Jen Lilley

For those who don't know me, I have been a soap opera viewer for 30 years.  I know the characters on my shows inside and out, and I detest recasts because most times, they don't seem to fit the role.  I'd rather see the character killed off than have them recast.  However, there are those rare gems that make recasting tolerable. One such actress is Jen Lilley, who took over the role of Maxie Jones on "General Hospital. It was originally supposed to be temporary, but turned into a more permanent gig.  

Let me first say, I have never been a Maxie fan.  The last time I loved her, she was 6 and had a heart transplant.  After that, she turned into a hateful and very annoying character.  Enter Jen Lilley.  I was skeptical at first.  However, this woman has done the impossible.  She has made me a Maxie fan.  She is that good!

Jen Lilley clearly understands every aspect of her role.  She does the troubled Maxie who always screws up and who people love to hate (or just hate, period) very well.   But she also brings a new side to Maxie that makes you care about the character.  Now, THAT is talent.  Trust me when I say I am not easily won over.  I have seen many characters that I, as a viewer, am supposed to love, but end up going "I hate you (insert the rest of the rant here)!!!" If you had told me before Jen Lilley took over the role that I would actually like Maxie, I would've told you that you were nuts and pointed you in the direction of the nearest psychiatrist.  But Jen makes Maxie actually likeable.  This is what makes Jen Lilley unique. Since she was originally a temporary recast, I made sure to enjoy every single second of her scenes and tried not to think about the day I'd have to sit through her last scenes.  I prayed that GH would find a way to keep her, but I wasn't holding my breath because I'm never that lucky.  But someone must love me because the day finally came when it was announced that her once temporary role was now permanent.  I couldn't have been more thrilled!  I now live for the Maxie scenes on GH.

In addition to her incredible talent, she is beautiful, both inside and out.  She truly loves and cares about her fans, and it shows.  With her talent, beauty, big heart and sparkling personality, Jen Lilley is sure to become a superstar. 

Excuse me for reading!

Books have always been a big part of my life.  I am actually sitting here as I write this, looking at my book shelf and the number of books I have read---and even the ones I haven't yet.  I am not always in the mood to read.  I can't just pick up a book and start reading.  So I have books from at least ten years ago that I haven't read yet.  I also have books that I won't give up for anything because memories are attached to them.

When the Kindle came out, I rebelled against it.  I wanted the feel of the actual book in my hand.  I'm all for technology, but this was going too far.  Added to this was the fact that our local mall no longer had a book store. I was horrified at this discovery!  I mean, really....What mall doesn't have a book store?  People still read after all.  But nope...no book store here.

The Nook followed the Kindle.  They were both very expensive, so I didn't even consider buying either one.  Then one day, the Kindle came down in price to where I could afford it. I bought it, and it was love at first sight when I got it.  I was reading again, something I hadn't done in years. I don't know why, but I find it easier to read books using the Kindle.  I mean really...What is more intimidating...A hand-held real copy of War and Peace or a Kindle version of it?  I don't know about you, but I find a real live book more intimidating than a book I see one page at a time. All was well with the world at this point.  And then....

Recently, our local ABC affiliate ran a story about the effects of the Kindle and Nook on our economy.   Apparently, the Nook and Kindle have attributed to major job loss locally.  Hey, thanks!  Nothing like making those of us with e-readers feel guilty.  Don't get me wrong. I do feel for those who lost their jobs.  But how is this our fault? We are only the readers.  We didn't ask for this new technology.  But there it was. Something easy to hold, easy to read, and less intimidating than a book since you only read one page at a time.  Personally, I find that I read more since I got the Kindle. Isn't that a good thing?

Yes, I love going to a book store and looking for books to read.  And it is definitely better for my pocketbook.  That Buy button when you have a Kindle or Nook is WAY too easy to hit.  At least when you go to a book store, you have to decide what you really want to buy.  I do feel for those who have lost their jobs locally. This is not a good time to become unemployed.  But please don't punish or criticize the reader with e-readers, even if it is unintentional.  We are mere victims of technology, after all. And the way I see it, if you are reading, any format is acceptable. After all, isn't reading the most important thing?  So yes, people may be out of work but don't blame the reader.  It gives reading a bad name. Reading in any form is good, and don't let anyone tell you any different.