'Tis the Season?

by Lee McKenzie

Christmas put in an appearance in downtown Victoria yesterday.


Yes, that's right, Christmas. And for a few hours, it wasn't really Victoria. It was New York City.


"How could this be?" you ask?


It's all thanks to Hollywood...Hollywood North, that is...and a made-for-TV movie called Monkey Up. From what I gather it's about a monkey that saves Christmas. And FYI, Monkey Up is an energy drink...


...that has a real monkey as its spokesperson. This morning I tried to snap a picture of the monkey, but she's a very small monkey and I was very far away.


Yes, there's a monkey in this photo! She's the tiny creature in the center of the picture between the lamppost and the man walking toward the camera. She appeared to be wearing a dark blue outfit and little matching shoes. Her name is Crystal and if you'd like to see a much better photo of her, please click here.

All this lights-camera-action was taking place just around the corner from my office yesterday, and there's a chance they may be back today, too. With lots of sunshine and an afternoon high of 12 degrees C (about 54 F), we couldn't have asked for a better faux-Christmas Day in Victoria.

I'm guessing this film will be out in time for next Christmas, and since I love stories about animals and about the holidays, I might have to check it out.

What about you? Do you like stories with animals in them and characters who love their pets? If so, you might enjoy the cat, the dog and other assorted critters (no monkeys, though!) in my most recent Harlequin Heartwarming, The Parent Trap.


Happy reading!

Until next time,
Lee
www.LeeMcKenzie.com

Comments

  1. Lee, I love your cover! Makes me want to dive into the book! And what fun to watch the movie being made. I live where they make Walking Dead. A little different vibe! But I'd love to be a dead extra! :-) I also love pets appearing in books, so I'm running over to Amazon to do a little Parent Trap shopping! Hope you get to see more filming today!

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    1. Aw, thank you, Anna! Far more movies and TV shows are filmed in Vancouver than Victoria. Victoria's a lot smaller and there's the added cost of the ferries. The Christmas decorations are down this morning but the trucks are back, so it'll be interesting to see what they're up to today!

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    2. Anna, I have friends who live near you! It is a small world. lol

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  2. Lee, fun post! And Victoria is one of my favorite places to visit--what a beautiful city and a great location for a movie. And how nice that the weather is cooperating. I love pets in books, too--and in real life(: There's something extra sweet about my big ole husband snuggling with our tiny doxie...

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    1. Thanks, Carol! We have two cats who view our home as their kingdom :)

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  3. Lee, loved the Parent Trap. I loved visiting Victoria, but don't know that I'd do it in the winter. We used to take the ferry from Seattle when I lived there. Loved the gardens and having tea.
    But I'd like seeing the monkey I know.

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  4. I feel so fortunate to live here, Roz. And compared to the rest of Canada, the winters are wonderful!

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  5. Only been to Victoria once, but I loved it! As a tea fancier, I so appreciated that every teapot in every restaurant has tea cozy! I love animals in books - or anywhere. Hope you're enjoying another day of filming - doesn't the film require a walk-on by a romance writer?

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    1. Muriel, I sometimes think high tea is served in more places in Victoria than in England! I didn't see any actual filming today, but the set people were busily converting an empty storefront into a toy store. Fun!

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  6. I've seen one movie being made...would love to see another one. I love your cover. And The Parent Trap is on my TBR stack!

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    1. Patricia, I've seen lots of bits and pieces of shows being filmed. I'd love to spend a whole day following a crew member around, especially a director, to get a real sense of what goes into making a movie or TV show. And of course I'm convinced it would make a great premise for a romance novel :)

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  7. Yes!! I love stories with animals and owners who love them. Your book is on my Harlequin HTW ToBeRead shelf, and I am looking forward to reading it soon. I am happy to know there are cats and dogs in it. ( :

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    1. You're a kindred spirit, Laurie. Happy reading!

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  8. I've never seen a movie being filmed. It's definitely on my list of things to do. Your book sounds awesome!

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    1. Me, too, Pamela! I think a lot of people aspire to be extras...or stars!...but I would much rather be behind the scenes.

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  9. I see the monkey! Very cool to be at a movie set. I love any stories...movies/books...with animals ;).

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    1. Very cool, Rula! It would have been fun to hang around all day and watch the action.

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