The Sick Day

Every winter, it's inevitable - everyone gets sick at the same time, and in that awful mix of sickness, snow storms and cabin fever I find myself feeling horribly claustrophobic and ready to run away.

We're running out of ways to entertain ourselves after almost a week of consecutive snow days and sick days. So we made a movie! About being sick! (Be forewarned, there's a lot of runny nose action - not recommended viewing for the squeamish or germophobic.)

It was a fun project for this week. I know nothing about putting together video, but as I fumbled slowly through the editing process I found I loved how different it was from taking and editing photos. I needed a good challenge! 

I think we're finally pulling through this awful virus, and the sun is back out today after a very snowy start to our week. March may come in like a lion, but - it's MARCH! Spring is practically here. I'm so excited.

Documentaries That Change You

Do you like documentaries? It's my favorite genre these days. I get very little time to watch TV, which isn't a bad thing at all. I'm actually thankful that our TV doesn't get much use, other than playing PBS shows for the kids. But it is nice to occasionally sit down and watch something in the evening. Perhaps I'm just getting old and cantankerous, but I have little interest or patience for the TV shows that are popular today. I feel like we're offered two poor choices: badly written, silly network shows OR better written, well acted original series that are unfortunately filled with things that we don't care to see on our home TV (gratuitous sex, violence, etc.) So more often than not, I turn to documentaries, because I like to watch things with substance that broaden my view of the world and its people.

In the last month I've seen a few documentaries that have not only broadened my horizons, but that have also affected me deeply inside. I think they're worth sharing,  especially if documentaries are your jam. They can all be found on Netflix right now.

If you see any of these films, please see "Blood Brother." When I first started watching this movie, I was my usual skeptical self - "another awkward documentary about a a clueless American "do-gooder" in an impoverished nation." I'm so glad I kept watching. The movie never mentions Jesus' name, but I can't think of another film where He's so well presented. You'll have to watch it to see what I mean. It's not an easy movie to watch, (you will cry,) but it will challenge you to examine the real meaning of love. Don't miss this one!

Another movie that deals with love: "The Dark Matter of Love" examines the struggles of older institutionalized orphans to bond with their adoptive families. It really opened my eyes and heart to the plight of older orphans who are less frequently adopted, and their desperate need for affection, stability and family. The progress of the children in this film was a really beautiful thing to watch.

I confess, I love anything Stephen Fry. I adored him in "Blackadder" and "Jeeves and Wooster," and I have enjoyed his more recent foray into documentaries. ("Stephen Fry In America" is a great series.) "Wagner and Me" took me completely by surprise, and Matt and I agreed it was one of the best movies we've seen this year. Fry takes an introspective look at the life and music of Richard Wagner, who is beloved by Fry, despite the fact that  Wagner was a raving anti-Semite who was adored by Hitler and Fry is Jewish, with family members murdered during the Holocaust. Filled with fascinating history, and beautiful music (I've loved the Tristan and Isolde prelude ever since seeing "Melancholia" and there is a whole section of the movie devoted to the "Tristan chord." Classical-music-nerds unite!) Even if you're not a classical music nerd, there's much to be gleaned from this one.

I feel like I need to include "Virunga" on this list, even though towards the end we thought it got really dry and hard to follow. If you've ever read Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible," (I love that book,) you'll be fascinated by "Virunga" which takes place in the politically turbulent Democratic Republic of Congo. The film investigates the many threats to Congo's precious Virunga National Park, and the extremely brave rangers who risk their lives protecting it. Young investigative journalist, Melanie Gouby, really caught my attention. Such a brave young woman working in stressful circumstances. (Disclaimer: this one has quite a bit of language, if you try to avoid that.)

Let's Happy Dance For Friday

I don't know where Silas learned to dance like that, but I have re-watched this video more times than I can count in the last week! (With those samba moves, I think he has a future on DWTS! Ha!)

Thanksgiving is coming up this week, and I have so very much to be thankful for. Life is good, but that doesn't mean it's always easy. The last few weeks have been a little rough on me. Bad weather, a bad cold, sick children, moments of feeling sorry for myself (hate those) and strained relationships. Do you ever go through patches where nothing's really wrong, but for whatever reason you just can't communicate and get along with the people you care about the way you really want to? It's weird and frustrating and can make a person feel lonely and out of sorts.

Enough rambling. I'm hoping a quiet weekend with warmer temps, a coffee date with Matt and almost-totally-recuperated children will be just the thing to get me back on track. :) Happy weekend, guys!

Movies I'm Loving

[Currently in theaters]

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

During Christmas break, Matt and I got to grab some movie dates to see a few films that we really wanted to see on the big screen. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" ended up being my favorite. It's such a simple, sweet little story and I give major props to Ben Stiller (who to be honest, I usually can't stand,) for directing it so beautifully. The locations are gorgeous, (hello Iceland!) the acting is top notch, and the music is just perfect. (David Bowie! Arcade Fire!) And it's family friendly to boot! I loved this one so much and can't wait to see it again.

Saving Mr. Banks

My siblings and I grew up watching "Mary Poppins" (over and over and over again...) I'm pretty sure my sister Grace and I still have the whole script and every song memorized. So "Saving Mr. Banks" was the one movie I desperately wanted to see before the baby was born. It didn't disappoint! Such a great cast (Emma Thompson is seriously so, so good.) I've read P.L. Travers' books, but didn't know much about her biography, so the story was fascinating to me. My big regret is rushing out of the theater too quickly and missing all the original photos and sound bits from Travers' actual trip to California. Can't wait to see this one again!

[Currently on Netflix]

Bernie

I have an embarrassing confession - I am more than a little bit in love with Jack Black. "Nacho Libre" and "School of Rock" are major guilty favorites. We actually started "Bernie" while I was in labor in the hospital last week, and had to stop halfway through so I could push Oona out. We finished it the next day and I can't get it out of my head. It is such a weird little movie, and based on a very weird real life story. Jack Black and Shirley Maclaine? Weirdest pairing ever, possibly. But they make it work. I think what drew me in to the story so much is that the town the story takes place in, Carthage, TX, reminds me so very much of all the little southern towns I grew up in as a kid. The accents, the gossip, that southern Bible belt culture - it was all so spot on in the film. If you can handle dark humor, (and Jack Black in tight high waisted pants and a creeper-mustache,) you should definitely see this one!

Black Fish

When I was a teenager a friend and I went to Sea World in San Antonio and I remember being in awe not just of the beauty of the orcas and dolphins, but of their obvious sensitivity and intelligence. What amazing animals. After watching "Black Fish," however, I've really been thinking about whether or not I could ever go to another show at Sea World. The case the documentary makes against such parks and their practices with their marine animals is really shocking and heartbreaking. This one will stick with me for a long time.

[Currently On Amazon Prime]

"The Grass is Greener"

We've had an Amazon Prime account for years, but only just recently started taking advantage of their Prime instant play movies. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety Amazon offers - especially in the classic movies genre (a genre I have felt that Netflix does not do justice.) We watched a lot of old movies over the holiday break, and "The Grass is Greener" was my favorite. It stars Cary Grant, Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr. It's a comedy, but deals with a wife's infidelity and how her husband (played perfectly by Cary Grant,) decides to handle it. I love Cary Grant in this role SO much. I think you will too!

"Teacher's Pet"

I love me some Clark Gable almost as much I love Cary Grant, and this was a movie I had never heard of before. It's light and cute and well acted. There's a melancholy behind Gable's sarcastic, gruff performance that really makes it hard to take your eyes off him. 

Any movies that you are loving that I should know about while I'm in my stuck-to-the-couch-with-a-nursing-baby stage? I'd love to hear about them!

What Men See In the Mirror...

I shared this video a few days ago.

Well, this one is even better. I'm still laughing.

You Know What Day It Is, Right?

It's what, like 2 years later, and the song still gets stuck in my head every friday. (We so excited!)

This happened today.

And then this. I'm still laughing.

This also had me laughing ridiculously. (I still have the humor of a 13 year old boy sometimes.)

On a less silly note, I am HOOKED on this channel. Every time I get a quiet 5 minutes, I try to watch one. I feel like I've learned so many practical tips from him in just a couple of weeks, and he is such a sweet, likable guy. If you feel like a dummy with makeup (like I do!) give these a try!

So my plans for the weekend are pretty boring. Hopefully they'll include some walks outside, lots of coffee and maybe some reading time. I've also got a few crafty-like projects I'd like to get started on. Oh, and we started watching the first season of House (love Hugh Laurie) and while it might not be the best choice of entertainment for a self-diagnosed-hypochondriac, it sure is addicting.

Hope anyone reading this has a great, relaxing weekend!

The Next Big Thing??

Urban Outfitters totally got me on this one. I laughed so hard once I (way too late) remembered it was April Fool's Day. (Hey, when your daughter has an April Fool's birthday, you kind of forget about that prank-fest side of April 1st.) Seriously, I almost wrote a blog post titled "WTH is the World Coming To?!?" or something of that sort. Can you imagine wearing something like this? Too funny.

Here's the accompanying interview. :)

We Roam

I have been a huge fan of Ryan Marshall's photography and videography for years.

The maternity series he did for his wife, Cole, is the best maternity series. Ever.
(And I hate 98% of all maternity photography. So there.)

This newest video of his that he shared today takes my breath away.

Basically he's amazing.

Check out his portfolio for more beautiful images.

cute cute cute

Well, but if that doesn't just put me in the mood for February...

Sigh.

This Made My Night

olive sings her favorite songs..

in case you need some assistance in identifying her songs..

video one: (in order)
1. part of Jesus Loves Me
2. Jesus Loves the Little Children

video two:
1. twinkle twinkle little star
2. baa baa black sheep
3. the abc's
4. Jesus Loves Me