Monday Moments - The Invite

 I watched an episode of Hot Ones on YouTube and Penelope Cruz was the guest. She was pushing this movie The Invite, and it sounded intriguing.  

Well, it was different, angsty, very all talkie, amusing at times, cringe worthy, and I can't recommend it. 

But - I was interested enough to stay and watch. Does that make sense?  This was a Thursday matinee and there were two other ladies in  the theater. As we were leaving, the one said, "Well, I guess I'm not allowed to pick a movie for awhile."     Ha!

Olivia Wilde directed this and also starred as Angela.  She's married to Joe (Seth Rogan).  She's invited the upstairs neighbors to dinner. Joe is not happy and pretty much promises  to be rude. 

 Ding dong - doorbell rings and here's Hawk (Edward Norton) and Pina (Penelope Cruz).  They are obviously very cool and exude an exotic flair.  Here's where  Penelope shines - she just pops on the screen. She has the best lines and you can tell Joe is feeling her vibe. 

Well the conversation does take a racy turn....I won't say more. But  the tempo of the movie picked up, the stress of the awkwardness heightened, and let's just say someone might need to move!

Hey - the theater was air-conditioned and I killed two hours. I did laugh out loud at some lines - Seth can be amusing in his delivery.  And thumbs up to Penelope - she is damn hot and a good actress. 

This was my public service announcement for you. 

Finally Friday - Exciting Book Launch for Annalisa Crawford

 PHOTOGRAPHS OF EMILY by Annalisa Crawford

“A ghost, perhaps, is not the spirit of someone who died, it’s the echo of someone who thought they’d lived.”

 

It’s been ten years since Emily lost her life in a tragic accident. For Zeb, that’s meant ten years of crushing guilt and counselling to overcome the image of his girlfriend dying in front of him because of a decision he made.

When multiple witnesses report seeing a ghostly figure in the churchyard where it happened, her family decides to host a memorial to soothe Emily’s restless spirit. Zeb cautiously returns to his estranged hometown for the service, hoping to establish the truth about these sightings.

Unforeseen circumstances compel him to stay longer than planned, and even though he remains skeptical, he finds himself drawn to the churchyard, seeking the elusive ghost.

 

Lives are shattered, grief is stark, and new futures are forged from the embers.

____________________________________________________________________

Doesn't this sound like an excellent read?  I've preordered this on Amazon for my Kindle, and I'm excited to promote it today.  I met Annalisa via blog world and I've enjoyed her writing. She's been kind enough to let me read and advise on  some books, but this one shall be a surprise for me. 

Treat yourself and Happy Weekend everyone.  Support your hard working writers. 

Whatever Wednesday - That's Not How it Happened by Craig Thomas

 Paige ended up a stay at home mom with a Down's Syndrome boy. 

Her husband's screenwriting career took off and she stayed home despite her writing trajectory. 

Then she wrote a memoir about her experience.  The tables turned. 

She was the hot thing.  His career was stalled.  

This is a fiction work that is so "true".  

cover blurb - As  their lives are chewed  up and spit out by the Hollywood machine, triggering old resentments and launching new betrayals, will  any of them even recognize the "inspiring" family in the film to be made. Or will this be the end of them?  

I enjoyed this quick read.  It sounded very fresh and true.  The author made this fiction, but he and his wife did deal with their challenge and lived to tell the tale. It's full of humor and groans.  

I give it a thumbs up. 

Monday Moments - Minions and Monsters

 News is nutso. It's hot and humid. Time for a small escape.  Ray and I ran away to our local movie theater to enjoy a Minions and Monsters matinee. 

And we laughed out loud starting with the opening credits -  a black and white homage to old Hollywood with minions meddling in the middle, and inevitable messing up a scene. So clever.  As old farts, we could pick up on so many references. I loved it. 

The general theme of the movie has school kids at a history museum and learning about James and Henry - minions who made a huge impact on the world. 

As the docent spins the story, we follow the guys as they muddle along in ancient times (reference Cyclops), or look to a Russian warlock to follow, and ultimately they land on a Hollywood set - thinking that the robbers are real. They are hired and are successful until the talkies some along. Minion tongue (all done by Pierre Coffin, the director) doesn't translate.  

So, kicked out - James and Henry decide to make their own monster film. I won't give away more. 

This movie is funny, silly, and dumb in a good way. It's creative and catchy. Ray and I both left giggling and amused. Success!  It was a bright spot on a Tuesday. 

Finally Friday - The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage

 New Year's Day - Tasmania. Lexi Villers is a second year medical resident. Everything's going great. 

alas, a helicopter lands.

Her  father and older brother were killed in a skiing accident. 

She is now the heir to the throne. Lexi's grandmother is the Queen of England. 

Lexi returns to England reluctantly.  Her grandmother gives her a year  to make a very important decision.  

Let her scheming uncle claim the throne?

Give it up and be with Jack?

Lexi must chart her own destiny.............The Heir Apparent by  Rebecca Armitage. . It's not obvious what route will be chosen.  Whew!

Whatever Wednesday - The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez

 The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez is a fictional tale of the Panama Canal.  She did her research and brings this huge feat of engineering alive. 

Francisco is a local fisherman who hates the foreign powers involved. 

His son, Omar, chooses  to work for the canal dig.  Oops -  family drama. 

A  huge contingent of foreign workers arrive - eager for the work, and the money. There's Omar. There's Ada  from Barbados - she needs money for her sister's surgery. 

So many stories.  Henriquez brings this to life through her characters.  

cover blurb: This book explores the intersecting lives of activists, fishmongers, laborers, journalists, neighbors, doctors, and soothsayers.  History carved its course.  Lots to acknowledge in the process. 

A very good read!

Monday Moments - The English Teacher by Lily King

 Vida Avery is one of the best English teachers Fayer Academy has ever seen. She's a fixture. Her son Peter has managed his life.  Now his mother marries, rather impulsively.  He's very happy to have a new dad - Tom Belou - and new siblings.  He seeks a normalcy.   His mother is still adjusting. She's been so accustomed to an isolated life and has protected Peter from so much.  She uses books as a wall. 

The English Teacher by Lily King is really well written.  Vida is a peculiar heroine. You root for her and her new marriage. And then you root for Tom because she is not treating him well.  Peter wants his siblings  to love him, but they still mourn their wonderful mother,  They weren't ready to move on. 

So many emotions in this book.  It is extraordinarily well written, yet  tears at the soul.  

Dang.  Tears.  Heart!  I recommend this for its deep feelings. 

Have tissues ready. 

Finally Friday - It's Primetime Summertime and the heat is on

The heat is on  in  Texas.  Not excessive - just "normal".  But whew!  

Summertime...An' the livin' is easy - Ira Gershwin from Porgy and Bess

Spray on enough bug spray and hammock time is comfortable at 8:30 pm.  A lovely hang out

The hammock sky view. 

1836  Ralph Waldo Emerson  The reason why the world lacks unity, and lies broken and in heaps, is because man is disunited with himself. 

Peace and Love is needed. Ray and  I attended our local fireworks in person.  We walked to the park about an hour ahead of time. The place was packed - a good band was playing, kids were running about, folks were eating, talking, and laughing.  Black, brown, white - any and all just there to enjoy July 4th. 

Everyone was behaving and having fun. Outdoors. Personal interaction. I actually felt the overall good vibe.  We need that every day. 

We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.  Ben Franklin  July 4, 1776.

Are not the mountains, waves, and skies a part of me and my soul, as I of them?   Lord Byron 1812

 

Whatever Wednesday - Random family reunion and more

Look at that - it was the Rabe family 93rd reunion.  Attending was Ray with son Chris, his wife Krystal, his daughter Abby and her son Levi.  Plus son Kevin and his wife Maria with daughters Makyla, Skylar, and Dakota.  

this is all in honor of Ray's great grandmother Rabe. 

Ray's folks at this juncture are physically unable to attend.

I do not attend.  It's too freakin' hot and Ray's busy with cousins, etc.  I host Sangria Saturday poolside at home with dear friends Linda Hoffman and Julie Walters.  Let's just say " All  parties are happy". 

I was blessed a long time ago by Ray's grandmother Ivy.  She said I did enough other family events.

 ( smile emoji)

 

Oh Dallas Wings - so fun.  My friend Trish and I have attended since tickets were $10 and parking was free. 

Now these seats on the 200 level are $60 and parking is $30.  Say what?  Yes - that's nuts.  But we have fun.  Alas, the Minnesota Lynx had all the answers.  Our Paige Bueckers (awesome) and  Azzy Fudd did not.  We lost.  But we had a good time on a Sunday afternoon. 

Can't go wrong with some inspiration from Maya

Carry on everyone. 

Happy July.  We still a democracy?    ................................just checking!!

Monday Moments - David Sedaris Latest

 I love David Sedaris humor.  The man is a gem. He's a national treasure. His humor and observations are priceless. 

I own every book in his career and can chuckle reading any page.

His latest, The Land and Its People, investigates what it means to be a traveler, a brother, a lifelong friend. 

cover blurb - Throughout these essays - at once acerbic and tender, playful and profound - Sedaris shows how much there is to marvel at when you keep your head up and your eyes open, observing warmth - our fascinating human species, and the land we inhabit. 

Trust me - as you read and wonder where he's going with a story, he will zap you with a hilarious final line. 

I  laughed out loud multiple times.      Enjoy.

(PS - I  saw him once at a public reading - This was a bucket list item.  He is hysterical and gives it his all live in performance. )

Finally Friday - July 4th Weekend

 Well, 250 years of the United States of America

Here's my table decor

Are we, America, going to survive?

I actually question if we can survive the current presidency.   I am at a WTF question mark. 

On a side note, the whole World Cup joy has brought me joy.  Get rid of politics and crap - people are people are people.  I've learned this from travel.  Folks are kind, thoughtful, and generous in real life situations.

Folks  discovering Buc-cees, Taco Bell, BBQ, and more in Texas - it's been joyously fabulous. 

so, we'll see if the Great American Experiment can survive the current crap administration and carry on. 

I'm now going to re-watch Hamilton for the zillionth time on  Disney+

Cheers, fireworks, pool float, hot dogs, hamburgers, and family time. 

Enjoy and all the best to YOU!!!

Whatever Wednesday - GOOOOAAAL

Greetings.   When I went to see SASSY MAMAS at the Jubilee Theater in Fort Worth, I visited Sundance Square ahead of time.  Very fun.  The soccer ball sculptures were on display

The fountains were rising and kids were enjoying the water. Folks were taking pics with these very cool soccer ball  sculptures. 

Colorful joy. A band was playing.  A big screen showed a soccer/ football game, and families  were enjoying a free Fort Worth afternoon  (well....there was parking prices.....never free now)

 All in  all  - it  was a ball.   World  Cup fever, baby!!!

Monday Moments - Sassy Mamas

 Saturday, June 20th, I treated myself to some local theater.  I love the Jubilee and they do not disappoint. 

SASSY  MAMAS was hysterical.  Written by Celeste Bedford Walker.  Directed by Davian Jackson. 

cast - The Key Ladies   

 Jo Billie - Crystal Williams

Mary - Pattra Smith

Wilhelmina - Deon Sanders

Side pieces - the guys.   Colby - Christopher Hill,   LaDonte - Jacobie Thornton, Wes - Brian Gibson

OMG - These ladies were looking for love for various reasons.   It took a bit, some struggle, some misunderstandings....

But they found the right connections. 

Very funny.  Well-acted. The ladies were fine.  The men were HOT.

We all laughed

Awesome Saturday matinee.  Support Your Local Theater.    Truly

Finally Friday - Summer Malaise

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm actually at a Silver Sneakers class as you read this.  The instructor, Terry, is incredibly fit and funny, so when he says, "You can do one more...", you actually believe him and do it.   Whew!

But, often, my brain says - c'mon, stop, go sit, read, lay down, what are you doing?, why?

I am SO sick of thinking about meals.  This happens every summer.  Yes, I get hungry.  Yes, we must eat.

But I hate planning meals.  Ray is brilliant at grilling and we do well.  But I think the prices of food right now is making me hate it.  Don't fret.  We can afford to eat.  It's the principal of it all. 

Arrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

That's my random Friday post.  Thank you for reading.  I hope you have some fun ahead. 

it's  Sangria Saturday with friends.  We shall float poolside, chat like crazy, drink Sangria, and eat snacky foods.   It's a tradition with Linda H. and Julie (Shout out, ladies)

Sunday, I'm going to a Dallas Wings basketball game with a long time friend, Trish.

I am very fortunate in fun and friends.    Cheers, all - call an old friend and catch up. 

(Meanwhile, Ray finishes his Pickleball League - please win, please win, please win

Then he heads to his family reunion...enjoy BBQ and whatever in the country)   Rah!
 

Whatever Wednesday - a grand finale of POPS Lego art

A rose by any other name....

Dragon  fly

A real heron.  He's accustomed to people and happy to pose

a zebra loose in Fort Worth.  He's enjoying his spot in the Botanic Gardens.  Almost hypnotizing. 

You could see the lion  from across the gardens.  Talk about POPS!

 and my Ray dodo meets a real Lego dodo. 

A fitting finale to our walking tour of the  Fort worth botanic gardens.  I hope you  enjoyed the stroll. 

Fresh air and fun for the eyes.  Summer joy is in your town - venture  forth and enjoy. 

Monday Moments - surprises around every corner

It was not that long ago that I posted our Costa Rica pic of the red-eyed tree frog.  Now here's a colorful Lego version. 

You can almost hear this woodpecker

Deer and fawn

Proud stag

Sly fox (almost looks on the move)

and where's the yard crew?
 

Finally Friday - Keep Strolling

You wanted more of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's POP exhibit.  Sean Kenney found his creative niche in the world of Legos. 

Snow leopard looks ready to pounce

This flower is real.  I had to take a picture.  So pretty

a pangolin with its baby

Polar bear and cubs.  Good  it's Legos and not an ice sculpture.  It was a very humid day.  I was melting. 

This mama is a favorite. 

But, wait, there will be more and then you can pick your fave. 
 

Whatever Wednesday - More to the Garden POPS!

Glory to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens with their very fun POPS - a Lego exhibit created by artist Sean Kenney.  Over 40 creations.  Over 800,000  Legos used in the installations. 

Ray and I enjoyed our stroll!

So creative.  This is in the entrance courtyard area. 

Isn't this fun!

I love the color. 

Keep your eyes out as you stroll the grounds.

And the Botanic Garden itself is gorgeous.  So full of eye-popping  fun. 

Stay tuned - there's  way more.   Enjoy. 
 

Monday Moments - Manners and More

 Is it just me, or are manners out the window?   Ray and I are constantly appalled at people's behavior in public. Just rudeness. I do believe it's become more noticeable and is definitely spurred by social media. 

(Also, someone should lead by example - cough, cough)

No respect for property, people, public behavior.   Sigh!

Let's start our Monday with some common courtesies.  ( of course, my blog friends are already well behaved)

I love mankind - it's people I can't stand - Charles Shultz

Mankind is more prone to evil than to good - Machiavelli

We are a journey that has forgotten its destination - Anonymous

We're all guinea pigs in the laboratory of God. Humanity is just a work in progress - Tennessee Williams, Camino Real 1953

Be kind. 

Finally Friday - Frivolity

Finally Friday and a family trip for Kevin and his crew out west.  Here he is with Skylar on his shoulders and Dakota by his side to view the Grand Canyon. I hope the girls appreciate the grandeur and absorb the awe. 
 

Plus they had fun at White Sands, New Mexico.   A fleeting Faries mark

Every week lately has seemed like, "Wow, what the heck is going on?"  

Deep yoga breath.  I hope you have a good weekend.  If nothing else, step outside and really look at what's around you. 

Nature has her own mode of doing each thing, and she has somewhere told it plainly, if we will keep our eyes and ears open - Ralph Waldo Emerson  1860