Mundane Mondays: I Speak Fluent Movie Quotes

Growing up a Midwest Small-town girl does not mean I don't know my way around a good movie conversation. I can't honestly lay a finger on the person responsible for feeding the movie bug in my family. It seems each of us, to some degree or another, have it. Our tastes are vast and often result in "heated" discussions wherein we (to no avail) attempt to convince the other of our love of such and such or why it is a must see. One thing is for sure . . . fluency is a no brainer.

I don't delve into movie genres I'm not comfortable with or require me to spend too much time thinking through a convoluted plot. By thinking I mean the reviewers that want to convince me there is a deeper meaning to EVERYTHING. However, if you were to meet my brothers you would discover two specifics when dealing with their movie business. One they are self-proclaimed (ok maybe it is more teasing on my part) movie snobs and two, deep meaning and conversations are necessary traits to bring to the table. It would seem, by default they are rubbing off on me and causing me to rethink the whole "surface feel good" films of the past. I'm not saying it is easy or that I don't scratch my head, staring at them wondering how they don't see what I see . . . boring, etc.

Always learning, always developing new tastes.

Recently I have opened myself up more and more to trying films I wouldn't, of my own accord, watch. The choices they are always "begging" me to give a chance. The results are in and maybe some self-proclamations are in order.

What's been playing at the local theater, a.k.a my house?


Carrie
Welcome to plot/character development nightmares and head spinning dancing scenes!

During the month of October my brother's typically have a goal to watch as many "Scary" movies as they can during the frightful month. As the remake is due out later this month and none of us had indulged in this special treat of a film, it was a no brainer. Overzealous religious types will always have a special place in my heart; whereas the gym teacher who cares a little too much for comfort will always come off creepy, almost creepier than Carrie herself. It will not be a difficult task for Kimberly Peirce (Carrie 2013 director) to give us a new/updated perspective of this classic.


Lord of the Flies (1963)
This adaption is proof that I am, though I wasn't denying it before, entirely too desensitized in the realm of violence.

I can appreciate the dedication to a real child cast and I even found myself liking the feel the Black and White gave to the overall film. However, this adaptation made me question . . . what the heck is so violent about the book that is/was banned? Yes, yes, I know children kill and kill each other, but let's face it The Hunger Games is more violent in the scope of things AND it mostly alluded to the happenings. I reiterate . . . desensitized. The movie was slow and I kept looking at my brother and wondering "When will it end?" Although, silently because talking during movies is strictly frowned upon. (insert grin)


Stoker
I am a cinematography junky. If not for that I believe this film would have fallen a little flat. The colors and old world 1950s feel was great, even though that mainly applied to the Stoker family. I found myself thinking, creepy crawling feeling squelched, "I would like to take a fieldtrip to their house."

When I can relate to a characters strangeness (psychopath tendencies aside) I often wonder how strange are they really. Perhaps I empathize too much with the "odd 'man' out". I don't know, but I wanted to be India Stoker's friend and just to be safe learn how to run fast and shoot a gun. (insert smile)

The film was slightly predictable, but maybe it was intended to come off that way. I could be persuaded to watch it again or give the director another go.


In other News...

Disney Film challenge this month!

Elyza (my sister) and I are attempting to watch a "classic" Disney film each day. The classic is a loosely used term, as you will see with our list thus far.

Day One - Beauty and The Beast - Fun commentary time
Day Two - The Black Cauldron - Why bother?
Day Three - Toy Story - Rule breaker according to our brother because at the time Pixar was not affiliated with Disney. Even now it is distributed by Disney not made by them. Details, details...
Day Four - The Emperor's New Groove - Quotable heaven
Day Five - Alice in Wonderland - If you used this film adaption to persuade me I should read the book . . . epic fail.
Day Six - Lilo & Stitch - More reasons why I want to move to Hawaii and become a surfer.

Most Disney movies have a content level, at times, I question how I would explain to my children (i.e. Lilo's use of Voodoo for her 'friends', "My friends need to be punished."). This only being mentioned/questioned for the highly observant children I know, otherwise not true concern just curiosity.

Thrive Thursdays: Shoveling and Baristas

There's something to be said about best laid plans and tricking the universe with spontaneity. I'm starting to believe had I not planned my morning out earlier this week my "best laid plans" might have been in my favor. However, that's assuming my life choices have anything to do with the weather patterns. I shouldn't give myself too much that much credit.

My Thriving Thursday plans? I had planned to hang out with my sister and Calvin (my camera) at the local nature reserve. Earlier this year I visited it for the first time, since living in this area, for a senior photo session. I should not have waited so long to greet the greater outdoors, it is only a 15 minute country drive from where I live. Calvin has been weighing heavy on my conscience. He and I haven't been on speaking terms much lately. I was ready to take my Thursday and make it all about Calvin.

Rain. I love it, but today it forced an unwanted plot twist. I have been at the shop all day since cancelling. My Mum was begged upon to cover, but then the weather, as it is in the Mid-west, saw fit to change. Temperamental (sheesh).

Unexpected shop days can often be lazy days. I've read. I've knitted. I've watched some Amazon Prime. I've been thinking. I've been thinking "Damn this post isn't going to be very inspiring or thought provoking." Hold on, wait a minute...put a little love in it. (insert smile)

Yesterday was spent canning and cooking. How quaint? Exhausting is more like it, but so worth it! This got me thinking. I love a task. The hard work, effort, time and even the late night exhaustion are what make a dull Maddie so many things. Most of all? Happy.

The thinking reminded me of a story my Mum once told me. She read a book about Henry Ward Beecher and while I'm not a huge fan of his, I can appreciate his work ethic. Henry would often struggle with dark thoughts and moody times. During these 'episodes' it was to the basement with him! He would begin shoveling a pile of sand he had stored there from one end of the basement to the other. Upon finishing he felt his mind freed of his earlier conflicts.

This is why I love tasks. They keep the demons at bay. They don't leave room for the nonsense of this world to take up your time with would be cripplers. Find your shoveling task and have at it! I know it might sound funny, but laundry. Summer time and a laundry line are an I.V. of happy to my lil' ole heart.

Even though I felt a tad lazy today I did learn how to make espresso (say it with an accent and it tastes so good on your tongue). At the shop we are considering staying open late one night for shoppers and another night for knitters. I asked the owner of the coffee shop next door, he is also my landlord, if we could keep his shop open for him. This means learning new drinks. I already know how to make chai, but give me more, give me more! He said yes, so now we just have to drum up some interest. Who doesn't love books, caffeine, knitting, late nights or a combination thereof?

My baristas name? Pete Brew Babe

 

 

Thriving Moments: The mechanics of coffee :) and how to greet a blah day. Perhaps thriving can't be planned...it just happens.

 

 

Tweet with me. | Snap some shots. | Listen to the music. | Get to pinning | Up, Up and Plus

 

 

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 

 

All words are pegs to hang ideas on.
~Henry Ward Beecher

 

Footnotes (Bells on her fingers and rings on her toes. Has anybody seen my...toe rings ;)?)

• Today my music of choice, while writing, has been my The Glitch Mob Pandora station.
• Knitters can also find me on Ravelry
• Guess whose going home to listen to the Lorde album?!? Oh yeah me, me, me...

Tattoo Tuesdays: Put Your Money Where Your...Ink is

It's back!

Tattoo Tuesdays, tattoos in general, are one my favorite blog post series to write. They are responsible for refueling my writing fire. When I was looking at previous posts I realized it was time to "bring it!" So if you have missed them too, without further ado...

It is not a little known fact anymore that I desire my flesh to play host/canvas to ink. As more and more people in my circle of friends and family discover how much I appreciate tattoos and want them, I am asked a number of questions.

What do you want? Where do want it? What's the hold up? Why? How much do you think it will cost? Are you going to get color? What does your Mum say?

I don't intend to spend today's Tattoo Tuesdays post answering all (or any really) of these questions. However, it is also important to realize I am no expert. I have been in a tattoo shop approximately ONE time. To say I was intimidated is putting lightly. I was there to get pierced and the guys working were incredibly easy going and made me laugh. Definitely helped to ease my jitters.

Tattoos should have meaning. People will tell you time and again that you will regret them when you are older. I don't believe this is the case always. Yes sometimes, but I don't intend for that to be my "problem". Hence tattoos being well thought out and having a great artist on your side. I am surrounded by artists in my house. My Mum, though against tattoos, is someone I frequently discuss and even sketch preliminary designs with on scraps of paper. She is one talented and supportive lady! She gave birth to my 3 extremely artistic siblings as well. My sister paints, sketches, collages, etc. She and I frequently have discussions about placement of tattoos and debates of color vs. no color. I even make to steal some of her ideas sometimes. (insert grin) My brothers are never without some mode of writing and drawing apparatuses; which, my Mum can attest to as she has folders full of church bulletins with their little creature creations over the years. The other evening my brothers and I sat down and started a late night "Let's draw up fake tattoos" session. It is medicine for the soul, I believe, to be surrounded by such creative people. "Luck ain't got nothing to with it." God blessed me tremendously.

As well as meaning, tattoos should be tattooed by the best or at the very least the next best thing. This means, to me, tattoos are expensive. I don't want my tattoos looking like 'Prison Tattoos', so I intend to break out the big bucks. Correct me if I am wrong, but I can't imagine a great tattoo costing less than $100/$150ish. Remember I'm no expert, but I intend to go prepared. This may mean adding "Money for Tattoos" on my Christmas list. Shhh....don't warn my Mum or Santa for that matter. (insert smile)

Is it obvious I think about this a good deal of the time?


Features and other opinions for today:

Minimalism is increasingly more popular as of late. I also find myself more and more attracted to their simplicity. I like the "makes me stop and think" ability they tend to invoke. Pinterest find via my sister.

Another Pinterest find

Another important factor for me is placement. Hands, fingers, palms...I love hand tattoos. The compass and feather allusion to freedom is great for me in this tattoo. Of course I'm a compass kind of gal. The "smudge" of color is a nice addition. In answering the color vs. no color debate...I like color. However, I like looking at it more than the commitment to upkeep every year to maintain the colorfulness of a great tattoo. Color is not necessarily for me, but I can't bring myself to give it up when 'liking' someone else's tattoo.

 

 

Pinterest is a winner again today!

 

Remember meaning? Meet great story/symbolism for a tattoo! My initial attraction was the placement and choice for a tree and then the story sunk me.

 

"Since the 8th grade, my nickname had always been Tree because of my height. After a year or so this nickname started to become actually who I was, so I decided to get a tree on my side. The little guy to the left of me is my little brother who I love more than anything in the world. He is always trying to be like me, so when he saw the tattoo he begged and begged for on just like it. So I drew one on his side and told him it was a kids tattoo and that when he’s my age he can get a big boy tattoo."

 

 

 

Thinking it through or the basics: Placement, Price, Meaning/Significance and Decisions (Color vs. No Color, etc.). That should keep them busy, eh?

 

 

 

“You can kill people with sound. And if you can kill, then maybe there is also the sound that is opposite of killing. And the distance between these two points is very big. And you are free--you can choose. In art everything is possible, but everything is not necessary.”

~Arvo Pärt

 

 

 

 

Footnotes (footloose and fancy free):

• If you're interested in keeping up with my tattooing adventure finds be sure to follow my board on Pinterest 'Sink Me In Ink'. Did I mention Pinterest enough today? ;)
• Remember a long time ago in a galaxy faraway when I asked if someone would be interested in designing a new banner for me? No? Here it is again because I'm still looking: I'm looking for new banner art for Tattoo Tuesdays' posts. The picture at the top was just my bored half attempt at a quick 'smarty' banner for these posts. I didn't expect for them to continue, but they have and they are some of my favorites. Please leave a comment if you have an interest in submitting art or photographs, etc. for a banner. You will get recognition. Do you expect anything less from me? (insert smile) Tell your friends!
• Today I 'played' it easy and listened to my Pandora Mumford & Sons Radio station while writing. I'm at the shop after all.