P.S. I Love You:

Okay, it’s another romantic comedy. Gotta lov'em though. This is a pretty good one too. Given the fact that Hilary Swank (Holly in the film) is not one of my favorite actresses, I was hesitant. Surprisingly, she was even funny at times. I enjoyed her subtle humor and apprehensiveness. She was candid, and yet believable as the woman who lost the true love of her life too early! Holly’s charming and lovable Irish husband, who plays a very short lived role, is a lot of fun to watch too. He becomes her key to surviving the future with his notes and riddles from so far away (in the grave). It is a combination of humor, heart break, and some family and friend support. I think everyone can relate to Holly in some way. Just goes to show you how short life can really be.
My thoughts after this move, - Live life to the fullest; spend your time and energy on the precious and important things that matter! You never know when they will no longer be part of your life!

27 Dresses

I suppose we could categorize 27 Dresses in with the "chick flicks". It's definitely a fun romantic comedy for everyone to see in their spare time.

Katherine Heigl plays Jane who is always a bridesmaid never the bride. Jane is a really great person and a friend to everyone. She spends her free time helping all of her friends with their problems. She helps them plan their wedding, coordinating anything they might need for that special day! The problem is that Jane never really takes care of herself. She does not know how to say 'NO'. She is so busy running back and forth to weddings, at one point going to two on the same day, that she does not leave any 'real' play time for herself. Jane's untold desire is to be with her boss George (Edward Burns) when all of a sudden Jane's sister Tess comes to town for a visit and sweeps George out from under her. "Well, this is a reality check for Jane, you never really had him anyway! He is just your boss"

At one wedding, Jane meets Kevin (James Marsden), who appears to be very negative on the subject of marriage and weddings, and cannot think of anything to say that doesn't irritate the heck out of Jane. The word cynical comes up a few times. Then Kevin ends up writing an article about Jane and her life. This of course creates a huge emotional down turn for Jane until she realizes that Kevin is really a great guy and George was well again just her boss.

So, some thoughts for everyone... Live life with your own goals closer to the top of the list instead of putting them at the bottom and taking care of everyone else!!! We all deserve to fulfill our needs and desires.

Spider Man III

My inspiring thoughts from Spider Man III:

At the end of Spider Man III Peter Parker reminds us:

“Whatever comes our way
Whatever battle we have raging inside us
We always have a choice
(My friend harry taught me that
he chose to be the best of himself)
It’s the choices that make us who we are
And we can always choose to do what’s right”

I’m sure we have all at least heard of Spider Man, even if we have not seen the series of three (I, II, III) movies. Not my favorite type of film, but worth seeing if only for the inspiring words Peter Parker leaves us with and the special graphical effects. I’m sure your kids will love all three movies.

"Joe Jedermann"

"Joe Jedermann" starring Tim Allen. Now this was a very entertaining movie. Tim Allen, who is always great to watch, plays the role of a divorced father. Now this isn’t just any father, but a real schmuck of a guy! He doesn’t seem to run with the ‘in’ crowd, or have really expensive clothing. I think you know what I mean. All of a sudden he is sick and tired of feeling down and depressed, after an incident (a fight in the parking lot) at work that took place right in front of his daughter Natalie (played by Hayden Panettiere). It was supposed to be bring your daughter to work day, but he ends up taking her back to school because he is so embarrassed about the incident that took place.
Now, Tim Allen alone is usually funny, which helps to render a comical film. Add to that the daughter Natalie’s humor, and you have an enjoyable comedy! Natalie is incredibly intelligent, happy, cute, fun, witty, and a real smart arse, for lack of a better word. She really keeps the movie rolling and keeps the audience wondering what she will say next. The wit just doesn’t seem to end. She was, very amusing, and a fantastic little actress. I was thoroughly impressed with her style and her ability to antagonize her mother and father, and get them to think about the outcome of their actions. Usually this is the parent’s role to keep their children in line, but not in this film. Here, at a few instances, the child and parent seemed to have switched real life characters. I realize that it must have been good writing, and she didn’t think of these lines herself, but it sure seems like it just comes natural to her. Keep in mind, I would not especially like my own daughter to talk the way she does, but it is just a movie. If you like a good love story, or some witty comedy, this is a good choice.

"Instinct"

"Instinct" is a real mind thrilling drama to see

Excellent Movie!

Now here is are real mind thrilling drama for you to see. This story really makes you think. Anthony Hopkins is forever playing the scary roles, or strange characters. Recall silence of the lambs for instance. If you like Anthony Hopkins, you will enjoy him in this film where he plays Doctor Ethan Powell, who was lost for a couple of years in the jungle while studying the mountain gorillas. He lived among the wild somewhere in Africa, and made friends / family with the gorillas! Subsequent to some tragic experiences he encountered on his journey, he no longer wishes to speak. Powell was deemed extremely harmful and psychotic. Dr Theo Caulder is the one person who thinks he can ‘figure it all out’ and unveil all the truths that lie within Powell’s mind. He believes he can get Powell to speak again, and tell him the events as they took place back in Africa. This is a pretty exciting story to follow. I was so intrigued, and sat on the edge of my seat just to see what Powell was going to do or say next; or if he was going to speak at all. It was hard to anticipate what the next action would be on the part of Powell or Caulder. The two are in fact playing mind games with each other to see who is ‘really” in control of the situation, and even in control of their own lives. Bottom line question is...are you in control of your life or is someone else???

License to Wed

Fun Loving Comedy

I’m sure we all know what it’s like to be ‘in love’ with someone. We all know how tough marriage can be. We all know how hard any relationship is for the most part. The divorce rate alone scares me to death! Now, take a newly engaged couple (man and woman) who is totally in love, never fight, and in the midst of planning their wedding. Bride to be Sadie is played by singer / actor Mandy Moore and her other half Ben is played by John Krashinski. Sadie and Ben feel that they are so compatible that nothing can go wrong, or pull them apart. Robin Williams plays Reverend Frank, who insists that in order to marry in the family church, they must pass his personally developed marriage prep course. The course concentrates on trust, communication, fair fighting, and more. Keep in mind that one of the rules is no sex, and the reverend has bugged their home so he knows EVERYTHING! The prep course even takes them through a trial run of what it would be like to have children. Not just A child, but twins. Twin robots that is; they poop, cry, etc.
I especially like the part in the movie where Ben is asked to describe something about each member of Sadie’s family. Need I say more? I’ll leave it at that, and you probably already have an idea where this goes! Can’t imagine what I would say about my in laws! My favorite scene in the whole movie was when Reverend Frank stops over to the home of the couple and Sadie begins to talk to the reverend about their sex life. Ben becomes a bit disturbed by this, and thus he is not a happy camper! Of course this leads to some disappointing words between the newly engaged couple. The bottom line is to help the couple understand each other, communicate, and everything else that goes along with making a marriage work.
All in all, the movie is quite amusing, and at times absurdly entertaining. It eludes to educate the audience about marriage to some degree. It seems that Robin Williams is the key to holding the entire film together with his sense of humor, and witty responsiveness to the developments or subjects at hand.

88 Minutes

Mind boggling and intense - 88 Minutes

Well, of course someone wants to kill Al Pacino. Isn’t that the story of his life on screen? In this murder mystery thriller, 88 Minutes, it seems that everyone he knows may want him dead, and his head is spinning trying to figure out who the real killer is. Pacino plays Dr Jack Gramm, who is a college professor, and also works with the FBI. The whole adventure revolves around Jack after he receives an anonymous phone call telling him that he only has 88 minutes to live. The tension continually builds as Jack is framed and eventually named as the key suspect in the murders. 88 Minutes is mind boggling, and intense. If you think you know who did it, give it a few more minutes, and guess again!

"Bent"

"Bent" - with Clive Owen

We can watch movies, we can watch people walking down the street, we can become friends with people we meet, ignore them, the list of possibilities goes on. Don’t you sometimes wonder if they are happy, or sad, or working class people, rich, or poor, etc? Wouldn't it be interesting to know who and what they are without even asking? Maybe everyone wears a badge of some sort. Well…..the more I think about it….maybe not. It would take all the excitement out of meeting people, and choosing who you meet. Another thought is, do you believe in destiny, and that if you were meant to be here / there / anywhere, then you are exactly where you are supposed to be for the time being???
These thoughts, and countless others came to me while watching a rather out of the ordinary film titled "Bent" starring Clive Owen. In some ways I don't believe he knows himself at all, and then all of a sudden he seems to figure it out. It just goes to show you that some of us can skip through our lives and not even know who / what we are. This is an interesting war story that depicts the lives of homosexuals and people of Jewish faith. As a prisoner of war, the unknown is quite scary to everyone, but Clive Owen never fears his outcome, and claims he will live through it. He stays steady and strong throughout the film, and only shows his ‘true colors’ at the very end, when he feels it's time. Freedom at last I suppose. This movie should be approached with a very open mind. There are adult nudity and sexual scenes that some people would hesitate to watch. I though, have a very open mind for the most part, and like to understand what makes people tick. Very unique settings. Unique acting by Clive Owen. I have never seen him in a film quite like this, but he is very good in the role.

"HOAX"

Fake /Phony / HOAX

A true story about an aspiring author named Clifford Irving (played by Richard Gere) who is desperate and down on his luck. His recent fictional book, which he thought would be a big hit, has just been rejected by a big New York firm. In turn, Irving decides to create a magnificent story that will capture the firm’s attention and yield him millions of dollars. Irving’s inventive new book would be an autobiography of none other than Howard Hughes. Knowing that Hughes does not take to the lime light and do interviews, etc Irving believes he can produce a best seller and put himself back on top of the writing industry. Irving and his partner in crime, Dick (actor Alfred Molina) lie, steal documents, forge documents with Hughes’ signature, and create fake interviews between Irving and Hughes. Irving’s actions and the events that take place are creative and simply brilliant. To see what Irving and his partner strive to accomplish in order to obtain a fortune is totally amazing. Irving’s wife even decides to help. She deposits a check made out to Hughes into a Swiss bank account. Not a good move for her. Irving is eventually stopped in his tracks with legalities and accusations of falsifying almost everything he wrote. Yes, the book is a fake / phony / HOAX, and also provides implications that would impeach President Nixon at the time. Thus, in the end, the book is not published. This movie is at times funny, but mostly deceitful, and just plain wrong doing! Ultimately, Irving, his pal Dick, and his wife are all brought to justice. If you like history you will enjoy this film. As for the acting, I feel that Richard Gere may not have been the best choice for the main character in this film. He seems to remain flat and distant throughout the film, and does not bring about the true essence of the real story. I think the film would have had more of an impact on me had they chosen a different actor for the lead character Clifford Irving. All in all it is a good story and provides the audience with a recap of true past events in history.

"Death Proof"

"Death Proof" - NOT a film for everyone!

Well….not sure how to begin to explain this Quentin Tarantino film. The words demented and twisted actually come to mind. I picked this movie because it starred Kurt Russell, and figured it must be pretty good. Geez, did I think wrong! Stunt Man Mike (Kurt Russell) seeks a good time by simply killing women and he knows just how to play the game to keep the law on his side. This movie delivers a warped sense of right and wrong. Yet there are no legal implications that he has done anything wrong! How does he get away with this I thought? He follows women, practically stalks them, and listens to their conversations to get to know them before he actually meets up with them to kill them. In the end, the tables are turned and the women start fighting back. Boy was Kurt Russell surprised when the women begin to attack him instead! This movie reminds me of a Kill Bill, or Pulp Fiction type of film, both of which I still don’t quite get either. It has to take some strange minds to come up with this type of suspense, murderous thriller. The acting was okay, but not great. I would definitely NOT recommend this for young kids to watch.

"A Crude Awakening"

This is a wake-up call for everyone! It’s the future of all of our lives, and the relationship between our world’s progress and oil. Crude Awakening is the projection of the lengths we will go to obtain oil, and most of us don’t even know that we are headed for a crisis. Oil is everywhere, it’s the basis for everything, but the days of cheap oil are no more! The statistics are a scary, and the alternatives are scarce and costly. The end result is that if we don’t discover more oil, or come up with an inexpensive substitute or alternative, we as a nation / world will be in distress and potentially face a very dim future.
The expert cast refers to oil as the cause of all wars since WWI.
If you enjoy politics, history, and world news, you should see this film.

My thought at the end.....nothing lasts forever. Like oil, things eventually come to and end, and we all just have to find a positive way to deal with what comes our way!

"The Contract"

“The Contract” - a thriller filled with action, adventure and a political twist. Ray (John Cusack) takes his son for a hiking / camping trip only to find himself literally on the edge of a cliff in the wilderness after stumbling upon Frank (Morgan Freeman) a hit man, who is attempting to escape the law. Ray thinks he can just walk the prisoner back to the proper authorities and continue the camping trip with his son. What Ray does not count on is that Frank has some friends tracking them through the woods, and they will stop at nothing to get Frank back in order to carry out their contract to execute a high powered businessman. Eliminating anyone who gets in the way is all part of the game. I liked the nice background settings in this film, beautiful scenery, action, and adventure…... I also like Morgan Freeman too.

"Bridge to Terabithia"

Magical……. Disney's - “Bridge to Terabithia”:
Disney fun time with the kids!
It’s Magical…….

Bridge to Terabithia is one of those Magical Kingdom movies, where you can imagine away. For two young school children, they imagine giant trolls, and all sorts of things in their newly found kingdom, they call “Terabithia” across the creek from where they live. The only way to get to their new world is by swinging across with a rope. They refurbish an old tree house that they find in the woods and claim it as their secret place.
The story is a lesson on how to keep an open mind, be creative, express yourself, understand others, and grow from all encountered experiences. It is also the discovery of inner feelings, and making something yours. The two children have a special bond of make believe and fantasy. A vivid imagination is key to this Disney tale.
I think this is good for all ages, IF your children are not afraid of strange creatures in the woods and giants. There is also a funeral scene that might be a bit disturbing to some young people too. It’s always hard when a friend or loved one dies.

"Secret Window"

This movie leaves me thinking, maybe things are not always what they seem.....
“Secret Window” is one of those typical Stephen King thriller, murder, mystery, and just let your imagination go type of movies. I thought Johnny Depp was great in his role as Mort, the writer suffering from, you guessed it, writer’s block. Not to mention he is going through a divorce, and trying to kick the smoking habit.
The other really incredible role was the creepy / sinister man named Shooter, played by John Turturro. Shooter seemed to be there for the sole purpose of antagonizing Mort to the fullest! As the movie progresses, Depp’s character becomes more complex, and left me to guess who he really was. If you like Johnny Depp, and or Stephen King, this is a great pick for you. On the other hand, if you don’t like the mystery of Stephen King books or movies, then this is not the movie for you.

Life As a House

“Life as a House”

It’s about
making today count,
focusing on what’s important,
focusing on what matters,
and
not losing track of life before it passes you by

“Life as a House” is a family story that will surely touch your heart. It’s serious, humorous, and revolves around family. It is a good father and son bonding story, but mom’s will definitely associate as well. If you have teenagers, you will especially relate to what is happening throughout this entire film.
Mom is frustrated with her teenage son who does not get along with step dad, natural father, or too many other people for that matter. Maybe it’s because the son is using drugs, hanging with the wrong crowd, and frustrated with trying to find himself? Kevin Kline plays George Monroe, the boy’s natural father who becomes ill, realizes what he has failed at in life, and doesn’t have much time to make things right. He decides to tear down his old beaten up house and rebuild as a father and son summer bonding activity. Of course at first, the son refuses to stay with dad for the summer, refuses to help with the build, and refuses to respect anything his parents say. Then, miraculously taking one step at a time, father and son begin to connect. This great progress, and the ability to move forward comes just in time for George to pass on, and leave his son to live life on his own. It really is a great story / film, and Kevin Kline is better than I have ever seen him before.

The Bucket List

"The Bucket List"

Some really good thoughts from the movie:
Have you found joy in your life?
Has your life brought joy to others?

Also, as one friend passes on here is the thought of the other:
His eyes were closed
And his heart was open

I thought “The Bucket List” was a very good movie. Two great actors (Morgan Freeman & Jack Nicholson) begin as total strangers, and end as GREAT friends! It is an incredible story about two men who set out to fulfill their dreams, and last wishes. When they are both told that they do not have much time to live, they develop the bucket list, and live life to the fullest. It’s kind of a guy thing if you will, as opposed to what some may call a ‘chick flick’. It is absolutely worth seeing. It involves very serious subjects and discussion, but also at times good humor too. There is a good mix of happy and sad with fulfillment in the end!

Rescue Dawn"

“Rescue Dawn”:

Inspired by true events, Dieter Dengler’s plane is shot down over Viet Nam. He is captured and held prisoner along with a group of others who have been held there for a few years already. Dengler miraculously sustains his sanity without proper care, food, water, amongst many other constraints. Eventually, he is able to motivate the other prisoners into believing there is hope, and to help him with his plan to escape.
Dengler is eventually recovered by the US while making his way through the jungles. He returns home to see thousands of people cheering him on and congratulating him for his courage as he steps down from the helicopter. (Note that Dengler was said to be the only US Navy pilot to escape and make it home).

Dengler speaks and leaves the crowd with these inspiring words of wisdom:

“Empty what is full
Fill what is empty
Scratch where it itches”

One can only imagine what he was thinking and / or remembering when he said those words!
This is definitely NOT your typical blood and guts war movie, though there is a little of that too, but not like most of the war stories I have seen. This movie is centered more on life, courage, and the power of positive thinking. All of this resulting from one single man, who was able to encourage a group of people to be more optimistic and search for the strength and energy to survive. It’s all about having Faith & Hope even if it sounds silly vs quitting and simply giving up.
So a message for everyone is to remember, things could be worse in your life / our lives, but really it’s not so bad when we really think about it. We need to figure out how to focus, stay positive, and move forward in the right direction at the right place and time.

Silly childhood memories...

I remember when I was a kid. My dad was always the joker. Every time you asked him "what's for dinner", the answer would be pickled pigs feet. Of course, we would always say yuk, and then go ask mom. Well, never having eaten pickled pigs feet myself throughout my life, I always thought of it as just one of my dad's silly jokes. That was until I met someone who actually does eat it. Just thought I would share with those who didn't know! You can also hop a plane to Hong Kong to see the real / raw feet hanging on the streets waiting to be purchased for dinner. Makes you want to run out and get some huh!!!

Interesting Facts About Peroxide:

I personally have used peroxide for my teeth and gargle for many years, as well as for counter tops, etc in the kitchen. I keep a spray bottle on the counter. I have also used peroxide for many other things too. Thought I would share for those who may be interested.

=====

The Health Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide By Becky Ransey of Indiana "I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars"

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle).
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of Peroxide to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave afresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. I had a fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away,put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.
11. Put half of a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus,or other skin infections.
12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this.
14. When pruning trees, spray with water/peroxide solution to guard against infections and bugs....and it won't leave that ugly black stain of the commercial pruning sprays

Can You Relate?

I wonder how many of us can relate to this big guy!

unknown author

Thought Provoking:

Some things to think about today:

Life is too short to wake up with regrets
So love the people who treat you right
Love the ones who don't just because you can
Believe everything happens for a reason
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands
If it changes your life, let it
Kiss slowly
Forgive quickly
Nobody ever said life would be easy
But it's worth it.

unknown author

Funny For Today:

Hopefully we can all get a little laugh out of these today.

Not sure of the origination or author.

ENJOY!!!

Tea Time in China

Tea Time

Cup of tea
one for you
one for me
high time
low time
any time
is a good time
for a cup of Chinese tea

ENJOY!

photo by Laura Vanderwill

Beauty in Poland

Some beautiful flowers we found in Poland while walking through the Botanical Gardens.

Each flower has it's own unique appeal, as do humans!

You just have to look deep within sometimes to see it!

Photos by Andrew Tarasiewicz & Laura Vanderwill