Whatever Wednesday - The Devil Wears Prada 2

Heck yeah - I took myself to the movies on Friday May 8th.  I did my homework first and watched the original  Devil Wears Prada.  I had actually seen it several times with  my father during his last year. He knew the plot, could follow along, and he enjoyed Meryl.  So it was also imperative, a bit of a salute to him (gone two years as of 5/9), that I see The Devil Wears Prada 2 immediately.  

Of course there's some apprehension. Will it be silly? Will it be lousy? What story line and how have they handled aging characters? 

No worries. We launch back into the world of fashion, journalism, and the hustle bustle of NYC with aplomb. The story handles the onslaught of mergers, artificial intelligence, aging, and the money/power combo. I'm not going into the minutiae, just trust me it all works. 

Our stars, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, and Stanley Tucci,  plus a bonus appearance by Lucy Liu, are all fabulous. They look great, and are so good in their various roles - working together or scheming.  Special shout outs to Meryl and Stanley - it's a master class. Just a smirk, an eye role,  a pause. Their timing is impeccable. 

And another character itself is  New York City  - the  glam, the money side, the hustle bustle, and the  "little apartments" (HA!)  I love it and soak it in. 

So - big thumbs up from  me.  If you liked the original, you'll be very happy.

As Miranda (Meryl) says...."That's all."

"Go"

 

Monday Moments - at the Amon Carter - Black Photojournalism

Gordon  Parks - Emerging Man, Harlem NY 1952 
 

Kwame Brathwaite - Changing Times 1973

The above are just two examples of  the over 250 photographs featured at the Amon Carter Museum (Fort Worth, TX) in a special exhibition on Black Photojournalism.  This shines a light on the groundbreaking work of more that sixty photographers working in the USA from 1945 to the mid-1980s. The photojournalists documented pivotal historical events as well as the richness of everyday life. (exhibit brochure)

A friend and I enjoyed our time spent looking at all of  the photos and discussing some of the history involved. I grew up in PA, she grew up in Louisiana. Different perspectives of stories  told, stories remembered.  This is  a very worthwhile exhibit and very  well presented. Lots  to think  about from the black perspective/ human perspective and the importance of recording moments for posterity. 

Kudos to the Amon Carter for getting this exhibit as organized by the Carnegie Museum of Art. 

Finally Friday - The News From Dublin

 Finally Friday and you read The News from Dublin title of this  blog post. Did you think I was off traveling again? Fooled you. This is a book of short stories  by Colm Toibin. It is a lovely journey - nine short stories set in Ireland, Spain, and  America. His work covers the complexities of family, longing, and love. (cover blurb)

Toibin writes with ease - complex dynamics, haunting pull of the past, and the quiet revelations that define our lives. Whether navigating the aftermath of war, forbidden love, the longings of a Catalan girl in Argentina, or  the  quiet  struggles of mundane life, all are rendered with  illuminating empathy and insight. (cover blurb)

I enjoyed dipping in and out of this book and peering into others' lives. Very well written and rich tales told. 

Whatever Wednesday - Final Farewell

After the river cruise, we had lunch at an old hacienda.  After eating, we  had time to stroll the grounds. This big fella was hanging out in  the tree. Quite the iguana

Just some last looks at flora

Pretty colors

And Final sunset farewell to Costa Rica

I hope you've enjoyed my blog tour, and have the opportunity to visit the gorgeous friendly welcoming country of  Costa Rica

Adios, amigos
 

Monday Moments - Thriller

 Last day of April  was a dreary  blah day. I decided a movie could brighten the mood. Can't go wrong with  a Motown beat. Michael proved entertaining to me. This film covers the beginning of the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana. Little Michael is clearly the star - perfect pitch, soul, and a sadness/joy mix to his tiny demeanor. Coleman Domingo as Joseph Jackson, the  father, does a great job of showing the overbearing dad determined to use his sons for greater glory. He even uses the term "money machine" when referring to Michael. 

Sure enough, Berry Gordy, Motown founder hears and sees the magic in Michael and his brothers. They skyrocket.  The movie then pivots to Jaafar Jackson (yes, a relative of Michael) playing Michael as a teen, ready to move on from the J5. He has so much more to express. Jaafar does a very good job - the smile, the moves, the unique voice. The beat!  Off the Wall,  Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, the meteoric rise...

the Moon Walk dance! 

The movie shows the Pepsi commercial incident, the final J5 tour, and then the Thriller phenomenon. The movie alludes to Michael's weird childhood, the Neverland connection, etc., but doesn't go to the dark side. 

There have been other, better musical biographies but for $7 I escaped for two hours into good music. 

Finally Friday - River Cruise in Costa Rica

Nearing the end of our Costa Rica adventure.  A little river cruise

a heron of some sort

this is a line of bats sleeping.  They make it look like a snake on the tree.   Creepy!

Tough to spot the howler monkeys

Um, glad we were on the boat.  Crocodile!

Hope your nature encounters this weekend have less teeth.  

Happy May Day!
 

Whatever Wednesday - Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand

 Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand is part of a series. I bought this book at a library sale and did not realize it. However, it was easy enough to get the gist of the characters and story line of the Quinn family. Mitzi's home. Patrick's getting released from prison. Kevin and Isabelle are getting married. Bart's a prisoner  in Afghanistan and they all await hopeful news. 

cover blurb - An historic blizzard bears down on Nantucket. Before the snow clears, the Quinns will have to survive enough holiday intrigue to send anyone running for the spiked eggnog. 

This is amusing fluff romance reading. I needed a no brainer and Hilderbrand is consistent in her writing. I was entertained.