Celebrate good times…

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Well, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind since I last popped in; but there were celebrations to be had – so it wasn’t all bad …

May day.  I’m of the belief that one should never outgrow May day.  As a matter of fact, in a perfect world, I think our pots, planters, and gardens would be full of flowers from friends.  But, alas, this concept does not seem to be catching on.  All the same, I usually load up my car with annuals and  perennials – cut flowers for my grama and her friends – and hit the road.  Due to my writing project and impending company, I had to scale back this year.  And it went downhill from there.  Seriously.  I missed streets and had to turn around multiple times; notes were falling off the flowers; flowers were tipping, spilling potting soil all over my car.  I was grouchy.  On May day.  Suddenly, I began to question why it was I do what I do.  Who’s even going to miss it?  Just when I was about to call it a tradition, I received a call from one of my grama’s friends.  At ninety-one years of age, she had never received a May basket – the happiness echoed in her voice.  There it was; my reason… and the reason I will continue on next year… 

Birthdays.  My aunt was visiting this past weekend.  Her birthday was yesterday and we pretty much partied all weekend.  We went to a movie and ate out; we chatted and laughed until we cried.  We had a lot of fun.  Now I’ve known a lot of people who continually celebrate “21” – people who view birthdays as “just another day.”  But last night, as we toasted another year, I was overcome with gratitude for a mum who made birthdays special.  Each and every one was special – special meals and desserts; candles, confetti, streamers; presents selected with care and wrapped in glittery paper.  But the greatest gift of all?  Happiness.  And what better way to begin a new year?

The Soloist (2009)

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Life has a mind of its own …

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Drama, Biography

The verdict: Loved

The gist:  Columnist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) needs a story.  Just when he’s nearly ready to give up on finding anything of any value, he happens upon Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) – a homeless man living in LA’s Skid Row, playing a two-stringed violin.   Amidst his stream of consciousness Ayers mentions he attended Juliard – that he’s “had a few setbacks.”  Lopez discovers that Ayers was never trained on the violin, but the bass, that he did, indeed, attend Juliard for a time, that he dropped out due to mental illness.  Finally, he has his story; but over time, he realizes he has much, much more …

My take:  Based on the book by Steve Lopez, The Soloistis a powerful, heartfelt drama that truly does portray the way in which life has a mind of its own.  Joe Wright orchestrates the film with intent.  Much like life, it’s not clean and tidy.   There are times when the creative direction can be a bit distracting – the voices Ayers hears, for instance.  However, it does give a glimpse at what it would be like – and let’s be serious, it would be a little more than distracting.  Susannah Grant (screenwriter) throws in humor every now and again, so the film does not get overly bogged down with drama.  And the actors – Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener (who plays Lopez ex-wife) – offer superb performances.  Perhaps one of the most amazing aspects of the film is the humanity.  The cinematography surrounding the homeless and the destitute is awe inspiring in itself – for amidst the chaos, lies a certain dignity.  It is a story of a story … a story of life’s setbacks … of friendship … of letting go … and coming home. 

An aside:  The Soloist has received mixed reviews – possibly more than usual.  More than likely this is dependent upon two things:  The release date was pushed back, which people view as a very bad sign; and the subject matter is difficult.  We like things clean and tidy; things like homelessness or mental illness we’d rather pretend doesn’t exist, or – like Lopez – we want them fixed.  Railing against these points, however, is a pity – because so much is missed.  The performances truly are Oscar-worthy.   And the story – while it may be difficult at times – is one we should hear.  If you’ve been wondering whether or not to spend your time and money on this film, I would recommend it.

The greatest gift

Yesterday, my friend Mel gave birth to a baby boy; but this baby boy was not born to her.   No, Mel offered to carry little Quilan Boyd so that his mother could witness his birth, even though cancer had ruined her chances for carrying him herself.  Mel’s husband and children put up with morning sickness, emotions, and cravings so that a certain couple might become a family all their own.   They did it out of love; and they did it with enthusiasm.  I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I could have that much love and concern for another.  Perhaps I’d get too attached; perhaps I’m simply too selfish.  What I do know, is this: my friend was willing to give the greatest gift of all; and in so doing, I believe, fullfilled John 15:13, “Greater love has no man, then when he lays down his life for his friends.”   No, she didn’t die – as we are taught in Sunday School – but she did put the life of another before her own.  And that is what it’s all about. 

So to both families, our deepest congratulations.  To Mel and her family – thanks for showing us what the greatest of love looks like …

Ode to fruit rollups

I was chatting with a friend when the topic of fruit rollups came up.  I was mid undying-love-and-devotion-spiel when she mentioned she couldn’t stand the things, “they’re so thin – what’s the point?”  GASP!  What’s the point?!  WHAT’S THE POINT?!!!  They’re like a little piece of heaven, that’s the point!  It doesn’t matter what deadline looms, what boring project lies before you, sadness, disappointment – all of it magically disappears while snacking on a fruit rollup. 

Of course, it will behoove you to know how to properly eat said rollup.  You don’t eat it flat; that’s just silly!  Once off the plastic, you section, roll back up, and munch.  If you want to be wild and crazy, you can wrap part of it around your finger, and eat the part that protrudes.  That’s some good times too.  Just be sure to periodically reposition – nothing ruins a good thing quite like chomping down on on a digit.    Then how will you explain?  You’re an adult for crying out loud!!

Why am I telling you this again?  Because it’s Monday, that’s why – and sometimes you need a little extra somethin’ to get through the day.   So go on and buy yourself a fruit rollup or two – unroll – peel – divide – roll – and munch it’s sweet goodness.  Then just try to tell me you don’t feel happier.