Tall Tales from Kansas

a perfect holiday whodunnit

We started our holiday movie season with Knives Out on Saturday. It's a perfect whodunnit. Clever, tongue in cheek entertainment, with a stellar cast of actors in what I would say are "different" roles for them. From the ambiance of the mansion, filled with quirky objects, to the masterful interpretation of the classic roles necessary for a good murder mystery, it does not disappoint. 

A little bit mad-cap, slightly far-fetched, but in a way that could be followed to the perfect conclusion. We loved it. Salty popcorn and Dr. Pepper recommended on the side. Or whatever your favorite movie snack is. 

a box of Kleenex, an afghan, and hot tea

As you go about all of your pre-thankgiving (and/or plain old regular) chores today,

things like having a discussion with the head turkey maker about whether or not you should fill the cavity of a smoked turkey with an onion, orange, and apple, like you do when you are cooking it the usual way, but now you are just warming it? He says "why not?", I say "no, I don't think so", but couch it with the fact that I am NOT in charge of the turkey.

Perhaps your chore is mounding leaves around your rose bushes for protection, soil amendment, or someone said it was a good idea,

or you just be getting out a last few silly bits of holiday decor, but whatever you are doing, I hope you will also make some time to do something you really WANT to do...

Like sitting in front of an old television set in an upstairs bedroom (because it's the only place to watch a DVD) and  watching your favorite movie of all time, which a nice woman from your knitting class (thanks Pat!) happens to own and lent to you. There may be a box of Kleenex, an afghan, and hot tea involved too. 

happy to participate in the spontaneous clapping

If you are able to get to a theatre where the Linda Rondstadt documentary, The Sound of My Voice, is playing, you must go.  In particular if you are between the ages of 50 and 65, growing up with her records playing on your dorm-room stereo, or on the juke box at the local beer joint, you will thoroughly enjoy it. 

Chris and I saw it at Liberty Hall in Lawrence and were happy to participate in the spontaneous clapping at the end of the film. Such a voice. 

the quintessential good guy or "the bruce", you decide

We went to see The Art of Racing in the Rain today.  

Oh. My. Sweet and sappy, about love and loss, complete with good guys and bad guys, and one great dog.  There.  That's all you need to know. Take a hanky. Milo Ventimiglia is the quintessential good guy which you probably already knew, but you may not know that Dustin O'Halloran does the music. And it is wonderful.

If sweet and sappy is not your thing, I also watched Jaws this weekend.  It was on someone's list of "summer movies to watch again", and I bit. Plus, after hearing on NPR this past week about Bruce (the shark), and how he has been restored to hang in a new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, I couldn't help myself. 

It was as scary as I remembered in some spots, but I had forgotten much of the story line and parts of the ending. Definitely worth a re-see, unless your name is Dottie Moss, in which case DO NOT WATCH IT.  EVER.   

he might have rolled his eyes

Our plans for the weekend are mainly centered around heat avoidance. Which means a movie. We have selected Yesterday. Please do not tell me before Sunday if you saw it and hated it because I will be spending Saturday brushing up on all the lyrics in anticipation of singing along. I selected our seats on-line, on opposite ends of a row for Chris and I.  In case he is embarrassed when I burst out in song. I told him it would be awesome if we could sing back and forth across the row to one another.  He might have rolled his eyes. 

Cooling baths with orange and ginger bubbles, ice cream eating, and naps in front of a fan are also planned. Along with flower watering, zinnia bouquet making, iced coffee drinking, and evaluating spots in Minnesota for a trip with brother next year (do tell if you know a spot we must call home base). Serious rejuvenation in other words. Happy Weekend!

calling myself a perennial

If you are someone who enjoys the out of doors, likes to ramble in the woods, and loves our National Parks, chances are you have already seen Free Solo.  But if you haven't, you can catch it on the National Geographic channel or Amazon Prime.   

It's compelling, vertigo inducing, and kept me on the edge of my seat. Pretty much the entire time. 

What it did not make me want to do is go climbing.  With or without a rope.  

What it did make me want to do is keep hiking.  To the best of my ability.  Pushing my limits but not going beyond.  Last week when I suggested you read this article about resiliency and late bloomers being happier and more successful, I realized it would not be fair to call myself a late bloomer.  While I was pretty mediocre at some things early on in life, there were also things I did very well at a young age. 

For me the key is not to limit myself based on age or some other set criteria. I am therefore calling myself a perennial.  Continuing to come back and bloom over and over.  Sometimes not in the same way I did before, but always providing interest, at least when I look at myself.  And isn't that what's most important?

This post did not start with the intent of me discovering my inner plant-ness.  But it sure is where it ended up.  Darned if I know for sure how.  

the gardens of the midwest are still in REM sleep

Happy Sunday from Lawrence Kansas where the wind is blowing, the snow is melting, and I am still playing a game of hide and seek with a cardinal.

The days of flannel pajamas, coffee, and a leisurely flip through a magazine in the morning will soon give way to hurrying out of doors for garden walks.  Inspections to see what is peeking up through the ground.

In Albuquerque and Los Angeles my sisters send me video of their gardens waking up - grape hyacinths, camellia's, flowering fruit trees.  

The gardens of the midwest are still in REM sleep.  

I am making do with what I find in the way of greenery/flowers at the store.  

Because my kitchen window requires the presence of little vases.

In other news, last night we watched Bohemian Rhapsody. We hadn't really planned to see it, but after hearing how good it was, we succumbed.  Good thing.  It was excellent. Highly recommended. 

And now I am walking around the house singing "I see a little silhouetto of a man, scaramouch, scaramouch will you do the fandango, thunderbolt and lightning very very frightening, Gallileo, Gallileo, Gallileo ...." 

Chris joins in too of course.  Though he won't admit to it if asked.  

an icon for our time

Even though very late to the party, I finally watched RBG recently. It WAS everything I had heard about it.  And more. Which led to the need to capture her in the sketchbook. 

Initially I had her on the page with a white background. But decided the burst of rays was most definitely called for. So I wandered out to the garage to find an old stencil Sister did years ago, and settled on a bright orange acrylic in lieu of a can of spray paint. 

"I ask no favor for my sex.  All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks."

                                                               Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg

 

There is no way to possibly sum up this documentary. Trailer below provided for your viewing pleasure. Highly Recommended.

 

Glen Close is masterful

In our ongoing quest to see as many of the movies and performances nominated for academy awards, we watched The Wife this week.  Glen Close, who took home the Golden Globe for her portrayal of the wife of a man who wins the Nobel prize in literature, is simply masterful.  

Highly recommended.  

go with your favorite old-timer

We went to see Stan & Ollie this weekend.  Highly recommended.

On Tuesday at work, when sharing what we had seen with the 27, 30, and 33 year olds I was working with, they had never heard of Laurel and Hardy. Insert sound of jaw dropping here.  

So listen, if you go, take a 20 or 30 something with you, because this kind of comic genius does not come around everyday. The lines, the timing, the dancing, simple perfection. All things to be marveled at. The story is wonderful and John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan were splendid (as were their wives!)

If you can't find a young whipper-snapper to take with you. Go with your favorite old timer (and take a Kleenex). Then go out to dinner and talk about how amazing they were and how good it is to be getting older and have known comedy at it's finest.

we all need more animals that come to life and talk

Our weekend entertainment included a couple of movies.  Firstly, for an antidote to all that ails you, I highly recommend a visit with Winnie the Pooh.  

Because we all need more animals that come to life and talk.  And remind us of what's important.  Even for just 104 minutes.  As Pooh says ... sometimes doing nothing leads to the very best of something ... 

For the history buffs, and those of us who can remember the Apollo 11 moon landing, First Man was great.

Chris and I talked about what we each were doing in July 1969 when the moonwalk went down. Then I sent a message to Ray, Dottie, and Mary Ann to see if their memory of watching Neil Armstrong take the "giant leap for mankind" coincided with mine.  Which was of all of us in the "den" of our house at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina - eyes glued to the black and white TV.  Ray confirmed it and mentioned that he also recalls going outside to see if he could see the moon immediately afterwards. If you love space, or history, or both, you will want to see this. 

what a kind human being

If you happen to find yourself "house-bound" this winter and are looking for some entertainment, I have several movies for your consideration.  If a modern day fairy tale sounds good, check out Crazy Rich Asians.  Charming and funny.  

If something a bit more historical with an educational twist is more to your liking, you can not go wrong with this documentary about Fred Rogers. I was blown away by it and by HIM. What a kind, human being. Well worth seeing and highly recommended.  

perfect for a chilly winter night

Christmas retreats just as it comes on at my house.  Slowly.  Translated:  decorations are not coming down for awhile and more holiday photos will be posted.  

This was on a nice sunny day downtown on Massachusetts street.  Strolling for last minute gifts.

If you are like us, and are not done with Christmas either... and have not seen Christmas in Connecticut, We're No Angels, While You Were Sleeping, or The Lemon Drop Kid... they are delightful holiday movies.  Silly. Corny. Funny. We rented them all this year (from Amazon).  Perfect for a chilly winter night.  Even better with a bowl of chili and a corn muffin on the side.  If you ask me.  Which you did not.  

a wonderful way to start the new year

Mary Poppins returns is a magical treat for all the senses.  The music, dancing/choreography, sets, costumes... a pure delight.  If you are 5 or 95 you are going to want to see it, on the big screen.  If you are lucky you will sit next to a little boy with a box of Sour Patch candy clutched in his hands that he doesn't want to open until the movie starts.  

Emily Blunt was simply outstanding.  A different Mary Poppins than Julie Andrews, so I did not find myself comparing them.  HIGHLY recommended.  A wonderful way to start the new year.  I was smiling throughout the experience, except when I had a lump in my throat.  Get thee to the theatre!

Here is what Chris and to say about it:    
"Great staging, artwork, costumes, direction, and casting.  Some of the lyrics will be lost on kids.  The lamplighter song and choreography stood out and was reminiscent of several dance numbers with Dick Van Dyke from the original movie.  The closing number with the balloons was not the crescendo the film deserved.  Four chimney brushes out of five."

if you are a James Corden fan

If you have been taking yourself a bit too seriously lately, may I suggest a dose of Peter Rabbit?

Yes, I know it's been out awhile, but we just got around to watching it the other night on demand.  We found it to be pure entertainment.  For entertainments sake. 

We saw the preview for this when we went to see Coco at the theatre.  I have been bugging Chris about it ever since.  He finally gave in.  I can be like a dog with a bone when I get an idea in my head. 

P.S.  If you are a James Corden fan, you will love it.  Don't even get me started on Carpool Karaoke. 

not your traditional Christmas movie but oh it’s good

Overnight a dusting of snow.  Perfect for a Christmas Eve early morning walk.

Then it was home to make a deep dish pumpkin pie with fresh ginger, yams, and heavy cream.

This is my “go to” pumpkin pie recipe.

 Deeply rich and flavorful without being overly spicy.  It also has a smooth creamy texture.  

The crust is not a thing of beauty but it contains the filling perfectly and is not soggy.

I will be ready for a piece while we are watching Seven Brides For Seven Brother’s tonight.  It’s not your traditional Christmas movie but oh it’s good.  

I hope you are cozy and warm tonight.  Wherever you are.  Whomever you are with.  Whatever you are doing.   

afterwards we would have gone out for tamales

If you have one drop of Mexican blood in your body (and even if you don't), run to the theatre to see Coco.  Chris and I went this weekend.  Completely magical.  The storyline revolves around the Mexican tradition “Dia de los Muertos”, and is a great portrayal of how death is a natural part of life.  

It would have been so good to take Angie and all her sisters to see it.  Afterwards we would have gone out for tamales, "Spanish rice", and refried beans.  Watching it made me want to make an alter every year with photos of all my loved ones on it, so they can follow the marigold carpet and cross the border between worlds to visit. 

if you like oddball comedy

On Small Business Saturday, I went to the Lawrence Bizarre Bazaar.  Always a treat.  Wandering through the booths.  Soaking up all the creative vibes.  

Then I came home and had some leftovers.   Ann brought pimento cheese spread for snacking on before the turkey dinner.  In these super cute orange ramekins that sit on that striped little tray.  @#&$@ How cute is that?

Since she left it, I am forced to eat it.  In the special containers.  Such a hardship.  It’s perfect with those black grapes.  Note that my pumpkins remain out.  We are not going to be ready for red and green until next weekend.  

Red hearts surrounding Harvey are allowed though.  I swear there were hearts floating all around him when we were working in the yard today.  He is coming back tomorrow.  I am making spots for him to roll on his back  

Chris and I watched  Mixed Nuts tonight with Steve Martin.  Our first holiday movie of the season.  If you like oddball comedy you will enjoy it.  Liev Schreiber is HILARIOUS and so good in it.  

even though I lived through this and know how it comes out

Sunday I filled a vase with zinnias, some basil, lemon balm, and a marigold. 

Made perhaps the last kale salad of the season.  I used barley as my grain.  Very tasty. 

And started pumpkin number 3.  I know.  Stop the presses.  It was so exciting.  

Then because it was raining, and we were forced to put off any yard work, we went to the movies.  If you haven't seen Sully yet, you might want to go.  Strange how on the edge of my seat I was for the whole movie even though I lived through this and know how it comes out.   I guess that's what good acting and directing will get you.  Chris says "it's big screen worthy for the spectacle, the sound, and larger-than-life experience". 

Lastly, I just ran across this blog that I am adding to my "read regularly" short list.  Thoughtful.  Relevant.  Well written.  Who couldn't use a little more of all those things these days?   

the good guys are good and the bad guys are bad

In the event that this is the last appearance of Daniel Craig as 007, as it is rumored, do yourself the favor of going to see Spectre.  On the BIG screen.  It's a spectacle.  As all James Bond films really should be. 

The good guys are good.  The bad guys are bad.  The supporting cast is perfect.  While I missed Judi Dench, Ralph Fienes makes M his own character and Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris are perfect as the modern day Q and Moneypenny.  The chase scenes kept me on the edge of my seat and the soundtrack is spectacular.  I smiled, clapped, and covered my eyes at various times during the film.  What else do you need to know?  Get thee to the theatre and prepare to be entertained.  

conrad and the suzuki strings concert

The Maple Leaf festival in Baldwin City last weekend was everything you might expect from a fall arts and crafts show.  Banners, music, rides, hooked rugs, turkey legs, cotton candy, quilts on display, a beer garden, and beautiful maple trees. 

What I did not expect to see however was this little miss. 

She was part of the Suzuki Strings concert.  Who knew there was such a thing?  Not me.

They alone are a reason to return next year.  That and the pretty trees. And Conrad.

Conrad, the shuttle driver.  Who was probably 80 and seemed to know every single person in town, including a couple of real cute giggly 10 year old girls who made it a point to come over and wave and say "Hi Conrad!" And now I can not for the life of my stop singing "we love you conrad oh yes we do, we don't love anyone as much as you, when you're not with us, we're blue, oh conrad we love you".   If this reference is not familiar to you I recommend highly that you watch Bye Bye Birdie this weekend. 

I still can't stop thinking about it

We selected Foxcatcher as our first movie to see in 2015.    This is the sort of movie that you are glad you saw because it is so well done, but on the other hand is so hard to watch at times that you just want it to hurry up and be over.  The kind of movie that makes you look up stuff when you get home because you can't believe you don't recall when it was happening in real life.  And you have questions.  Questions that need answers. 

I am not going to dig into all the underlying themes.  I am not one for over analysis.  As a whole, let me just say that it's a stunner.  As in, it left me feeling stunned.   Incredible performances by Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo.  As much as I wanted to shake it out of my head as we were leaving the theatre, I still can't stop thinking about it.  Anybody else out there see it?  

a collective 4 thumbs up

With 4 days left in 2014 Chris and I went to see movie # 11 for the year.  If you like Meryl Streep,  fairy tales, and musicals, you are going to love this.

I thought it was clever and entertaining with excellent performances and a fine bit of casting.  I especially liked little red reding hood (Lilla Crawford) and it was an unexpected treat to see Christine Baranski and Tracy Ullman.  

Two thumbs up from both Chris and I.  That's a collective 4 thumbs up.  

St. Vincent

Thank you Loretta!  For telling me to go see St. Vincent.  You were right.  I laughed.  I cried.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of watching Bill Murray bring Vincent to life.  Highly recommended.  Very highly. 

Did I mention that Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Chris O'Dowd and Jaeden Lieberher were all excellent as well?   Nice movie for the holiday season.  Enough said.  

a card carrying member of the frequent movie-goer club

I think calling it "Brilliant" might be a bit of a stretch, but I did enjoy my 8th film of 2014 today.  The Trip to Italy has lovely scenery, an excellent soundtrack, and the food preparation and serving scenes were some of my favorites.  As they drove along the Amalfi Coast I had lots of memories of the trip Mary Ann and I made there in 2008.   I had some of the most enjoyable meals of my life on that trip.  

Several weeks ago I saw my 7th film of 2014.  My Old Lady had lovely scenes of Paris and while I wished the chemistry between Kevin Cline and Kristin Scott Thomas had been better I still liked it.   It's hard not to like a movie with Maggie Smith in it. 

This means I have 4 movies left to see in 2014 to meet my goal of 12 for the year which will be A LOT of movies for me.  I feel like a card carrying member of the frequent movie-goer club.   I already have slotted Pride for movie #9 and Tracks for movie #10.  If you have seen something recently I must get to, do tell.  I will add it to my list. 

six more movies to go

We went to see "The Hundred Foot Journey" last weekend.  On the opening weekend no less!  That might be a first for us.  If you like France, and you like food, and you like Helen Mirren... go and see it.

We spent 2 perfectly lovely hours being entertained while we watched.   It's a "nice" movie (as Angie would say) even if it is predictable.    Sometimes predictable, and sweet, and enjoyable is just the kind of 2 hour escape I need. 

Six more movies to go to make my "one a month for 2014" resolution come to pass.  I think I can, I think I can....

I was completely engrossed in the whole mad cap adventure

If you are ready for 100 minutes of pure enchantment, go see this.

It's a delightful escape from the everyday with rich evocative imagery and clever dialogue.   From the moment we sat down I was completely engrossed in the whole mad cap adventure.   No detail was overlooked in this wonderfully casted Wes Anderson film.  

I will never look at a concierge again without wondering if they are a member of the secret society of crossed keys.

my speed out of the gate thus far has been nothing short of amazing

Just to be sure that I did in fact get to more movies this year than last year... I went ahead and took myself to a show this week.  Alone.  On a weekday.  Don't tell anyone, but I even sneaked a gingerbread latte into the theatre.  Inside my purse.  Without spilling a drop. 

Judi Dench gave a stellar peformance.  But don't take my word for it.  Go see for yourself.  It's the perfect little movie to see at 2 o'clock on a weekday.   

My speed out of the gate thus far in the "2014 Lets Go to the Movies Race" has been nothing short of amazing.  If I do say so myself.  And clearly I just did.  

we gotta get out more

Every single year I tell Chris "we need to go and see more movies in the theatre".
Every year we see maybe 2 movies at the theatre.
We gotta get out more. 

We took steps in the right direction on Sunday when we went to see Saving Mr. Banks.  Neither of us are movie critics but we each gave this picture our enthusiastic two thumbs up rating.  We have been singing "Lets Go Fly a Kite" since we got home.   How can Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson together be anything but brilliant?   Throw Paul Giamatti in there as well and I am a goner. 

Get thee to the theatre.