~Sundance Film Festival~

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a screening of a Sundance Film Festival movie. It was a Russian film documenting a woman's struggle with her conflicting emotions. It was a thought-provoking and intense movie. I enjoyed it, and the whole experience. What follows is the synopsis from the web site.

Elena has a warm but passionless late-in-life marriage with wealthy Vladimir, to whom she is more caretaker than spouse. Each has grown children from previous relationships, but Vladimir is dedicated to his distant, spoiled daughter and resents having to provide financial aid to Elena’s hapless, unemployed son and his struggling family. As Vladimir’s health declines, and he makes concrete plans to leave everything to his own offspring, Elena must decide swiftly between her loyalty to her husband and her allegiance to her own flesh and blood.

Part domestic thriller, part morality play, all a comment on contemporary Russian class warfare, Elena delivers an intense and haunting experience, offering keen insight into human nature. Throughout, the chilling tension is sustained and heightened by Philip Glass’s striking music and Zvyagintsev’s stark visual style.

If you have a chance to see it.. I can highly recommend it. Thanks Cathy for the invitation.

~gail

~Cheers~

January is usually the time for resolutions and reflection. It is for me as well but for very different reasons. Sixteen years ago this month I lost my Dad to alzhiemers disease. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of him. But it is much worse in January.
He taught me how to ride a bike and a horse. He taught me how to shoot a gun and how to swim. But he taught me so much more than that. He taught me to always greet people with a smile and when being introduced to offer a firm handshake. That may not seem like a big deal but it surprises me how often people seem startled when I offer a hand. I can hear his voice in my head.. "good for you gail".
He taught me how to handle grief and fear and also the importance of laughter. He could make an occasion out of the most mundane activity. Whether it be pulling weeds or cutting wood it was never dull. He would tell family stories or discuss the current events of the day and before long the chore was done!
But the most important lesson he taught me was to not look back with regret but to look to the future with anticipation.
So Dad.. I am going to look at this New Year through your eyes and eagerly await the good to come.

~Here's to you Dad~
Cheers

~gail

Books.... Books... Books

Do you like to read? I love it. This year I read quite a variety of books and would like to share some of them with you. My tastes range from mysteries and thrillers to historical fiction with a little romance thrown in.

"Before I Go To Sleep" By: S.J. Watson
Can you imagine waking up every morning not knowing where you are or who the man is sleeping next to you. That is the premise for this book. It is an exceptional thriller that kept me up late finishing it.

"The Book Thief" By: Marcus Zusak
This book is set in Germany during WW 2. It chronicles the story of an adopted little girl and her thirst for knowledge. With "death" as the narrator it gives the reader a very different point of view. This book is very well written, the characters are believable and unforgettable.

"Deception Point" By: Dan Brown
Dan Brown does it again with this action packed thriller. The plot twists and turns kept me guessing and reading until the very end.

"Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" By: James Ford
This is truly a love story. The narrative shifts between 1986 and 1940 in Seattle Washington. The reader is given a glimpse of life as a Chinese American and his struggles. It is somewhat predictable but well worth the read.

"The Help" By: K. Sockett
This story is set in the troubled South of the 1960's. The attitudes and historical events are real which makes this book come to life. "The Help" is compassionate without resorting to cliches or stereotyping. Read the book before you see the movie.. it is a delightful read!

"A Painted House" By: John Grisham
John Grishman is best known for his legal thrillers but this book he takes an entirely different direction. The story is set in rural Arkansas in 1952. It is narrated by 7 year old Luke the son of a cotton farmer. The hardships and triumphs are the focus of this book as seen through the eyes of Luke. Grisham is a master story-teller!

"Jane Eyre" By: Charlotte Bronte
There are only a few books that I want to read again.. but his is one of them. This book is so well crafted---the language exquisite and the story-telling impeccable. Some of the issues that Miss Bronte brings to the fore are:
*the treatment of women and children
* religious faith and hypocrisy (and the difference between the two)
* the nature of love and passion


Read a book and tell me about it~~

gail

~Layaway Angels~

By now I am sure you have heard of the "Layaway Angels" who are rescuing Christmas for needy families across the country. I think they embody the true spirit of Christmas. These mystery donors are visiting stores and paying the balance on layaway accounts and the recipients never learn the identities of the donors. How cool is that!! This whole things started in Grand Rapids about three weeks ago and it has quickly spread across the nation. Generosity appears to be contagious. These Angels will never know the full impact they have had but you can bet that on Christmas morning there will be squeals of joy from lots of happy children.


I received this link a few days ago and just have to share it..
its a flash mob in a food court. Wonderful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE&feature=share

Enjoy the holiday.. do something that brings you joy.

~gail

Random Acts

Today was one of those days… you know the kind of day I’m talking about.. the one you would just as soon forget. It started out when the trusted weather man who said there would just be partly cloudy skies.. and low and behold when I drove to work the roads were icy and a light snow was falling. I got to work okay and sitting at my desk I opened my purse to take out my cell phone.. But it was no- where to be found. I searched my desk, emptied my purse and searched the room. I went back to my car and looked under the seat.. But I couldn’t reach all the crevices affectionately known as the Bermuda Triangle of the Subaru. I decided that it must have slipped out of my purse when I was shopping at Costco the day before. When the store opened I called and spoke to a very nice man who checked the lost and found. Much to my dismay it hadn’t been turned in. My last option was to wait until my husband came home to check the car for me. I put it out of my mind for most of the day, and when I turned onto my street I noticed a fresh-faced young high school student in my driveway with a snow shovel in hand. He had just moments ago finished shoveling the whole thing. I rolled down my window and thanked him profusely. He just smiled and said “no worries”. He headed down the street with the shovel resting on his shoulder. That simple act.. (Well maybe not so simple—the driveway is quite large) did so much to lighten my mood. When my husband arrived home he found the phone in matter of moments.

The day started out in frustration and ended with a smile thanks to a stranger.. And my husband. Thanks to both of you!!!

~gail

I survived

I survived the masses at the mall!!! The parking lot however, was more like an obstacle course with every conceivable square foot used to squeeze out another space.
The stores weren't too crowded. After fortifying ourselves with a latte we were ready to shop. In two short hours the task was complete. Color me relieved.
Now all the remains is:
1. the wrapping
2. the baking
3. the decorating
4. sending out the cards.

I came across these vintage ads and I couldn't help but chuckle. My how times have changed.

Nothing says Christmas like firearms..

I don't know if I would be happier with a Hoover... LOL


I guess any behavior can be justified!



Keep smiling
~gail

Ready.. Set... Shop

Thanksgiving is over… I know because the left-overs are gone. There is no turning back. Christmas is fast approaching. Do you have your shopping done??? Have you started?? I vow every year to shop early and be done.. but somehow it doesn’t always work out that way. I will admit to a few purchases, but the bulk of the shopping will be done this weekend. Amanda and I are going to be brave and venture into the mall..(yikes)! I know there will be lines at the checkstand, parking will be a challenge, but in spite of the crowds I think it will be fun( I have been accused of having a strange sense of fun).

Wish me luck…

Happy shopping everyone.

~gail