Musical References

As you know, I haven't been changing the lyrics of songs in "Chuck vs. the Sound of Music II" as much as I did in the first story.  I did, however, promise that if I didn't do lyrics, there would be at least one reference to music in each chapter.  I occasionally sneak an extra one in the title of a chapter.  I'm not sure how many people will get the reference to the title of Chapter 21, so here's some help.

I am a huge fan of Elton John's early work from the 1970's.  (Don't judge me.)  Anyway, as I was trying to think of a title for today's chapter, a line from this song hit me.  I knew I had to use it.

Yes, yes he did.  He just sang, "Someone saved my life tonight, sugar bear."  You're welcome.

The other reference was to Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik."  It's one of those pieces you hear all the time, but don't necessarily pay much attention to it.  And it really was in a ketchup commercial.  (Try to ignore the talking and listen to the music in the background.)

So there you go.  You learn something new every day.

Here's the entire first movement if you're so inclined.  (Don't worry.  It's only about 6 minutes long.  You'll thank me.)

Some Awesome Neckties!

Behold the wonder of the Father's Day ties from chapter 20.

The Eiffel Tower

The one Lizzie picked out the first year.

Hula girl ties are always really classy.

And finally, my personal favorite, the skull tie.  (Lizzie was going through a phase.)

Thanks to ziohenry for reminding me to post these treasures!

Hungry?

The family is still in Paris, but they don't go sightseeing.  However, there are still photos to share.

The McBaguette!

 You're welcome.

Nun beach volleyball

As you probably already know, the incomparable Frea O'Scanlin has written fantastic story called, Set, Spike, Dive!  If you haven't read the first chapter yet, go do so right now.  You can read it here.

During the course of one of our recent conversations, I off-handedly commented that it would be interesting to play beach volleyball in a nun's habit.  A dare ensued to write an outtake for SOM1.  There was peer pressure.  There was giggling.  Then there was an idea that wouldn't let go.  Here is the result.  Enjoy.

La Vie D'amour

In Chapter 18, the family travels from London to Paris and visits one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.  If you haven't read the chapter yet, stop right now and read it here.

Ready? Take a look after the break.

Happy Anniversary quistie!

Tap, tap, tap. Is this thing on? Okay...

Happy Anniversary to you
Happy Anniversary to you
Happy Anniversary dear quistie
Happy Anniversary to you

How old are you?
How old-

Hey! No need to throw things! 

It's not quite one year since you posted Chapter 1 of Chuck vs. The Sound of Music but it is exactly one year since I received drafts of the first two chapters as six PM's in my mailbox. Yes, even back then you were ahead of the game. And all because of this little exchange:

Do you know it's pretty easy to clean off spit-up Coke from an iPad? I found that out after reading, "Sarah Walker, a novitiate preparing to become a nun, is brought in to be the governess for these seven children." What an idea for a AU! 

Hahaha! I'm glad to hear your iPad was easily cleaned. I'm typing on mine right now. No Coke on it yet, but the day is still young!

Can you imagine Sarah Walker as a nun? Oh man, would that be an angsty AU story or what? Yikes!

 

Oh, I think there's great potential for hilarity there. Fresh from coming off a stint going undercover as a nun, Sarah Walker faces her greatest challenge yet - playing governess for seven children while secretly protecting their father. Can you imagine her version of "My Favourite Things"?

 

Hahahahaha! I love the premise!!!

Kung Fu and gun clips and high flying kicking,
Short skirts and pistols and knives that like sticking.
Wild nights and sun tans and jets on their wings.
These are a few of my favourite things.

Oh, now you've done it! I'm going to have to do this, aren't I? :D

If you came up with that in just five minutes, THEN DEFINITELY YES!

 Two hundred and sixty-four thousand words later (and counting) we're in the middle act of the second book of the trilogy (see what I did there?). That's amazing!  And the readers agree, awarding you the Chuck, the Sarah, and the Ellie during this year's Awesome Awards. Me, I really don't see the fluff.  But that may be because I'm constantly weeding out the zombies and Nazis you insist on putting in.

You've conjured up a lot of smiles, laughter, and "awwwww's" with your words and I'm really proud of being part of the process.  So celebrate (go back and read all your wonderful reviews!) and have a bottle of champagne on me. Heck, have a case!  Virtual, of course. Your readers would kill me if anything interfered with the Thursday posts.

My Favorite Things

The very first thing I wrote for Chuck vs. the Sound of Music was the mashed up lyrics to "My Favorite Things."  They were written as a joke in response to a PM I had received from AgentInWaiting where he wondered what Sarah Walker's favorite things would be.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Now, I'm pleased and proud to announce that it has been recorded by our good friend and fellow Chuck writer, Lucky47!

Check it out after the break.

Little Bit o' Chapter 18

Well, today is Thursday and I have no chapter to post.  Sorry.  Fear not.  I have an excerpt I'd like to share from the upcoming chapter.

Read after the break.