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O.k., so I decided to list my favorite films that I was fortunate to watch in 2005. Since there's not much selection at the theatre in my city I am including everything I watched this past year, not necessarily made in 2005.
[color=green]BEST FILM: [/color]Wild Strawberries (1957) director: Ingmar Bergman [color=red]Runners up: The Third Man (1949), The Haunting (1963), Glengarry Glenn Ross (1992), and The Professional (1997), Knife in the Water (1962)[/color] [color=darkorange]MOST THOUGHT-PROVOKING FILM: [/color] Dogville (2004) written and directed by: Lars von Trier Overlong, perhaps a tad pretentious but I questioned humanity, mostly my own. Scary. Runners Up: Blue Velvet (1986), Birth (2004) - not an overall strong film, but intriguing concept [color=royalblue]BEST COMEDY: [/color]The Station Agent (2003) written and directed by Tom McCarthur Runners Up: I Heart Huckabees (2004) -Yay for absurd comedy! and 40-yr-old Virgin (2005) [color=magenta]QUIRKIEST FILM:[/color] Thumbsucker (2005) directed by Mike Mills and Bob Yari Runners Up: A Woman is a Woman (1961), Secretary (2002) [color=darkred]BEST SURPRISE: [/color]Upside of Anger (2005) directed and written by Mike Bender-I just loved it much more than I expected. Runner Up: Minority Report (2002) - considering I detest Tom Cruise as a person and filmmaker/actor, Shattered Glass (2003) BIGGEST DISAPOINTMENT:Motorcycle Diaries (2004) director: Walter Salles I was really looking forward to this but despite great scenery I found it yawn-inducing. Runners Up: 21 Grams (2004)- once again high expectations, was more than decent, but not nearly as good as anticipated, The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) [color=mediumturquoise]OVERALL WORST FILM: [/color]The Ring 2 (2005) director: Hideo Nakata Runners Up: The Forgotten (2004), White Noise (2005) [color=plum]BEST ACTOR: Victor Sjostrom in Wild Strawberries[/color] Runners Up: Orson Wells in The Third Man, Jack Lemmon in Glenngary Glenn Ross, and Billy Crudup in Stage Beauty [color=#000080]BEST ACTRESS: [/color]Brigitte Mira in Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974) Runners Up: Joan Allen in The Upside of Anger, Rita Hayworth in Gilda, Anna Karina in A Woman is a Woman, and Nicole Kidman in Dogville [color=sienna]BEST DOCUMENTARY: Supersize Me (2004)[/color] [color=purple]WORST DOCUMENTARY: [/color]Lost in La Mancha (2003) |
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The Academy Award nominations were announced yesterday! I am a huge fan of the Oscars despite the fact I often disagree with the winners and sometimes the nominees AND I am weary of the voters who are supposed to be pretty ancient.
What I love about them; the tradition, the fact that some great films and documentaries get exposure to the 'mainstream' audience, the speeches (even the gushy ones), and last but not least- the fashion. I recently purchased a huge coffee table type book that lists all the nominees ever- well up until 2002. The photographs are great, and there's even a little overview of each decade including fashion. I've spent hours pouring over it! It's called The Academy Awards, The Complete Unofficial History by Gail Kinn and Jim Piazza. I got it in the bargain section for something like $10 bucks! The cover is so friggin' ugly, that I love it! It's hardcover dark blue with bright blue sparkles and shiny red print. A big fake Oscar-like envelope is glued right in the middle. I keep playing with it and have found I can pull it right off and play Oscars. I alternate between being the presenter and the winner. Sometimes I invite my friend over to play but we fight over which part we get. [center]  [/center][center][color=darkorchid]Here's the new edition of the book, also very interesting in design. I guess they decided to omit the envelope on this cover, unfortunate for those who want to play the Oscar Game :([/color][/center] I found the movies nominated to be pretty interesting. A nice ecclectic bunch: Crash(?), Munich(?), Brokeback Mountain (no surprise there,) Capote(!), and Good Night and Good Luck (!). I am happy with the choices, I was hoping that King Kong wouldn't be nominated in the Best Picture category simply because it didn't have the depth of the other films. The movie is deservedly on the visual and sound lists. I know some of the nominations, but I'm going to pick up the paper so I can check out the entire list. I like getting the newspaper list and keeping it. Though, the last thing we need is more newpapers or books of any kind. I don't know if it drives Mike crazy but I imagine it does. Right now the coffee table has around 10 books, a weekend edition paper (that I swore I would read so it wouldn't get recycled) and a journal. On the side table there's magazines and a few paperback novel, and moving on to the dining room are a stack of folders with all my old school work. I am going through everything. I was looking for some writing samples. I'll spare you the details of upstairs, but basically one room is dedicated mostly to my collection of books, magazines, maps, posters I've yet to put up. In a pile of books beside the tv are another stack of books one which is titled: Collecting: An Unruly Passion, Psychological Perspectives by Werner Muensterberger which I haven't read yet. Here's part of the blurb on the back: [center]"But how and why do people collect? And what compels some to go to such lengths abandoning moral standards, legal obligations, even family responsibilities- to satisfy their emotional commitment to an object?"[/center] [center] [/center] [center] [/center] The Wall Street Journal is quoted as saying: [center]"Fascinating [and] occasionally unsettling"[/center] [center] [/center] [center] [/center] [left]I am quoted as saying:[/left] [center]"[color=black]Yikes why did I get this book?? Iam just going to find out I am even more disfunctional than I thought!"[/color][/center] [center] [/center] [center] [/center] [left]Well yes, I suppose it would be unsettling if families are broken up over it. My gosh who would have thought the book would take such a dramatic point of view?? I am pretty sure I'm not breaking any moral codes, or disregarding my responsibilities. I suppose the author would charge me with living in a tinderbox, however.[/left] [center]  [/center][center]This isn't actually my house but you get the idea.[/center] [center] [/center] [center]Does anyone else have this problem or are obsessed with collecting something else??[/center] |
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Sometimes I look back at how I perceived things when I was younger and it makes me laugh!! Like I've said before I was pretty naive.
When I was in grade 10 I tried to rent Threesome only to be denied by the clerk. I was pretty puzzled. I had envisioned the film to be a takeoff of Friends, three wacky roomates being goofy. But, I figured it was the rating, I didn't notice that it was rated 'R'. One day that memory came to me, long after I found out what a threesome was. I laughed so hard!! It was one of the best laughs ever!! And yes, I did begin to see Three's Company in a new light. [center]  [/center][center] [/center] [center]This was the cover of the video I tried to rent[/center] [center]  [/center][center] [/center] [center]This would have made it very clear what I was getting into.[/center] [center] [/center] [center][/center] |
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I loved this movie when I was a young teen. Your story is funny though LOL!! Great poster! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I still haven't seen it. If that poster had been the image on the video, I probably would have figured out what it was all about! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I loved this movie when I was a young teen. Your story is funny though LOL!! Great poster! 1 Replies | Report Abuse 
I still haven't seen it. If that poster had been the image on the video, I probably would have figured out what it was all about! 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
:D Funny story! Unlike Randy, I disliked Threesome when I saw it... 0 Replies | Report Abuse
:D Funny story! Unlike Randy, I disliked Threesome when I saw it... 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks! If I had seen the movie back then I don't know if I would have liked it, but it certainly would've been a learning experience :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks! If I had seen the movie back then I don't know if I would have liked it, but it certainly would've been a learning experience :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
What did the cover look like when you tried renting it? 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I added the cover to the bottom of the entry so you could see for yourself! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
What did the cover look like when you tried renting it? 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I added the cover to the bottom of the entry so you could see for yourself! 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
I remember seeing this when it came out, and recall being surprised that there's an actual threesome in the movie. Like you, I also thought it was gonna be a cute romantic comedy with no sex. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Oh good, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I remember seeing this when it came out, and recall being surprised that there's an actual threesome in the movie. Like you, I also thought it was gonna be a cute romantic comedy with no sex. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Oh good, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I can see how it reminded you of 'Friends' now. Those covers are near polar opposites! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I can see how it reminded you of 'Friends' now. Those covers are near polar opposites! 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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The other night I watched The Wedding Date which was better than I expected. It just felt a little short. I felt like a no brainer romantic comedy. It's hard to find a good one. Some romantic comedies/dramas that I love:
[list][*]French Kiss[*]Before Sunset[*]Before Sunrise[*]While you were Sleeping[*]Pride and Prejudice (BBC mini-series)[*]A Room with a View[*]The English Patient[*]Sense and Sensibility (with Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant)[/list]That's all I can think of off the top of my head. I really LOVED romantic movies when I was younger. As my best friend kindly noted it was probably because I had no love llife. Ouch. That was probably true. Now, I don't have as much interest in seeking out this specific genre. I knew I REALLY loved a love story if I felt this weird ache, like a twinge during a particularly heartwrenching part, usually a misunderstanding. Lately when I get that twinge, strangely enough I feel it in my arm. Isn't that supposed to be a sign I am going to have a heart attack?? I also watched Prozac Nation which I thought portrayed depression in a way that may enlighten those who don't have it, that don't understand. I think I'll write a more in-depth review a bit later, when I give it some more thought. I was going to watch Monster tonight, which I also rented, but earlier the car door closed on my thumb (because Mike and I went out for dinner and lushy me got drunk,) and now it's swollen. We were going to makeout in the car in our driveway like the good 'ol days but the swollen thumb thing ruined the mood. Then I found out via email that my best friend and her boyfriend of 7 years are splitting up! I was really sad to read that. I love them both. Actually, it was a strange night, so I got off track with my movie-watching. I am glad to have a messy time once in awhile, sometimes I get in such a rut! |
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Love the 'Before' films. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Love the 'Before' films. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Ouch, indeed. I hope your thumb is feelin' better. :) Off the top of my head... My favourite romantic comedies are Valley Girl, Annie Hall and Clueless. As for romantic dramas... uh, I'd say Cries & Whispers. Just kidding. Actually, I can't think of any right now. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks, my thumb's hanging in there! Haven't seen Valley Girl or Annie Hall, but I really liked Clueless. Cries and Whispers, eh?? OOh.. I just remembered that I love Body Heat. I don't know if that counts since, well things aren't as they seem. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Ouch, indeed. I hope your thumb is feelin' better. :) Off the top of my head... My favourite romantic comedies are Valley Girl, Annie Hall and Clueless. As for romantic dramas... uh, I'd say Cries & Whispers. Just kidding. Actually, I can't think of any right now. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks, my thumb's hanging in there! Haven't seen Valley Girl or Annie Hall, but I really liked Clueless. Cries and Whispers, eh?? OOh.. I just remembered that I love Body Heat. I don't know if that counts since, well things aren't as they seem. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Why isn't Lost in the Translation on your list? Before Sunset and Before Sunrise... blech! ;) My favorite RomComs... When Harry Met Sally My Best Friend's Wedding As Good as it Gets amoung others! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I considered LIT and I did love it...I don't know...It didn't give that twingy feeling I was talking about! Believe it or not I've never seen when Harry Met Sally. Sorry, not such a fan of My Best Friends Wedding...but Ilove Dermot Mulroney, and Rupert Everett. As Good as it Gets was good, but I didn't get into the love story aspect. Why do use dislike the Sunset movies?? 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Why isn't Lost in the Translation on your list? Before Sunset and Before Sunrise... blech! ;) My favorite RomComs... When Harry Met Sally My Best Friend's Wedding As Good as it Gets amoung others! 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I considered LIT and I did love it...I don't know...It didn't give that twingy feeling I was talking about! Believe it or not I've never seen when Harry Met Sally. Sorry, not such a fan of My Best Friends Wedding...but Ilove Dermot Mulroney, and Rupert Everett. As Good as it Gets was good, but I didn't get into the love story aspect. Why do use dislike the Sunset movies?? 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Sorry about the thumb! David Foster Wallace writes about being depressed in ways that strike me as pretty insightful, though I've never been clinically depressed... he's got one short story called The Depressed Person, which is just..... scary, really. I really like romantic comedies. As long as they are funny. Too many romantic comedies are neither romantic, nor comic. I really like all the ones on your list. I like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle really well too... 0 Replies | Report Abuse
hmmm...I'll check him out. I agree not many RC films get it right. I really loved Sleepless.. when it first came out, I think I just watched it way too much. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Sorry about the thumb! David Foster Wallace writes about being depressed in ways that strike me as pretty insightful, though I've never been clinically depressed... he's got one short story called The Depressed Person, which is just..... scary, really. I really like romantic comedies. As long as they are funny. Too many romantic comedies are neither romantic, nor comic. I really like all the ones on your list. I like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle really well too... 1 Replies | Report Abuse
hmmm...I'll check him out. I agree not many RC films get it right. I really loved Sleepless.. when it first came out, I think I just watched it way too much. 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
YAY! I'm back (briefly), I'm not a fan of romantic comedies but, if they're done well, they can be very inspiring if not uplifting at times. I either really like them or really hate them. You have chosen some very intelligent Romantics; some of the best. Trust classic literature (Jane Austin etc.) to produce some good Romantic stories. I think alot of modern writers are realising this consequently making Romantic film much better these days. I think I liked Lost in Translation because it didn't give me a twingy feeling, it was something much more complex; something I had to concentrate on and work out. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Hey! It has been a long time eh?? Classics do provide great material for films (including Romantic ones.) I particularly admire Jane Austen as she has created some great heroines (strong/vulnerable, smart, complex, etc.) There's a lot of re-working of classics into modern film (10 things I hate about you, Bridget Jones, Clueless, and a new one that is a take off of Twelfth Night, but it's a teen movie.) I like how you described your experience watching LIT, well put! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I only found out a couple months ago that 'Clueless' is a parallel of Emma by Austin. It was when I had to study it for a University module. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Are you majoring in English?
YAY! I'm back (briefly), I'm not a fan of romantic comedies but, if they're done well, they can be very inspiring if not uplifting at times. I either really like them or really hate them. You have chosen some very intelligent Romantics; some of the best. Trust classic literature (Jane Austin etc.) to produce some good Romantic stories. I think alot of modern writers are realising this consequently making Romantic film much better these days. I think I liked Lost in Translation because it didn't give me a twingy feeling, it was something much more complex; something I had to concentrate on and work out. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Hey! It has been a long time eh?? Classics do provide great material for films (including Romantic ones.) I particularly admire Jane Austen as she has created some great heroines (strong/vulnerable, smart, complex, etc.) There's a lot of re-working of classics into modern film (10 things I hate about you, Bridget Jones, Clueless, and a new one that is a take off of Twelfth Night, but it's a teen movie.) I like how you described your experience watching LIT, well put! 1 Replies | Report Abuse
I only found out a couple months ago that 'Clueless' is a parallel of Emma by Austin. It was when I had to study it for a University module. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Are you majoring in English?
oh cool. I majored in English minored in psychology, have yet to finish degree however.... What are you studying in Music? One of my friends took musical therapy after debating awhile about taking performance (piano.) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
oh cool. I majored in English minored in psychology, have yet to finish degree however.... What are you studying in Music? One of my friends took musical therapy after debating awhile about taking performance (piano.) 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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[left]I have been downloading tons of songs lately. It's been awesome because I haven't really been into music in a long time, other than my staples; Liz Phair, Fiona Apple, and Sarah Harmer. I downloaded a lot of bands that I've heard good things about but haven't really heard like; Arcade Fire, The New Pornographers, Imogen Heap, Franz Ferdinand (I've been seeing great reviews of the latest CD). [/left]
[left]And, someone recentlyish recommended the band Interpol and I bought their latest album. I listened to it a lot on my last road trip. It was great car music. I haven't really liked a 'rock' band in a long time, so it was refreshing.[/left] [left]I am planning on buying Stars Set yourself on Fire with a gift card I got for Christmas.[/left] [left]I also downloaded a load of songs off the soundtrack to The O.C., the t.v. show, which is a guilty pleasure of mine. They have a great mix of songs. I bought mix five but wanted to download the other mixes. There's artists such as Jet, Rooney, The Plus Ones, The Dandy Warhols, Beastie Boys, Mazzy Star, etc.[/left] [left]My surprise pick is all songs by James Blunt from the album Back to Bedlam. He sings You're Beautiful which has been popular lately. I hate to betray my jaded side but that song gets me everytime. It had me at 'hello'.[/left] [left]I didn't know how I'd take to his other songs because the romantic thing will only appeal to me now and again, but, he has a depth to his lyrics that exceed many popular artists today. And he sings in a way that sounds like he's felt every last word. I especially love Cry and here are the lyrics:[/left] [center]"Cry"[/center] [center]I have seen peace. I have seen pain,[/center] [center]Resting on the shoulders of your name.[/center] [center]Do you see the truth through all their lies?[/center] [center]Do you see the world through troubled eyes?[/center] [center]And if you want to talk about it anymore,[/center] [center]Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,[/center] [center]I'm a friend.[/center] [center]I have seen birth. I have seen death.[/center] [center]Lived to see a lover's final breath.[/center] [center]Do you see my guilt? Should I feel fright?[/center] [center]Is the fire of hesitation burning bright?[/center] [center]And if you want to talk about it once again,[/center] [center]On you I depend. I'll cry on your shoulder.[/center] [center]You're a friend.[/center] [center]You and I have lived through many things.[/center] [center]I'll hold on to your heart.[/center] [center]I wouldn't cry for anything,[/center] [center]But don't go tearing your life apart.[/center] [center]I have seen fear. I have seen faith.[/center] [center]Seen the look of anger on your face.[/center] [center]And if you want to talk about what will be,[/center] [center]Come and sit with me, and cry on my shoulder,[/center] [center]I'm a friend.[/center] [center]And if you want to talk about it anymore,[/center] [center]Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,[/center] [center]I'm a friend.[/center] It is reminds of Holly Cole's Cry (if you Want to). |
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It's been awhile since I've been here and I just wanted to dip my toe in so I know that I haven't abandoned my journal. Things have been ugh. Just having a bad spot of depression.
I am still watching movies, attempting to read (though my concentration's been kind of spotty), I've been following the election campaign in Canada, which is incredibly frustrating, and also realizing that I've abandoned watching, or reading the news for so long that I am really out of the loop. Is it just me or is life incredibly complicated and sad? Could be my depression talking too. There are patches of light where I figure life isn't too shabby. I was reading the 'Dear Santa' letters in the local paper yesterday which kind of helped me get past my disgust for the holidays. Some of them were so funny I thought they must be fake, but then I remembered my teacher sending our class' letters in when I was in grade 2 or something. Some of the parents obviously wrote some of them for their kids, so they weren't as good but here are a couple of them that made me laugh: Dear Santa I wont a lot of munee for Christmas. I wont to by a dog. Do yu and the elfs live in a howse. -Austin Sometimes I couldn't make out what the kids were asking for like these: Dear Santa I would like a pink and purple soosee. Ho ho ho Mery Christmas! I love you so much! -Laura Dear Santa Thank you for the mak upak kerk I wo like sum seet stuf and a titber is robors nos rdl that brit.-Your friend, Met Actually, while I was typing that I figure out a couple of the things he (she?) was talking about about. She wants some sweet stuff and a teddy bear and was wondering if rudolphs nose is that bright. I am still not sure about the 'mak upak ker.' This one made me wish I was little again: Dear Santa How are you and the reindeer? Iplay in my room. I want a light saber. Thank you. I will leave milk and cookies. -Love from Logan I think a light saber sounds like a lot of fun, actually. A ton of boys asked for them. Alot of kids asked for Furbys and video games. I thought the cutest present a boy asked for was "sum see monces" (sea monkeys). One girl asked for a "pink fusy chair and a pink been bag chair" which was really different from what a lot of other girls were asking for. I am sure they match her pink walls and pink bedspread and pink lamp, etc. My room was actually very pink when I was little, which was funny because I was a major Tom Boy, as in liking dirt and worms and playing with boys. My mom always discouraged that which explains the pinkness of my room. So, Happy Holidays no matter what your faith might be. And a Happy New Year! I am going to work on my Dear Santa letter now. Laura |
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Glad you decided to update. Hope you have a happy holidays. :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks! Happy holidays to you too! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Glad you decided to update. Hope you have a happy holidays. :) 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks! Happy holidays to you too! 0 Replies | Report Abuse 
Hehehhe this was very enjoyable to read. "mak upak ker" might be "Mac computer"...? But I doubt that a child that young would have gotten his own computer... but who knows? Of course, it could be something completely different! (which is what I am guessing). I hope you feel better :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Mac computer would fit. Some other kids asked for their own laptop and the Macs would be especially appealing to kids because they come in different colours. I am glad you enjoyed reading the letters. I am going to make that a tradition from now on, it really got me out of my 'Christmas sucks' mood. and thanks, I am feeling better! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Hehehhe this was very enjoyable to read. "mak upak ker" might be "Mac computer"...? But I doubt that a child that young would have gotten his own computer... but who knows? Of course, it could be something completely different! (which is what I am guessing). I hope you feel better :) 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Mac computer would fit. Some other kids asked for their own laptop and the Macs would be especially appealing to kids because they come in different colours. I am glad you enjoyed reading the letters. I am going to make that a tradition from now on, it really got me out of my 'Christmas sucks' mood. and thanks, I am feeling better! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Do kids really spell like that???? Yikes! In any case, glad to see you're around - sorry to hear about the depression. :( I hope your holidays go well! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Yeah, the spelling's really bad. I am guessing they're in grade 1 or 2. Some of them didn't say. Hopefully they improve over time! He, he, I am sure they will. It's good to be back-again. I can't stay away too long! Happy Holidays to you, Nancy, and your kitties! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Do kids really spell like that???? Yikes! In any case, glad to see you're around - sorry to hear about the depression. :( I hope your holidays go well! 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Yeah, the spelling's really bad. I am guessing they're in grade 1 or 2. Some of them didn't say. Hopefully they improve over time! He, he, I am sure they will. It's good to be back-again. I can't stay away too long! Happy Holidays to you, Nancy, and your kitties! 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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[center]NEWFOUNDLAND , CANADA[/center]
[center]  [/center][center]photo by John Benaham[/center] [center]Quidi Vidi Village and Harbour, St. John's Newfoundland[/center] [left]Mike and I are taking off for a two-week road trip out to eastern Canada. It's my fourth time out there. We'll be visiting friends in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, AND it will be our first time to Newfoundland which I find very exciting.[/left] [left]I love it out east. The people are so warm, generally speaking, and Newfoundlanders are especially renouned for their warmth and hospitality. [/left] [left]We're leaving October 3rd for our much needed holiday. I love the ocean. I miss it when I haven't been there for awhile. I really want to see a whale. I hope they won't have migrated south by then. Well, I'm sure to see an iceberg anyway![/left] [left][/left] [center]  [/center] [left]I am such a geeky tourist!! I need to find my travel guide and binnoculars.[/left] |
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I endorse any trip that requires binoculars! :) Have a great time!! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I endorse any trip that requires binoculars! :) Have a great time!! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Yeah you would!! I'll let you know if I spot any interesting birds. Puffins are suppose to be plentiful there. On trips when I was younger I used to take pictures of any birds I spotted, even if we had the same kinds where I was from (like ducks). So, I guess you can say I am a bird lover in my own way. Thanks! Congradulations on all your travels lately. I've been catching up on all your exciting news. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Yeah you would!! I'll let you know if I spot any interesting birds. Puffins are suppose to be plentiful there. On trips when I was younger I used to take pictures of any birds I spotted, even if we had the same kinds where I was from (like ducks). So, I guess you can say I am a bird lover in my own way. Thanks! Congradulations on all your travels lately. I've been catching up on all your exciting news. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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I am feeling really uninspired the last couple of days. I am really wanting to get back into the 'flow' of writing, but I am not finding it that easy. Part of it is that it has been really, really hot the last few days. It feels like July. I love the fall so I am kind of disappointed.
For inspiration I decided to look back at some old writing and came across something that took me back to another moment in time, not so long ago, where I was on the threshold of something new. I also ruminate on my depression/anxiety. March 6, 2003 4:50 am I awoke suddenly wondering where I was. I looked around and beside me was a long soft figure sleeping quietly. Or maybe too quietly. Rubbing his back which I could vaguely distinguish in the muted morning light, I whispered his name. Once, twice. I finally heared a muffled "Um hmm?" I breathed a sigh of relief and said: "Just checking to see if you're alive. You were sleeping like a rock." Perhaps it may seem extreme that I should use the work alive. It sounds very dramatic to some, but others who've experience some or a lot of loss will understand. I use the work 'anxious' a lot too, or at least it's been a significant addition to my quick-use list since I develped what is in psychological terms a Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Brought on in part by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 (I very unoriginally noted that life is complex and most brutally unfair). Also in part due to my first attempt to fix myself with anti-depressants. I realized too late after my second night on the medication that a) it would make me feel like shit and b) I wasn't ready to accept that I was putting who-knows-what in my body. Believing that I was dying I told my roommate to call 911. I learned that what I had experience was merely a panic attack, according to a bemused paramedic. I also learned that our bodies could cruelly betray us, allowing us to believe that we are dying when no other explanation could be found. So, in an attempt to fix one problem (depression) a new dimension of the disease had developed. For several monts afterward I believed time and time again that it was my time to leave this earth as I awoke from sleep- heart pounding, sweating, with a horrendously dry mouth. One fine day, I believe that I decided to take control of this disorder. It seems like a very clouded period in my life, where waking up each day was almost more painful than believing I was dying. I am now on a new kind of anti-depressant that amazingly treats anxiety and depression. My anxiety is suppresssed, though lurking around the corner, and I no longer feel like living is as painful. I can see some positive aspects of being a living, breathing 23-year-old woman. That perhaps there is more to life than attempting to breathe calmly, to steady my rapid heartbeat. My boyfriend and are in quirky chalet-style motel room just outside Quebec City. We are on our way to Halifax where he is to drop me off to 'live.' I am looking for an adventure and I have certainly found one. I suppose it's logical that trying to live my life in a new and interesting way would boil over, if but a little, my bubbling pot of fear. Maybe for tonight I am just happy to find my pulse even though it was racing. O.k. so I am twenty-six and a lot has changed, and a lot has stayed the same. I am married and 'settled'. I still have some bad days, and life seems just as random as ever. I tell myself to 'suck it up' all the time, especially considering the human tragedies that occur all over the world everyday, New Orleans being just one recent example. I know that settled just isn't me. |
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We spent half our lives being the protagonist of our story... and the other half, the other thing. Strange, isn't it? But we're never half as good or bad as we think we are. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
We spent half our lives being the protagonist of our story... and the other half, the other thing. Strange, isn't it? But we're never half as good or bad as we think we are. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I really like that. By the other do you mean the antagonist? I wholeheartedly agree wih "but we're never half as good or bad as we think we are." 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I really like that. By the other do you mean the antagonist? I wholeheartedly agree wih "but we're never half as good or bad as we think we are." 0 Replies | Report Abuse
*waves* Good to see you around. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Hello :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
*waves* Good to see you around. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Hello :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Very interesting! Even though I am in general a very un-anxious person, I often check both Nancy and the cats to make sure they're breathing when they're asleep. Not sure why. It is hard to start writing after a break. I'm finding it hard right now, and I haven't even taken a break - I just haven't been able to write every day like I had been. I hope that overall you're doing ok now! :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
You probably check because you really care about them! Death's on the periphery of everyone's mind, I would imagine. It's just the reality of living, knowing that death's inevitable and maybe more unsettling is the fact it can be quite unexpected. I definetly go through stages with writing, as you've probably noticed. I think that's just the way I am. It's really feast or famine concerning a lot of things in my life. Thanks! I am doing well overall. I have some really good days, and that is just awesome, I have come a long way. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
"It's really feast or famine concerning a lot of things in my life." I tend to be very much the same! When I get going on something, I usually do it very intensively... Glad to hear that things are well overall. And glad that you've made it back to RT! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Very interesting! Even though I am in general a very un-anxious person, I often check both Nancy and the cats to make sure they're breathing when they're asleep. Not sure why. It is hard to start writing after a break. I'm finding it hard right now, and I haven't even taken a break - I just haven't been able to write every day like I had been. I hope that overall you're doing ok now! :) 1 Replies | Report Abuse
You probably check because you really care about them! Death's on the periphery of everyone's mind, I would imagine. It's just the reality of living, knowing that death's inevitable and maybe more unsettling is the fact it can be quite unexpected. I definetly go through stages with writing, as you've probably noticed. I think that's just the way I am. It's really feast or famine concerning a lot of things in my life. Thanks! I am doing well overall. I have some really good days, and that is just awesome, I have come a long way. 1 Replies | Report Abuse
"It's really feast or famine concerning a lot of things in my life." I tend to be very much the same! When I get going on something, I usually do it very intensively... Glad to hear that things are well overall. And glad that you've made it back to RT! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I am glad you can relate. I see it as a flaw, in a way, that I can't balance my energy out over time. There are some negative results, but I find it hard to change on any kind of permanent basis. Plus, I love that rush when I get excited about something and just go for it! You sound like you can related to that. Thanks for all your best wishes, you are a super supportive person. I really appreciate it. I've had a lot of people upset with me for losing touch with them, or burning out (not on RT), and it's a lot of pressure. It's nice to feel accepted for who I am. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
I am glad you can relate. I see it as a flaw, in a way, that I can't balance my energy out over time. There are some negative results, but I find it hard to change on any kind of permanent basis. Plus, I love that rush when I get excited about something and just go for it! You sound like you can related to that. Thanks for all your best wishes, you are a super supportive person. I really appreciate it. I've had a lot of people upset with me for losing touch with them, or burning out (not on RT), and it's a lot of pressure. It's nice to feel accepted for who I am. 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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 [/center]I just started reading The Falls by Joyce Carol Oats. Anybody read her work? I've read the haunting novel Foxfire which was adapted into the film Foxfire Girls. I thought I read another of her books but I can't remember which one. I just finished reading Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy a light, fun read. The story is set in a small seaside village in Greece. I wished I was there. Escapism at its best! 
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Hey, I am still alive, if anybody still remembers me! My computer got a virus and slowly but surely completely crashed, and I couldn't afford a new one until recently ( I worked my tail off this summer). Fall will be less hectic (I hope). I kept meaning to go to the library to check in, but you can't exactly take up tooo much computer time and there's not one single internet cafe in town, believe it or not!
Well, I can't wait to catch up reading everyone's journals. Hope you're all well! Laura |
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Yay!! I was concerned that something had gone wrong.... really glad to see you back! *does a little dance* It seems like we might have lost Tomas and Rick, which is probably the main bad news while you've been away... 0 Replies | Report Abuse
hey thanks! Good to hear from you! Too bad about Rick and Tomas...maybe one day they'll check in again. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Yay!! I was concerned that something had gone wrong.... really glad to see you back! *does a little dance* It seems like we might have lost Tomas and Rick, which is probably the main bad news while you've been away... 1 Replies | Report Abuse
hey thanks! Good to hear from you! Too bad about Rick and Tomas...maybe one day they'll check in again. 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Hey, how are you? *waves* 0 Replies | Report Abuse
*waves and smiles* Not too bad! And you? It's nice to see you are still posting regularly. You and Tim are a steady, warm presence on RT. I am glad you guys are still around! Though I must say I hardly doubted it :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Hey, how are you? *waves* 1 Replies | Report Abuse
*waves and smiles* Not too bad! And you? It's nice to see you are still posting regularly. You and Tim are a steady, warm presence on RT. I am glad you guys are still around! Though I must say I hardly doubted it :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Hey, welcome back! I was wondering what happened to you. :) 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks :) Yeah, I missed you guys! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
Hey, welcome back! I was wondering what happened to you. :) 1 Replies | Report Abuse
Thanks :) Yeah, I missed you guys! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
WELCOME BACK LAURA!! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
THANK YOU!! 0 Replies | Report Abuse
WELCOME BACK LAURA!! 1 Replies | Report Abuse
THANK YOU!! 0 Replies | Report Abuse |
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Mod Hip on 2/14/06 at 07:53 AM
I didn't mind Lost in La Mancha. I like The Forgotten a lot! I was also very disappointed with 21 Grams. <3 Minority Report and Tom Cruise :D Huckabees... Absurd? How does that work? Or did you mean absurd for 40-Year Old Virgin? Definitely Definitely want to see The Station Agent and Dogville... they're high up on my Netflix queue. Glad you liked Glengarry Glenn Ross so much!!
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Mod Hip on 2/14/06 at 07:53 AM
I found Lost in La Mancha boooring. It wasn't bad, I guess. It did get a lot of good reviews. I meant absurd for Huckabees. It uses a lot of absurd humour, I think. There are ton of examples really, from the idea of existential detectives to the random scene where the many of the characters get together in the office and randomly start dancing. Have you ever heard of or read any of Ionesco plays?? They're absurd with an underlying satirical edge, much like I Heart. Absurd on the surface with much depth. I think you'll love Dogville and the Station Agent. And yes, Glengarry Glenn Ross was awesome!!
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Mod Hip on 2/14/06 at 07:53 AM
I didn't mind Lost in La Mancha. I like The Forgotten a lot! I was also very disappointed with 21 Grams. <3 Minority Report and Tom Cruise :D Huckabees... Absurd? How does that work? Or did you mean absurd for 40-Year Old Virgin? Definitely Definitely want to see The Station Agent and Dogville... they're high up on my Netflix queue. Glad you liked Glengarry Glenn Ross so much!!
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floatinginspace on 2/14/06 at 07:53 AM
I found Lost in La Mancha boooring. It wasn't bad, I guess. It did get a lot of good reviews. I meant absurd for Huckabees. It uses a lot of absurd humour, I think. There are ton of examples really, from the idea of existential detectives to the random scene where the many of the characters get together in the office and randomly start dancing. Have you ever heard of or read any of Ionesco plays?? They're absurd with an underlying satirical edge, much like I Heart. Absurd on the surface with much depth. I think you'll love Dogville and the Station Agent. And yes, Glengarry Glenn Ross was awesome!!
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RockinTim on 2/14/06 at 11:17 AM
Excellent list!! I just rented Station Agent because I remember how much you liked it... I'm hoping to see it later this week... I actually liked Lost in La Mancha pretty well myself...
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RockinTim on 2/14/06 at 11:17 AM
Thanks! I bet you'll love Station Agent. It's so funny and well written. Can't wait to see how you like it! Yeah, I don't think La Mancha was bad, just boring for me. I found the pace to be slow, I thought some of the footage just ran too long.
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RockinTim on 2/14/06 at 11:17 AM
Excellent list!! I just rented Station Agent because I remember how much you liked it... I'm hoping to see it later this week... I actually liked Lost in La Mancha pretty well myself...
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floatinginspace on 2/14/06 at 11:17 AM
Thanks! I bet you'll love Station Agent. It's so funny and well written. Can't wait to see how you like it! Yeah, I don't think La Mancha was bad, just boring for me. I found the pace to be slow, I thought some of the footage just ran too long.
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JyakAnorondak on 2/15/06 at 09:23 PM
very nice 'best of' list you have there. i just picked up 'Blue Velvet' at my library today - i've heard good things. i'd have to say that White Noise was far worse than Ring 2, but they both sucked. Motorcycle Diaries was a big bore to me as well. :D
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JyakAnorondak on 2/15/06 at 09:23 PM
very nice 'best of' list you have there. i just picked up 'Blue Velvet' at my library today - i've heard good things. i'd have to say that White Noise was far worse than Ring 2, but they both sucked. Motorcycle Diaries was a big bore to me as well. :D
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floatinginspace on 2/16/06 at 05:40 AM
Blue Velvet is VERY interesting that's for sure! I'll be looking for your review! I am glad you know what I mean about the Motorcycle Diaries. I almost hate to diss it, I really wanted to like it since it was a great concept for a film.
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floatinginspace on 2/16/06 at 05:40 AM
Blue Velvet is VERY interesting that's for sure! I'll be looking for your review! I am glad you know what I mean about the Motorcycle Diaries. I almost hate to diss it, I really wanted to like it since it was a great concept for a film.
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clarabelle on 3/06/06 at 11:14 AM
Hey! Just stumbled across your journal while navigating the rt abyss (..feel free to substitute that last sentence something that sounds remotely cool..) Have to agree with you on 21 Grams. Can hardly recall much of it. Loved Motorcycle Diaries, though.
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clarabelle on 3/06/06 at 11:14 AM
I think abyss is a good word, I don't think it necessarily has to have a dark connotation. It goes with my vision of the web as outerspace. I have your journal bookmarked, though I can't say I go to your page as often as I'd like. I really wanted to like Motorcycle Diaries, I found the Leper island section interesting, but overall I thought it dragged. I can hardly remember 21 Grams now either, I had to look back on notes I made about it just after I watched it. It's definetly forgettable.
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clarabelle on 3/07/06 at 12:09 PM
You have me bookmarked? Wow, I didn't even notice. That's so nice of you :D
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clarabelle on 3/06/06 at 11:14 AM
Hey! Just stumbled across your journal while navigating the rt abyss (..feel free to substitute that last sentence something that sounds remotely cool..) Have to agree with you on 21 Grams. Can hardly recall much of it. Loved Motorcycle Diaries, though.
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floatinginspace on 3/06/06 at 11:14 AM
I think abyss is a good word, I don't think it necessarily has to have a dark connotation. It goes with my vision of the web as outerspace. I have your journal bookmarked, though I can't say I go to your page as often as I'd like. I really wanted to like Motorcycle Diaries, I found the Leper island section interesting, but overall I thought it dragged. I can hardly remember 21 Grams now either, I had to look back on notes I made about it just after I watched it. It's definetly forgettable.
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clarabelle on 3/07/06 at 12:09 PM
You have me bookmarked? Wow, I didn't even notice. That's so nice of you :D
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