Sunday Photo: Because I'm Worth It

An Open Letter To My Nephew In-Law

Hello from your slightly older, not always wiser but totally self-centered aunt in-law,

It is seriously time to consider a move south. I realize it's hot. It is not just hot, it's damn hot. That is why we move slowly from air-conditioned homes to air-conditioned cars to air-conditioned offices and back. Man up, dude!

I realize it is Alabama. And, yes, we are usually at the bottom of every list except football - UA and AU, back-to-back national championships last two years. You have already picked a side so your common greeting would be Roll Tide! Plus, there are so many Republicans here one would think Dick Cheney was born here instead of where you live, especially in my county. I was told that when I moved to this county it brought the number of Democrats up to three.

There are really good public and private schools and programs in the neighborhoods where your wife and I would choose for you to live. I don't know about girls' tennis but I will do everything I can to find out, even if I have to visit every school and country club. We have cheap, cheap, cheaper real estate and tremendous restaurants. Even in my little suburb, I have quick access to authentic Vietnamese, Korean, Greek, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese food. There is also a sports bar called The Tilted Kilt where the waitresses dress like Catholic school girls. If you ever have to entertain colleagues who would be interested in that sort of thing then it would be less embarrassing than taking them to Hooters. Yes. I am willing to stoop that low by mentioning this.

Don't make me pull out the big guns. Remember I was raised a Baptist and they are champions of pro-guilt and pro-whine. So, I will leave you with four words: your first born daughter. One week at college and she has already met a cute boy. Plus, I'm fairly certain you do not want me planning entertainment for her and I will, you know.

Trust me. There is nothing better than making a choice that would make so many women so happy.

Love,
Your aunt in-law

(Photo source)

Weekend Cat Blogging #325

We have invited a guest this weekend, feline friend and city dweller, LooLoo. Born on the roof of a downtown building, LooLoo and family were befriended by a neighboring artist. The vet did not see much hope in domesticating this feral family, but LooLoo proved her wrong. Her sibling also resides in the artist's studio next door. LooLoo enjoys roaming the city streets at night and playing with her housemate, Libby, a black lab, in their downtown loft.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Kitties at Mom's Sunday Cafe.

LooLoo is rumored to have a mean streak. I've never seen it myself but there are still rumors.

Sweet, Sweet Music

He has Van Gogh's ear for music.
Billy Wilder

I have played five instruments in my life, none exceptionally well but enough to get by. One instrument close to my heart was the ukulele, mainly because it was the instrument of choice around the campfire at both girl scout and church functions. It was the 1960s and we sang songs like Kumbaya* before it became the butt of jokes.

I finally bought a soprano ukulele and have played it until the pads of my fingers are sore and my arthritic fingers won't move (growing older is a bitch). My goal is to learn to play Tonight You Belong To Me as played on the ukulele by Steve Martin in The Jerk.

Jules and Vincent spent a good part of their usual evening nap time circling the instrument and smelling the new arrival. Jumping two feet off the floor was also involved.

* Kumbaya (meaning Come To Me)  is an African-American spiritual song from the 1930s. It enjoyed newfound popularity during the folk revival of the 1960s and became a standard campfire song in scouting and nature-oriented organizations. The song was originally associated with human and spiritual unity, closeness and compassion (source).  I can certainly understand why lyrics like those would make me a leftist socialist commie tree-hugging hippie.

I recorded a song on my iPhone voice memo and converted it to a mp3. Maybe I can figure out how to post it when it isn't so late.

Feel Good Friday

Admit it. This feels pretty good, in certain circumstances. (Caution: language) 

The Perfect UA Gameday Dress

Classes started at the University of Alabama on Wednesday and the countdown has begun to UA's first football game of the season in Tuscaloosa against Kent State. With students moving in, I have begun to receive emails about where to find the gameday dresses as seen on my posts here, here and here. Wow! I'm flattered.

So let me just say.... I'm loving this Judith March dress for gameday or any day!

Go to the Judith March website to find store locations, prices and/or contact information.

Roll Tide!!

Three Film Reviews

While I continue to nurse a tender ankle, I have taken time to catch up on a few films.

The first is Win Win, a film by writer/director Tom McCarthy (The Visitor, one of my favorite films). Granted, a film with high school wrestling matches would not normally appeal to me, but I knew a cast that included Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan would make it worth my time.

A small-town lawyer (Giamatti), part-time wrestling coach and father of two girls is having a hard time making ends meet both at home and in business and makes a less than ethical decision to acquire extra money from an elderly client with dementia (Burt Young). When his client's estranged grandson shows up after running away from his mother spending time in rehab, he takes him into his home and, much to his delight, finds a skilled former wrestler.

The family is unsure what to expect from their guest and so is the viewer. The viewer also does not know whether the intentions of the family are sincere or not. That is the skill of actors like Giamatti and Ryan. What we are left with is a family making decisions for good or bad and living with those decisions with strong resolve. I appreciated that McCarthy did not rely on stereotypes or blame or judgment or moralizing. It is just life and he continues to present it well.

Recommended: 4 of 5 stars; Out on DVD this week and available on DirecTV Cinema

Second is It's Kind of a Funny Story starring Zach Galifianakis and Keir Gilchrist (United States of Tara). This is a film I did not hear a lot about, but I tend to like most films that are set on a psych ward.


Craig (Gilchrist) is a teenager with a high level of stress and anxiety related to academics and his future and, well, being a teenager. Instead of suicide, he checks himself into a mental care center but finds himself placed on the adult psych ward. Bobby (Galifianakis) takes an interest in "Cool Craig", as he calls him, and helps him navigate his way through his short stay. To their credit, they acknowledge one week is not adequate time to address suicidal ideations. Craig's therapist is played by an even and compassionate Viola Davis.

I found this to be a sweet and realistic film. I realize others may have been expecting high comedy from Galifianakis on a psych ward. I'm glad the director did not play to stereotypes or crude jokes expected in mental health centers. There were several witty lines in this film and funny scenes, but ones in which we could relate rather than played strictly for laughs. I found this to be a really good film that just might have been overlooked because of its slapstick comedic expectations. Loved the ending.

Recommended: 3 1/2 stars of 5 stars; On DVD and movie channels

Documentary about the band, Kings of Leon

I think the phrase "too much information" might apply to this documentary. I have been a fan of the music of Kings of Leon. I discovered them while living in Nashville. I do believe that these boys will need more than alcohol, drugs, and rock and roll to survive their Pentecostal childhood. May I suggest a really good therapist? You're going to need one.

From Rotten Tomatoes:
Who are Kings of Leon? In 2002 brothers Nathan, Caleb, and Jared Followill, along with their cousin Matthew, formed the grungy alternative rock band in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Now they have millions of fans around the world. But growing up in the South was far from harmonious. Most of the brothers' young lives were spent in poverty, living in the back of an Oldsmobile while touring around the Bible Belt from church to church with the brothers' father, Ivan Leon, a Pentecostal preacher, and their mother BettyAnn, who tried desperately to ground the family during their travels. Rebelling from the God-fearing gypsy lifestyle in true rocker fashion, the young men turned to secular music and a few recreational drugs in Nashville... and the rest is history etched in platinum and gold. Wisely anchoring this energetic behind-the-scenes documentary is the annual family reunion in the backwoods of Talihina, Tennessee,*(my asterisk) where the boys unwind with horseshoe throwing, beer guzzling, and a dip in the creek. First-time director Stephen C. Mitchell sculpts a youthful, honest, and vibrant look at what fuels the creative fire of these budding rock legends, providing fascinating insight for fans and non-fans alike. -- (C) Tribeca
* I understood from the film that Talihina is in Oklahoma, not Tennessee.


I found this film disturbing and can't separate enough to form a review. I am confused as to why I find the religious beliefs and lifestyle forced upon these young children more disturbing than the drug and alcohol abuse, although it is my sense that the latter is a direct result of those early years. Maybe I believe it will be easier to recover from drugs and alcohol than those early years. I am concerned for these guys and hope they are able to find balance in their lives. I also hope they can continue to make music. 
  
Recommended for those interested: 3 of 5 stars


Note: It is not lost on me that I described the first two films as "realistic", while the documentary - someone's real life - scared the hell out of me!

My Latest New Toy: iPad 2

Remember my new toy, the HP Touchpad, that hadn't made it out of the box? The one that was practically ditched before I got home with it? It has been successfully returned and replaced with what I wanted but thought I could not afford in the first place. My iPad2 is sleek, thin, and light as a feather. It is out of the box and charged and patiently waiting for me use it. Right now, I'm still admiring it and how incredibly cool I feel.

I want to give a shout out to the folks at Best Buy who were so helpful in making this return easier than I could have imagined.

A Woman's Right to Shoes

I am not a shoe diva and I gave up fashion for comfort years ago. In fact, I do not think I have worn a shoe that was not made by Merrell in well over a decade.

When I saw Okabashi brand shoes advertised in Today's Diet and Nutrition online magazine, I was intrigued. My feet were never comfortable in regular flip-flops but these appeared made specifically for a more comfortable fit. The prices were right, all under $20, with free shipping for orders over $40.

From the website, I learned the shoes are made in Buford, Georgia, and that the family-owned business has a two-year guarantee for their shoes and a commitment to the environment. The shoes are made with 25% recyclable material and there are two suggestions on how they can be recycled at the end of their use to the customer. They are also "vegan-friendly", i.e., no animal skins or byproducts are used in the making of the shoes. "Flip-flops belong on your feet, not in landfills".

I ordered three pair in different styles and colors to meet the $40 free shipping. They arrived timely and I've worn two of the three pair. They are indeed very comfortable and feel great on my feet. Plus, I feel great about wearing them. Check out their website! It is time to order a crimson pair to show my team spirit!

The Town Clock

Throughout small towns in Mississippi and Alabama, it is common to see a town square that sits in the middle of the town. In most cases, that is where you find the county courthouse. This is the case of the small town where I lived when I graduated from high school: Houston in Chickasaw County, Mississippi.

When I first heard the song, Forever and Ever, Amen, by country music star, Randy Travis, I thought of this courthouse on the square in Houston.

As long as old men sit n' talk about the weather
As long as old women sit n' talk about old men

It was not uncommon to see older men sitting outside the courthouse on the square, particularly on Saturdays. I suspect they were waiting on their wives who were shopping at the retail stores that surrounded the square or maybe playing dominoes or just talking about the weather. Chances are they checked the accuracy of their watches with the town clock that struck on the hour.

Long before digital clocks, the old town clock could be relied upon to tell us the time. It told us when to return to school after lunch, when we were out past our curfew, and when to reset our own watches. It was the community's reminder of the passing of time.

This video was shared with me by a Houston classmate and good friend to this day as a reminder of our shared history.

Sunday Photo: Easy, Breezy Covergirl

Photo source: Lisa Robertson

No Talking Allowed

The subject of religion has always been contentious. People warn you not to bring up the subject. Wars are fought over it, on the battlefield and at the kitchen table. Someone said religion was the ultimate life insurance scam because no one can disprove an afterlife. So, they sell "faith" or, in other words, being hopeful. It is hard to debate one's chosen hope.

I have nothing against being hopeful. I consider myself a hopeful  person, but hopeful in humankind's ability to rise above its ignorance and selfishness to make a better today and a better tomorrow, not some belief that is not based on science or reason.

I prefer reason and science over the supernatural. I don't care to hear people blessing me at McDonald's or praising Jesus on every Facebook post, but it is hard to avoid. If we are going to live as a community, we need to be able to hear an opposing view without becoming unhinged.

People confuse politics and government. These are two separate things - politics is the game, governing is the job, the reality. One may believe in a certain ideology, but it can be proven or disproved by a set of facts. Remember facts? For example, one may believe the GOP spent their time on creating jobs since the last election just as they campaigned, but one only has to see the number of  House Resolutions  introduced to see the documentation of how much time and how many bills were introduced to stop Planned Parenthood and abortion, neither of which have anything to do with creating jobs. This is what is important to the elected officials during this low point in our economy? One may hold certain ideologic beliefs about the Democrats, but holding that ideology does not make it true because it can be proven or disproved by a set of facts. Whether one chooses to believe those facts is another story.

Certainly, how one perceives events forms that ideology. Facts will not matter. They will question the source of the information or the intention of the provider. Those things do matter and one has to carefully and critically look at the sources and the intentions. Most people will not take the time to do that and will cling to television or radio soundbites. Sadly, that approach may lead to bringing much more hate and unhappiness into their lives than love and peace.

Like it or not, some government is necessary in our lives. The saying goes that there are no atheists in a foxhole. Well, there are no libertarians in a crisis. In so many cases, we want government in our lives, we need government in our lives. Where were the police? You voted for the people who wanted to cut their budget. Why is our infrastructure crumbling? Ditto. Why is our air hazardous? Ditto. Why are our foods unsafe? Ditto. Why is the middle class becoming obsolete? Ditto. Voting for these people may seem like a good idea in theory but can be disastrous in practice. It won't matter what one believes in. And, praying for these problems to go away may make one feel better but it is useless. It is being hopeful but it does not require any concrete action to make a difference.

I reject the Us versus Them mentality, but I will still call it as I personally see it. Disprove it with facts and I will acknowledge it. Give me psycho babble and I will acknowledge it.

Debate is good. Debate on policy is great. When someone is unable to understand or debate policy, they attack. Few people are truly able to debate policy so people who can aren't allowed to talk and nothing improves and no problems are resolved. We become a lesser country for it and elect to blame then attack. We all lose.

It's A Greek Life

My brother was in a fraternity. I preferred the dorm girls, was not a rules-follower, and preferred to choose my own friends. I was more geek than Greek.

My niece was in a sorority. Today, her daughter became a sorority pledge. They invited me to tag along in all the excitement this week. It was an amazing, all-consuming, feet-blistering, nerve-racking but exciting and fun week. Exams should be a breeze after this week!

My great-niece was so analytical about her choice of sororities that I was beginning to think she was too mature for college. The best part of Bid Day today - the beautiful smile on her face! Her happiness was contagious.

Weekend Cat Blogging #324

Jules is watching me while I'm napping. I get the occasional paw to the cheek that says, 

"wake up! look at me!".

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Kashim, Othello and Salome at Paulchens FoodBlog?!

Feel Good Friday

Understanding Texas

There has been a lot of talk lately about the Texas A&M Aggies joining the SEC. My first response was NO! and then something to the effect of  not wanting any team from Texas in the SEC. I'm sure there was some profanity inserted in there, too.

As of Saturday, there is a Texan and a Texas A&M graduate in the race for GOP presidential nominee, Rick Perry (think Bush lite). When I think of Perry, I think 1) governors' prayer conference with people who say truly shocking things, and 2) he suggested Texas secede.

All three of those things associated with Rick Perry are troubling to me. When I saw the link on Maddow Blog to the Houston Chronicle called An open letter to the national media. Subject: Texas, I thought I'd see if they could change my mind. Here are two things that stood out:

4. Underestimate an A&M grad at your peril.

5. If you spend any time on our highways, you will see a vehicle with a bumper sticker that says “Secede”. Shocking, I know. But some Texans think of secession the way you think of a threeway: interesting idea, but it probably won’t happen in this lifetime.

Hmmm. I feel better about the bumper sticker. I'm fairly certain I will continue to mess with Texas.

Birmingham Restaurant Week 2011

Birmingham Restaurant Week 2011 starts this week! From August 19th to August 28th, participating restaurants are providing meals for $10, $20, and $30 per meal. It is a great time to try some of Birmingham's many good restaurants. See which restaurants are participating and the menus here.

HBO Documentary on Gloria Steinem Tonight

From Women's Media Center: Near the end of Gloria: In Her Own Words, which premieres tonight on HBO, the title feminist quotes Susan B. Anthony when she says “Our job is not to make young women grateful, but to make them ungrateful.” Steinem insists onscreen, as she does personally and patiently to women who approach her on the street worried their daughters don’t know who she is, that this doesn’t matter “as long as they know who they are.”


Gloria: In Her Own Words is on HBO at 8:00 p.m. CT. I chose this photo of Ms. Steinem because I attended the March For Women's Lives in Washington, D.C. and had the opportunity to hear her speak. I was ecstatic!

Film Review: The Help

 Photo taken in the lobby of The Summit 16

I read The Help (review) while participating in the Southern Reading Challenge. I was particularly interested since the book was set in my birth state of Mississippi during a time in history in which I lived. I sincerely enjoyed the book, but I am usually less interested in the film because so few translate as well to the screen. I was also concerned about the white woman as savior or magic Negro scenario Hollywood so routinely favors. That is not true of this film.

My accolades go to the casting director and the director, Mississippi native Tate Taylor. I would not be surprised if Viola Davis gets Oscar buzz. Montgomery, Alabama native and Auburn graduate, Octavia Spencer, held the film together as Minnie Jackson with her performance as a strong woman in her profession and friendships but vulnerable to violence in her own home and as a black woman during that time of unrest.

If its strongest point was the performances, the weakest point was my inability to feel the danger and fear of living in 1960's Mississippi. Although this was not overlooked in the scenes where stories were recalled, the Medger Evers' murder, and the Life magazine cover, I'm not sure this reality was truly captured. Maybe someone who has not read a lot of southern history might feel differently. But, personally, I couldn't feel it.

One of my favorite scenes was the scene around the television watching the funeral of President John Kennedy, showing how this event affected both white and black families alike. Equally astute was moving directly to the photograph of President Kennedy on the wall of Abilene Clark's (Viola Davis) home next to her son and Jesus. I never visited a black friend's home as a teenager or as a UA student that I did not see photographs of Jesus, President Kennedy, and Rev. King on the wall.

While Junior League President, Hilly Holbrook (Bryce Davis Howard) appeared to be a caricature I'm not convinced this wasn't closer to reality than one cares to admit. Certainly, the League's choice of charities was not lost on the audience. The most disturbing to me, although played to comedic hilt by Sissy Spacek and major guilt by Allison Janney, were the mothers. Yikes. 

The film was as much about class as it was about race by its inclusion of Celia Foote (Jessica Chastain). Celia embraced Minnie, physically and emotionally, into her home and life. Whether Celia would have caved to the pressure had she become a member of Junior League or not is unclear. This seemed to be an important point to me, for then and today.

Writer Kathryn Stockett and Director Tate Taylor created a good book and a good movie but they also created an event. In the lobby of the theater were women and more women, black and white, laughing and taking photographs by The Help poster. The energy was palpable. There was a running dialog in the audience by readers and non-readers of the book and applause at the end. That was a testament to its success.

Note: I greatly respect Professor Melissa Harris-Perry and followed her on Twitter during her viewing. I certainly defer to her knowledge of African-American history. I'm sure the images of the maids were disturbing and there was not enough time spent in this movie on the real dangers and violence threatening and enacted upon the women of Mississippi daily. However, this was not that movie. The accomplishment of this book and film, to me, is that women came together as women and responded equally to the same things... as women... and hopefully introduced a glimpse of history to young women.

If you saw the film, please share with me your impressions.

Review: Shindigs Catering Truck

In addition to my visit to Birmingham's Railroad Park, I treated myself to a 21st Century picnic with food prepared by Shindigs Catering Truck. Read my review here.

Birmingham's Railroad Park

Today was a perfect summer day to once again visit Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham. It was overcast, less humid, and there was a breeze. Ninety degrees did not feel so bad! It was not such a perfect day for iPhone photos but I hope you get a feel for this beautiful park with so much to offer.

From the park's website:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as "Birmingham's Living Room," Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham's downtown area with Southside and UAB's campus.

George's Boxcar at Railroad Park: Menu

Running and walking trails, summer concerts, dogs and strollers, free exercise classes - an urban park for everyone. It is exciting to see so many people enjoying the park.

Rick Perry Announces Candidacy for US President

It is unclear whether he is running for Pastor Perry or President Perry. A Texas Governor, a mediocre student, and a skilled campaigner who plays to the evangelicals? Where have I heard that before? The only thing that is missing is daddy's money and contacts.

Weekend Cat Blogging #323

Jules is a perfect 10 with his balance beam skills. Here, Jules is preparing for his

famous "I see a bug" dismount.

This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Samantha, Clementine and Maverick at Life From A Cat's Perspective.

Feel Good Friday

Stevie Wonder performed for President Obama at his 50th birthday party or as Fox News reported
Obama's Hip-Hop BBQ Didn't Create Jobs.

Dinner: BBQ chicken, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta, salad and, the President's favorite, pie

Performing: R&B singer Ledisi, and Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder came up at the end and sang a medley ending in “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”, and DJ Cassidy played Motown, hip hop, and ’70s and ’80s R&B.

@Borowitz Report: My Favorite Recent Tweets

Call It What It Is: Sexism

I don't agree with anything that Sarah Palin or Michele Bachmann say or believe. It is hard for me to imagine how anyone could take either one of them seriously as candidates for President of the United States, certainly not because they are female but because they appear uninformed and ill-prepared. Yet, as a woman, I will say the covers on Newsweek have been completely and blatantly sexist.

GOP Vice Presidential Candidate as Sexy Kitten

GOP Presidential Candidate as Crazy Bitch

It happens to both parties, of course. You may recall a particular photo of now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was plastered all over conservative websites. She had been campaigning nonstop for President and was extremely tired.

This photo led radio shock jock, Rush Limbaugh, to say: "Will Americans want to watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis?" And, quite honestly, this was only one of many, many sexist comments by Limbaugh.








It is sexism. Shame on you, Tina Brown. Nobody expects any better from Limbaugh but shame on you too, Limbaugh.

Dreamland BBQ For Lunch

Is it wrong to see cardiac patients with BBQ on your breath?

My brother says, "no, it is a requirement in Alabama!"

Jealous?

Sculpture: From Courtyard to Campus

When it comes to football in Alabama, Birmingham sculptor Brad Morton is definitely an avid Auburn Tigers fan. So naturally he was interested when he was contacted by Sue Jensen, Associate Professor of Fine Arts at Auburn University-Montgomery, about submitting a piece of sculpture to be displayed on the AUM campus as part of their campus "face lift".

Morton submitted several photographs of pieces he had available for consideration. His piece, Contemporary Couple was chosen, which up until that time had graced Morton's urban courtyard. With time, vision, and hard work, this courtyard had been transformed into a peaceful zen garden of water, goldfish, lighting, plants, and art. Or, as Morton's wife, Sheila, calls it "our yard". It is indeed one of the few personal "yards" available in the Loft District. Contemporary Couple greeted guests as they walked in from 1st Avenue South.

Contemporary Couple is comprised of two pieces that stand nine-feet tall. There is no base so it gives the impression of coming of and from the earth. A combination of bronze and cor-ten steel, these pieces were designed, cast and built at Morton's studio in downtown Birmingham.

Contemporary Couple now resides on the quad of Auburn University-Montgomery campus in front of the Education Building, and it is available for public viewing. The exhibit is comprised of sculpture by three artists and supported by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. They will be on display until July 2012.

To read more about AUM's exhibit and when/where to meet the artists, go to Sculpture exhibit enhances beauty of AUM's evolving campus.

My New Toy: HP Touchpad

Be careful what you wish for or you will surely get it! Ever since I read about the $100 rebate at the register, i.e., no paperwork, in The Washington Post AND the fact that this is Alabama's tax-free weekend, I have desired this HP Touchpad. Reasonably priced for my budget ($399.99 for 16GB) and relatively good reviews plus an approval sign from my old tech b**ch, I waited almost 24 hours to purchase. Happy! Happy! Happy!

One hour ago the following was posted: DOA: HP TouchPad dies webOS death before Apple's lawyers can kill it. Oh, joy. Fortunately - maybe - for me, I have not removed it from its box. This may be one time when my procrastination pays off.

Example: I currently have the following unopened boxes sitting around my apartment
1) KitchenAid Stand Mixer
2) Hand-me-down clothes given to me by my sister
3) Photoshop software
4) Printer, currently being used by Jules

Don't ask me why. I have no logical answer for any of this! And, stop laughing at me. I'll open them eventually. But for now, I have posts to write and recipes to try. Maybe a nap, who knows?

Sunday Photo: Bedroom Window

Film Review: Crazy Stupid Love

After an unsuccessful shopping trip, I had just enough time to make it to the theater to find a cool place to be entertained for the afternoon. I chose Crazy Stupid Love on the recommendation of a friend and because of the outstanding ensemble cast, including one of my favorite actors, Julianne Moore, and the adorable Steve Carell.

Summary: While deciding on dessert, Emily (Julianne Moore) tells her husband Cal (Steve Carell) that she wants a divorce. On the ride home, as she chats nervously, she reveals she has had an affair with a co-worker, David (Kevin Bacon). The comfortable life Cal and Emily have built begins to unravel. As Cal attempts to move on, he meets Jacob (a ripped and handsome Ryan Gosling) in an upscale bar and, although the reason is unclear, Jacob takes Cal under his wing to teach him how to be a player. It is here that we heard a few sad revelations about where women find themselves today. Jacob: We won the minute women started using a pole to exercise. Intertwined in Emily and Cal's story are the stories of young love and rejection, a story of young adult love and surprises, one night stands, and everything a couple in crisis encounters.

As in life and love, the film gave us both humor and sadness. For anyone who has been in a relationship, married, divorced, and/or dated, dated and dated more than you care to recall, you may see several glimpses of yourself. We felt Cal's loss, Jacob's emptiness, Emily's confusion and guilt, and the English teacher's desperation and frustration. We even felt the optimism of a young teenager who is not cynical about love or finding a soul mate or the need to fight to keep who you love. Yet, there was nothing more touching than Cal trying to fit into the new environment in which he found himself and looking and sounding and being so totally lost and alone.

It was the realization of Cal's inaction that brought me to tears. He was in such pain, but still had an unwillingness or inability to fight for his soul mate, even though he still loved her. It was how they had become less interesting to themselves and each other, how they were no longer having fun together, and how they had lost who they were or wanted to be or thought they would be. My recognition of this in myself brought an unexpected sadness, how we try hard for strangers but fail the people we care about the most.

This wasn't a great film, but it was a good film. I tend to rate many films by the amount of time I spend thinking about them afterward. For all the comedic scenes - one of the best being between Hannah (Emma Stone) and Jacob - it was the personal sadness I brought home with me. For it was those things I recalled saying and hearing and losing in love that will stay with me. It will be the inaction I will forever regret.

3-1/2 out of 5 stars

Weekend Cat Blogging #322

 Jules is posing for Luna, who is hosting this weekend at CatSynth. 

Black cats rule!

 

Check out Vincent's face after he heard what happened to WCB feline friend, Smudge, over at Sidewalk Shoes! They did what!?!







This week's Weekend Cat Blogging is hosted by Amar and Luna at CatSynth.