True Blood vs Southern Vampire Mysteries

Quinn, Bill, Sookie, Eric & Alcide

I love them both, but they are seriously two different stories. I'm a little disappointed how different the TV-series is, since it's still "Sookie's story". But it has very little in-common with the original Southern Vampire Mysteries book series.

... Well, truth be told, I LOVE the books, but I only like the tv-series. It's ok, but not great, at least not anymore. But there are some things are so much fun that I can't stop watching it. Since I've been comparing the two since True Blood started, I decided to write about it here. ^_^
(If someone read's this later, this is written when the book "Deadlocked" was out and the series was in season 5, episode 10)

The following includes some seriously huge spoilers for both Tv-series and the books! 

There's only one book left and I've read all the ones that are released (3 times) and gonna write about them all, so no looky if you don't wanna get spoiled. =D I'm gonna go through this using the characters because the storylines of both stories are just too complicated to write about here... and so different that there is almost nothing to compare anymore. Let's start with the main character

Sookie Stackhouse
Books: 1/8 faery, telepath, barmaid, wife and lover of Eric Northman, religious, conscientious, smiles crazily when she's nervous, loves to tan. Has dated (and slept with) Bill, Quinn and Eric. Never got anywhere with Alcide though he wished it.
tv-series: 1/4 faery, telepath, barmaid, not currently dating anyone, but has had a relationship with Bill and Eric (when his memory was lost). Almost had sex with Alcide. Giggles and laughs a lot, seems a bit ditsy.

Jason Stackhouse
Books: A bitten Werepanther, changes every full moon, in a serious relationship, was married for a while with Crystal. Also 1/8 faery but doesn't show it other than being very attractive to women. A flirt, doesn't take things seriously, not very smart and doesn't think things trough.
tv-series: Has had many many relationships, joined The Fellowship of the Sun church (as a soldier to kill vampires), was kidnapped and raped repeatedly by the werepanthers but never turned into one, is now a police officer. Not very smart, often stupid and slow, very handsome, a sex maniac but has a soft heart at times.

Bill Compton
Books: A vampire made right after the Civil War. Was a lover of Sookie's, but was actually hired to seduce her. Really fell in love with Sookie, but their relationship ended after Sookie rescued Bill from his maker Lorena when he raped her ("accidently"). Bill is a computer geek and an underling of Sophie-Anne Leqleurc and after that the new King of Louisiana. Has never made a vampire, but has a "sister". Is very conservative and serious.
tv-series: Was a lover of Sookie's, until Eric told her that he was paid to seduce her. Killed Sophie-Anne and became the King of Louisiana, later on joining the "Lillith-cult". Is the maker of Jessica. Is very conservative, serious and often lethal.

Eric Northman
Books: A Viking warrior made a vampire by an ancient Roman named Appius Livius Ocella (who is also the maker of Tsarevits Alexei). Maker of Pam the vampire. Owns a vampire bar in Shreveport and is married to Sookie Stackhouse (for now). Is funny as hell, has a really kinky sense of humour, rarely takes things seriously and loves an adventure and battle. Eric is tall and blue eyed with long blond hair. Is in love with Sookie, but loves his power more.
tv-series: A Viking warrior made a vampire by an ancient vampire called Godric. Has a soft spot for his "child" Pam. Had a short relationship with Sookie when he had lost his memories. Tall, blue eyed and short blond haired. Very serious and lethal vampire who often only thinks of himself.

Pam
Books: Was a proper lady with an urge to do something bad, until Eric found her sneaking out of her parents house and turned her. Pam likes women more than men, dresses up like a 50's housewife and loves pink. Has really started to think of Sookie as a friend. Humorous and likes to make pranks, on the outside gives the appearance of being very serious. Has never made a vampire.
tv-series: Was a prostitute until Eric turned her. Is often cold but still cares for Eric very much. Is sometimes really pissed off about Sookie for a lot of reasons. Likes to dress up. Is the maker of Tara.

Sam Merlotte
Books: Shapeshifter who owns the bar/grill Merlotte's. Has never dated a woman for a long time. Is the best friend of Sookie. Has a family with a few siblings and a mother who is also a shapeshifter. Calm and quiet, cares about Sookie.
tv-series: Shapeshifter who owns the bar/grill Merlotte's. Has had many relationships. Spent his youth in foster homes and ran away, later re-united with his biological family. Calm and serious.

Tara Thornton
Books: White, brown haired woman who is married to her old friend JB and they got twins. Owns a clothing store. Had a rough childhood and is a good friend with Sookie. Calm and quiet lady.
tv-series: Black fierce woman, who worked in Merlotte's for a while, has had a lot of relationships, many of them ending up in disaster. Was turned a vampire after being shot. Loud, angry and fun.

Lafayette 
Books: A cook in Merlotte's, dies in the beginning of the second book.
tv-series: A cook in merlotte's, Tara's cousin and a drug dealer. He falls in love with a witch called Jesus and end up with a demon inside him. Is flaming hot and knows how to shake his ass!

Jessica
Books: Not in the books.
tv-series: The "child" of Bill, a young vampire who grew up in a very religious family. Is exploring being a vampire and a woman. Was in a serious relationship with Hoyt until ended up in a complicated "relationship" with Jason. Kind and young, doesn't want to hurt anyone but still wants to be a vampire.

Quinn
Books: A weretiger and Sookie's lover for a while. A known and respected man among other supes (supernaturals), almost a celebrity. He's very strong, bald, tall, tanned man with pansy coloured eyes. A fighter, very strong willed and confident, really likes Sookie but has a troubling family.
tv-series: Not in the series.

Alcide Herveaux
Books: The packmaster of the Shreveport werewolves. Has had many relationships but none of them lasted for long. Really likes Sookie, but they have never dated. They meet a lot, but usually it's "pack bussiness". Calm,serious, protective and very strong.
tv-series: Is abjured from the pack of werewolves. Has had some relationships. Really likes Sookie and almost slept with her (would have if Bill and Eric wouldn't have interrupted). Calm and serious and seriously hot!

Arlene
Books: A a mother of two and a waitress friend of Sookie's, until she joined the Fellowship of the Sun and tried to kill Sookie, is now in prison. Angry, loud and redheaded.
tv-series: A waitress friend of Sookie's. Is now married with Terry Bellefleur, has three children, one of them with the serial killer Rene. Friendly, happy when not in trouble, cares for her family and friends.

Hadley
Books: Sookie's cousin, the lover of the vampire queen Sophie-Anne. Tall, skinny and pale, has short, dark, spiky hair and likes punk clothes. Died in New Orleans.
tv-series: Was the lover of Sophie-Anne until she died. Short, blond and busty, living with the fairies.

Sophie-Anne Leqleurc
Books: The vampire queen of Louisiana. Almost dies in the great bombing of the "Byramid of Giza"-hotel during a big vampire conference, lost her legs entirely. Had no time to recover until a hostile takeover by the king of Nevada and was killed with his bodyguard and child Andre.
tv-series: The vampire queen of Louisiana. Ruled until killed by Bill Compton.

Claude
Books: Sookie's cousin, a full faery and a stripper, hot as a forge. Tall man with long black rippling hair, six-pack and the works. Cold as a snail and thoughtless to boot. Has a thing for hairy human men. Is a ruthless killer and two faced traitor.
tv-series: A cute delicate faery who tells Sookie about her history, family and faery ways.

Godric
Books: A pedophile/serial killer vampire who has decided to meet the sun so he doesn't hurt and kill more children.
tv-series: Eric's maker, a vice and beautiful young-looking ancient vampire who meets the sun because he has realized he could hurt humans too easily and it is time to go.

Bubba
Books: Elvis turn to vampire. Really likes cats... as in to eat them. X3
tv-series: Not in the series.

Up and down

Last week was awesome! I was feeling so good, every day. I walked for hours, on the weekend I went shopping with Ktiraam, cleaned my wardrobe and visited family and saw my viking. ♥ A week ago I had reduced my medication because of the restless legs (went from 450 mg to 150 mg in 2 weeks) and WOAH, it made me feel better (not just the restless legs, but everything)! What a huuuge surprise!

On monday I started to get a little tired. I asked for an extra day of work at my workplace, so now I have 3 days a week of work (4 hours/day).

... and then it hit me. Again.

When it's the good "season" you so easily forget that you are depressed. You just feel so good and so healthy that you think that now, I am getting better, this is so great! But then it always comes to an end so suddenly. =( Tuesday I woke up with sore muscles, stomach ache, upset stomach and a racing heart. I felt like I was gonna throw up and couldn't even move properly, it just made me feel sicker. I felt like I was gonna have a heart attack any moment, my chest was aching.
I saw my psychiatrist and she tried to calm me down. Yesterday I spent all day doing absolutely nothing! I sat in front of the TV, on the floor and tried to calm down, just concentrating on relaxing my muscles and breathing. I walked outside, slowly, trying to relax and think of nothing, I slept two naps, I was so so tired... today is better, but life's still shaky.

This is so hard. Every time I think I am getting better, this happens. And it stops everything. I can't do anything I want. I wasn't eating very healthily last week (too much sugar and fat) and I know some of that is at fault so I've been eating really healthy this week (dark rye bread, tea, vegetables and soups)... tomorrow we have a party at my brothers and I know they have all kinds of yummy foods and drinks and I also know that I can't enjoy any of them without feeling worse again. ;_;
But I am going to enjoy the company, it's just so difficult to try to explain to people why I act so weirdly sometimes, but it's really hard to act normal when your heart is beating too fast, your hands are shaking and your muscles are trembling and you feel like you can't breath. Sigh. And it makes me feel really sad when my family doesn't understand me.
And... when you've had depression for 4 years, people are tired of hearing about this, they don't want to hear about it. You can see from the look on their faces that they think that you are over exaggerating what you're feeling ("oh no, not that again"). It's so frustrating when all you want, is to just feel normal!

One day at a time. Little steps. Maybe I'll feel a little better tomorrow again.

'A'

I was in a friends birthday party last weekend. It was the first (ever) official gathering where we were as a couple with my viking in front of his friends. It was also the same party where we had met exactly two years ago! Our friend Masa's birthday party. ^_^ It was a fun night. The hosts had made all sorts of incredibly delicious food thingies and there was punch too. And my friends said and did some weird stuff that borne some hilarious moments. XD
Eda was so happy to see us dating (she was there when me and my viking met two years ago but had no idea we were together until we suddenly kissed in front of her) that she giggled and screamed a little. Hihi. *^_^*
And Umi came there, knowing that she would finally meet my Viking, so she sat at the table and with a loud voice asked "So, where's your viking?" (actually calling him "the Viking", ahaha) ... He was sitting right behind her and looked a little... funny. XD Umi was bright red when I pointed out that he was right there.

Ktiraam stopped by at the party too, but because she had to get up really early the next morning, she left early too. And in the end I got so tired that I came home at midnight, got a lift from a couple who were going home too. ^_^ I haven't been in such a big party in a long time, it was really fun. My Viking stayed there until the very end and went home to have a proper hangover. I didn't have that either, even when I did drink pretty much of that free punch. ^_^

Aaaaaaaand it's the international 'A' week.
I'm not gonna preach about religion here, because I think it's everyone's choice what they believe. I just wish everyone would study all sides of things and then decide, not just blindly believe something they were told to believe.
I lost my faith in any gods for over 14 years ago and during the last two years have become a skeptic on all pseudo sciences too. Life, nature and the world are wonderful and incredible without any need for a higher power. ^_^
...And that is why I made this for my facebook page:

With the wonderful quote of the physicist Lawrence M Krauss ♥

And without a quote ^_^

March

Samsung Galaxy Mini

First.
Day... of March. I mean. =P

I have a new phone. This one. I love it, love it, love it, love it! With it came a 2Gb memory card so I can put photos and drawings on it and listen to music too. And it has a touch screen, which is really cool but also kind of freaks me out sometimes. XDD

The clock radio. Simple and
cheap, but working.

Today we (me and Ktiraam) went to buy stuff to a shopping center a little farther from the center of the city. We'd planned this trip since the beginning of the year. We walked there for half an hour, shopped for an hour... I bought an "armour" to the new phone (a see trough plastic cover) and a new clock-radio because I had no clock... nor a radio. XD Maarit bought a memory card for her new phone and a new cool trashcan to her bathroom.

This is the hoodie.

We took a bus back to the city, went to eat some chinese (Huadu, nommm) and continued shopping for two more hours. I bought a pink hoodie!

Haha. And then we went to eat some ice-cream in our favourite ice-cream place, Ciao. ♥ That's enough shopping for a few months, but they were all stuff I've been meaning to buy for months but just haven't had the money. ^_^

This has been a little rough a week. I couldn't sleep well during the weekend, I had a sort of panic attack or something the first night and the second my dear Viking kept my awake by snoring all night (argh!!) and it left me sooo tired that it took two days to get over the tiredness. Yesterday we went on a 1 hour 45 minutes walk with my mom, so I think I've recovered now.

I still need to clean the house today. My Viking is coming here tomorrow again. And I have a friends birthday party on Saturday. And then I need to rest and relax because on Monday work start.
And on Tuesday I am getting my fourth TATTOO on my left arm! ;D

Something new from the art front. A burlesque
cybergoth inspired faery/demon woman.
... I just really wanted to paint hair! XD

a long way

I am starting a rehabilitative work 5th March! This is kind of a really big deal because the last time I was able to work, was 2008. I've come a long way since them, woah! I am gonna make silver jewelry on Mondays and crafts on Wednesdays. I went to visit the place today and it seemed really nice, I cannot wait to get to work.

I hope I get to show my drawing skills too, but the most important thing is that I got there! YAYY! \^_^/ It's a 3 month deal and after that it might continue.

Then, a friend of mine at Facebook did this Self improvement goals list and it made me want to do a list of my own. It's sort of funny to realize that 5 years ago my list would have been completely different, completely. 3 years ago I wouldn't have been able to make a list, back then my only wish was to get better.
Now... I'm starting to set up goals. At the same time I've learned not to expect too much, it only leads to disappointment. But there are all things I want, perhaps I'm not able to get them right away, but then on the long run. =)


Physical
- Go to work twice a week and maybe even thrice a week by the end of the spring.
- Lose weight.
- Get more muscle strength.
- Go to the gym twice a week and walk 3 times a week.
- Go out at least once per day.
- Stretch at least once a week for an hour.
- Eat chocolate only once a week.
- Drink at least 4 cups of green tea daily.
- Eat healthier.
- Clean the house once a week.
- Do the dishes once a week.
- Do art at least once a week.
- Spend more time with friends.
- Stop being a hermit.

Emotional
- Try to control anxiety
- Don't let depression get a hold of you!
- Do not over-exert yourself, that only leads to feeling worse.
- Don't make goals you know you can't keep.
- Keep your promises.
- Don't panic so much.
- Learn to relax.
- Patience!!
- Learn not to collapse when things don't go the way as planned.
- Don't be negative.
- Smile at least once a day.

Happy Friends day!

Valentine's day is translated "Ystävänpäivä" in Finnish, which makes it Friends day. I think this translation has changed the whole meaning of the day here. We celebrate it, not with our partners alone, but with everyone who are special and dear to us, our friends.
We buy gifts for friends and family or eat all together. Of course lovers wish happy friends day for each other too and can make up special plans, but that's just one way to celebrate it.

I like this way a lot more. The original valentines day makes you feel lonely if you're a single, and that's not at all nice. It's much nicer to celebrate all together. ^_^

Lately I've become sort of a hermit. I spend a lot of time alone, doing stuff just by myself. But I still think about my friends, they are dear to me and I miss them badly. Time spent with friends is always a cheer up, a happy moment. ♥ So Happy friends day for everyone. ^__^

And a special hug and kiss for my Viking. ^_^ ♥

Happy Sunday

Sundays are usually the most horrible days. Nothing to do, the whole week to wait for another weekend, nothing good on TV... and so on.
But today was different. We had the first round of the presidential election here in Finland and it was a TOUGH fight! But my favourite Pekka Haavisto got on the second round, HURRAAA! ^__^
Happiness happiness!

But I know politics are not that interesting for everyone so let's leave that at that. =P I've also been knitting like a madwoman. During a few weeks or so I've made a knitted cloak, mittens, socks, wrist warmers and two pairs of legwarmers. I am going to take photos of them when I get the legwarmers I'm knitting now done... and when someone agrees to take photos of me wearing them, eheheee *^_^*

I've been a little worried about the fact that
1) I haven't had much energy lately. I'm so tired all the time.
2) It's been too long since I cleaned up the apartment, the kitchen is starting to smell because I haven't done the dishes in a few weeks
3) I haven't drawn Anything for over a week now. =(
But here's something "new" (a few weeks old) to see while I try to come up with something new. If I even got any idea of what to draw, ugh!

Shaya, my vampire
girl... in a leather suit. XD

4) My "restless legs" are keeping me awake more and more and I don't know how to make them better again. I got some advises from friends but so far none of the advises have worked. =/ The legs have been nuts lately (especially in the middle of the night, waking me up and making it impossible to sleep) and I don't know why. I'm trying to eat better and drink more water, next week I'm gonna try if very hard exercise is gonna make the difference (for better or for worse, don't know yet).
5) I have to take care of some paperwork... and I need to clean the apartment. And I don't know where I'll find the energy.

Maybe it's because my period finally started. I feel down and fat and ugly and that doesn't make me very energetic. X3 I started using the new pills (progestogen-only pills), OH how I wish these would work, third try, and I don't want to start again! =S

Dragons and trolls

I've been listening to tons of "atheism vs religion" debates on Youtube this past week or so. And I'm really stunned by one thing the believing people say about atheism:
If there is no god, there is no reason for morals.

As I've told before, I'm an atheist. I don't believe in a higher power, or that there would be a creator who made the earth and people... and so on. But I still see myself a person with morals. I know I should not steal, hurt others, cheat or murder people. The belief that you need god to have morals is just weird. It makes it sound like people have no free will.

And if you study criminals, most of those people are persons of some religion or another, and still they do horrible crimes. And then there are doctors and other people, who help others, and they are atheists. Atheism doesn't change the fact that you still have to obey laws. And have morals. And really, it makes life even more precious, because atheists know this is it, this is the only life we have and there's nothing after it. You have to enjoy and love and do as much as you can. And to have a good life, it's much better to be good to others too and receive goodness from them. ^_^

This doesn't make it impossible for atheists to be wonderful artists either. You can compose amazing music, paint paintings or write fantasy without believing in a god. I love to read fantasy books about elves, dragons and trolls and I don't need a god for that. Nobody can take away people's imagination, and everything is possible in a persons mind. It doesn't have to be true to be wonderful... well, not in this world. ;D

Merry Xmas!

Happy happy joy joy! It's finally xmas, time to relax, watch good movies, eat yummy food and drink delicious drinks. ♥ Merry Xmas for all! ^_^

^____^

Holidays

Happy holidays, what ever you are celebrating! \^_^/ Today is winter solstice, and that's for sure a reason to celebrate, I want more sun! Teehee. ^_^

I had a really big troubled time during last weekend/the beginning of this week, but thank goodness things are now sorted out. You see, they charged a bill from my bank account, that people with a certain amount of income should not have to pay... well, there had been some sort of mix up and they took almost ALL my money from my bank account: 170 €, which for me is a huuuuge amount of money. Well, I was left with 6 €... for the rest of the month.
I have not paid my bills, bought any christmas foods, drinks or presents. I was so depressed I just kept crying hysterically. And visited the different offices to sort things out, made phone calls... and after 5 miserable days with no money, I got the money back on my bank account! YAYYY!

It's christmas time again! XD Hurraaa! Today I'm gonna buy some yummy foods, some rum and glögg, wine and chocolate and lots and lots of candles. And at night we're gonna have a Torchwood night with Ktiraam, Yayyy! ^_^
... and my viking ♥ is going home today, so I'm gonna see him earliest in a week, maybe next year, sniff. ;_; His birthday is tomorrow, yayyyyy! ♥ But I'm gonna try to enjoy the holidays anyways, with friends and family. ^_^

Here's my Winter Solstice celebration dude.
If you want to see him naked, visit my P & P
blog! XD

Zen

I've been taking long long walks, going to the gym, exercising at home. I bought and exercise ball. Today I did the dishes. Last night I couldn't sleep so I stayed up until 4.30 am writing a journal about this fall.

I feel at peace with myself. I am still depressed at times. And I cry too much, but oh well, no sense worrying about that because it wouldn't help anything. I saw my Viking two days ago, we had a great night, didn't even watch any movies or tv, just sat around, fiddled with the computer and talked about everything.

Tomorrow I'm going to buy a seasonal membership to the gym. I cannot wait! And yeah, I've been drawing every night. ^__^

Click to enlarge. 10 of my favourite actors/
actresses. Drawn by me. =D

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! XD

My new course started. The one for depressed and anxious people. We've had it two times now (friday and monday) and I'm getting excited. There are 7 other "pupils" (aged 26-60) and the teacher/leader. All the people there are suffering from depression and different kind of anxiety disorders and stuff. All have different backgrounds and some are recovering alcoholics/drug addicts.

We do all kind of really weird assignments, like introducing ourselves by selecting toys that we can identify with, drawing our emotions with coloured crayons and acting out scenes from our childhood. I am constantly scared, even horrified, because you have to talk about your deepest secrets in front of 7 other people... but at the same time, the course seems really fun! You get to know new people and do things you never dreamed you would do.

The teacher is a little hippyish, but I don't really mind. The rest of the group works well and so far I get along with everyone there. The issue, once again is, that I am the shyest one. But it doesn't seem to be a problem, not so far. There are other quiet ones too.

Later on the fall we'll get to go to the theater and a concert for free too! So I'm gonna stick with the group even though sometimes it feels just too exhausting. Last time we spent the last hour just sitting in a circle and staring at the floor in a quiet room, everyone was so tired. XD

... I also met my lifestyle change guide today and she was really happy with my results. So far I've lost 6 kg's (13,2 Lbs) in 1,5 months. Which is Cooooooooooool! :D :D :D Tomorrow I'm meeting my psychiatrist and I have a lot of good news for her too. I feel good. ^_^

Now to cook and then a nap, a walk and some good reading. Wheeeee! ^_^
New pics? I got one to show:

My punk faery! ^_^
... this might make a rather nice tattoo.
Oh I want a new tattoooo!

Spring 4

I spent my first free day as en engineer cleaning my flat. XD I did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen cabinets. I vacuumed the whole place and washed the floors and wiped the dust. I still need to tidy up the balcony, wash the floor and bring two chairs from the attic so I can eat my breakfast outside.

The weather has been incredibly wonderful, sunny and warm for the last few days, so I've been out a lot, taking really long walks. And tomorrow is Mothers day, so we're gonna drive to a local semetery and put flowers to the graves of my grandmoms, grandads and aunt.

I've also been on a non-sugar diet for a few days now. I still grave for chocolate and I'm a little worried how this diet is gonna work next week when I get my period, I go crazy without chocolate then. ^^; The reason for this diet is, that I want to lose weight and my blood sugar levels might be too high. I don't actually know yet, since I get the results only next weeks wednesday. I hate to wait for such a thing, but it's been a good reason to start this diet.

I bought some really pretty red black&white dotted fabric and sewed a dress out of it today. It's really nice, though a little tight at the waist. Another reason to lose some weight. Hahaha. XD I'll take pictures of it when I find a shirt that goes with it. ^_^ I also painted tonight. It's been more than a month since I last painted, it felt good. And I couldn't stop until the picture was done. I wanted to draw a portrait of someone who I've never drawn before. And then I started to plan my Pain and Pleasure story ahead. She is a member of the tribe that Sajore & Xir'ag will meet on the next chapter (that I am still writing, urrrrr writers block is a horrible thing! Everything I write turns to shit.).

This picture also explains why Salvador, my vampire elf, has dreadlocks. He's living with the tribe and has learnt their ways. I might still add some tattoos on her. Maybe. ^^ Hmmm, I think this is enough babble for one night. I think I should go to bed so I'm all wake and ready for the mothers day celebration tomorrow! :D