so good with your clothes on
And I’m not trying to come off too strong
But you know that I can’t help it
Cause girl you’re beautiful

And I can’t deny I want your body
But I’m a gentleman so I’ll be
The one who takes it slowly
Cause girl you’re so beautiful

I wanna love you with the lights on
Keep you up all night long
Darling I wanna see every inch of you
I get lost in the way you move
I wanna love you with the lights on
Hold you ’til the nights gone
Darling I wanna see every inch of you
I get lost in the way you move
I wanna love you with the lights on

Fav “Hold On” Lyrics

Stop, take it in
And I breath for a minute
I think too much when I’m alone
I never win when I
Keep all my thoughts inside
So I pick up the phone

And my dad said “Shawn, stay with me
Everything will be alright
I know I haven’t seen you lately
But you’re always on my mind”

I don’t know what
You’re going through
But there’s so much life
Ahead of you
And it won’t slow down
No matter what you do
So you just gotta hold on
All we can do is hold on, yeah

Seriously which girl isn’t going to wish these songs were written for her? Or want a guy to write songs like this about her? I can’t. Just so good. Funky, sexy vibes. Cool guitar moments. A+ Mendes. You are one to watch out for!

 

TV. My heart.

This week’s How To Get Away With Murder…hit me with another doozy.

Connor and Oliver. These two are killing me with this break up. Although I want them together forever, this storyline could be really good. This push and pull between the two characters. The sexy tension. YAY! Drama. It seems like Oliver doesn’t know what he wants. He breaks up with Connor, but he still tells Connor there’s no rush to move out,  still wants to work with Connor, still wants to walk over to their job together, still tries to make Connor feel better about his difficult case, still cooking for him and wanting to celebrate his first case win, he still cares. And when Connor finally agrees to give Oliver what he wants and says he will start packing, Oliver objects in tears. What the hell is going on?

And as for Connor, I’ve never seen him so vulnerable, and emotional. He pours his heart out and gets clobbered. And that kiss was perfect. (Another thing- Oliver still kissed Connor back) I wanted to cry. My heart broke. Also I’ve never seen Connor so unsure of himself. He’s pretty cocky and pretty confident and for his personal failure to be affecting his professional obstacles shows just how much he had grown to rely on Oliver always being there. As for why they are breaking up, I really don’t buy Oliver’s crappy reasoning, because if he’s “been thinking about it all summer.” why the hell did he pretend to be Connor and decline Connor’s Stanford acceptance. If he wanted space, he would have had it. Tons of it. But he didn’t want to move and he didn’t want Connor to either. So I think there’s something else going on. And I think Oliver loves Connor just as much and Connor loves him. I just hope that they are both okay. I hope Oliver’s health status hasn’t escalated and he isn’t breaking it off with Connor to spare him or whatever. And I also hope that Shonda Rhimes doesn’t screw us all and kill one of them off, like we know she loves to do!

-<3-

 

Fall Premiere Highlights

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Last week I shared with you my Fall TV show schedule. This week a few of those shows premiered and there was some seriously good stuff! Here are a few highlights.

Chicago PD- Highlights

*Jay asks Erin to move in with him

“Cases come and go, Bosses come and go, Jobs come and go. I don’t want you to come and go.” *Kiss

 First of all Erin wakes up from a bad dream in Jay’s bed, so yea there’s that. #TheyBasicallyLiveTogetherAlready and then Jay comes to her and drops this emotional bomb on her, kisses her and walks away. #LoveDrop I mean every single girl swooned. Second of all his concern for her is overwhelmingly beautiful. Jesse Lee Soffer, does protective boyfriend really well. I love how he doesn’t sugar coat his feelings, his eyes water, his voice lowers, their eye exchange after the “move in with me,” is fire! And her head is spinning! And then he kisses her AT WORK! (unheard of)  If you know their characters you know they are partners and Erin is dealing with a serious issue involving Voight the sergeant of the intelligence unit. Voight’s son was killed last season and he went after the guy and killed him and buried his body hiding it from the rest of the police department. Erin knows this but has kept to herself because Voight got her off the streets when she was a teen and took her in, giving her a better life. He’s basically the dad she never had. While the commander is looking for Voight’s head on a platter, Erin is the first person they go to for the real story, and her job is on the line. Jay is trying to be there for her in these scenes and trying to make sure she doesn’t go down with him. Mind you, these two haven’t said I love you yet, but I mean come on. It’s pretty obvious Jay is all there. I just hope Erin doesn’t let him slip away.

How To Get Away With Murder- Highlight

*Oliver breaks up with Connor

“We’re the best relationship that I know.”

“Well then that’s really sad.”

“How is that sad, I love you Oliver.”

…

“I love you. I love you so much.”

“Ok now you’re scaring me.”

“Just hey let me say this…”

This is a highlight not because I am happy about it, because quite frankly I adore this couple and this scene broke my heart. But it was so well written and so beautifully portrayed that you can feel the emotion between these two men and how deep of a love they have for each other. There is this strange role reversal (which you will gather if you know the characters), in which Connor (who should be upset over Oliver’s actions) is calm, collected and forgiving while Oliver is the one who is upset at Connor for not being upset at him. There’s no fight really, there’s a deep deep discussion about their relationship and about the weight it has over the two of them. There is simple, yet heavy heartbreaking emotion, in both of their reactions to each other. You can tell that Connor feels something life changing coming but he’s trying to sway it away. While, Oliver is pained to speak his truth. They aren’t screaming at each other, yet somehow the message is crystal clear. Oliver is in a state of identity crisis. Sometimes even though you may love someone, being with them may not be the best thing for you at that moment.

Blah Blah Blah. Cue the michelle leigh writes way…

Ah screw that, I’m a hopeless romantic, and I don’t buy that shit for real. Figure it out together, side by side, hand in hand. OLLIE WHAT ARE YOU DOING???? Seriously it’s amazing how Connor’s character has evolved from this big bad player to a man who is so in love and committed he’d do anything for Oliver. Jack Falahee, Bravo! These two are too good, not to last. Never mind the fact that Oliver is now going to be working with Connor everyday, yea we’ll see how long their break up lasts. #MakeupsAreTheBest

This Is Us

I saw the commercial and wanted to give it a shot. Mandy Moore & Milo Ventimiglia…I mean duh? I’m in! And it was BEAUTIFUL. What an amazing way to tell a story. I can’t even tell you anything because it will just ruin it. I want you to experience the beauty first hand. All I can do is tell you that I had this strong feeling that this show was going to be good, and it is really something special. A lot of great talent, a lot of familiar faces and just pure, brilliant storytelling and writing. I adored the premiere and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Here’s the trailer: I hope you take my advice and go for it! You will not be disappointed!

-<3-

 

My Fall 2016 TV Schedule

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I’m a TV Junkie and I’ve been anxiously awaiting all the fall premieres for my favorite shows! So I thought I’d share my upcoming tv schedule with you. It’s research for writing my own future television shows.😉 Because I will get there, one day. tv

MONDAY:

Jane The Virgin @ 9:00 pm The CW (October 17th) – Gina Rodriquez is EVERYTHING, she shines as Jane and she is unbelievably authentic. The soap opera/drama/comedy mix is such a refreshing combination.

Read my in-depth review  HERE

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Dancing With The Stars @ 8:00 pm ABC (September 12th) – I love to dance, granted I’m not ballroom status, but I love watching this show and obsessing over the outfits! It’s so entertaining and inspirational and I love me some Derek Hough! 😉 I look forward to catching it here and there to check in on my OTH girl Jana Kramer! Because seriously this show can take over your life, if you let it. The eliminations alone, drive me crazy! #anxiety  

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TUESDAY:

Chicago Fire @ 10:00 pm NBC (October 11th)

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WEDNESDAY:

Chicago PD @ 10:00 pm NBC (September 21st)-This is coming back THIS WEEK. I cannot wait! I’m seriously hoping for a Ruzek & Burgess Reunion this season. And Lindsay and Halstead are still going strong so…yay!

Younger @ 10:00 pm TV Land (September 28th)- This Show is like Sex in the City meets Jane by Design (MAJOR brownie points if you know JBD) and Hilary Duff is in it and I  LOVE IT! So Damn Good!

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THURSDAY:

How To Get Away With Murder @ 10:00 pm ABC #TGIT (September 22nd)

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*Scandal is coming-midseason. #Olitzzzz

*And yes I do check in on Grey’s Anatomy (September 22nd)  via YouTube, only for Jackson & April, because Shonda Rhimes killed everybody else off that I loved. #MarkAndLexie #NeverForget

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FRIDAY:

I like to check in on Girl Meets World on YouTube or if I catch it on tv. [@8:30 pm Disney Channel-] #BoyMeetsWorldNostalgia. (Airing currently)

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The Vampire Diaries @ 8:00 pm The CW (October 21st)- Still waiting for that Klaus and Caroline storyline to find its way back to the show…even though I love Stephan and Caroline, Klaus is just…I can’t. #HeStillLovesHer

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SATURDAY:

To catch up on any shows I missed…notice many of them have the same times.😉 #ThankGodForFreeOnDemand #AndYouTube

SUNDAY:

The Walking Dead @ 9:00 pm AMC (October 23rd)- Um I CANNOT wait….I need to know who got Lucille’d! OH THE ANXIETY… Read about my Season 6 finale reactions and kill predictions HERE & HERE & HERE   #YesIWillBeHavingAViewingParty #IMeanAConsolingPArty #ChrisHardwickINeedYou

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The Talking Dead @ 10:00 pm AMC (October 23rd)- Chris Hardwick, I MISS YOU!

Talking Dead (Season 1)

Chesapeake Shores @ 9:00 pm Hallmark Channel (Airing Currently)- I’ve been hooked on this show, it’s such a home town love story. I love those and it’s got the dad from Everwood in it and the very handsome Jesse Metcalfe, so there’s that. And one of the sisters is a writer, so instantly I love her! I saw the commercial for this while watching one of the many Hallmark movies I love and I just felt drawn to it. Who knew Hallmark had such kickass tv shows too??? 😉

Read my Hallmark movies favs HERE

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As you can see I juggle a lot. Along with work, everyday life stuff, and family and friends, it’s nice to come home and have my mind be on something else for a bit. I love television, it’s an escape for me. I love characters and plotlines, and storytelling. Like I said- it’s research. Stay Tuned.

*If you have any fun tv show suggestions, sound off below. I can always fit something else in, maybe. HAHA.

*I do not take credit for any images used.*

-<3-

My Current Fall TV Schedule

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I’m a TV Junkie so I thought I’d share my schedule of shows. It’s research for writing my own future television shows. 😉 Because I will get there, one day. tv

Monday:

Jane The Virgin @ 9:00 pm The CW

Awkward @ 10:00 pm MTV

Faking It @ 10:30 pm MTV

Tuesday:

Married At First Sight: First Year @ 9:00 pm FYI *the only reality show I watch and will watch.

Finding Carter @ 10:00 pm MTV

Chicago Fire @ 10:00 pm NBC

Wednesday:

Young & Hungry @ 8:00 pm abcfamily *just had it’s season finale

Kevin From Work @ 8:30 pm abcfamily *just had it’s season finale

Chicago PD @ 10:00 pm NBC

Thursday:

The Vampire Diaries @ 8:00 pm The CW

Scandal @ 9:00 pm ABC #TGIT

How To Get Away With Murder @ 10:00 pm ABC #TGIT

*sorry Shonda I pretty much gave up on Grey’s Anatomy.

Friday:

To catch up on any shows I missed…notice many of them have the same times. 😉

Saturday:

To catch up on any shows I missed…notice many of them have the same times. 😉

Sunday:

The Walking Dead @ 9:00 pm AMC

Blood & Oil @ 9:00 pm ABC

The Talking Dead @ 10:00 pm AMC

As you can see I juggle a lot. Along with an internship and everyday life stuff, and family and friends, it’s nice to come home and have my mind be on something else for a bit. I love television, it’s an escape for me. I love characters and plotlines, and storytelling. Like I said it’s research. Stay Tuned.

*If you have any fun tv show suggestions, sound off below. I can always fit something else in. HAHA

-<3-