Another Day Goes By

Jason Mraz, Bikram, & Mockingjay

Well, that just about covers it all, doesn't it? After writing that title I had to laugh at the amazing numbers of categories I had to check for this blog. The combination is a bit weird, but who am I to question when the universe moves and speaks?

Sometimes I'm sent a variety of things in a short amount of time that have no more in common than a chicken and a rock. The things usually don't come together to form the big picture until the last piece has arrived.

Jason Mraz has just put out a new song. (below) I loved it and bought it before I was even done hearing it for the first time.
If you ever have any kind of relationship strife (not just male/female either), you'll want this one in your playlist. You know how with most songs that echo your sentiments you have to throw out some parts because the lyrics don't apply? Not so with this one. Every word counts. Every word hits home, for everybody stuck in a certain place in a relationship. Check it out.

Bikram - Today in class we had a guest teacher. The camel was extra long. I was reminded that I learned how not to give up in camel. After I did my first one-minute camel last year, I vowed never to come out of a camel early ever again. Camel taught me just how tough I am. Just how much reserve I have. Just how much resolve I have. Just how much stamina I possess.

Mockingjay - the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy. When you read it you'll know all about not giving up in a terribly hopeless situation.

The obvious theme here cannot be missed. When certain areas of my life let doubt and despair show through, I must remember what this strange combination has taught me about myself.

And so, as another day goes by, "I won't give up on us, even if the sky gets rough, God knows I'm tough enough, we've got a lot to learn and God knows we're worth it"......and...I have written.

On To Mockingjay

Tonight I'm starting the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy. So far, The Hunger Games left me feeling strong. Good triumphs evil ...I think. Yesterday when I started Catching Fire, the second book, I was revved up and ready to go. Today as I got into the second half of the book, my mood darkened. I was not just identifying with the protagonist, but I was really feeling dread. Heavy, plodding, dread. I just finished the book feeling so empty. I couldn't figure out why.

This whole story takes place in a totally newly created apocalyptic world. The characters and all they do are not too paranormal, so it's pretty believable. I had no trouble being part of the story. These are the first books I ever read like that because I was not a Harry Potter fan. (I tried, but just couldn't do it). Yet I was head over heals with Twilight, but that setting was in our world. This story, in this strange, new world was filled with a lot of love and emotion, but I had such a sense of something missing in the total society.

Then it dawned on me. There was no hope. Why? Because there was no Higher Power in this world. The people only had themselves to depend on. They had no where to go in their darkest moments. What was there, was there. This just made me so, so sad. A book with so much death, and not once did it mention what happens when you die. Maybe that's the symbolism in this domed arena? One thing I do know for sure, this series evokes a lot of emotion and gives the reader a lot to think and ponder. If you haven't started these books yet, fire up your Kindle and get ready for an interesting ride.

And so, as another day goes by, I'm spending the evening with Mockingjay, and....I have written.

Still "Catching Fire"

Today I drove back to the Cape, arrived mid-afternoon, and jumped in my chair to resume reading Catching Fire, the second book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. As usual, the TV was on and The Talk was playing in the background. They did a whole Hunger Games theme today, even dressing like the characters. I wasn't really paying attention until I heard Julie Chen say something that concerned me.

One and a half books into this Hunger Games thing, obviously one of the big reasons the protagonist fights so hard to win is that if she does, her whole district gets food for a year. The reason we are on earth, to help others, is the baseline theme in this killing movie. I was thinking that this is the main reason teens should see it and have an opportunity to discuss it. What a wonderful venue for this message to reach our youth, right? Then, out of one ear, I hear Julie Chen say that it is never really made clear in the movie that the winner's district gets fed for a year. What? I can't believe they wouldn't give due diligence to that fact in the screen play. Of course, I'm only going on what Julie had to say, since I've yet to see the movie myself.

And so, as another day goes by, off to a board meeting, then back to my chair for more "Catching Fire". I fear a late night, and....I have written.

The Hunger Games

Yesterday I started reading The Hunger Games at 4pm and, with the exception of time out for when Syracuse was playing, I finished it at 1am. Wow. It was a fast moving, easy read, but also a very hard read. (I did dream about being the head of my own post apocalyptic world after trying to sleep so soon after finishing it - I was really gorgeous...but that's another story.)

I spent all day today thinking about just how I felt about it. The story certainly is thought provoking, but it takes my mind in so many directions, I just couldn't settle on just one. What I really liked was the subtle backstory between Katniss and her mom. I imagined that would continue in the second book. I just started the second book today and sure enough, it did. I figured since I couldn't settle on one train of thought for book one, I'd go on to book two and give myself more time.

The book is well-written and the characters are portrayed with just the right amounts of good and evil, graced with mystery, always leaving the reader wanting more. I was skeptical about the all-ages thing, but it's true - everyone will enjoy it from teens right on up. One thing I appreciated was Collins kept it mostly realistic - like this could happen and stayed away from too much paranormal like in the Twilight series. For me, that made the scary things even more scary. All the while I was reading I had a feeling of someone shaking their finger at us saying, "See! See what could happen if things don't straighten up in this country?" Daunting. If you haven't already seen the movie, or, even if you have, I highly recommend this read. I also love that it is a trilogy because I was definitely not ready to leave the characters behind at the end of the book. Too many questions left unanswered.

And so, as another day goes by, back to Catching Fire, wrangling with my thoughts, and...I have written.

Hugo - You Should Go

For St. Patty's Day today my husband and I caught Hugo at the local cinema. This was, hands down, one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. A whole new side of Martin Scorsese you shouldn't miss.

There is only one word to describe the story - kindness. This movie displayed a huge act of caring, not only in the character of Hugo, but also in the ripple effect through the supporting characters. The overall theme of why we are on this earth and how people cross our lives permeates the film. It's a story of hope, never giving up, opening up hard hearts, the importance of people who support you like family, and how the art we all need to express fills the empty holes within us.

The most important message that hit home with me was that we all need to be needed, we all need to be heard, we all need a space to belong in, otherwise we are broken. I came away feeling that that it is a basic necessity of life to be allowed to find and express your passion. Without a passion, the light goes out.

This St. Patrick's I wish you joy in what you do, love for those around you, and passion in your days. Also - green beer and Irish fare help to complete the night. After a meal at Joe's in Hyannis, we are off to the Trowbridge Tavern for some Irish music and libation. Happy St. Patty's Day everyone.

And so, as another day goes by, the Irish are alive n' well on Cape Cod - cause' today we're all Irish, and...I have written.

Clarice! Wow!

Most people who know me know that I am well-acquainted with daytime TV, from the morning news, right on through the afternoon talk shows. They yammer away in the background as I go about my business of blogging, editing my book, researching my book, or practicing my daily pencil drawing exercises. Today I was irritated by the endless parade of artists promoting their films, books, and music - it just seemed excessive for some reason today, more than most. Then, ping, an email dropped into my phone alerting me to a post by a fellow blogger whose writing, wit, and wisdom I love. I stopped what I was doing and read her post. She wrote about the impact a favorite movie character had on motivating her to forge out and take a risk. (I will let her tell her own story - the link to her blog appears below.)

After reading her post I was somewhat saddened about the current state of the arts in our schools. The school I taught at in New York State is in severe financial trouble, as are most in our country today. They are threatened with laying off 32 teachers and cutting all music, art, and technology programs. My friend was sincerely impacted by the work of an artist in film. Who is going influence our children if the arts are cut from our schools? They will receive their influence from tv and Internet, but how are they going to achieve their dreams and realize their potential if they can't touch that saxophone in third grade? What if they never get to staple together that book they wrote in kindergarten, or do that amazing charcoal mural in high school?

Artists truly impact our lives. We want to be them. We want to be the characters they invent and portray. They in turn, sooth and heal us with their stories and music. They show us heroes in movies do exist in our worlds if we just stop and look around. They write books about the real and human condition, assuring us we are not alone. They motivate us to be more than we ever thought we could be. In short, all those involved in books, movies, and music play a huge part in helping us find our way in our worlds.

Pause with me and think about how a current movie, book, or song is currently influencing you. Today I'm reading The Children's Picture Book by Ellen Roberts. The children's books she sites are all books I've used for years in my kindergarten classroom by authors and illustrators I admire. I remember how I used their stories and pictures to teach children important concepts and life lessons. They have inspired me to want to talk to children through the printed word. I want to write a book that teachers can use to speak to the hearts of children.

How were you influenced by an artist's work today? Is there anything you can do to help keep the arts in your local schools? I thank my friend for bringing up an important point for me to ponder as the Ellen show winds down.

And so, as another day goes by, I apologize to Jennifer Aniston for being annoyed by her getting her Hollywood star, as I do appreciate her work on the big screen, and ...I have written.
~ Link to my friend's blog...enjoy!
http://www.freesialane.com/2012/02/23/silence-of-the-lambs-and-me/

This Book/Movie Movie/Book Thing

Lately I've had this idea, in the light of so many books coming out as movies, that I would read the books, then go see the movies. It all started with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. That was by far my most favorite book I ever read. I was a little nervous to go see the movie, because a few years ago I tried the same thing with the Twilight series and ran into some horrible disappointments when I went to see the movies. Dragon did not disappoint me. The movie was well representative of the book and Mara Rooney was portrayed exactly as Lisbeth in the book.

Last week I read Janet Evanovich's One For The Money. I fell in love with Evanovich's character, Stephanie Plumb. I wanted to be her. She was so vulnerable, running around after bad guys in black spandex shorts, tee shirt and tennis shoes. She had no money, no food, no phone and no car. She was as inept as my daughters would be if I gave them a gun and sent them out to shanghai drug dealers. In the book, Stephanie was no more a vigilante or a Marge Helgenberger than one of my daughters would be. The movie Stephanie? Highly disappointing. They dressed up Katherine Heigel in tight jeans, high leather boots, tank top and leather jacket. She appeared as a seasoned cop straight off the set of CSI. Evanovich's Stephanie couldn't possibly afford that outfit or become an expert marksman or lock picker in the short week the story takes place within. It was so sad to see such an imperfectly perfect character completely pushed aside for one that is polished, sleek and tough.
The movie Stephanie made the film very commonplace and a bit boring. Evanvovich's Stephanie was completely lost in the screenplay.

Upon leaving the theater I was telling my husband maybe it's not good to read the book first. By the time we got home I decided no, it's still best to read the book first, then see the movie. Right now I'm reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and then plan to see the movie. So far, I don't even see how they are going to make a movie out of this book. I tend to think it's going to be one where the character is not changed as much, but the story will be. This question seems a little similar to the chicken/egg conundrum. In any case, I think I'll need to do quite a few more book/movie movie/book combinations before I decide which way is better.

And so, as another day goes by, the whole movie thing tonight was really to keep my husband's mind off the Super Bowl tomorrow and his heart somewhat calm, (lol), and I have written. Go Pats!

One For the Money

Resetting the Compass - Day 29

The other day I saw Katherine Heigl on daytime tv talking about her role in the movie One For The Money. She said she read Janet Evanovich's book by the same name years ago and always envisioned herself in the role of the bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, and now finds herself playing the role on the big screen. Her enthusiasm for the part and the book prompted me to want to both read the book and see the movie.

Today I settled down with the book. The opening line is "There are some men who enter a woman's life and screw it up forever." Right there I was hooked. How could I not keep reading a book with an opening line like that? I was immediately captivated by the character Stephanie Plum. Any woman who reads this book takes on the role of the rollicking bounty hunter. It's impossible not to, so I can see how Heigl jumped at the chance to play the part in the movie. I decided to read the book first, then see the movie. I usually do it in this order because the book gives me much more to bring to the movie as I watch it.

I spent the better part of this afternoon and evening reading the book because I couldn't put it down. Stephanie is very entertaining and engaging. The writing moves the reader along quickly and before you know it, you're half way through the book. This story makes an excellent screen play and I have high hopes for the movie.

This is actually the first fiction book I've sat down with in 2012. My time has been spent in non-fiction and memoir and the stories have been deep and slow. I forgot how much fun it is to sit down with a "beach read".

Fun. Something I'm going to try to have more of in 2012. I've taken a lot of things too seriously for so long now, the simple pleasure of fast moving fiction has been lost on me for some time. This year join me in resolving to have more fun. "Research shows that play is just as important as diet, hygiene or sleep and deprivation of it has negative health consequences," says Stuart Brown, M.D. author of Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. The concept sounds like my "artist dates" I take with myself on occasion.

And so, as another day goes by, I can't think of a more pleasant or worthwhile resolution than making sure we all have more fun in our lives this year for our own health and well-being, and...I have written.

Moneyball

Everywhere I go I end up learning something new or gaining a different viewpoint for old topics. Last night my husband and I had a lovely evening out. We went to see Moneyball. Great story. Great actors. I highly recommend it for an entertaining evening, but it was not the enjoyment of the plot and characters that I came away with. It was something I learned in one of the very last scenes of the movie:

Henry, Red Sox owner, offers Beane twelve million dollars to leave Oakland and come to Boston and be his general manager. Bean looks at him and says, but I lost the game. Why would you offer me this? Henry says to him, with the "can't see the forest for the trees" reasoning, "You didn't lose the game. You revolutionized baseball. The first one to break through the wall always takes a bloodbath."

Wow. How true. The first one to go where none has gone before has to break through (what in my mind is a big green wall - Red Sox fan) and when you burst through, you bruise and bleed, but you're through. Everyone after you simply walks through the hole.

Hmmm....lots of situations suddenly come to mind.....

And so, as another day goes by, enough wisdom for today - the Patriot game just started, and....I have written.

Sometimes You Gotta Change It Up

Today is a cozy, rainy Sunday on Cape Cod which means only one thing - movies! My husband and I just got back from seeing The Change-Up. It was hilariously funny with an obvious underlying message. Two best friends switch lives, but not bodies, for a week. One is a lawyer and one is an actor, so their lifestyles are on opposite ends of the spectrum, creating the humor.

As both characters slowly get what they need from each other's lifestyle to make changes in themselves, it got me thinking toward the end. Maybe it's good to spend a little meditation time imagining ourselves in someone else's life. It would, as it did in the movie, highlight the things and people in our everyday lives that we'd have to give up to be someone else. Maybe your favorite chair and the view out your front window are suddenly something you might not want to part with. Maybe the love you get and get to give the people in your family seems a bit more precious if suddenly they didn't know you anymore.

The movie had us laughing out loud, but it also had us leaving holding hands just a bit tighter. The Change-Up - yes, I do recommend it for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

And so, as another day goes by, dinner is next, followed by Red Sox/Yankees, and ....I have written.